Interview: Celebrity Shoe Designer Brian Atwood visits Saks Fifth Avenue at Bal Harbour

Forget diamonds! I say shoes are a woman's best friend and I'm sure there are many who would agree. Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Brian Atwood, a celebrity shoe designer. From sketching ideas to producing his elegant masterpieces, it is evident why celebs and trendsetters flock to his new collections. On Wednesday, April 27th, I met Brian before his grand event that day which was hosted by Miami Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue at the Bal Harbour Shops. Brian made a personal appearance and autographed shoes for those who purchased his sassy heels during the event. There were cocktails, shoes and plenty of familiar faces who attended that night [like Lea Black from The Real Housewives of Miami]. If you weren't able to meet Brian at Saks, check out a recap video [produced by the Bal Harbour Shops] at the bottom.

MBS: How would you describe this summer's Brian Atwood collection?
BA: There are some ethnic touches to the collection. Gorgeous spring colors. With me, you always find some kind of seventies, glamour, disco element in the shoes. You're always going to find high stilettos and platforms as well. Fun shoes that Miami women will definitely feel sexy wearing.

MBS: Are you involved with any philanthropic organizations? If so, why?
BA: We are collaborating with the CFDA [Council of Fashion Designers of America] and their "Fashion and Friends for Japan" campaign to raise funds for Japan. We always give back. Whenever we can help and do something for the good of others, we do.

MBS: In your mind, what components are absolutely necessary for a sexy shoe?
BA: Absolutely necessary. Well, besides an extremely high heel [a must], I would say color. I think color is sexy and you can have so much fun with it. Color really does something to people and it gives great energy as well.

MBS: Are you a fan of social media?
BA: I do have a Facebook Page that we constantly update. I also have a Twitter account and that's all me! Nowadays, you have to keep up with social media.

MBS: What do you think is important for up and coming shoe designers to keep in mind in order to be successful?
BA: I think they have to be true to themselves and know what they want to do. Never compromise what you love to do. Whether people think your designs are ugly, there's always a customer for you so know your customers!

MBS: When you're in Miami, what do you love to do and what are your favorite hot spots?
BA: I love to go to the beach. I love Mr. Chow's at the W Hotel. I love The Webster to shop. When I come to Miami, I really just love to hang out and have a good time.

All photos were provided by Anthony Jordon, Jr. Thank you!

Miami Magazine hosts an event at Elie Tahari Bal Harbour to benefit Rally for Kids with Cancer

I love to support events that benefit great causes. On Wednesday, March 2nd, I attended a special shopping event at the Elie Tahari Boutique inside the Bal Harbour Shops hosted by Miami Magazine [pictured above: Sara Droz, Anne Owen (Miami Magazine's Publisher), and Jennifer Sybers]. During the evening, guests enjoyed cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka, hors d'oeuvres and 20% off the new Elie Tahari spring collection. A portion of the evening's sales went towards Rally for Kids with Cancer, a foundation that aims to help young children fight their battle with cancer. Since their annual celebrity event is right around the corner (April 29 & 30, 2011), check out their website to learn about the Cancer Scavenger Cup where celebrities and donors drive around Miami and participate in a variety of scavenger games to spread awareness for the organization's mission. This year's honorary chair is Eva Longoria so scroll down to see a video of Longoria as she speaks about the importance of Rally for Kids. Become a driver, a sponsor or donate to your favorite celebrity to help raise much needed funds for children's cancer research, treatment and care.

Above Right: Brandon Grant [Marketing Director, Miami Magazine] and Jared Sharon from Botania Design strike a pose for Miami Beats & Sazon during the shopping event at Elie Tahari.

Oxygene Boutique and Miami Magazine host Loree Rodkin Trunk Show at Bal Harbour Shops

I love social gatherings so I couldn't miss this special event at the Bal Harbour Shops! On Friday, December 17th, Oxygene Boutique and Miami Magazine hosted an exclusive trunk show to debut the latest hand crafted jewelry collection by Loree Rodkin. During the event, guests sipped on Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte while enjoying a variety of hors d'oeuvres. A portion from the evening's VIP preview reception benefited Tracy Mourning's (pictured on the left) Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities. Honey Shine provides a platform for young girls to develop their own voice as women. The program provides "Honey Bugs" [participants] with mentors, bi-weekly workshops and a chance to attend the most anticipated event of the year: Camp Honey Shine! To learn how you can become involved with this program, visit their website. In the words of Tracy Mourning, "I invite and encourage other women to join me in shining their light to brighten the paths of young girls." Join the movement and become a mentor.

Above left: Shayne and Felix Cohen, owners of Oxygene Boutique at the Bal Harbour Shops [9700 Collins Avenue]. Above right: The sweetest couple of the night- Diane and Aristotle Ares. I loved Diane's elegant sense of style and Aristotle's sense of humor. Sending you a big hello and thank you for striking a fabulous pose for my blog!!!

Above: Guests during the Loree Rodkin Trunk Show. Make sure to check out Victoria Matveeva (second from the left) and her new boutique in Miami called Sauvage.


Above left: Reynald Ricard and Jean-Marc Durante, owner of Red Market Salon at the Bal Harbour Shops [9700 Collins Avenue]. Above right: Mekevia Hawkins and Claudienne Hibbert also attened the exclusive event.

Hope all of my Sazoneros are wrapping up their last minute shopping this week! Remember to stop by Oxygene Boutique at the Bal Harbour Shops and check out Loree Rodkins jewelry collection for yourself. Ciao!

Fashion's Night Out...Miami Style!

What a night in Miami! There was no better way to celebrate Fashion's Night Out (FNO) than shopping around the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops. VOGUE Magazine, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York created this global event to help spread awareness for different charity organizations while also supporting the fashion industry. Miami did not disappoint sazoneros! I ran into my favorite Shoenista and star of VH1's Basketball Wives, Evelyn Lozada, who hosted an event at the Trina Turk store (pictured above wearing a stunning Trina Turk cocktail dress). Miami socialites Dana Shear and Vivianne Kurzweil also hosted the event along with lifestyle editor Jacquelynn Powers. Guests enjoyed cupcakes and champagne while perusing the store for the latest fall trends. Throughout Bal Harbour, customers purchased the official FNO shirts to help support the NYC AIDS Fund.

The FNO event at Trina Turk Bal Harbour was amazing!

Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer Cess Silvera along with CEO of Elite Home and Lifestyle Management, Amaris Jones and Evelyn Lozada (star of VH1's Basketball Wives). The season premiere of Basketball Wives will air on VH1 in December so tune-in to watch!

Jennifer Kopitke, Trina Turk's Store Manager, struck a pose for MBS with Samantha Chiz and Sandy Medino during the FNO event.

Top Left: Tom and Debra brought their adorable doggy duo, Coco and Lulu, to join the festivities for the night. I LOVED IT!!! Top Right: The lovely Vanessa Hauc, co-host on Telemundo’s Al Rojo Vivo, attended the event at Trina Turk.

Top: Evelyn Lozada, owner of Dulce Shoes in Coral Gables, was joined by her daughter, Shaniece, at Trina Turk Bal Halbour for Fashion's Night Out.
My next stop: The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis hosted a fabulous game of Bocce Ball in the middle of the Bal Harbour Shops! The Buoniconti Fund serves as the national fundraising arm of The Miami Project and aims to reach high levels of spinal cord injury awareness within local communities. Last night's event kicked off the 25th Anniversary of the Great Sports Legends Dinner, which takes place on Monday, September 27th, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. For more information, visit their website!
Top: Former Miami Dolphin greats were in attendance during the Bocce Ball Bash. From left to right- Dick Anderson (1972 player of the undefeated Miami Dolphins team), Lesley Visser (First and Only Woman Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame), Nat Moore, Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard and Morten Aagaard.
My final stop for the night was at Chloé Bal Harbour. The store presented a fun in-store event hosted by Latina actress, host and producer of Telemundo’s Al Rojo Vivo Maŕia Celeste Arrarás (pictured on the left). Maŕia was joined by actress and model Paola Turbay and Miami philanthropist and socialite Kelly Gold. Guests sipped on champagne by Louis Roederer and hors d’oeuvres while checking out Chloé’s Autumn/ Winter 2010 ready-to-wear collection. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefited Rally for Kids, a non-profit organization providing critical funds for care, treatment and research for children suffering from cancer. Eva Longoria Parker has joined the fight! Visit their website to learn how to get involved in your own way.
Top: Tara Solomon (middle), Principal of TARA, Ink., along with her friends at Chloé’s FNO event at Bal Harbour.

Top Left: A fashionista in action...all I have to say! Top Right: Nick D’Annunzio, Principal of TARA, Ink., along with Reporter, Writer and Economist Brett Graff.

Finally, Telemundo’s Al Rojo Vivo Maŕia Celeste Arrarás strikes a pose with yours truly! I'm a big fan of Maŕia Celeste and she was so kind and sweet during the event. Hope you enjoyed my recap and feel free to leave your comments below. Cheers to a wonderful night of fashion! xoxo

Global Event taking over Miami: Vogue Magazine's Fashion's Night Out on Sept. 10th

Fashion lovers, grab a chair and take notes on this one: Fashion's Night Out (FNO) 2010 is coming to Miami! This global celebration is taking place on Friday, September 10th. Created by VOGUE Magazine, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York, here are my picks for the hottest FNO events around town:

1. Bal Harbour Shops (9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour) is starting their festivities at 7 p.m. when the shops transform into an amazing block party with food, music, special-edition merchandise, personal appearances and a few surprises. More than 40 stores have partnered with a non-profit organization and will donate a percentage of the evening’s proceeds. Vogue Latinoamérica will be distributing complimentary September magazines during the night.

Chloé at Bal Harbour Shops will be hosted by Latina actress, host and producer of Telemundo’s Al Rojo Vivo Maŕia Celeste Arrarás; actress and model Paola Turbay and Miami philanthropist and socialite Kelly Gold. Guests are invited to enjoy live beats, champagne by Louis Roederer and hors d’oeuvres while perusing Chloé’s Autumn/Winter 2010 ready-to-wear collection. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Rally for Kids, a non-profit organization providing critical funds for care, treatment and research for children suffering from cancer. To RSVP, please email Chloe@taraink.com.

Trina Turk at Bal Harbour Shops will be hosted by Miami socialites Dana Shear and Vivianne Kurzweil; VH1’s Basketball Housewives Evelyn Lozada and lifestyle editor Jacquelynn Powers. Guests can indulge in cupcakes and champagne, and enter for the chance to win exclusive raffle prizes. Proceeds from the FNO shirts will be donated to NYC AIDS Fund. To RSVP, email TrinaTurk@taraink.com.

2. Village of Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables) is hosting a trendy FNO Lounge featuring cool music, light bites provided by SAWA Restaurant & Lounge, informal modeling and a sneak peak of Fall 2010 trends. Bring your friends and unwind as you sip complimentary cocktails provided by Belvedere Vodka & Atlantico Rum. Patrons will be able to capture their Fashion’s Night Out experience by receiving a complimentary professional picture with any purchase of $25 or more from any retailer throughout the center. FNO participants include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Juicy Couture, Gucci, Donald Pliner, Jimmy Choo and Etro (just to name a few). The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and runs till 9 p.m. Sounds like you can't miss this one!!! For more information on this global event, visit http://www.fashionsnightout.com/.

3. Eden Roc Renaissance (4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach) will welcome fashionable guests as BeautyChronicles.com hosts their own special FNO extravaganza. The event runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Once 11 p.m. comes around, the party will continue at the hotel's penthouse (yes, this FNO event has a HOT after party in place). For more information, visit BeautyChronicles.com. Hope you have a wonderful night where ever you decide to celebrate!

Meet Designer Trina Turk and Preview her new Swim & Spa Collection at the Bal Harbour Shops

Are you checking out Alessandra Ambrosio in her hot Trina Turk bandeau bikini on the right? That's what I thought! Here's your chance to attend a special meet-and-greet with renown designer Trina Turk. This exclusive shopping event will take place on Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 2 to 6 p.m. (meet Trina Turk at 4 p.m.). Guests will get an exclusive preview of her latest Swim & Spa Collection while enjoying peach and pineapple green tea cocktails. Attend the soirée at Trina Turk’s Bal Harbour Shops flagship store (9700 Collins Avenue, SP# E267) and meet the designer who's sophisticated fabrics and signature prints have earned her the title of "Mercedes Benz Presents." To RSVP for this exciting opportunity, kindly email trinaturkbalharbour@taraink.com. Come see Trina's unique style and innovative designs on Saturday! During the event, consumers will receive a complimentary raffia clutch purse – retail value of $195 – with purchases over $300. Visit http://www.trinaturk.com/ to familiarize yourself with Trina Turk and perhaps indulge in a new bikini.

The Spam Allstars are bringing the BEAT!!!

If you've never seen the Spam Allstars performing live, then you're missing a major source of Miami's sazon in your life! On Thursday, February 25th, the Spam Allstars are bringing their contagious beats to the Music Series at Bal Harbour Shops. To continue their weekly Cultural Series, Bal Harbour Village (9700 Collins Avenue) presents a complimentary outdoor concert featuring two performances by the eclectic band starting at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Blending their improvisational electronic elements and turntables with latin, funk, hip hop and dub, the Spam Allstars will energize your mind and body with their soulful sounds. After this event, join the Spam Allstars as they host their CD Release Party at Hoy Como Ayer (2212 SW 8th Street, Miami) where you can hear two sets from "Rumberos de la 8" live!! For more information about the band or to see their full schedule, check out http://www.spamallstars.com/. By the end of the night, you'll be dancing and singing along to their catchy lyrics. Enjoy the shows, xoxo