6th Annual Splendor in the Garden
Fashion and Philanthropy in Style at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
More than 300 fashion-forward guests attended the 6th Annual Splendor in the Garden held at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The event was presented by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay with sponsorship from Eighty Seven Park/Terra Group. This year’s Fairchild Philanthropy Honorees were Susan Abraham, Silvia Fortun, Felicia Knaul, Marile Lopez, Daysi Johansson, Marisa Toccin Lucas, Brittany Lopez Slater and Ana VeigaMilton.
The day began with an outdoor cocktail reception sponsored by Dall’Armellina Vineyards and Sunset Corners. Guests then walked to the lakeside marquee, where emcee Beatriz Canals of ABC welcomed everyone and introduced Fairchild Board of Trustees President Bruce Greer. Honorary Co-Chairs Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla Sacasa along with event Chairs Barbara Hevia and Lydia Touzet thanked the sponsors, former honorees, and audience for supporting Fairchild. Fairchild’s Director, Dr. Carl Lewis, spoke about the many science and education initiatives at the Garden that fundraisers such as Splendor in the Garden help to sustain.
Stephen Brunelle, VP and General Manager of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, introduced Ken Downing, Senior VP and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus, who took the stage to much applause and mentioned how he loved returning to Fairchild every year because the Miami ladies were among the most enthusiastic
Ken then presented a first look at the Spring 2017 collections, which featured ruffles and flounces, stripes and a focus on neutral with a splash of olive. The finale highlighted peekaboo shoulder and leg trends, head-turning earrings and a bold, pink lip.
After the event, Neiman Marcus then opened a Backstage Boutique where guests shopped for the hottest Spring 2017 styles fresh off the runway.
