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Las Olas Wine & Food Festival – REVIEW

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Savoring Success: 28th Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Delights Fort Lauderdale.

April 19th, 2024

From downtown Fort Lauderdale, the return of the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival (LOWFF) was another indulgent success. With tasting pavilions stretching out across both sides of iconic Las Olas Boulevard, from SE 6th Avenue to SE 11th Avenue, LOWFF offered booth after booth of endless bites from the best local restaurants, sips of spirits, wine, beer, seltzers, juices, plenty of dessert options and so much more.

As Fort Lauderdale’s premier charitable wine and food experience, proceeds from LOWFF assist in the funding of research and educational programming for American Lung Association of South Florida, whose mission is to create a better future for those living with lung cancer and other chronic respiratory diseases including COPD and asthma.

Clear skies and mild weather played a perfect backdrop for the local foodie community and guests to enjoy this year’s event. Since VIP tickets sold out in advanced and general admission ticket prices increased as the event drew nearer, only those who were prepared were able to enjoy everything LOWFF had to offer. VIP tickets included a pre-event reception at the Riverside Hotel and early access to the tasting pavilions.

As a veteran attendee of the long running event, I had certain expectations going into LOWFF, and as usual, LOWFF did not disappoint. Like past years, the Las Olas mainstays showed up, serving plenty of love, and then a handful of new food and drink offerings made a splash, assuring that the event is ever evolving and exciting. Mix a hungry crowd with some excitement and lines form, but waiting in lines at popular spots is a great time to sip a drink or two, talk about the food and digest. This year, Patron Tequila’s unique bottle shaped cups created a ton of buzz and had attendees standing in the longest lines.

I’ll pass on sharing the full menu of everything I feasted and sipped on, but here’s an abridged version of the journey:  this year’s feast started with a few cocktails, a Truman Vodka Espresso Martini and a fruity Mai Tai from Tommy Bahama took me away from the crowds and into vacation mode.

Tommy Bahama – Mai Tai

Next, some glittering gold ceviche from Boatyard was creamy and citrusy, super fresh. I could go on and on about a handful of other ceviche offerings, and if you like ceviche LOWFF is for you, but instead, I’ll jump ahead to my favorite bite from a new restaurant, a creamy, crispy cube, the Japanese Milk Bread Shrimp Toast from event rookies MAASS at the Four Seasons. Other exceptional bites included the Braised Beef Short Rib from Holly Blue, the Tuna Poke Nachos from Lucky Fish, the Shrimp Beignet from Even Keel Fish Shack, the Seared Ahi Tuna Causa from The Diplomat Beach Resort, the Birria Esquites from Rocco’s Tacos, and the Agnolotti Di Pera from Tamarindo Harbor Seafood Bar & Grill.

Tamarindo Harbor Seafood Bar & Grill – Agnolotti Di Pera

When I started to run out of space for food, I took a minute to say hello to former Miami Dolphins, Florida Gators great, and seasoning hall of famer, Channing Crowder, who was at LOWFF offering his Crowder Powder, a tasty mix of garlic, with a touch of heat, and a hint of sweet. Next, I had an opportunity to try the already iconic Gin and Juice by Dre and Snoop. I went with Citrus, it was crisp, packed with flavor, and kept me rolling down the street, and right into the Casamigos and then the High West Whisky bars.

After recharging, it was time for dessert. Phuse Cream’s Strawberry Cheesecake Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich was a perfect bite to begin with. From there, some famous Iced Coffee, super sweet and creamy, from The Alchemist Café hit the dessert bullseye. Next, Hatch’s Bacon Pecan Ice Cream on a Sugar Waffle was the perfect, “over-the-top” option to close out another satisfyingly LOWFF.

Hatch – Bacon Pecan Ice Cream on Sugar Waffle

After 28 amazing years, it’s safe to say LOWFF shouldn’t be missed. Stay up to date with LOWFF announcements, specials and giveaways on Facebook and Instagram or for a complete line-up of events and ticket information, visit LasOlasWFF.com

  • The Hollywood Donut Factory

  • Rocco's Tacos - Birria Esquites

  • Rocco's Tacos - Birria Esquites

  • Tamarindo Harbor Seafood Bar & Grill - Agnolotti Di Pera

  • Tanteo - Tequilas

  • The Alchemist - Famous Iced Coffee

  • The Den - Jalapeno Croquettes

  • The Diplomat Beach Resort - Seared Ahi Tuna Causa

  • The Federal - Smoked Fish Dip

  • Radiant 166 - Sesame Ahi Tuna Seaweed Salad

  • Timpano - Creamy Pasta

  • Tito's Vodka- Cafetito's Espresso Martini

  • Tommy Bahama - Mai Tai

  • Tommy Bahama

  • Truman Vodka - Martini

  • Vicky Bakery - Cuban Pastries

  • Yolo - Cherry Smoked Pork Loin

  • Abiaka - Shrimp with White Sauce

  • Pinaq Liqueur

  • Ol' Days - Tapioca Bites

  • Lung Force

  • Lucky Fish - Tuna Poke Nachos

  • Holly Blue - Braised Beef Short Rib

  • High West Whisky

  • Hatch - Bacon Pecan Ice Cream on Sugar Waffle

  • Hampton Water Rose

  • Golden Road - Margo Cart Ale

  • Gin and Juice by Dre and Snoop

  • Even Keel - Shrimp Beignet

  • Casamigos Jalapeno

  • Boatyard - Ceviche

  • Barcelo Rum

  • American Social - Tropical Atlantic Ceviche

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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

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Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

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ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.


May 28th, 2025

Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.

Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.

The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

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Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.

Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.

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