On Tuesday, March 1st, Veronica Beard came together at The Royal Poinciana Plaza, to celebrate the opening of the brand’s eighteenth store in Palm Beach, Florida, with an inspiring runway show. The catwalk, which featured a reimagining of the Veronica Beard Spring 2022 collection, newly styled with a nod to the colorful and effortless joie-de-vivre fashion of Palm Beach, was entirely buy-now/wear-now and guests were invited to shop the looks via QR code and at the nearby boutique. Model and influencer, Remi Jo Bader walked in the show, modeling a signature suit from the new collection. The event brought together luminary women from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, beauty, art and culture, from South Florida, New York and beyond. The evening culminated with an intimate seated dinner at The Colony Hotel. Veronica Beard founders and hosts of the evening, Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, intended that this event fete the women who “make it happen,” in a nod to the brand’s overarching campaign that kicked off last fall and has been ongoing since. To date, the brand has celebrated the Make it Happen series in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles and now Palm Beach. The evening was a true celebration as VIP guests and friends of the brand came together including actresses, Lana Condor and Claire Holt, Remi Jo Bader, Georgina Bloomberg, Paola Alberdi, Martha Graeff, Cass Dimicco, Kit Keenan, Jenny Lopez, Jessica Springsteen, Isaac Boots, Emilia Fanjul, Lauren Layne Merck, Katie Sturino and many more. MORE ON VERONICA BEARD Veronica Beard was founded by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard in 2010. What began as a rack of dickey jackets has expanded into a full lifestyle collection intuitively built for real life, one that is inclusive of women everywhere and makes them feel confident every single day. Veronica Beard is committed to empowering the women who make a difference in the world by giving back all day, every day. Learn more about our #VBGivesBack initiative here and our Make it Happen series here. By ML Staff. Image by Veronica Beard

In my just released book Vanishing Cuba, you won’t find Cuban kindness vanishing anytime soon in Cuba. That’s because Cubans possess this innate sense of affection, gentleness, patience, humanity, and goodwill that’s been ingrained for centuries. Some say it comes from their ancestry. A blend of Cuba’s native Ciboney and Taino people, Afro-Cubans– descendant’s of African slaves, and the Spanish, who, besides exhibiting a brutal and ruthless past as conquers of the America’s, are known today for their gentle and kind personas. After Christopher Columbus landed in Baracoa, Cuba, in 1492, to claim it for Spain, he later wrote, “[The indigenous people] show the most singular loving behavior… and are gentle and always laughing.” Those are very powerful words that resonate with our modern-day experiences with the Cuban people. Of course, we must not forget that Cubans have lived in relative isolation under communism for the last sixty years, with limited exposure to the modern world. Perhaps a curse, or maybe a blessing in disguise. As much as I like and embrace modernization and technological advancements, I can see the advantages of remaining simple and not influenced or pressured by living in modern-day society. I witness this simple life in many of the developing countries I visit. As I think back to my experiences and look through my photographs from my 24 trips to Cuba, I am constantly reminded of the kindness that has been shown to me by so many Cubans I’ve come to know, love, and call my friends. But if you know anything about Cuba, it’s no secret that Cubans are known for their kindness and gracious hospitality. Before the 1959 Revolution, Havana was a haven for the rich and famous, partly seduced by the beautiful people of Cuba. As I wrote in my book’s preface; Falling in love with Cuba, “Two days in Havana, and I had already fallen in love with Cuba and the Cuban people. Any fears or concerns I had evaporated into this beautiful and welcoming culture. Cubanos (as they are called) welcomed me with open arms. We smiled and laughed as we joked about our two countries and their political differences. Many voiced their articulate opinions with an impressive degree of educational background. Their warmth and hospitality were so refreshing and endearing. Their embrace was addicting. I found myself making friends at every corner I turned. And never did I feel a sense of animosity or that I was being judged. Just pure admiration, respect, love, and a genuine desire that my experience in Cuba be nothing short of wonderful!” Several times I said to myself, “Here I am, carrying camera equipment equal to ten years of their income, and yet I never experience any sense of resentment, anger, envy, or jealousy. My country is responsible for much of the poverty they experience, yet they embrace me, smile, and hug me. How can people be so understanding and welcoming? They live their lives with a glass that’s half empty, yet they see it as half full.” The photograph I made of the two elementary school girls titled “The Children of Cuba” personifies a culture of love, friendship, and peace. The same is true for my photograph titled “Colorblind,” which features three teenage friends with a different ethnic mix of Afro-Cuban and Spanish-Cuban blood. Even though there is prejudice at the government level, on the streets, among friends and working-class Cubans, there is acceptance across all Cubans, white or black (as they refer to themselves). “All Smiles” is another favorite of mine, photographed on a Sunday morning while walking Central Havana. These Cubans were happy to smile and express their love. Glad that I was interested in documenting their lives in a photograph. My photograph of my dear friend Israel, titled “Robbery in Progress,” is a beautiful story about Cuban kindness. I was walking the streets of rural Trinidad when I noticed this older man climbing through a side window of a small house. I jokingly yelled out, “robbery, robbery!” He laughed and said that he had locked himself out of his house. That was the day I met Israel Gonzalez, 85 years young. I was surprised by how good his English was. He told me stories of his trips to the United States, visiting family, and spoke about when he lived in Havana. Our endearing friendship only grew from there. Whenever I returned to Trinidad, he was eager to prepare lunch and serve me Cuban coffee. He was so poor, yet he would go out of his way to selflessly please me. Israel passed away this past November 10 from Covid. I’ve been heartbroken ever since. There are hundreds more of these stories and photographs in my book Vanishing Cuba. Three hundred, to be exact. My book is indeed a large-format, 348-page coffee table photo book, but it’s also a beautiful storytelling book, each written in both English and Spanish. My stories speak about a magical Cuba. It is a unique culture that will change and even vanish over time, as all cultures do when they transition into the modern world. I hope you enjoy my book. It’s only been out now for two weeks, and I’m already very proud of the reviews on our website. Please go to VanishingCuba.com or RedOctopusPublishing.com to read more and order the book. It’s available in the Silver Edition, Deluxe Edition, and the collectors series, Reserve Edition. Links Website: https://VanishingCuba.com Instagram: @VanishingCuba Publisher: https://RedOctopusPublishing.com Personal: https://MichaelChinnici.com Instagram: @MichaelChinnici Words and photography by Michael Chinnici

On Feb. 20, The Second Annual Fur the Love Pet Fest returned to Fort Lauderdale Beach at its new location, Las Olas Oceanside Park, aka The LOOP. Celebrating Fort Lauderdale’s love for their furry companions with a day of four-legged fun, the event was once again hosted by the dynamic mom and pup duo behind the award-winning Instagram @TourwithTeddy and blog "Living A Fairytail." 100% of event proceeds benefitted local pet rescues. Coinciding with National Love Your Pet Day, flower crowns and fur filled the air during this ulti-mutt Sunday Funday experience. New this year was the VIP bark brunch picnic featuring indie-acoustic tunes courtesy of JJ and the Florida Oranges band. Welcoming locals and visitors of all ages, attendees captured Instagramable moments through a variety of activities, including the Pawz-itive Dog Training Agility Course and Road-Tripping Rover VW Bus photobooth, sponsored by Good Times Roll. Those who were seeking a unique way to bond with their pup got down with their dog at the Red Cheetah DOGA (dog yoga) session. A people and pets’ marketplace featured three dozen new and returning vendors, ranging from pet services: Certified Therapy Dog, Healthy Smiles Pet Dental and PetWell Clinic Pembroke Pines to a plethora of pet and people clothing, food, and accessories. Vendors included Pet Wants Fort Lauderdale, Petit Pups Pawtique and More, and Ruff House, to name a few. Fur the Love Pet Fest’s 2022 theme, Pupchella, was a nod to the music festival Coachella. Guests were encouraged to dress in theme with flower crowns, tie-dye and boho accessories. Guests had the opportunity to participate in the Pupchella Fashion Show for a chance to win a variety of prizes, which included a one-night stay with your pet at The Kimpton Goodland Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach in a premium guest room, a professional pet photo session with FTLPetFest official photographer, Lorena Cora Photography (a $499 value) and a $100 Ruff House Gift Card. FTL Pet Fest was generously supported by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District. For more information, visit www.FTLPetFest.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Loop

An investigation into the spring wardrobe, the second chapter of the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2022 Men’s Collection by Virgil Abloh will be delivered to stores in March 2022. The collection exemplifies the Men’s Artistic Director’s anthropological approach to the intermediary clothing line. “My philosophy is very much informed by the clothes that people actually wear. What I do is an analysis of a generation: what do people buy and why do they wear it? That question naturally creates an equal interest in tradition as it does in changing tradition. But it’s also about challenging myself and exploring different land. That is creative freedom,” he said, explaining his pre-collection procedure. The idea of the three-piece suit takes new shapes informal silhouettes composed tonally of jackets, trousers and wrap skirts. Shirts swap places with roll-necks. The twin-set is evoked through matching hoodies and zip cardigans knitted in deìgradeì and also lionized in a stripy multi-color mohair Monogram cardigan. A symbol of the switching and fusing of dress codes, Keepalls and small leather goods patchwork the colors, patterns, and materials of the collection, while LV Trainers with strap detailing – rendered in a wealth of colorways – take over from the traditional idea of a formal shoe. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Alexander McQueen is pleased to announce a new film shot by award-winning director, Sophie Muller, and featuring the Jewelled Satchel carried by musician Lucia Fairfull, a friend and regular collaborator of the house. The film is captured in her hometown of Glasgow and locations include The Barrowland Ballroom. Lucia is shot performing with her band, Lucia and the Best Boys. Throughout, she carries the shiny black embossed croc iteration of the Jewelled Satchel which features its silver metal four-ring closure and iconic, crystal-studded skull. This is the first in a series of projects of this nature that we’ll be releasing throughout the year and into 2023. Each one will be focused on a character, in keeping with Sarah Burton’s vision for the McQueen woman. By ML Staff. By Alexander McQueen's

This year, the famous emoticon, SMILEY, is celebrating its 50th birthday along with 50 of the biggest names across fashion, Horlogerie and Joaillerie to create limited edition novelties. When SMILEY decided to celebrate its 50th birthday, it naturally took to brands sharing a similar joie de vivre. Coming of age as part of the same generation, both Valérie Messika and Nicolas Loufani of SMILEY, have set themselves apart as two leaders following in their family footsteps. The daughter of a diamond dealer, Valérie has chosen to dedicate her life to the diamond – daring to make it light, free and easy to wear. Similar in timing, Nicolas was born as his father launched a French newspaper column dedicated exclusively to “good news.” The column was entitled Prenez le temps de sourire! (Take the time to smile!), with a smiley as a logo. Twenty-five years later, the instantly recognizable Smiley first appeared on a laptop. Following this, Nicolas had the idea to launch emoticons, creating a universal language we commonly use across our phones, etc. today. Each at the head of a thriving business, the two creative leaders retain the same light-hearted attitude and approach which makes one look at the bright side of life. On April 10th, SMILEY reinterpreted through yellow diamonds will be unveiled in the U.S. through three novel interpretations – a My Move bracelet in black rubber with smiley motifs and a pave diamond motif, a small Lucky Move pendant necklace for everyday smiles and an exceptional XXL Lucky Move necklace which competes as the world’s most expensive Smiley with a laughing face emerging through the meticulous pave setting of several hundred yellow diamonds and white diamonds coming to total 7.90 carats. For more info visit Messika By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Messika.

The teams at Paquin Entertainment Group and Normal Studios are ready for their next artistic venture, showcasing the works of the French master painter, Claude Monet. The multisensory experience will showcase 400 of Claude Monet’s most iconic works, including the beloved Water Lilies series, Impressionism: Sunrise and Poppies. Breaking free from their frames, these works are thrillingly brought to new life, swirling and dancing across the entire space, using cutting-edge projection technology (4 trillion content pixels) skillfully combined with music and sound effects to create a poetic and dreamlike display of Monet’s iconic career and legacy. Beyond Monet Ice Palace Studios 1400 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136 Hours of Operation Wednesday & Thursday: 10am – 8pm (last entry 7pm) Friday & Saturday: 10am – 9pm (last entry 8pm) Sunday: 10am – 8pm (last entry 7pm) For more information and tickets visit MiamiMonet.com @monet.miami By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Paquin Entertainment Group

Nominee for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Licorice Pizza, Bradley Cooper wore a Gucci DIY MTO black one button satin shawl lapel Heritage three-piece tuxedo with a white evening shirt, black satin bowtie, and black leather lace-ups. Nominee for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for The Great, Elle Fanning wore a custom Gucci cream silk duchess vest with a cream georgette sheer blouse, black pinstriped flared pants embellished with bugle bead crystals, pale blush silk bowtie, and black leather high heel platform sandals. Nominee for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for House of Gucci, Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci begonia pink silk satin sleeveless asymmetrical halter-neck gathered gown with pink lace gloves and gold metallic leather high heel platform sandals. Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Squid Game, Jungjae LEE wore a Gucci navy two-button contrast black grosgrain peak lapel tuxedo with a white pleated wingtip evening shirt, black grosgrain bowtie, and black patent leather lace-ups. Nominee for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for House of Gucci, Jared Leto wore a custom Gucci pale blue satin double-breasted peak lapel three-piece suit with a pale yellow evening shirt with pleated bib and contrast white wing top collar, burgundy velvet bowtie, pink lace gloves and white leather boots with gold chain detail. Nominee for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for House of Gucci, Jack Huston wore a Gucci black two-button notch lapel suit with a white evening shirt, black tie with embroidered snake detail, and black leather loafers with Horsebit detail. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of Getty

Grounds Passes for the 2022 Miami Open are now available! Taking place at Hard Rock Stadium from March 21 - April 3, this year's tournament is returning better than ever with world-class tennis matches in a festival-like environment encompassed by the cuisine, art, music and culture of Miami! Starting at just $15, Grounds Passes provide access to all outer courts and to the general admission areas of the Grandstand Court. Fans also receive full day access to the Miami Open tennis campus that will feature new premium area such as: Court 29 Food Hall Kim Crawford Wine Lounge Pommery Champagne Garden Kiki on the River Bodega Taqueria y Tequila The Wharf Baptist Health Lawn And so much more! To purchase tickets click here. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Miami Open

South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW), South Florida’s business and lifestyle magazine serving Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, has named Women’s Golf Day Founder Elisa Gaudet an honoree for its 2022 Prestigious Women Awards in the Entrepreneur category. The awards honor outstanding female business leaders and owners whose innovations and success help drive the South Florida economy. Honorees are top leaders in the tri-county area who have created business success stories and provided leadership to women and the broader community. Categories include owners and partners, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, mentors, professional association leaders, non-profit leaders, rising stars (under 40) and lifetime achievement. Gaudet and other honorees will be celebrated during the Second Annual Prestigious Women Awards program on April 20, 2022 with a networking reception and sit-down luncheon. They will also be featured in the May issue of SFBW Magazine. A West Palm Beach resident, Gaudet founded Women’s Golf Day (WGD) in 2016 as a global movement that strives to engage, empower, and support women and girls through golf. The one-day, four-hour worldwide event, held each year on the first Tuesday in June, starts in New Zealand and ends in Hawaii. It has now taken place at more than 1,000 locations in over 80 countries since its inception and has introduced thousands of new golfers to the sport. More than 85 locations in Florida have hosted a Women's Golf Day event. Through Women’s Golf Day, Gaudet has created a network to support the continuation of golf no matter what skill level or interest, while engaging women in an empowering initiative with global impact from a local level. The number of women hitting the greens recently surged to an all-time high since 2015, according to the National Golf Foundation. Gaudet is also involved in the South Florida community as a member of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and a committee member for Kid Sanctuary Campus, First Tee of the Palm Beaches, Loggerhead Marine Life Center, charities that support the equestrian community, as well as many cancer organizations. An award-winning writer, Gaudet is the author of the “Two Good Rounds” book series: “Two Good Rounds – 19th Hole Stories from the World’s Greatest Golfers,” “Two Good Rounds SUPERSTARS – Golf Stories from the World’s Greatest Athletes,” and “Two Good Rounds TITANS – Leaders in Industry & Golf.” Her syndicated monthly column “On the Lip,” later renamed “Two Good Rounds”; ran from 2003-2016 and has appeared in Huffington Post, Cybergolf, New England Golf Monthly, Florida Golf Central, Visit Miami Book, Alaska Inflight magazine, Golfers Guide, and Stratosphere private jet magazine. “I am honored to be a part of the esteemed group of women who are recipients of South Florida Business and Wealth’s 2022 Prestigious Women Awards,” said Gaudet. “I take great pride in the fact that Women’s Golf Day gives women all over the world a chance to connect with other women and feel welcome in the sport.” About Women’s Golf Day: Women’s Golf Day (WGD) is a global movement that Engages, Empowers, and Supports women and girls through golf and facilities them learning the skills that last a lifetime. The one-day, four-hour event has now taken place at more than 1000 locations in nearly 80 countries since its inception in 2016, and has introduced thousands of new golfers to the sport. WGD is the fastest-growing female golf development initiative. In 2021, WGD’s primary hashtag, #WomensGolfDay, received more than 87 million global impressions to nearly 37 million people viewing WGD content. Women’s Golf Day is unique, and there is nothing like it in sports: a one-day sporting and community celebration event that unites women through golf across the globe for 24 hours straight transcending gender, race, religion, language, geography, or economic status. To find us online, visit: www.womensgolfday.com To follow us on social media: @womensgolfday #WomensGolfDay #WGDunites All are welcome to participate in Women’s Golf Day except where prohibited by law. Women’s Golf Day does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, material status or sexual orientation. By ML Staff Images courtesy of WomensGolfDay

The Betsy-South Beach is proud of its historical, contemporary and inclusive celebrations of women’s voices, talents, vision, and excellence in programming that embraces trans and cis women, nonbinary, intersex, and other gender-expansive communities. Join at The Betsy on March 16, 2022 at 7:30 PM for a poetry reading featuring visiting poet Melissa Studdard and Miami-based poet Victoria Sanz. RSVP: https://bit.ly/3psYBob Meet visiting poet Melissa Studdard at The Betsy on March 17, 2022, from 5– 6 pm. RSVP https://bit.ly/3M76Wro Events will also be LIVE streamed. Continuing The Betsy’s Women’s Month celebration, on March 17th The Betsy hosts legendary jazz vocalist and the first lady of Miami Jazz, Carole Ann Taylor for two sets (7– PM) accompanied by pianist Brian Murphy in the Betsy lobby. Sharing her love of jazz, and a lifetime in the business, Carole Ann TAYLOR delivers a traditional jazz performance that keeps audiences coming back for more. At 9:15, guests will be entertained with an opera pop-up featuring alumne of the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival which is another one of The Betsy’s in-house arts organizations. During Women’s History Month 2022, The Betsy Writer’s Room (https://bit.ly/3x84DLX), will host 4 artists in partnership with community partners: Jewish Book Council/Miami Beach JCC, YoungArts Foundation, the Academy of American Poets, and the Women Photographer’s International Archive, working in these disciplines: Memoir, Poetry, Young Adult Literature LGBTQ literature, and Photography. Featured artists: Qian Julie Wang, Molly Horan, Chet’la Sebree, and Nadia Huggins. Of Special Note: In 1972, The Betsy Ross Hotel was the headquarters for the National Organization for Women during the Democratic National Convention, hosting a coalition of women who wanted to create an equal playing field for women, including Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug, and Shirley McClaine. Also present was Carole Ann Taylor, local jazz performing legend who still performs at The Betsy Hotel and is the 2022 co-producer of the Betsy’s 2022 10th anniversary Overture to Overtown Jazz Festival, where she will appear with Danny Mixon on May 1. About Supporting Women Writers in Miami (SWWIM) SWWIM makes its home at The Betsy hotel. Together, SWWIM and The Betsy Hotel have presented almost 50 poetry readings in five years of partnership. SWWIM (Supporting Women Writers in Miami) was co-founded by poets Jen Karetnick and Catherine Esposito Prescott. SWWIM publishes, promotes, and celebrates women writers, trans and cis women, nonbinary, intersex, and other gender-expansive communities, with a year-round reading series held at The Betsy-South Beach and the online poetry journal SWWIM Every Day. FEATURED SWIMM Poets for Women’s History Month Melissa Studdard is the author of two poetry collections, I Ate the Cosmos for Breakfast, and Dear Selection Committee (forthcoming May 2022), as well as the chapbook Like a Bird with a Thousand Wings. Her awards include The Penn Review Poetry Prize, the Tom Howard Prize from Winning Writers, Poetry Society of America’s Lucille Medwick Memorial Award, the and REEL Poetry Festival Audience Choice Award. Victoria Sanz received her MFA in poetry from NYU, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and American Sign Language. She is a mother, poet, and educator. Viki lives and works in Miami. Some of her poems can be found in Smoking Glue Gun, Phantom Limb, and Columbia Poetry Review. ABOUT THE BETSY WRITERS ROOM, Artist Residency Program Since its inception in 2012, The Betsy Writer’s Room (https://bit.ly/3x84DLX), a space that pays homage to the late poet Hyam Plutzik a 3-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize (and father of Betsy Hotel owner, Jonathan Plutzik) has hosted over 1000 visiting artists, including Poet Laureates, MacArthur Genius Winners, National Book Award Winners, Inaugural Poets, as well as other creatives who participate in Betsy community outreach programming during their stay. MARCH 2022 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY: Nadia Huggins (Feb 26-March 5) was born in 1984 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She now resides in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Nadia Huggins is a self-taught photographer and graphic designer who has worked extensively throughout the Caribbean. Nadia was awarded her residency by the Women Photographer’s International Archive and Lesley Goldwasser, Co-owner of The Betsy Hotel who is also The Betsy’s curator of Visual Arts Programs. MEMOIR: QIAN JULIE WANG (March 7-9) is a graduate of Yale Law School and Swarthmore College. Formerly a commercial litigator, she is now managing partner of Gottlieb & Wang LLP, a firm dedicated to advocating for education and civil rights. Her writing has appeared in major publications such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. She is in Miami, hosted in The Writers Room at The Betsy Hotel to talk about her new book, Beautiful County, which is about growing up poor in America with undocumented status. The Betsy is proud to be a community sponsor of Ms. Wang's meet the artist event for International Women's Day at the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center, located at 4221 Pine Tree Drive Miami Beach. on March 8 @ 7:30 PM. YA LGBTQ Literature: Molly Horan (March 20-27) is an accomplished alumna of the YoungArts Program. She received her MFA in writing for children and young adults from the New School. She currently works as an associate editor of digital innovation at Refinery29, where she has written about the inter between online fandoms and LGBT activism, body positivity, and the evolution of viral web content. She has taught at Fordham University, focusing on LGBT YA literature. Her new book, Epically Ernest, is a delightfully romantic LGBTQ+ comedy-of-errors inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. The purpose of YoungArts' Alumni Residencies, created in partnership with The Betsy Writers Room, is to empower the very best YA Alumni to focus on creating new work. POETRY: Chet'la Sebree, (March 28 – April 3) is the author of Field Study (2021), winner of the 2020 Academy of American Poets James Laughlin Award, the biggest prize for a second book in this country, and Mistress (2019), which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and won the 2018 New Issues Poetry Prize. Chet'la is in residency at The Betsy in partnership with The Academy of American Poets, a longtime National partner - with the express purpose of having solitary time to focus on new work. The Betsy provides a residency annually to the winner of the AAP Laughlin Prize. (an event for this poet is pending with O, Miami and Supporting Women Writers in Miami). ABOUT JAZZ VOCALIST CAROLE ANN TAYLOR Carole Ann Taylor is a skillful interpreter of other people's songs, she turns classic tunes like "You Can Have Him" by Nina Simone and "For All We Know" by Nat King Cole into poignant renditions, enriched by her own musical expression. "I am basically a singer of jazz standards," says Taylor. "I evoke another time when people sat in clubs and listened to music." But the nostalgia stops there. In contrast to her role as a soul singer, Taylor is progressive in her personal experiences. The balance between conviction and experimentation in her jazz singing voice is a natural extension of her speaking voice. And yet there is so much more. As a mother, a Miami business owner, and a jazz icon. She keeps moving forward, with initiatives that include serving as a board member of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Multicultural Tourism Committee Chair of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, WDNA Jazz Radio and Viernes Culturales. Carole Ann Taylor appears Third Thursdays every month at The Betsy Hotel, from 7 to 9 PM. By ML Staff. By The Betsy Hotel

Maison d’Etto, a luxury brand of artisanal, gender-neutral fragrances set to redefine the notion of modern luxury, launched with the release of its first collection, Connection to Self today at Casa Perfect by The Future Perfect in New York’s West Village. Home to some of the best makers, artists and artisans of our time, the gallery embodies everything that we stand for — different is good. “We need to break the rules, the traditional mores no longer work” says The Future Perfect founder David Alhadeff. “We are passionate about flipping retail and consumer experience on its head. Meeting with Brianna and connecting on that allowed for incredible synergies to arise. Not only are we hosting the launch, but we will also be Maison d’Etto’s first retail partner.” The Maison d’Etto brand defies traditional notions of beauty by taking inspiration from contemporary art, modern architecture, and culture, as well as by inspiring moments of connection, reflection, and wellbeing. The fragrances were made in collaboration with International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), with an unyielding focus on creative freedom, as well as through the selection of the highest quality of natural ingredients from Laboratoire Monique Remy (LMR), and, uniquely, defining molecules that elevate the scent structures to new heights. Maison d’Etto founder, Brianna Lipovsky, Creative Consultant, Brand Builder and Equestrian, started putting together the building blocks in 2016 through a longing to have full creative and business control of her own brand. Inspired by her two greatest passions, horses and scent, Brianna sought to create a line of fragrances completely unique to the beauty industry. An entrepreneurial and personal two-year journey resulted in five fragrances and one discovery-set. Each scent is directly inspired by and named after a horse that has deeply impacted her: ROTANO, KARAT EG, DURBAN JANE, MACANUDO, and CANAAN. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.'s (IFF) experience in developing the collection, Connection to Self, was noticeably different from the traditional, beauty-industry standard guidelines surrounding fragrance. First and foremost, serendipitously, each perfumer: Carlos Benaim, Celine Barel, and Mackenzie Reilly personally and intimately related to the connection, experience, and dialogue Brianna had built with each horse. Second, and most impactful, was the request to create fragrances that stood for, “making life better by connecting with ourselves, others and the world.” “It is very rare to see a new brand emerge with such a strong modern vision and inspiration from so many different worlds: admiration for architecture, passion for equestrian lifestyle, love for ingredients, and a respect for art, craftsmanship and luxury,” states Frederic Pignault, VP Sales, Prestige Fine Fragrance, NOAM, IFF. At IFF, we love to support the entrepreneurs that have great potential like Maison d'Etto by sharing our knowledge, expertise and capabilities to help them express their olfactive vision.” "I was taken by this project due to its novel approach of adapting a fragrance to the personality of each of the horses. The direct contact with Brianna, whose passion is contagious, was incredibly motivating,” adds Carlos Benaim, Master Perfumer, IFF. The idea for Maison d’Etto was fresh and different, but at the same moment, truly timeless and elegant; a real luxury concept. The idea of reconnecting with nature through an elevated framework, is, of course, quite contemporary, but realizing this through the spirits of beautiful horses and an exquisite and storied sport, is unexpected and intriguing,” adds Mackenzie Reilly. Connection to Self is available at the Maison d’Etto website, www.maisondetto.com, and through select concept stores, specialty boutiques, and contemporary galleries. Each eau de parfum comes in a 60ML bottle, and price points vary between $250.00 and $300.00. The discovery-set comes as a collection of 5 x 2.5ML spray vials and retails for $90.00. MORE ON MAISON D’ETTO Maison d’Etto is a luxury brand of artisanal, gender-neutral fragrances set to redefine the notion of modern luxury. It is developed with the intention of being noticed, and designed for an undeniable connection. Eschewing the traditional norms, Maison d’Etto seeks to offer something different; to create conscious, mindful, and considered products that have a purpose and can impact people's lives beyond the physical product. The goal is to inspire moments of connection, reflection, wellbeing, as well as nurture the human spirit one moment at a time. The brand was founded in 2016 by brand builder and equestrian athlete Brianna Lipovsky and officially launched in November 2019 through its e-commerce website, trunk shows and by appointment. The by-appointment-only experiences, available only in New York City, take individuals on private scent journeys, they deepen the connection to the brand, ingredients, perfumers and individual fragrance stories, which are inspired by real moments in time, and, last but not least, tend to provoke thoughtful discussion. For more information or to purchase visit Maison d’Etto. By ML Staff. Photo by Lauren Coleman. Brianna headshot by Dora Samosi