Miami Magazine presents "Splashion" at LIV Nightlcub to kick-off Swim Week in Miami!

Miami is officially getting sexier by the minute! Swim Week has arrived my Sazoneros and I'm so excited to bring you all of the highlights from the shows I'll be attending. Last night, Miami Magazine hosted their fourth annual Splashion event at LIV Nightclub inside the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. This gnarly beach themed fashion show featured swimwear collections by BECCA by Rebecca Virtue, Betsey Johnson, Jag, Jantzen, Perry Ellis, Masquenada and La Martina [to name a few]. Guests enjoyed Cointreau cocktails and Voga Italia Wines while indulging in complimentary beauty demonstrations by Elemis Spa and Rik Rak Salon. This was definitely the place to be seen last night so make sure you check out the video I added to this post if you missed it!

Above Left: Yours truly along with Anne Owen, Publisher of Miami Magazine, before we walked into Splashion for the evening. Make sure you pick up this month's "Restaurant Issue" for the inside scoop on where to dine in our magic city.

DJ Irie (pictured above) was bringing his hottest beach beats to Splashion last night! I love running into him in Miami because he's always happy and making everyone dance to his music. In case you missed him during Irie Weekend, make sure you check out his recently launched Irie Foundation.

Above: A classic one piece swimsuit by Jantzen. ADORABLE!

Miami Socialite and Philanthropist, Norma Quintero (pictured above second from the right), attended Splashion with her friends.

Striking a pose with fellow bloggers Annie Vazquez (The Fashion Poet) and Rosa Cordero (Accidental Sexiness) during Splashion at LIV Nightclub.

Kelly Saks (pictured above on the right- Editor of Kelly's Kloset) and her friends enjoying Splashion. Congrats to Kelly who was recently crowned Miss Cuba 2011!!!

My fabulous friend Damaris Aquiar (pictured above second from the left) attended Splashion with her friends as well. Damaris is the reining Miss Carnaval Miami 2011. Overall, it was a wonderful evening with friends, music and swimwear! Hope you enjoy my video clip from last night's grand finale. Are you ready for SWIM WEEK?

Dirty Vegas collaborates with the New World Symphony to present Synesthesia in Miami

Miami's New World Center is easily becoming the world's most exciting place to experience music on a whole new level. On Saturday, June 4th, music lovers had the chance to check out Synesthesia at the New World Center sponsored by Lincoln. Synesthesia is a show that fuses house music with the sounds of a live classical symphony orchestra. The show's concept is the first of its kind in the United States. This weekend's performance was headlined by Grammy Award winners Dirty Vegas (pictured above) who took over the turn tables as the New World Symphony rocked their instruments. Prior to the electric event, guests were able to enjoy a VIP reception featuring food by BLT Steak and martinis by Bombay Sapphire. Since the event was also sponsored by Miami Magazine and The Betsy Hotel, guests were invited to an exclusive after party at the trendy South Beach hotel to continue the celebration of this new musical production.

If you didn't have a chance to check out Dirty Vegas and the 30 piece symphony orchestra, stay tuned because Synesthesia will debut three additional shows in the near future: Latino music, world music and R&B music. Each of these genres of music will be fused with a symphony orchestra....imagine that! To learn more about these upcoming events, visit the New World Symphony's website.

Top Left: On of my favorite photographers, Jipsy (right), strikes a pose with her friend for Miami Beats and Sazon!

Synesthesia provided everyone in the room with a full sensory experience. While listening to the music, attendees gazed at amazing visuals by one of the world's top female VJ's, Laurence Gartel of Psyberpixie. The visual mixing was incredible because every beat of the music synchronized with the images on the projector. Synesthesia also used scent creating technologies during the show similar to those used by Cirque Du Soleil and Disney. Overall, it was an unforgettable night so watch out for more upcoming shows in Miami!

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!