Miami’s most fashionable and philanthropic gathered in high style for the 17th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon—affectionately known as the hat luncheon—on March 4, 2025. Set against the backdrop of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the affair blended timeless elegance, bold creativity, and a shared dedication to historic preservation.

Under the leadership of co-chairs Eilah Campbell Beavers, Swanee DiMare, and Christy Martin, the 2025 luncheon created a spectacle of couture, camaraderie, and cause-driven celebration.

A Fashionable Affair with a Purpose

Kicking off with a lively cocktail reception, guests sipped libations beneath the glass canopy in the Main House courtyard to the cheerful sounds of Bay Kings Trio.

Emmy-awarded anchor Laurie Jennings returned as Emcee alongside Vizcaya Executive Director Joel Hoffman to highlight the luncheon’s mission: raising funds for the continued preservation of Vizcaya’s historic estate, gardens, and village.

“Each hat, each ensemble, and each guest here today contribute to preserving this remarkable treasure for everyone in our community to enjoy,” said Cammy Richards, Vizcaya’s Director of Special Events.

Guests were then ushered onto the East Terrace, where they enjoyed performances courtesy of Lid Music Entertainment and an exquisite spring-inspired luncheon courtesy of Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design. With fresh florals adorning the tables and a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay, the setting was nothing short of picture-perfect.

A Parade of Hats: The Coveted Fashion Contest

While philanthropy was at the heart of the event, fashion took center stage with the hat contest. A panel of esteemed style experts, including Elias Synalovski of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, John Grisham of Chanel Fine Jewelry, Suzy Buckley Woodward of Shapoh.com, and Andrew Wright of Manolo Blahnik, judged the competition.

The standout winners of the day were:

Best Overall: Amanda Rodriguez

Most Elegant: Ana Christina de Fortuna

Best Hat: Katharine Rubino

From timelessly chic to wildly avant-garde, the millinery masterpieces on display were a testament to Miami’s impeccable sense of style.

A Community United for Preservation

The generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees continues to fuel Vizcaya’s commitment to historic conservation, ensuring the museum can continue to share its cultural and environmental resources with generations to come.

Special thanks were given to the distinguished Committee: Eilah Campbell Beavers, Suzy Buckley Woodward, Jenni Coba, Elizabeth Costa de Rusch, Swanee DiMare, Sarah Feil Lewin, Sonia Gibson, John Grisham, Camila Guiribitey, Linda Levy, Marile Lopez, Christy Martin, Sheila Martinez, Nancy McCormick, Cammy Richards, Yvonne Rosemeir, Yuri Rossi, Tatiana Teo, Lydia Touzet, Josie Wang, Alexa Wolman, and Patty Zhang.

Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, as the official Fashion Sponsor, and Manolo Blahnik, as the Luxury Footwear Sponsor, were among the many benefactors whose support made the event possible. Guests also toasted to the occasion with beverages from Bacardi, La Scolca, Love Story Rosé, Martini Rossi, Shaw Ross International Importers, and St. Germain. As the sun set on another spectacular luncheon, Miami’s finest left with full hearts, inspired spirits, and, of course, impeccably adorned heads.

For information on next year’s event and to secure a coveted seat, visit www.vizcayapreservation.org.