Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 23 - 2025
BFA Photographer | Deonté Lee
On Monday, September 15th, Chelsea Industrial in New York City set the stage for Natalie De’Banco’s Spring/Summer 2026 presentation, Concrete Safari. The collection, a dialogue between untamed nature and the urban grit of New York, drew a distinguished and star-studded audience. Among the front-row luminaries were Saweetie, Victoria Justice, Dascha Polanco, Nicky Hilton, Rachel Hilbert, and athletes including Olivia Nelson-Ododa of the Connecticut Suns and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics, alongside influencers, models, and tastemakers such as Jackie Aina, Ekin Su Cülcüloğlu, and Batsheva Haart.
The Collection
Concrete Safari embodies the modern woman’s duality—refined yet audacious, cultivated yet untamed. De’Banco marries modern sportswear with eveningwear, blending architectural tailoring with fluid, slinky silhouettes and subtle, daring edges. Oversized jackets and sleek separates convey an effortless yet cultivated style, perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the contemporary woman.
The color story traverses ivory and seafoam, anchored by sage and terracotta, punctuated with hyper-real safari graphics, gilded spinal accents, and artisanal hand-crocheted details. A newly introduced line of accessories bridges daywear and evening occasions, designed to meet the dynamic needs of a New York woman—functional yet luxuriously refined.
About Bronx and Banco
Founded in 2009, Bronx and Banco is celebrated for its vibrant color stories, precise tailoring, and a distinctive chic allure adored by celebrities and socialites worldwide. From red carpets at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Cannes, to the bustling streets of Sydney and New York, the label reflects the vision of Russian-born, Australian-raised Natalie De’Banco. Her collections are at once feminine, flattering, and cosmopolitan, embodying strength, confidence, and sophisticated glamour for the worldly woman.
Sponsors included: Clarity RX / Hand & Stone, Commando, David Protein, ghd, Glass House Fragrances, Gorgie, Loverboy, New York Makeup Academy, Route, Salon Perfect, Tepozan Tequila, Urban Stems, Voss Water, Weber Ranch Vodka, and Wella.
For inquiries, contact: bronxandbanco@ledecompany.com
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 18 - 2025
Buchanan’s Whisky’s Buchamión stops in Miami for a countdown celebration ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Last Tuesday, Miami scored big when Buchanan’s Whisky rolled into town with its celebrated Buchamión—a 27-foot truck transformed into a traveling fiesta—to toast fútbol, flavor, and plenty of flair.
As the official North American whisky supporter of the FIFA World Cup 26™, Buchanan’s is taking this vibrant experience on a national tour, inspired by Latin America’s lively pregoneros. The Miami stop? Nothing short of unforgettable.
Hundreds of fans gathered to sip on signature Buchanita cocktails, collect exclusive merch, and move to the beats of DJ Dímelo Flow, who kept the dance floor alive with irresistible Latin mixes. The energy soared during the official dance contest, where guests competed for a chance to win FIFA World Cup™ match tickets. And the cheers reached a crescendo as fans celebrated Colombia’s hard-fought victory over Venezuela—with whisky glasses raised high.
Special guest Isabella Echeverri added to the excitement, sealing Miami’s reputation as a fútbol and nightlife capital, and giving us a dazzling preview of the road to 2026.
From fútbol to flow, Miami delivered rhythm, style, and celebration—and the countdown to the World Cup just became that much more thrilling.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 17 - 2025
On Thursday, July 10, the future of luxury air travel in Miami took off in style as PS (formerly known as The Private Suite) broke ground on its highly anticipated new terminal at Miami International Airport (MIA). In true Miami fashion, the celebration was a chic, open house-style event with remarks from Amina Porter, CEO of PS; Ralph Cutié, Director & CEO of MIA; and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, among other civic leaders and partners.
PS MIA, slated to open in Spring 2026, marks a milestone as the first private terminal for commercial passengers at MIA, offering travelers an elevated, crowd-free alternative to the traditional airport experience—complete with TSA and customs clearance onsite. The new terminal is not just an expansion of PS’ signature luxury—it’s a restoration project, transforming the former Pan American Airways headquarters into a serene and opulent pre- and post-flight haven.
The forthcoming PS terminal is housed in a Miami-Dade County Historical Site, designated in 2014. The building—an icon of mid-century brutalist architecture—was once the beating heart of Pan Am’s global empire. Now, under the discerning eye of renowned interior designer Cliff Fong and the historic restoration team at RJ Heisenbottle Architects, the space is undergoing a thoughtful transformation.
Guests at the groundbreaking were treated to a first-look walkthrough of the design plans, which aim to honor the structure’s gold-paneling, reflecting pools, and original Pan Am logos. The refreshed space will artfully blend natural textures with rich tropical hues, capturing the essence of Miami’s vibrant energy with the refinement of PS’ signature ambiance.
Once open, PS MIA will provide guests with a truly private and peaceful airport experience—no lines, no crowds, no stress. Designed for those who value privacy and comfort as much as convenience, the terminal will feature:
Five Private Suites with dedicated security, customs, and TSA clearance
Two Salons with full-service dining and curated lounge experiences
An Outdoor Courtyard designed for a moment of calm under the Miami sun
A Day Spa offering massages and beauty treatments
Personalized service from PS Hosts who handle everything from check-in to tarmac transportation
Guests will arrive at PS via a private entrance and are seamlessly whisked from lounge to aircraft via BMW 7 Series sedans, bypassing the main terminal entirely.
The groundbreaking in Miami is part of PS’ growing footprint, which began at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and recently expanded to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—with Paris marking its first international location at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
At PS LAX, Hollywood A-listers, business moguls, and luxury travelers regularly opt for the white-glove service that includes private suites with ensuite bathrooms, curated meals by renowned chefs, and full bar service—all steps away from their flight.
In Atlanta, the design reflects southern hospitality infused with PS’ elevated sensibility—think: handwoven textiles, custom lighting, and gourmet comfort food.
And in Paris, PS has partnered with Air France La Première to deliver a seamless, ultra-private terminal experience on European soil, offering their signature blend of discretion, design, and hospitality with a Parisian flair. Guests can expect full TSA and customs coordination, private suite service, and direct tarmac transport to their aircraft—just with a French twist.
Each location is uniquely tailored to its city’s character, yet maintains PS’ gold standard of travel luxury. With Miami joining the club in 2026, PS is solidifying itself as the definitive name in pre-flight indulgence for the modern jetsetter.
“Miami is a city that knows how to do things with style—and we are proud to bring a travel experience that matches that energy,” said PS CEO Amina Porter. “Restoring the iconic Pan Am building to usher in a new era of luxury and ease is a full-circle moment, and we can’t wait to welcome travelers to PS MIA.” “MIA is one of the most vibrant and dynamic airports in the world, and the addition of PS signals our commitment to meeting the needs of every type of traveler,” added Ralph Cutié, CEO of Miami International Airport.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava echoed the sentiment, calling PS MIA “an exciting moment for Miami-Dade County’s continued leadership in travel, design, and hospitality.”
As travelers increasingly seek more personalized, elevated travel experiences, PS’ expansion comes at a perfect time—and in perfect Miami style. When it opens its doors in 2026, PS MIA will stand not just as a private terminal, but a love letter to the golden age of air travel—with all the comforts of modern luxury.
For more information or to become a member of PS, visit www.reservePS.com.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 1 - 2025
Tequila Don Julio turned up the volume and style on a balmy Miami summer night as Mexican singer Camila Fernandez lit up the rooftop of trendy Astra restaurant and bar with a soulful acoustic showcase that blended modern artistry with her rich cultural roots.
The evening, hosted in partnership with Tequila Don Julio, Universal Music Latin, and Fono, unfolded under the stars in true Wynwood fashion: breezy, bold, and undeniably magnetic. Camila serenaded guests with a live performance of her latest single “No Puedo Dormir Sin Ti.” Her voice effortlessly enthralled the crowd, proving why she’s one of Mexico’s most captivating young talents. As the daughter of legendary Mexican singer, Alejandro Fernández, known around the world as El Potrillo, Camila is no stranger to the spotlight. But on this night, she claimed it entirely for herself, with a voice that’s both timeless and current.
The music was only part of the story. In a beautiful nod to heritage, guests were treated to a curated display of Camila’s iconic Mariachi performance outfits—rich with embroidery, color, and character—bringing a tactile sense of tradition into the elevated, open-air space. It was a celebration of Mexico past and present, glamour and grit, wrapped in silk and stitched with soul.
At the heart of the evening was Tequila Don Julio, setting the tone with meticulously crafted cocktails that were as vibrant and expressive as the night itself. Attendees sipped standouts like the La Caminera (with Don Julio Blanco), Una Vida (with Reposado), and the fan-favorite Se Cancela La Llorada (featuring Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino), while enjoying a thoughtful spread of light bites under the Miami sky.
Then came the moment that made everyone’s phones fly up: a surprise appearance from Mexican pop sensation DANNA, sending waves of excitement across the rooftop and marking the evening as the summer kickoff the city didn’t know it needed.
No detail was overlooked. Guests were gifted mini bottles of Don Julio 1942, the ultra-premium tequila that’s become a staple of refined celebrations and unforgettable nights.
More than a party, the night launched Tequila Don Julio, Universal Music Latin, and Fono’s larger summer partnership—a cross-country celebration of Mexican artistry and heritage with upcoming stops in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. But on this particular night, with the Miami breeze floating through bougainvillea and the sound of Mariachi-meets-modern echoing over the city, the magic was right there—on the rooftop.
On the evening of April 29, the spirit of Miami shimmered a little brighter as Faena Art hosted its fifth annual Gala, Follow Your Rainbow—a phantasmagoric ode to the transformative power of art and color. Held poolside at the iconic Faena Miami Beach and masterfully helmed by hosts Alan and Grace Faena, the evening unfolded like a living canvas: vivid, immersive, and unapologetically audacious.
Guests made their entrance through a grand rainbow archway into a meticulously curated kaleidoscopic dreamscape, where the realms of art, fashion, music, and culinary excellence flowed seamlessly together.
The scene was cinematic, with every detail meticulously choreographed to entice the senses. A site-specific installation by acclaimed artist Joel Mesler anchored the atmosphere—his work pulsating with color and wit—while DJ Richie Hell delivered a pulse-quickening soundtrack to match. Models paraded through the crowd in bespoke, prismatic couture, blurring the lines between runway and performance art.
At the heart of the evening was an opulent culinary experience curated by Faena’s iconic collaborators: Argentine fire whisperer Chef Francis Mallmann and James Beard Award-winner Chef Paul Qui. Mallmann, true to form, held court over open flames in a mesmerizing ballet of smoke and heat, while Qui carved a massive bluefin tuna with the precision of a sculptor—live, amidst the gasps of delighted guests.
Bringing pure disco magic to the night, Rocky Lanes brought the house down with a powerhouse performance of crowd-favorite dance floor anthems. Not even a light drizzle could dampen the energy—guests twirled, grooved, and shimmered under the stars, fully surrendered to the rhythm.
Currently serving as the electrifying master of ceremonies for Faena Theatre’s dazzling new live production, RETRO: The Rhythm of the Decades, Rocky continues to prove she’s the reigning queen of throwback glamour. Read more about RETRO here.
The guests included Miami’s coolest creatives, a dazzling mix of cultural vanguard, art world luminaries, and global trendsetters. Joining hosts, Alan and Grace Faena were: Gianni and Leena Infantino, Jorge and Darlene Pérez, Len and Emily Blavatnik, Olivier Francois, Vita Sidorkina-Morabito, Mindy Solomon, Cathy Leff, Karen Grimson, Christina Pettersson, Beatriz Chachamovits, Magnus Sodamin, Kelly Breez, Anabella Bergero, Antonia Wright, Edison Peñafiel, Jill Hotchkiss, Manuel Ameztoy, and Danié Gómez Ortigoz.
Embracing the evening’s Follow Your Rainbow theme, guests adorned themselves in chromatic couture, turning the gala into a living spectrum. Faena Art crowned Francisca Oyhanarte—Miami-based artist and style savant—as the night’s best-dressed, awarding her a lavish two-night escape in the Faena Penthouse.
More than spectacle, the Gala reaffirmed Faena Art’s commitment to nurturing artistic innovation and expanding Miami’s cultural lexicon. Proceeds directly fund year-round programming, including experimental commissions, the Project Room exhibitions, and the prestigious Faena Prize for the Arts.
For those who couldn’t follow the rainbow in person, the dream lives on at faenaart.org.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On April - 29 - 2025
On Thursday, April 24, The Bass Museum of Art opened its doors to an evening of dazzling creativity, where art, fashion, music, and spectacle intertwined under the stars for Night at the Museum: “Artist EXTRA-vaganza.” It was a night that transformed Miami’s contemporary art scene into a living, breathing masterpiece.
Museum members floated through the galleries, cocktail in hand, mingling with celebrated local artists while savoring a feast of the senses: fine wines, inventive bites, immersive activations, and live performances that unfolded around every corner.
The evening’s theme, “Artist EXTRA-vaganza,” took its vibrant cue from the museum’s current exhibitions: Rachel Feinstein: The Miami Years, assume vivid astro focus: XI, (LA)HORDE: Heureux sous son ombre, Ulla von Brandenburg: In Dialogue, and Performing Perspectives: A Collection in Dialogue. In true Miami style, guests donned their most imaginative “art-tire,” turning the museum itself into an exuberant runway of living art.
For a touch of modern magic, a violinist roamed the galleries, enchanting guests with contemporary pop hits spun into classical gold — a lyrical thread tying the exhibitions and experiences together with unexpected elegance and edge.
Ensuring that every look was one-of-a-kind, The Bass partnered with üüps, the ingenious “be aware of what to wear” app. Members previewed outfits and avoided fashion déjà vu, arriving in confident, creative style — ready to impress.
The much-anticipated Best ART-tire contest, judged by fashion stylist Elyze Held and The Shop Curator, Angie Ferrer Pirán, crowned Luis Najera and Corey Valestra as the evening’s style champions. Avra Hart, Caitlin Collins, Julia Spillman-Gover, and Leemor Rhodes Carvalho claimed second and third place honors, proving that Miami’s art crowd knows how to dress the part. (View all the stunning looks on The Bass’s Facebook page.)
Throughout the evening, the museum pulsed with immersive installations. In the Lindemann Family Courtyard, Light Bridge Refraction—a breathtaking digital art and lighting experience by Michelle M. Collins and Christien Methot, powered by A Non-Agency® and Design One Lighting—reimagined space and architecture in waves of mesmerizing light.
Inside, multidisciplinary artist Mikihumo captivated visitors with a surreal, experiential video and light installation in the Trudy and Paul Cejas Gallery, while Spectacle Entertainment’s pop-up dancers wove through the galleries, delighting guests with unexpected bursts of performance art.
Silent auction artworks tempted collectors, while a monumental custom frame—crafted by Event Factor Production and presented with üüps—became a glamorous photo activation courtesy of After Hours Photoshoot. DJs Benton & Steve of Dale Zine Radio kept the energy soaring with a vibrant vinyl soundtrack, making it impossible to stay still.
Toasts flowed freely with fine wines from longtime partner Dry Farm Wines, craft cocktails by Van Gogh Vodka, refreshing Perrier, and a lavish spread of culinary delights and non-alcoholic libations from H&C Collective. Le Basque, masters of visual drama, created a sumptuous dessert station inspired by the legendary wrapped artworks of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
Miami’s art crowd didn’t just attend Night at the Museum — they became part of the masterpiece.
Night at the Museum remains The Bass’s signature members-only celebration, raising essential support for the museum’s dynamic exhibitions and educational initiatives. Beyond the festivities, museum membership offers an invitation to a year of inspiration: free admission, exclusive events, insider experiences, and more.
For more information on becoming a member and joining Miami’s most vibrant cultural community, visit www.thebass.org/natm or follow the museum @TheBassMoA.