Trendsetters
Hennessy V.S Celebrates Latin Music, Art & Culture
Thursday, April 25, 11pm – 3am – Miguel Paredes Fine Are Gallery, 173 NW 23rd Street, Miami Wynwood Arts District
Hennessy, the number one selling Cognac brand in the world, celebrated its successful “Wild Rabbit” campaign alongside some of the top talent in Latin culture. Centered on the notion that true greatness is reserved for those who have reached a level of mastery yet still push the limits of their potential, the “Wild Rabbit” program draws parallels among the journeys of leading icons in various fields and the paths being forged by Hennessy aficionados. On the biggest night of Latin music in Miami, Hennessy celebrated Latin arts and culture with Panamanian hip-hop duo Los Rakas, legendary Soulfrito DJ Collective, the “godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine” Chef Douglas Rodriguez and visual artist Miguel Paredes and their quests to never stop, never settle.
Before Miami native Chef Douglas Rodriguez became the “Godfather of nuevo Latino cuisine,” he was a young chef working on Lincoln Road looking for a dedicated sous chef, and Miguel Paredes happened to know something about cooking. Now, nearly 30 years later and after climbing to the top of their respective professions, Paredes and Rodriguez teamed up again to help Hennessy celebrate Latin music and culture.
For the 3rd year in row, Paredes had been commissioned by the Latin Billboards to create artwork for the event as its official artist. The New York native paid his dues over years of putting everything he had into his “wild rabbit,” a term he uses to refer to the culmination of one’s dreams and the pinnacle of success. He became a staple of the Miami art scene even before opening his Wynwood gallery in 2010.
Hennessy was first introduced to Latin America in 1860 when the first shipment of Cognac was made to Mexico. Hennessy’s relationship with Latino culture continued to flourish beyond Latin America and into the U.S. Hispanic community through unwavering support of arts and culture.
In addition to meatballs with Hennessy mushroom sauce, dishes like lobster coconut ceviche, perfectly cooked chorizo on slider rolls and chicken empanadas made their way around a packed art studio. DJ Laz helped host the event and music was provided by the Soulfrito collective and Los Rakas. Perhaps the most poignant guests wore gaudy but elegant costumes by designer/artist Olga Saretsky from her Mikimora studio’s “High Fashion Circus.” Specialty Hennessy drinks like blueberry mojitos and a dangerously subtle sangria Hennessy cocktail were free flowing as guests mingled and mangled until around 3 a.m.
Pictures by: photoActiva
2nd Annual “Claws for Kids” Brunch at Joe's Stone Crab
Sunday, May 5, 11:30am - Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted 2nd Annual “Claws for Kids” fundraising brunch at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, as the last call before stone crab season ends. Guests enjoyed delicious stone crabs, cole slaw, hash brown potatoes, creamed spinach and Key Lime Pie. For those who don’t eat stone crabs, main course options were also available. Committee members include Judy Kramer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade former Board President Olga Guilarte, Lana DeSimone, Irene Korge, Susan Geiger, Eris Thomas, Connie & Fred Rebozo, Rae Stein, Raul Marmol, Andres Guilarte and Mark Walker. All event proceeds to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s state-of-the-art South Beach location.
After having served the children of Miami Beach for 27 years, the prior 2,500-sq.-ft. South Beach Club on the existing site was demolished in September 2011 to make way for construction of the new facility, which will open early summer 2013 during a celebratory ribbon-cutting party. The new South Beach Club will feature a teen center, state-of-the-art computer lab, teaching kitchen for children, homework rooms, games rooms and a creative arts room, and will serve approximately 400 children from the local area.
2nd Annual Haute Tea to Benefit the Diabetes Research Institute
Tuesday, May 21, 12pm -The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour
The Young Society of Love and Hope, along with the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, hosted their 2nd annual “Haute Tea”, chaired by Jillian Posner and Dana Rosenhaus Swickle. Tea included a champagne reception followed by a three-course lunch. Scones & clotted cream and finger sandwiches were additionally presented at each table along with formal tea service. This year, the famous Parisian silver house, Christofle (of Bal Harbour) adorn the event with luxurious silver throughout. Attendees also enjoyed a fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, a silent auction and prizes to the finest hats of the day. This fun and unique afternoon gathered women together while increasing awareness about diabetes, and what better way to support a cure than through sheer indulgence at the St. Regis?
Pictures by: photoActiva
Let’s Get Lucky! Her City Night Miami
Thursday, March 7, 6-9pm – Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, 297 NW 23rd Street, Miami Wynwood Arts District
Her City Card, the club for women who love to shop, play and network, invited South Florida ladies to “Let’s Get Lucky! Her City Night Miami.” Powered by parent company InterviewHer.com, the social event shopping and networking event included discounted shopping with merchandise up to 70% off, along with complimentary beauty treatments, prize giveaways and loaded swag bags for VIP ticket holders.
In addition, the exclusive “Get Lucky” session, by guest speaker Nikki Novo, guests were helped to turn their dreams into a reality whether it is revamping their personal lives or careers. A personal-development writer and self-love preacher, Nikki is the creator of The Charmed Life School and The Love Club with Nikki Novo, co-founder of Working Girls Workshop and author of the popular self-help/love blog “The Art of You & Me.”
A portion of the event proceeds will go to FINCA.org, a microfinance organization that helps fund women-owned start-up businesses in the most impoverished regions of the world. Guest will enjoy Complimentary “Lucky Her” cocktails and bites, as well as, Specialty drinks & food menu al night long.
Pictures by: Alejandro Gringuito Lopez
.jpg "Nikki Nova at Let’s Get Lucky! Her City Night Miami")
The Great Gatsby Dinner Party at Villa Azur
Thursday, May 9, 7pm – Villa Azur Restaurant & Lounge, 309 23rd Street, Miami Beach
One of the most notable books is coming to life on May 10th with the opening of “The Great Gatsby”! Co-owner and actor Olivier Martinez together with Owner/Partner Michael Martin of Villa Azur are paying tribute to the movie industry, as well as a restaurant regular Leonardo Di Caprio by curating a Great Gatsby themed event. To mimic Gatsby’s famous parties in the roaring twenties, imbibers will step into the stunning white room with crystal chandeliers and candles with flapper dancers by Zhantra Entertainment. The dinner party featured live music and a DJ spinning favorites from present day to the prohibition era, Gatsby inspired entertainers & model cars from the era, and mixologists served favorites from the decade such as the Mint Julep & Gin Martini.
2nd Annual Haute Tea to Benefit the Diabetes Research Institute
Tuesday, May 21, 12pm -The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour
The Young Society of Love and Hope, along with the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, hosted their 2nd annual “Haute Tea”, chaired by Jillian Posner and Dana Rosenhaus Swickle. Tea included a champagne reception followed by a three-course lunch. Scones & clotted cream and finger sandwiches were additionally presented at each table along with formal tea service. This year, the famous Parisian silver house, Christofle (of Bal Harbour) adorn the event with luxurious silver throughout. Attendees also enjoyed a fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, a silent auction and prizes to the finest hats of the day. This fun and unique afternoon gathered women together while increasing awareness about diabetes, and what better way to support a cure than through sheer indulgence at the St. Regis?
Pictures by: photoActiva
Echo Aventura Sales Center Grand Opening
Thursday, May 16, 6pm - Echo Aventura Sales Center, 3250 NE 188th Street, Aventura
Property Markets Group’s Echo Aventura project hosted a round table event with some of the most prominent developers in today’s market. The panelists discussed items such as the South Florida real estate market as well as what the developers have planned for the future. Speakers were Kevin Maloney, founder and principal of Property Markets Group, Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development, Carlos Rosso, president of condominium development for the Related Group, developer Avra Jain, and Eric Trump, executive vice president of development and acquisition at the Trump Organization. Immediately following discussion was the sales center grand opening celebration.
The La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup IX
April 25 – 28, Between 20th and 22nd Streets, Miami Beach
The Polo Life, hosted the 9th annual La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, from April 25th to April 28th between 20th and 22nd Streets on the sands of South Beach. The four-day, globally renowned sporting event, featured top polo players from around the world competing in two tournaments for both men and women. Each year, the Miami Beach Polo World Cup is produced by the event’s founding organization, ACT Productions, based in Miami Beach, owned by President and CEO, Bruce Orosz.
The La Martina South Beach Women’s Polo Cup V took place on Thursday, April 25th featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches. The Cheeki team came out on top with a record winning perfect score. Cheeki’s Tiffany Busch earned MVP honors for her efforts while The James Royal Palm Hotel/Jet Blue team’s Laura Willson’s horse “Dash” was named Best Playing Pony.
The La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup IX – a three-day men’s tournament, started on Friday, April 27th through Sunday, April 29th. Six teams included some of the world’s top-ranked players, including England’s Jamie Morrison, Holland’s Vincent Mesker, past Miami Beach and Chicago Beach Polo winner, Guille Usandizaga from Argentina, Costa Rica’s Luis Escobar, 2009 MVP John Gobin and last year’s MVP, 9-goaler Kris Kampsen.
The traditional post-event awards ceremony was held at the end of each tournament to commemorate both women’s and men’s competition winners, during which sponsor representatives presented trophies to the men’s and women’s World Cup finalists. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami and Irie Foundation are the tournament’s official partnering charity organizations. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami will receive a portion of funds raised through ticket sales from the event.
As part of the daily experience at this year’s event, Aventura Mall waa the official retail partner for the design and creation of the retail village, allowing attendees to browse and purchase dozens of their favorite brands, including the latest from TAG Heuer, while taking a break from watching some of the world’s top polo players. Courtesy cocktails were provided by GREY GOOSE Vodka in the VIP tent throughout the four days.
Pictures by: photoActiva
TigerDirect.com and Intel’s Holiday Tech Bash
Tuesday, November 20, 8-11pm – The Moore Building, 4040 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Design District
TigerDirect.com, a retailer specializing in consumer electronics, technology products and computer services, and Intel®, a world leader in computing innovation, hosted a memorable evening of innovation, emerging technology and interactive entertainment at the historic Moore Building in the Design District on Tuesday, November 20, 2012. Bound to change the way we use and interact with our personal digital devices, TigerDirect.com and Intel® have created a full-fledged party celebrating the touch, play and imaginative nature of the new generation of products featuring Microsoft’s groundbreaking Windows 8 operating system. The event took place on 4 floors, each one boasting interactive games and features topped with complimentary food & cocktails and music by the Miami Dolphin’s DJ Supersede.
