Viscaya Museum and Gardens hosted more than 300 of South Florida’s most fashionable philanthropists on March 7 for its annual Centennial Preservation “Hat Luncheon”, where accessory-clad guests enjoyed a champagne luncheon in support of the estate’s ongoing preservation as it enters its centennial year.
Photo Credit: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The afternoon kicked with a cocktail reception in the courtyard of the estate’s Main House, where guests enjoyed libations by Dall’Armellina Vineyards while checking out the latest fashions from Neiman Marcus and the stylish accessories by Jimmy Quiroga Designs. They also had the opportunity to bid in the silent auction, which featured a 10-12 day European Cruise with a balcony stateroom by Celebrity Cruises, or partake in the raffle of multiple luxury offerings.
Photo Credit: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Founded in 2009 and co-chaired by Swanee DiMare, Barbara Hevia and Christy Martin, the luncheon raises funds for the preservation of the Museum & Gardens as it enters it centennial year and prepares to launch plans for the restoration of Vizcaya Village as a community resource and cultural hub of the city. Gourmet dishes like English Pea Velvet with Sous Vide Leek and a Branzino a la Plancha made an appearance on the luncheon menu, which was catered by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design.
Photo Credit: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Another highlight of the day was the hat contest, which returned for the second year with past winners Marile Lopez, Alexa Wolman and Dana Shear joining the panel of illustrious industry judges Lesli Brown, fashion illustrator and former director at W, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and Tara Solomon, founder and co-principal of TARA, Ink. Public Relations and Events. This year’s winners were Barbara Hevia for Best Hat; Beth Tasca for Best Ensemble; and Criselda Breene for Most Avant Garde Look.
Photo Credit: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The sponsors for this year’s event included Acqua di Parma, Dall’Armellina Vineyards, DiMare Fresh, Jimmy Quiroga Designs, Neiman Marcus, Shapoh.com, USA Bouquet, Leslie Brown, Caviar Russe, Nespresso, Deering Wine, 1865 Vineyard and Marquess de Riscal, Shaw Ross International Importers and Terra Group.
For more information about Viscaya Museum & Gardens, visit www.vizcaya.org, connect via social media, or call 305-250-9133.
