Falling for Spring Fashions

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ushered in a new era this year with the historical move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center and a major upgrade in technology: the addition of Fashion GPS-which streamlined communication and expedited check-in procedures.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg showed his support for the move, declaring, that he thought Lincoln Center would be a “perfect place for a fashion show–fashion is art.”  He went on to say, “New York City is fully committed to the health and growth of our fashion industry.”

The consensus among organizers and industry insiders was that this inaugural season at Lincoln Center was a success.  A common thread among designers for their spring collections was the presence of beige, which ruled the runways, alongside neighbors on the color palette, white and ivory-in sheer and non-sheer fabrics and the requisite spattering of black.  Several designers showcased vintage designs, including Gottex and Betsey Johnson, with a throwback to the 80s and Marc Jacobs with his Studio 54 inspired 70s designs, complete with vintage accessories and big floppy hats.

Despite having a mere 36 hours of non-stop fashion week bliss this season, which is akin to squeezing in all of Art Basel in one day or savoring South Beach Wine and Food Festival in a morning,  we’ve put together a brief recap of the good, the great and the “we-couldn’t-make-this-up-if we-tried!”

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Cafeina Launches Wynwood Art Center

As if we needed yet another incentive to head to Cafeina, Wynwood’s trendiest lounge/resto/gallery introduces Art Industry Thursdays, catered to the artists, aficionados and curators who help paint the portrait of the Magic City, along with the unveiling of the Wynwood Exhibition Center at Cafeina (WEC), formerly Cafeina’s 1,000 foot art gallery. Beginning Thursday, September 23, members of Miami’s art communities will receive WEC Perk Cards granting them a 25 percent discount on food and drink purchases from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. in addition to a 15 percent discount on non-Art Industry nights (offer not valid during happy hour). Guests attending the launch party will be treated to complimentary cocktails from 8 to 9 p.m. and music by DJ Bhakti Baxter.

 Cafeina’s owner Ivette Naranjo says, “The launch of WEC, Art Industry and the perk cards are a nod to our neighbors who are working together in making Wynwood Art District a success. I want our exhibition space to be a compliment to the Wynwood Art District as opposed to a competitor in it. My goal is to create a place where Miami’s artistic minds gather to enjoy, discuss and display the work that drives them.” If you ask us, Cafeina’s been achieving that since day one.  Guests are asked to RSVP to cafeina@taraink.com with their art affiliation.

Denim and Diamonds

Udonis Haslem and other Miami Heat players will be doubling down, rolling dice, picking their lucky numbers and going all-in to raise money for the Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation during the 6^th annual Denim & Diamonds fundraising event, which takes place on Saturday, September 25, form 7-11 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom at Fairmont Turnberry Isle (19999 West Country Club Drive in Aventura). 

DJ Irie will serve as emcee and several celebs and sports figures will be on-hand to try their luck at roulette, craps, poker, blackjack and slots.  Expect delicious passed fare from Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s talented chefs, live music and entertainment, cash bars and an impressive array of raffle and silent auction items. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to help at-risk youth reach their full potential both in the classroom and as individuals.

General admission tickets cost $125 per ticket in advance/ $150 at the door. VIP tickets are priced at $500 each and include exclusive benefits such as the opportunity to play poker alongside the Miami Heat players. Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased by calling Barbara Wooten at 954-854-9496.

A Different Kind of Clubbing

For the seventh year in a row, the Junior League of Miami will host a golf tournament to raise funds to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote volunteerism and to benefit its community projects. The scramble-style tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at the famed Blue Monster golf course at Doral Golf Resort & Spa (4400 N.W. 87th Avenue).  The entry fee is $250 per person; $900 for a foursome. Not a golfer? Don’t fret—you can still participate in the post-tournament cocktail reception, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. The celebratory evening will feature live music, a silent auction and raffle with fantastic prizes, and delicious cuisine. To register or purchase tickets, visit the Junior League website: https://www.jlmiami.org/fundraisers-golfform.php.

Café Prima Pasta hosted a slew of celebs this week, Argentine Grammy-nominated Diego Torres and his model girlfriend enjoyed   the fish special with Chef Gerry Cea before heading to New York to perform at Madison Square Garden.  Miami Heat’s Dywane Wade and girlfriend, Gabrielle Union, dined on Chicken Parmigiana (Michael Jordan’s favorite) and the pasta special of the day.   Puerto Rican rap group, Calle 13 enjoyed a variety of Café Prima Pasta’s traditional Italian dishes, and  Lenny Kravitz’s band and personal assistant feasted on a Sicilian dinner of 8 different pasta dishes. 

Gloria Estefan was spotted at Michy’s celebrating a pre-birthday dinner early last week. Joining Estefan were husband Emilio and a few of her closest friends, including famed chef José Andrés, who was in town checking on the developments of his South Beach restaurant at the Ritz Plaza Hotel. The new owner of the Ritz, LA hotelier San Nazarian, recently received a $65 million recapitalization to go forth with plans to transform the place into a trendy hotel under his SLS Hotel brand that will also include a version of LA sushi haute spot, Katsuya.

 Musicians Jon Secada and Nestor Torres had dinner with celeb chef Douglas Rodriguez, among others, at an “underground supper club” dinner held at the chef’s De Rodriguez Cuba restaurant on South Beach Tuesday night.

Rapper Trina and actress Vivica A. Fox hosted a birthday party at Club Play Wednesday night for Trina’s assistant. Also seen at the party: America’s Next Top Model finalist Tocarra.

 Meanwhile, Gloria celebrated her birthday again on Wednesday night, this time at the B Bar at The Betsy, along with pals Rosie O’Donnell and Sharon Gless.

Washington Nationals players Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn dined at Stephen Starr‘s STEAK 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale Tuesday night with three friends.

Former basketball player-turned-professional party person Dennis Rodman stopped by Aventura’s Avenue 29 Wednesday night, posed for a few pictures and hung out with friends at a table out front.

New York Jets’ defensive back, Darrelle Revis was spotted at Plunge Rooftop at Gansevoort Miami Beach.

New Found Glory front man Jordan Pundik dropped by Cafeina on Saturday night after wrapping up his concert performance at Bayfront Park. Currently on a national tour with rock band Paramore, Pundik was spotted inside the lounge-art gallery sipping on café con leche martinis and noshing on Cafeina’s famous crab cakes. The tattoo-laden singer’s entourage included his (nine-month) pregnant wife and several family members and friends. Before heading out, Pundik popped into the kitchen to pose for a picture with chef Guily Booth and to compliment her crab cakes. He then paused to view Cafeina’s current art exhibition by Laurence Gartel before rejoining his band mates on the tour bus.

Season’s Bests 2010- Part II

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

maryjoshore@aol.com

This week we continue our guide to the best Miami has to offer in the words of some of the city’s top tastemakers.  Check back next week for even more great recommendations. Read the rest here »