By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week took over New York City from September 8-15, with a line-up of 99 designers showing their spring 2012 collections in Lincoln Center and various other venues throughout Manhattan.  Amid the silks, chiffons, organza,  floral prints, neon colors, geometrical shapes, and pastel prints that graced the runways, Mercedes-Benz showcased its latest fashion statement, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster (think Barbie DREAM CAR on steroids) and C63 AMG Coupe, two all new models available later this year. Our favorite designers this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Pamela Rolland, Milly by Michelle Smith and Diesel Black Gold (especially since Gerard Butler! was sitting front row).   Enjoy our stories about a few of the stellar parties we attended and a little bit about the lounges- the other side of Fashion Week. Read the rest here »

The Current Event  

On Thursday, September 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Miami magazine, along with host Shireen Sandoval of WSVN’s Deco Drive, for an evening of shopping and upscale revelry. Sit front row for a fashion show featuring the hottest fall trends and an exclusive preview of the new Rachel Zoe Collection. Dress in your best ensemble and enter the “Dress to Impress Rachel Zoe” competition for the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree. I die! Sip wines by VOGA Italia and enjoy light bites by BGR The Burger Joint, La Cofradia, The Local, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge and Seasons 52. The Current Event benefits the Young Patrons of Miami Science Museum. Spend $350 in Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections and receive an exclusive Rachel Zoe Collection handbag. To RSVP, please call 786.999.1003 or email rsvpcoralgables@neimanmarcus.com.

Violetas Boutique Hosts Grand Opening in Coral Gables

 Join Patricia Anton Himmel and Patricia Kronfle to celebrate the grand opening of their new home and décor boutique VIOLETAS. Specializing in unique home expressions, furnishings, accessories and remarkable gift items, VIOLETAS will kick-off its unveiling with a cocktail soiree on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of shopping, featuring exclusive lines and curiosities collected from around the world, while indulging on decadent cocktails and scrumptious bites.  A portion of the evening proceeds will benefit IKF Wonderfund – a program of Jackson Memorial Foundation. To attend the event RSVP to Violetas@THEPATTONGROUPINC.com.

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room 

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room – a dedicated group of art & culture lovers in their 20s and 30s – kicks off MCB’s 2011-12 season with a party on Friday, September 23 at Performing Arts Exchange, 337 S.W. 8^th Street, beginning at 8:30 p.m. An exciting night of mixing and mingling with MCB dancers and other young professionals awaits: indulging on scrumptious cocktails and decadent light bites and dancing to the sounds of Spam All Stars and their unique blend of improvisational electronic elements and turntables with Latin, funk, hip hop and dub to create what they call an “electronic descarga.” The party is free for current MCB’s Upper Room members and $15 for non-members. Non-members who purchase a membership before or at the party will be waived the $15 cover. RSVP by calling 305.929.7000, ext. 1446 or email upperroom@miamicityballet.org.

Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party  

TEMPO Miami celebrates the Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami preview party, in partnership with Cigar Snob magazine and sponsored by Rums of Puerto Rico on Saturday, September 24 at 9:00 p.m.  The swanky, open-to-the-public, soiree welcomes industry professionals, wine connoisseurs, cigar aficionados and rum lovers alike to a night set to the sounds of live music from Bikini Jazz, with wine and tobacco painting demonstrations by artist GAPAL.  Guests will also have the chance to sip wines from the just-wrapped Florida International Wine Challenge, sample chocolate rum cake from the famed Tortuga Rum Cake company and visit cigar and rum exhibitors to taste, test and learn to pair cigars with rums.The event will act as a preview to the first annual TobaccoRum Miami exposition, slated to take place this coming December during Art Basel. Tickets for the 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami soiree are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.miamiwinefair.com. 

Solé On the Ocean Says “Aloha” to Summer 

Solé On the Ocean, an ultra-contemporary boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, will say “Aloha” to summer with a Hawaiian-themed luau on Saturday, September 24, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at its beachfront lounge Alba Mare. In addition to getting lei-ed upon arrival, guests will celebrate the spirit of the islands – or isles – with traditional fare, live music and performances, paddle boarding, a limbo contest and a tropical swimwear presentation. Hula girls and a fire dancer will spark the festivities with colorful performances, while the Aloha Boyz strum their ukuleles and Dutch spins island beats. Party-goers will sip on Mai Tais and feast on Hawaiian-inspired fare, including a fire-roasted pig with traditional trimmings such as shrimp fried rice, mixed vegetables and Polynesian potato salad. ‘Hula’ good times with ensue with an informal fashion showcase by Poko Pano swimwear and a limbo contest, the winner of which will receive a complimentary weekend stay at Solé On the Ocean. Ark Paddleboards will also be onsite to offer both novice and experienced paddle boarders the chance to make waves on the ocean. The cost of entrance is $25 per person and includes unlimited fare, one Mai Tai and valet. Guests are invited to extend their stay from sundown to sunrise with 20% off the standard room rate, which begins at $139.00. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit Plastics Free Ocean, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of improper and excessive use of plastics to human health, wildlife and the environment. For luau and hotel reservations, call 786.923.9000 or email alba@soleoto.com. Advance purchase of admission to the luau is strongly recommended.

Papi Underwear Celebrates Hispanic Heritage 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage, Macy’s department store along with Papi Underwear has unveiled their second annual Hispanic Heritage collection.  Papi’s Hispanic Heritage collection is made in Cool Pass fabric, a poly/spandex blend that features qualities such as moisture wicking, quick dry and breathable for the utmost in comfort and protection for men, the group consists of Brazilian trunks and matching tanks and is available in an array of colors and designs that represent the flags of different Latin American countries.  Merchandise is available at www.papiinc.com, select Macy’s stores nationwide, and several other retailers across the country.  Brazilian trunks retail for $24 each and tanks retail for $29 each. 

Basketball super hero turned Hanes undies spokesman Michael Jordan dined with friends at Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar in West Palm Beach over the weekend. Jordan chatted with excited fans while enjoying Rocco’s authentic Mexican cuisine.

Transformers’ director Michael Bay and football star Reggie Bush were spotted at LIV over the weekend, enjoying DJ sets by internationally renowned DJ Avicii over the weekend. 

Mega TV’s Maria Elvira Salazar was spotted at Cleber Lopez Salon in Coral Gables.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Pitbull’s Fontainebleau Takeover

International recording artist and performer, Pitbull hosted an over-the-top Labor Day Bash at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for the official launch of Voli light vodka. “Mr. Worldwide” formerly “Mr. 305” (talk about a super-sized status upgrade) produced a weekend long extravaganza designed to put Voli, his new liquor brand billed as the world’s first line of low calorie vodkas on the radar of partygoers from near and far.  The vodka is produced in Cognac, France, so what better place to launch it than at the Fontainebleau, no?  Yes, it seems, as the enormous hotel sold out (!) for the weekend which offered guests access to Pitbull’s invitation only events, offered exclusively to hotel guests and select VIPs, which may or may not have included Lindsay Lohan.  Read the rest here »

Miami Socialholics

Veteran restaurateur, Steve Haas along with acclaimed chef, Tom Azar invited guests to City Hall, Haas’ new bustling eatery on Biscayne Boulevard for Lights Out Miami– a night of dining in the dark last Wednesday, to benefit Ability Explosion, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and bettering the lives of individuals with disabilities. Risk-taking diners at City Hall got the chance for a sneak “peek” of the large scale benefit to take place on October 20 with over 100 participating venues. 

Dark dining guests had only the cocktail hour to take in the beauty of the 6, 000 square foot eatery, which reminds us so much of WPA, back in the halcyon days of South Beach and “Glory Days” of our youth.  Perhaps it’s the 80 foot-long art deco mural, created by artist Andrew Reid– who also created the floor-to-ceiling mural depicting FDR’s Works Progress Administration for WPA, (the restaurant), which we spent many a night admiring; or the dark walnut and black varnished wood tables and chairs, comfortable leather banquets, original art and Art Deco accents that create the chic ambience at City Hall and make us feel right at home.  Read the rest here »

FENDI, The Wolfsonian, and Fashion’s Night Out 

FENDI in partnership with The Wolfsonian–Florida International University invite you to celebrate Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, Atelier Fendi, and an exhibition of photographs by Karl Lagerfeld. Hosted by Susanne Birbragher and Lila Segal Battista, The Fashion Week 2011 ad campaign, recreates the studio of the Dutch painter, Cornelis Theodorus Maria van Dongen. He developed the lush colors of his Fauvist style gaining a reputation for his sensuous, at times garish, portraits. He was a fashionable portraitist with a touch of playful cynicism. He has been noted as stating that, “Painting is the most beautiful of lies”. Karl Lagerfeld is a German artist, fashion designer, and photographer based in Paris, France. He has collaborated on a variety of art and fashion related projects, most notably as head designer and creative director for the fashion house Chanel. Lagerfeld helms his own label fashion house, as well as the Italian house Fendi. The event will takes place Thursday, September 8, on Fashion’s Night Out from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at FENDI, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue. Twenty percent of the proceeds that evening will benefit The Wolfsonian–FIU. Confirm your attendance by calling 305.861.7114. Become a member, or change your membership level by contacting Ian Rand at 305.535.2631or ian@thewolf.fiu.edu.

Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour Invites You to Fashion’s Night Out 

Styleist along with Newborn and Jack and Jill’s Children’s Center Presents Fashion’s Night Out at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., with 10% of the proceeds going back to the charity. Fashion’s Night Out is a global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. Footwear designer Edmundo Castillo will be the guest of honor, and personally sign his latest collection. A hi-tech photo booth will let you capture and upload your latest look to Facebook. Shoot your own cover of Bal Harbour Magazine with a hair and makeup artists on hand. Check in with AOL’s Styleist, the source for the latest fashion news and trends, to test your Fall Fashion IQ and win prizes. Play Roulette and Blackjack in our Men’s department casino. Enjoy cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, beverages by Coca Cola and Smartwater, bites by ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa and MISTER COLLINS, as DJ’s spin throughout the store. 

Vanishing Points at the Bass Museum of Art 

On Friday, September 9, the Bass Museum of Art will host an Opening Reception for its newest exhibition Vanishing Points: Paint and Paintings from the Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection. A members-only private viewing is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. A cocktail reception open to the public will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. While enjoying hors d’oeuvres courtesy of EDEN South Beach, Boru Vodka and Tierras Tequila cocktails, wine by Betts & Scholl and beats by DJ Le Commandant, attendees will explore the institution’s new exhibit. Organized by Miami-based artist and writer Gean Moreno, Vanishing Points presents 43 works by 27 contemporary international artists and explores how they interpret and how we perceive painting today. The exhibition highlights three viewpoints: Sweeping Horizontality and Aerial Views, The Painterly without Paintings and Impossible Task. Admission to the Opening Reception is complimentary for members and Bass Pass holders; $10 for non-members. For more information, visit www.bassmuseum.org, call 786.800.6302. 

Leonardo Hidalgo Honors 9/11 at Cafeina  

Leonardo Hidalgo, internationally known pop artist based in Miami, will be telling the story of 9/11 from a unique and artistic uplifting perspective through his eye popping vibrant color large scale paintings.  The private opening reception will take place this Friday, September 9, in honor of The City Of Miami Firefighters who will be in attendance at CAFEINA | Wynwood Exhibition Center  from 7:00 to 11:00p.m.          

Hidalgo has created a visual feast of 12 large-scale paintings exploring the meaning of good and evil, freedom, liberty, the force of divine justice and superheroes.  In these painting he wants to honor the memory of the lives lost in the attacks of 9/11, the firefighters, police rescue units and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to defend our liberty.  Hidalgo says, “I think it will be a very special moment to be together that night with the firefighters, our true heroes, and honor them while REMEMBERING a moment in history that changed the world forever. I hope that with my art I can make people feel and believe in liberty, justice, and spread some heroic virtues in the consciousness of society.” Guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails by Mandarine Napoleon until 8:00p.m. Email rsvpmiamiart@gmail.com to attend the private reception; the exhibition will be on view from August 29 through September 15. Call 786.217.0130 for a private tour.

Miami Children’s Hospital Fundraiser at the Well Miami Beach Attorney and Miami Children’s Young Ambassador (MCYA) Leadership Committee Member Michael Grieco and WSVN’s Louis Aguirre are hosting a fundraiser to support Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) on Friday, September 9 at 7 p.m. at The Well on Miami Beach. MCYA is a membership organization for young professionals between the ages of 22 and 45 who have a strong commitment to improving the lives of children in our community and beyond. Members have the opportunity to network with prestigious business and community leaders, meet with key Miami Children’s personnel and determine how their donations can best be used to benefit the patients and families at MCH. With goal of helping children with medical needs and raising awareness for MCH, the fundraiser is open to the public and guests are encouraged to make a monetary donation at the door.  To attend, contact Stephanie Cofino at Scofino@mchf.org or call 786.268.1719.  

Casting Call for Worst Cooks in America with Bobby Flay 

Despite what Ari Gold thinks, Bobby Flay, (who has a recurring role on this season of Entourage) is one of our most celebrated chef’s and now he’s joined the Food Network in search of the “Worst Cooks in America”. This Miami Casting at Epic on September 16 and will be televised on the network. If you’re interested sign up today as space is limited. Sixteen of the country’s most hopeless cooks attempt to transform from kitchen zeros into kitchen heroes as they compete in a grueling culinary boot camp and led by Food Network stars Bobby Flay and Anne Burrell.

Email us at worstcooks@theconlincompany.com, tell us why you are the most disastrous cook in the country. Include name, age, hometown, occupation, contact phone number and a recent photo.
Additional info & application available at www.theconlincompany.com