Events at South Miami Beach-based Touch restaurant never seem to disappoint. And the recent Carlos Morafashion show and book launch for The Art of the Cocktail was no different.
Guests received a video invite from Adworks with bikini-clad models, which was just enough to get the fashion-forward and image-conscious crowd to come out. In typical Miami style, the main event started later than intended. Shai Zelering of RKT Management Group and Jennifer Podkasik of Illinois-based JSH&A public relations handed out lighted necklaces with the VOX Vodka logo, and a murmur of "free drinks at the front bar" was heard. Most in attendance weren't aware that the barkeep was none other than the U.K.'s own Ben Reed, an award-winning mixologist and author of the evening's celebrated book.
Reed, who entertained the crowd, made three signature drinks: a pomegranate martini garnished with an edible white orchid; a melon cocktail with scoops of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew; and a muddled berry beverage with chopped edible flowers lining the glass. Actually, the only flowers that weren't edible were the ones Warehouse of Petals designed for the event—hanging orchids and moss, arranged in glass cylinders.
Models wearing feathered outfits perched on rope swings near the bar. The house DJ spun tribal-inspired tunes, with an actual bongo player beating his drums to the rhythm from the base of the runway. When at last the show began, models walked the runway showing off Mora's dramatic creations.
—Riki Altman
Guests received a video invite from Adworks with bikini-clad models, which was just enough to get the fashion-forward and image-conscious crowd to come out. In typical Miami style, the main event started later than intended. Shai Zelering of RKT Management Group and Jennifer Podkasik of Illinois-based JSH&A public relations handed out lighted necklaces with the VOX Vodka logo, and a murmur of "free drinks at the front bar" was heard. Most in attendance weren't aware that the barkeep was none other than the U.K.'s own Ben Reed, an award-winning mixologist and author of the evening's celebrated book.
Reed, who entertained the crowd, made three signature drinks: a pomegranate martini garnished with an edible white orchid; a melon cocktail with scoops of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew; and a muddled berry beverage with chopped edible flowers lining the glass. Actually, the only flowers that weren't edible were the ones Warehouse of Petals designed for the event—hanging orchids and moss, arranged in glass cylinders.
Models wearing feathered outfits perched on rope swings near the bar. The house DJ spun tribal-inspired tunes, with an actual bongo player beating his drums to the rhythm from the base of the runway. When at last the show began, models walked the runway showing off Mora's dramatic creations.
—Riki Altman
Banners adorned the entrance to Touch for the Carlos Mora fashion show and The Art of the Cocktail book launch. Photo by Olga Goldovskaya.
Tables flanked the runway at Touch. Photo by Olga Goldovskaya.
Models wearing feathered outfits provided additional entertainment at the fashion show and book launch. Photo by Olga Goldovskaya.
Vox Vodka's signature cocktails looked and tasted great. Photo by Olga Goldovskaya.
