PPR Communications got the word out to South Florida’s in-crowd—including artist Jorge Sanchez Calderon—who came to see, be seen and sip cocktails, while bargirls sauntered around in sexy Scottish attire. In the lounge area, bar tables were decorated with unique masks created by fashion merchandising students from Miami International University of Art & Design.
But masks were not the only thing that the art and design students fabricated for the event's décor. The fashion design students also constructed one-of-a-kind couture garments out of New Times newspapers, which were displayed in the Grand Ballroom. One paper garment mimicked the notorious Marilyn Monroe halter dress while another copied a Barbarella-inspired minidress. The dresses were positioned throughout the ballroom—even on top of the two buffet tables—adding color to the array of culturally diverse foods. Because the Miami Light Project is a not-for-profit cultural organization, Steve Bumpus, director of special events and catering for the Eden Roc, decided to forgo the usual choices of cuisine and had the chef prepare an array of ethnic foods.
While the crowd enjoyed the meal, a video screen courtesy of Swank Audio Visual continuously played a psychedelic kaleidoscope-style film that complemented the retro-groovy ambiance created by event designer Israel Sands. DJ Eric Paredes spun his turntables along with Sammy Figueroa who played live percussion. The collaboration of music-makers produced eclectic sounds that helped to move the attendees onto the dance floor. Once the main event ended at the Eden Roc, the evening continued at State for an after-party.
—Ceci Valdez-Shaw
Read about Jorge Sanchez Calderon's décor at Ballet Gamonet