The 13th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon

Photography by Ryan Troy, Pavle Janjic on March 9th, 2021 in Fashion, Lifestyle

Miami, FL – March 9, 2021 – On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the formal Italian gardens at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens were in full bloom as 100 guests donned the latest spring fashions for the 13^th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon. Presented by fashion sponsor Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, with co-chairs Eilah Campbell-Beavers, Swanee DiMare and Christy Martin, the luncheon celebrated Vizcaya’s artistic spirit in its most relatable form – fashion – by invoking elements of the estate, from plants reflected in floral hats to architectural lines drawn on avant-garde pieces.

This year’s fundraising event, Vizcaya’s first since the start of the pandemic, was reimagined to ensure a safe, low-density, yet exciting afternoon. This sought-after event was limited to 100 guests, ensuring that all could easily maintain social distance. Upon arrival guests joined their tables, all outdoors in the luxurious and expansive gardens, under the shade of century-old oak trees. Masks were required and temperatures taken upon arrival. Vizcaya also took the extra step and made COVID-19 rapid tests available the day prior for all guests, underwritten by Adam and Alexa Wolman.

Lovingly-nicknamed the “hat luncheon,” the Preservation Luncheon helps ensure the continued preservation of this National Historic Landmark with this year’s proceeds going to Vizcaya’s COVID Recovery Fund. Emceed by Miami Herald columnist Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard, the elegant al fresco lunch catered by Thierry Catering and Design was served in the gardens while guests enjoy light jazz by Jorge Gonzalez. Throughout the day, models wandered the gardens, styling designs thanks to fashion sponsor Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The highlight of the event was a special performance by opera singer and composer Radmila Lolly who performed an aria from her upcoming album during the luncheon. In addition, eleven musicians including a string Octet performed several selections of her compositions. Winners of the fashion contents were Gigi Whitman for Best Hat, Alexia Echevarria for Best Ensemble, and Carly Patterson for Most Avant-Garde.

The 13^th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon’s Co-Chairs were Eilah Campbell-Beavers, Swanee DiMare and Christy Martin. The committee included Lesli Brown, Sonia Gibson, Linda Levy Goldberg, John Grisham, Carol Iacovelli, Marile Lopez, Ariel Penzer Milgroom, Tara Solomon, Josie Wang, Alexa Wolman, Suzy Buckley Woodward and Patty Zhang.

Sponsors for this event included Neiman Marcus Coral Gables as fashion sponsor, Braman Miami as Automobile Sponsor, DiMare Fresh, Terra, Shaw-Ross International Importers, Mouton Cadet, Liquore Strega, Encantadora, Qtego, and Violets Flowers.