Tom Brokaw, Marc and Nick Buoniconti of the The Buoniconti Fund

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Destination Fashion

Destination Fashion took over Bal Harbour Shops on November 10, with a star-studded, over-the-top party three years in the making. NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti and his son Marc of the The Buoniconti Fund (the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) hosted the fantastic event, for which Barton G. transformed the luxury mall into a themed celebration, spotlighting “The Destinations” of locations from around the world such as Asia, Africa and the Americas, for over 2, 000 fashion-forward VIPs including celebrities, sports stars and philanthropists.  Guests enjoyed an Emilio Pucci’s Spring 2013 Fashion Show designed by Peter Dundas, a gourmet dinner, interactive destination party experience and private concert by Enrique Iglesias.  The successful fundraiser got off to a running start when long-time Buoniconti Fund Board Member and supporter, Christine E. Lynn, who was being presented with the Humanitarian Award, announced a gift of $25 million.  This staggering amount contributed in large part to the $31 million raised throughout the evening.  Micky and Madeleine Arison, received the Inspiration Award; Edie Laquer and the Laquer Foundation, received the Champion for a Cure Award; The Buoniconti Fund Award was granted to Paul and Swanee DiMare, and the Philanthropist Award was presented to Beatrice and Dr. Sanford Ziff. Read the rest of this entry »

By:   Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

The InterContinental Miami, awash in fuchsia lighting, became a colorful scene out of a Bollywood movie on Saturday, November 3, for the 18th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, complete with gigantic murals of Buddha, an authentic, New Delhi-style Indian street-market, filled with  baskets of spices, fruits, and vegetables (intermingled with silent-auction stands); lavishly, costumed dancers, ornate parasols, brilliantly hued flowing fabrics and an elaborate Indian street parade, led by an elephant, which escorted guests into the main ballroom- a kaleidoscope of colors, resembling a massive, traditional Indian tent.   Think:  Indian wedding meets Bollywood movie. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Jelsomino Combines Cabaret and Karaoke 

A dapper, Michael Capponi, recently hosted the opening night party for Jelsomino, Miami Beach’s opulent, new upscale theatrical karaoke concept- (70% cabaret, 20% Burlesque, 10% karaoke).  Think: the Moulin Rouge meets Chicago, In fact, both of those movies were being projected on large screens in between numbers. Capponi, (channeling his elegant Italian nightclub owner/ restaurateur father, Feffo Capponi) unveiled the new club, for which he is promoting special nights each week with a private, VIP opening for 400 guests who gathered to join the nightlife impresario/entrepreneur/philanthropist in welcoming the Ginza Project and Jelsomino founder Tatiana Brunetti in their first South Florida venture.  Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

If we hadn’t been right smack in the middle of October- engaged in a frantic hunt for the perfect Halloween costume- we could have sworn that the über private, tres chic, fashionably fabulous grand opening party for the Louis Vuitton Miami Design District store on October 18, was an Art Basel gathering, complete with all of the elements we’ve come to expect.  With an exclusive A+ guest list comprised of an international jet set crowd, including artists, photographers, writers, designers, art collectors and the generally and genetically gifted, (dressed to the nines); the unveiling of an original, custom designed graffiti wall mural by celebrated graffiti writer, RETNA, AKA, Marquis Lewis; oh, and the free flowing Ruinart Champagne, Louis Vuitton symbolically planted its flag, claiming its territory in its new digs.  Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Cooper Avenue- Your one-stop Shop for fabulous. 

Well after midnight just a few weeks ago, after delighting in a decadent meal of hamachi with truffles, mushroom risotto, perfectly seared steak and creative concoctions by the Bar Lab team, we partook in what’s sure to become a landmark moment on South Beach. Amir Ben-Zion, the mastermind behind mainstays, Bond Street, the Townhouse, Gigi and Bardot, and his business partner, Shai Ben-Ami (Domo Japones, Wok Town) gathered his staff, friends and family for a Champagne toast for the official unveiling of Cooper Avenue, restaurant/deli/lounge/bakery and marketplace– the most unique space in South Beach, which takes up an entire block, on the bottom floor of the critically acclaimed, New World Symphony building (location! location! location!)  Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

It’s no secret that we love swanky hotel stays. After all, who wouldn’t want to live just like Eloise at the Plaza? There’s no denying that one of the absolute, best parts of said stays, to quote Pretty Woman, is the “Room Service picnic.” Seriously, there’s just nothing more delicious after a long night of fun than having gourmet food delivered to your room- the squeaky wheels of the delivery cart, the giant silver domes concealing what will certainly be cause for remorse in the light of day…aaahhh, we digress… 

Now, thanks to Room Service Restaurant Lounge, one of the most unique restaurant/lounge concepts to date, you can delight in the fabulous food fest, complete with the feel of being at the hotel, without the hefty surcharges.  What makes Room Service so unique? Well it’s actually a restaurant and late-night lounge, disguised as a hotel- complete with a front desk where guests can “check-in,” sexy bellhops wearing gold spandex mini-skirts, French maids in fishnet stockings and butlers.  Yes, you get your own private butler.  After checking in you’ll be escorted to a private suite to feast on an extensive, eclectic menu served on room service carts, squeaky wheels and all!  Read the rest of this entry »