By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Eight blissful days of runway shows and presentations showcased the trends for next spring and summer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 in New York City.  It appears that brilliant orange, is next season’s “hot pink” a perfect complement to our year-round Miami tan. Just ask Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Nanette Lepore, Zac Posen, or Peter Som.  In addition to the typical pastel shades, floral prints, and free-flowing fabrics, geometric patterns and stream-lined styles appeared in several shows.  While it’s difficult to pinpoint pervasive trends, as the looks were as varied as their designers, many collections boasted bold colors, solids, cut-outs, black and earth tones, leather and lace, pleats and pantsuits.  Some designers gained inspiration from foreign lands, including Mexico, Spain, France and India.

Minimalist pieces in black, white and nude were present in a number of shows including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Narciso Rodriguez, Vera Wang, Herve Leger and Donna Karan- opting for solids over prints and color blocking.  Sexy cut-outs allowing for a peek of sun kissed skin were also prevalent. Geometric shapes and stripes were everywhere- dominating the Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors shows.   Read the rest of this entry »

Actor Emilio Ourciolo, Film Director Felipe Joffily, Scriptwriter Ale Felix

By:   Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 Gisele Bündchen, the Samba, Ronaldo…just a few gifts from Brazil. Meaningful and enchanting films are just another way Brazil continues to delight and draw us in.  Twenty two of these films attracted several celebrities to the Magic City for the Inffinito Festival Circuit, the Brazilian Film Festival, which took over Miami from August 18 to 25 to celebrate its 16^th year as the foremost showcase of Brazilian cinema abroad.  This year’s Festival consisted of competitive screenings at the Colony Theater and special screenings at the recently renovated Miami Beach Cinematheque.

Considered the largest event solely dedicated to Brazilian cinema outside of Brazil, and viewed by the local government as a successful business and communication platform between media, industry professionals and investors in the audiovisual sector, the Festival brought 22 Brazilian productions to Miami representing the most recent, top tier Brazilian productions.  Read the rest of this entry »

Christina Getty-Maercks' Rock of Ages Celebration

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Christina Getty-Maercks celebrated her birthday in grand style a couple of weeks ago with a Rock of Ages themed bash that has officially become known as the party of the summer.  The social elite, dressed to the nines (we’re talking 1989) in their finest ripped rocker clothes: vintage t-shirts, leather, miniskirts, tulle, neon and wigs for the birthday bash at the Maercks’ sprawling Sunset Island home.  The award-winning, Ms. Cheezious food truck was parked in the Maercks’ front lawn, serving grilled cheese with bacon and pulled pork sandwiches to soak up the copious amounts of alcohol that fueled the party.  The garage had been transformed into a photo booth complete with a green screen that became a backdrop from the Rock of Ages movie once the photos were printed- perfectly complimenting the guests’ outlandish outfits.  Inside the house, a tattoo artist decorated exposed skin with temporary tattoos and inflatable dolls floated in the pool outside.  Read the rest of this entry »

Michael Gongora, Michael Capponi, and Deede Weithorn

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Can you believe it’s been five years since SET Nightclub opened its doors on Lincoln Road?  The VIP mega-club with the most European flair in Miami celebrated its birthday in grand style, with an Amazonia themed bash hosted by Michael Capponi, Eric Milon, Francis Milon, Roman Jones, Gilles Curtat, Laurent Bourgade and Beto Biscaia. The jet set celebrated 5 years of SET with a grand affair at Michael Capponi’s gorgeous new Hibiscus Island residence.  The two-story waterfront home emulated a soulful environment with amber lighting for the cocktail party, while rhythmic sounds by DJ Adam Lipson alongside live drum percussions set the tone. Afterwards locals and models (and local models) – many of whom dressed in bohemian attire and carried branded tambourines – proceeded to the main event at SET, which was magnificently transformed into an Amazon Jungle for SET’s five year anniversary party, in anticipation of its upcoming renovation. Guests in attendance included Miami Beach City Commissioners Michael Gongora, Deede Weithorn, Jerry Libbin; North Miami Councilman Michael Blynn; Music Artist Melky Jean; and Professor Deborah Mash.

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By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

We caught up with Red Carter, our favorite swim wear designer after his show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion week swim.  Carter is known for creating sophisticated swimwear with an edge, and lends his contagious charm, unique design outlook and years of industry experience to the wildly popular brand that bears his name. A competitive athlete hailing from Southern California, Red is no stranger to water sports– an accomplished swimmer, diver and water polo player whose obsession with the cinematic glamour of old films and musicals inspired a love for fashion and design that would ultimately shape his future.

Red Carter earned his degree from the Otis/Parson School of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Upon graduation, he got his feet wet designing junior sportswear and active wear for Esprit before putting his creative talent to work at Guess Jeans, Rampage, Mossimo, Victoria’s Secret, and Oscar de la Renta. After years of tutelage from some of the best in the fashion industry, Red was ready to capitalize on his hard work, his way.

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By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Style Saves at Soho Beach House

The most eclectic crowd during Miami Swim Week gathered at the exclusive Soho Beach House (SBH) on Thursday, July 19^th for the Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary, celebration/fundraiser.  Co-chairs Rachael Russell, fashion stylist and Ashley Spitz, event planner, combined their talents to produce this sensational event, which drew over 400 of Miami’s most recognized, influential and fashionable faces.  Guests filled the pool area of the SBH to support Style Saves’ mission to “build confidence through clothes and give a fresh start through fashion” to local underprivileged students in South Florida. The event raised nearly $40,000 for Style Saves, doubling last year’s total. Read the rest of this entry »