If the shows at the Tents and Paris, the fashion world’s fabulous versions of Mardi gras and Carnaval combined, have left you fashionably jetlagged (even if only in your mind), you’ll be glad to know that we’re heating up the runways right in our own backyard. To boot, at least a few of these fashion fetes and shows are designed to benefit great causes not just to wear out the strip of that Black Card. Here’s to a stimulus plan that actually works, and is oh, so much fun!

One such fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.” Read the rest here »

One special fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.”

VIPs in attendance at this year’s luncheon included: Carolina Ferreiro-Diaz, event chair, Cindy Davis Carr, this year’s Guardians of the Children Honoree, Shirley K. Fletcher, Honorary Chair, and committee members, Vivian Adrian, Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Angela Andrade, Fanny Dascal, Silvia Rios Fortun, Alina Gallart, Fana Holtz, Aslynn Rivera, Marilyn Samlut and Gloria Sesana, along with Chris Riley, Alexia Echavarria, Lisa Pliner, Marlen Pernetti, Loretta Nunez, Rolando Rodriguez, President and CEO of Jackson Memorial Foundation and President and CEO of Jackson Health Systems, Dr. Eneida Roldan and Channel 10 anchor, Laurie Jennings, who served as emcee.

The previous night, Herrera celebrated the opening of her most recent boutique at Bal Harbour Shops with a standing-room only crowd. The event, which, by all accounts was packed to the hilt, was co-hosted by Maria Celeste Arraras and Lourdes Fanjul. Over 300 adoring fans including Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, artist Iran Issa-Khan, socialite Margarita Ziqq and jewelry designer Carole Seikaly packed the intimate 2000 square foot boutique, (that’s about 6.6 square feet per person, without a stitch or seat in the store) the Designers’ fourth free standing boutique to open in the United States boutique. Herrera donated 10% of the proceeds from boutique sales from Wednesday- Saturday to the Guardian Angels.

“I started doing this because I loved fashion,” she says.  “But I had no idea what it would become.” This goes to show that you just never know. On June 2, 2008, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Herrera with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Herrera’s got numerous projects in the works, including new fragrances, a breast cancer awareness campaign, and her ongoing work as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

It seems as though we have been receiving an inordinate number of birthday invitations over the past couple of weeks. We can only surmise that the frigid January temperatures (about 75 in Miami but chillier points north) a few decades ago  resulted in extra canoodling for warmth among the parents of more than a few friends and local personalities, making for some fun and interesting birthday gatherings, to fete our favorite Libras. From Hadley Henriette’s Cuban-Chinese themed party, to Michael Valdes’ soiree in which the best-dressed guests received prizes, to Gino Campodonico’s outlandish Barbie-themed bash at the dollhouse, which featured Lady Gaga impersonator, Rosie Herrera, (who just received rave reviews for her directorial/producer debut with Various Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret performed earlier this year the Adrienne Arsht Center), Libras celebrate creatively.  Other locals celebrating their birthdays this month include: Katrina Campins, Navin Chatani, Erica Freshman, Michael Madd, Hassan Radouane and Angela Santopinto, all of whom hosted a Libra Zodiac party at Red, the Steakhouse on Wednesday.  More birthday parties are in the works for Michael Leonidas Kirkland, Vanessa Poskanzer, and Max Shore.

About Last Night…Dates, Nudies and Cheeks

It’s hard to resist a party named after one our favorite 80’s classics, About Last Night.  Enter Pacific Times’ celebrated chef, Jonathan Eismann, with provocatively named, scrumptious dishes such as the gnudi (pronounced “nudie,”) “dates” and “grouper cheeks” and we are hooked.  O.K., so the food names aren’t so funny in the cold light of day, but they were pretty amusing amidst the glam/hipster (which we’ve recently come to identify as any cute 20/30-something donning a fedora and/or decorative neck fabric) crowd that packed the Design District eatery for the weekly “About Last Night” party, which could be easily confused for the set of a photo shoot or show on the WB, except for the fact that food was present even though the model-types seemed to be more on a liquid diet (duh).  The premise behind the party is that guests spend the night Tweeting and updating their Facebook posts.  How this is different from any other party, fashion show, restaurant outing, date, movie watching, back scratching, driving experience…took us a minute to figure out. Turns out the party’s unique draw, aside from the hot crowd and outstanding food is that the event itself is a Facebook/Twitter “friend” so those who’ve enjoyed a few too many libations and/or suffer short-term memory loss can piece the night together the next morning. (Not necessarily a good thing.) Inaugural hosts Sean Drake and Michelle Leshem drew in a great crowd including Tara Solomon, Nick D’ Annunzio, Megan Harris, Sam Baum, David Glass, Jose Ortiz, Jacquelynn Powers, Eric Newill, Bill Kearney, Debbie Ohanian and Manny Hernandez.  It comes as no surprise that the outstanding food created by Eismann, which is served in style by adorable, friendly waiters resulted in a shout out for Pacific Time by Esquire Magazine as one of the “Best New Restaurants in the U.S.” To be blunt, and quote a fellow diner whom shall remain nameless, “Flavors of orgasmic proportions.”

Coming Up:

Ladies Lunch

Ladies Lunch was recently held at Smith & Wollensky, and offered a terrific opportunity to network with women from all different careers and occupations-not that we ever need a reason to “lunch.” At the gathering, each attendee brought materials and causes to share with the group during a 30-second introduction. Which brings us to our point: if you’re ever in need of a divorce attorney, life coach, or locksmith (certain situations may call for all three), Ladies Lunch is the place to make your connections. The next lunch will be held on Thursday, October 8, at La Goulue in Bal Harbour Shops and will feature Michelle Marchand, an expert in training and development, who will get the ladies involved and inspire the group to get motivated. The next Ladies Lunch South Beach will be held on Thursday, October 15. The SoBe Luncheon will feature guest speaker Pat Morgan of Smooth Sailing Success who will discuss Empowering Women to Be More, Create More Fun & Build Better Relationships. We highly encourage you to bring plenty of business cards. For more information, please contact events@m3events.net or 305-865-5733.

Perks for those in the Biz

A Fish Called Avalon’s executive chef, Brian Cantrell, invites those in the bar, nightclub, hotel and restaurant industries to experience the restaurant’s award-winning cuisine by offering specialty items including wine by the glass or bottle, beer, well cocktails and all signature appetizers at half off the menu price on Monday nights. The 20 year-old South Beach landmark offers modern American seafood with tropical influences and sleek minimalist décor.  It is open daily from 6:00-11:00 p.m. For restaurant reservations please call 305.532.1727.  Visit www.afishcalledavalon.com for more information.

Celebrity Sightings:

Rapper, Ludacris, was at Meat Market last week, celebrating his birthday and drinking his new cognac. Later in the week, Jared (of Subway fame) dined at Meat Market with five friends. He had the wedge salad and Kobe skirt steak. Sounds like that might be a great addition to the Subway menu. Sing it, 50…50 dollar foot-long!

Josh Groban hung out at W South Beach’s WALL nightclub on Friday night – showing up late with a group of friends. He took two tables and sipped on Grey Goose and Patron. Saturday night, Pete Wentz left his show in West Palm Beach to head down to LIV and DJ at the Ocean Drive Magazine Fall Fashion event for Chloe. Wentz asked party guest, Michael Jordan, for a photo but was denied by security.

Earlier on Saturday, Michael Jordan had dinner with Miami Heat/LA Lakers coach, Pat Riley, at Mr. Chow. Later on, Jordan visited Louis with his girlfriend, Miami girl, Yvette Prieto, where he was low-key, enjoying a bottle of Macallan’s 15 Year old Whisky and puffing on a stogie at a table across from the DJ booth, as his party danced around him and ordered cocktails. Generous as usual, Jordan over-tipped his waitress by $100 dollars.  On the same night, designers, Julian Chang and Karelle Levy along with reality star, Michael Cohen, celebrated Hadley Henriette’s birthday at her gorgeous North Bay home.

The Chapelle Show’s, Charlie Murphy, (fans, insert your Rick James impersonation here, “I’m Rick James, B$%ch”) enjoyed a quiet dinner at Houston’s Coral Gables on Sunday night.

Last, because of chronological order, NOT order of significance, former President, Bill Clinton, dined and enjoyed a cigar (how cliché) at Acqualina Resort & Spa on Tuesday night. The former President was served food from Il Mulino. According to the staff, he was extremely friendly.

It is a rarity for a sports-related event to be featured in The Fix unless, of course, said event draws, say… an A-list crowd of VIPs and celebrities, an “orange” (team color) carpet and access to a swank lounge, such as the Ocean Drive Club, as did Monday night’s Dolphins Season Opener at Landshark Stadium.Celebrity arrivals were televised via the “jumbo-tron,” which was visible from the highway. Once inside, guests were escorted to the posh Ocean Drive Club, which was, well, characteristically “Ocean Drive.” From the lighting and cozy couches right down to the oddly interesting astro-turf upholstered ottomans.  Barton G. provided light-fare and there was free-flowing Landshark beer and the uncharacteristic, yet popular, champagne. Champagne at a football game? Talk about “swankified” SoBe tailgating! Celebs in attendance included: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Venus and Serena Williams and Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who were all there showing support for their newly acquired Fins, along with Dan Marino, Tiger Woods, Steve Young, Stewart Scott and Lili Estefan. During the arrivals, Jimmy Buffet and his band played a short pre-game concert for “Parrot Heads” and Fins fans.

Earlier in the week, former “Mr. Ocean Drive,” (insert sarcasm font here) the shy subdued, Rich Santelises, celebrated his birthday at the upstairs lounge at Buzzy’s Burger and Beer Joint. Ultra-hip guests in attendance included: Jerry and Jacquelynn Powers, Lisa Pliner, Chapman Ducote, Michael Comras, David Resnick, Eric and CC Levin, Michael Capponi, Zoltan (who took the party photos) and Dan Goodstadt, to name a few. With his 1000-watt personality, Santelises, stood on a pedestal (o.k. coffee table) and ebulliently thanked each and every one of his friends individually then stated, “A mans riches (no pun intended) are defined by the quality of their friendships. The attendees here tonight illustrate that I am wealthy beyond means or need.”

Almost as cool as the guest list, is the laid-back atmosphere of Burger & Beer Joint. Reminiscent of Purdy Lounge a decade ago, (with better lighting) B &B boasts tasteful “garage sale décor,” a retro-chic vibe, great music, friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks. An added plus is the delicious food at great prices. Of course, the fact that you can “add truffles to anything” is a reason to visit all on its own. Downstairs there’s a casual restaurant with an extensive menu that even includes a 10 lb. burger (Don’t ask.), huge beer selection and plasmas for watching all your favorite teams this season.

Groove is in the Art

The brand-spanking new, Urbanite Bistro, a quaint, cozy resto-bar which looks like a typical, underground SoHo spot, invites you to embrace your inner “boho, artistic child” thanks to its rotating exhibits of local artwork, which are for sale and decorate its trendy, plum colored walls. Urbanite offers eclectic bistro fare, of which we recommend the shrimp corn dogs (how can you go wrong?), Pad Thai, and alligator egg-rolls (if you dare). How’s that for “eclectic? Of course, there are your usual meat and potatoes dishes and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. The place also features two stylish and well-appointed bars, perfect for a few cocktails before hitting neighboring clubs, Vagabond and Karu & Y. If you crave a little nosh during clubbing, return to Urbanite- the kitchen closes at 3:00.

To show its support of the local art scene, The Urbanite Bistro invites guests to a public arts reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. This month this “rotating gallery” hosts provocative artwork by Latin American artists, Gabriela Sanchez-Vegas and Rudolf Kohn. Guests will receive an Urbanite VIP card, redeemable for a complimentary specialty cocktail during the reception. The Urbanite Bistro is located at 62 NE 14th Street. Reservations may be made by calling 305.374.0662 or visiting www.urbanitebistro.com. Valet parking is free.

Coming Up:

Cutest Boy Bands this side of Liverpool

Adorable New York City-based, foursome, The Postelles, will perform their latest hits, including the single produced by The Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr., at Club 50 at Viceroy, on Friday, September 25, presented by Jose Cuervo Platino and Novel. Guests are invited to enjoy an open bar hosted by the premium tequila line, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. and drink specials throughout the evening. The Postelles, combine a unique blend of “feel good” retro and modern alternative pop. Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue. Entrance is free. Please RSVP to info@novelcomm.com.

Another cute, young boy-band, the Heavy Pets will be performing at Tobacco Road on October 2 at 9:00 p.m. Word on the street is that they are “by far, the best local band!” The Heavy Pets just wrapped up concerts at Bonnaroo, Moe.Down and several other festivals this summer and they are starting a winter tour right after next week’s show. No RSVP required. Admission is only $6 at the door.

Something to Wine About

“Uncork the fun” at the 8th Annual Miami International Wine Fair this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where nearly 500 wine producers will be on-hand to showcase more than 1,500 wines from 20 different countries, making this event one of the largest wine fairs in America, and featuring wine tastings and seminars for oenophiles 21 and over.  Tickets are priced at $75 per person, with the proceeds going to benefit Educate Tomorrow, and include unlimited wine tasting and food sampling from Miami’s finest restaurants.  The fun starts Saturday, September, 25. For more information, visit http://www.miamiwinefair.com.

About Last Night

On Tuesday, September 29, acclaimed restaurant, Pacific Time, in the Design District, will be partnering with Thrillist.com to launch its weekly dinner party called, “About Last Night.” Chef Brian Bell will prepare small plates for guests as “paparazzi” snap their photos which will be uploaded to the Pacific Time Facebook page. Throughout the night Twitter followers can “tweet” about the place and Facebook fans can then check the “Morning After” albums to tag themselves and reconnect with friends they made the night before, ergo the name.  

In Fashion

The award-winning Venezuelan designer, Carolina Herrera, along with Maria Celeste Arraras and Lourdes Fanjul will celebrate the opening of the Carolina Herrera Bal Harbour Shops boutique and toast Herrera’s spring 2010 Collection on Wednesday, September 30, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The day after her boutique opening, Herrera will present a full runway fashion show of her spring 2010 Collection in conjunction with Jackson Memorial Foundation’s 11^th Annual Guardian Luncheon benefitting Holtz Children’s Hospital, along with Shirley K. Fletcher, this year’s luncheon’s Honorary Chair to celebrate fashion n’ fun.  The luncheon starts at 11:00 a.m. at the InterContinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami. Space is limited. To buy tickets contact: 305.355.4999, or visit www.jmf.org.

Celebrity Sightings:

Latin Grammy award nominee, Cucu Diamantes, surprised guests at Viceroy’s Club 50 on Thursday night with an impromptu performance. Bad boy, Joe Francis, best known for creating “Girls Gone Wild” partied at LIV both Friday and Saturday nights with a bevy of beautiful girls who weren’t as “wild” as you’d expect, or hope for that matter. On Saturday night, at Mansion, musician, Scott Weiland, debuted his clothing line, Weiland for English Laundry and performed a set of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver songs to a packed crowd. Across town on Saturday, at Fort Lauderdale’s Dive Bar, NBA/ reality TV star, Dennis Rodman, was spotted getting down to Shak Nasti.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The brand-spanking new, Urbanite Bistro, a quaint, cozy resto-bar which looks like a typical, underground SoHo spot, invites you to embrace your inner “boho, artistic child” thanks to its rotating exhibits of local artwork, which are for sale and decorate its trendy, plum colored walls.Urbanite offers eclectic bistro fare, of which we recommend the shrimp corn dogs (how can you go wrong?), Pad Thai, and alligator egg-rolls (if you dare). How’s that for “eclectic? Of course, there are your usual meat and potatoes dishes and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. The place also features two stylish and well-appointed bars, perfect for a few cocktails before hitting neighboring clubs, Vagabond and Karu & Y. If you crave a little nosh during clubbing, return to Urbanite- the kitchen closes at 3:00.

To show its support of the local art scene, The Urbanite Bistro invites guests to a public arts reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. This month this “rotating gallery” hosts provocative artwork by Latin American artists, Gabriela Sanchez-Vegas and Rudolf Kohn. Guests will receive an Urbanite VIP card, redeemable for a complimentary specialty cocktail during the reception. The Urbanite Bistro is located at 62 NE 14th Street. Reservations may be made by calling 305.374.0662 or visiting www.urbanitebistro.com. Valet parking is free.

Shoe addicts rejoice! Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has revamped and expanded its shoe department to mirror the famous shoe salon in New York. You know the one with its own zip code. The one you visit EVERY time you’re in the Big Apple. The one where we met Lindsay Price, Molly Sims, Lorraine Bracco, Nina Garcia, Stuart Weitzman, Betsey Johnson, Nigel Barker, Gloria Reuben, Bobby Flay, Stephanie March, Perrey Reeves, Pamela Roland and Wendy Williams at the unveiling of the Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper collection during the New York Fashion Week kick-off last season. Yes, that one. Now there’s a mini one right in our own back yard. We hear Imelda Marcos is shopping for a place in the greater Kendall area.

Dadeland’s 10022-SHOE will have shoe mavens flocking to its stunning new shoe haven, complete with three chandeliers, floating glass bubbles and over 1,000 shoes. New brands include Brian Atwood, Camilla Skovgaard and Elizabeth and James, which will join current favorites, CHANEL, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Giuseppe Zanotti, who will host a shoe signing on Saturday, October 10. Shoes are displayed like works of art (as they should be) on various posh surfaces, such as white glass, antique mirror, limestone, white Carrera marble and grey stained wood, and on modern tables from Eero Saarinen and Warren Platner. You can try on the masterpieces on stylish vintage furniture pieces and custom-designed curved banquettes.

So if Miu Mius, Valentinos, Givenchys and of course, those red-soled wonders make you simply swoon, put Dadeland’s 10022-SHOE salon on your itinerary. Oh, and be sure to give our best to Imelda. Read the rest here »