Interview: Celebrity Shoe Designer Brian Atwood visits Saks Fifth Avenue at Bal Harbour

Forget diamonds! I say shoes are a woman's best friend and I'm sure there are many who would agree. Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Brian Atwood, a celebrity shoe designer. From sketching ideas to producing his elegant masterpieces, it is evident why celebs and trendsetters flock to his new collections. On Wednesday, April 27th, I met Brian before his grand event that day which was hosted by Miami Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue at the Bal Harbour Shops. Brian made a personal appearance and autographed shoes for those who purchased his sassy heels during the event. There were cocktails, shoes and plenty of familiar faces who attended that night [like Lea Black from The Real Housewives of Miami]. If you weren't able to meet Brian at Saks, check out a recap video [produced by the Bal Harbour Shops] at the bottom.

MBS: How would you describe this summer's Brian Atwood collection?
BA: There are some ethnic touches to the collection. Gorgeous spring colors. With me, you always find some kind of seventies, glamour, disco element in the shoes. You're always going to find high stilettos and platforms as well. Fun shoes that Miami women will definitely feel sexy wearing.

MBS: Are you involved with any philanthropic organizations? If so, why?
BA: We are collaborating with the CFDA [Council of Fashion Designers of America] and their "Fashion and Friends for Japan" campaign to raise funds for Japan. We always give back. Whenever we can help and do something for the good of others, we do.

MBS: In your mind, what components are absolutely necessary for a sexy shoe?
BA: Absolutely necessary. Well, besides an extremely high heel [a must], I would say color. I think color is sexy and you can have so much fun with it. Color really does something to people and it gives great energy as well.

MBS: Are you a fan of social media?
BA: I do have a Facebook Page that we constantly update. I also have a Twitter account and that's all me! Nowadays, you have to keep up with social media.

MBS: What do you think is important for up and coming shoe designers to keep in mind in order to be successful?
BA: I think they have to be true to themselves and know what they want to do. Never compromise what you love to do. Whether people think your designs are ugly, there's always a customer for you so know your customers!

MBS: When you're in Miami, what do you love to do and what are your favorite hot spots?
BA: I love to go to the beach. I love Mr. Chow's at the W Hotel. I love The Webster to shop. When I come to Miami, I really just love to hang out and have a good time.

All photos were provided by Anthony Jordon, Jr. Thank you!

Venue Magazine hosts "The Real Housewives of Miami Cover Party" at Tempo Miami

It's only been a couple of days since the grand finale of The Real Housewives of Miami and I know you're probably experiencing withdrawals by now! Venue Magazine hosted the hottest party in town on Friday, April 8th, as they honored The Real Housewives of Miami during their March/ April 2011 Cover Party at Tempo Miami. Venue Magazine's Excutive Editor and Real Housewife of Miami, Alexia Echevarria, was accompanied by her husband, Herman Echevarria. Lea Black also attended the event with her husband, Roy Black, and their son. Alexia and Lea were later joined by fellow Housewife Marysol Patton [pictured above with Alexia], President of The Patton Group. To all of the Elsa Patton fans out there: Elsa was also at the party looking very chic! For those of you who want to see the ladies in action, I've included a special video at the bottom of this post [produced by Venue Magazine] which features all of the "behind the scenes" footage from this month's cover shoot. Although cast members Larsa Pippen and Cristy Rice were definitely missed at the party, it was a beautiful night in Miami and everyone enjoyed the music, appetizers, cocktails and entertainment. Talk about major sazon!

Above Left: Elsa Patton along with yours truly! Above Right: Marysol Patton arriving to the Venue Magazine Cover Party.

Above: Real Housewife of Miami Adriana de Moura [right] arriving at Tempo Miami along with Frederic [left] and her son.

Above Right: Host of NBC Miami's South Florida Today Show, Nathalie Pozo, attended the Venue Magazine Cover Party along with Eddie. Tune in to NBC and watch her at 11 a.m. on weekdays.

Above Left: Lea and Roy Black. Roy told me he actually writes his own legal blog called "Black's Law." I thought that was pretty cool!

My friends and I at the Venue Cover Party! Love my girls!

Save-the-Date: The Real Housewives of Miami finally Premieres on February 22nd on Bravo!

The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here! The Real Housewives of Miami is premiering on Bravo this month. Mark your calendars for February 22nd at 10 p.m. ET. The cast of the show includes Alexia Echevarria (pictured above on the right- Executive Editor of Venue Magazine), Marysol Patton (pictured above on the left- President of The Patton Group), Larsa Pippen (Scottie Pippen's Wife), Lea Black (Wife of Attorney Roy Black), Cristy Rice (former wife of NBA star Glen Rice) and Adriana DeMoura-Sidi. Miami's favorite diva, Elaine Lancaster (pictured on the right), will also be appearing on the new reality show so get ready for the fabulosity! Here's a sneak peek at the drama we're in for this season. For more details on this interesting group of women from Miami, read this exclusive article by People.com. What do you think about this new group of Bravo Housewives? Comments are welcomed below....

The "Miami Style Awards" honors Miami's Most Fashionable Women at the W South Beach

It's been an amazing week of fabulosity! On Thursday, October 7th, the first ever "Miami Style Awards" took place at the W South Beach where our city's most notable Fashionistas took center stage. The poolside award show was emceed by Elaine Lancaster- a.k.a. South Beach's Queen of the Night and star of Bravo's upcoming Real Housewives of Miami (pictured on the right). During the evening, guests enjoyed informal fashion shows by Miami's top designers, jewelry trunk shows and a luxury silent auction. DJ Frank Delour kept the beats flowing while attendees sipped on complimentary wine and champagne by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. Proceeds from the event benefited The Miami Fashion Week Foundation's scholarship program. Founded by Beth Sobol, the foundation aims to raise scholarship funds that will help emerging designers and students studying fashion, photography, film and graphic design involved with the Miami International Fashion Week™ competitions. For more information on this organization or to attend their next fundraising event, visit www.MiamiFashionWeek.com.

Are you wondering who won the coveted style awards? This year's honorees included Loren Ridinger, Lea Black, Alexia Echeverria, Lisa Pliner and Abigail Pollak. Above: Marysol Patton (President of The Patton Group Public Relations, Marketing & Events) strikes a pose with Alexia Echevarria (Executive Editor of Venue Magazine). You can watch these beautiful ladies starring in Bravo's upcoming Real Housewives of Miami alongside Lea Black and Elaine Lancaster.

Above: Abigail Pollak showcased her AMAZING Valentino dress during the Miami Style Awards. A true fashionista indeed!

Above: Venezuelan Fashion Designer, Viviana Gabeiras (second from the left), revealed her newest Petit Pois designs. I actually had a chance to interview Viviana and chat about her Fall 2010 Collection.
MBS: How would you describe your new collection?
Viviana: Petit Pois is a contemporary collection for today's women. It’s right on the cutting edge, wearable and comfortable. I combine a multitude of solid colors, tie dyes, and artsy prints combined with laces. I like to use a mixture of delicate and vintage looks with a shabby chick flair invoking a provocative sense, which makes the line special and unique in appearance.
MBS: Where can shoppers find your clothing line?
Viviana: Well, there are currently 1,200 boutiques that carry our collection. Locally, you can find my line at any Nordstrom's as well as The Make-Up Store at Sunset Place. To find a complete list of boutiques, your readers can visit my website.

Above: Jose Terry, Zoe Torres and Viviana G. Zoe Torres is the host of "Zoe, Vive Verde, Vive Mejor," a show that airs on Telemiami from 1 to 1:30pm (daily).

Above: Andrea, Lauren Goodman and Kelly Saks (Miss Earth Florida 2010 & Editor of Kelly's Kloset). Lauren is actually wearing a dress by Franovik Designs that is actually made out of recycled curtains. Eco-friendly and fashionable...I love it!!!


Above: My sister, Diaset, and I during the event. How did I do on the "style" meter???

Above: Jewelry Designer Charles Albert displayed his one-of-a-kind fossil, mineral and gemstone jewelry collection. I was blown away by his creativity so I had to share this one! Elaine Lancaster wore one of his unique necklaces during the event (see top picture). Check out www.CharlesAlbert.com for information on this designer.

Overall, it was a beautiful night in Miami with a great mix of Sazoneros! In the words of Yves Saint Laurent- "Fashion fades, style is eternal." Create your own personal style that reflects all of the things which make you shine. xoxo