Mermaids in Miami

W Magazine and Vionnet feted the opening of the brand new Pérez Art Museum Miami last night with a cocktail party premiere of “Suspension of Disbelief,” a short film by fashion photographer Tim Walker. The paint still smelled fresh as the museum doors opened for the very first time to guests like model Jessica Hart and Suno designer Erin Beatty, all dressed to the nines for the occasion. Model Alessandra Ambrosio was the belle of the ball in a Dolce & Gabbana frock, as she held court with fellow Brazilian and jewelry designer, Anna Khouri.

Midway through the evening, guests congregated on the museum’s cascading interior steps, under an Ai Wei Wei installation, to watch the 8 minute film, a melancholic re-telling of The Little Mermaid starring Kristen McMenamy and Ben Whishaw. “I am so glad Kristen McMenamy is here with us tonight. She is truly a fashion icon of our time,” said W Editor-in-Chief Stefano Tonchi, as he introduced the star, who arrived looking every bit the mermaid in a floor-sweeping emerald green gown. “Unfortunately, Tim Walker could not be here—he had a problem with his Visa. As an Italian, I can understand that!”

“It was enchanting,” said Vionnet’s Chairwoman and Creative Director, Goga Ashkenazi afterwards. “Tim [Walker] is one of the most significant and talented photographers of today and Kristen McMenamy is just so beautiful! The film is really a celebration of putting art together with fashion.”

Watch the W film, “Suspension of Disbelief” by Tim Walker.