On February 7, three top lingerie companies hit the catwalk together for the first time in United States to raise money for impoverished women around the world. Hosted by Eva Longoria Parker and former Victoria's Secret model Veronica Webb, Lingerie Miami-led by founder Renata Mutis Black-and the 7Bar Foundation brought Agent Provocateur, Fifi Chachnil Couture, and Carine Gilson Couture to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for an over-the-top fashion fund-raiser.
Designed by Julie Mansfield of J Mansfield and produced by Everlast Productions, the dinner and catwalk were setup on the back terrace of the historical mansion, which was drenched in soft colorful lighting. A departure from the ordinary, rectangular tables of 12 took the place of the traditional rounds used at many fund-raising galas. Draped in crisp white linens and topped with tightly-bound red rose centerpieces, the simply adorned tables were accented with gold place settings and crystal wine and water glasses with gold detailing.
After the nearly 450 guests were seated, Fifi Chachnil and Carine Gilson debuted their latest collections to the music of former model and celeb DJ Eve Salvail.
Touch Catering served a three-course meal beginning with a spicy seared tuna tataki and a red onion salad, followed by Black Angus beef tenderloin with boursin blue cheese butter accompanied by mashed potatoes and an assortment of baby vegetables, and finished with a trio of white, milk, and dark chocolate mousses served with fresh berries and a vanilla cookie.
Following dinner, guru Deepak Chopra moved guests with his speech about the state of the world today and the importance of the microfinance initiative the event was benefiting that would in turn assist thousands of women in impoverished nations around the world who make less than a dollar a day.
The evening wrapped up with the final fashion show from Agent Provocateur lingerie before many headed to SET nightclub on South Beach for the official afterparty.
More than $200,000 was raised from ticket sales and the silent and live auctions, the latter of which included items like a kiss with Longoria Parker and a private tour of the Desperate Housewives set that sold for $35,000.
