Miami International Fashion Week, the largest Latin American and international fashion event in the U.S., kicked off its 12th annual event with a star-studded launch party February 25 at Gary Nader Fine Art in Miami’s trendy Wynwood Art District.
Co-hosted by Tiffany & Co., the Miami International Fashion Week Kick-Off Party provided a glimpse into the glamour and élan of the main event coming up March 18-21. Miami’s most prestigious designers presented th
eir fashions, local chefs provided culinary delicacies, and party goers took home a host of fashionable items from the silent auction.
Glittering celebrities, world-class designers, models, and fashionistas illuminated the night’s festivities, including City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, “Top Chef” Finalist Ron Duprat, Florida Marlins President David Samson, Univision News Anchor Maria Elena Salinas, WPLG News Anchor Laurie Jennings, Miami Beach Entrepreneur Michael Capponi, and Gallery Owner Gary Nader.
For the first time in the 12-year history of Miami International Fashion Week, Humanitarian Awards were presented to South Florida community members who were honored in recognition of their philanthropic contributions of time and support to making Miami a better place to live. The honorees were: Yolanda Berkowitz, Michelle Bernstein, Michael 
Capponi, Jessica Goldman-Srebnick, Ami Glottmann, Laurie Jennings, Gary Nader, Abigail Pollak, David Samson and Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard.
Proceeds from the launch party benefitted the Miami Fashion Week Foundation Scholarship Fund, which supports the winners of the Miami International Fashion Week competitions in student fashion design, fashion photography and graphic arts.
Tickets to the 12th Annual Miami International Fashion Week, March 18-21, 2010, are available at www.miamifashionweek.com. Get ready for this Spring preview of more than 60 exciting designers and their collections of women’s evening wear, prêt-a-porter, swimwear, men’s wear, jewelry and accessories.
