Sarah Arison with New World Symphony Artistic Director, Michael Tilson Thomas
Dancer, choreographer and photographer Mikhail Baryshnikov
It's been one year since the gloriously modernist, Frank Gehry-designed temple of culture became the New World Symphony's new home in Miami Beach, and, to celebrate, NWS Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas hosted the ultimate gala: "An Evening of Suspense," featuring music and scenes from the films of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. Or, as Michael wittily quipped in his introduction, "an orgy of Hitchcock."
Anne Owen, Gabe Salloum, Katy Stoka and Luis Rigual
We just can't say enough how perfectly plotted the event was, from the lobby's throw pillows emblazoned with Hitchcock's distinct profile (by evening's end, they had all disappeared, natch) to the late-night party where the very entertaining Michael Andrew and the Atomic Big Band kept us all on our feet, swinging and twirling in an almost frenzied state.
Contemporary artist Carlos Betancourt and MAM Director Thom Collins
Cookie and Ken Neil
The stars of the night, of course, were the exquisitely talented New World Symphony musicians, whose soaring scores of To Catch a Thief, Dial M for Murder and North by Northwest -- performed to projected film scenes -- were so enthralling we wouldn't be surprised if they get an encore on next season's general repertoire. Snaps go to host conductor Joshua Gersen, winner of the prestigious 2011 Aspen Conducting Prize, who was in fine form.
Stylist Elysze Held and Lisa Akin, working her statement accessory
Miami's young arts supporters made up the Gala Host Committee: Louis Aguirre, Sarah Arison, Jennifer and Matthew Buttrick, Chanin and Adam Carlin, Ilona and Chad Oppenheim, Anne Owen, Clara Sredni, and Elizabeth and Mitchell Taylor. (We wonder how much Elizabeth Taylor loves having her name.) Honorary Chairs were Micky and Madeleine Arison.
Psycho-inspired Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000 pen
Mont Blanc, one of the gala's sponsors, debuted its violet-hued Grace Kelly fountain pen, as well as its Psycho-inspired Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000 pen with its knife-shaped clip and spiraling, black lacquer finish reminiscent of Vertigo. Talk about apt cross-promotions! The glam crowd included dance legend Mikhail Baryshnikov, whose new exhibition of digital dance photography is currently on display at Miami's Gary Nader Art Centre.
Queen of the pinup, photographer Bunny Yeager
Film merged with pinup photography and vintage autos at the Miami Beach Film Society's 11th annual Oscar Night celebration. The official Miami host for the Oscars viewing party, MBFS held this year's event at the Dezer Schauhalle space within the sprawling Dezer Collection Museum in North Miami, which is home to some 1,800 vintage autos and memorabilia.
The Bunny-mobile: Mercedes stretch limo, complete with hot tub, on display in the Bunny Yeager Retrospective to the Future
We had our Elvis moment in the form of pinup photography icon Bunny Yeager, now a spirited 82, whose retrospective at Dezer Schauhalle -- full of provocative images of muse Bettie Page --- was closing that night. Bunny is experiencing quite the comeback these days, with collectors including Bruce Weber and a coffee table book published by Rizzoli out this fall.
Miami Beach Film Society Founder Dana Keith with the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger
MBFS founder Dana Keith, who looks like a movie star himself, added his signature George Clooney cool, effortlessly working the crowd while showing us the museum's famous movie cars, including the Goldfinger Aston Martin and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-mobile.
Miss Latina International Esther Dollar, Helmut Schuster and Miss Latina International Stephanie Fedak. (Photo by Mitchell Zaks of Mitchell Zachs Photography)
The 1989 Batmobile from Batman, starring Michael Keaton