The 8th Annual Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Preservation Luncheon, known informally as “The Hat Luncheon,” was chaired by Swanee DiMare and drew more than 300 of Miami’s female philanthropists wearing their finest millinery.
In addition to being a must-attend event on the Miami social calendar, the event is Vizcaya’s largest day-time fundraiser and is fittingly set amongst the manicured European-style gardens the group is working to preserve.
Arriving at the estate, guests were greeted with a cocktail reception in the gardens featuring Prosecco, sponsored by Dall’Armellia Vineyard and elegant models wearing the latest styles from fashion sponsor Neiman Marcus.
For the first year, the event included a hat contest. Upon arrival ladies who wished to enter the contest had their photo taken upon arrival. Guest judges included Lesli Ann Brown, fashion illustrator and former director at W, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar; Elysze Held, fashion stylist, Style Out of the City; and Tara Solomon, founder and co-principal of TARA, Ink. Public Relations and Events.
The judges selected three ladies for their outstanding choices in hats and fascinators. Wearing an amazing hat herself, Shapoh founder Suzy Buckley Woodward presented the winners who were Dana Shear for Best Hat; Marile Lopez for Most Elegant Ensemble; and Alexa Wolman for Most Avant Garde Look. They won a hat from Shapoh.com as well as appearance in an illustration by Lesli Ann Brown.
The luncheon was catered by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design with a delightful menu that included chilled watermelon gazpacho, heirloom tomatoes, local corvina en papillote, key lime sable and chocolate hazelnut mousse. Dall’Armellina Vineyards provided Bruit Prosecco and Deering Wine provided Grenache Blanc during the meal.
The event raises funds toward the preservation of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. In addition to ticket sales, raffle items like a Azamara Club Cruise, jewelry from Yvel Jewelry (who gifted guests with not one, but two items of pearl jewelry) and a watercolor from Lesli Ann Brown. Founded in 2009, the luncheon is a friend-raiser and fund-raiser to support the preservation of Vizcaya for the community and future generations to come.
Photos by World Red Eye
