Miami FL – March 7, 2017 – South Florida’s most fashionable philanthropists gathered at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for the estate’s Centennial Preservation Luncheon, affectionately nicknamed “The Hat Luncheon.” The event welcomed more than 300 guests for an elegant champagne lunch in support of Vizcaya’s continued preservation. Upon arriving at the estate, guests were ushered into the courtyard of the Main House for a cocktail reception featuring libations by Dall’Armellina Vineyards. Guests also delighted in stylish accessories by Jimmy Quiroga Designs, the latest fashions from Neiman Marcus, a silent auction featuring a 10-12 day European cruise with a balcony stateroom by Celebrity Cruises and a raffle of numerous luxury offerings. The luncheon was catered by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design with a sumptuous menu that included an English Pea Velvet with Sous Vide Leek and a Branzino a la Plancha as well as assorted petit fours. Founded in 2009, the luncheon raises funds toward the preservation of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for the community and future generations to come. The topic of preservation is particularly poignant as Vizcaya enters its centennial year and prepares to launch new plans to expand Vizcaya’s role as a cultural hub through the restoration of Vizcaya Village.

The hat contest returned for the second year in row, adding past winners Marile Lopez, Alexa Wolman, and Dana Shear to the panel of illustrious industry judges – Lesli Ann 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. The Vizcaya Centennial Preservation Luncheon co-chairs are Swanee DiMare, Barbara Hevia and Christy Martin. The committee includes Lourdes Almagro Araujo, Eilah Campbell-Beavers, Lesli Ann Brown, Suzy Buckley, Daisy Casuso, Kim Caceres, Heidi Dans, Sonia Gibson, Linda Levy Goldberg, Ana Hernandez, Carol Iacovelli, Daysi Johansson, Migna Sanchez-Llorens, Marile Lopez, Nicole Lozano, Bronwyn Miller, Laura C. Munilla and Alexa Wolman.   Sponsors for this event include Aqua di Parma, Dall’Armellina Vineyards, DiMare Fresh, Jimmy Quiroga Designs, Neiman Marcus, Shapoh.com, USA Bouquet, Jimmy Quiroga Designs, Neiman Marcus, Lesli Brown, Caviar Russe, Nespresso, Deering Wine, 1865 Vineyard and Marquess de Riscal, Shaw Ross International Importers and Terra Group.