Young Society of Love and Hope
A New Generation... A New Miami
By Aaron Glickman
An event that launched a new division of a distinguished Miami charitable organization, featuring a presentation of the Just Cavalli 2008 Fall Collection, set against the backdrop of a Euro-Centric art exhibition in a chic and sophisticated space – pretty cool, to say the least.
Deborah Slack, Vice President and General Manager, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour, Ocean Drive magazine, the Rubell Family Collection and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) combined forces to throw this stylish Miami event that marked the launch of the Young Society of Love and Hope for DRI. The hostesses of this premiere affair were several members of Miami's evolving young society, including Therese Gibb, Jamie Jo Harris, Melanie Herman, Andrea Kasparoff, Michelle Rubell and Nicole Simkins.
Following the extended cocktail hour, hosts Melanie Herman and Deborah Slack introduced Randi Caster, a woman who had dealt with Type 1 diabetes for her entire life and eventually received a islet cell transplant through the work and research at DRI, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, headed by world renowned physician and researcher, Dr. Camillo Ricordi.
Following Caster's touching account that reminded guests of exactly why they were there, a bit of flair sauntered onto the scene as Saks Fifth Avenue presented the Just Cavalli fashion show. The unique presentation had models strutting around an installation of what appeared to be missile heads hanging downward from the ceiling. The installation was a part of Euro-Centric, Part 1, an artistic display that attempts to answer several philosophical questions about Europe's past and present.
The dichotomy of the Just Cavalli line – which brands itself as a fanciful, eclectic, nonchalant, original and sensual style – presented amongst art that depicts the effects of war and cultural uncertainty was a fascinating visual.
"Our guests this evening are the first to see the Fall 2008 runway collection from Just Cavalli," said Slack. "This collection is sexy, fun and most of the pieces are season-less in fabrication. The runway collection will be available for special order through Monday, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour."
Saks Bal Harbour has had a relationship with DRIF for more than three decades, and Slack is honored to see it evolve. "Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour has supported Love and Hope for 35 years," she said, "and I am thrilled that we are able to continue our relationship with DRIF through our support of the launch event for the Young Society of Love and Hope."
The event was a prime example of the new Miami – a dynamic mixture of philanthropy, fashion, art and celebrity (did I mention that Barry and Linda Gibb were there?). So, congrats to DRIF, an organization that has always set a standard of excellence in Miami, and which has now executed an exciting launch of a continuing generation of leaders with what appeared to be effortless execution.
Photos by Orlando Garcia
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