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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Hunger Games Release Party

Join Blockbuster Video on Thursday, August 17, for the Hunger Games DVD Release party from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Celebrate like a tribute and enjoy different activities fit for District 12 fans.

Dance Till You Drop with the Guardian Angels of Holtz Children’s Hospital  

To help raise money for Guardian Angels of Holtz Children’s Hospital and Art Studio Miami, and burn some calories while doing it, Body & Soul, the recently renovated world-class fitness facility in Coral Gables, invites members of the community to shimmy and waltz their hearts out at the first annual Dance Till You Drop event on Friday, August 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. The 10,000 square foot gym, with its two large dance studios fully outfitted with nightclub-style lighting and a disco ball, has all the amenities to ensure participants are constantly on their feet and shaking their hips throughout the entire 8-hour event. If the environment itself is not enough, local-favorite DJ Rascal will be spinning live and Body & Soul’s beloved dance instructors will be on-hand to keep up the energy. Aside from the four 15-minute breaks granted throughout the evening, participants must be standing and moving their feet to the music to be considered dancing. Complimentary food, refreshments, including Red Bull, and cocktails by Zignum Mezcal and Voli light vodkas as well as Heineken beer will be available for the duration of the event. Spectators who pay the $35 will have access to unlimited drinks, can dance if/when they want to and are welcome to simply enjoy the scene and support the dancers – all for a great cause; for more information or to register contact 305-441-BFIT. Once registered, individuals will receive pledge forms to assist one’s efforts in recruiting sponsors to donate dollars for every hour danced.

Go Over the Edge at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami  

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami and the Miami Children’s Initiative invite you to go “Over the Edge,” to rappel 19 stories from the JW Marriott Marquis’ pool deck as part of a fund-raising event to benefit impoverished children and families in Liberty City. The signature event will mark the first time that Over the Edge—an interactive fundraiser that’s garnered attention across the country—comes to Miami. The two-day rappelling event will give 125 participants the chance to push their limits and experience something they will never forget, all while supporting a cause that’s aimed at improving the lives of children and families in need. The event will begin on August 17with a VIP reception alongside rapper T-Pain. The following day, participants will rappel 200 meters from the JW Marriott Marquis. This two-day rappelling event is limited to 125 participants who will scale 200 meters from the beautiful all-glass JW Marriot Marquis Miami, while overlooking the bay and the city’s skyscrapers.For more information, contact Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety at 954-376-0036/ cgabety@miamichildrensinitiative.org or Luisana Cavallo at 305-301-4184/ lcavallo@miamichildrensinitiative.org.

Wounded Warrior Poker Run to Benefit the Deptherapy Foundation

The 2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Poker Run benefiting the Deptherapy Foundation, a unique scuba dive rehabilitation program, will be held on Sunday, August 19 in Key Largo,(45 minutes from Miami) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PADI, the world’s largest diver training organization, is sponsoring the Poker Run to support the practice of dive therapy as a method of rehabilitation for wounded and paralyzed veterans, many of whom have experienced significant recovery through the positive emotional and physical effects of diving. This motorcycle run will begin at Alabama Jack’s, located at 58000 Card Sound Road in Key Largo. At each stop, cyclists will receive a playing card. Additional stops along the ride include Buzzard’s Roost, the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle, and the Snapper’s Turtle Club. The ride will end at Gilbert’s for the last hand drawn, awards and music. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, as well as worst hand drawn. For participants coming from out of town, the Bayside Inn at mile marker 100 is offering an unheard of rate of $89.00 + tax per night for the weekend of the Poker Run. Call 305-451-4450 and mention the Poker Run to receive the discounted rate. The price of participation is $20 for 3 poker hands, and $5 for each additional hand. Participants are asked to download the registration form and bring it to the starting point at Alabama Jack’s on Sunday August 19^th.  Visit:  http://www.deptherapy.co.uk/2nd-annual-wounded-warrior-poker-run/ to download a registration form. For sponsorships or additional information, please contact Jeannine Cook at 305-451-0601 x1204 or via email jeannine.cook@century21.com. For more information about PADI and Deptherapy, please visit www.padi.com and http://www.deptherapy.co.uk/.

Project Accessory Season 1 Winner, Brian Burkhardt, of Triian, and Local 10 Reporter, Constance Jones, Help Usher in the August Installment of The District Factory

WHAT:

Project Accessory Season 1 Winner, and Factory featured Designer, Brian Burkhardt, of Triian, alongside Special Guest Host, The Crafty Reporter, and Local 10 News Anchor, Constance Jones, usher in the August installment of The District Factory, featuring meet & greets with local designers and artists, shopping, music, food, and so much more.

Juan Henriquez, August’s selected artist, will also be on hand to showcase his collection of highly charged imagery and video installation in collaboration with fellow artist Carlos Pedreanez. In addition, monthly Factory faves not to miss include specialty foods by Phuc Yea! Miami’s first Vietnamese “pop-up” restaurant, tunes courtesy of Scratch DJ Academy’s DJ I.A.N., a Factory Flick by O Cinema, the latest and greatest issue from MIAMI Magazine complimentary to all guests, and specialty cocktails infused by Société Perrier. Additionally, sister restaurant, The Federal Food, Drink & Provisions, will also be setting up shop featuring a beer garden pouring exclusively craft beers and sodas. To learn more, visitwww.DistrictFactory.com.

WHEN:

Saturday, August 11, 2012, from 7-10PM

Gallery Walk, Art + Design Night, Miami Design District

WHERE:

The District Factory, 3900 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33127

(786) 529-0434

No Cover Charge

WHO:

Miami Design District, MIAMI Magazine, Société Perrier, Scratch DJ Academy, O Cinema, Phuc Yea!, and The Federal Food, Drink & Provisions

WHY:

Founded on the belief that you can make a living pursuing your creative passion, The District Factory encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of emerging designers and artists by facilitating exchanges with the community that result in awareness, support, and ultimately commerce. Taking it “offline”, THE DISTRICT FACTORY creates synergies between creatives and the community looking to meet the talent behind today’s emerging trends. Currently The District Factory is a monthly evening shopping event and mash-up during Miami Design District’s Art & Design Night. Future plans include an online store, creative inspiration sessions, industry panel discussions, and workshops. Learn more at the DISTRICTFACTORY.com

Kim Kardashian Hosts The Midori Beachside Bash photo: INFphoto.com

On Sunday night, Travis McCoy celebrated his birthday at Rokbar.  T-Pain and Dennis Rodman were on-hand for the party. Trey Songz celebrated his latest video with a wrap party at Cameo last week. Kim Kardashian hosted a Midori party at the Delano during Swim Week.

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 here »