photo courtesy: MiamiSocialholic.com

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

South Beach came alive once again this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event, Swim Week Miami, returned for an action-packed four days and nights of designer runway shows, presentations and parties from Thursday, July 16- Sunday, July 19 at various hotels and venues throughout Miami Beach. Sexy styles were mixed with more functional pieces, color palates ranged from bright, to bold to lots of black, cut-outs prevailed among one piece suits as well as an emphasis on elegant swimwear that can double as cocktail attire-with a mere addition of a skirt or pants. Designers drew inspiration from faraway places and steamy Miami and incorporated captivating themes in their shows and presentations. Among the most memorable presentations, shows and parties: Mara Hoffman, Maaji, Mohini, DIJANA, Caffe, and Style Saves and Orlebar Brown.

Mara Hoffman’s Resort Swim 2016 Collection

The most strikingly beautiful presentation was that of Mara Hoffman, who unveiled her Resort Swim 2016 collection among the pristine landscaped gardens of Casa Casuarina, formerly known as the Versace Mansion. Millions upon millions of glistening, iridescent mosaic tiles which flank the mansion’s lawn and pool area provided the perfect backdrop, making for the most stunning presentation of the season. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Dubbed “the party of the summer,” the annual Miami Celebrity Domino Night, benefiting Amigos for Kids drew a crowd of 1,700 supporters to Jungle Island on June 20, for a steamy party filled with food, fun, fanfare, dancing and of course, fierce domino competitions.

The party began with a blue carpet on Jungle Island’s first level, where celebrities and television personalities, including actress Elizabeth Gutierrez, Mexican actor Khotan, Univision Network anchor Maria Elena Salinas, Venezuelan actress Sonya Smith, Primer Impacto anchor Pamela Silva-Conde, singer Pablo Argenis, and Mexican TV host Maggie Jiménez posed and mingled with guests. Throughout the first floor of the venue, food stands from various restaurants and catering firms prepared delightful treats for partygoers. Our favorite? A Joy Wallace’s buttermilk fried chicken. Other standouts included Donut Divas’ fried Oreos in red velvet donuts (don’t judge!) and the Café & Sweets Bistro by Café La Carreta and Versailles Restaurant. Presenting sponsor Bacardí U.S.A. kept guests well-hydrated with free-flowing cocktails. Read the rest of this entry »

Jason Arasheben celebrated the opening of his eponymous store with a sexy “Eyes Wide Shut” themed party in the Design District’s Palm Court. Guests, who dressed in theme, enjoyed trying on the unique over-the-top jewelry and timepieces, favorites of numerous famous athletes and celebs including Iggy Azalea, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Madonna and Rihanna. Signature cocktails by Moscai and canapes were served by runway servers wearing leather and lace masks (and little else). Partygoers also sampled forbidden fruits from a living wall of edibles- modeled after the Garden of Eden and mixed and mingled to sultry house beats by DJ Tavin Reiter.

Fans of Jason of Beverly Hills in attendance alongside Founder, Jason Arasheben and wife, Lisa and Chief Operating Officer, Brandt Branand, included: Washington Wizards player Drew Gooden; NBA player Mickael Pietrus; Berthil Espegren, Benny Bloch, Brenda Nestor Castellano and Bobby Castellano, Carly Patterson, Christina Getty, Elysze Held, Fabian Basabe, Fabiana Bosca, Farah Abassi and Benny Aboud, Hello Campos, Hilda Morello, Petra Mason, Richard Jay-Alexander, Stephanie Gold, Vivienne and Cristian del Rio; Tara Solomon and Michael Leondas Kirkland.

Jason of Beverly Hills is located at 140 NE 39th Street, suite 124.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

How does a multi-media website that spotlights celebrities and parties throughout the country celebrate five years in business? With an over-the-top, champagne-soaked weekend filled with bashes, celebrities, and fun, of course.

For the momentous occasion, Seth Browarnik, dubbed the “Lensman of South Beach,” invited 500 of his closest friends to a “bash for the books” at South Beach’s most beautiful new hotel, the 1Hotel South Beach on Friday, May 29. As expected, a crowd ten times the size of the invitation list showed up, hoping to gain access to the private event. Those fortunate to be deemed worthy were treated to a night drenched in Moët & Chandon champagne, too many cocktails, music by Miami’s favorite DJ, Irie, spirited conversations and lots of dancing. An innovative photo booth allowed guests to capture and share their favorite party moment. Read the rest of this entry »

Gala Philanthropic Chairs Dan & Trish Bell, & Phillip & Patricia Frost

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Whether or not you are a science buff, the soon-to-be-open Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will be one place you don’t want to miss. If the Galaxy Gala, the museum’s annual fundraiser was any indication, the lights, sounds, and over-the-top experiences the museum is sure to offer must be seen to be believed. Just ask any of the 1,200 guests who gathered at the Hilton Miami Downtown on the evening of Saturday, April 18 to raise over $1 million for Miami’s new science museum. This year’s theme was “Aqua Lumière.” Hosted by Chief Meteorologist John Morales of NBC 6 South Florida, the dynamic evening celebrated the playful and scientific interaction of light and water, and featured a water and light interactive graffiti experience by French artist Antonin Fourneau- reminiscent of the Lite Bright that kept many of us hyper kids entertained for hours. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Trendy fashion label, Armani Exchange hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate the launch of the Armani Exchange “White Edition” Collection at the Soho Beach House on Tuesday, April 21. Attendees included: The Fashion Poet, Annie Vazquez; Ashley Brozic, Kathy Buccio, Julia Ford-Carther, Virginia Gil, Katrina McLaughlin, and Stacey Russell, among others.

The evening began with a cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a sit down candlelight dinner with an Italian inspired menu on the penthouse terrace. The dinner ended with limoncello and espresso.

The White Edition Collection was displayed using white props in the interior of the penthouse with an ocean backdrop. In a restrained palette of crisp whites, this curated collection focuses on breezy silhouettes, airy fabrics, and knit textures that pair easily back to one another. #AXWhiteEdition. Available now in-store and online.