Fashionable Philanthropists unite at Vizcaya

On March 7, South Florida's most fashionable philanthropists gathered at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for the estate's Centennial Preservation Luncheon, affectionately nicknamed "The Hat Luncheon." The event welcomed more than 300 guests for an elegant champagne lunch in support of Vizcaya's continued preservation.

Above: Christy Martin, Barbara Hevia, Swanee DiMare, and Joel Hoffman

Upon arriving at the estate, guests were ushered into the courtyard of the Main House for a cocktail reception featuring libations by Dall'Armellina Vineyards. Guests also delighted in stylish accessories by Jimmy Quiroga Designs, the latest fashions from Neiman Marcus, a silent auction featuring a 10-12 day European cruise with a balcony stateroom by Celebrity Cruises and a raffle of numerous luxury offerings.

Above, are Ani Hernandez, Marile Lopez, and Raquel Kauffler.

Bronwyn Miller, Mary Bryant McCourt, and Lesli Brown

 Ileana Bravo, Laurie Jennings, Swanee DiMare, and Barbara Hevia

Orriane Collins and Renata Munoz

The luncheon was catered by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design with a sumptuous menu that included an English Pea Velvet with Sous Vide Leek and a Branzino a la Plancha as well as assorted petit fours.

Alexa Wolman and Kalyn James; Dana Shear and Tara Solomon

Neiman Marcus Models; Trish Bell

Eilah Campbell-Beavers and Lydia Touzet; Linda Levy Goldberg, Lourdes Araujo and Lourdes Reguera.

Founded in 2009, the luncheon raises funds toward the preservation of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for the community and future generations to come. The topic of preservation is particularly poignant as Vizcaya enters its centennial year and prepares to launch new plans to expand Vizcaya's role as a cultural hub through the restoration of Vizcaya Village which was built alongside the original estate in 1916 with the aim of making the property self-sufficient, including more than a dozen buildings consisting of staff housing and stables. Its restoration will realize the full potential of Vizcaya as a community resource through innovative programming for locals and visitors as well as by relating the full history of the estate.

The hat contest returned for the second year in row, adding past winners Marile Lopez, Alexa Wolman, and Dana Shear to the panel of illustrious industry judges - Lesli Brown, fashion illustrator and former director at W, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar; and Tara Solomon, founder and co-principal of TARA, Ink. Public Relations and Events. This year's winners were Barbara Hevia for Best Hat; Beth Tasca for Best Ensemble; and Criselda Breene for Most Avant Garde Look.  

The Vizcaya Centennial Preservation Luncheon co-chairs are Swanee DiMare, Barbara Hevia and Christy Martin. The committee includes Lourdes Almagro Araujo, Eilah Campbell-Beavers, Lesli Ann Brown, Suzy Buckley, Daisy Casuso, Kim Caceres, Heidi Dans, Sonia Gibson, Linda Levy Goldberg, Ani Hernandez, Carol Iacovelli, Daysi Johansson, Migna Sanchez-Llorens, Marile Lopez, Nicole Lozano, Bronwyn Miller, Laura C. Munilla and Alexa Wolman.


Sponsors for this event include Aqua di Parma, Dall'Armellina Vineyards, DiMare Fresh, Jimmy Quiroga Designs, Neiman Marcus, Shapoh.com, USA Bouquet, Leslie Brown, Caviar Russe, Nespresso, Deering Wine, 1865 Vineyard and Marquess de Riscal, Shaw Ross International Importers and Terra Group.