Home
Allison Weiss Brady
Arts & Culture
Carole Kotkin
Beauty & Health
Fashion
Gourmet
Interior Design
Luxury Living
Philanthropy
Photo Galleries
SocialEyes
SocialTV
Travel
Miami Charity Gala Guide

Charities
Young Professionals
Art Galleries
Dance
Festivals
Museums & Art Centers
Music
Theatres & Opera
Restaurants
Venues
Business Affiliates

Billy Zane at Pistol Panties Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim featured a fantastic show by Pistol Panties, a UK brand inspired by timeless styles from around the world. The brand is known for retro chic and evocatively glamorous swimwear designed after the iconic shapes and silhouettes of the 1950s pinup belles. British/Colombian designer Deborah Fleming draws influence from her diverse heritage to combine Bond girl femininity with vibrant colors and eclectic vintage prints inspired by Latin American dance and music. Pictured at show: Billy Zane. Photo by Johnny Louis

Christian Audigier in Miami Christian Audigier was cool as could be in The Raleigh penthouse during the Ed Hardy pre-show meet-and-greet at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. The famed designer had the demeanor of a rock star with his silk shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest while smoking several cigarettes as he answered a plethora of questions from the international media. Photo by Hellmund.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Fittingly, as the temperature rises on the South Beach summer, the models strip down to their bathing suits for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. The Miami fashion spectacle held at The Raleigh hotel runs in conjunction with the Swimwear Association of Florida’s annual tradeshow, which brings both exhibitors and buyers from around the globe to the Miami Beach Convention Center to do big business. Pictured: Poncho de Anda and Ilia Calderon

LeBron and D. Wade NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade put on quite a show at the Zo's Summer Groove all-star basketball game, an annual event that benefits the Alonzo Mourning Charities. Here, the emerging legends show their latest dance moves as the "new school" team of James and Wade defeated the "old school" team of Alonzo Mourning and Damon Jones. Photo by Johnny Louis.

Zo's Summer Groove With Zo and D. Wade working together, Zo's Summer Groove brought together some major league talent. Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities brought the beach to the Groove by hosting the ZSG Beach Ball. The star-studded event featured a special musical performance by Queen Latifah. Pictured: Gabrielle Union. Photo by Johnny Louis

Celebrity Domino Night Amigos For Kids, a non-profit organization that helps abused, abandoned, and less fortunate children in South Florida, hosted its signature annual fundraiser, ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Guests took a nostalgic stroll down a 1950s Cuban boulevard leading to a modern-day domino supper club. Highlights included cocktails courtesy of Dewar's 12, live musical performances by Suenalo and a very special performance by Hansel y la Orquesta Calle Ocho. Showgirls, a typical Cuban Trio, tumbadores and Salsa King dancers contributed to the evening's tremendous ambiance. A highlight of the evening was legendary Cuban Bolero Queen, Olga Guillot, one of the greatest voices of Cuban music. Local restaurants and caterers donated their services to provide dinner-by-the-bite.

Thoughts On Democracy More than 250 members and friends of The Wolfsonian-FIU attended the opening preview of two new exhibits: Thoughts On Democracy and A Bittersweet Decade: The New Deal in America, 1933-43. Thoughts on Democracy is comprised of 80 posters created by sixty leading contemporary artists and designers from around the world, who were invited by the museum to reinterpret American illustrator Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" posters of 1943. The posters were recently gifted to the museum by Leonard A. Lauder. Displayed in the museum's lobby, this exhibit is free and open to the public during museum hours. Pictured: Daniel Arsham and Knight Foundation President Alberto Ibarguen.

Tara Solomon's Birthday A fashionable crowd of 650 turned out to celebrate the birthday of South Beach’s original “Queen of the Night” Tara Solomon at The Forge in Miami Beach. The evening’s hosts consisted of some of Miami’s finest, including TARA, Ink. principal and Tara’s fiancée, Nick D’Annunzio; owner of The Forge, Shareef Malnik; artist Carlos Betancourt; Gingi Beltran of Related Cervera Realty Services; entrepreneur and designer Debbie Ohanian; arts activists/philanthropist Merle Weiss and her husband Danny Weiss; photographer Iran Issa-Khan; Emmy Award-winning WFOR Channel 4 investigative reporter Michele Gillen; and author, New York socialite and entrepreneur Tracy Stern. Pictured: Shareef Malnik and Tara Solomon

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Former Beatles beat man Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band made a tour stop in Miami. The tour's incarnation featured music industry veterans Colin Hay, Billy Squier, Hamish Stuart, and Edgar Winter with first timers Gary Wright and Gregg Bissonette. Starr's latest album, Liverpool 8, was released on CD, digitally and on USB wristband. It is a reflective journey through his storied life and career and features some of Starr's greatest songwriting to date. Photo by Johnny Louis

Gen Art’s Shop Miami 2008 The Miami Design District was hopping on a hot summer night as Miami’s most fashionable came to the Moore Building for three stories of boutique bliss. The Miami fashion event: Gen Art’s Shop Miami 2008. Gen Art is a national arts and entertainment organization that showcases emerging talent in fashion, film, music and the visual arts. The acclaimed group partnered with Citi Private Pass to present the New York City–style sample sale for those fabulous Miami fashionistas in search of progressive styles at slashed prices.

KIRK LANDON HONORED R. Kirk Landon, a Florida International University (FIU) trustee and one of its most important private supporters, was honored at a special dinner at The Wolfsonian-FIU in Miami Beach. Landon, known as one of Miami's most generous philanthropists, recently donated funds to the museum to create the R. Kirk Landon Deputy Director for Development position. The position will allow the museum to continue its path of growth and excellence. Pictured: Modesto Maidique, Pat Wallace and Kirk Landon

W South Beach Tops Off W South Beach Hotel & Residences celebrated its topping off at the developments sales center. Asian-inspired cocktails were provided by Grey Goose and light bites from Thierry's catering. Guests included David Edelstein, Sarah Bromley, Alicia Cervera, Cathy Strafaci, Katy Stoka and Nicola Siervo. Pictured: David Edelstein and Sarah Bromley

An Affair for CELIA at Arsht Center Café PILON, Authentic Cuban Coffee, celebrated the success of the two opening nights of CELIA: The Life & Music of Celia Cruz with an exclusive after-party on the 3rd floor tier overlooking the lobby of the Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Café PILON guests included the bilingual cast of “Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz,” Anissa Gathers who sings and acts in the lead role of Celia during the highlight of her musical career, Modesto Lacén who plays Celia’s husband, Pedro Knight and Pedro Capo, who plays the role of Pedro Knight’s nurse. Additional guests included: J.P. Souto, the Vice President of Marketing of Café PILON, Omer Pardillo, former and long-time manager of Celia Cruz, Spanish talk show queen Cristina Saralegui and husband Marcos Avila, rapper Pitbull, Cuban singer and composer Albita Rodriguez, Mexican singer Ana Gabriel, Afro-Cuban singer Jon Secada, Cuban musician Roberto Torres and local newscasters Lisette Gonzalez, and Maribel Rodriguez. Also in attendance were Adrienne Arsht, Univision president Ray Rodriguez, Miami commissioner Joe Sanchez, Big Time's Eugene Rodriguez and Tito Puente, Jr., son of the late Tito Puente. Pictured: Miss Cuba 2008 Marlyn Sanchez Photo by Seth Browarnik/Red Eye Productions

Alex Lacamoire wins Tony New World School of the Arts alum Alex Lacamoire received a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations on one of Broadway’s hottest musicals, In the Heights, for which he is also co-arranger, conductor, and musical director. With 13 nominations, the musical won 3 other Tony Awards for “Best Musical, “Best Original Score”, and “Best Choreography”. Lacamoire, a high school graduate from the 1992 music division class at NWSA, joined creator and composer-lyricist of In the Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda, in 2004.

Charla Krupp at Merrick Park Author, and fashion, beauty and lifestyle guru, Charla Krupp, made a special appearance at Village of Merrick Park to celebrate her New York Times Best Selling new book, “How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better.” The book draws on Charla’s years of experience as a top beauty and fashion magazine editor and style expert on NBC’s TODAY.

FEDEX / ST. JUDE GALA Jude Children’s Research Hospital celebrated its sixth annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala by honoring Emilio and Gloria Estefan for their commitment to international healthcare, the local community, and the music and entertainment industry. Pictured: Luis Fonsi, Gloria and Emilio Estefan

Women's Health Luncheon More than 150 women attended the recent Girls’ Lunch Bunch sponsored by the Forum on Women’s Health at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale. Proceeds benefit cervical cancer research and treatment at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Miller, luncheon co-chair; Tricia Rutsis, luncheon co-chair; Patty Kearns, Forum on Women's Health chairwoman; Sandy Moss, luncheon sponsor; and Eliza Egan Smith, luncheon co-chair.

Tom Brokaw at Four Seasons Alice Bravo, Florida Department of Transportation; Jose K. Fuentes, The Wren Group; Tom Brokaw; Irela M. Bagué, Bagué Group (front); Eloise E. Rodriguez, Bristol Public Relations and Coldwell Banker Realtor Jenny May at a private dinner recently hosted by NetJets at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Adriana Lucia, protégée of Carlos Vives VIP guests gathered in Key Biscayne to celebrate one of Colombia’s rising musical stars, Adriana Lucia. Lucia has just released a new album, “Porro Nuevo” produced by Grammy-award winning artist Carlos Vives and his musical director and guitarist, Andres Castro. The intimate cocktail reception was hosted at Casa Paloma, the home of Sean and Ana Wolfington, which was previously Cher’s residence. Hosts included the “Brad Pitt of Latin America”, Mexican actor Eduardo Verastegui (lead actor of the award-winning film, “Bella”) and the former director of the Smithsonian Latino Center, Pilar O’Leary. Pictured: Pilar O'Leary, Adriana Lucia and Ana Wolfington. Photo by Hellmund.

Senator Barack Obama Senator Barack Obama with Alonzo Mourning and his son Trey Mourning at Miami's Overtown Youth Center.

MIAMI MAKE-A-WISH BALL KICK-OFF More than 200 of South Florida’s top philanthropists and supporting VIPs attended the kick-off event for the 14th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball at the InterContinental Miami. Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida announced the date for this year’s Ball, to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008. Wedderburn also announced that for the second consecutive year John Cardillo, of The Sentinel Group, will pledge $50,000 as the live entertainment sponsor for the Ball. Pictured: Lifetime Benefactor Al Malnik, Gala Chairman Shareef Malnik, Gala Host, Jack Miller and Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.

Cuban American National Council The Cuban American National Council(CNC)hosted its 14th biennial National Conference titled The New Generation of Hispanic Leaders. The conference featured Hispanic visionaries including Former Mexican President Vicente Fox and influential business leaders such as philanthropist and national business leader Adrienne Arsht and Burger King Corp. CEO John Chidsey. Pictured: Adrienne Arsht; Former Mexican President - Vicente Fox; Former Mexican First Lady - Martha Sahagún de Fox; and CNC President Guarione Diaz

Indiana Jones at Cannes SocialMiami photographer Craigt was on location at the Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Elizabeth Guider of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: The myriad makeshift signs people waved outside the Palais Sunday said it all: "Me, Indi Jones tickets, please" as hundreds of fans and moviegoers started amassing in hopes of securing passage to the world premiere of the fourth installment of the Steven Spielberg franchise. Pictured: Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford. Photo by craigtstudio.com.

CHANEL Cruise Collection at Raleigh The Raleigh hotel has become one of the world’s most fashionable destinations, literally. With the Miami offices for the Ford Modeling Agency on location and events like Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim and the world premiere of the Chanel Cruise Collection that featured the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, the Raleigh has clearly evolved into one of the sexiest destinations on earth. Pictured: Karl Lagerfeld. Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Chanel

Miami Hitmaker Desmond Child With 70 Top 40 hits and more than 300 million albums sold, Miami's Desmond Child's discography reads like a “Who's Who” of pop and rock royalty. For nearly three decades, Child has reigned as one of music's most successful creative forces and is now slated to join the prestigious list of honorees including Irving Berlin, George Gerswhin, Cole Porter, Burt Bacharach, Billy Joel, and Elton John when he is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Kids Hear Now Foundation The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation, dedicated to helping hearing impaired children and their families find pathways to sound and speech, was officially launched at a festive evening of dining, dancing and entertainment which raised in excess of $600,000 for the new foundation and its partner in the orchestration of the event, The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. More than 700 guests of host and Kids Hear Now founder Barton G. Weiss, celebrated the launch in the Design District's Palm Court. The palm-punctuated landscape, glowing in candlelight and starlight twinkling through the transparent ceiling, set the stage for a performance by five-time Grammy-winner Dionne Warwick as the evening's finale. Pictured: Barton G. Weiss; Dionne Warick, Dr. Thomas Balkany, and former Miss America, Heather Whitestone McCallum

Tropical Nights More than 500 supporters attended the 6th annual Tropical Nights benefiting the University of Miami - Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). Nearly $300,000 was raised at the event held at the Biltmore Hotel. This year's honorees included The Honorable Bob Graham a longtime community leader, dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Floridians, including those with autism and related disabilities and Jean & Robert Schomber who are longtime advocates of individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida, ardent supporters of the University of Miami Department of Psychology, and largely responsible for the development of the Florida CARD program and ensuring its home at the University of Miami. Pictured: The Honorable Bob Graham and Mrs. Bob Graham

Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Bon appetit to the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival presented by Premier Beverage Company. Benefiting the American Lung Association of Florida's asthma programs, education, patients, and research, the special evening literally stopped traffic, as Las Olas Boulevard was open to pedestrians only. Premier Beverage Company poured select vintages at over forty stations from some of the most preeminent wineries throughout the world. Photo by Johnny Louis

Frost Art Museum Amaryllis and Guillermo Feria, The Frost Art Museum at FIU members, hosted a reception for British architect David Adjaye, one of the most sought after architects in the UK and internationally. Adjaye was the featured lecturer for The Frost's Steven and Dorthea Green Critics' Lecture Series, closing the 2007/2008 season of the respected series. Guests at the reception got the chance to view the Ferias' extensive collection of Latin American art. Avid travelers, the Ferias have collected works from all over Latin America from young emerging artists as well as more established artists, including Cundo Bermudéz. Pictured: Guillermo Feria, David Adjaye, Amaryllis Feria and Darryl Milstein.

Lulu Famed textile designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski celebrated the debut of her highly-anticipated first monograph, LULU, at Oscar de la Renta in Bal Harbour. Hostesses at the event included Sarah Arison, Courtney Parmenter, Michelle Rubell, Jennifer Sazant and Deborah Wecselman who were all dressed in Oscar de la Renta contributing to the chic and artsy vibe of the boutique book signing. Pictured: Sarah Arison and Lulu de Kwiatkowski

Hats Off Luncheon Tracy Wilson Mourning's Honey Shine Mentoring Program is the beneficiary of the proceeds from this year's 6th Annual Hats Off Luncheon. Guests joined in the fun by wearing their favorite hat and showing their support for Miami-Dade's at-risk girls. The luncheon, silent auction and "Honey Bug" Fashion Show raised funds for 100 girls to attend Camp Honey Shine, a four-week summer day camp at Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart in Coconut Grove, in addition to other mentoring programs. Pictured: Tracy Wilson Mourning Photo by: Johnny Louis

Carlos Santana Multi-platinum world music icon Carlos Santana brought his impressive roster of crossover hits to Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Born in Autlan de Navarro, Mexico-where there's now a street and public square in his name to the son of a virtuoso Mariachi violinist, Santana early on emulated his heroes -- John Lee Hooker, T. Bone Walker, and B.B. King -- who he heard on powerful American radio stations when their signals crossed the border. Less publicized, but equally as profound as his artistic legacy, is Santana's long history of social activism and contributions to humanitarian causes. In 1998, he co-founded of the Milagro Foundation. With over $1.8 million in grants to date, Milagro supports organizations promoting the welfare of underserved children in the areas of health, education, and the arts. More recently, Santana has become involved in the fight against the AIDS pandemic in South Africa through a partnership with ANSA - Artists for New South Africa. Other organizations he has championed include Hispanic Education and Media Group, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, Childreach, Rainforest Action Network, Greenpeace, American Indian College Fund, Amnesty International, and the Los Angeles-based Museum of Tolerance. Photo by Johnny Louis.

Locust Project's Decadent Decade Locust Project's 2008 Decadent Decade Spring Fundraiser celebrated the renowned non-profit organizations 10-year anniversary in luxurious and spectacular style. Over 450 guests including Locust donating artists, collectors and friends took advantage of some great silent auction items from Bulgari, Prada, Tiffany and more…and were treated to a sassy poolside fashion show by designer Philip Gray. The venue, Villa Capponi, was sponsored by the Capponi Group. Pictured: Sarah from the Capponi group, Michael Capponi and Heather Urban

Nautica South Beach Triathlon Famous faces and determined athletes met on the sands of Miami Beach to compete in the first-ever Nautica South Beach Triathlon. The Miami event raised almost $80,000 to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to pediatric cancer research. Pictured: renowned chef Rocco DiSpirito and TV personality, Andy Baldwin

WOMEN OF TOMORROW GALA Women of Tomorrow's Annual Gala was the perfect event for Women of Tomorrow's founder, Jennifer Valoppi, to announce Women of Tomorrow's tremendous research findings that Women of Tomorrow students have 90 percent chance of graduating from high school compared to a less than 60 percent chance in area high schools. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin reported a record-breaking fundraising year and she along with WOT Founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne were thrilled to honor Betty Amos as Mentor of the Year for her unique mentoring approach and years of outstanding service to the organization. The Cleopatra-themed event also recognized Honorary Chairmen Madeleine & Mickey Arison and Swanee & Paul DiMare, Excellence Honoree Jonathan Green, Legacy Builder Honorees Jon & Nancy Batchelor and The Batchelor Foundation and Empowerment Award Honoree Malou Perricone for their outstanding commitment to Women of Tomorrow. Pictured: Malou & Steven Perricone.

SUNSETS Self-taught photographer, Lora Drasner, along with her husband, Fred Drasner, celebrated the launch of Lora’s first book, Sunsets at EPIC Residences and Hotel. The sun setting on beautiful Biscayne Bay provided the perfect backdrop for the evening, as Lora was on hand to sign books while guests enjoyed Champagne, hor d’ouvres and music by DJ Shlomi. Accentuating the night, Lora was dressed in true sunset style in a beautifully designed red and orange Nameen Khan dress. The sunset cocktail event also marked the debut of Lora’s artwork, consisting of several of her photographs transferred to canvas, including the Heart Reef in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and a sunset of the Central Park skyline, which was bought during the event. During the evening, more than 150 copies of Sunsets were sold, including 12 limited edition versions at $60 each, which sold-out in the first 15 minutes. A percentage of proceeds from the event will benefit The Vizcayans. Pictured: Jennifer Vollopi & Lora Drasner

BELLINIS AND BIKINIS Cipriani Ocean Resort and Club Residences, Maria Buccellati, and Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour hosted a fabulous evening soiree, appropriately titled “Bellinis and Bikinis”, an Italian themed evening with a special fashion presentation, showcasing the sophisticated and sexy swim designs of the MB Beach Couture 2008 Spring Summer Collection. The three power players joined forces to bring together an international guest list of societies most notable influencers. Upon arrival, guests were received by the finest Bellini cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared by renown Cipriani New York Executive Chefs, who flew in specially for the occasion. Throughout the evening, guests previewed the model residence and hotel space at the luxurious Cipriani’s South Beach. At the stroke of 9:00 excitement escalated as hosts Ugo Columbo, Deborah Slack, and Maria Buccellati wowed the crowd with the chic presentation of the MB Beach Couture Collection. The momentum celebration continued throughout the evening, as guests mingled through the space and eagerly shopped the exclusive collection at the Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour onsite boutique.

IKF CIRCLE OF HEROES LUNCHEON The tropical setting for the International Kids Fund Circle of Heroes Annual Luncheon at Fairchild Tropical Gardens was spectacular and the food, catered by chef Michelle Bernstein, was magnificent. But no one lost sight of the real stars of the luncheon: the children whose lives have been changed because of the treatments they received at Holtz Children's Hospital through the International Kids Fund. Pictured: Roland D. Rodriguez, President and CEO, Jackson Memorial Foundation; Michelle Bernstein, Celebrity Chef, Circle of Heroes Luncheon; Maria Luisa Chea, Executive Director, International Kids Fund

Children First Fund The Green Family Foundation (GFF) and The House of Harry Winston hosted a collaborative fundraising event to benefit the Children First Fund at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. The Children First Fund is an initiative to raise vital philanthropic support, focusing on the University of Miami's Department of Pediatrics growth and advancement in children's healthcare. Pictured: Ambassador Steven and Dorothea Green.

Dwight Stephenson Hall of Fame Golf Classic Major business executives from throughout South Florida played golf with some of America's greatest professional football athletes during the inaugural Dwight Stephenson Foundation Hall of Fame Golf Classic. The two-day fundraiser began with a VIP reception at the Pangaea Lounge at the Seminole Hard Rock Café. The tournament teed off the next morning at Weston Hills. Pictured: Dwight Stephenson, Lawrence Taylor with event committee member Colin Beatty.

UM/Sylvester’s Well Being/Being Well UM/Sylvester’s inaugural Well Being/Being Well conference assembled more than 600 participants to become more proactive in their own health care. The event was part of UM/Sylvester’ continuous commitment to provide the community with the resources and tools to lead a healthier life. The event celebrated health and wellness and featured keynote presentations by mind-body expert Deepak Chopra as well as University of Miami President and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala. Pictured: Deepak Chopra, M.D. and UM Miller School of Medicine Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D.

Quincy Jones is Honored Miami residents Gloria and Emilio Estefan were just two of the musical legends that came out as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers held a musical tribute to Quincy Jones, who recently turned 75. Pictured: Eduardo Verastegui, Susan & Tony Bennett, and Gloria & Emilio Estephan.

New World School of the Arts For more than two decades, New World School of the Arts has dazzled Miami with Rising Stars, its signature showcase of young talent in the performing and visual arts. This year though, it outdid itself, with a sold-out Gusman Center for the Performing Arts smash presentation that led to an evening brimming in standing ovations, raving reviews, glamour and glitz. Pictured: BFA dancers Andrea Murillo and Michael Fernandez perform Martha Graham’s “Diversion of Angels”

Young Society of Love and Hope 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 the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Pictured: Michelle Rubell, Nicole Simkins, Alma Rodriguez and Therese Gibb

MICHAEL CAPPONI'S Birthday EXTRAVAGANZA Michael Capponi, hospitality entrepreneur and real estate developer, along with his eponymously named Capponi Building Company, hosted an over-the-top 1940s “Aviator”-themed birthday celebration at Miami’s Executive Aviation Airport. 1,800 guests donned their most creative outfits to pay homage to Miami’s long-standing king of the night, including: Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge; Eric Milon, owner of The Opium Group and wife Stacy; Kamal Hotchandani, publisher of Haute Living; developer Thomas Kramer, as well as a stream of glamorous Wilhelmina models. In lieu of gifts, more than $25,000 was donated by big-hearted guests to a host of charities, including United Way, American Cancer Society, Best Buddies, Make-a-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, Miami Rescue Mission and Bay Point Schools. Photo by: Tomas Loewy

BASQUE HAUTE CUISINE GALA DINNER The Government of Bizkaia hosted an elaborate cultural exchange in Miami, importing six star chefs from the Basque region of Spain, who took over the kitchen of The Tides South Beach with one big bash after another. Bizkaia Minister of Tourism Gabino Martinez de Arenaza Arrieta joined by government officials celebrated their extraordinary culinary flair, hailed as the best in the world, along with nods to Port of Bilboa's track to becoming one of the most internationally coveted cruise destinations. The main attraction were the feasts prepared by Basque Chefs Aitor Basabe, of Restaurante Arbolagaña at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum; Most Promising Basque Chef (1992), Spanish Cooking Champion (1998) and winner of various Pil-Piles, Aitor Elizegi, of Restaurante Gaminiz; Best Cook of the Year (2004) Eneko Atxa of Restaurante Azurmendi; Champion of Young Spanish Cooks (1998) José Miguel Olazabalaga of Restaurante Aizian; and Josu Ibarra of Asador Zuria, situated on the ground floor of the Hotel Jardines de Albia in Bilbao. Pictured: Jorge and Darlene Perez Photo by Zoltan.

World Premiere of NIGHTSPOT Miami City Ballet, the internationally acclaimed dance company under the artistic direction of Edward Villella, hosted a World Premiere Celebration recently at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. The event commemorated the first performance of a brand new work NIGHTSPOT created for Miami City Ballet’s dancers by world renowned modern dance choreographer Twyla Tharp, set to music by singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, with costumes designed by Isaac Mizrahi. Pictured: Edward Villella, Twyla Tharp, Elvis Costello & Linda Villella

Fresh Faces in Fashion 1,200 fashionistas, press, celebrities and guests gathered in attendance for Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion show. The event kicked off the season with just the right dose of spunk, style and sass. The audience watched six top emerging designers hailing from New York and Miami strut their designs on a beach-side runway. Designers included: Bensoni, Grace Sun, Shumaq, Megan Huntz Dresses, August Alexander, and Fabiana Ferreira. During the cocktail reception, three Miami accessory designers, Nazly Villamizar, Malcolm Fontier, and Septimo, displayed the latest in handbag and jewelry designs.

Alejandra Alberti Latin GRAMMY nominated Alejandra Alberti continued an intense promotional agenda with a showcase, two spotlight appearances at the Billboard Latin Music Conference, as well as a performance at the closing awards show at Miami Fashion Week. Alejandra also performed a thunderous set to a full house during Direct TV's celebration of the launch of its Direct TV Más service at the Hard Rock Café in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Included in her 30 minute set were the hit singles "Quiero" and "Dignidad De Mujer" off her self titled debut album.

Juanes A top-selling Latin Rock artist and Miami resident, Juanes appeared at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Miami to meet some of his fans just prior to his concert at the American Airlines Arena. The Miami event was sponsored by Ford. A dedicated global activist and renowned musician Juanes has won 12 Latin Grammy awards and has been declared “the single most important figure of the past decade in Latin pop music” by the Los Angeles Times and “One of the 100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time Magazine. His Mi Sangre Foundation works for the rehabilation of people who have been victims of land minds in Colombia. He also recently organized a concert as a response to the 2008 Andean diplomatic crisis that took place on the Colombia-Venezuela border and attracted 300,000 people. "It was more than a concert, it was a symbol of peace, a fraternity between citizens," he told SocialMiami.com. Photo by Hellmund

Table one at Michael's in NYC If you're seated at table one at Michael's in New York, it's a good sign that you're at the top of the social food chain -- at least according to Diane Clehane of MediaBistro.com. So when Key Biscayne's Sean Wolfington was seated at table one with some of the media world's biggest power players, it was a clear indication of Sean's rising national standing. Pictured: Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, Tony Bennett, his lovely wife Susan, Eduardo Verastegui, Bella producer Sean Wolfington, Today show producer Brian Balthazar.

MIAMI WORLDCENTER GROUP Miami Worldcenter Group, a presenting sponsor of the IDB 2008 Miami conference, hosted a dinner reception for international, national and local business leaders at Il Gabbiano. As part of the evening, guests enjoyed a presentation which provided them with an exclusive perspective of how Miami Worldcenter will reshape the Downtown Miami of the future. Among the guests hosted by Miami Worldcenter Group executives Art Falcone, Marc Roberts and Nitin Motwani were: IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno; General Anthony Zinni, former Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Central Command; Mack McLarty, former White House Chief of Staff for President Clinton; City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz; City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff; Ernesto de la Fe of Morgan Stanley, Latin America; GMCVB President Bill Talbert; and Jorge Arrizurieta, Chairman of the IDB 2008 Miami Host Committee. Pictured: Marc Roberts, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Art Falcone, Hon. Manny Diaz and Nitin Motwani

Art For Life Miami Beach Danny and Russell Simmons hosted the Art For Life Miami Beach gala and honored John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Suze Orman, and R. Donohue Peebles. Also in attendance were Dwayne Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Creed lead singer and solo artist Scott Stapp with his wife Jaclyn, Paulina Rubio, Pauly Shore, Katrina Peebles, Rush Philanthropic board member David Rosenberg, guest auctioneer Primetime’s John Quinones, SocialMiami’s founder Melanie Cohen, Rudy & Lydia Prio-Touzet, Tom and Sherri Ireland, Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Erin Newberg, Beth Tasca, J.R. Ridinger, and co-chairs Tracy Wilson Mourning, Loren Ridinger, and Allison Weiss Brady with husband Chip Brady, whose company Energy & Fuel Consultants was one of the evening’s sponsors. Pictured: Russell Simmons and Paulina Rubio

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation MarketAmerica.com hosted the 10th annual Fashion Art Ball. Two hundred of Miami’s elite and hip were at the members-only Casa Casuarina to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event catered by The Forge, Table 8, China Grill featured a men’s and woman’s fashion show. The night topped off with a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament. Guests sipped on cocktails provided by Southern Wine and Spirits and Shireen Sandoval with Channel 7 Deco Drive and Tommy Pooch opened the evening with a warm welcome and introduced J.R. & Loren Ridinger, owners of MarketAmerica.com, as the evening’s hosts. Pictured: Pauly Shore with J.R. and Loren Ridenger

Guga Celebrities, players, VIPs and fans turned out for the Latinos in Tennis celebration at EPIC Residences & Hotel. Hosted by the ATP and co-sponsored by EPIC Residences & Hotel, Diageo, PORCAO Rio's Churrascaria Restaurant Miami and Amazonia Premium water, the celebration culminated in a special tribute to Brazilian tennis player Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten, who played at this year's Sony Ericsson Open for the last time. Pictured: Anna Kournikova joined the party to celebrate and support Guga's career.

Juan Luis Guerra With the Latin Billboards right around the corner, South Florida has become a Latin Super star runway! Juan Luis Guerra, the well-known and respected Dominican singer and songwriter and Billboard Latin Music Award Nominee, dined at Tequila Ranch located in the Seminole Paradise at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

National Italian American Foundation Eros Ramazzotti, one of Italy's most popular singers and songwriters, performed songs from his latest album before more than 600 notable Italian and Italian American business executives, international dignitaries and Florida's community leaders during the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Ambassador's Ball. The evening's host, Italy's Ambassador to the United States H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta, presented a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Music to Ramazzotti at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood.

LORRAINE BRACCO WINE DINNER Riley McDermott’s, serving the finest Modern American Cuisine, hosted the Lorraine Bracco Wine Dinner. About 50 VIP guests joined Lorraine Bracco, Actress and Founder of Bracco Wines, and Anthony McDermott in a celebration of great wine, great food and great company. Guests enjoyed a selection of Bracco Wines that complimented each dish during the dinner. Selected wines included Bracco Pinot Grigio, Bracco Montepulciano, Bracco Amarone and Bracco Barolo.

Texas de Brazil-Miami Beach The popular Brazilian steakhouse Texas de Brazil-Miami Beach, recently celebrated its grand opening with a high energy cocktail reception. Texas de Brazil’s owner Salim Asrawi, director of operations Anil Sekhri, and general manager Nelson Vindell were on hand to greet luminaries in attendance including NBC 6’s Willard Shepard, arts activist Merle Weiss and husband, attorney Dan Weiss, arts philanthropist Harvey Burstein, enterperneur Jim Bach and NIBA owner Nissi Berryman, among many others. Pictured (L-R): Kesley Ditullio and Tiffany Rosen

Miami Pops Concert Association of Florida (CAF) launched the Miami Pops “Music of the Americas” program with a delightful performance by Pink Martini. The multilingual twelve-piece ensemble known for its mix of genres ranging from Brazilian sambas to sultry cabaret and afro-Cuban rumba entertained a packed Knight Concert Hall at The Adrienne Arsht Center. Part French chanson, Argentine tango and soft merengue with a dash of low-lit jazz lounge, Pink Martini is the 1994 brainchild of Harvard graduate and classically trained pianist, Thomas M. Lauderdale and classmate China Forbes, songwriter and guitarist.

EleVen Fashion and tennis merged this week at the Sony Ericsson Open as EleVen by Venus Williams staged a fashion show at the tournament’s Fashion Park. Tennis fans had the opportunity to see and hear Venus as tennis great Mary Joe Fernandez conducted a Q & A prior to the models taking the stage. The runway show featured active lifestyle apparel, casual footwear and denim jeans and jackets.

Jazz in the Gardens The City of Miami Gardens presented a star-studded lineup for the 3rd annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival. Artists who performed included: George Benson, Chaka Khan, The O'Jays, Wyclef Jean, Nancy Wilson, KEM, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Chrisette Michele, Mike Phillips and Anthony David. Pictured: Chaka Khan

Donald J Pliner Spring/Summer 2008 Shoe designer Donald J Pliner presented his Spring/Summer 2008 Collection at his Aventura Boutique. The event raised funds for the Donald and Lisa Pliner Peace for the Children Foundation, which helps to channel funds to deserving projects and initiatives that advance peace, care and welfare to children in need. Models, Lisa and Donald Pliner and NBC6 anchor Trina Robinson

Bob Costas and Make-A-Wish