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VELVET UNDERGROUND

Beach braces for two fashion weeks at same time

lank@aol.com

We still find it somewhat ironic that a city in which the concept of less is more is taken literally when it comes to dress codes, has countless ``fashion weeks.'' Now that Ocean Drive's is so last week, get ready for Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach, a mouthful of a name for a series of runway shows showcasing the spring and summer 2010 collections of designers, including Richie Rich, Nicole Miller, Abi Ferri, Custo Barcelona. Celebrating its 13th season from Oct. 14-17, Funkshion will have runways at the Setai and the Bass Museum of Art, which will also double as a ``gifting and accessories showcase,'' which is a fancy way of saying, ``Freeloader Headquarters.'' The big highlight of this year's Funkshion is the 8 p.m. Wednesday opening at the Setai, featuring Rich's A*muse line presented by Pamela Anderson.

But it's not all overly inflated people and prices. Anderson and her best pal, PETA chairman Dan Matthews, will host a charity dinner at the W Hotel following the show. In addition, Harper's Bazaar is hosting an event at the Bass at 7 p.m. Thursday benefiting Susan G. Komen Foundation, and on the same night, the American Heart Association's Red Dress Fashion Show with W magazine-caliber designers will begin at 9 at the Setai. Funds raised from the show will help Go Red for Women community programs and fund research in the field of cardiology. All Funkshion shows are free, but space is limited so hurry and RSVP to events at www.fashionweekmiami.com.

But wait! Because no week is complete without two fashion weeks, there's also Rock Fashion Week. Running the same dates at the Eden Roc, Rock Fashion showcases an ``intelligent, innovative platform for progressive, established and emerging designers to show their collections,'' which happens to be the word-for-word description that the folks at Funkshion have been using since 2004. Check rockfashionwk.com for details, which were incomplete at press time.

Contributing to serious signs of night life in downtown Miami is the DWNTWN Concert Series kickoff at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Bayfront Park's Tina Hills Pavilion, featuring a free concert by Suenalo and Jahfe as well as food and cocktails. For the upcoming concert series lineup, go to www.dwntwn.com or text ``dwntwnr'' to 878787 for updates.

Update on the Design District: Pacific Time chef/owner Jonathan Eismann has launched a weekly Tuesday night cocktail and dinner party, which he says pays homage to Facebook and Twitter. About Last Night, as it's called, will bring foodies, bloggers and social networking addicts together for a night of cocktails, food and gossip. The party goes from 8 until midnight.

For fans of rum, consider the inaugural Rob Abuelo & Rum Jumbie Mixology contest at RUMBAR at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne from 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Not just any cocktail contest, this one will pit New York winner Paolo Votano of Bocca di Bacco against Miami's best mixologists from Plunge at the Gansevoort South, the Living Room Bar at the W South Beach, 8 oz. Burger Bar, the Setai and The Florida Room, among others. The winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to Panama. No cover, just a cash bar and a post-competition party featuring music by Grupo Nostalgia.

Photographer Ben Watts is celebrating the release of his photo scrapbook Lickshot at a party hosted by Tommy Pooch, Alan Roth and Ben Pundole at the Sunset Lounge at Mondrian from 9-11 p.m. Friday. To RSVP, e-mail Danni.Deanto@morganshotelgroup.com.

Finally, Jon and Juan's Engagement Tea Dance takes place from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. The interactive party features DJ Jody McDonald and costs $20 in advance and $25 at the door and includes one free drink (wine or beer) and some food. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.jonandjuan.com or call host Ray Breslin at 305-772-5665. The tea dance benefits the Miami Gay Men's Chorus, so as far as dress code goes, it's black tie -- and shirt -- optional.

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