With MTV's Video Music Awards in Miami for the first time, the city paid host to a lots of pre- and post-show parties thrown by celebs and magazines to take advantage of the award show buzz.
On Friday, August 27, pre-parties started early when Missy Elliot and Adidas served up barbecue and branding at an old-school cookout at the Sagamore Hotel. Event producers Eastside PR used every opportunity to showcase sponsors: Production and management company Sound Rescue projected Us Weekly's logo onto the Sagamore's pool, and the magazine put oversize issues on stands. Dancers sported pink and white Adidas sneakers poolside. Lifelike Missy Elliot images were projected on columns, and motorcycles by the Trim Spa Orange County Choppers added to the decor.
To get into Billboard magazine's pre-VMA party, guests had to stroll a white carpet into the Orchard, the outdoor area behind the Delano Hotel. Triton Productions cooled off a steamy Miami night using lots of ice of different types: So Cool Events created a sleek ice bar branded with Billboard's logo, and the Diamond Information Center lent more than $20 million worth of diamonds to the event. Dancing atop white platforms, four ice princesses clad in white patent-leather bustiers and clear Lucite-heeled spiked shoes wore the bling for all to admire. DJ AM played a mix of new and old tunes, setting a groovy, chill vibe for the event.
Sponsors including Estée Lauder, Cingular Wireless, Grand Marnier, and GBS, the Beauty Store, took over seven two-story bungalows in the Sagamore Hotel's garden and filled it with gifts and promotional items, creating the ultimate branding experience for the launch of Scentstories by Febreze, a specially made machine that plays scented discs. Outside, 3B Productions constructed white-tented lounges complete with bars, white sofas, and misters to keep guests cool in the Miami heat. Music provided by Sound Rescue kept the energy high at the all-day event, where celebs like Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, and Marlon Wayans nibbled on cuisine from Nobu and enjoyed hours of pampering.
On Saturday, pre-parties included Stuff magazine's private bash at the Thomas Kramer Estate on Star Island, which featured Brazilian showgirls, free-flowing Bacardi, half-dressed models, subtly sexy decor, and dozens of hand-rolled cigars. Logistics Management Group planned and managed the event, employing the support of vendors including Event Source International, which provided red fabric-covered soft chair groupings. Matching bottom-lit cubes held petite, beaded tea light lamps and a small tropical centerpiece. Cosponsor Bacardi Cóco brought its own bars, with arrangements consisting of chunks of coconut, husks, white roses, and lilies. Red Bull brought a steel bar, and Lee's Ice Cream scooped decadent mint brownie, strawberry, vanilla, and fudge ice cream.
Garrett Production Group provided the lighting, staging, and sound, and DJ Mark Ronson played great music all night for celebs like Queen Latifah, Gwen Stefani, Mandy Moore, Andy Roddick, and Pauly Shore. The one wrinkle in the planning occurred as the party came to an end, and guests tried to retrieve their cars. With P. Diddy's private dinner party happening simultaneously next door, security was tight, the parking areas were packed, and valets could not get cars fast enough. Star Island's one circular road became a parking lot and after more than two hours of waiting, guests were ready to go.
Meanwhile, the rooftop pool and lounge area of the Bentley Hotel were transformed into a kaleidoscope of neon colors to celebrate Outkast's five VMA nominations. RBK Productions decked the rooftop hangout with Astroturf, couches, and bed-size seating areas draped with bright terrycloth and coordinating tie-dye pillows. Painted bamboo sticks and carnation balls atop console tables rounded out the simple yet stylish decor. Guests remained cool despite the sticky weather conditions thanks to a covered tent and misters-not to mention the rhythmic music played by DJ Goldfinger of X-Factah Inc., who spun a mix of 70's classics and current hits.
Outkast's Big Boi also hosted a private dinner party at La Dea—the hotel's fab new restaurant—and RBK created specially made translucent tables and chairs for the event. The bases of the dining tables were illuminated and featured floating calla lilies.
Thousands of anxious partygoers clogged the entrance of club Mansion trying to get into an MTV-related party for fashion photographer David LaChapelle. Hosted by Paris Hilton, the bash was sponsored by Yahoo, Steve Madden, and Cingular, whose logos were prominent decor elements. Logistics Management Group prepared for the event with a Hollywood-style red carpet and red velvet ropes, but that wasn't enough to keep the crowd under control. Would-be patrons were kept waiting for hours. Tickets couldn't even get clubgoers or journalists in the door any faster. Inside, hot pink giant stuffed flamingos hung from the club's ceiling, a huge Yahoo logo appeared to be suspended in air (but was attached to the wall), and color-changing lights shifted as Cingular and Steve Madden logos were projected on large screens.
On Sunday after the actual award show, after-parties included "Casino in the Sand," which combined Dennis Rodman's passion for Las Vegas with one of the city's hottest destinations—Nikki Beach. Nikki Style magazine put on the tropical bash, which came alive with tiki torches and a casino theme. Guests took their chances on roulette, blackjack, craps, and Texas hold'um tables, set up directly on the sand by Metropolis Entertainment. Guests could gamble without guilt as all proceeds benefited Athletes for Causes, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the American-Nicaraguan Foundation.
Bacardi had models serving drinks in real coconut shells, reinforcing the island theme. Claudio Holze, from Nikki Beach Music, kept the beats pumping as dancers dressed in skimpy feathered bikinis or in hot pink tutus paraded through the event. Guests kicked up their heels—and the sand—into the wee hours of the morning.
Ocean Drive magazine celebrated the VMAs with an Asian-inspired after-party at the National Hotel in South Beach. Throughout the hotel's narrow courtyard, Logistics Management created a sultry tropical playground decked out in hot pink, orange, and lime green-the signature colors of this year's VMAs. Hired by Logistics, IlluminArt washed the rear facade of the hotel in warm orange tones and hung colorful Japanese lanterns between the poolside palm trees. The National's famously long lap pool was transformed into an outdoor living room-style setup with decor from Event Source International, such as candy-colored daybeds and cushioned platforms, all placed atop of a platform supplied by EventStar, which actually covered the pool.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs—who has hosted some of the most extravagant VMA parties in New York—and Bad Boy Productions brought together a bicoastal roster of event experts to create an Asian-theme after-party this year. Los Angeles-based Best Events brought to life a sexy Far East feel for downtown Miami's Ice Palace Studios. Japanese lanterns, bamboo accents, and minimalist teak furniture-softened by sumptuous fabrics-transformed the cavernous warehouse into a warm, inviting space complete with Chinese Opium beds and full-size Zen rock gardens in the elevated V.I.P. areas of the main room.
Elements Event Couture offered bite-size Asian appetizers delivered by Nehru-jacketed servers pushing psychedelically lit dim sum carts through the crowd. Throughout the night, Kaleidoscope Productions of New York projected images with an interactive twist with the help of silk kimono-wearing vixens who roamed the dance floor clutching Blackberry PDAs beaming live DJ requests and well wishes such as "Congratulations Usher" to the video screens flanking the main stage.
—Stacy Aldrich, Riki Altman, Steven Bridges, Vanessa Goyanes, and Shari Lynn Rothstein
On Friday, August 27, pre-parties started early when Missy Elliot and Adidas served up barbecue and branding at an old-school cookout at the Sagamore Hotel. Event producers Eastside PR used every opportunity to showcase sponsors: Production and management company Sound Rescue projected Us Weekly's logo onto the Sagamore's pool, and the magazine put oversize issues on stands. Dancers sported pink and white Adidas sneakers poolside. Lifelike Missy Elliot images were projected on columns, and motorcycles by the Trim Spa Orange County Choppers added to the decor.
To get into Billboard magazine's pre-VMA party, guests had to stroll a white carpet into the Orchard, the outdoor area behind the Delano Hotel. Triton Productions cooled off a steamy Miami night using lots of ice of different types: So Cool Events created a sleek ice bar branded with Billboard's logo, and the Diamond Information Center lent more than $20 million worth of diamonds to the event. Dancing atop white platforms, four ice princesses clad in white patent-leather bustiers and clear Lucite-heeled spiked shoes wore the bling for all to admire. DJ AM played a mix of new and old tunes, setting a groovy, chill vibe for the event.
Sponsors including Estée Lauder, Cingular Wireless, Grand Marnier, and GBS, the Beauty Store, took over seven two-story bungalows in the Sagamore Hotel's garden and filled it with gifts and promotional items, creating the ultimate branding experience for the launch of Scentstories by Febreze, a specially made machine that plays scented discs. Outside, 3B Productions constructed white-tented lounges complete with bars, white sofas, and misters to keep guests cool in the Miami heat. Music provided by Sound Rescue kept the energy high at the all-day event, where celebs like Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, and Marlon Wayans nibbled on cuisine from Nobu and enjoyed hours of pampering.
On Saturday, pre-parties included Stuff magazine's private bash at the Thomas Kramer Estate on Star Island, which featured Brazilian showgirls, free-flowing Bacardi, half-dressed models, subtly sexy decor, and dozens of hand-rolled cigars. Logistics Management Group planned and managed the event, employing the support of vendors including Event Source International, which provided red fabric-covered soft chair groupings. Matching bottom-lit cubes held petite, beaded tea light lamps and a small tropical centerpiece. Cosponsor Bacardi Cóco brought its own bars, with arrangements consisting of chunks of coconut, husks, white roses, and lilies. Red Bull brought a steel bar, and Lee's Ice Cream scooped decadent mint brownie, strawberry, vanilla, and fudge ice cream.
Garrett Production Group provided the lighting, staging, and sound, and DJ Mark Ronson played great music all night for celebs like Queen Latifah, Gwen Stefani, Mandy Moore, Andy Roddick, and Pauly Shore. The one wrinkle in the planning occurred as the party came to an end, and guests tried to retrieve their cars. With P. Diddy's private dinner party happening simultaneously next door, security was tight, the parking areas were packed, and valets could not get cars fast enough. Star Island's one circular road became a parking lot and after more than two hours of waiting, guests were ready to go.
Meanwhile, the rooftop pool and lounge area of the Bentley Hotel were transformed into a kaleidoscope of neon colors to celebrate Outkast's five VMA nominations. RBK Productions decked the rooftop hangout with Astroturf, couches, and bed-size seating areas draped with bright terrycloth and coordinating tie-dye pillows. Painted bamboo sticks and carnation balls atop console tables rounded out the simple yet stylish decor. Guests remained cool despite the sticky weather conditions thanks to a covered tent and misters-not to mention the rhythmic music played by DJ Goldfinger of X-Factah Inc., who spun a mix of 70's classics and current hits.
Outkast's Big Boi also hosted a private dinner party at La Dea—the hotel's fab new restaurant—and RBK created specially made translucent tables and chairs for the event. The bases of the dining tables were illuminated and featured floating calla lilies.
Thousands of anxious partygoers clogged the entrance of club Mansion trying to get into an MTV-related party for fashion photographer David LaChapelle. Hosted by Paris Hilton, the bash was sponsored by Yahoo, Steve Madden, and Cingular, whose logos were prominent decor elements. Logistics Management Group prepared for the event with a Hollywood-style red carpet and red velvet ropes, but that wasn't enough to keep the crowd under control. Would-be patrons were kept waiting for hours. Tickets couldn't even get clubgoers or journalists in the door any faster. Inside, hot pink giant stuffed flamingos hung from the club's ceiling, a huge Yahoo logo appeared to be suspended in air (but was attached to the wall), and color-changing lights shifted as Cingular and Steve Madden logos were projected on large screens.
On Sunday after the actual award show, after-parties included "Casino in the Sand," which combined Dennis Rodman's passion for Las Vegas with one of the city's hottest destinations—Nikki Beach. Nikki Style magazine put on the tropical bash, which came alive with tiki torches and a casino theme. Guests took their chances on roulette, blackjack, craps, and Texas hold'um tables, set up directly on the sand by Metropolis Entertainment. Guests could gamble without guilt as all proceeds benefited Athletes for Causes, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the American-Nicaraguan Foundation.
Bacardi had models serving drinks in real coconut shells, reinforcing the island theme. Claudio Holze, from Nikki Beach Music, kept the beats pumping as dancers dressed in skimpy feathered bikinis or in hot pink tutus paraded through the event. Guests kicked up their heels—and the sand—into the wee hours of the morning.
Ocean Drive magazine celebrated the VMAs with an Asian-inspired after-party at the National Hotel in South Beach. Throughout the hotel's narrow courtyard, Logistics Management created a sultry tropical playground decked out in hot pink, orange, and lime green-the signature colors of this year's VMAs. Hired by Logistics, IlluminArt washed the rear facade of the hotel in warm orange tones and hung colorful Japanese lanterns between the poolside palm trees. The National's famously long lap pool was transformed into an outdoor living room-style setup with decor from Event Source International, such as candy-colored daybeds and cushioned platforms, all placed atop of a platform supplied by EventStar, which actually covered the pool.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs—who has hosted some of the most extravagant VMA parties in New York—and Bad Boy Productions brought together a bicoastal roster of event experts to create an Asian-theme after-party this year. Los Angeles-based Best Events brought to life a sexy Far East feel for downtown Miami's Ice Palace Studios. Japanese lanterns, bamboo accents, and minimalist teak furniture-softened by sumptuous fabrics-transformed the cavernous warehouse into a warm, inviting space complete with Chinese Opium beds and full-size Zen rock gardens in the elevated V.I.P. areas of the main room.
Elements Event Couture offered bite-size Asian appetizers delivered by Nehru-jacketed servers pushing psychedelically lit dim sum carts through the crowd. Throughout the night, Kaleidoscope Productions of New York projected images with an interactive twist with the help of silk kimono-wearing vixens who roamed the dance floor clutching Blackberry PDAs beaming live DJ requests and well wishes such as "Congratulations Usher" to the video screens flanking the main stage.
—Stacy Aldrich, Riki Altman, Steven Bridges, Vanessa Goyanes, and Shari Lynn Rothstein
Guests at Big Boi's private dinner party dined at spectacular clear tables.
Guests enjoyed the Style Villas, which were tents that doubled as lounges.
Painted ladies added color to the Stuff magazine party on Star Island. Photo by Olga Goldovskaya
Wooden rest areas gave guests a chance to relax when they weren't gambling in the sand at Nikki Beach.
