Allison Weiss Brady’s The Life of a Social Scribe

Fashionable Birthdays, Art and Luxury

Follow Allison Weiss Brady – one of Miami’s top society gals – as she dashes about being oh-so-social. Tune in to SocialMiami as Allison continues to give us the inside scoop about Miami’s elite social and fashionista events from a point-of-view that only she can deliver.

With “Sex and the City” hitting movie theaters the end of May, fans of the show celebrated the release “Bal Harbour-style” at Neiman Marcus. Oren Halegua and Missy Graver hosted a fabulous 50th birthday party for Gigi Whitman, daughter-in-law of Bal Harbour Shops founder Stanley Whitman.

“Sex and the City” was everywhere! Videos of the show were projected throughout the party locale on the second floor, and Gigi was even superimposed on a huge poster of the cast! On my way past a monitor to get a Diet Coke, Samantha (Kim Catrall) was on-screen, in the tub. Oops, a little too personal – so I just kept moving along toward those elegant gowns by Marchesa.

Joining in the fun were Katie Whitman, Tiffany Graver, Kitty Espinola, Lana Stricker, Rhonda Lopez, Nancy Hoffman, Madeline Brockway, and Paula Brockway. The party was situated between Gucci, YSL, and Jill Sander. In front of the Gucci section, DJ Sarz was flanked on one side by gorgeous Italian leather blazers and on the other side by a runway for the fashion show, which was the finale to the party.

Between admiring the clever décor, I couldn’t help but try on the latest collection from Gucci – yellow and black. Ooh, la, la! The hosts went all out with the party set-up. The cake from Todo Dulce Bakery had a life-size Manolo Blahnik shoe (cream-filled, I’m sure) on top with Gucci and Louis Vuitton-inspired scarves made from taupe and blue frosting. Along with the cake, cupcakes were piled high, frosted with mini Chanel and Louis Vuitton handbags. The perfect treats for any shopaholic!

Gigi’s birthday gift was the best idea of all. Everyone went together and contributed to get her one, fabulous gift – a diamond bracelet from Charriol. She’ll think of all her great friends every time she wears it!

I flew out to LA for a few days and co-hosted a fabulous event at the Wonderful World Art Gallery. The gallery is located in Culver City – LA’s version of Miami’s Art & Design District — full of the best up-and-coming artists and furniture designers. The gallery premiered a new exhibition of works by artist Kate McCavitt entitled “Homage to Eastern Icons.”

Included in the exhibit was her dynamic five-foot-square piece, “Tic Tac Tao,” totally interactive with the ability to change as often as the collector wishes, creating endless artistic possibilities! The painted works in the exhibit were long and narrow, infused with the colors of sea and sun – perfect in any room.

The 100 or so guests nibbled on a decadent spread of fruit, gourmet cheeses and British tablewater crackers, and drank delightful California white wine and sparkling water. WWA Gallery has the best pop art by Charles Fazzino, De La Nuez, and Emily the Strange (a celebrity favorite!), as well as animation art by Disney, Warner Brothers, and Peanuts – for your child or the child in you!

When I arrived home, a box of CDs from NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was awaiting me. We are working on a documentary of Kareem’s life entitled “On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey through the Harlem Renaissance,” and he sent some signed copies of his audio book. The print and audio books are available on www.Amazon.com.

Back in town just in time to go to a private cocktail party hosted by Asprey, the epitome of British style and refinement located in the Setai. Guests enjoyed champagne – what else! – and hors d’oeuvres in the store, tucked into a nook on the main floor, spilling out into the elegant hotel lobby. A friend of mine actually received some major jewelry there after a first date. Gotta love a guy who’s smitten with you right away!

Asprey has a gorgeous range of luxurious gifts – ties, handbags in rich satin, crystal, silver picture frames, gems, jewels, you name it! The store first opened in 1781 on London’s famed Bond Street and has the official warrant from Prince Charles. He owns pieces from the Asprey collection of crystal carafes and other items bearing a checkerboard print. The store is the perfect place to shop for Father’s Day gifts!

I just love summer parties – actually I just love parties! It’s so wonderful to celebrate!

Until next time, I bid you adieu.

Allison Weiss Brady