David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Rag & Bone at the Soho Beach House

Gorgeous, “skinny-bones” sashayed down the runway in beautiful “rags” modeling the latest collection by British designing duo, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, of designer label Rag & Bone on Thursday evening at Soho Beach House. The Grey Goose vodka was as free flowing as the brightly- colored fabrics, in yellow, orange and turquoise, the perfect palate for a place where summer lasts all year.  One look even featured turquoise and orange together- perhaps in homage to the Miami Dolphins?

Over 300 guests filled the area surrounding the downstairs pool for the show, which took place on a platform atop the pool and was presented by Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour and Ocean Drive magazine. Read the rest of this entry »

Yolanda and Jeff Berkowitz

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

“It’s never too late to have a happy childhood,” mused Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) Chairman, Jeff Berkowitz as he addressed an animated crowd of 600 on Saturday, March 31 at the museum’s annual Be A Kid Again Gala, which was held in a gorgeous tent on Watson Island, home to MCM.  This year’s whimsical theme, “All You Need is Love” transported guests, most of whom dressed in their best 60s chic, back in time with a 60s/Beatles theme complete with old records, Beatles glasses, moustaches, a red double-decker bus, and fields of Driscoll’s strawberries as parting gifts. 

The party started in the actual museum, where guests got to tour the exhibits while sipping cocktails- which, incidentally, adds a whole new level of fun to the museum visit.   (A few moms who visit the museum regularly with their children suggested that there should be a permanent “bar installment” just for the parents.) 

After the cocktail reception, guests were escorted into the expansive tent for the party, for which MCM pulled out all the stops (which resembled the London Underground stops) with high-top and lounge tables in lieu of regular ballroom tables and a fun-filled buffet by Chef David Schwadron which included burgers, hot dogs, coconut shrimp, and fish and chips instead of the typical banquet food.  This kept people on their feet, chatting and dancing throughout the night. Read the rest of this entry »

Real Housewives of Miami, Karent Sierra, Lea Black, and Joanna Krupa

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

If there’s ever a good time to be on the “Black list” it’s for the highly anticipated, annual bash known as The Black Gala, hosted by power-couple Lea and Roy Black.  And if you are “blacklisted” because you are, in fact, “under suspicion, disfavor, censure…” as per the dictionary definition – famed attorney, Roy Black is definitely ONE person with whom you should spend an evening.  In our book, being on the Blacks’ list means that you are one of the lucky few (hundred) invited to participate in an unforgettable night of performances, dancing, gourmet food and bidding on one-of-a-kind auction items.

In its 18^th year, the Black Gala, which was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel took place right smack in the middle of the Winter Music Conference and rivaled many of the musical performances and Madonna’s surprise appearance at Ultra-which occurred simultaneously. After all, the Blacks had a QUEEN! attend and perform at their gala. So what if it was Queen Latifah, rather than an actual queen? Can you think of any queen with such fabulous style, matched only by her incredible pipes?  The Blacks’ guests were also treated to an unforgettable concert by Tony Bennett– whose legendary voice was accompanied by a full-piece orchestra- the presence of which caused a last-minute rearrangement of the tables and dance floor.  No one seemed to mind- as the crowd was blown away by Bennett’s moving performance, which ended with a live rendition of “Who Can I Turn To?” a duet by Bennett and Latifah, which had only been performed live once before. Read the rest of this entry »

Lisa Hochstein, Alexia Echevarria, Karent Sierra, & Friend

By:  Mary Jo Almeida Shore

Tis the season:  to get dolled up in the name of charity.   Amid the club and restaurant openings, snowbirds and spring breakers, Miami socials are triple booked with galas.  Here’s a short list of some of our favorites so far.

Hearts and Stars Gala

On Saturday night, more than 1,000 guests gathered at George Wallner and Malinka Max’s gorgeous waterfront estate, Shangri La on Hibiscus Island for the Little Lighthouse Foundation’s Third Annual Hearts and Stars Gala– which was more of a swank South Beach bash than a traditional gala.  Co-founders Robert Sena, Aaron Resnick, Charlie Venturi and Aracibo Quintana and 20 co-hosts created a club-like atmosphere that included mini-lounges with white leather couches and cocktail tables, multiple bars and terrific dance music by DJ Louis Dee. Read the rest of this entry »

Cathy Blank, Tracy Wilson Mourning, and Honey Bug Rebecca Francisque

On Tuesday March 6, Tracy Wilson Mourning, wife of NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning, and Founder of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, encouraged more than 150 women to become members of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, through a series of “The Art of Entertaining” tips and tricks useful for any social occasion, at the residence of longtime member and philanthropist Cathy Blank.

Held in part to creatively build upon the network of members in support of the program’s mission, recruitment events like “The Art of Entertaining” help fund nurturing experiences that enlighten the path and empower the future of young girls enrolled in the Honey Shine Mentoring Program. “We are truly thankful. It is through the collective power of the women who gathered that we are able to make profound changes in the life of our Honey Shine girls”, said Tracy.

Professionally lead do-it-yourself tutorials included floral arranging by Kitanim, a floral design company founded on the philosophy that flowers have the magical ability to transform a space and mood through the senses with flowers provided by Berkely Florist Supply. Fare to Remember, Miami’s premier caterer, served-up creative culinary bites made easy by Chef Sarah Davidoff. Berry and strawberry mojitos, prepared by popular mixologists, soon followed. Meanwhile, helping any “entertaining” hostess look her best for her guests was Cream Beauty who had the Beauty Bar booked in between demos and Salsa dance classes lead by Morgan Munoz. Topping-off the mid-day soiree were the many sweets and entertainment gifting treats courtesy of Gift Chixx, Aroma Espresso and 3 Men & A Lil Lady Sweat Treats who provided the best cake pops ever!

After a few moving words and testimonial from Rebecca Francisque, high school freshman and Honey Bug, an impressive group of 40 women, present at the mixer, became members, totaling $20,000 in donations awarded to the program, with more expected to pledge Honey Shine in the coming weeks. Membership, by both individuals and corporations, continues to be one of the primary funding sources by which more than 180 girls enrolled in the Honey Shine Mentoring Program continue to receive much-needed mentorship. In addition to the fun perks, such as tickets to the highly anticipated 10^th Annual Hats Off Luncheon on May 8^th, 2012, and member-only functions that make up the membership program, each commitment by a new or returning member helps support year-round program activities that include bi-weekly workshops and a six-week summer camp developed to encourage young girls to shine as women. For additional programming and membership package details, visit HONEYSHINE.org.

photo courtesy: Mitchell Zachs

Melba Reyes and MCH Foundation President and CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital patient and Honorary “Shoe Guy” Joseph Reyes (center) presents thank you frames created by him and other patients to Wine, Women & Shoes Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori and Co-chairs Carola Pimentel and Criselda Breene

More than 400 ladies slipped into their stilettos and joined together at the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes for a day of shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class pediatric healthcare. BFFs, colleagues, daughters, mothers and grandmothers from throughout South Florida gathered at Coral Gables Country Club on February 8 to raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Attendees were treated to a never-before-seen trunk show featuring Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories. They also enjoyed a sophisticated day of wine tastings, a silent auction featuring lavish trips and experiences, a fashion marketplace and a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus.

 “This is a fun-filled day of shopping and camaraderie,” said event Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel. “At the same time we are here for a very serious cause because the women here today are able to make a major difference in the lives of so many children.” 

Guests had the opportunity to hear from Melba Reyes, who has two special needs children whose lives were both saved by the experts at Miami Children’s Hospital.

“On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank all of you who have made my children and all children a priority in your lives by being here today,” said Reyes. “If Miami Children’s was not here, I wouldn’t have my two miracles and I am eternally grateful for your support.” 

The luncheon was also highlighted by “Shoe Guys” representing area organizations like –the City of Miami Fire Department, United States Marines and Miami Children’s Young Ambassadors – who showed off the latest ladies fashions on a silver platter, literally. Two fashionistas were awarded with Neiman Marcus gift certificates for winning a shoe contest. Aimee Cogan won “Best Stiletto” and Alison Kunkel came home with the prize for “Best All-Around” shoes. Shoe judges included designer Lisa Pliner; Ocean Drive Editor Suzy Buckley; Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee member Christina Getty-Maercks; and Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President & CEO. 

“I’m very excited that we are able to bring together women of all generations for philanthropy, friendship and fun,” said Morillo-Agnetti. “It’s only natural that you are here to support Miami Children’s Hospital because our doctors and nurses provide the best pediatric care in Florida and expert subspecialized care to thousands of children worldwide.” 

Sponsors included Audi; Baudouin Croonenberghs; Capital Group Companies; CBS 4; Coral Gables Country Club; DJ Crespo; Delmonte; Estefan Enterprises; KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences; K&L Gates, LLP; Logistical Outsourcing; Menu Men, Inc.; Miyo Home; Montero Wolkov, LLP; Neiman Marcus; Ocean Drive Magazine; Victor & Tammy Napoli; Passion Growers, LLC; Premier Beverage; Tech-Optics, Inc.; Tui Lifestyle; Tui Pranich & Associates; Vattikuti Foundation; Vogue; and Isa & Ava Zucker. 

Members of the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee included Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel and Norma Jean Abraham, Gingi Beltran, Michele Benesch, Susanne Birbragher, Carolina Arellano Cejas, Heidi Charalambides, Andria Miyares, Fiorella De Satory, Cristina Echavarria, Christina Getty-Maercks, Gotmar Giron Ocariz, Beatriz Bravo-Gutierrez, Iran Issa-Khan, Gaby Jimenez, Irene Korge, Alison Kunkel, Nicole Lozano, Nancy Lopez Levy, Andrea Maenz, Belen Martinez-Christensen, Lily Moskovitz, Bronwyn Miller, Bridget Murphy, Tammy Napoli, Leticia Pfeffer, Terry Schecter, Jackie Silverman, Blair Sonville, Molly Snyder, Lauren Sturges-Fernandez, Maria Elena Uzcategui, Saoussan Wahab, Siri Willoch, and Jocelyn Woolworth. 

Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation has announced this will be an annual event and Wine, Women & Shoes Palm Beach benefiting Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation will debut on Thursday, November 15 at Mar-a-Lago.

photo courtesy: Mitchell Zachs and Yamila Lomba