NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Bellissima Gala Presented by Bulgari
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the museum’s modernist building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and the U.S. premiere of Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945-1968

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale’s glamorous Bellissima Gala presented by Bulgari, celebrated the 30th anniversary of the museum’s modernist building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and the U.S. premiere of the exhibition Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945-1968. The black-tie evening brought together prominent figures from fashion, art, business and philanthropy and raised money for NSU Art Museum’s education and exhibition programs.
Guests enjoyed Italian-inspired cocktails, dinner and dancing, and an exclusive preview of the exhibition, which features extraordinary designer garments, accessories, jewels, artworks and films from the remarkable period of creativity in Italy following World War II, and the vibrant spirit in art, fashion and entrepreneurship that is the foundation of Italy today. The decades represented in the exhibition underscore NSU Art Museum’s special focus on art of this period. Bulgari has a longstanding affiliation with the worlds of fashion as well as art and is proud to present the Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945-1968 exhibition.
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Maria Luisa Frisa, Jean-Christophe Babin, Lucia Boscaini, Bonnie Clearwater, Stefano Tonchi, Gloria Marina Bellelli
David Horvitz, Francie Bishop Good, Pearl & Stanley Goodman
Bonnie Barnett, Robert Kagan
Jean-Christophe Babin, Joe Amaturo, Lorraine Thomas, George L. Hanbury
Tracy Mourning, Tara Forman
Kristina Lucia, Alice Jackson
Jackie Tate, Daren Koenig Cronin, Sandy Tate
Adrienne bon Haes, Marvin Ross Friedman
Wayne Gilmore, Michele Meli
Samuel Morrison, Robin Blackwell
Albert & Beatriz Miniaci
Alexandra du Cluzeau-Humbel, Patrice Humbel
Firooz Zahedi, Beth Rudin DeWoody
Alfonso Goyeneche, Munisha Underhill
Ana Mirkovic, Shawn Byrne
Daniel Paltridge, Bonnie Clearwater
Antonio Restucci, Chef Roberto Di Pinto, Mike Veloz
Giampaolo Della Croce, Margarita Waxman, Daniel Diaz
Bonnie Clearwater, Barbara Landry
Austin & Christine Forman
Manny Machado, Annelies Da Costa Gomez
Jane Holzer, Sarah Gavlak, David Maupin
Marta Vecchi, Emmanuelle Gagliardi
Maurizio & Simona Forte
NSU Art Museum Bellissima Gala
NSU Art Museum Bellissima Gala
Monica Kalpakian, John Lin, Audra Asencio
Monica Kirkland, Marcello Sanchez
Rayna Miranda, Gabriella Zacarias, Deborah Meijer, Daniel Paltridge
Rickie De Sole, George L. Hanbury, Bonnie Clearwater
Stefano Tonchi, Jean-Christophe Babin
Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W Magazine, served as Chair of the Bellissima Gala, and he also was a co-curator of the exhibition. The evening honored Fort Lauderdale-based collectors Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman, and Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz, NSU Art Museum Chairman, for their steadfast devotion and support of the museum.
Gala Co-Chairs included: Bonnie Barnett and Robert Kagan; Daren Koenig Cronin and Ryan Cronin; Tara and Miles Forman; Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz; Gucci; Lise Hirsch; Rita Holloway; Kering; Barbara and Michael Landry; Laura and Charles Palmer; Susan and David Samrick, and Lorraine Thomas.
Inspired by Italian design of the 1960s, the gala’s black, white and gold décor, designed and produced by Le Basque Catering and Production, reflected modern Italian elegance. The evening’s specially curated menu was created by Italian culinary star, Roberto Di Pinto, executive chef at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan and combined creativity, innovation and the grand tradition of Italian excellence. Guests enjoyed Italian wines by Ferrari and Planeta.
In honor of the celebration, Bulgari invited several guests to wear jewels from their collection: Gloria Marina Bellelli wore a Serpenti necklace by Bulgari. Tracey Mourning wore a Diva pendant and earrings by Bulgari. Tara Forman wore a Serpenti bracelet and earrings by Bulgari and Daren Koenig Cronin wore Diva earrings and a Diva pendant by Bulgari.
The Gala media sponsor was W Magazine. The exhibition media sponsor was Condé Nast.
Additional gala support provided by: Pelican Grand Beach Resort; Le Basque, the Caterer; Ferrari Wines, Planeta and Whole Foods Market.
Additional exhibition support was provided by the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, Italian Trade Commission, Vontobel Swiss Wealth Advisors AG, PNC Bank, Funding Arts Broward, and La Rosa mannequins. Media Partner: CBS 4
Accommodations provided by Pelican Grand Beach Resort.