Black Tie & Tales

+ Under the Big Top
Who dat? … More than one of her friends totally failed to recognize Nikki Nilon in her spectacular clown costume at the Circus Arts Conservatory gala, though she says she and hubby, Jim, only decided to dress up at the last minute.
Heads up! … There were two men with extraordinary hairdos at the gala: the carrot top Bello Nock who we all know and love, and a young man whom he mentors, Johnny Rockett.
Nock knockout … The hottest item in the lively live auction was the “Exclusive VIP experience with Bello,” which went for $12,000 — not once, but twice.

+ Tidbits
They know where they’re going … The Observer has exclusively obtained the names of Girls Inc.’s Celebration Luncheon “She Knows Where She’s Going” honorees. The April 3 luncheon, chaired by Lindsey Nickel de La O and Kristine Nickel, will honor Ariane Dart, Susanne S. Wise, Courtney Wise Snyder, Erika Wise Borland and Whitney Wise Verdoni and “Girl of the Year” Rachel Mallett. For more information, call 366-6646, Ext. 207 … A good name is worth more than riches … Community AIDS Network is naming its Sarasota facility in honor of Mary Ann Robinson, celebrating her many years of unstinting generosity to the organization going back to the days when HIV/AIDS was feared and misunderstood. The official naming event is private — a by-invitation-only reception March 26 at the clinic … The curious case of Nancy Markle … Many of the guests at Nancy Markle’s Jan. 25th birthday party asked her, “What birthday is it?” They all got the same answer: “I decided to count backwards and I am now 1 year old.” BFF Lillian Richman, who threw the party, was fully aboard and put a large candle in the shape of that numeral on the cake shared by more than 30 friends and family. Guests included Renee Sheade, Harold Ronson, Julie Tanner, Cheryl Loeffler and Len Garner, Elaine Keating and Sid Katz, Joy Server, Ralph and Nancy Cohen and the recently wed Doug and Marcy Greer.

See more photos from the trunk show here.