In Miami, it's only natural that I feel like sometimes I simply live a life less ordinary. Let it be on days when I wake up and it's over 80 degrees while other places suffer amongst subzero weather, or on days like the one I'm about to narrate which include dancing tourists and "behind the scenes" strolls through fashion catwalks, it's easy to feel like in South Florida we're truly part of something special.
Yesterday afternoon I was whisked away by a friend and work source for a lunch meeting at Nikki Beach where we chatted over chicken fingers about Miami.com and her life in New York. Once I got there, I could feel WMC going on in full swing as local Nikki Music DJ's (the club's own record label) spun their best beats to girls gyrating in bikinis and high heels right next to buff chested guys. Oh well...better get in the spirit. Taking off my work coat and revealing a red tank top, I was introduced to a glass of Ed Hardy champagne which was not bad. The light, fruity and tart taste was good for 3 p.m. and so was the recognition that Nikki Beach was serving Medalla Light for VIP's! Say what? Medalla is Puerto Rico's own light beer, and it's a rarity to find in the United States. Will Miami begin to carry it soon? We hope so! It's delicious and reminds me of home.
I left Nikki at around 3:30, ready to head on over to the Fontainebleau and hit up Rock Fashion Week's media opening festivities. After asking WMC revelers what events they were looking forward to the most (anything Pasha NYC, and...duh...Ultra!), I was looking forward to some high fashion tips.
Once I arrived at the "millionaire's row" hotel I noticed it was almost at full capacity. Preparations were going on for Thursday afternoon's Bacardi B-Live music event, seemingly lost souls partook on a software convention and kids sporting neon sunglasses and shirts that read "I'm in Miami B%$#ch!" were all together in the same Bleau Bar. Walking towards one of the Fontainebleau's ball rooms, I was treated to passes for that evening's festivities and a behind the scenes tour of where dozens of models would be parading their best looks from designers such as Lei Marco, Ella Bella and edgy New York designer Richie Rich. The flowing and black outside tent looked perfectly propped right next to the ocean, where anyone can get the perfect sneak peek of the water. Or, at least feel the cool breeze.
After the behind the scenes media event I was treated to a visit to the Artistry bus. There, makeup technicians and designers representing the natural and mineral-based makeup which will be helping the model's glow were giving free paraffin hand treatments and makeup applications. Some tips for the summer? Keep it bare, natural yet colorful. Play up your own skin tone and hang on to rosy lips. They're always in style. Looking to find a Miami rep selling Artistry? Their starter kit is a steal at $59 and includes all the makeup you need to use on your face. Just check out their web site, www.artistrybeauty.com.
After getting dolled up I met with Texan fashion designer Abi Ferrin. She seemed super excited to reveal her newest collection Thursday evening, which will be featuring her year-round friendly colorful dressy frocks - such as light airy sundresses with added cowboy boots as a kick - and collaborations with stylist Heather Robinson of Maverix swimwear. All her fashion is under the motto "Fashion with Freedom and Purpose", which comes from her work with two rescue organizations in Nepal and Cambodia. Celebrity fans of her line include Ashlee Simpson, Carrie Underwood, Rachel Bilson and Paris Hilton, so fashionistas better get ready to snap up some ideas and new outfits.
Once I was done chatting with Abi, I headed over to Bleau Bar for a signature mimosa and to rest up. While I was sitting there, I was surprised to see designer Richie Rich asking to sit next to me. According to the former Heatherette designer, his fashion show will reveal some exciting new stuff alongside Rock Fashion Week participant Pamela Anderson. Guess we'll have to wait and see some of his new edgy punk-rock designs with a socialite kick.
Enjoy!
-- Aurora Rodriguez
Richie Rich hosted a sneak preview of Celebutante, along with a fashion showcase, at Provocateur. Photo: Jipsy.
