After 20 years in the fashion business, Nigel Barker has worn many hats. The handsome model-turned-photographer-turned-TV-personality is currently the host of Oxygen’s The Face. However, that’s not to say he’s put down his camera. Case in point: his new exhibition, “RAW: Presented by Rock Paper Studio,” part of this weekend’s In the Now fashion show event at the Village of Merrick Park. Comprised of black-and-white photographs conveying “raw” emotion, the exhibit’s list of subjects reads like a who’s who of the fashion world: Coco Rocha, Betsey Johnson, and Cynthia Rowley, to name a few. Other well known faces like Alan Cumming, singer Estelle, and Barker’s wife, Cristen, also appear in the show, which he hopes to translate into a book. And making us love the photos, and their creator, even more is the fact that ten percent of exhibit sales at this weekend’s event will benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

This exhibit is all about pure, unfiltered emotion. How did you extract that from your subjects?
NIGEL BARKER: The whole process was very interesting, it was a therapeutic, psychological process. A big part of it was the conversation we had while photographing. I would talk to every subject. We'd have a chat over a cup of tea or a cup of coffee or over a glass of Champagne and people would let their guard down. During the conversation, the photograph would happen.

Was that difficult, getting them to let their guard down?
NB: I took a lot of [inspiration] from Richard Avedon, an expert in portraits. He disarmed his subjects by catching them off guard and surprising them in many respects. That was a big part of it.

Why is everyone wearing denim in the photographs?
NB: Denim and jeans are what most people have as a comfort clothing; it's something that we go to on the weekends. I wanted people to wear items like that. It helped the whole process, getting them in the mood and in the right place.

Tell us about how you chose the subjects.
NB: It really sort of formed itself. It started off with personal friends. It is always easier to start with friends because they will potentially be more comfortable in front of a camera with you because they know you . . . Then it moved on to people we didn't really know. Everyone from A-list celebrities to people I found on Facebook are a part of this collection.

You entered the world of TV as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, and now your hosting your own show, The Face. How do the two experiences differ?
NB: One of the wonderful things about The Face is that there are no judges—the ‘judges’ are clients and the clients determine the decision. It was nice for me to have a different role and relax a little bit. It also allowed me to get closer to the contestants. As a judge, you had to be held away and separate from everyone. Here, I was able to let my guard down more.

What’s next for you?
NB: I feel very lucky to do something I love. I'm in the process of writing a screenplay about the life of human rights activist David Mixner. I'm hoping and planning to direct it as my first feature film. 

Dress your dandiest for Kentucky Derby Day at Swine Southern Table & Bar

Fashion 1st Fridays
Friday, May 3, 6-10 p.m.
Showroom 305 and the Jeffrey Lubin Group are throwing a New York-style sample sale at the Whitelaw Hotel. Refresh your wardrobe with jewelry by Nugaard, Guria Beachwear, and more while sipping complimentary cocktails. 808 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; RSVP rsvp@itmarketingconcepts.com or fashion1stfridays.com

Kentucky Derby Day at Swine
Saturday, May 4
Slide into Swine Southern Table & Bar this Saturday for a celebration of all things Churchill Downs. The full day festivities include a live race broadcast (post time 6:24 p.m.) and a special Derby menu—think hot brown casserole, smoked and spiced pecans, and peach juleps. Those wearing a Derby hat will be entered to win Maker's 46 prizes. 2415 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 786-360-6433

The Art of the Party Book Signing
Saturday, May 4, 3 p.m.
Event designer David Stark will host a signing and discussion on his latest book, The Art of the Party (out May 7), at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA). The book is chock-full of hostess tips for aspiring event planners, as well as advice on themes, color palettes, and embellishments for a memorable fête. 770 N.E. 125th St., North Miami, 305-893-6211 

Cinco de Mayo Brunch
Sunday, May 5, 11:30 a.m.
Mercadito Midtown is rolling out a Mexican brunch buffet and live mariachi music this Cinco de Mayo. For $35 per person, guests can enjoy unlimited servings of enchiladas, carnitas hash, and more, all coupled with a complimentary cocktail. 3252 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami, 786-369-0430

Marek Janowski will conduct this weekend's NWS season finale programming

The New World Symphony will wrap a dazzling 25th anniversary season this weekend with a three-prong celebration. First, on Friday, May 3, comes a Wallcast presentation of "Richard Strauss: Revelry and Romance," conducted by Marek Janowski with Orion Weiss on piano. The program, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will journey through the German composer's orchestral masterpieces, Don Juan and Burleske. Then on Saturday, the New World duo heads to the Adrienne Arsht Center to perform the same Strauss program, as well as Symphony No. 5 for “Beethoven's Fifth: Storm and Passion” at 8 p.m. An ’80s-themed bash put on by Friends of NWS (the organization's young cultural patrons group) will follow the performance at Grand Central at 10 p.m. Expect cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose and music by DJ Affect. Admission to the party is free for members, $40 for non-members in advance, and $60 for non-members at the door. New World Symphony, 500 17th St., Miami Beach 

Philadelphia chef Jeffrey Michaud with Michael Schwartz at Lemon: NYC

Mark your calendars. Philadelphia chef Jeffrey Michaud, of Osteria, will host a pop-up, family-style dinner at Harry’s Pizzeria on June 18 at 7 p.m. A James Beard Award-winner, Michaud is known for fresh Italian cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. The four-course dinner ($150 per person) will include a welcome cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, and “free-flowing” wine and tap beer. And Michaud will send each diner home with a special gift. 3918 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 786-275-4963 [Tickets]

This Thursday, May 2, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar will launch its new “Taste of the Americas” menu. Available every Thursday throughout this month, the menu will flaunt à la carte Mexican specialties like queso fundido and pan seared chicken mole. The three-month series will continue in June and July, nodding cuisine from Peru and Venezuela. 2550 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami, 305-722-8959

BLT Steak at The Betsy Hotel will host an intimate Jack Daniel’s whiskey pairing dinner ($100 per person) on Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m. The four-course meal will feature a limited edition cocktail and passed hors d'oeuvres. Jack Daniel’s brand ambassador Michael J. Ring will be on hand to guide guests through the pairings. 1440 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-531-6100.

Baru LLC has purchased Alan Roth’s now defunct Ricochet space in Midtown. The venue will soon become a Baru Urbano Cocina & Drinks, marking the brand's third Miami outpost and joining fellow locations in Brickell and Doral. An official opening date has not been released.

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Limited edition matte head sculpture with Venetian plaster and crystals ($6,400)

 

Double brass hand ($1,295)

 

Hand-carved large left eye skull ($895)

 

Perforated Calcutta marble vase ($1,250)

 

Small stackable black marble books ($350)

 

Unlacquered brass hand letter opener ($165)

 

Fractured marble box ($675)

 

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Thumbing through one of Kelly Wearstler’s glossy interior design books, mimicking her style seems nearly impossible—but it never hurts to try. Lucky for us Miamians, Wearstler's own eclectic collection of home décor is now available at Coral Gables’ Violetas Home Design, the exclusive Florida retailer of the line. Miami design aficionados can thus be the first in the state to shop Wearstler’s luxurious, handmade marble boxes, vases, and sculptures, as well as plush pillows, soft throws, and artful furniture. Well known for her design work at the Viceroy Miami and Bergdorf Goodman, Wearstler’s design philosophy is art gallery meets “maximalist” chic. In short, she makes conversation pieces—and what Miami hostess doesn’t need more of those? Above, we single out a few favorite pieces from Wearstler's coveted home collection. 223 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305-381-0711

The Miami City Ballet's performance of Slaughter on Tenth Avenue will include a cameo by Mike Piazza 

The Miami City Ballet will bid adieu to another stellar season this weekend with its presentation of Program IV: Broadway and Ballet. Running Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5, finale engagements will include two fan favorites: Jerome Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering and George Balanchine’s Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, which is derived from Rodgers and Hart's Broadway musical On Your Toes. Friday night's performances will also feature a much buzzed-about cameo by former MLB superstar Mike Piazza, taking on the role of one of Slaughter on Tenth Avenue's eponymous gangsters. Slaughter's plot follows a star-crossed romance between a tapper and a dance hall girl. Dances at a Gathering, meanwhile, is a celebrated piano ballet set to the music of Chopin. The ten-person performance is an uplifting tribute to the lively music that inspired choreographer Jerome Robbins. Tickets to Program IV begin at $20 and can be purchased online. 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722

Spearheaded by fashion industry veteran Ramy Sharp, casual-chic ready-to-wear brand Ramy Brook has Miami written all over it. And while the line is based in New York, Sharp’s simple yet sexy designs (especially her new spring/summer cover-ups) are perfect for Miami’s day-to-night lifestyle. Soft silhouettes are balanced with bold, slightly edgy prints—a look celebs like Chelsea Handler and Louise Roe have taken a liking to. Here, we pinpoint a few favorite silk-printed frocks from Sharp’s “High Summer” collection.

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Channel the colors of the sunset in this multi-hued Cabo cover-up ($295). Its loose fit fuses comfort and class—perfect for a seaside soiree.  

 

Add a little sass to your sun-soaking routine in this brown snakeskin printed racer-back Aruba cover-up ($325). The island-inspired dress features a front slip and gently draped sides.

 

The bold, slightly psychedelic print on this handkerchief Long Harley dress ($375) is practically an accessory unto itself. 

 

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Domo Polo Bistro has unveiled a special Miami Heat-themed bar bites and cocktails menu

db Bistro Moderne
Before each Heat home game during the 2013 playoffs, db Bistro Moderne will serve a three-course pregame prix fixe ($39 per person) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Courses include a pâté de campagne appetizer, Meyer lemon crusted chicken breast entrée, and chocolate fondant dessert. Bring your game ticket and you’ll be treated to a complimentary cocktail. 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami, 305-421-8800

Doma Polo Bistro
Just across the street from the AmericanAirlines Arena, Doma Polo is offering a Heat-themed bar bites and cocktail menu. Specialties include chorizo and chimichurri Slam Dunk Sliders, a Salmon Tar Tip-Off (tartare bruschetta), and a Cosmo Heat cocktail with gold citrus pearls. The restaurant will also offer drinks discounts based on wins. For example, a 10-point win by the Heat gets you a 10 percent discount on your total bill. 900 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-400-0588

Toro Toro
The InterContinental Miami's Pan-Latin steakhouse is celebrating our NBA Champions with regular viewing parties inside the bar and lounge. In addition to a new $5 specialty cocktail dubbed El Toro Blanco (vodka, chili pepper, lime, lychee), the venue is offering $5 bar bites and $3 beer specials during games. Post-game revelers can bring their ticket stub to Toro Toro for a complimentary cocktail while also enjoying late-night happy hour specials. 
100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, 305-372-4710

The Fillmore is here to stay, but it's getting a makeover

After thousands of Miamians spoke out against Portman-CMC's plan to knock down The Fillmore as part of the Miami Beach Convention Center renovation, the cornered group has changed its tune. The theater will stay put—and it will get an upgrade. [The Miami Herald]

The highly anticipated Porsche Design Tower Miami broke ground Friday, marking the brand's first foray into real estate. Following the photo op, guests headed into the sales center for a reception and beachside party complete with fireworks. [World Red Eye]

After several Wynwood area bar owners and bartenders were arrested for serving alcohol past 3 a.m., Wynwood businesses are crying conspiracy, claiming mega-clubs are working with police to have them shut down. [The Miami New Times]

As fans fill the AmericanAirlines Arena during the Miami Heat's current Playoff run, courtside celebrity sightings are an added bonus. Rihanna was spotted at last Sunday’s game. [Huffington Post Miami]

Miami ranked number three on Amazon’s “Most Well Read Cities” list, trailing behind Alexandria, Virginia and Knoxville, Tennessee. The numbers are based on book, magazine, and newspaper sales—in print and on Kindle—per capita. [The Miami Herald]