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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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.