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 of this entry »

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 of this entry »

Celebrity sightings:

Entourage‘s Perrey Reeves (AKA “Mrs. Ari”) attended the kick-off party at the Raleigh and her sister-in-law, Marysia Reeves’s show. Cindy Taylor strutted her stuff on the catwalk at the inca 2010 cruise collection show at the W South Beach on Thursday night. Seen at W on Thursday and Friday for the Shay Todd show, Tara Reid, who didn’t mind the rain one bit. “It’s only water? What’s all the fuss about?” she said. After the show, she partied with her boyfriend, Michael Axtmann at the Wall.

Olivia Palermo and Whitney Port from The City attended Mara Hoffman’s show.  Port was also front row at L Space and seen lounging by the W pool on Monday. Donald and Lisa Pliner enjoyed Red Carter’s show on Friday.

Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan was seated first row at Ed Hardy and later seen drinking Patron shots out of champagne flutes at the Mercedes Benz Star Lounge.   Bravo’s ubiquitous Real Housewives, Kelly Killoren Bensimon (New York) and Dina Manzo (New Jersey) were all over the place.  Bensimon attended the kick-off party at the Raleigh Hotel on Wednesday, Caviar Kaspia at The Webster on Thursday, the Wall on Saturday and numerous shows.  She was also seen at the Mercedes Benz Star Lounge. Manzo followed suit attending many shows and hanging in the Star Lounge with her daughter. 

Hotelier Andre Balazs was front row at the L Space show and hit the Wall at the W South Beach on Saturday. Artist, Romero Britto, director, Michael Bay, and rapper, Lil’ Jon, also took in shows during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim.

At the Living Room on Saturday, Belkys Nerey celebrated her birthday alongside good friend, Marysol Patton. Supermodels, Angela Lindvall, Erin Wasson and Nicole Trunfio were seen at the Standard throughout the weekend.  Andy Roddick’s wife, model Brooklyn Decker, attended a few shows and had brunch at Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian Sunday afternoon. Lennox Lewis dined late along with a group of 15 at Smith & Wollensky. Latin Pop Star, Elvis Crespo and starting third baseman for the Florida Marlins and 2007 World Series MVP, Mike Lowell attended the smash-hit show, Fuerza Bruta, as did Miami Heat Coach Eric Spoelstra over the weekend.

Roy and Lea Black upped the hip factor once again at their annual Power of Hope charity gala benefitting the Consequences Program and Bay Point Schools, held at the newly revamped Eden Roc Hotel, (which is sure to bring some stiff competition to it’s next door neighbor), as evidenced by the crush of people gathered around the red carpet to catch a glimpse of the many celebs promised to make an appearance.As usual, the Blacks delivered, hosting a perfect evening replete with stellar performances and a guest list to include: Lance Bass, Dennis Rodman, Joe Francis, Craig David, Mario Barth, Jeffrey Donovan, Moon Bloodgood,. Vicki Gunvalson, Elaine Lancaster, Richie Rich, and Bernard Hopkins (and those were just the VVIPs who DIDN’T perform)!

The night started off with a lavish reception in the Eden Roc’s swank lobby, and resembled a “Taste of the Beach,” with mini food stations set up from some of the area’s favorite restaurants including, the Setai, Bova Prime, and 8 oz Burger Bar to name a few.Grey Goose lounges were conveniently stationed throughout the lobby surrounding the extensive silent auction, because the evening’s liquour sponsor knows there’s nothing like a buzz to get people bidding!People were having such a great time during the reception that event staff struggled to coax the crowd into the ballroom when it was time for the dinner to begin.

During the four course meal, Roy Black got on-stage and said, “Thank you for your money and thank you for your time.That’s my line,” but then gave an inspiring speech, in which he encouraged guests to be generous by saying, “Better to be smart on crime than tough on crime, before introducing a Bay Point School’s graduate who is now attending Barry University and working in a law firm.Next, Lea Black took over for the live auction, and was relentless on the mic, working hard to get the attention of the noisy, talkative crowd.The Texas-native would be a welcomed addition to the Bay Point School’s award-winning staff- if she can wrangle over 1, 000 rowdy socialites on a Saturday night, imagine what she can do with a bunch of teenagers!To be cliché:“Don’t Mess with Texas!”At one point, Roy got back on the stage and quipped, “The only way to keep her (Lea) contained is to get her off the mic. “ Lea managed to raise top dollar amounts for auction items including the Jeffrey Rackover diamond earrings worn by Maria Conchita Alonso during her performance, a spot on the waiting list for the first 2010 Rolls-Royce EX200 from Braman Rolls Royce in Miami, a speaking part on Burn Notice, VIP tickets to the Indianapolis 500 and VIP tickets to the Heavy Weight Championship in Las Vegas among other terrific items.Lea also boasted about the Power of Hope Gala, which was put on for a mere $35, 000 and raised $1.4 million.Not bad for a night’s work.

Several superstars performed throughout the evening, including:Elvis Crespo, Craig David, Jencarlos Canela, Alto Reed, Maria Conchita Alonso, and comedienne, Heather McDonald.The crowd did not seem to mind that there wasn’t a dance floor, especially when Patti LaBelle (back by popular demand for a second year) took to the stage and belted out “Hey Sister Soul Sister…” which got everyone on their feet and dancing between the tables.LaBelle followed her performance of Lady Marmalade with a touching rendition of Over the Rainbow.The crowd showed no intention of leaving well after midnight, when Lil Wayne, took over to sing a few songs.DJ Irie capped off the exciting night, spinning his usual, addictive music.

CLICK ONCE TO BRING PHOTO FORWARD, CLICK AGAIN TO SEND PHOTO BACK

More than 600 of Miami’s A-listers toasted acclaimed restaurateur, Laurent Tourondel, of famed New York’s BLT, as in Bistro Laurent Tourondel (get it?) at the grand opening of the southeast outpost of the eatery last Wednesday. BLT Miami, at the iconic Betsy Hotel, shares the same distinctive style and tastes of its older sister but with a sexier, swankier South Beach vibe. Lucky guests at the opening savored Tourondel’s signature dishes and desserts. The food just kept on coming! Celebs seen noshing on the endless nibbles: Burn Notice actor, Jeffrey Donovan, (to whom people kept referring as “the Burn Notice Guy,” warranting the nickname, “B.N.G.),” Melrose Place hottie, Andrew Shue, Real Housewives of New York City’s Ramona Singer, and Ingrid Hoffman of the Food Network. Other notables included art collectors, Rafael and Marijean Miyar and Bruce and Kathryn Orosz; designer, Alison Antrobus, financier Alan Randolph, fashion designer, Rene Ruiz, and Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser Plutzik, principal owners of the Betsy Hotel.

In a Rich Man’s World

Abba’s Rich Man’s World was just one of several songs that composed the soundtrack to Richie Rich’s fashion show on Friday night at the Fontainebleau. Other songs which conveyed Rich’s message included Money, That’s what I Want, Material Girl and Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend. Rich, formerly of Heatherette, unveiled his latest collection during Rock Fashion Week 2009, (ahem, a “spin-off” of FUNKSHION). The whimsical show, hosted by Elaine Lancaster, featured pink balloons, bubble-gum-inspired whimsical outfits, slinky cat-suits, flirty prom dresses, t-shirts emblazoned with Pamela Anderson’s face, and lots of animal prints. The models danced, smiled, twirled, mockingly blew kisses and showed of their exaggerated, colorful accessories, many of which were shaped like giant dollar signs, in keeping with the theme. Pamela Anderson joined Richie Rich onstage at the end of the show and hugged and kissed and kissed him some more! Backstage, Rich went on and on about Anderson, his “muse,” gushing about how “she’s so much fun, loves to make people happy and is such a great mom.” When asked what makes her happy, Anderson, (looking a lot like a living caricature of Hanna Montana) thoughtfully responded, “My bangs.” Wow! Move over Deepak Chopra! Later that night, Fergie celebrated her 34th birthday with a bash at LIV, alongside husband, actor, Josh Duhamel, Wilmer Valderrama and fellow members of the Black Eyed Peas. Erstwhile superstar DJs, Steve Aoki and DJ AM took turns at the turntables at Blade.

Green with Funkshion

Models, celebrities and VIPs packed the fashion shows during Funkshion, on South Beach last week.   The Green Fashion Show kicked things off on Wednesday and the show’s eco-friendly message permeated the entire week- even the food was “green,” supplied for free to all guests by Pizza Fusion an organic pizza chain in South Florida so committed to the environment that every delivery is made with a Prius! For those who saw the big armored truck with the lit up VAULT sign in front of the tents (and driving around SoBe) and thought, “WTF?” it was neither filled with gold nor money, but with something much more valuable.  The VAULT was the official transportation for all of the models all week long!    From Miss Universe and Miss USA to models from around the world, this truck was party central all week!    Funkshion’s co-producer, Matt Heien, quips, “Who needs cash in a truck like this when you have super models inside? I feel like we just robbed a bank with a note to the bank teller stating, “Give us supermodels and no one gets hurt!”

Steppin’ Out

Nicky Hilton, along with Wyclef Jean, Romero Britto, and Akon joined forces on Saturday night at the SSN Stepping Forward Foundation Gala at the Gansevoort, sponsored by Grey Goose Vodka. The celebs mingled and enjoyed performances by teen dancing troupe, The Untouchables, and Sean Kingston, who performed several songs, including Beautiful Girl, which got everyone on their feet and singing along. On the same night at the Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian, guests got lots of satisfaction at Jade Jagger’s renowned, branded summer Ibiza party, Jezebel, the name of which stems from Jagger’s middle name. Voted the best party during WMC by South Beach locals (in an informal, biased poll), the glowing, glamorous-yet-earthy daughter of Mick Jagger, who inherited the her parents’ best genes, hung out with friends, posed for photos and showed off her new collection of clothing and jewelry in the hotel’s poolside cabanas. Inside the hotel, musician, Perry Farrell, of Jane’s Addiction and his wife, Etty, danced and sang on the bar.

Celebrity Sightings

Paris and Nicky Hilton hung at Mokai on Thursday for Paul Oakenfold’s performance during the Front Page party. Award winning singing sensation, Maria Carey, posed for photos and cheered on husband, Nick Cannon, as he spun at Cabana One on Friday night. On Saturday night, Miami native-turned-Ungaro-chief-designer, Esteban Cortazar partied at Bella Rose with fellow designer, Richie Rich, PR guru Paul Wilmot, famed fashion photographer, Pablo Alfaro and hunky NYC socialite/Miami restaurateur, Fabian Basabe. At the club’s Black Sunday party, DJ Steve Aoki and The Bloody Beetroots performed while LA It Boy, Donovan Leitch, was “murdered.” Attendees of Will Castro’s red-carpet event for Unique Auto Sports on Sunday included rappers Fat Joe, and Busta Rhythms (not Rhymes), Miami Heat stars Jermaine O’ Neal and Dorrell Wright, New Orleans Saint, Jonathan Vilma, Shawn Merriman of the San Diego Chargers, DJ Irie, and White Boy from VH1’s hit show “I Love Money.” Spotted at the Webster during the Femme Fatale DJ series: DJ Cinnamon, DJ Baby Dre of Miami Ink and DJ Gabby of NYC’s LOVE Parties and Les Coquettes, designer Tory Burch with boyfriend/ music mogul Lyor Cohen, and R&B singer, Cassie. Watching the tennis matches at Sony Ericsson: Colombian hip shaker, Shakira, Latin crooner, Chayanne, Vogue editrix, Anna Wintour, NFL players Bryant McKinnie and Thomas Jones, rapper, Common, and singers, Kelly Rowland and Wyclef Jean.

Earlier in the week, designers Russell Simmons, Caroline D’Amore, Abi Ferrin, B. Michael and Lei Marco showcased designs at the Fontainebleau;

Dr. Mc Dreamy, a.k.a., Patrick Dempsey, raced at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and NYC Housewife, Ramona Singer, was spotted at Kung Fu Sushi at the Catalina Hotel and at the BEST Tennis Sony Ericsson Kickoff party at B.E.D., hosted by Ocean Drive magazine. Chef Todd English surprised guests at the grand opening of The Wine Bar at the il Lugano Hotel. Celebs on the scene last week for Miami Fashion Week included actress, Sofia Comparini; stage, movie and television star, Alejandro Chaban; actor Gabriel Porras; television personality, María del Carmen Sojo; actress and former Miss Panama, Patricia De León; actor Vincent De Paul, Mexican actress Angelica Celaya; diva, Elaine Lancaster; and Grammy Award winning songstress, Albita, who wowed the crowd when she sang her newly released hit, “Mis Tacones” (“My Heels”).