Criselda Breene, Susanne Birbragher, Carlos Betancourt, and Barbara Becker

Miami’s chicest fashion and design crowd gathered at the newly reopened Gucci Boutique in Bal Harbour for an exclusive cocktail party on Tuesday April 5.  The hosts: Barbara Becker, Carlos Betancourt, Susanne Birbragher and Criselda and Jonathan Breene – all decked out in Gucci – welcomed guests including Belkys Nerey, Frank Amadeo, Brian Antoni, Cathy Leff, Iran Issa-Khan, Jeri Wolfson, Jilian Sanz, John Lin, Karla Dascal, Lisa Petrillo, Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson, Jr., Rodner Figueroa, Sam Robin, Gingi Beltran, D. Ashlee Harrison and Susie Wahab. 

The new boutique, designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, evokes the Art Deco era.  Men’s and women’s ready-to-wear styles, purses, shoes, jewelry and accessories as well as the newly launched children’s collection are elegantly displayed amid luxurious accents in rosewood, marble, ribbed glass and polished gold.

 In honour of its 90^th Anniversary, and to demonstrate its commitment to art preservation and restoration, Gucci is making a special contribution to The Wolfsonian–FIU to support the future installation of the Italian Double Parlor (1900-01), a rare surviving example of Italian art nouveau designed by Agostino Lauro. 

Donna Karan and Maria Bello at Sustainatopia Awards

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

On Sunday, April 3, Donna Karan, Maria Bello, Selita Ebanks, and Michael Capponi were among the recipients of the Sustainatopia Honors 2011, presented by Plum TV.  These extraordinary philanthropists were honored for their charitable efforts through “impact investing, philanthropy, and sustainable business practices,” at an exclusive cocktail party and awards ceremony at Frank Gehry’s latest architectural marvel, the New World Center in Miami Beach. 

Medium star, Patricia Arquette, (more of a “small” in person but with a HUGE heart) spoke at the event, followed by special performances included Latin Jazz singer, Maria Rivas; motion and visual performance artist, Natasha Tsakos; and founder of the first “green art community” in Florida, Luis Valenzuela.  Special guests included:  Danoushka. 

About winning this prestigious humanitarian award, Michael Capponi remarked, “To be in the company of so many talented and dedicated individuals- Donna Karan, Maria Bello, Selita Ebanks, and Patricia Arquette, was such an honor. Sustainatopia brought us together, each having different projects and goals in mind (all wanting to help the Haitian people). After meeting, we are now all working together. We have become a stronger force as a team and we hope we will be more effective and ultimately reach more people.”   Read the rest here »

Lea Black

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Lea Black worked the room like a “hundred thousand dollar hooker” (her words) during the animated auction at the Blacks’ Annual Gala at the Eden Roc Renaissance on Saturday night –the party of parties- which gets bigger and better every year.  While the event is technically hosted by Lea AND Roy Black – Roy admiringly introduced his wife prior to her taking the stage by admitting that he is just a “Househusband.” Who ever thought we’d see the day?  A beaming Roy looked on as Lea- stunning in a low-cut, sparkly, black Versace gown which showed off her newly trim and toned “everything” worked the room like only she can. And what a room it was…wall to wall rectangular tables covered in silk silver tablecloths, surrounded by Miami’s who’s who, enjoying a gourmet meal served family style.  Recent Celebrity Apprentice alum, Grammy Award winning artist/actress/Diva Dionne Warwick wowed the crowd with a mini-concert of her most famous songs, including “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” which had some guests singing along arm-in-arm.  Warwick departed abruptly, perhaps to get some beauty sleep, the reason for her firing from Celebrity Apprentice.

After dinner, guests were escorted into the Pompeii Ballroom, for the “Nightclub Experience,” where DJ Irie spun great dance music until after midnight, when Grammy Award winning singer/record producer, Pharrell took to the stage to perform and work the crowd into a frenzy. The feisty and seemingly tipsy, Brazilian wild child, Adriana de Moura joined Pharell on-stage, dancing with the rapper, and with Roy Black, who was also up there, with a  gaggle of gals. Read the rest here »

Brunello Cucinelli Boutique Grand Opening at Bal Harbour Shops

On Thursday, March 31st, Italian cashmere guru, Mr. Brunello Cucinelli, joined hosts, Leticia & Miky Grendene and Carole & Oscar Seikaly, to celebrate the grand opening of its newest boutique located at the legendary Bal Harbour Shops.

With over 200 guests, attendees included: HIH Princess Thi-Nga of Vietnam; Tennis Star – Gabriella Sabatini; News Anchor – Belkys Nerey; and Swimwear Designer – Ariel Stein; among other Miami socialites Lin Airson, Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Laura Buccellati, Francesca Halpyrn, Fana Holtz, Lydia Touzet and Gigi & Randy Whitman gathered in the 1,600 square foot boutique for an evening of luxury, fashion and charity. A percentage of proceeds from the evening as well as the weekend were donated to the Jackson Memorial Foundation Guardian Angels benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital.  

While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and white wines with an Italian twist, guests were able to meet and mingle with Mr. Brunello Cucinelli during his first trip to South Florida. Collections on display included the Spring/Summer 2011 men’s and women’s apparel as well as Brunello Cucinelli accessories which were displayed throughout the store. The evening was filled with the true Italian spirit that only Mr. Brunello Cucinelli could bring to Bal Harbour.

Lara and Fati Rosenberg

By: Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Shore

msalvat@miamisocialholic.com

MIYO Home owners, Fati Rosenberg and Stephanie Jourdan, opened their hearts and the doors to their fabulous showroom last Thursday to host a chic event to benefit the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation. The MIYO Home “Chair-ity” joined forces with eight local artists, including Iran Issa-Kahn, Seth Browarnik, Hillary Scrutis, Briggs Solomon, Fernando Wong, Robert Zemnickis and Thom Filicia, each of whom decorated a MIYO Home Chair with his own unique vision, using the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation for inspiration.  The one-of-a kind pieces were auctioned off at Thursday’s cocktail to raise over $30,000 for the foundation.

Well-heeled guests braved the decorative rocks in MIYO’s Zen Garden to admire the creative works such as the Patton Group’s, “Miami Housewives” chair, covered top to bottom with a collage of decoupage newspaper clippings and accentuated by a rhinestone pink flamingo in the middle, signed by the RHOM “fab four:” Lea Black, Alexia Echeverria, Adriana de Moura, and of course Marysol Patton, each of whom spent a good deal of time delighting in their carefully positioned press cut-outs.  Iran Issa-Khan’s chair incorporated her famed coral formations and included a list of well-known actors and artists suffering from the debilitating disorder. Celebrity photographer Seth Browarnik’s creation was positioned on a swatch of red carpet.  How apropos!

Fati Rosenberg, a long-time supporter of the cause said, “The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation is very near and dear to me. It’s the first charitable organization fully committed to furthering the study of early-onset bipolar disorder. I am appreciative to have the support of the artists who’ve contributed their talent and effort to help me draw awareness and educate our community about this debilitating condition.”  Read the rest here »

Eleazar Delgado Gallery Preview

Fine artist, Eleazar Delgado, whose latest collection is inspired by Miami’s history and vibrant colors, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and VIP preview at his Wynwood studio (2703 N.W. 2nd Avenue) on Thursday, April 7 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. during which one of his paintings worth over $6, 000 will be donated to the American Red Cross to be auctioned at an upcoming gala. Delgado’s works pay homage to Miami’s original benefactors such as Julia Tuttle, Henry Flagler and Carl Fisher using doors as his canvas to symbolize the doors these prominent figures opened. The event is open to the public but RSVP is required. Contact JennyLee@jl-pr.com for further information and to RSVP.  

WALL’s Weekend Lineup

WALL Miami and Karim Masri, Nicola Siervo, Navin Chatani and Jarred Grant present the entertainment lineup for this weekend, when the exclusive lounge inside W South Beach hosts a number of local DJ favorites. This Thursday, April 7, guest hosts Michael Capponi & Michael Martin bring you DJ Sinatra; Friday, Miami’s Mr. Mauricio will be spinning with a closing set by Triarchy; Saturday, Miss Cady’s Brazilian touch will set the vibe.  To reserve a table, email rsvp@wallmiami.com.

GBS Hosts Spring Money-Free Makeovers 

GBS in Aventura, will be honoring their annual Customer Appreciation Day on Thursday, April 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Shoppers can discover new products while they enjoy complimentary hair, skin and make-up consultations from the most recognized and respected brands in the beauty industry.  Customers will be treated to a plethora of product samples and a 20 percent VIP discount on every product in the entire store. For more information call 305.931.5291.

LegalArt Residency Launch

On Thursday April 7, from 7:00 to10:00 p.m.,   join Miami’s top artists as they launch Private Eye: LegalArt Residency, the city’s only Live/Work residency. Go behind the scenes to see artist studios and bid on unique experiences with some of the city’s best known creative minds.  Located in a converted 1920’s warehouse, the Residency consists of seven artist studios plus communal living space. For tickets and details on the event visit:  www.legalartmiami.org.

Kids Eat Miami

Join Jungle Island along with Common Threads, a fundraiser that offers children in low socio-economic areas access to nutritional and cooking education, for KEM or Kids Eat Miami on Saturday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m.  KEM involves local restaurateurs and chefs who are focused on healthy eating and offer healthy fare. Tickets are $25 each and will grant visitors full access to the park and Kids Eat Miami. Tickets purchased through Leadership Miami will receive $10 off the Jungle Island adult ticket price. For more informationand to purchase tickets to this event, visit www.KidsEatMiami.com.

Family Day at Village of Merrick Park

The Village of Merrick Park invites guests to enjoy “Family Day,” an afternoon of shopping and fun for the entire family on Saturday, April 9 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The event will feature children’s activities throughout the center along with an interactive kids DJ and a scavenger hunt with prizes, celebrating the many children’s stores within the center such as Janie & Jack, Pottery Barn Kids and the recently opened Gymboree Play & Music and Pili Carrera. Another event component is a raffle benefitting the Children First Society for UM Pediatrics, a foundation dedicated to supporting the treatment and prevention of illnesses in children throughout South Florida and beyond.  Event is open to the public, for more information call 305.529.0200.

MAKI MADNESS Sushi Eating Contest at RA  

Calling all competitive eaters!  RA Sushi in South Miami invites everyone, from novice to professional food eaters, to enter its 3^rd annual MAKI MADNESS sushi-eating contest on Saturday, April 9, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Organized like a bracket system; this contest will take place in rounds and heats. During the first three rounds, the competitors who demolish two uncut RA Sushi signature Tootsy Maki rolls in the fastest amount of time during their heat advance to the next round. The grand prize eater will receive free sushi for a year, a $600 value, as well as bragging rights as the MAKI MADNESS champion.  2^nd place will win a $100 gift certificate, 3^rd place will receive a $50 gift certificate and 4^th place will get a $25 gift certificate.  All participants will receive a RA Sushi sweatband or t-shirt and participants who do not advance to the final four will receive Appetizer Cards for use during their next visit. MAKI MADNESS is limited to the first 40 entries. Applications are available at RA Sushi in South Miami or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RAsushiSouthMiami.

Chef Michael Schwartz at the Biltmore Hotel

On Saturday, April 9 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Biltmore Hotel, Michael Schwartz, the executive chef/owner of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Miami Design District and Grand Cayman, will preside over an interactive cooking demonstration showcasing easy but elegant recipes taken from his debut cookbook, Michael’s Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat. Guests will enjoy Deutz Champagne while whipping up a splendid lunch at their tables led by Chef Schwartz. Immediately following the luncheon, Schwartz will sign copies of his cookbook, also available for purchase on-site. Tickets for Cellar Club Members cost $52; non-member tickets cost $65. Space is limited.  For reservations call (305) 913-3203 or go online to www.thecellarclub.com.

 Archdiocese Gala

The Archdiocese of Miami Gala, to benefit the Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco and the Pierre Toussaint Leadership Learning Center will take place on Saturday, April 9 at the JW Marriott Marquis (345 Ave Of The Americas). The Learning Centers offer unique after school program for at-risk kids. The gala begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing at 9 p.m. Table sponsorships run from $5,000 to $25,000. Individual tickets cost $400. For further information contact Martha Velasquez at mvelasquez@theadom.org or 305.762.1051.

Heart of a Chef

Heart of a Chef, the “foodalicious” festival which children and adults have come to love takes over the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10. The emphasis again this year is on the prevention of childhood obesity and the promotion of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Activities will include free food tastings, wine with the wildlife (can’t wait to see how that goes), healthy substitution seminars, chef cook-offs between Whole Foods vs. Le Cordon Bleu, Miami Dade Senior High and 1500^◦ Executive Chef & Hell’s Kitchen runner up Paula DaSilva vs. 1500^◦ Sous Chef and fellow Hell’s Kitchen contestant,  Ben Walanka.  Also, Slow Food Movement, will present “What’s In Your Lunch Box.” Advance tickets cost: $25 for adults ($30 at the door); $10 for children ($12 at the door). A family package which includes two adults and two children may be purchased for $50. Kids under 5 may enter for free. Once inside all activities are free of charge.  To purchase tickets and for more information go to: www.heartofachef.org.

Sounding Off For a Cure: VABC Benefit Concert

Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m., The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theatre will host a star-studded charity event for Voices Against Brain Cancer.  The benefit will feature performances by artists whose lives have all been affected by brain cancer including The Beach Boys, Gloria Gaynor, Lou Gramm, and The Osmond Bothers. All of the evening’s performances will be accompanied by the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. Additionally, performers will make a special tribute to George Harrison, Celia Cruz, Bob Marley and Nara Leão, all of whom have lost their battle to brain cancer.  Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a live and silent auction followed by unforgettable performances. Voices Against   Brain Cancer is a non-for-profit public charity; one hundred percent of the ticket sales and auction proceeds will support innovative research and programs for brain cancer.  General Admission tickets cost $150/ $300 for VIP tickets and may be purchased online at www.voicesagainstbraincancer.org   or by calling 800.745.3000.

Frozen Treats at TCBY Coral Gables

TCBY at the University Center Shops will open its first Florida location featuring the brand’s new self-serve concept and sleek look on Thursday, April 14, in Coral Gables directly across from the University of Miami. The grand opening event will be a fun-filled evening from 4 to 8p.m. with music and entertainment, everyone will receive a free 3oz. frozen yogurt.  Hosted by owner, Florida native and UM alum, Margo Wolfe, along with Miami’s own Y-100 radio station, TCBY will introduce its revamped image. 

Taste and Toast: United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival

On Thursday April 14, join the United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival and Merrick Park Coral Gables for some of the best wines from around the world and gourmet treats from top local restaurants at this chic outdoor event.  Featured wines will be available for purchase to enjoy at home.  VIP tickets are $150 per person, $75 for general admission.  For more information, visit www.miamiwinefestival.com.