Miami’s most stylish philanthropists gathered at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for an afternoon of fashion and preservation-focused philanthropy.
There is something distinctly Miamian about a crowd of elegantly-styled guests gathered along the waterfront at a century-old bayfront estate. On Tuesday, March 3rd, Vizcaya delivered exactly that.
The 18th Annual Preservation Luncheon — beloved in South Florida social circles as “The Hat Luncheon” — welcomed Friends and supporters to raise $670,000 in support of preservation and community programming at the National Historic Landmark. Co-chaired by Jenni Coba, Christina Martin, and Nancy McCormick, with honorary chair Swanee DiMare, the event drew an impeccably styled crowd whose creativity and generosity were equally on display.
Guests arrived in hats ranging from timelessly classic to boldly avant-garde, transforming Vizcaya’s Main House Courtyard into a runway unlike any other in Miami. The afternoon opened with a cocktail reception where the Valerie Tyson Entertainment Jazz Quartet set a mood that was at once festive and refined. Sips were courtesy of a distinguished roster of beverage sponsors — Bacardi, Patrón, Grey Goose, Martini Rossi, St-Germain, Shaw-Ross Importers, The Pale, and La Scolca — while the campus buzzed with conversation, couture, and a shared sense of purpose.
An open-air luncheon followed with a spring-inspired, multi-course menu by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design and floral arrangements by Sage Design and Co. that felt perfectly at home in Vizcaya’s lush, tropical setting. Emmy Award-winning anchor Laurie Jennings returned as emcee alongside Executive Director Joel Hoffman. They guided guests through an afternoon that featured a lively auction and dancing to the lively sound of LID Music Entertainment on the East Terrace along Biscayne Bay.
The highlight? The highly anticipated fashion contest, judged by luminaries from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, Chanel Fine Jewelry, Manolo Blahnik, and Shapoh.com. This year’s honorees were Yenin Acevedo (Best Overall), Camila Guiribitey (Most Elegant), and Lydia Touzet (Best Hat) — three women who embodied the spirit of the afternoon with effortless grace.
Fashion Sponsor Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Luxury Footwear Sponsor Manolo Blahnik lent the event a sense of elevated glamour, while Eventstar Structures served as Exclusive Tent Sponsor, setting the stage for it all.
While beautiful and festive, the event raises vital operating support for the National Historic Landmark Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. As Executive Director & CEO Joel Hoffman shared: “The Preservation Luncheon helps ensure Vizcaya remains a home for Miami and an inspiration for future all–today and into the future. We are grateful that Miami’s philanthropic community gathers each year to support our mission.”
For those who have yet to experience The Hat Luncheon — consider this your invitation to mark your calendar for 2027. Miami’s most stylish afternoon awaits.
To learn more about Vizcaya and upcoming events, visit vizcayapreservation.org.