"Over-the-top." It's a term often used to describe the kind of events that industry powerhouse Barton G. is known for producing. Benefiting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the international fund-raising arm of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, Destination Fashion Seasons 2007 was just that. And more.Held at the tony Bal Harbour Shops, which closed for only the second time in its 40-year history to accommodate the event, Destination Fashion Seasons 2007 raised $1.9 million and attracted approximately 2,000 guests. The evening featured three distinct functions: a sit-down dinner gala and fashion show at 6 PM; the Seasons Party at 8 PM; and—representing the "summer" season—a special concert performance by Donna Summer, held at 10 PM. The cost to attend? A minimum donation of $500 per person included admission to the entire evening, while the cost was $250 each for the Seasons Party and concert.
Arriving guests, including socialites, celebrities, and notable members of the media, sports, entertainment and fashion worlds, were treated to a red carpet arrival—complete with snapping shutterbugs and local television crews—as they made their way into the shopping center's main ground-floor parking garage. Except it wasn't the parking garage—Barton G. transformed the space into a sprawling room for the dinner and Florida debut of Michael Vollbracht's Fall/Spring Collection for Bill Blass. Temporary walls were installed and charcoal gray Berber carpeting put down, along with a stage, four 16-foot bars, a 240-foot-long runway down the center, and plenty of piped-in portable air conditioning. The low ceiling of multiple concrete beams became an interesting, minimalist design element, particularly when lit up just above the runway during the fashion show, when the rest of the lights were turned down.
The dinner included an assortment of pre-set appetizers, including seasonal quad, mushroom strudel, and roast New York strip with truffle balsamic vinaigrette; smoked salmon-wrapped asparagus with cream and wasabi tobiko; and goat cheese- and olive-filled poached tomato on shrimp couscous with Mediterranean grilled shrimp. The two entrée choices were pan seared filet of beef on mushroom barley with natural demi-glace, accompanied by asparagus and baby squash; and seared sea bass with lavender potato, asparagus, and pesto foam.
Tabletops were set with votive candles placed around an exotic orchid floral arrangement, with two cubical glass containers of breadsticks on either side of the centerpiece. Covered in a white canvas fabric, the chairs made a stark contrast to the carpeting and black tablecloths. During the dinner there was an introduction by singer Gloria Estefan, the evening's honorary chair, on behalf of the Buoniconti Fund, followed by the fashion show, the announcement and walk of the 2007 Women of Substance and Style, and the presentation of the Barth A. Green Award to Norman Braman.
After the dinner gala, guests headed into the mall and courtyard area for the Seasons Party. Neiman Marcus was decorated in a fall theme, including colorful autumn leaves and squash, an apple tree, and a scarecrow performer on stilts. Buffet stations featured tailgate foods like mini cheeseburgers, tiny hot dogs with traditional mustard and relish, mini Phillys with Cheez Whiz, and cole slaw.
The courtyard breezeway was a fantasy-like setting for the winter, spring, and summer seasons. A snow princess held court in the winter area, near kettles of comfort soups including Maine lobster bisque, corn chowder, and pumpkin soup with mini cheese raviolis, as well as cheese fondue with specialty breads. Large wooden archways painted with colorful flowers and scenery, sponsored by the still-to-be-built St. Regis Resort and Residences of Bal Harbour, welcomed guests into the spring section, which was decorated with large faux sunflowers, a vine-covered gazebo, gigantic hanging installations of colorful spring flowers, and more. Buffet stations offered a selection of salads including green bean salad with roasted shrimp and tarragon; sliced red and amber tomato with mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic vinaigrette; and tri-color lentil salad with artichokes. Additional spring foods included a sushi station, grilled vegetable kabobs, and pork loin medallions with mojito glaze.
Designers also created a cutout wooden cruise ship for the summer section, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines, which featured the third and final function of the evening, the Donna Summer concert. Lastly, a decadent dessert buffet was located inside Saks Fifth Avenue, which offered, among other items, coffee, hot teas, cotton candy, cheesecake lollipops, brownies, a sorbet station, candy jars, and a giant chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies Treats.
—Bobby Killgore
The entertainment included stilt walkers as costumed riders atop large mechanized birds accompanied by guides.
A custom-made wood archway marked the entrance to the Seasons Party's spring section.
Tabletops and chairs at the dinner gala were a contrast in black and white. Bill Blass perfume was at alternating place settings.
A choice of pre-set appetizers included Mediterranean grilled shrimp with poached tomato on shrimp couscous.
Fall was the seasonal theme inside Neiman Marcus. Here, an apple tree.
Pumpkin heads were part of the decor inside Neiman Marcus, where fall took place.
Columns in the courtyard breezeway were wrapped with presenting sponsors.
Detail showing the top of the winter buffet station, with white Japanese lanterns in background.
An installation of white hydrangeas and glass cylinders decorated the winter area.
Colorful faux flowers were used throughout the Seasons Party.
