MIAMI – March 6, 2025 – The 17th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon, fondly known as “the hat luncheon,” once again proved to be a dazzling affair, bringing Miami’s most stylish and philanthropic community members together for a day of fashion, celebration, and fundraising in support of historic preservation efforts at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
“This luncheon not only celebrates Miami’s flair for fashion but also reflects our deep-rooted commitment to safeguarding Vizcaya’s history,” said Cammy Richards, Vizcaya’s Director of Special Events. “Each hat, each ensemble, and each guest here today contribute to preserving this remarkable treasure for everyone in our community to enjoy.”
Under the leadership of co-chairs Eilah Campbell Beavers, Swanee DiMare, and Christy Martin, this beloved tradition took place on March 4, 2025, along Vizcaya’s waterfront. Guests arrived adorned in spectacular hats ranging from timelessly elegant to boldly avant-garde, turning the estate’s lush gardens into a vibrant showcase of creativity and style.
The event kicked off with a lively cocktail reception in the Main House Courtyard, where attendees sipped on refreshing drinks and mingled beneath the historic estate’s grand glass canopy and enjoyed music with Bay Kings Trio. The festivities continued on the East Terrace, where guests enjoyed entertainment by Lid Music Entertainment and a luxurious spring-inspired, multi-course luncheon catered by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design.
Emmy-awarded anchor Laurie Jennings once again took center stage as Emcee, joined by Vizcaya Executive Director Joel Hoffman, to welcome attendees and highlight the significance of preserving Vizcaya’s rich history for future generations. A highlight of the afternoon was the highly anticipated fashion contest, judged by an esteemed panel of style experts, including Elias Synalovski of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, John Grisham of Chanel Fine Jewelry, Suzy Buckley Woodward of Shapoh.com, and Andrew Wright of Manolo Blahnik. The winners included: Amamda Rodriguez for Best Overall; Ana Christina de Fortuna for Most Elegant, and Katharine Rubino for Best Hat.
Special thanks to our dedicated Committee and sponsors, including Fashion Sponsor, Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, and our Luxury Footwear Sponsor, Manolo Blahnik. We are also grateful to our Beverage Sponsors—Bacardi, La Scolca, Love Story Rose, Martini Rossi, Shaw Ross International Importers, and St. Germain—for providing exquisite refreshments that enhanced the celebration.
The luncheon committee included distinguished members of the community: Eilah Campbell Beavers, Suzy Buckley Woodward, Jenni Coba, Elizabeth Costa de Rusch, Swanee DiMare, Sarah Feil Lewin, Sonia Gibson, John Grisham, Camila Guiribitey, Linda Levy, Marile Lopez, Christy Martin, Sheila Martinez, Nancy McCormick, Cammy Richards, Yvonne Rosemeir, Yuri Rossi, Tatiana Teo, Lydia Touzet, Josie Wang, Alexa Wolman, and Patty Zhang.
Beyond the fashion and festivities, the luncheon fulfilled its core mission—to raise vital funds for the ongoing preservation of Vizcaya, a National Historic Landmark. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, this year’s event successfully supported Vizcaya’s commitment to conserving its historic estate, gardens, and village, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
For more information on next year’s Preservation Luncheon and to get on the waitlist for tickets, visit www.vizcayapreservation.org.
ABOUT VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Miami, originally built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter estate of James Deering. Open as a public museum since 1953, this European-inspired estate welcomes 300,000 visitors annually and includes a Main House filled with decorative arts,10 acres of formal gardens, native forests, and mangrove shores.
On the west side of the property, the historic Vizcaya Village, which offers a Sunday farmers market and new Village Café, is being restored to support new community programs, including urban agriculture.
Located at 3251 South Miami Avenue (with the Village across the street at 3250 South Miami Avenue), Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org.
