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 »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Fans of sun, skin and designer swimsuits delighted in five days of fabulous fun and fashion during this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim (MBFWS) which took place at the iconic Raleigh Hotel from July 19-July 23.Showcasing the collections of designers including: Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens, Lisa Blue, Éclairée, Agua Bendita, Poko Pano, Dolores Cortés, Nicolita, Kooey Australia, Caffé Swimwear, Aqua Di Lara, Mara Hoffman Swim, Xtra Life Lycra® Brand, Cia.Marítima, BCBG Swimwear, Gottex, Red Carter, L*Space by Monica Wise, White Sands Australia, Luli Fama, Suboo, Rose By Vanessa Jean, Wildfox Swim, Ank By Mirla Sabino, Aguaclara, Aquarella Swimwear, Cote D’or Swimwear, Sauvage, A.Z Araujo, Anna Kosturova, Dorit, Keva | J And Naïla in two different tents and in the Raleigh penthouse, the styles heated up an already scorching summer.  Because we can’t possibly fit all of this “fabulocity” into one issue, we’ve decided to highlight our favorites in two separate editions of the 411.  Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

CRAVE

CRAVE restaurant in the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables is known for its gorgeous 9,000 square-foot space, which includes an expansive dining room, sprawling outdoor terrace, vibrant atmosphere and terrific food. CRAVE’s fresh and innovative cuisine and impeccable wine selection compliment the chic, yet casual ambience with an extensive menu at a value-driven price point, with items ranging from a full sushi bar and Certified Angus Beef steaks to fresh seafood, pastas, salads and fire-baked pizzas that are continually re-mastered using the freshest seasonal ingredients.

One of the not-so-hidden secrets to Crave’s success is Hell’s Kitchen alum, Executive Chef Joshua Wahler whose resume includes work at Gramercy Tavern, Spice Market and Nobu and the (sadly) now defunct, Symcha’s.  Wahler’s passion, expertise and love of food are reflected in every dish- which he excitedly describes as if he were talking about a work of art. He is so charismatic and fun to be around that we repeatedly asked him to join our table. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him hosting a show on The Food Network.

Wahler creatively incorporates fine ingredients to create dishes such as a giant house made meatball, stuffed with mozzarella cheese, which must turn out perfect (without any oozing cheese) for it to make it to the table. Other standouts include: the Red Miso shrimp, grilled Ceviche, and Kogi beef tacos. The cashew crusted Mahi swimming in coconut curry and the perfect sliders were other favorites.  Read the rest of this entry »