Events
Malka & La’Aretz: Serving Food, Serving Hope

Malka Restaurant and La’Aretz Foundation: A Partnership Forged Through Tragedy and Hope.
December 15th, 2024
The grand opening of Malka’s first kosher restaurant in West Palm Beach, aptly named after the Hebrew word for “queen,” was not just an introduction to exquisite Israeli cuisine but also a showcase of resilience, compassion, and community. Behind this groundbreaking venture is a profound partnership between the La’Aretz Foundation and the celebrated Chef Eyal Shani. Together, they have embarked on a journey to support Israeli families impacted by the events of October 7th, the most tragic single day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
The relationship between Chef Shani and the La’Aretz Foundation founders, Shelly and Mike Pitman, is deeply rooted in their shared love for Israel and its people. Shelly Pitman recalls how this collaboration came to life:
“Chef Shani met Mike and me several years ago, and we forged a tight-knit bond. After the events of October 7th, we knew we had to take meaningful action. Chef Shani’s generosity, including opening several new kosher restaurants, has been instrumental in enabling La’Aretz to make an impact during this difficult time. The grand openings of Malka locations in Brooklyn, the Upper West Side, and now West Palm Beach have given us opportunities to grow our community and extend our reach.”
Fans of Chef Shani’s previous restaurants might wonder whether Malka follows in the footsteps of his earlier ventures or brings something entirely new. According to Shelly Pitman, the answer lies in the balance between familiarity and innovation:
“The Jewish community is always thrilled when Malka opens a new location. Our events have consistently been met with rave reviews. Malka’s unique atmosphere and modern architecture—with every design element imported from Israel—create an immersive experience. The cuisine blends traditional flavors with a modern twist, offering delights such as schnitzel, hummus, falafel, and innovative presentations like gold cardboard plates for an elegant yet unconventional touch.”
At the West Palm Beach opening, guests were treated to a feast that included mouthwatering steak and chicken carving stations, potatoes, pizza, eggplant, and other delicacies. The attention to detail in both the food and ambiance left a lasting impression, bringing the essence of Israeli culinary artistry to South Florida.
The collaboration between Malka and the La’Aretz Foundation extends far beyond the dining table. Since the October 7th tragedy, La’Aretz has worked tirelessly to support Israeli families, including those of hostages and displaced individuals. Shelly Pitman highlighted one of their most touching stories:
“We’ve provided direct financial support to families of hostages, including Almog Meir Jan’s family. Almog’s mother was introduced to La’Aretz and received critical assistance during the darkest moments of her life until her son was rescued in June. We remain in close contact with families like hers, continuing to find ways to offer meaningful aid.”
At the West Palm Beach event, emotions ran high as attendees reflected on the bittersweet combination of tragedy and triumph. The restaurant’s modern design and flavorful offerings served as a reminder of resilience and hope, while the presence of individuals like Noi—a young woman soon returning to Israel, where her father is serving on his second term in Gaza—underscored the real-life impact of these efforts.
The partnership between Malka and the La’Aretz Foundation is more than a culinary endeavor; it’s a testament to the power of community, compassion, and collaboration. Shelly Pitman summed up the significance of this relationship:
“We’re incredibly grateful for Chef Shani and the entire Malka team, from New York to Florida. Their dedication has helped La’Aretz expand our reach and provide vital support during a time of great need. Together, we’re not just serving food; we’re serving hope.”
The opening of Malka in West Palm Beach stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when culinary excellence meets a higher purpose. With each plate served and each family supported, Malka and La’Aretz continue to weave a narrative of healing and unity, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of community prevails.
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Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

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.
- Papi Swim
- Pia Bolt
- Slay Swimwear
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.
- Caroline Derpienski
- Love For Upcycling
- David Tupaz
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.
Events
Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

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.
As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.
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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