On Tuesday, December 3, Pucci transformed the serene Miami Botanical Garden into a veritable fun fair. It was a whirlwind of color, music, and pure joy.

Imagine a whimsical carnival, with fortune tellers, carnival games, and a dance floor that would make even the most reserved guest shimmy and shake. The food- hand-cut pasta, cotton candy, gelato, cannolis-was a feast for the senses.

Gunna and Saint Jhn and too many models to name mingled with the fashion-forward crowd, adding a touch of star power to the already dazzling night.

Camille Miceli, the brilliant mind behind Pucci’s current renaissance, dressed head-to-toe in shimmery, sequined, fringed Pucci. shared her inspiration. “We wanted to do something different, something unexpected. Miami is a city of art, beauty, and boundless energy. We needed to capture that spirit.”

And capture it they did! The limbo competition, inspired by Emilio Pucci’s own playful spirit, was a highlight. Who knew a simple game could be so glamorous? Obviously- the Italians have known for quite some time. 

The whimsical wonderland, brought  Emilio Pucci’s signature style to life. The stylish and fun crowd was lost in the rhythm of Disco Bambino’s infectious beats, several of which prompted me to quickly create an “Italian Disco” playlist.

This fete was the highlight of Miami Art Week and by far- the most fun, replete with fanfare, games, dancing and delights. Leave it to Pucci to throw an Italian disco dance party for the ages. Check it out!
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The legendary Hampton House, once a haven for icons like Martin Luther King and Muhammad Ali (whose original rooms are still intact!), kicked-off Miami Art Week with a party that was nothing short of fabulous. In lieu of its historic after-hours jazz sessions, it was all about the art this time- at the grand unveiling of “Invisible Luggage.” With over 50 visionary artists exploring the themes of migration, memory, and what we carry (and what we leave behind), the exhibit dives deep into the intersection of freedom, displacement, and identity. Inspired by Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, the exhibit reflects on the often unseen struggles and triumphs of the Black community.

The opening was a star-studded celebration, with a dazzling array of special guests from the worlds of art, music, and philanthropy. Among the VIPs in attendance were collector and philanthropist Beth Rudin DeWoody, Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, and Pucci’s artistic director Camille Miceli, alongside gallerists Lauren Kelly and Danny Baez. Musician Mingus Murray, son of iconic photographer Ming Smith, was also on hand, as were prominent artists like Shinique Smith, Jeffrey Meris, and Tomm El-Saieh, who showcased their work in the exhibit. The guest list read like a who’s who of Miami’s cultural scene, with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Cava-Levine, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, and former Dunkin’ Donuts CEO Bob Rosenberg mingling with art collectors like Gary Wasserman, Gwen Butler, and the N’Namdi Collection’s Jumanne and Lauren N’Namdi. Curators and art dealers such as Stefano Tonchi, David Maupin, and Monique Meloche rubbed elbows with the likes of Jason and Michelle Rubell of the Rubell Museum, while philanthropists like Kathryn and Dan Mikesell from the Fountainhead Residency added to the evening’s glamour.

After a scrumptious dinner curated by Chef Martin Rodrigue, the eclectic crowd gathered under sparking chandeliers in the open-air terrace to dance, muse, and mingle, enjoying an all-night dance party with the one and only DJ Mos spinning tracks that kept everyone moving. The historic venue, transformed into a dazzling art gallery, was buzzing with excitement.

The evening was a perfect blend of culture, creativity, and celebration. It was clear: the Hampton House is once again a beacon of creativity and celebration, bridging the past with a vibrant, future-forward vibe. Plan your visit here: https://www.historichamptonhouse.org

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Amigos For Kids, a Miami-based nonprofit committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, is preparing to host its much-loved 33rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive. This cherished event, taking place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Jose Martí Park, promises to spread joy and fulfill holiday wishes for thousands of underprivileged children across South Florida.

First launched as the organization’s flagship event, the Toy Drive has grown into a cornerstone of holiday giving, brightening the season for families who need it most. Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids, shared, “Year after year, our community comes together to create magical moments for the children and families we serve. Their generosity allows us to bring hope and joy to families during the holiday season.”

The annual initiative is made possible through the unwavering support of corporate sponsors, community donors, dedicated volunteers, and Amigos’ hardworking staff. Board Chair Maggie Fresen Zulueta, who also serves as Vice President of Academica, highlighted the event’s impact: “This Toy Drive is about more than just giving gifts. It’s about making dreams come true for children and advancing our mission to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community.”

This year’s sponsors include:

• Make A Wish Sponsor: The Chariff Family, Magic City Casino
• Gold Leaf Sponsors: The Gloria Estefan Foundation, FedEx, Miami Heat Charitable Fund, Miami Dade County District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, The Floyd Family, Chick-Fil-A, and the Brunetti Foundation
• Silver Bell Sponsor: Amerant Bank, AA Advance Air, and Abogadas 305
• Candy Cane Sponsors: Archdiocese of Miami, FPL, Florida Blue, First American Bank, Miami Dade County District 6 Commissioner Kevin Cabrera
• Amigos Partners: PNC Bank, LIV Golf, Republica Havas, Urbieta Family Foundation
• Media Sponsors: Univision 23

The day promises to be filled with festive fun as pre-registered children and their families join the celebration at Jose Martí Park. From selecting their personalized gifts to meeting Santa and enjoying holiday treats, the event creates lasting memories for all.

Extending the spirit of giving beyond the park, Amigos For Kids will also distribute toys directly to children at partner organizations throughout the community, with the help of board members, staff, and volunteers.

Make A Wish Sponsor, Jonathan Chariff, expressed his pride in being part of the event: “Collaborating with Amigos For Kids is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the smiles on children’s faces and the joy it brings to families is priceless. Supporting this remarkable initiative is truly an honor.”

Amigos For Kids invites the community to join in spreading holiday cheer by donating, purchasing gifts, or volunteering. Visit amigosforkids.org for more details, and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @AmigosForKids

The Hot 100 is the trusted guide to navigating Art Basel Miami Beach Week, providing access information to the best special events of the week. For just $50, this high-profile directory offers a chronological listing of top private event programming, clickable RSVP links, select comp passes, and daily updates as new invites roll in. Trusted by celebrities, media professionals, and luxury brand leaders, the Hot 100 simplifies your schedule, keeps you informed on what’s happening at any hour, and helps you navigate the overwhelming Basel process. Get your guide here and experience Art Week like never before. 

Curated by Entertainment Influencers and Unparalleled Productions, a leading show management and production company with roots in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.

The 11th annual Fashion Gives Back fundraiser took place at the Bass Museum of Art, bringing style, heart, and impact to the runway, raising an unprecedented $107,025 for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, thanks to the efforts of the Nicklaus Children’s Young Ambassadors (NCYA)—a powerhouse group of young professionals championing pediatric healthcare.

Guests enjoyed a glamorous evening of luxury bites, sips and shopping, where top brands showcased fashion to support Nicklaus Children’s Forward for Generations campaign, a transformative effort to advance children’s healthcare for years to come.

The evening’s highlight came courtesy of Juniper, aka “June-bug,” a brave 4-year-old who proved she’s tougher than a cancerous brain tumor. With her parents by her side, Juniper shared her incredible journey. “Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is legit, and we are living proof of that,” her father said, expressing gratitude for the life-saving care she received.

Juniper’s story is a testament to Nicklaus Children’s unparalleled dedication. After being diagnosed with Medulloblastoma—a brain tumor—Juniper underwent emergency surgery and a tailored treatment plan created by the hospital’s expert teams. In October, she rang the celebration bell, marking the end of her chemotherapy journey.

“Juniper’s experience exemplifies the commitment of everyone at Nicklaus Children’s,” said Allison W. Baker, President of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Events like Fashion Gives Back allow us to continue delivering the care children deserve, ensuring their health for generations to come.”

The evening was made possible by generous support from sponsors, including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood as the title sponsor, alongside Coconut Cartel, Moët & Chandon, and many others.

Since its inception, Fashion Gives Back has raised over 1 million dollars: funding vital programs such as child life services, dental health, physical therapy, and even summer camps for patients. Post-event, NCYA leaders channel their inner sharks during a Shark Tank-inspired session to allocate the funds to areas with the greatest impact.

To join the movement or learn more about NCYA visit: www.nicklauschildrens.org/NCYA. For details on the Forward for Generations campaign, head to www.nicklauschildrens.org/campaign.

MOMENTO by Ikaro is where the grit of Spanish and Ecuadorian roots collides with Miami’s unrelenting pulse. Led by Michelin-starred chefs Carolina Sanchez and Iñaki Murua, it’s a love letter to the flavors of La Rioja and Ecuador, wrapped in the vibrant chaos of Downtown Miami. This isn’t just another stateside outpost—it’s an immersive culinary experiment, where tradition and innovation meet head-on, anchored by a state-of-the-art wood oven and meticulous seasonal ingredients.

The chefs: Iñaki, hailing from the vineyards of Laguardia, Álava; and Carolina, the first Ecuadorian chef to snag a Michelin star, are culinary alchemists. Their La Rioja-based Ikaro restaurant has already earned Michelin and Repsol nods, and in 2023, they were named gastronomic ambassadors of La Rioja. At MOMENTO, their menu pushes boundaries: Amazonian Tiradito cured and smoked with a signature neapia sauce, Wood-Fired Branzino in sweet and sour escabeche, slow-cooked Glazed Bone-In Short Rib with tamarillo BBQ, and their showstopper—tonka bean foam, the Espuma de Abatonca. This isn’t just food; it’s an all-out flavor riot, where even the Lotus Cheesecake gets a Basque twist, topped with Biscoff cookies.

MOMENTO is more than a restaurant. It’s a story, where every dish is another chapter in the saga of Spain and Ecuador intersecting within Miami’s rich culinary landscape.

MOMENTO by Ikaro’s interior blends traditional and handmade elements sourced from Chef Sanchez’s hometown in Ecuador with metropolitan sophistication, inviting diners on a voyage of taste and discovery. Featuring a lush alfresco dining terrace and a state-of-the-art open kitchen that connects guests to culinary artistry, the restaurant exudes both comfort and elegance with plush furnishings, vintage and modern art, textured plaster walls, and layered rugs. Natural features like climbing vines, lush potted plants, and a striking entrance graced with vibrant bougainvilleas create an enchanting, garden-like atmosphere.

The lively bar serves creative cocktails and features a daily happy hour. Don’t miss the espresso martini with truffle foam. There’s also a cozy lounge/nightclub in the back with a state-of -the-art lighting and sound system- for those who want to keep the party going.

For more information about MOMENTO by Ikaro visit: https://www.momentomiami.com