The Story Matters
Calendar p.14 Feast with the Beasts, Angelique Kidjo, Miami Film Fest and Miami Grand Prix...
Vol. XXV No. 09
March 5, 2010
Visit us at miamisunpost.com
THE GEN ART 9 Fresh Faces in Fashion Kicks off Fashion Week Miami
SEE PAGE. 12
MAYHEM P.4 PROFILE P. 6 NEWS P.8 POLITICS P. 9 HISTORY P.10 CALENDAR P.14 ART P. 18 BOUND P.19 MUSIC P. 23 411 P. 24 FASHION P. 26
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com SOCIETY EDITOR Jeannette Stark jeannette@miamisunpost.com COPY EDITOR Mary Louise English
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com ACCOUNTING Sandie Friedman SALES DIRECTORS Jeannette Stark Carl Zablotny
CALENDAR EDITOR Jake Orsinni calendar@miamisunpost.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeffrey Bradley Stuart Davidson Marguerite Gil Mary Louise English Jennifer Fragoso John Hood Thomas Quick Joe Robertson Mary Jo Almeida-Shore Kim Steiner Michael Sasser
Stuart Davidson PUBLISHER EMERITUS Felix Stark (1929-1995) WEB SITE miamisunpost.com PRODUCTION Blue Studio MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 191870 Miami Beach, FL 33119
Carl Zablotny MAIN LINE 305.538.9797 MAIN FAX 305.538.9774 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Stuart Davidson Eitan Moshe Klein Mary Jo Almeida-Shore Marguerite Gil Ines Hegedus-Garcia Jennifer Fragoso Mitchell Zachs
FOR ADVERTISING & RATE INFO: Please call 305.538.9797 or email kim@miamisunpost.com SUBSCRIPTIONS First class mailing subscriptions are available at $150 per year. Call 305.538.9797. Copyright: The entire contents of SunPost are copyright 2008 by SunPost Media Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means including electronic media without the express written consent of the publisher. Covering Miami Beach, North Bay Village, Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, North Miami, North Miami Beach and Aventura, Coconut Grove, Brickell Avenue, Downtown, Design District, Wynwood, Upper Eastside, and Miami Shores.
Page 2 • Thursday, FMarch 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Pantoni Chair $265
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Must present coupon to Optician at time of purchase. Not to be combined with any other offers or insurance. Exp 3/15/10
Must present coupon to Optician at time of purchase. Not to be combined with any other offers or insurance. Exp 3/15/10
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • Page 3
Tropical Mayhem BITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE
Miami through my iphone
Style Unparalled Meet the Ema Chair from KMP Furniture. For modern furniture afficiandos, you know this to be the Eames Lounge and Ottoman, that currently resides at MOMA. KMP
HISTORIC MIAMI by Ines Hegedus-Garcia - miamism.com - ines@miamism.com There is plenty of amazing historic architecture in Miami, with local materials and impressive details. The Plymouth Congregational Church is tucked away within Coconut Grove's foliage and is a magical reminder of what creativity and resolve can achieve.
Furniture has taken this famous chair and re-created it with the finest quality leathers and an attention to detail that is unparalled. How stunning would this look in your living room? What a way to lounge while watching a Miami sunset. We suggest you head to KMP and just sit on Ema. If cowhide isn’t your thing, Ema comes in leather of all colors. Oh, and while you’re there, check out the rest of their fabulous pieces like the Ecko chair. Wowza! $1,888. KMP Furniture, 6444 Biscayne Blvd., Miami or kmpfurniture.com.
Wild, Wild Zebra Now this is an accent piece to die for! This hand painted chest is meant to be the signature piece in a miami living room. Does it scream South Florida chic or what? Two roomy drawers with Nickel finish knobs are aching to hold your spare set of silver. Lovely luscious curves in an almost Bombay style. And the best part of all? It’s a steal! But only if you head to John Stembridge Furniture in North Miami. If this is a little to wild for you, then be sure to check out the rest of their stuff. The chest is a special order for $599. John Stembridge Furniture, 545 NE 125 Street, North Miami. For more info: 305.893.0800 or johnstembridge.com.
Celebrate Miami Oscar Night with Miami Beach Cinematheque on March 7 Throw on the glitz and celebrate with Elaine Lancaster and the Miami Beach Cinematheque at the Miami Beach’s fabulous Oscar night Soiree. Feast on a sumptuous three-course dinner complete with signature wines while watching the live telecast on Channel 10. Fashions by Luca luca and Perry Ellis. Tickets are $150 or $125 for members. The fun starts at 6pm. Proceeds go to Miami Beach Cinematheque to support the move to their new home at City Hall. At Smith and Wollensky, 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. For more info: mbcinema.com Page 4 • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • Page 5
PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY YOU SHOULD KNOW
PHOTO: SB DAVIDSON
Bradley Gutkin Entrepreneur By Thomas Quick
From much-admired Bentleys and Ferraris to run-of-the-mill four-door sedans, South Beach Finest Hand Car Wash has seen and tended to just about all of them. The quaint establishment right off of 18th Street and Alton Road is owned and run by South African-born Bradley Gutkin, a hard-working business graduate who took over the carwash six years ago. Gutkin spent most of his years in the business world as a salesperson and later a sales executive, overseeing managers and members of a direct marketing team. Those years of experience shaped Gutkin in a number of ways, but the characteristic that stands out is his candid attitude toward his company. “I’m as honest as they come. That’s how I do my business. I don’t throw any punches,” he says. “I’m rigid. If something’s not done right, I will take care of it.” Although Gutkin appears to maintain a consistent professional demeanor, the gung-ho worker still manages to engulf what little free time he does have in pursuing some stress-easing hobbies, including stamp collecting and sports such as football, basketball and soccer. These interests are apparent in the memorabilia and glass-encased envelopes scattered around his office walls and, if you’re lucky enough to attend, you might find the entrepreneur cheering on his favorite team at this year’s World Cup in his home country of South Africa. Gutkin is a fastidious individual who wants nothing more than to see his business run as smoothly Page 6 • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
and efficiently as the high-end cars he oversees every day. He is a straightforward person who takes pleasure in being a sincere worker and maintains a business where the words “wash me” are more than just a curt request fingered on the back of a dusty old station wagon; they are a foundation for the only hand car wash on Miami Beach, where the customer is key. “We recommend and advise all our customers what needs to be done to their vehicles,” Gutkin says. “We never push them into it nor do we pressure them.” This approach has won his company numerous awards, high reviews and an ongoing loyal clientele. Since splitting with his partner and taking over the local enterprise himself, Bradley has endeavored to maintain unswerving quality while both expanding and branching out. The award- winning business has evolved from simple hand washing to automotive, commercial and residential window tinting, down to minute details such as the re-dyeing of leather and reconditioning of headlights. Gutkin is a sturdy substructure for his community, proudly providing a service and keeping a watchful eye, ensuring that everything meets his high standards. If South Florida claimed more individuals who encompass themselves in pleasing its populace to the extent Bradley Gutkin does, we would have a brighter, stronger city.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • Page 7
News
The Palace Clears Another Hurdle By Michael W. Sasser South Beach’s popular restaurant and nightspot The Palace cleared another major hurdle last week in its effort to retain its long-standing weekend drag shows. The Miami Beach Commission’s Land Use Committee approved sending two potential options to the full commission for consideration at an upcoming meeting. Either option would permit the show to continue in the style that has helped define the Palace over the course of its 20-plus-year history. “It went great — everyone is happy with how things went,” said Palace General Manager Ivan Cano. “It still has to pass at commission but we’re happy with the direction it is going.” At issue was the show component that regularly sees the performers take to the city sidewalk to extend the cabaret to patrons seated on the patio — and to passersby. The Palace’s conditional use permit does not permit use of the public right-of-way, and the shows have prompted noise complaints from neighboring property the Tides South Beach hotel. However, the nature of that permit might be changed as a result of one of the two recommendations the City Commission will ponder. “There are two different proposals that the commission will consider to allow the Palace to use sidewalks and public space,” said Land Use Commission Committee Chair Michael Gongora. “Option one would allow it as part of the conditional use permit that they already have. Option two would be to just legalize the use — to effectively change zoning for the strip along 12th – 13th Streets.” Gongora said the first option is being recommended by the city administration and the second is not. The rezoning option is not being recommended because it could be interpreted as spot zoning. “I’m fine with either one,” Gongora, a Palace supporter, said. “I like the decision and both options will be on the table for the commission to consider.” Cano said he could not comment on the two specific proposals or which might be preferable. However, he was upbeat about the decision and was happy that members of the community turned out at the committee meeting to support the Palace. “It shows we in the gay community are being supported because of our 20-year history at the Palace,” Cano said. “We were happy to see that some of our neighbors turned out in our support.” Not everyone at the meeting was supportive. Representatives of the Tides continued to push back against the Palace on the issue of noise. One speaker also complained that extending the shows to the sidewalks endangered elderly residents. Still, it has been the issue with the Tides that has prompted the Palace’s efforts to get specific permission for the weekend drag shows to continue as they have for several years. The week before the Land Use Committee meeting, the city’s Planning Board agreed to an alteration of the Palace’s conditional use permit. As a result, nightly shows are ending earlier but a show has been added during the Palace’s popular Sunday Brunch. But also at that meeting, the Planning Board mandated that the Palace meet and dialogue with Tides representatives to resolve their dispute. Some nightlife and business observers have quietly questioned whether the impasse can be bridged or if the city is simply delaying having to step back in. “Being told you have to talk to someone and work it out doesn’t mean it’s going to be resolved,” said a source close to the situation who did not want to be identified. The conflict — or at least disagreement — between the longtime South Beach establishment and the Tides has become a rallying cry for the dwindling Miami Beach gay community. A “Save the Drag Queens” movement garnered a flicker of national exposure earlier this year, and key figures in the gay community have gathered at the periphery of the debate. In published reports, though, Los Angeles-based Viceroy Hotel Group, which owns the Tides, has consistently stated that its complaint is with noise and not with the nature of the shows. Cano believes the problem really isn’t a gay-straight issue and has said the shows continue to represent the kind of innocent, harmless fun that made Page 8 • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Miami Beach a leading tourist destination in the first place. Some have said the real issue is Miami Beach as it was as opposed to what it is becoming: quirky, colorful, unique and yes, a bit gay, versus corporate, stodgy and entirely upscale. “It’s inevitable that the two sides of the Beach today will come into conflict,” said the unidentified source. The story has even been at the center of discussions on the other side of the causeway in Miami, which is often cited as being a whole different universe by longtime Beach residents. “It does sound like it’s old-time Beach fun versus the uber-high-end destination thing that the city has become,” said Miami resident and occasional Beach reveler Antonio Lopez. “My friends and I used to go over to the Beach all the time because it was the hot place and you could have a good time. Now it is all $18 mojitos and valet parking. It’s gone all corporate. Not really unique anymore. Could be anywhere if not for the architecture at least.” Despite any old Beach – new Beach conflict, both sides of the Palace debate seem at least mildly hopeful that a resolution can be found. “We’re working hard to foster a better relationship with our neighbor,” Cano said. “I believe the key element is that we all need to work together. People need to meet in the middle… or at least to meet at the table.” The attorney representing the Tides owner referred a request for comment to Tides General Manager Shan Kanagasingham, who responded in an email to the SunPost. “As always, our intent is to work together with the Palace Bar to find a mutually acceptable solution for the enjoyment of all of our guests,” wrote Kanagasingham. “We look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue in the hopes of addressing our mutual interests to provide a great and multifaceted Ocean Drive experience.” The Miami Beach City Commission is expected to take up the issue of the Palace performances in the next few weeks.
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Politics COLUMN
Tow the Line By Jeffrey Bradley Real Life Horror Stories: I GOT TOWED AT WALGREENS BY BEACH TOWING! “After spending the last five months talking, writing and promoting Miami Beach as this weird, wonderful and slightly corrupt community (the Arts at St John's is doing a Miami Beach History Project) — I GOT TOWED, for a $210 fine. “Not only did I get towed by the notorious Beach Towing, but I was in the right. I was parked at Walgreens on Alton, shopping for about 15 minutes... and they towed me. “Here I am, a 65-year-old retired minister, with a cart full of the best of Walgreens, where I have been a loyal customer for more than 20 years. I push the cart out to the parking lot, and my green 1996 F-150 truck is gone. I think, ‘My memory is leaving me…’ But no, the truck is gone. I laboriously trudge [back] into Walgreens. They keep everything for me, as I mutter words a minister should never say. “Twenty-five years in Miami Beach [and] I have always been soooo legal, such an upright citizen. I even go the speed limit on Alton Road! I tried to get Beach Towing to look at my receipts, but he said, ‘Lady, pay the $210 or you don't get your truck.’ So I paid it. “I had receipts that bracketed my time within 40 minutes [and] showed I could not have gone elsewhere. Beach Towing tried to tell me that I left the property, but I did not — and my receipts backed me up. I imagined there was a vigilante towing employee who profiled my old truck and decided I was a likely suspect, without actually ‘spotting’ me. “Then I went back to Walgreens and asked for a manager, who said the lot isn't owned by Walgreens, and the private owner has the contract with Beach Towing (just pass that buck, please). I went to my truck and sobbed. I was glad that I am not Annie Oakley packing a pistol — there are signs at Beach Towing actually warning about the use of a gun! “Of course, this is a familiar story. Towing happens. But I was following the rules. I called the police and was told this was a civil matter. Should I file a civil suit? I then spoke to a cop friend, who told me there is a real problem on Miami Beach with people parking in a private lot and going elsewhere. He said Beach Towing does provide a needed service. I also sent countless emails to friends, associates, the city parking authority and elected officials, trying to find out how to correct this situation. “Persistence paid off. I went back to Walgreens and spoke to another manager, who reviewed my receipts and called Beach Towing, telling them to give me a refund. I went twice to Beach Towing, who also finally reviewed my receipts, and eventually after waiting half an hour, I got a refund. “My advice to people looking for parking in Miami Beach is only use private or on-street parking. And, if you think you are wrongly towed, save all receipts. Be persistent; take your case to civil court if you need to. “Private parking lots need larger, more visible, explicit messages about towing. As I waited for a refund, [another person] told the Towing employees in Spanish that the large fee meant he had less money for necessities for his niños. He asked the Towing employee if he had children. He then said, ‘How can you sleep at night when you do such things?’ “Because my personal mission is to address social issues and build community, I hope that we in Miami Beach can find solutions to the lack of parking in a manner that doesn't outrage local residents and leave a bad taste in the mouths of visitors. Aggressive towing like this is not good for the image of the city.” Rev. Carol Hoffman-Guzman Arts at St Johns We get this kind of mail all the time, and rail against the inherent arrogance, unfairness and rank infamy of this city-sanctioned brigandage. It’s as if armed freebooters were left to pillage us at will under the benevolent gaze of officialdom. Were Blackbeard to wade ashore with cutlass drawn amid scores of unkempt pirates, would the administration offer the keys to the city? We wonder. How else to explain the continued indifference to this corrosive blight? Very little compares to the outrage, frustration and sense of violation of towing, unless it’s the smugness of those Artful Dodgers as they jingle your keys in one hand while extending the open palm of the other. Consider the reverend’s letter. A frustration runs through it. What jumps out is the number of lame excuses. Apparently, Beach said they announced on a loudspeaker in the Walgreens lot that they were going to tow. Rubbish. They offer these ridiculous, schoolyard rationales because no one calls them on it. Until now. We all know there was no announcement made of any kind. Listen, you like ridiculous excuses? Here’s another one: “The owner has the contract.” Good; call him. Have him tell Beach if they come trolling through his lot again they can just tow away the trash can containing that shredded contract of theirs. You can almost see that manager’s shrug at this tale of woe, just before he turned back to those really important two-for-one specials. Only persistence impelled a reconsideration. “It’s not my job, man” just doesn’t cut it. So, what’s to be done? First, the status quo must go, absolutely. The behavior of those operating under a state-sanctioned monopoly by definition becomes abusive. Soviet apparatchiks had nothing on towing when it comes to boorishness. To rid yourself of canker, you must strike it root and branch. You must open the window, and let in the fresh air of spring to rid your dwelling of the stench of decay. First step, revamp the bidding process by throwing it open. But most of all, elected and administrative city officials must be told in no uncertain terms that this kind of public larceny eats away at our image like a flesh-devouring bacillus and will no longer be tolerated. www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • March 5, 2010 • Page 9
A Special Moment in Time COLUMN
The Five Terrible Events of 1926 – Part 1 By Seth H. Bramson mrfec@yahoo.com
As SunPost readers have learned in this newspaper over the past several weeks, the year 1896 was truly the crucible year for the then becoming-a-city-that-year community. At the time, the village was so tiny that, prior to Henry Flagler’s commitment to extend the railroad to the shores of Biscayne Bay and to build one of his great hotels (the Royal Palm) on the north bank of the Miami River, many, if not most, American maps did not even show a place named Miami on them. In past articles it was also noted that there were several other years of great and major importance to the life and growth of the area, but, unquestionably, the bellwether year for all of Greater Miami was 1926. In that year, five terrible events would test the mettle of the Gold Coast, particularly Dade County, which was then in the midst of the greatest boom ever seen or recorded in Florida (as well as most of the country) up until that time. 1926 began with great hopes and expectations — there was no reason for feelings to be any different! — that the year would be nothing but a continuation of the incredible “boom” that had blessed South Florida and its business community since shortly after World War I. Thousands upon thousands of new residents poured in and innumerable businesses were opened. At the same time, new hotels, one more grandiose (for the time) than the last, opened on the then-brand-new Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami as well as on Collins and Washington avenues and Ocean
THE WOFFORD--LATER THE WOFFORD BEACH--HOTEL WAS BUILT AT 24TH AND COLLINS AVENUE, JUST NORTH OF WHERE THE RONEY PLAZA WOULD BE BUILT IN 1925-26. VERY FANCY FOR IT'S DAY AND TIME, THE HOTEL WOULD EVENTUALLY BE OWNED BY BEN LIPSON, WHO WOULD ALSO, FOR SEVERAL YEARS, OWN THE ALBION HOTEL ON LINCOLN ROAD. BEHIND THE HOTEL IS LAKE PANCOAST WITH THE COLLINS CANAL HEADING WEST AT TOP CENTER OF THE PICTURE. A MINIATURE GOLF COURSE WAS THEN IN PLACE WHERE THE ANKARA HOTEL WOULD LATER BE BUILT.
Drive on Miami Beach. As had been advertised by the Florida East Coast Railway since as early as 1909, Miami (and its environs) was in truth “The Magic City.” The first of the five terrible events of 1926 began early in the year when the huge five- masted Danish schooner, the 241-foot Prinz Valdemar, up until that time the largest vessel ever to enter Miami’s harbor, was, according to several sources, on its way to becoming a floating hotel. (The harbor was hard by Biscayne Boulevard, extending from just north of where the new Bayfront Park had been built, beginning at Fifth Street and running to Northeast 13th Street, with the FEC serving Piers 4 and 5 and the Miami Municipal Railway, built to connect to the new-to-Miami Seaboard Air Line Railway, serving Piers 1, 2 and 3, the numbers beginning at the north end of the port.) Others have claimed that the vessel was departing in order to continue operating as a Page 10 • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
ABOVE: MIAMI BANK AND TRUST COMPANY IS SHOWN CIRCA 1920 AT THE CORNER OF NORTHEAST FIRST AVENUE AND NORTHEAST FIRST STREET. THE PHOTO WAS LIKELY TAKEN IN 1920. LEFT: A CLOSE UP OF THE MIAMI AQUARIUM SHOWS THE FORMER PRINZ VALDEMAR AT LOWER LEFT CENTER OF THE IMAGE. THE STREET BEHIND THE SHIP IS TODAY'S NORTHEAST FIFTH STREET AND IS THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE PORT OF MIAMI.
freighter. Regardless of which supposition was correct, the ship, on Jan. 10, capsized and sank at the mouth of the turning basin at the entrance to the harbor. (Eventually, after being righted, the Prinz would be positioned at the southwest corner of the port, adjacent to the Boulevard, where it would become Miami’s aquarium, long before even as much as a thought of a Seaquarium would enter the minds of the folks at Wometco.) The sinking of the Prinz Valdemar sent ripples of concern through the area’s commercial interests. The Seaboard Railway, which had come into Miami in late 1925, was, at the time, so far west of town that it was carrying an absolute minimal amount of AN AERIAL VIEW SHOWS BISCAYNE BOULEVARD SOUTH FROM THE MIAMI NEWS TOWER AT freight. The Florida East LOWER RIGHT WITH A NEWLY PUMPED IN AND FILLED BAYFRONT PARK JUST BEYOND THE MIAMI Coast, already overburAQUARIUM, WHICH IS THE FORMER DANISH SCHOONER PRINZ VALDEMAR SHOWN IN THE WATER TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE, CLOSE TO CENTER, JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE dened and in the process NEWS BUILDING. CIRCA 1927-28 of completing the double tracking of its line from Jacksonville to Miami, was completely overwhelmed. Within just a few weeks of the Valdemar disaster, with every siding completely filled between Jacksonville and Key West, and without room for a single freight car anywhere on the railroad, the FEC had no choice but to embargo itself: No freight would be carried south of Jacksonville except for food and medicine without a letter of authorization from the road’s vice president and general manager, Harry N. Rodenbaugh. But as bad as those two events were, the next three, culminating with the Sept. 17-18, 1926 hurricane, would be the harbinger of the great Depression that would begin in the rest of the country in 1929 and would put Miami — and South Florida — into a business decline that would last until the mid-1930s. “The rest of the story” follows in the coming weeks. Seth H. Bramson is Adjunct Professor of History at both FIU and Barry University, where he serves as Historian-in-Residence. The Company Historian of the Florida East Coast Railway, Bramson is the single most published Greater Miami history book author, with 12 of his 17 books dealing directly with the villages, towns, cities and people of Miami-Dade County.
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • Page 11
ON THE RUNWAY: DUSKIN FLANKED BY WHITNEY PORT.
COVER STORY
THE GEN ART 9 Fresh Faces in Fashion Kicks Off Interntional Fashion Week Miami Written by Michael W. Sasser
Well-known MTV personality Whitney Port will join a diverse slate of Miami designers at Gen Art’s Sixth Annual Fresh Faces in Fashion Show at the opening of FashionMiami presented by Chrysler. In total, Gen Art will showcase nine top emerging designers from Miami and New York when Fresh Faces kicks off FashionMiami on Wednesday, March 10, at the former DesignMiami space, located at NE 39th Street and First Court in the Miami Design DisB. RAWLINGS trict. “We are extremely excited to be returning to Miami with our Fresh Faces in Fashion show after a year's absence,” said Gen Art CEO/co-founder Ian Gerard. “And we cannot think of better way of doing such than by kicking off the exciting new FashionMiami shows.” Gen Art's designer slate consists of four of Florida's brightest stars in emerging fashion talent — Romina Heighes, By Smith,
Lialia and Fernando Carneiro — along with accessories designers Rella Jewelry, Babette Epaulette and B. Rawlings. They will be joined by New York alumni designer Duskin, who had her runway debut with Gen Art during New York Fall Fashion Week 2009. Just this week, Port was added to the show. “We’re very excited to have her,” said lead producer Lauren Hurley. Although best known for her roles in MTV’s The Hills and The City, Hurley also is a former fashion contributor to Teen Vogue and worked for Diane von Furstenberg. In 2008, Port debuted her clothing line of cocktail and partywear called Whitney Eve. The clothing line was in the New York Fashion Week in September 2009. Port’s participation only ramps up the excitement meter for this year’s show. “This is all about showcasing ROMINA HEIGHES cutting edge and emerging local talent — homegrown talent,” Hurley said. “This is one of the way that Gen Art supports local designers. That’s really the mission behind what we do.” Regional designers were selected by a committee of distinguished fashion industry professionals including Hadley Henriette, 944; Melissa Cantor, Miami Modern Luxury; Jillian Sanz, Florida International; Brooke Siegel, Daily Candy; Rene Ruiz, designer; and Danny Santiago, celebrity stylist.
Please see Fashion on page 20
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
ANGELIQUE KIDJO
Page 14 • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
SAVE THE DATE:
March 5
FRIDAY, JULY 30 & 31
COMEDY Josh Lovitz Catch funnyman Jon Lovitz when he hits the Ft. Lauderdale Improv for a 3 night comedic set. Known for his hilarity on Saturday Night live, The Wedding Singer, The Benchwarmers, The Simpsons and Friends. Lovitz has made a name for himself with his distinctive voice and his cooky characterizations. 8pm. $26.50. Ft. Lauderdale Improv, Seminole Paradise, 5700 Seminole Way Hollywood. For info: 954-981-5653 or improvftl.com.
March 5
PERFORMANCE ART Program A
MIAMI CITY BALLET PROGRAM IV BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR PROGRAM IV FROM THE MIAMI CITY BALLET. FEATURING DANCES AT A GATHERING, JEROME ROBBINS' MASTERPIECE. TEN DANCERS, LIVE CHOPIN PIANO MUSIC, ENDLESSLY BEAUTIFUL AND ORIGINAL INVENTION - A CELEBRATION OF DANCE, DANCERS...AND LIFE. ALSO ON THIS PROGRAM IS BALANCHINE'S BREEZILY ROMANTIC WHO CARES? SET TO MUSIC BY GERSHWIN. 8PM. $19$169. THROUGH APRIL 11. ZIFF BALLET OPERA HOUSE, 1300 BISCAYNE BLVD., MIAMI. FOR INFO: MIAMICITYBALLET.ORG OR 305.929.7010.
This should be interesting. The first piece, Neraissance: Self-powered Multimedia Art, is brought to the stage by Juraj Koj. A multimedia piece where three performers work out on stationary bicycles and with the assistance of dynamo systems, produce electrical energy. This then powers small rotating, light-and sound-emitting electronic objects. The second piece is Rudi Goblen‘s Fare Welling, an interactive, one-man dance theater piece that explores one man’s depression and morality through letters and conversations. 7pm. $1525. Carnival Studio Theatre, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. For info: arshtcenter.com.
March 5
SOCIAL Feast with the Beasts A Mardi Gras Carnival-themed party in the jungle amidst the roar of Bengal Tigers and other wild beasties. Feast With The Beasts is hosted by the Zoological Society of Florida. Extraordinary dishes created by 40 local restaurants, fire breathers, fire dancers and belly dancers, music, 8 open bars and Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party are just a few of the expected highlights. Miami Metrozoo, 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami. For info: 305- 251-0400.
March 5
MUSIC Angelique Kidjo The beautiful voice of Benin-born Angelique Kidjo will ring loud and clear this Friday night in Miami when she hits town for a one-night only performance. Her Grammy Award-winning music, embraces a seamless array of elements from funk, blues, reggae, rock, Afro-pop and jazz, energized by her soaring dramatic voice, and the dance-party rhythms of Africa. 8pm. $30-60. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. For info: arshtcenter.com
March 6
THEATRE Baby with the Bathwater
March 5
SPORT Wildflower Walk Take a Walk with Roger Hammer, a senior naturalist for Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department. Delve into the mysteries of the Everglades as you hike along the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park. $35, $25 members. Tour to be held 8:30-11:30 am. Meet at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, 40001 State Rd. 9336 Homestead. For info: 305.667.1651, ext., 3322 or fairchildgarden.org
March 5
FILM Miami Film Festival The festival kicks off with an opening night bash this Saturday night at the Freedon Tower. $75. 9pm. Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Also, catch the opening night screening of Looking For Eric, a flick that highlights the escape from life's trouble that soccer and its heroes provide to fans. $25. 7pm at the Gusman Center, 174 E. Flagler St., Miami. Runs through March 14. For info: 305237-7700 or miamifilmfestival.com
ABOVE: TAYLOR SWIFT. RIGHT: KACEY WESTALL, SUGAR AND SPICE. FAR RIGHT: JURAJ KOJ.
Satiric dark comedy from Christopher Durang about the pitfalls of parenthood. $18, $16 seniors. 8pm. Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, 1312 Miller Dr., Miami. For info: 305-284-3355 or miami.edu/ring
March 6
ART Homage to the Woman Opening reception for a new exhibit called Homage a la Femme. A celebration of the female figure at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery. Featured artists are Fred Hunt, P. Cherry, Renee Falsetto, Ludmila and Annette Rawlings. Dance performance by Monica Crun. Through March 31. Windisch-Hunt Gallery, 2911 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove. For info: 772-4803131 or windisch-huntfineart.com
March 6
SPORT Miami Grand Prix Its that time of year again–rubber burning, cars racing for the Miami Grand Prix. This year expect a star-studded lineup including local Miami speed demon, Ozz Negri, and actor, Patrick Demsey. Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1 Speedway Blvd., Homestead, For info: 305230-5000 or homesteadmiamispeedway.com
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • March 5, 2010 • Page 15
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
March 6
formers. Dj Ana Paula, Brett Henrichsen. noon to 6pm. $300, $275. 12th Street Beach off Ocean Drive on the Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach. For info: winterparty.com.
FOOD Wine Dinner Experience luxury dining at the hands of Executive Chef Marc Debas of the Acqualina Resort & Spa. Experience wines from around the world, a cooking demo and a full three-course dining experience. First Saturday of every month. Acqualina Resort, 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach. For info: 305-918-6777.
March 8
ART Ritual and Process Ritual and Process was conceived as a reaction and reflection to artists, Orlando Estrada, Rosemarie Romero and Kacey Westall Keogh's life in the information age. Born into "Generation Y", their upbringing was marked by pervasive communication devices, mass media and digital technologies in which daily life consists of sensory bombardment, spiritual loss and social alienation. In a culture where the media shapes the sense of reality for many, religion has been replaced by the worship of consumer products, pop icons and photojournalism that according to the artists, illustrates the apocalypse. 7pm. Artcenter/South Florida, 800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. For info: 305.674.2728 or artcentersf.org.
March 6, 7
FESTIVAL Asian Culture Fest The 21st annual Asian Culture Festival offers a variety of Asian arts, entertainment, plants, East Asian cuisine, Malaysian no-hands volleyball tournament known as Sepak Takraw, Chinese lion dances, dragon boat display, Japanese Taiko drummers and fruit and vegetable carving, Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangements) and Origami. $10. 6pm. Redland Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Redland. For info: 305247-5727 or fruitandspicepark.org
March 9
March 7
THEATER Capitol Steps
SOCIAL Oscar Night The Miami Beach Cinematheque, is hosting Miami beach's official Oscar Night America party at Smith & Wollensky. This event is the only sanctioned celebration in Miami approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The fundraiser will help finalize MBC's upcoming move to City Hall this summer. $150. 6pm. Smith & Wollensky, 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. For info: mbcinema.com
March 7
MUSIC Taylor Swift
JON LOVITZ
America’s most hilarious political satirists inject a much-needed dose of humor and musical madness into the serious business of politics. Good-spirited, uproarious, equal opportunity bashing of Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. $40. 7:30pm. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For info: 561-832-7469 or kravis.org
March 11 THEATER Blasted FAR ABOVE: THE WINTER PARTY ON OCEAN DRIVE. ABOVE: CAPITOL STEPS. RIGHT: DINE AMONGST BENGAL TIGERS AT METRO ZOO AND FEAST WITH THE BEASTS.
Catch Grammy award winning songstress taylor Swift when she hits the Bank Atlantic Center this weekend for her Fearless tour. 7pm. $27.75-$62.25.BankAtlantic Center, 1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise. For info: 954-835-7825 or bankatlanticcenter.com.
March 7
SOCIAL Winter Party Biggest beach party in the world, and just one of a myriad of events for Winter Party. Tons of perPage 16 • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
An extremely controversial play. Opened in New York to rave reviews. Sexual assault , mutilation, rape, torture and violence in civil war. For adults only. 7pm $37.50. GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. For info: 305-4451119 or gablestage.org.
The Zebra Chest Hand-painted finish with two large drawers. Nickel finish knobs. Special order.
$599 JOHN STEMBRIDGE FURNITURE • 545 NE 125 Street, North Miami - Tel: (305) 893-0800 • johnstembridge.com
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • Page 17
Art COLUMN
Art Battles: A Gallery in Motion By Thomas Quick Impressionism, Surrealism and Pop Art are just three of many genres that come to mind when contemplating art as a time-altering movement... and there’s a more recent addition to the list: live art. Not your high-class, highculture recitals like ballet or theatre, but live painters creating pieces before an array of cheering spectators. Add a dash of competition and you have what founder Sean Bono has coined “Art Battles,” a prize-driven contest where predominately local artists turn an empty canvas into a work of art in mere moments. Jess Kantor, the head of press and marketing outreach for Art Battles, describes it as “an event where artists paint live with the urgency of graffiti but the technique of fine art.” Ten years ago, Sean Bono, a fervent 18-year-old student of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., gathered fellow artists into a cramped apartment. They would litter the room with empty canvases, strident music and a shared goal to create masterpieces in head-tohead scenarios. The competition took its first steps onto the streets of New York in 2001 when the landlord issued numerous complaints about loud noise and heavy traffic. “We found a spot in downtown Manhattan. We got a lot with a bunch of antiques in it, so we rearranged the antiques and had our first public battle on Sept. 7, 2001,” stated Bono. “[Then] 9/11 happened four days later and the whole climate changed, but we kept going and buried ourselves deeper in New York.” Bono soon saw the potential in his idea and was adamant about expanding. “I took on like 150 freelance jobs, everything from demolition to busboy. I realized that it wasn’t an art project anymore. It’s something that could fit in to society.” Bono and his Art Battle showcases have been growing since day one, conducting their first art tour this year and beginning their trek in our own culture-conscious city of Miami. The show was held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Eazy Street Gallery on 35th Street and NW Second Avenue, featuring six artists from different spectrums of preferred mediums and styles. Andres Correa, a resident of our continental neighbor Canada, won the previous year’s battle held in New York and was fortunate enough to participate again this year against competitors 1500 miles away. Jeff “Dekal,” a local artist who hones his talents in painting and digital art through design and illustration, was another determined competitor facing the four other opponents: Nicholas Romero, Svetlana Kepezhinskas, Kazilla and this year’s victor, Miami’s own Julie Lopez Friel. Each artist was to paint a piece using the theme of “sexes and sexism” as inspiration and guideline. After being briefed on the premise, the artists were each given a different primary and secondary acrylic paint color to work with, and had an hour and 45 minutes to complete a painting. Friel, the winner of the battle, will be flown to New York by sponsor Scion cars to perform in an art expo at Pier 94 on the weekend of March 27th with thousands of international galleries catering to consumers who focus on up-and-coming artists. But in reality the concept is more than a friendly competition — it is a movement that is fearlessly taking art to a higher summit. Jess Kantor saw the same potential in the battle about a year and a half ago when she first joined the Art Battles team. “It lets people who don’t understand art talk about it and feel comfortable with it and ever since I experienced it for the first time, I can now go to galleries and museums and discuss it because I can trust my visual response,” explains Kantor. “So it’s changed the art world for me personally, and that’s why I got involved, because I feel that’s something I can do for other people.” The impact the show has on its staff is nominal compared to the audience’s immersion in watching works of art being built. Competing artist Nicholas Romero compared Art Battles to other live art performances he has contributed to, making the point that usually when a live art show is held, the music rather than the art tends to consume the audience. While conducting some research, Romero was able to contact Art Battles and share a simple request: Come to Miami. From a modest idea generated by a couple friends in Manhattan, the show has progressed to a fully fledged tour, dropping in on Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and if all goes as planned, perhaps Europe as well. As the group continues to search for more sponsorship and funding, it will maintain the same goals and aspirations, and keep the fire fueled by everyday spectators who are so willing to support it. “It’s nerve-wracking painting in front of a big crowd like that but it’s important that people support the arts. It’s important to the artist Page 18 • Thursday, March 5, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
ABOVE: PAINTER JULIE L. FRIEL, WHO WON THE ART BATTLES MIAMI EVENT. LEFT: ARTWORK IN PROGRESS. PHOTOS: JASON BONO
and it’s important to the city in the long run too,” asserted Art Battle winner Julie Friel. “We bring people into this city… from around the world — I mean look at Art Basel in December.” And maybe now all the hard work is paying off, and Miami is getting recognized not only by the small population of the world’s collectors, but by groups such as Sean Bono and Art Battles who generate their clientele in a much more jovial fashion where art can be enjoyed and retained by all. Like the canvases these artists paint on, Art Battles was a blank slate too that soon evolved, and continues to evolve into what could well be the next lasting masterpiece of our time.
Film Nymph (Nang Mai)...Trouble Is... By Marguerite Gil (megs@famae.org)
Nymph, directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, is one of “those” films from Thailand — bizarre for me, but maybe not for Thai filmgoers, or the jury from the Bangkok International Film Festival who deemed it worthy of a Special Jury Prize. Writer/director Ratanaruang gives viewers an indescribable trip into his imagination. I both enjoyed and hated this slow-moving film. As a female, I found Pen-Ek’s rape intro scene horrific and frightening. Trouble is… I don’t know what it had to do with the plot. Trouble is… was there a plot? Trouble is… that opening scene might well be the high point of this eerie movie. Most of Nymph takes place in a Thai forest. Nop (Jayanama Nopachai) and May (Wanida Termthanaps) are married but not engaging in sexual activity with each other. Korn (Chamanun Wanwinwatsara) is May’s boss and lover and represents the wedge between May and Nop. The spouses decide to have an intimate tent-vacation in the forest — and thus starts the excruciatingly slow development of the “pseudo” plot. May and Nop will be separated by the spirits of the forest. May will determinedly face the forest deities and liberate Nap. Trouble is… does she win or lose? Expect to see tons of leaves, branches and vine-entangled trees. There is a fascinating musical rhythm to this film, as well as some cultural references to Asian demons and spirits, but the visual part never really manifests itself. The acting is monotonous, the end puzzling and disappointing — but then again it may be a cultural thing. It’s a low-budget, 35mm movie with “bloopers” that should have been left on the editing floor. Trouble is… I keep thinking of this film.
Bound COLUMN
Texas Two-Step James Lee Burke Drinks Deep From the Heart of Texas By John Hood
Hackberry Holland pisses me off. As a matter of fact Hack pisses off a lot people, so I doubt seriously he’s worried about some cat down in Miami. Hell, the Texas mouthpiece probably doesn’t even notice just how pissed off he makes me. Why would he? He generally doesn’t notice how pissed off he makes anybody else either. And that includes his close friends and his immediate family. Okay, so he does notice. But he sure doesn’t seem to care a whit. Then again, Hack’s pretty pissed off his own damn self, so he probably figures he’s got a right to piss off everybody else too. With his near dead drunkenness and his relentless disregard, the man almost reeks of entitlement. Of course Hack being to the manor born and not wanting anything to do with it or its privileges has a lot to do with his foul disposition. And then there’s that heavy haunting from his days as a North Korean P.O.W. But Hack’s being groomed to inherit his rightful place among the powerful – in his case, as a U.S. Congressman representing the great state of Texas. And Hack’s as excited about that as he about everything else in his guided life. In other words: he isn’t. But when a former fellow warrior gets in a jam and calls on his ol’ pal, Hack Holland sees something to lash out against. When Hack gets lashed back – and good, he’s got himself a cause. If I write this implying Hack Holland is a real life anti-hero doing some strange and violent version of the Texas Two-Step, well, you’ll have to blame James Lee Burke. See it was JLB who brought the brawling lone star to life in the best-selling Rain Gods. Little did many folks know though that Hack had appeared long beforehand, in a muddy and bloody book entitled Lay Down My Sword and Shield (Gallery Books $15). That was back in ’71, and despite the good writer’s hitlist status, it’s been pretty much out of print since. Now it’s back on the racks. Anyone who’s ever read anything by James Lee Burke will know his characters come fitted with torn flesh and broken bone so vivid you too often forget it’s fiction. And if you know this, then you’ll wanna know more, much
On the List: Books & Books INDIE NEXT LIST { Recommended by the Independent Booksellers of America } 1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Barrows, Annie Fiery, Shaffer, Mary Ann Fiery. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $22.00. 2. The Enchantress of Florence by Rushdie, Salman. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $26.00 3. The Secret Scripture by Barry, Sebastian. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $24.95 4. How the Soldier Repairs the Gramophone by Stanisic, Sasa. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $24.00 5. Chosen Forever: A Memoir by Richards, Susan. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $23.00 6. Church of the Dog by McLaren, Kaya. Format: Trade Paperback. Price: $13.00 7. The Sister by Adams, Poppy. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $23.95 8. House & Home(Hardcover by McCleary, Kathleen. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $23.95
more, about their origins – and their horrors. The title to Hack’s first showing is, I imagine, taken from the traditional spiritual “Down by the Riverside,” a song that seems to be at once uplifting and soul crushing. If I get it straight, it’s about the joy of surrender. And if I know anything about surrender; there is no joy in it whatsoever. But that’s another story, for scholars far more astute than I am. As for James Lee Burke’s Sword and Shield, well, I can tell you this: those depths that you think you’ve descended to go a whole lot deeper than you thought. And down there, at the very bottom, where even a single breath has to be ripped from the earth; that’s where redemption begins. To go there at all is a hell few can fathom. To come back though, kicking and screaming and clawing your way to a place where you can at last hold your head up and look yourself in the eye. That’s heaven. And here in this story the man who would become Grand Master showed the whole wild world he was already capable of going deep, real deep, and still reaching great heights.
9. House Rules: A Joe DeMarco Thriller(Hardcover by Lawson, Mike. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $23.00 10. Time Is a River(Hardcover by Monroe, Mary Alice. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $25.00 11. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by Wroblewski, David. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $25.95 12. Telex from Cuba(Hardcover by Kushner, Rachel. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $25.00 13. Up for Renewal: What Magazines Taught Me about Love, Sex, and Starting Over by Alter, Cathy. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $24.00 14. America America by Canin, Ethan. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $27.00 15. Oxygen by Cassella, Carol Wiley. Format: Hardcover (Cloth). Price: $25.00
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • March 5, 2010 • Page 19
tant occasion. “Maybe it’s a sign that we’re coming around economically and creatively and that South Florida is back on the rise in design and the arts,” said Miami’s Rene Diaz. “One of the things that attracted me to this area was all of the [aspects of] art B. RAWLINGS and design that seemed to be building. A lot of that seems to have gone away or at least it slowed down. These shows can only help remind people that Miami is still on the map in these areas.” Certainly Fresh Faces has a legacy of highlighting top talent. It has become one of Miami's largest and most prestigious fashion events. Fresh Faces (which takes place in four markets) has featured the runway launches of many top and rising designers including Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Uli Herzner, Vena Cava, Milly, Twinkle, KRELwear, Sari Gueron, Julian Chang, Jeffrey Sebelia, Phillip Lim and dozens of others.
fashion cont’d from page 13
Hurley said the criteria for designers selected included length of time in business, being sold in at least one local boutique and definitely creativity. “Creatively each of the designers offers something unique,” Hurley said. “We definitely wanted different perspectives. We wanted each to look different, to offer a different aesthetic. It was important to us to have a multifaceted show.” This year’s showcased designers were selected from a smaller pool than usual, Hurley said, because the ongoing economic downturn has made it harder for designers to meet the criteria. “We had fewer from which to choose, but I also think that makes these designers special because they are here, they are on the runway,” Hurley said. “It’s a testament to their talent and their savvy. It also means they are good businesspeople.” New this year is the link with FashionMiami and the Miami Design District venue for the show. For design enthusiasts, the Annual Fresh Faces in ABOVE: BY Fashion Show’s return SMITH. RIGHT: RELLA this year is an impor- JEWELRY
ABOVE & RIGHT: ROMINA HEIGHES.
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“It’s exciting to be kicking off FashionMiami and the new concept of having the show in the Design District,” Hurley said. FashionMiami presented by Chrysler will launch with a schedule of fall/winter 2011 collection runway shows and events taking place from March 10 to 14. Tickets for Gen Art’s Sixth Annual Fresh Faces in Fashion Show are $45 for regular tickets and $75 for VIP tickets (with discounts for Gen Art members). Membership and ticket purchasing information is available online at genart.org or by calling 212-255-7300.
Immerse Yourself in Fashion 2010 FASHION MIAMI EVENT SCHEDULE MARCH 10-14, 2010
NE 39th Street & 1st Court Miami Design District Japanese and Thai Specialties! "Enjoy Exotic Dishes of the Orient"
Tuesday March 10
THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS:
6pm - 8pm: Press registration at The Webster, thewebstermiami.com
Sushi, Yakitori, Sashimi, Teriyaki, Tempura, Pad Thai, Curry
Wednesday March 11
Lunch/Dinner/Drinks Open 7 Days
8pm: Gen Art Fresh Faces www.genart.com 9pm: Afterparty hosted by Gen Art in the Lounge at the tent
2775 NE 187th St., Aventura, FL 33180 305-932-8080 Kendall 11768 N. Kendall Drive I 305-275-9003
Thursday March 12 6pm: Unaluna 7pm: Craig Signer 8pm: FASHION MIAMI Haiti Relief Phelicia Dell winner of Diane von Furstenberg GHDC 9pm: Pharrell TBD
DUSKIN
10pm: Afterparty
Friday March 13 4pm: MIUAD Fashion Show 6pm: FGI Emerging Designers Competition presented by Chrysler, fgi.org Clothing:
Love to Write? Then the SunPost Wants You!
1. Marcela Stark 2. Radames Alfonso 3. Nikki Poulos 4. Margarita Miranda Accesories: 1. Shoes - Lucus Mejia 2. Handbags - Sofia Lujan 3. Jewlery - Yvette and Eva Estime 7pm: IbellaV By Izabella 8pm: FGI Awards presented by Chrysler honoring Eva Hughes (Vogue en Espanol), Beacon Council,
ON OUR COVER WHITNEY PORT
Silvia Tcherassi, Loren Ridinger 9pm: Silvia Tcherassi Fashion Show, silviatcherassi.com 10pm: Afterparty hosted by FGI
We are looking for freelance contributors to write on a whole host of subjects: WINE POLITICS ART MUSIC PEOPLE THEATRE ARTS COMMUNITY KIDS
Saturday March 14 7pm: Dragana Ognjenovic draganaognjenovic.com
SUBMIT A WRITING SAMPLE TO:
8pm: Gustavo Cadile gustavocadile.com
kim@miamisunpost.com
6pm: Elements of Green
9pm: Custo Barcelona custo-barcelona.com 10pm: Afterparty hosted by Custo Barcelona at the Lounge at the tent
RELLA JEWELRY
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • March 5, 2010 • Page 21
Perspective COLUMN
Being Me Smoke-Free By Jennifer fragoso
Name: Jennifer Fragoso Age: 38 Years smoking: 23
WEEK 1: SURE HOPE I DON’T KILL ANYONE… Seems like an absurd wish coming from a 38-year-old woman with no mob ties or felonious aspirations… and yet the statement above perfectly sums up my feelings as I write about my first week of being me smoke-free. I have tried to quit smoking more times than I can count and up until a few years ago, I fantasized about smoking till the day I died. I dreamed of slipping blissfully into permanent slumber with a Parliament between my index and middle finger while seated in a Barcalounger. How I went from never wanting to quit to trying to quit and failing will be discussed in coming weeks — but for now I want to take you on the emotional journey of my first week smoke-free. Emotional? Yes! Smoking is a chemical, physical and psychological addiction. Quitting has side effects. Side effects are not fun and affect everyone in your life. A simple “hello” from a co-worker can send me into a fit or reduce me to tears. Just like that. I go from zero to 60 emotionally in less than 30 seconds. On day three someone asked me how I was and I replied, “I want to cry.” I thought then I had lost it and was being overly sensitive… until later in the week when I was talking to a friend who had quit for two months and said she cried everyday. WOW. I totally empathized. In a way, the side effects from quitting smoking are like going through the stages of grief. Which makes sense because there is loss involved, albeit for the better, but loss nonetheless. When not wanting to cry I find myself lashing out at fellow motorists, pedestrians, friends and colleagues over the slightest hint of nothing. I’m short-tempered, sad, depressed, anxious and looking for a place to unload all of the emotions I used to release by smoking. In the past if I was pissed off, depressed or even bored, I would have a cigarette. Now that I quit what can I do? Have a drink? Nope, I gave it up for Lent. OK, so if I can’t drink or smoke, what’s next? Shopping? Easy now, let’s pump the brakes, replacing one expensive habit with another because I can’t manage to put my big-girl panties on and deal with my feelings — no way. I’m not going down like that. Instead I’m going to channel all of my feelings of loss, anxiety and craving into a public journal. It will be a great way to harness my emotions into something constructive. So here it is, the good, the bad and the ugly truths about my experience quitting smoking in black and white for the entire world to see. I’ll be in touch next week and fingers crossed, I’ll still be me smoke-free.
INTERVIEW
Everclear’s Art Alexakis Branches Out By Alan Sculley Everclear frontman Art Alexakis is branching out in new directions along several fronts. For one thing, he has started doing solo acoustic shows, playing the middle set between solo sets from two other notable singers, headliner Ed Kowalczyk of Live and Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer. Alexakis likes the way these shows have gone, despite the fact that the three artists have fairly different musical identities. "It’s a tour called Open Wings and Broken Strings," he said. "You’ve got three people whose bands sound pretty different, that all came out of the same era. We stripped it down to the acoustic thing. You can definitely see a lot of the things that connect us and a lot of other things that make us different, but it works." Within the context of Everclear, Alexakis has thrown a couple of key new twists into that side of his career. On the recently released CD, In a Different Light, Alexakis and the other band members play new versions of nine core songs from the Everclear back catalog, along with a pair of new tunes. The new versions of the old tunes dial back on the electric guitars and heavy drums to create a more textured and acoustic-based sound for the songs. So in a sense, In a Different Light is a summation of Everclear’s career up until recently, without being a greatest hits
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album or a live album or an unplugged album. And Alexakis had his reasons for taking this less conventional approach to presenting familiar songs in a new way. “It [the CD] is kind of a weird thing, and that’s kind of like why I liked it when we finally decided to move ahead with this project,” Alexakis said in a recent phone interview. “Any band that has been around as long as we have, the songs live start evolving. And usually bands will document that with a live album, but I don’t really like live albums. “Then the second part of it, the reason it’s more acoustic, is I have had literally — and I’m not exaggerating — probably a thousand requests over the last five or six years from fans to do an acoustic version of old songs,” he said. “I didn’t want to do another like unplugged thing. That’s boring to me. So this seemed kind of like a challenge to document the different versions.” Alexakis certainly met his goal of presenting the songs in a new way on In a Different Light. But even he admitted that because of the way the songs were re-recorded, In a Different Light didn’t fully achieve the other primary goal — to document how the older songs had evolved over time. That’s because Everclear didn’t play the songs in concerts in the more acoustic-based form heard on the latest CD. Instead, Alexakis said, the group favored a fully plugged-in, hard-rocking
sound live that was closer to the way Everclear sounded on its earlier studio albums. “We don’t play our show [acoustically] because I think primarily, one, that [electric rock format] is who we are, and two, that’s what people want to see,” Alexakis said. “That’s kind of what we are. We’re a rock band.” What’s also unusual about In a Different Light is that it actually doesn’t feature the presentday Everclear. Instead, the band that recorded the CD is mainly the one that played on Everclear’s 2006 CD, Welcome to the Drama Club, and the group’s 2008 covers album, The Vegas Years — guitarist Davey French, keyboardist Josh Crawley, bassist Sam Hudson and drummer Tommy Stewart (who supplanted Brett Snyder from the ’06 lineup). That group, with the exception of French, was jettisoned after the recording of In a Different Light. Now Everclear is Alexakis, French, bassist Freddy Herrera, drummer Jordan Plosky and keyboardist Sasha Smith. With the current lineup in place, Alexakis has been splitting his live activities between Everclear concerts and his solo shows with Kowalcyzk and Nash. Later this spring, Alexakis will turn his attention to recording a new Everclear studio album. He hopes to finish recording in April and have it ready for release in the summer. The next CD figures to be considerably different from the most recent Everclear studio album, Welcome to the Drama Club. That CD was written after a difficult period for Alexakis, during which he divorced his third wife and went through bankruptcy. The new songs find him dwelling less on personal drama and taking on more of an observational or storytelling form. “That album was something I had to do. I had to get it out,” Alexakis said of Welcome to the Drama Club. “I got my ass kicked in life, like we do from time to time. I just needed to kind of follow through and figure out what it was all about, and I think the album told a good story about it, the ups and the downs, and it ended with light at the end of the tunnel. This [next] album is more perspective and more storytelling. I still write a lot from a first-person perspective, but it’s not autobiographical. “I think musically and lyrically it has more connection with maybe, say, Sparkle and Fade and So Much for the Afterglow, in the way that those songs build and the way they feel,” he said. “I’m writing shorter, more guitar, rock-oriented melodic songs. But they’re minimal in a lot of ways, and kind of weird in the arrangements that I’m pulling out of my bag of tricks. It’s hard for me to talk about what I haven’t done yet, but that’s the mindset going into it.” To go: Open Wings, Broken Strings, an acoustic evening of rock featuring Eddie Kowalczyk, Art Alexakis and Leigh Nash, will be at the Knight Concert Hall, March 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets run from $24.50 to $44.50. For info: arshtcenter.org.
Music INTERVIEW
Roger Daltrey Goes Solo For Now By Alan Sculley For Who fans, the exciting news is that plans are afoot for the group to record new music next spring. Guitarist Pete Townshend has revealed that he is working on a new production in the tradition of the Who’s Tommy and Quadrophenia that he calls Floss. The guitarist also told Rolling Stone magazine that the more conventional songs from Floss will be part of a new Who CD next year. But if you want to know more about the next Who album and how the music might sound, one person who doesn’t have any answers is Who singer Roger Daltrey. “I don’t read any of that stuff. I don’t listen to it,” Daltrey said about the reports of renewed Who activity. “All I know is when he (Townshend) is ready, he’ll present me with a load of songs and I’ll go into the studio with them and give them back to him with a vocal on them and let’s see where we are.” Although Daltrey, who was calling from England for the recent interview, didn’t want to speculate on new Who music, he is well aware that recording sessions are planned for next year. And in fact, the main reason he was doing the interview was for solo touring plans that have a lot to do with the Who’s pending activities. “The Who are going to be in the studio, and I feel the need to get the pipes lubricated,” Daltrey said. “I really feel like it’s time to get out there.” Daltrey did a run of headlining shows in the fall and is now opening for Eric Clapton, and said his shows could vary from night to night. “There will be Who songs I want to reapproach that we haven’t done for a long while, and they will be different. I won’t do them like the Who does them,” he said. “I will be doing some solo stuff that I’ve never played live. I made an album in ’94 called Rocks in the Head. A lot of that stuff will work great live onstage. So I’m not sure what material, and I don’t know what’s going to be in the show and I won’t know until any particular night.” Solo tours have been rare for Daltrey, whose last of seven solo albums was 1996’s McVicar. By that time, the Who was beginning to show signs of renewed life. The group had seen its career sidetracked by the 1978 death of drummer Keith Moon. Those left sought to carry on, recruiting former Faces drummer Kenney Jones to join the remaining band members — Daltrey, Townshend and bassist John Entwistle. That lineup made two albums — Face Dances and It’s Hard — but never really clicked. It billed its 1982 tour as a farewell trek — and for a time made good on that promise. But in 1989 Townshend regrouped the Who, with Simon Phillips on drums, for a 25th-anniversary tour. In 1996, the Who again returned to action, with Zak Starkey (son of Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr) taking over on drums, and playing the Quadrophenia album front to back.
That lineup ended on June 27, 2002 — one day before the Who was set to tour again — when Entwistle died of a heart attack induced by cocaine use. Bassist Pino Palladino — who had built an enviable career as a studio musician and touring bassist — stepped in and has been the Who’s bassist ever since. To Daltrey, the current edition of the Who feels more like a true band than at any time since Moon was alive. The group made its live debut for 2010 on Feb. 7, performing a 12-minute medley of hit songs during halftime of the Super Bowl. “With Zak, it feels much more like it did,” Daltrey said. “And even though John’s not there anymore, we’ve got Pino, and I can hear myself singing for the first time. So now it’s a dream. It’s much easier to do a performance now and to give a performance with more color than it ever was when John was onstage. That’s not to say I don’t miss John. “(But) there were quite a few problems with John onstage in the latter years, because he was deaf,” Daltrey said. “He was playing through vibrations, which used to give us some terrible, terrible volume problems.” Needless to say, no such issues existed when the Who toured in support of the underappreciated 2006 CD, Endless Wire (the first new Who album since 1982’s It’s Hard). And Daltrey said the band plans to tour again in 2010 after finishing the next Who CD. If Daltrey has his way, recording and touring with the Who will be a regular part of his life going forward. “I’d like us to carry on as we are,” Daltrey said. “The last album was really good. I’d like us to be playing more of our back catalog than we do at the moment. For instance, I would like us to be doing Quadrophenia. I’d like us to be doing Tommy, as well as the show we’ve got now, and maybe do a Live at Leeds show as well. It’s another different side of the Who that hasn’t been there for a long time. But the main thing is to be out there, be in front of people." To go: Roger Daltrey will perform with Eric Clapton on Thursday, March 11, at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets run $30 - $84. www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • March 5, 2010 • Page 23
The 411
Chris Lilly with his golden pig at Bubble Q 2010
Lauren Ridinger with BFF Eva Longoria Parker
Lee Schrager
COLUMN
Burgers, Bubbles, Claws and So Much Fun By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@miamisocialholic.com Photos by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Guy Fieri
Mark Summers
Robert Irvine
The ninth annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival has come and gone, leaving the South Beach sand wine-soaked, the air tinged with delicious aromas and our scales tilting in the wrong direction. This year’s festival boasted an unprecedented number of events, with more than 50,000 attendees, and over $2 million raised for the Florida International University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. The Amstel Light Burger Bash kicked off the four-day festival on Thursday night. Bobby Flay, Daniel Boulud, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray and Michael Symon all under one tent is any foodie’s dream, and this year’s carnivorous romp made that delectable dream come true as chefs from all around our nation battled it out to see who could come up with this year’s People’s Choice Award for “Best Burger.” The party, held in a giant tent behind the Ritz-Carlton, was a blast, the cool weather adding to the already high spirits of SBWFF lovers, who didn’t seem to mind the smoke and barbecue “fragrance” that permeated their lungs, hair and clothing. Last year’s defending champ, Spike Mendelsohn, wore a heavyweight championship belt, boxing trunks, robe and gloves and had the Rocky theme song blaring from his section, while serving his classic burger with American cheese and bacon on a soft bun accompanied with a cotton candy milkshake (yummy!). Masaharu Morimoto’s burgers were rumored to be among the best, as evidenced by the line of people waiting that spanned the length of the tent. The Iron Chef won for best “toppings” and was awarded a Tiffany Heinz Ketchup Bottle. The 2010 People’s Choice Award winner was Michael Symon of B Spot and his Swiss, pastrami and coleslaw burger (Pepcid, anyone?). Former champ Mendelsohn graciously handed over his heavyweight belt to Symon to solidify the win. Our very own Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food (who in our humble opinion makes the best burger in Miami) took top honors, earning the Allen Brothers Golden Grill Award — the judge's choice for best burger for his bacon cheeseburger on brioche with a side of crispy hominy with chili and lime. Other celeb-chefs spotted included Sandra Lee, Michael Chiarello, Sunny Anderson, Rocco DiSpirito,
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Jeff McInnis, Govind Armstrong, Tim Love, Carla Hall, Art Smith, Anne Burell and Michael Schwartz, among many others. The delightful dessert selections from Jeni’s Splendid Gourmet Ice Creams (almond brittle and Cocoa Zin and salty caramel — ooh la la!) and Levain Bakery’s 6 oz. cookies (yes, almost half a pound) capped off a perfect evening. A portion of the Burger Bash proceeds went toward Rachael Ray’s nonprofit Yum-o! Foundation. Friday night was the Perrier-Jouët Bubble Q, traditionally the most gout-worthy event during SBWFF, and our idea of the “true” South Beach Diet: limitless, perfectly seared meats and seafood paired with free-flowing Perrier Jouët. Now there’s a diet we can stick to! Host Emeril Lagasse was the “King” of this parade, with his scrumptious Creole-pulled pork sandwich simply wrapped in foil, the best pulled pork sandwiches this side of… well, anywhere, pleasing his fans with his bustling personality. Norman Van Aken's fried Cuban picadillo stuffed sandwich, called a "mollete," was another hit (wishing we had that at 2 a.m). But the best part of all was watching and participating with chefs and the FIU students letting it all hang out as they partied to great music, enjoying the incredible weather. This year’s Bubble Q, heavier on the bubbles than the “q,” was noticeably more subdued than last year’s, when the tent turned into a gigantic ball pool (like the ones you see at Chuck E. Cheese) wherein the revelers (who had been magically transformed into a bunch of second-graders under the spell of Perrier Jouët) joined the chefs and FIU sous chefs, in recklessly hurling the plastic balls that were intended to resemble champagne bubbles, to the chagrin of the DJ, who feared for his equipment. Needless to say, the ping-pong balls were verboten this year, replaced by less hazardous props: a really cool photo booth and our favorite chandelier girl, suspended from the rafters, dressed in lime green, pouring glasses of bubbly. We continuously ask, “What was her major in college?” Chefs in attendance included: The Neelys, Aaron Sanchez, Michelle Bernstein, Chris Lilly, Tim Love, Steve Martorano, Todd English, Guy Fieri, Elizabeth Karmel, John Besh, Cindy Hutson, Jennifer Behar, Howie Kleinberg, Gordon Maybury, Adam Perry Lang, Susan Spicer, Norman Van Aken and Allen Susser, just to name a few.
Aaron Sanchez and John Besh at Bubble Q 2010
Emeril Lagasse hosts Bubble Q 2010
Pennsylvania-based Sweet Street Desserts created a dessert bar complete with ice sculptures and hunky “dessert boy” (www.sweetstreet.com) and Godiva provided chocolate decadence. Proving once again, that (wo)man can live on champagne and chocolate alone. What the Burger Bash was to burger lovers, Sunday’s Joe’s Big Chill at Joe’s Stone Crab was to claw fanatics. The packed restaurant served guests family-style, with unlimited stone crab claws, signature sides and champagne. Talk about the stuff of fantasy. Fellow stone crab lovers mused that this should be America’s new Thanksgiving menu. It’s got our vote for sure! On Sunday night, stylish flip-flop brand Havaianas teamed up with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to host the Moon Over Miami SBWFF closing night party at the Gansevoort South. It was a perfect union of food, fashion, tequila and beach festivities, with Food Network stars, celebrity chefs and VIPs including Guy Fieri, Anne Burrell, Fabio Viviani, Robert Irvine, Sunny Anderson, Marc Summers, Lee Schrager, Maria Russo and many others partying and visiting the Havaianas Mercado to trade their shoes and crocs for Havaianas, more suitable for dancing in the sand.
COMING UP: FEAST WITH THE BEASTS If your appetite has recovered from the SBWFF, consider going to the Feast with the Beasts this Friday. The event benefits the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Miami Metrozoo. Other than South Beach, this is one party where you can sample delicious bites from more than 40 top restaurants among live tigers, snakes, alligators, monkeys and other wild things. This year’s Feast starts at 8 p.m. at Metrozoo, 12400 SW 152nd St. Guests are encouraged to wear Carnival-style beads, feathers and masks to the Feast, where they will be treated to great food, eight open bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment and a dance party. Some of the entertainment lined up includes DJ Donny Michaels, the Miami Heat dancers, Pyro Fusion fire dancers and Flowering Arts Movement belly dancers. Limited general admission tickets to FWTB are available for $175 and Beastkeeper VIP tickets, which include a private cocktail reception at 7 p.m., cost $225. Those planning on attending should make advance reservations. Sponsorship packages are also available. Visit fwtb.org or call 305-255-5551 to purchase tickets or for more information.
HURRAY FOR HOLLYWOOD Head to Smith & Wollensky (1 Washington Ave.) for the Oscar Night America party this Sunday, March 7, at 6 p.m. and you’ll get a piece of the action. For the eighth year in a row, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has selected Miami Beach Film Society’s Cinematheque as host and beneficiary of the official Miami celebration for Oscar Night America, Miami Beach. The red carpet and silent auction will be hosted by diva extraordinaire Miss Elaine Lancaster. Red carpet ar-
Ingrid Hoffman at the HSN Tent at the SBWFF 2010
rivals will begin at 6 p.m., where partygoers can catch a glimpse of evening looks courtesy of LUCA LUCA and Perry Ellis. Guests will then watch the Oscar telecast live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood starting at 8 p.m. During the show, attendees will toast Oscar winners while enjoying Smith & Wollensky’s signature three-course dinner with Coppola Wines selections, while bidding on exciting items during the event’s silent auction. Oscar fans will also be able to predict the night’s winners using a ballot system and become eligible to win great prizes! Oscar Night promises an experience that exudes the classic glamour and luxury of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, complete with the Academy Awards show program booklet for all guests. All proceeds will benefit MBC’s upcoming move to City Hall this summer. Tickets to the 2010 Oscar Night America Miami Beach are available for $150 or $125 for Miami Beach Film Society & Cinematheque and MIFF members. Visit MBCinema.com for tickets.
FENADEGAS’ UNLIMITED WINE Fenadegas' First Annual Miami Tasting of Portuguese Wines takes place Monday, March 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Smith & Wollensky (1 Washington Ave.). For only $25, you get unlimited wine, approximately 100 whites, reds and roses replete with Ports, White Vinho Verdes and Moscatels. Seven winemakers will be present to personally introduce their offerings, which sure sounds too good to be true! The best part is that all this drinking goes to a good cause, benefiting the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food, a foundation created by the late Robert Mondavi, the late Julia Child, the late Richard Graff and others to provide a forum for the study and enjoyment of gastronomy. The organization grants culinary scholarships to aspiring students and runs a national Days of Taste program that teaches children about the culinary arts and nutrition. For more information and to buy tickets, visit localwineevents.com or call 866-887-WINE.
CHEFS WITH A PURPOSE: HAITI Join the InterContinental Miami along with some of the nation’s top chefs this Thursday, March 11, for Chefs with a Purpose: Haiti benefiting International Firefighters Assistance in Haiti. From 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. guests will enjoy a variety of signature menu items from participating chefs, including InterContinental Miami's own resident chef and the event's Chef Chair Alex Feher, Gibraltar at Grove Isle's Jeff O'Neil, Pacific Time's Chef Jonathan Eismann, Talula's Andrea Curto-Randazzo and Mandarin Oriental's Clay Conley, among others. Admission is $50 at the door and includes food, cocktails, music by local fave Joe Dert, and valet. RSVP is required by contacting helpforhaiti@taraink.com.
Nicole Henry at South Beach Wine and Food Festival 2010-Bubble Q
FASHIONMIAMI The team that brought you Funkshion will kick off their new venture with the support of the team behind Design District and Design Miami. Matt Heien, Craig Robbins and others have partnered to form FASHIONmiami. The concept behind FASHIONmiami stems from the idea to consolidate multiple fashion events around the city and house them all under one roof, in one week — saving our feet, cab allowance, parking fees and sanity. FASHIONmiami will host Gen-Art’s Fresh Faces shows, the FGI Emerging Designers Competition presented by Chrysler, a Haitian benefit with Haitian designers, Custo Barcelona, Funkshion and others. The fashionable fun runs from March 10-13. For more information, visit www.fashionmiamishows.com. Free tickets will be made available on the website.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS: Last Wednesday, Chef Michael White of Marea, Alto and Convivio in NYC and Ken Oringer of Clio, Uni, Coppa, Toro and La Verdad in Boston, both in town for the SoBe Wine & Food Festival, enjoyed dinner, margaritas and live music at El Scorpion's Wednesday night Mexicali Blues party. The next night, Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova had dinner at El Scorpion with a few friends, ordering practically everything on the menu. Eva Longoria and Emilio Estefan joined power couple and BFFs JR and Loren Ridinger for a power lunch at Bongos Cuban Cafe on Friday to meet about the creation of the American Latino Museum, as per President Obama’s appointment. When asked about the lunch, JR Ridinger commented, “There was a special electricity in the room during the luncheon conference. Eva and Emilio are both so amazing and people feel so great around them, because they are so down to earth and normal and set an amazing example for Latinos and make sure their voice is heard.” Mr. Chow Miami served as a respite for top toques during SBWFF, including David Burke, Sam Talbot, Daniel Boulud and Todd English, who dined at the South Beach hot spot. On Saturday night, a slew of celebs and VIPs turned up for The Blacks’ Annual Gala hosted by Lea and Roy Black, including Grammy Award-winning artist Natalie Cole, Paulina Rubio and Rick Ross, all of whom performed. Notable gala guests included Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and first lady Carole Crist, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Bobby Flay, Ana Cristina, Helio Castroneves, Joe Francis, Lennox Lewis, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning, Evelyn Lozado, Romero Britto, Maria Conchita Alonso, Alto Reed, DJ Irie, DJ Tracy Young, EJ Viso and Ron Duprat. Sean Penn dropped by LIV at the Fontainebleau for a bit, during the after party for the Black gala. We promise a full-story and lots of gala photos next week. - Maryanne Salvat contributed to this story.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • March 5, 2010 • Page 25
Style COLUMN
Spring 2010: Working through the Trends By Jennifer Fragoso (fragosofashion@aim.com)
Spring fling takes on a whole new meaning this year with a ménage à trois of trends this upcoming season. We have military, romantic and ethnic looks all in attendance for spring. The military look has been re-created for spring 2010 by some of the industry’s leading designers. From the house of Balmain to our latest fashion BFF, Alexander Wang, it seems medals and epaulets are indeed all the rage. Next, what better way to celebrate spring than with the fresh blooms of the season’s hottest floral prints? Whimsical, flirty, soft and romantic come to mind when admiring the crochet knits from Dolce & Gabbana and the calico prints of Ralph Lauren. Flowers, ruffles and feathers are all part of this season’s romantic trend. If bold is the way you want to go this spring, look no further than the graphic, tribal and ethnic-inspired prints that lined the spring 2010 runways from Balenciaga to Zac Posen. This spring batik is très chic. Now that you know the trends for spring, go out and create your own look. There’s a lot to work with this season. Think a neutral base with touches of floral and graphic prints if you want to work all three trends into your wardrobe. Or pick your favorite trend and stick to it. Either way, don’t forget to have fun and be yourself. Trends come and go but you will live on to dress another day, so invest wisely.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: 1. LUXE LOOK: EISENHOWER JACKET $595, MINI $725 AND FREJA BOOTIES $675 ALL BY ALEXANDER WANG. 2. LUXE REDUX: SYMMETRICAL HEM PRINTED DRESS $318 FROM BCBG. 3. LUXE LOOK: STELLA MCCARTNEY PLISE-RUFFLE BLOUSE $1595.00 AND SHORTS $495.00. 4. LUXE LOOK: STELLA MCCARTNEY PLISE-RUFFLE DRESS. 5. LUXE LOOK: TRIBAL PRINT DRESS $1850.00 FROM ZAC POSEN.
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