Irene Marie, the grand dame of modeling, will celebrate her agency's 25th anniversary alongside her 1,000 models, staff members (past and present), close friends and business associates at an invita- tion-only gala Dec. 13 in Miami Beach. The VIP soiree -- featuring a rock & roll concert and fashion show -- will kick off the launch of the new state-of-the-art venue at LIV Nightlife at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, part of the historic landmark's $1 billion renovation.

A former international fashion model, Marie founded her agency in 1983 in Fort Lauderdale. Five years later, she moved it to 728 Ocean Dr. in South Beach, where it remains today. Marie purchased the building, formerly the Sun Ray apartments, made famous by the chain saw scene in the movie Scarface.

Marie became known for campaigns including Versace, Guess and Calvin Klein -- and the discovery and development of supermodels Niki Taylor and Cindy Taylor. In 2006, MTV launched 8th & Ocean, a television series chronicling the lives of models and staff at the modeling agency.

Cindy Taylor (Wild on E! host) will host the 25th anniversary celebration, which will feature a presentation by television journalist and Women of Tomorrow co-founder Jennifer Valoppi to Marie for her years of service to the mentoring organization. Guests slated to attend include: Maxim's ''World's Sexiest Supermodel'' Joanna Krupa, Harry Casey of KC & the Sunshine Band, Latin music superstar Willy Chirino, WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs and supermodel Niki Taylor.

The event will conclude with a fashion show and concert featuring live performances by legendary artists, including Bob Seger's ''Silver Bullet Saxman'' Alto Reed, Eric Clapton's guitarist George Terry and Tico Torres of Bon Jovi. Event producer is Miami Beach resident Patxi Pastor.

CREATIVE CLOTHING

Black Friday was a good day for Aventura residents Brittany Socol and Erika Koopman. The long-time friends opened C by Me, a new boutique for children and adults, located at 18673 W. Dixie Hwy., in North Miami Beach.

''It's a unique store where you come to create, design and decorate your own clothing and accessories,'' explains co-founder Koopman. A former public relations executive, Koopman, 33, said the new venture combines her love of clothing, creativity and children. Married for nine years, she and hubby Michel Koopman have two children, Isabella, 4 and Jonah, 11 months.

Koopman says Socol is ''the perfect partner -- not to mention the fact that both have the same middle name.'' The middle name? Star.

Socol, also 33, formerly designed children's clothing for Miami-based Sweet Innocence. She is married with a 2-year old daughter, Arielle.

Upon entering C by Me, customers are assigned a consultant to help guide them through the design process.

Customers choose their outfit from a variety of basics -- and then choose their package: ''classic'' (four details and 12 stones/studs), ''couture'' (six details, 24 stones/studs) or ''creative'' (an unlimited choice of paints, stamps, stencils, markers, etc).

Prices range from $15 for a tote bag to $75 for a three-piece kids outfit. The store also offers custom designs and monogramming for those un-creative types, plus parties (for up to 30 people) for those who like to create in groups. C by Me is open seven days a week. For details, call 305-932-8118 or go to www.cbymeclothing.com.

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