The 65th Annual Vizcaya Ball

“Enchanted Garden” was the theme of the 65^th Annual Vizcaya Ball held last Saturday, which celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the Vizcaya Gardens — a lush collective that includes a formal orchidarium started by original owner James Deering in the 1920s.  It was the perfect inspiration for the Ball’s theme – and dress code, of course.

Flower Power in all its forms defined the evening, from the Fountain Garden’s giant crepe paper flowers by artist Rufina Magafurova (genius!) to the guests’ finery. The star look of the night went to Ball Chair Jenni Coba in vintage Marc Jacobs couture, ca. 2019 – a breathtaking floral gown in pink and orange with tiers of ostrich feathers, paired with a pink Givenchy ostrich feather bag. Divine on every level!

There were so many beauties to take in, from Ball Committee member Mariann Marinberg’s custom Wade Allyn Couture gown in a rich burgundy to RHOM Guerdy Abraira’s flamenco vibe with huge red flower accents at each shoulder – so good for a photo op! How lovely was Ball Committee member Annette Prats’ custom Vivianne Valerius dress with pleated silk flower appliques? How unforgettable was Miami society queen bee Lydia Touzet’s tangerine satin Oscar de la Renta mermaid peplum gown?

Loved how the men stepped it up this year – with standout jacket looks from Chanel High Jewelry Regional Manager (and Ball Committee member) John Grishman in blush metallic pink leopard by Tom Ford runway; Tom Ford VIC Stylist Cal Campos in sleek winter white Tom Ford (naturally); designer Rene’ Ruiz in a 1950s-inspo British blue with black lapel by his own label, Rene’ by RR; Gucci Miami Design District GM Stefan Pe in Gucci with feather sleeves; celeb hair stylist Danny Jelaca in custom magenta suiting (yes, magenta!) by Aleks Musika, and Aaron Rodriguez, who was one of the evening’s most requested photo ops in his shimmery silver Balenciaga-Gucci collab collectable.

In one of the boldest – and best – looks we’ve ever seen at a gala, esquire Jarad Gibson rocked sequined floral evening pajamas with a 1960s vibe by Rahul Mishra.

Even the gala dessert was in theme: A chocolate flowerpot with berry garnish and edible pansies and violets.

Forge Carro Doldan

The unveiling of the holiday “Rococo Collection” was the occasion of a cocktail soiree’ at Forge Carro Doldan, the chic new high jewelery salon in the Miami Design District. Argentine society jeweler Manuel Doldan hosted a posse of Miami swans for champs in the boutique before stepping into the adjacent courtyard for dinner at Michael’s Genuine.

It was Miami’s first cool-weather night and all the girls dressed. Great looks included Cernitz Law Firm Managing Partner Candise Shanbron in a plunging graphic-print Norma Kamali maxi and Guerdy Abraira’s pink-on-pink cozy sweater dress with matching knee-length boots, plus adorable pink ribbon in her hair in a ‘60s style nod.

Fellow RHOM star Kiki Barth held court at a table with Erica Wertheim Zohar and husband Lior Zohar, Marylin Dans and Marce Lotito, Martina Borgomanero Basabe, Adriana Nassiri, Tasha Poupee, and Mr. D’, aka Nick D’Annunzio.