10th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Miami, FL – March 13, 2018 – Vizcaya Museum and Gardens became a kaleidoscope of color as some of Miami’s most charitable and fashion-forward ladies sported the latest spring designs for the 10th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon, featuring Emmy Award-winning reporter Laurie Jennings as mistress of ceremonies. Known informally as the “Hat Luncheon,” this iconic affair welcomed 300 guests from Miami, Palm Beach and New York for an elegant lunch and fundraiser dedicated to safeguarding this National Historic Landmark and cultural hub for future generations. Presented by Nordstrom, the luncheon earns its notable nickname due to the guests’ fashionable hats, ranging from the classic to the avant-garde. A natural fit for this cultural hotspot, the hats added a touch of flair and whimsy to the fundraiser, which addresses the important issue of historic preservation – a poignant matter following the conclusion of Vizcaya’s centennial year. With post-Irma recovery and the Vizcaya Village restoration project well underway, there is much to be accomplished at Vizcaya in 2018 and years to come. The strategic plan for a unified Vizcaya aims for the Village to realize its full potential as a community resource through innovative programming for locals and visitors as well as by relating the full history of the estate. Guests were welcomed into the Courtyard of the Main House for a cocktail reception where they enjoyed classical sets by the talented students of the Frost School of Music and browsed the latest pieces by Jimmy Quiroga Designs. Following the reception, guests were ushered into the East Terrace for an elegant seated luncheon featuring prosecco from Dall’Armellina Vineyards. The luncheon kicked off with a warm welcome by Vizcaya Executive Director Joel Hoffman and Nordstrom General Manager Steve Kravitz. As a violin danced in the background and glasses clicked, the Mistress of Ceremonies guided guests through the remainder of the program, which included the announcement of the hat contest winners. This year’s style leaders included Amanda Church for Most Elegant Ensemble, Daisy Casuso for Best Hat and Gigi Whitman for Most Avant-Garde.