Malibu Seen

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Malibuites Laurel Karabian and Bonnie Palef join Kim Devore for a week-long Save Venice blowout. Photo by Barry Glaser

PARTIES OF THE YEAR

Whether it’s a romantic celebration with music at Lino’s, a disco do at Guido’s or an ocean view bash at Geoffrey’s; Malibu will ring in the new year in style. But before we break out the bubbly to toast the year ahead, it’s time to look back at some of the most sensational shindigs of days gone by.

CARNIVAL IN VENICE

Hands down, no doubt about it, Malibu’s No. 1 party took place in Italy.

Laurel Karabian, Hutton Wilkinson and Bonnie Palef were among the locals joining actor Michael York in the world’s most beautiful city for a spectacular week-long celebration to benefit Save Venice. Decked out in full regalia as Casanovas, queens and courtiers, we sailed into the magical palaces of the Grand Canal, were serenaded by the three tenors of Venice, danced the night away at the 18th Century Ridotto and were completely swept away in time. Magnifico!

HOOP DREAMS

If you’re a sports fan, it didn’t get any better than the L.A. Lakers bash at the Barkar Hangar. Paris Hilton and Marcia Cross joined Kobe, Phil and just about every basketball great alive for an evening of celebrity poker, fun and games. If sharing a gourmet grilled cheese with Kareem wasn’t good enough, there was a sizzling burlesque show by Dita Von Teese. Yowza!

LA PHIL OLE

The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 2006-07 season kicked off with a splashy Spanish-themed gala that was flat out fantastico! After a flawless performance of Ravel’s Bolero, music lovers enjoyed an Iberian feast prepared by celeb chef Joachim Splichal and stomped up a storm with a flock of flamenco dancers.

TOTALLY AWESOME

Nancy Davis’ annual Race to Erase MS bash always makes the list. And this year’s blowout was dy-no-mite! Nancy’s theme for ’06 was disco and her high profile pals went all out. Tabloid darlings Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie graced the catwalk for a far-out fashion show, Tom Arnold took on the auction duties and then Nancy turned the place into her very own Studio 54, complete with live performances from Kool and the Gang, Sister Sledge and Natalie Cole. Most righteous of all? Millions raised to find a cure.

FASHIONABLE AFFAIR

It’s always a blast when mega-designer Roberto Cavalli comes to town. Trend setting scenesters like Mischa Barton, Lisa Rinna, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber joined a stylish crowd to help RC kick off his new vodka line. The place was transformed into a sleek, animal print and crystal covered nightclub befitting all the beau peeps.

THE LIFE OPERATIC

Decked out in dramatic fishtail gowns, dazzling beaded columns, fabulous furs and tony tuxes, music lovers headed to the Los Angeles Opera for an unforgettable opening night. Heavys like Eli and Edythe Broad waltzed down the red carpet and made their way to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for an all-star performance of La Traviata. After the show, revelers spilled into the outdoor plaza, which was turned into a romantic garden filled with fragrant magnolia trees and white roses as far as the eye could see.

SOMETHING TO MARVEL AT

Believe it or not, the folks at the California Science Center are among the best party planners in town. This year’s big fundraiser was based on Marvel comic book heroes. Where else could you party with Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk while sipping chartreuse cocktails, chasing bad guys through Gotham and measuring your superpower strength? Bam!

THIS TAKES THE CAKE

It was the wedding of the year for dynamic fashion duo Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, who hosted a big day bash at a spectacular flower-filled estate in Holmby Hills complete with fashion runway and 12-foot wedding cake. The occasion was to celebrate their union with retailer H&M. Ashley Olsen, Owen Wilson and Kanye West were just a few of the fashionable folks who said “I do” to this dramatic do.

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

There have been many a magical night at David Foster’s place and his final bash at Serra Retreat was an absolute ball. The crowd was diverse to say the least with Oprah and The Donald mixing it up with everyone from ZZ Top’s wild man Billy Gibbons to mild mannered Malibuite Dick Van Dyke. As always, Dave put together a top-notch musical line up. Eric Benet, Baby Face, Renee Olsen and Dave Koz gave it their all to benefit the Grammy Foundation.

SLEEK RETREAT

It seemed like an endless bash all season long at the Esquire House where locals Pierce and Keeley Shaye Brosnan, James Cameron and Ted Danson were honored one night and Stevie Wonder performed the next. The 360-degree city view pad lived up to its rep as “the epitome of 21st Century Living.” From Oceana to City of Hope, Esquire raised big bucks to make a difference in everyday lives.

So here’s to the scenesters who made life hip and had a heart. Looks like 2007 is off to a very good start.