By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

To say that New York Fashion Week (NYFW) was HOT- would be an understatement. With temps reaching “center-of-the-earth” record breaking highs, attendees were ready to buy the cool looks right off the runways. Once again, various designers offered a runway to retail format this season—Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Siriano, Thakoon, Rebecca Minkoff, and Ralph Lauren among them, wherein the looks in the shows were available for purchase immediately, rather than six months from now. Some of the trends that dominated NYFW were off-the-shoulder and one shoulder styles, statement jackets, hoodies, bra tops, and athleisure, which was especially prevalent at DKNY, Lacoste, and Alexander Wang.

Common across the runways were florals, stripes, flowy/ethereal looks, pastels and bold colors; ruffles, and models with bare faces. Designers had guests traipsing across town, bringing the whimsy courtesy of unique venues and presentations. Tommy Hilfiger threw a carnival at the South Street Seaport, to launch his collaboration with model, Gigi Hadid, who opened the show. The carnival included rides, fair food and lots of VIPs who couldn’t get enough of the relaxed and fun atmosphere, despite the sweltering heat. Taylor Swift sat in the front row, singing along to ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris’ blockbuster, (which she wrote), “This is What You Came For.” Alexander Wang’s show and afterparty were at Pier 94, with a sweaty/campy vibe- complete with a McDonald’s McRig and 7-11 pop up, serving Slurpees to guests including Madonna and her daughter, Lourdes Leon. Rebecca Minkoff’s show in front of her Soho boutique had models strutting down the runway down the actual street, followed by a shopping event at her store, where guests could immediately purchase the runway looks. Donna Karan’s show was at the Highline and Club Monaco presented in the middle of Grand Central Station.

Fortunately, Lexus, Official Automotive Partner of NYFW: The Shows and MADE New York presenting sponsor, provided luxury transportation to editors and VIPs in their gorgeous and comfortable, luxury vehicles, 21 of which were custom- wrapped in prints by MADE designers Adam Selman, The Blonds, Brock Collection and 69, (previewing the runway prints), as part of its #HowFashionTravels campaign. Designers and their guests also took respite in the Lexus luxury lounge, which returned for the 8^th season, providing refreshments and a chance to rub elbows with celebrities. September 2016 marked Lexus’ third consecutive season as the Official Automotive Partner of NYFW: The Shows and the 11th consecutive season with MADE New York. Lexus aims to “ensure that designers and their guests arrive in style while traversing the official New York Fashion Week venues at Skylight Moynihan Station, Skylight Clarkson Square and Milk Studios.” Below are just a few of the top shows and events of NYFW.

Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff showed her FW16 Collection at the first ever outdoor seated fashion show on the streets of Soho, (on Greene Street between Prince and Spring), in front of her New York flagship store, with a star studded front row and a live musical performance by Beau. Minkoff drew inspiration from her “love affair with New York City, her consumer, technology, and bringing awareness to a cause.” Minkoff’s #RunwayToRetail show featured folk rock girl duo, Beau, who gave a live performance as models walked down the cobblestone street that served as a runway at noon on September 10th. “After the success of last season’s See Buy Wear show, we decided to continue evolving the ways we can give our customer access to our product with immediacy. We elevated the experience for her and literally took our show to the streets with Runway to Retail,” said Rebecca Minkoff. Along with models, powerful influencers such as Arielle Charnas of Something Navy, Chriselle Lim of The Chriselle Factor, Gala Gonzalez of Amlul, Shea Marie of Peace Love Shea and Caroline Vreeland walked the runway. After the show, the store’s doors were opened, and guests and consumers were given the chance to shop the collection and meet Minkoff and the influencers. In order to bring awareness to an important cause, Minkoff partnered with Ann Lewis, the celebrated street artist gilf!, to paint inspirational words on the back of her signature leather jacket for the finale walk. This and other gilf! customized pieces were auctioned off with proceeds going to NOT ON OUR WATCH, a charity that has accomplished admirable humanitarian work. Notable guests included: Victoria Justice, Camila Alves, Coco Rocha, Olivia Palermo, Aimee Song, Eva Chen and Louise Roe among others.

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Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano showcased his collection at the trendy Artbeam Studios. When asked about his inspiration, the Project Runway winner expressed, “My Spring 2017 collection is perfect for a getaway on the Isle of Capri. Vintage photos from the late 60s and 70s — particularly Settimio Garritano’s photos of Jackie Onassis’ vacations in Capri from 1969 to 1973 -inspired a cool, modern seaside collection fit for a world-traveled woman. Garritano captured Onassis’ effortless chic and elegant silhouettes. The turquoise waters and citrus orange-striped umbrella-lined beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea inspired a bright and bold color palate. In the collection are soft cotton stripes, woven raffia, textured lace, and sheer organza overlays: casual elegance for day and evening.” Of note and perfectly complementing the colorful looks on the runway, were multiple, striped, brightly hued beach umbrellas, which hung upside down above the runway.

Four looks inspired by the various prints, textiles, and colors of Siriano’s Spring/Summer 17 collection were available immediately after the show, exclusively on Amazon.com. In addition to the see now, buy now runway collection, select shoe styles from Siriano’s signature fragrance, “Silhouette,” are also currently available for purchase. Several celebrities joined Siriano at his show, including actresses, Pamela Anderson, Neve Campbell, Jaimie Alexander, Christina Hendricks, Isabelle Furman, Ashley Graham; models, Leigh Lezark and Coco Rocha; television personality, Kelly Osbourne and writer, Janet Mock.

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Binzario Couture

Binzario Couture debuted its Spring/Summer 2017 collection, “Daydream” at the Affinia Hotel Manhattan’s Fitzgerald Ballroom, drawing a crowd nearly three times larger than expected. The room was filled with fashion enthusiasts, celebrity stylists, and celebrities, including: D. Smith and Mimi Faust – cast of Love and Hip-hop, Darnell Thibodeaux and Ashley Roberts, of WAGs Miami, Natalie Eva Marie, WWA Wrestler, Bianca Espada, of E!’s Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and Marissa Jade, of Mob Wives.

Yabin and Nazario’s collection focused on the “Modern Woman, staying true to the essential feminine touch, which is the cornerstone of Binzario couture designs.

Of note were the extraordinary detail and beauty of each of the 20 pieces, which included light pastels, luscious embroidery and a mix of delicate and structured dressing. The wispy transparent fabrics, layered with a sea of pearls and stones were stunning. The brand introduced a number of rompers, jumpsuits and transparent dusters – all made with a high level of couture details.

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Lacoste

Official partner of the Miami Open for the past two seasons, and outfitter to the tournament staff, Lacoste presented a collection during NYFW that embraces comfort, elegance and sensuality. Designer Felipe Oliveira was inspired by a dream of a chic tennis match on a rooftop in Capri; showcasing a wide range of hooded or shawl-collared bathrobes, along with terrycloth bustier dresses that are belted high on the waist highlighting the effortless silhouette. A faux-denim jacket, as well as reversible terry Bermuda shorts, platform sneakers, sporty track suits, and long tank dresses were just a few of the looks. Lacoste’s animal mascot appeared on a new generation of tropical prints, giving the athleisure line a sophisticated feel. Lacoste ’s Spring-Summer 2017 collection “lays the foundations of a new state of mind, one that centers on the notion of natural seduction.”

The Social Scene

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Tao Group co-owner Noah Tepperberg and actress Katie Holmes attend the Avra Madison grand opening party on September 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Avra Madison)

Avra Madison

The Tao Group’s latest restaurant outpost, Avra Madison, (14 East 60th Street), opened with the fanfare and celebrity presence we’ve come to expect from the “kings of restaurants/nightlife,” Tao partners, Noah Tepperberg, Marc Packer, Richard Wolf, and Jason Strauss. Actresses Katie Holmes, Elena Kampouris; TV personality/fashion designer Jill Martin; Tiffany Trump, TV personalities Richie and Kathy Wakile and Jonathan Cheban; TONY Award nominee Constantine Maroulis; Olympic track and field athlete, Tori Bowie, and Celebrity chefs: Eric Ripert, Todd English and Josh Capon gathered to celebrate the debut of the upscale Greek eatery. Guests enjoyed copious amounts of lobster, oysters, shrimp and all sorts of Greek specialties and delicacies, along with free flowing top-shelf cocktails, Champagne and wines. The party went on until late in the evening, with music by DJ Cassidy, who kept the dance floor packed. The bi-level 207-seat restaurant, which once housed the storied Copacabana and appeared in such films such as Tootsie, Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way is yet another jewel in the crown of the Tao Group, serving traditional Greek cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and outstanding service.

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Tome

A fashionable crowd gathered downtown at the trendy Café Henrie to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Tome, hosted by comedienne Sandra Bernhard. Guests indulged in an evening of flamboyant fashion and lavish amounts of Moët & Chandon Champagne.

CFDA Fashion Fund winners Ramon Martin and Ryan Lobo welcomed friends and fashionables to dance the night away to beats by Kitty Cash and special guest DJ Lady Miss Kier (Dee-Lite). Additional notables in attendance included: Marisa Tomei, Lauren Hutton, Jessica Lowndes, and TK & Cipriana Quann (Urban Bush Babes). Moët & Chandon also debuted the newly-redesigned Moët Minis, which have quickly become one of the season’s chicest accessories. Guests enjoyed their Moët bubbly from golden flute-toppers.

NYC Bites

Bill’s Townhouse

Bill’s Townhouse, once known as the Bill’s Gay 90s, has reopened its doors with a speakeasy feel. The neighborhood gem is housed inside a 19th century landmark that has been around since the prohibition era; the townhouse evokes a “lived-in” feel complete with vintage art-lined walls and a piano bar. The restaurant offers an old-world elegance without felling stuffy and boasts one of the most eclectic menus we’ve tried. The extensive menu truly has something for everyone: from the classic New York strip steak to a variety of Bill’s house made buttered noodles (we recommend the lobster or the beef) to the most flavorful gazpacho with crab meat. Along with the extensive bar menu and private dining room, Bill’s Townhouse is the go-to venue for business lunches, romantic dinners, a wild happy hour and family gatherings. For more information, visit: http://www.billstownhouse.com/

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Benoit New York

Alain Ducasse’s upscale Midtown French Bistro is a true delight. Just down the street from Fifth Avenue, modeled after the French original, Benoit channels the classic feel of a Parisian parlor right in Midtown New York. With exquisite French fare, diners can expect excellent service with flair. To start, the fabulous hors d’oeuvres are served in choices of three or five per plate, to get the party started. We enjoyed the roasted and smoked eggplant, sea bass, and the Chicken Ballotine. For our second course our server recommended the classic French onion soup- the ultimate comfort food, as well as the crispy lump crab corn volute. The traditional French onion soup was one of the best, and can serve as a meal on its own. The crispy lump crab corn volute stole the show with the creamiest corn chowder and most delicious corn/crab fritters, beautifully served in a plate decorated with edible flowers. For our entrees we had the mouthwatering 16-ounce sirloin with a béarnaise sauce and seared Maine sea scallops with a cauliflower mash. Needless to say, not a morsel was spared. The pièce de résistance was dessert: profiteroles with a chocolate ganache- to die for! In all, the reimagined Benoit is an exemplary French restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. Another success story for Alain Ducasse. For more information, visit: http://www.benoitny.com.

Swine Southern Table & Bar

Swine Southern Table and Bar, the award-winning southern eatery continues with its delectable 3-course Miami Spice menus for both lunch and supper, featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients in dishes that showcase their signature Southern cuisine. Highlights on the menu include: Swine burger, pork chop and ribs, but you really can’t go wrong with any dish on the exceptional menu. Cocktails are a must! We highly recommend the Rosita- a one of a kind delight made with guava. For reservations visit: http://www.runpigrun.com.

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale and S.T.O.P. Create a B Humane Beachfront Experience

The newly renovated B Ocean Resort situated directly on their own private section of the famous Fort Lauderdale beach will offer a once in a lifetime experience including a custom vacation available throughout sea turtle nesting season. Guests who purchase the package will be educated about the endangered sea turtles in a 4-hour “Turtle Trek,” a permitted activity of Sea Turtle Oversight Protection that is authorized by the FWCC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.) The unique adventure begins with a 30-minute educational program, where you’ll learn about the coastal habitat, the species of turtle that nest on Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, their life cycle and the natural and human-caused dangers that affect them. Next, rescue volunteers take guests on a journey to possibly see sea turtles hatch and emerge from their nests as they head to the ocean and begin their life. In addition to the eco-tour, the package will include 20% off daily rates, transportation to the Sea Turtle Oversight Protection headquarters, a sea turtle information kit and souvenir, as well as bottled water and a snack along the trail. Due to the late hour and nature of the program, it is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. To book, visit, http://www.bhotelsandresorts.com/b-ocean/modal/hatch-plan-b-humane.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Elegant, romantic and tres chic, the St. Regis Bar & Sushi Lounge features an exclusive selection of the world’s finest champagnes, rare vintage wines, and hand crafted cocktails, complemented by an innovative menu of sushi and various fine dishes. Perfect for a romantic evening or an intimate night out with friends, this beautiful space offers impeccable food and service, and serves cocktails and wines along with live music nightly. One close friend, for whom the St. Regis is “first date central,” begrudgingly shared why she loves this place so much, “It exudes old-world glamour, is intimate enough to plan a second date, and serves a crazy-good martini.”

From the moment you arrive at the resort, you are treated like a VIP. From being greeted by name, personally escorted to the restaurant, and seated at a perfect table, you know you’re in for something special. Inside the St. Regis Bar, surrounded by beveled mirrors and chandeliers, you’d swear you were inside a jewelry box.

Yet aside from the unparalleled atmosphere, the real star is the food. Jillian Jacobson, creator of the Asian cuisine concept takes great pride in showcasing the carefully selected menu which incorporates only the best ingredients, and showcases great attention to details. Each dish is exquisitely prepared. While difficult to pick a favorite, we highly recommend the Big Eye Tuna tacos, Maine Lobster roll, Rainbow roll and Jules roll (Alaskan King Crab, Cucumber, Spicy Mayo, Soy Paper). But for a truly life changing experience, order the Land and Sea Roll, (Wagyu Beef, Alaskan King Crab, White Truffle Oil, Avocado, Cucumber). You really can’t go wrong with any of the menu selections.

Throughout the month of September, take advantage of the Miami Spice menu: a decadent three course dinner for only $39. Chef selections include: Big Eye Tuna tacos or Tuna Tataki Salad; Lamb Chops or Soba Noodles and dessert. A wine pairing is available for an additional $25. From start to finish, the St. Regis Bar & Sushi Lounge Bal Harbour delivers an extraordinary dining experience.

For more information, visit: www.stregisbalharbour.com.

River Yacht Club Labor Day Soiree

Join River Yacht Club on Saturday, September 3rd from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. for their first ever Labor Day Soiree! Featuring an impressive waterfront lineup of VanDutch, Axopar, and Tecnomar EVO yachts, there is no better way to celebrate the long weekend than with a waterfront view and specials on Perrier Jouet!

RSVP: reservations@riveryachtclub.com

Call to book table reservations: 305-200-5716 

COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach Extends Miami Spa Month 

COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach, the inaugural hotel property in the U.S by COMO Hotels and Resorts, is continuing to offer its exclusive menu of hand-picked treatments developed at a reduced rate for Miami Spa Month for an additional 61-days – through October 31st. For the entire months of September and October, COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach invites enthusiasts and aficionados of holistic health to experience a continuation of its award-winning wellness and spa concept located on the eighth floor of the hotel property, that includes the region’s only rooftop Hydrotherapy Pool, offering outstanding oceanfront views of Miami Beach. COMO Shambhala Urban Escape will extend its offer of the spa’s most popular and diverse Asian-based therapies to choose from – all at exclusively reduced rates from September 1st through October 31st, 2016. Reservations at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach can be made by calling 305-695-3600 or emailing met.mia@comoshambhala.com. For more information on COMO Shambhala, visit www.comoshambhala.com. COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach is located at 2445 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140.  For further information, visit www.comohotels.com/metropolitanmiamibeach

The St. Regis Bal Harbour 

The St. Regis Bal Harbour is giving travelers even more reasons to visit Miami Beach this winter with a $35 million reinvestment in the property to further elevate the guest experience. A significant project only five years after opening, The St. Regis Bal Harbour’s exciting resort enhancements include three expansive four-bedroom guest suites, a new indoor-outdoor Greek restaurant and expanded lobby lounge space — all slated for completion before the end of 2016.

What’s New at The St. Regis Bal Harbour

• Three Brand New Four-Bedroom Suites – The new Signature Suites Collection offers an airy feel of luxury residential living for up to 10 guests per suite. The three spacious four-bedroom and four-bathroom suites feel like private penthouses with all of the amenities of a luxury resort, including the famed St. Regis Butler service. What’s more, two of the suites on the 23^rd floor may be combined to form one massive eight-bedroom suite, which spans over 7,500 square feet and can accommodate up to 20 guests – the largest suite on the East Coast!
• New Greek Restaurant – The beautiful indoor-outdoor Greek restaurant, Atlantikós, is slated to open at the end of September.  Atlantikós will exude an authentic Greek atmosphere, reminiscent of the bright blue and white contrasting colors of Santorini with a menu featuring dishes inspired by the Greek isles.
• New Lobby Lounge – At the heart of the resort, the new lobby lounge will be an elegant, yet comfortable, social destination to gather and enjoy pastries and savory bites from celebrated Chef Antonio Bachour. The afternoon tea ritual has been a treasured tradition at The St. Regis for decades and will remain in the new lobby lounge as one of the resort’s most anticipated and superb culinary experiences, available 24 hours advance reservation

Friends of St, Jude Kick-off at Marion and El Tucan

Friends of St. Jude (FOSJ) Miami, the young professional group dedicated to raising awareness and funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®, is hosting the official Kick-off for its signature event, International Dermatology It’s All About the Kids presented by The Andres Asion Foundation(IAAK). The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1at 7p at Marion, in Brickell. Tickets are $15 for FOSJ members and $25 for non-members and include complimentary cocktails and bite. All guests will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to IAAK. Tickets can also be purchased online at stjude.org/itsallaboutthekids or by calling (305) 265-1371. All proceeds from go directly to St. Jude. To join the event conversation online, use the official hashtag:  #FriendOfStJudeMiami.

Treat Yourself to a Weekend with Lady Luck at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort

“Lady Luck,” the 324-foot tanker ship from New York City has become one of the biggest contributions to South Florida’s artificial reef system and one of the most easily accessible major dive sites in the nation. We encourage you to book a weekend stay at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach  beautiful resort, situated on the beach, with state of the art amenities, two pools, a kids’ play area, excellent service and a terrific breakfast buffet. The tanker, which is longer than a football field, has been sunk one mile from the resort. It is now the centerpiece of Shipwreck Park, a unique underwater cultural arts park surrounded by 16 other existing wrecks with underwater art exhibits created by Pompano Beach artist Dennis MacDonald. Art displays include a swim-through cascade of gigantic dice, a card-slinging Octopus and hustling table sharks as part of the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park sponsorship.

For more information on Lady Luck and Shipwreck Park, Inc., visit www.sinktheladyluck.com. For information or to make reservations at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, please visit www.pompanomarriott.com or call 855-954-4683.

Miami Spice Heat Up

KLIMA Restaurant and Bar

KLIMA tempts gourmet enthusiasts with a set menu that presents some of the restaurant’s most popular creations, demonstrating why KLIMA Restaurant and Bar has become one of the most admired restaurants in the city.  KLIMA’s Miami Spice Month program for 2016 will consist of a $39 pre-fix dinner menu available from Monday to Saturday untill September 30th.

 KLIMA Restaurant and Bar is located at 210 23rd Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139, and is now open for daily dinner reservations from 6:00 p.m. by calling 786.453.2779, by emailing Reservations@klimamiami.com or via Open Table. For more information, visit www.klimamiami.com and join the conversation @klimamiami and through #klimamiami.

Turnberry Isle

BOURBON STEAK by Michael Mina and CORSAIR kitchen & bar at Turnberry Isle Miami are two of the highly anticipated restaurants participating in this year’s Miami Spice Month. You will pay $23 for lunch and $39 for dinner at these award-winning, sought after hotspots. Entice your palate with a choice of appetizers including Charred Octopus Ceviche or Summer Corn Chowder at Michael Mina’s BOURBON Steak, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Chocolate Fudge Cake or the Salted Caramel Pudding from CORSAIR kitchen & bar.

Reservations are recommended throughout Miami Spice months since restaurants will be filling up quickly during peak lunch and dinner hours. For more information or to reserve visit: http://www.turnberryislemiami.com/

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer, challenges supporters everywhere to go the distance in September for Alex’s Million Mile 2016 (AMM). Returning for its fourth year during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, AMM participants will collectively run, walk and/or ride one million miles to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Last year, more than 15,000 participants logged over 963,000 miles in 24 different countries on 6 continents. Since its inception, AMM has raised over $1.8 million.

Individuals and teams who participate can log as many or as few miles as their ability allows, with each mile contributing to the collective million miles goal. Animal lovers rejoice – your four-legged friend’s miles count, too. So, don’t forget to add your dog or cat to your AMM team. Miles can be logged manually or by using MapMyFitness, Fitbit or Strava apps starting September 1. The event is free to participants, but fundraising is encouraged and can start as soon as participants register.

Participants can create their own team or search the AMM website for a variety of teams to join, based on location, childhood cancer types or teams led by ALSF researchers. New this year, childhood cancer teams allow participants to join a team for a specific type of childhood cancer and the money raised on that team will fund research projects for that particular cancer. Again this year, ALSF researchers who lead their own teams can raise money for their own projects and have up to $25,000 matched by the Foundation.

Once participants create their own or join teams, there are plenty of ways to log miles and raise money. Individuals and teams looking to log their first mile can join First Mile events on September 1. A list of First Mile events is available on AlexsMillionMile.org. More ideas to help participants achieve their mileage goals are available on AlexsLemonade.org/blog.

Participants can show support through social media utilizing #Journey2aMillion. To register for Alex’s Million Mile and get more ideas to help you reach your mileage and fundraising goals, visit AlexsMillionMile.org.