By: Maryanne Salvat

 John Frieda Tours Miami

John Frieda is embarking on their annual salon tour again this summer (the 18-wheeler that’s turned into a salon on wheels traveling across the country) and they’re coming to Miami’s own Aventura Mall this weekend, May 26 and 27. The tour kicked off in New York with special guests, Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian, and will be hitting the road until the end of July stopping in markets like Dallas, Seattle, Minneapolis, LA and Chicago to give women access to the top stylists in the country—for FREE. As always, consumers can pop in to the “Destination: Style” salon for free hair consultations and styles (no cuts or colors!) from the top stylists and colorists from the John Frieda salons in New York and LA as led by celebrity stylist Harry Josh (clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Ellen Pompeo, Amanda Seyfried,  etc). In addition to the style makeovers, consumers will receive advice on hair COLORING since John Frieda is now offering an at-home hair color (Precision Foam Colour). We’ll have tons of technological devices throughout the salon (iPads, virtual tables, etc) that feature “shade advisors” to help them select the best shade for them. For more information on the tour, visit www.johnfrieda.com.

The Fox Hole at Cafeina

Join Cafeina on Saturday, May 28, for Fox Hole, a special Memorial Day Weekend celebration benefiting The Armed Forces Foundation. The Wynwood Art District hotspot invites guests to honor our nation’s fallen soldiers through a spectacle of sight and sound. Patrons will enjoy music by Winter Music Conference DJ Bill Kelly, along with beats by Stingray and DJ A-Train. Indie-rock band Addax will take the stage in the garden. Sword-wielding fire dancers and a sexy burlesque troupe in military fatigues, whose performance will be capped off by a fireworks display, will provide additional firepower. Admission to the event is $5.00 at the door or free with military identification. All guests will enjoy complimentary “American Flag” shooters from 8 to 9 p.m., along with food and drink specials throughout the evening. Active U.S. military personnel receive complimentary Cherry Bomb shots until 10 p.m. Cafeina will also raffle off a $50.00 bar tab to one lucky guest, with proceeds benefiting The Armed Forces Foundation.  For table reservations, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Cooking Class with Chef Jonathan Eismann

On   June   4, 11, and 18, get to know the secrets behind nationally recognized Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove with a personal cooking class with Chef Jonathan Eismann. Dubbed by Miami New Times as creator of Miami’s best pizza, Chef Eismann welcomes guests into his world and reminds each that “The secret ingredient to pizza is the hand that makes it.” For $50,(adults) and $35(children), guests will be greeted with their own Spartico apron, four course meal and learn the tricks of the trade at the new phenomenal Italian trattoria. Adults will enjoy four glasses of wine along with experience, along with use of an Ambrogi wood-burning oven, seasonally harvested grains and an award-winning chef’s personal instruction. Guests will then enjoy their own-made pizza for lunch!  Classes start at 12:30p.m., reservations required. For more information, call 305.779.5100.

SEE Boutique: Hip Without the Rip

SEE, the largest optical boutique retailer in the U.S., is bringing its innovative, one-of-a-kind collection to Sunset Drive in South Miami. SEE and its founders, Richard and Shelley Golden, will host a grand opening at the new boutique on Tuesday, June 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails by ZIGNUM Mezcal and Japanese-fusion tapas by RA Sushi in South Miami. SEE will donate 10 percent of the evening’s sales (as well as all sales through Saturday, June 11) to Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Research Institute. Offering fashionable, original eyewear is not SEE’s only focus, Richard Golden has also created a “gouge-free environment” for people who appreciate trendy, luxury eyewear without an absurd price, sourcing directly from the world’s most forward-thinking designers enables SEE to bring true value to the consumer. For more information, visit www.seeeyewear.com.

Lunch with Jeb Bush and Michelle Rhee

On Thursday, June 16, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at The Four Seasons Hotel, former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush and Michelle Rhee, founder and CEO of Students First, a movement dedicated to transforming public education throughout the United States, will have a bipartisan discussion to elevate the need to work collaboratively on improving the nation’s public education system. Guests will enjoy a beautiful luncheon while listening to key speakers discuss important issues in today’s education. All proceeds will go to benefit education reform. General admission tickets are $150 per person; Benefactor tickets are $750 per couple, which includes  priority seating and private champagne reception with the speakers from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information visit:  www.marcoislandacademy.com or call 239.404.3622.

Alonzo Mourning, Katrina Campins,Shannon SLam Lawrence and Tracy Wilson Mourning

Celebrity photographer Greg Lotus, who just returned to Miami from a successful exhibition of his high art fashion and figurative photographs at 1stdibs Gallery in New York City, was spotted at an undisclosed Miami location last Saturday shooting Eva Longoria and polo superstar Nic Roldan for Haute Living magazine’s June cover. Penelope Cruz’s brother Eduardo, who is dating Longoria was present at the shoot as well. 

Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Nene Leakes, Kandi Burruss and Cynthia Bailey put on a show (literally) on Saturday, May 14 at National Hotel’s beach. While filming for the next season, the ladies paraded around in their stylish gear — Nene sporting a sexy gold number — attracting the attention of two young men who invited them to play Frisbee. 

Grammy Award winner, Bruno Mars was spotted at WALL Miami lounge enjoying the South Beach nightlife with his band, bodyguard and several unidentified models on the heels of his sold-out performance at the Fillmore Miami Beach arena on May 11. Mars and his entourage enjoyed a VIP table stocked with Grey Goose, Patron and champagne. The seven-time Grammy winner donned his signature fedora and danced on the couch at his VIP table with the bevy of beauties past 3 a.m.  Earlier in the week, Mars was partied at Mansion. 

This past week, patrons of LIV Nightclub at the Fontainebleau got their fair share of celebrity sightings.  Celebrity Apprentice runner up, Lil’ Jon, rocked the house and hosted  on  Wednesday night and LeBron James was also spotted celebrating the Miami Heat win over the Boston Celtics. Reality-star Kim Kardashian and boyfriend Kris Humphries, of the New Jersey Nets, “LIVed it up” on Friday night.  

Before heading to LIV, Kardashian and Humphries dined at Zuma with 6 friends. The couple was seen chatting and kissing during the meal and taking lots of photos together. 

On Friday, Brett Ratner was honored by Miami World Cinema Center as Miami’s most accomplished filmmaker. To celebrate this great honor, Ratner hosted a grand dinner at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar with his close Miami friends including owner Shareef Malnik and girlfriend Gabrielle Anwar, Serena Williams, Patrick De Bokay, Anthony and Alina Shriver, Bruce and Nan Weber, Michael Gongora and many more.

The following night, Katrina Campins followed suit by inviting friends to The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar to celebrate a new accomplishment in her career – the launch of her new company and also to celebrate her dear friend, DJ Irie’s birthday.  Guests in attendance included Alonzo and Tracy Mourning, Venus and Serena Williams, DJ Irie and Gabrielle Union.

Rick Shadyac, Luis Fonsi, Giselle Blondet, Daisy Fuentes, and St. Jude patients Anthony, Karelys, and Stephan

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Angels and Stars Gala

The stars shone brightly at the 9th annual St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala at the JW Marriott Marquis on Saturday night.  The Havana-inspired bash drew more than 700 supporters and Latin celebrities and entertainers, who gathered to raise funds for the nation’s top-ranked children’s cancer hospital.

Television personality Daisy Fuentes, stunning in a hot-pink silk gown, once again served as celebrity chair.  Award presenters included actresses Angélica Maria and Angélica Vale; Univision television host Giselle Blondet; local personalities, Louis Aguirre, co-host of WSVN’s Deco Drive; Enrique Santos, host of the Univision Radio MIX 98.3 FM morning show and Alberto Sardiñas, host and producer of “Intimo” on Amor 107.5 FM.   Read the rest here »

Debbie Murcarsel-Powell, Dr. John Rock, and Debbie Tano

In celebration of Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine’s (HWCOM) current and future growth, prominent female philanthropists attended a luncheon and fashion event to support the school and kick off the second-annual benefit dinner that takes place on Friday, November 4. The invitation-only luncheon, part of the college’s ongoing initiative to raise money to support student scholarships, took place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at Neiman Marcus at the Village of Merrick Park. The event was hosted by philanthropists Gloria Sesana and Debbie Tano and included a brief presentation from Founding Dean John Rock, M.D. and an exclusive fashion presentation of designer collections by Neiman Marcus.[smooth=id:238;]

Fabrizio Cocchi,Paolo,Nadine,and Daniel Borgomanero

On Wednesday, April 27, C&C Art and Accessories, Nadine Curmi Borgomanero and Fabrizio Cocchi hosted a celebration to commemorate the unveiling of the Design Districts latest Italian showroom, MADinitaly. 
 
The private event drew support from a number of notables including famed Tod’s baron Diego Della Valle and his wife Barbara, renown Italian editor Carlo Rossella,  Venetian restaurateur Miky Grendene, La Perla heiress Martina Borgomanero and husband Fabian Basabe, fashion photographer Iran Issa-Khan, Italian Real Estate Mogul Daniela Bonetti, and international socialites Carole Seikaly, Maria Lowe, Francesca Halpern, Emmanuelle & Joane Della Valle, Paula Lieto, Giampiero Di Persia, Diane Ovadia,  and Massimo Barracca. 
 
Indulging in light bites and champagne, guests previewed the unique furniture offerings, home accents, pop-themed art and speciality linens – infused with innate Italian Flair.  The vibrant and playful lines of the furniture as well as the unexpected combinations of colors and textures reflect multiple high design influences of Italian interior designer Fabrizio Cocchi, from cutting-edge contemporary to classic.  Located at 4 Northeast 39th street, the 2,000 square-foot space boasts a perfect balance of eclectic and contemporary touches. [smooth=id:237;] photo credit: World Red Eye

Eco Lifestyle Gala

The 2^nd Annual Green Drinks Eco-Lifestyle Gala will take place Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 East Camino Real). The event is designed to honor environmental stewardship and support socially conscious causes through fundraising and community support. This year, Green Drinks will recognize celebrity actress and philanthropist, Patricia Arquette, with its prestigious Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her work with GiveLove, a non-profit Haiti relief organization she founded in 2010. The event will support GiveLove’s work to improve housing and sanitary conditions in Haiti, as well as Global Green USA’s greener rebuilding efforts in Haiti.  The event organizers promise an impressive line-up of live musicians and entertainers, including NYC Comedian Jessica Kirson, DJ Mark Leventhal, and renowned Native Rock musician, Robby Romero. Tickets for the gala are a bargain at $75 per individual ticket; $125 per couple.   Tables of 10 can be purchased for $500. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available, from Presenting Sponsor to Exhibitor and Gift Bag Sponsors. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact April Milliken Trigg at april@eventologie.com or 404. 627. 4630 ext. 204.  For more information visit:   http://www.ecolifestylegala.com or http://www.southfloridagreendrinks.org.

MIAMI PRO-AM Dance Styles Expo

Local artist and urban realist Miguel Paredes and his nationwide graphic design and printing company, PK Graphics, are the presenting sponsors for the 15^th annual MIAMI PRO-AM Dance Styles Expo, the first break dance conference in the world and longest running hip-hop dance competition in the US east coast. 2011’s expo begins on Friday, May 20 and runs through Sunday, May 22 at various South Florida locations. For additional information or bookings, and a complete listing of events visit: www.hiphopelements.com.

The Shane’s Champagne Brunch

The Ronald W. Shane Center (6500 Indian Creek Drive) invites you to its Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 22, where you’ll get to nosh on food by Joe’s Stone Crab and enjoy a silent auction, live music and a rowing exhibition.  The fun starts at 11 a.m. and benefits the Shane Center, home of the Miami Beach Rowing Club, a non-profit organization which funds rowing scholarships for underprivileged youth.  The event will honor the center’s many founders and donors who have shaped the facility since its inception in 1991.  Tickets for the Champagne Brunch cost $100 per person.  For further information, contact Diana Maldonado at 305.861.8837.  To purchase tickets online, go to www.shanecenter.com/events.

 Base Paint | The Auction

On Wednesday, May 25, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., Ideobox Artspace, SaludArte Foundation, Fundación Manos del Sur, Step by Step Foundation, and Curators Antuan & Tanya Brillembourg join forces as they prepare for Base Paint | The Auction event to benefit the Base Paint Project.  The tents have arrived in Haiti and will be installed this summer as part of a secondary school on the property of L’Athletique d’Haiti. The funds raised will help to finance the new school’s operational costs and ensure the continuation of the work that was begun with the Base Paint Tents.   The contemporary art auction and curated exhibition will be held in Wynwood at Ideobox Artspace and is open to the public with complimentary admission. Base Paint | The Auction will feature over 45 artists that have generously donated works of art to help raise these funds.  For a list of artists and auction pieces, visit www.basepaint.org. While guests view the silent auction and place bids at Ideobox Artspace, the space will host a variety of refreshments and entertainment.  On hand to set the vibe will be famed band Miami City Mix and later in the evening DJ Umber Bandi-Ville will be mixing beats. Artist Leni Ibarguengoytia will unveil her event installation on crate boxes which will act as lounge areas.  Bacardi cocktails sponsored by a private donor will be available to quench the thirst of those who savor Diego’s Andalucia Tapas & Deli’s paella and Zucchero Ristorante Bistro’s hors d’oeuvres. For more information on the foundation, visit www.lathletiquedhaiti.org.