Relaxed to the CoreMichael Kors Resort Collection is calm and collectedBy Dana DiLeo

Photos By Dana DiLeo

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Trying to find parking amongst pink buildings at the Boca Raton

Resort Club was about the only chaotic part of the Michael Kors show for the Palm Beach Junior League “Women of The Year” brunch. Backstage was subdued and relaxed as the models were eating and patiently waiting with us dressers. The hair and makeup staff were experimenting updos on each other’s messy tassels, and the Michael Kors reps were sitting Indian style on the floor playing with their iPhones. We arrived at 10 am, and did not begin dressing or rehearsing until 12. Although I was let down that Michael Kors himself was not there, we were all pleased to meet his mother, Joan Kors, who was casually dressed in a kimono styled top with black trousers, oversized sunglasses, and her hair pulled back in a low chignon. She was at ease and comfortable with the production of the show, she spoke low and little. After a brief one time run through for the models, at 12 pm, all 26 of us dressers were assigned one model with one garment change.

The collection shown was the Kors Resort Collection 2009. The garments consisted of flowing dresses and tunics of tropical prints with exotic colors such as coral, turquoise, peach, white, nude, and hot pink. The collection had turquoise encrusted clutches, gladiator sandals, caftkans, and skirts. The silhouettes were very relaxed and romantic. The collection was a hit with the audience, as most of the women were seniors, who vacation often in all inclusive resorts. After the show was over, we were thanked for our assistance, and we left right before the luncheon women came backstage for some exclusive shopping. Having some experience dressing backstage for renowned designers, I was expecting a hectic, headache of an atmosphere, yet was pleasantly shocked to find I was wrong. It is not often one finds the backstage as relaxed as the leisure collection.

To view the collection, visit www.style.com

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2008

was the 50th edition of the boat show and featured more than two billion dollars worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, electronics, engines and accessories from every major marine manufacturer and builder worldwide. The boat show encompasses more than three million square feet of space, both on land and in water, at six sites, all connected by the Show Transportation Network. Acclaimed as the largest boat show in the world, the show had 1,600 vessels with 160 Super yachts, marine supplies, accessories, electronics to boot! The boat show is held annually on Fort Lauderdale beach at the Bahia Mar Resort, a yachting destination known by all sailors. The resort is located by the Intracoastal, giving the show enough room. The Intracoastal is transformed into a massive floating boat yard, holding over a few thousand of the world’s most renowned names in aquatic luxury. There is a big difference between “blow boats” (sail boats) and “stink boats” (boats that run on fuel) stated a boat captain, that gave me some

insight on the show as well as the industry. The majority of the people purchasing these mega yachts, for mega bucks, are primarily European, but Americans are big on the luxury as well. Chartering a boat at the show can range from $75,000 to $150,000 a week. During the show, one saw a medley of nautical enthusiasts along with the dapper and somewhat out of place power-suited execs a la Wall Street. Traditionally, one may think of the boating lifestyle in sailor whites and blues, but the crowd had an eclectic style. It was once common that yacht interiors were so gaudy that they looked like your grandmother’s house where she displayed ornaments you were not allowed to touch- a sensory overload of sorts. Many of the boats I visited shared this common theme, yes all very spectacular but just too over the top, for my liking until I came across the Lazzara display. Lazzara captured the attention of spectators, first, by the sight of their impressive floating setup of a two-story office and showroom - you had to walk a thirty yard red carpet to enter…setting the mood, clearly

so. Before stepping aboard, Lazzara makes it clear that they are catering to a particular lifestyle. Guests of the display must register in order to board the boats. I board the eighty foot plus yacht that is parked in the front. From bow to stern the boat is decorated in the most attractive modern, chic, deco décor as is typical of any joint on the Miami Beach that prides itself on its uber minimalism. Lazzara has stepped away from tradition and has led this lifestyle to appeal to the new breed of Gen X and Gen Y that appreciate a modern elegance. Suddenly the idea of these boats being gaudy and tacky is nonexistent. Pegged at an unaffordable, $8 million, as I re-walk my steps down the red carpet, a desire to own one of these seems to have settled on my list of “someday I will…” Overall, the boat show had a lot to offer and clearly contemporary, sleek lines are becoming the order of the day for luxury liners.

For more information visit www.showmanagement.com

Show, show, show your boatThe Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is worth talking about

By Melissa AllenST

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As a dear friend and I pulled into the gates of Casa Casuarina, little

did I know that I was about to enter the most exquisite personal home I have ever known. Casa Casuarina is the second most photographed house in America and sits right on Miami Beach. With a members-only access, this house was once the home of Italian designer Gianni Versace. Every inch is covered in pristine detail, with his flamboyant touch. The house was originally constructed in 1930 and the structural design of the house allows for easy movement within its confines. Upon entering the magnificent gates you come across a moat-like patio and as you stand in the middle of the courtyard, you’re surrounded by the three-story home. With one quick glace to the left you can’t help notice the pool that reflects the surrounding kaleidoscopic mosaic work. We are given a brief history of the home, then we shown to our room, the “Wedgewood.” As soon as the

door opens I feel like I have entered into a fantasy. The room is so ornate that I feel like a china doll living in my dollhouse. I drop my bags and change my shoes. We discuss what we will do for dinner as we stroll the street and people watch. We meet downstairs for dinner and sit on the patio terrace. The restaurant, open to the public for dinner only, is busy and bus boys are flying around. Before Versace was killed, the home was used as a vacation home for the designer, his sister Donatella Versace and her children, as well as their closest friends – Madonna, Elton John and the like. Each bedroom is named and is uniquely decorated. The Safari room, a three-room suite, is lush with red velvet sofas, leopard prints and a lion skin rug. The “Wedgewood” has hand painted silk and wood covering the walls, the “Dining Room” is covered in smooth light gray and blue rocks to give you the feeling of serenity as if you are

sitting on the ocean floor and of course The “Moroccan” room, located next to the pool, was used as a lounge to entertain guests. Casa Casuarina was bought by Peter Loftin in 2000. Since the purchase, the home has been open to the public only for those who want to join the $50,000+ yearly membership. The members are from all over the world and use the house occasionally. Casa Casuarina has a rich historical past; it was designed as homage to the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere—the Alcazar de Colon. A grandiose, baroque blend of Italian and Spanish influences, Casa Casuarina is a work of art. Classic to its core, Casa Casuarina does have some camouflaged modern elements but its individuality is highly pronounced in its accouterments, sculptures and in the spirit of an era gone by. Casa Casuarina is not merely a house but it is an experience to remember.

Mi casa is not su casaThe artsy Casa Casuarina is home to the privileged fewBy Melissa AllenS

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WonderLandin WinterBy Kathleen Ross

This season dressing appropriately for every holiday party is important.

For a casual occasions jeans and leather jacket is the perfect look. Add unique accessories like a handcrafted beaded belt to make the look complete. For a more formal occasion metallic accents are still a popular trend. Matching a metallic sweater to a dark purple dress can dress up the look.

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In the cold winter snow stay warm with many layers, coats, and

jackets. The brown seal vintage fur coat is a great compliment to the silk purple Bebe top. A white suede trench paired with a white fur hat is the perfect fashionable finishing touch to help you keep warm. Leather boats, skinny and high waists jeans are also in this season.

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To perfect any look accessories and layering is important. Pairing

a spring short skirt with thigh high leggings and high heel pumps can make a stylish winter look. Long chain necklaces, colored denim jackets and fur-lined hats are great wardrobe pieces for the winter months.

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