By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore Haute Living magazine kicked off Art Basel with an event Vogue called one of the most anticipated of the week. The dinner party hosted by Daphne Guinness, Dom Pérignon and Roger Dubuis in celebration of Guinness’ collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis called The Velvet Collection, which was Haute Living’s Basel Issue Cover story. Sixty guests gathered in the courtyard of the posh Villa Azur restaurant on December 5, at a table covered with violet roses to matched Guinness’ Haute Living cover shot taken by Nick Knight. Even Martha Stewart could resist snapping a few photos of the table. The elegant party was crawling with celebrities, VIPs and A listers as guests included Martha Stewart, Karolina Kurkova, Russell Simmons, Ray Allen, Lea Black, Marysol Patton, Stephen Dorff, IWC President Gianfranco D’Attis,street artist, Alec Monopoly, DJ Irie and, of course,Ms. Guinness herself. Dom Pérignon showed off a bottle with a glowing label by fellow creative soul, David Lynch. Earlier in the day, Diane von Furstenberg’s launched her limited edition Evian bottle at a lunch at Soho Beach House alongside guests Russell Simmons, Chelsea Handler and Andre Balazs.

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Arguably the best week of the year in South Florida, what began as a four-day extension of the Basel, Switzerland fair, Art Basel Miami has grown in scope, style and fashion in its 11 year history.  The festivities surrounding the most important art show in the world have expanded to include celebrations extending to magnificent proportions filling the dance cards of internationally renowned art collectors, enthusiasts, celebrities, fashion stalwarts and socialites for a 10-day weekend second-to-none in the Magic City.  While we proudly wear our Swarovski Crystal encrusted “I survived Art Basel” badges we share a few of our favorite events and experiences below.  Be sure to check back next week for more of the celebrations, celebrity sightings and sheer joy of this, most wonderful time of the year. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week took over New York City from September 8-15, with a line-up of 99 designers showing their spring 2012 collections in Lincoln Center and various other venues throughout Manhattan.  Amid the silks, chiffons, organza,  floral prints, neon colors, geometrical shapes, and pastel prints that graced the runways, Mercedes-Benz showcased its latest fashion statement, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster (think Barbie DREAM CAR on steroids) and C63 AMG Coupe, two all new models available later this year. Our favorite designers this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Pamela Rolland, Milly by Michelle Smith and Diesel Black Gold (especially since Gerard Butler! was sitting front row).   Enjoy our stories about a few of the stellar parties we attended and a little bit about the lounges- the other side of Fashion Week. Read the rest of this entry »

Art! It’s the first word and what it’s all about right? Well, mostly…! In addition to works by Chagall, Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Botero, Calder and Warhol, all under one roof at the Convention Center, stand outs during Art Basel week included: Calix Gustav Gallery which held several receptions celebrating the unveiling of “Grit: to endure a trying situation and continue on without complaint” and “Monitoring Art;” urban impressionist Miguel Paredes’ “The Manifestation of Crossover Art” at a pop-up gallery on Lincoln Road; Carlos Betancourt’s “Lapidus Infinitus” at Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts; David LaChapelle’s “Cars and Money;” Kenny Scharf’s “Art White Collection” and William S. Chewning’s exhibition at Miami Art Group Gallery. Read the rest of this entry »

Also on Saturday night, socialites, Nancy Malnik and Beau Beasley each celebrated birthdays with huge bashes. Anyone who’s been to a Malnik party or passed by their Palm Beach manse, knows they don’t tend to do things “small,” after all, Al Malnik had the late Michael Jackson at his 70th birthday bash and a team of synchronized swimmers and full orchestra at last year’s Make-a-Wish garden party. So it should come as no surprise that Nancy Malnik’s 80s themed party in Boca Raton was an over-the-top affair. Nicole Miller, Scottie Pippen, and Russell Simmons all showed up to jam to a performance by Tone Loc, of Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina fame. The party boasted the requisite 80s party props: Rubik’s cubes, Ms. Pac Man, and break dancers. Even more thrilling than the seemingly endless array of food: filet, sushi, seafood… were the Thriller and Fame shows- quite the shindig indeed.

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