Fort Lauderdale, FL – February 6, 2016 – NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale held its Bellissima Gala bringing out leaders from the fashion, art, business and philanthropy worlds to raise money for the museum’s education and exhibition programs. The glamorous black-tie evening presented by Bulgari, celebrated the 30th anniversary of NSU Art Museum’s modernist building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and the U.S. premiere of the exhibition Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945-1968. 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. Modern Italian elegance was reflected in the gala’s black and white décor that was inspired by Italian design of the 1960s. The evening’s specially curated dinner 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. The gala décor and production was provided by Le Basque. In honor of the celebration, Bulgari invited prominent guests to wear jewels from their collection: Gloria Marina Bellelli wore a Serpenti necklace, Tracy Mourning wore a Diva pendant and earrings, Tara Forman wore a Serpenti bracelet and earrings and Daren Koenig Cronin wore Diva earrings and a Diva pendant, all by Bulgari.

Bonnie Clearwater, NSU Art Museum Director and Chief Curator welcomed the evening’s distinguished guests and sponsors and introduced Gala Chair Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W Magazine, who is also a co-curator of the exhibition. She warmly congratulated the evening’s honorees, 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. Proceeds from the Gala went to support NSU Art Museum exhibitions and education programs.

GALLERY SLIDER