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by Mayi de la Vega

In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

By Art, Culture, Dining, Events, Food for thought, Interior Design, Music, Philanthropy, Real Estate, Travel, Uncategorized

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, we’re taking a look at celebrations up and down Florida’s east coast. Enacted into law in 1988, the monthlong observance’s dates were chosen since several Latin American countries’ independence days fall during the same time. There are many ways to explore and appreciate Latinx heritage, so read on for more details.

Arturo Sandoval Live

Multi-Grammy-winning, Cuban American trumpeter and composer Arturo Sandoval performs his biopic “For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story” live in concert with the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra at the Arsht Center on October 1 with a VIP after party. HBO’s freedom tale has been digitally remastered for the big screen.
arshtcenter.org

Known as the gateway to Latin America, the dynamic city of Miami is constantly evolving with the influx of new residents, visitors, businesses and brands from all over the world. There’s always something new and exciting to try, whether a starchitect-designed space, museum exhibit or hot restaurant. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Morningside | Wynwood – Midtown

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Pompano Beach Cultural Center is going all out. Its Montage virtual film series screens Miami-based, Ecuadorian director Cinthya Franco’s “Los Colores de Marcia” on September 29. Cuban American opera soprano Eglise Gutiérrez and pianist Luis Urbina perform “An Evening of Spanish Romances, Zarzuelas, and Grand Opera Arias” on October 15.
pompanobeacharts.org

Located along the Atlantic Ocean in Broward County’s northeast corner, Pompano Beach is in the midst of a revival. Its newly renovated amphitheater joins treasured destinations like a namesake fishing pier. Pending additions include the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Pompano Beach and the Bite Eatery food hall. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Pompano Beach

Jacksonville Taco & Tequila Festival

The 2nd annual Jacksonville Taco & Tequila Festival takes over Riverside Park from September 24-25. The benefit for Make-A-Wish, Boys & Girl Club and the Wagoner Foundation features live music on three stages, Mexican fare from dozens of vendors and a curated selection of tequilas to sample. Enjoy a local makers’ market, games and art installations, too.
904happyhour.com

Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville

Hispanic Heritage Exhibition

The Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s Johnson History Museum exhibits “Going Places,” a broad look at Hispanic local heroes who have greatly contributed to the region’s various industries such as hospitality, architecture and media, through December 30. It also hosts the Hispanic Heritage Panel Discussion & Reception on September 28.
pbchistory.org

West Palm Beach sits on the mainland directly across from the island of Palm Beach. The growing city has become a destination in its own right for convention and performing art centers, hip restaurants and shopping of all kinds from major brands to vintage wares. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
West Palm Beach | Palm Beach

Viva Brevard Gala & Festival

The Brevard Hispanic Center’s twofold fundraiser features the Viva Brevard Gala at a fine restaurant on October 8, followed by the Viva Brevard Festival at Fred Poppe Regional Park in Palm Bay on October 15. Both offer lots of Latin flair, entertainment, cuisine, a spotlight on local Latinx-owned businesses and, most of all, pride.
aldiatoday.com

 

Though most associated with the Kennedy Space Center, hence its Space Coast nickname, Brevard County offers so much more. Its world-class Brevard Zoo supports animal conservation, while its largest city Palm Bay is known for innovation and growth. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Indialantic | Melbourne Beach

Salsa & Flamenco

Recently renamed and added to the National Register of Historic Places, the Miami Beach Bandshell hosts a slew of themed performances starting with the Miami Beach Hispanic Heritage Celebration from September 24-25. Take salsa lessons with Melina Almodóvar’s Salsa Orchestra and Salsa Central Dance Studios, and watch Miami-based Ballet Flamenco La Rosa’s “Cielo Y Arena.”
northbeachbandshell.com

Rocky Mountain High

By Art, Culture, Events, Family, Fashion, Music, Travel

Aspen is my forever home in my heart 

One of the experiences I look forward to all year long is my family summer vacation in Aspen. From the moment the plane takes off, I feel like a different person because I’m heading to my happy place. Aspen is unique among ski towns for its enrichment of mind, body and spirit. I have to say that this balance works. I learn so much, while also tending to some much-needed self-care. The quality of the people and place constantly amazes me, and there’s always something new and exciting to see and do. Please enjoy this summer news so you too can come back refreshed and inspired. Have a wonderful time!

Sotheby’s Aspen Gallery

On the top of my list was visiting the new Sotheby’s Aspen gallery. It follows up its inaugural exhibit “In Focus: Warhol on Paper,” which runs through July 31, with a group show titled “Venice in Aspen” that highlights artists in this year’s Venice Biennale. Browse works for sale by Ruth Asawa, Barbara Kruger, Nan Goldin, Jacqueline Humphries, Louise Lawler, Kaari Upson and others from August 2-September 26. The gallery and Cultured Magazine co-host a cocktail reception on August 3 to kick off Aspen ArtWeek.

Aspen ArtWeek

Aspen Art Museum’s second edition of Aspen ArtWeek (August 1-6) culminates with its 17th annual ArtCrush Gala at Buttermilk Mountain on August 5. The weeklong program features art conversations and performances, private collection tours and the “ArtCrush 2022 Auction Exhibition” of more than 50 donated works by artists like Larry Bell and Patricia Leite. Bid online during Sotheby’s preview auction, which opens July 30 and closes August 6 during the gala’s dinner honoring artist Gary Simmons and live auction conducted by Oliver Barker, Sotheby’s senior director and chairman, Europe. Phone and absentee bids are welcome as well.

Special Events at The Little Nell

The Little Nell has a ton of fun food and wine events in the works. A roster of Michelin-starred Relais & Châteaux chefs is on board for the second annual Little Nell Culinary Fest from August 30-September 2. In addition to being wined and dined by the likes of San Francisco-based Quince’s Michael Tusk, Maui-based Hotel Wailea’s Krista Garcia and master somm Jay Fletcher, guests will be treated to a soirée atop Aspen Mountain. Last year’s event sold out, so reserve early. Oenophiles who are interested in exploring sensational cabs from Paso Robles should also book An Evening With Patrimony Estate at The Little Nell on July 27. Co-proprietor Daniel Daou will attend and select complementary wines for Element 47’s four-course dinner. Hop on a bike for the Ride + Dine series on August 24 and September 14. Cyclists are rewarded with an al fresco meal at Mad Dog Ranch in Old Snowmass, Glenn Frey’s and Jimmy Buffet’s former stomping ground.

Sweet Summer Music

Aspen Music Festival widened its variety more than ever for its 73rd season. Though the classic composers are still strongly represented, new genres range from mariachi to a saxophonist’s Baroque piece. But one doesn’t have to visit the festival’s big white tent to hear incredible music. Concerts are popping up all over, such as Theatre Aspen’s Summer Cabaret Series at the Hotel Jerome, and Jazz Aspen Snowmass’s Café Summer Series at the Rooftop at Aspen Art Museum. Stevie Nicks and Chris Stapleton headline the JAS Labor Day Experience at Snowmass Town Park on September 2-4. Head to Snowmass’s Fanny Hill for Thursday concerts, or ride the gondola to Aspen Mountain’s Classical Saturdays and Bluegrass Sundays.

Shopping

When I’m not hiking or taking an exercise class, I like to get a workout by walking around town. I never tire of Aspen’s charming downtown and enjoy checking out the new shops and restaurants. A few Los Angeles brands with locations in the Miami Design District recently moved in:  Alo Yoga, Re/Done for new and upcycled vintage denim and John Elliott for men’s and women’s sportswear, Japanese denim and Italian shoes. For more flashy footwear, Mia Becar popped up at Peri.A boutique through August 15. Nappa leather espadrilles, raffia flatforms and bejeweled jelly sandals are among its selection handmade in Italy and Spain.

 

Raizado: The Latinx House Festival

Another sign that Aspen is constantly evolving for a more inclusive era is a new Latinx event premiering at Aspen Meadows resort and conference center from August 30-September 1.Raizado: The Latinx House Festival, Cultivando Nuestro Futuro will be a meeting of the minds to celebrate the Latinx community through art exhibitions, live music, film screenings, panel discussions and cuisine to empower one another with power, culture and truth. It’s even more meaningful to me since three women founded Latinx House. They named the festival after the concept of “deeply rooted” to emphasize how deeply rooted the Latinx community is within the fabric of our nation. I’m excited to see how their events grow and what they accomplish.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

By Dining, Events, Family, Florida Finds, Holiday, Music, Sports

I had a really special relationship with my dad, so Father’s Day is especially meaningful to me. I also have watched my son and son-in-law become incredible fathers and admire their commitment, patience and love. Let’s honor the fathers in our lives and all the hard work that they do by treating them to special tokens of our appreciation.

Here’s a gift guide for ideas. Have a wonderful holiday!

Yacht Rock

The British royal family, Aristotle Onassis, Hollywood celebrities, Silicon Valley moguls and more have loved being at sea, and their vessels are now celebrated in a comprehensive anthology published by Assouline. “Yachts: The Impossible Collection” spans the inspiration behind the America’s Cup to today’s high-tech superyachts that often dock in Florida.

https://www.modaoperandi.com/home/p/assouline/yachts-the-impossible-collection/521532

 

Fancy Foosball

Recreation meets sculpture in Teckell’s 90° Minuto foosball table. Made in Italy specifically for indoor use, the gorgeous design features solid milled Canaletto walnut and ash woods, stainless steel and tempered clear crystal and glass. It boasts the qualities of a well-constructed yacht and makes a timeless heirloom for all ages.

https://www.modaoperandi.com/home/p/teckell/90-minuto-glass-stainless-steel-foosball-table/520749

 

See-Through Speaker

Transparent Speaker is both the brand and the object. The minimalist addition to his home stereo system—it’s engineered to seamlessly tie into virtual assistants and setups—also makes a great conversation starter. Featuring black aluminum and tempered glass, it creates a crisp, full-bodied sound.

https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/mens/product/transparent-speaker/lifestyle/speakers/small-transparent-speaker/25458910981460197

 

Apple of His Eye

Hermès brings its luxe factor to the Apple watch. Its Apple/Hermès Series 7 single tour 45 mm features a space black stainless steel case, black calfskin band made in France, and ceramic and sapphire crystal back. Good for the Florida lifestyle, the watch has a water resistance rating of 50 meters (approximately 164 feet).

https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/space-black-series-7-case-band-apple-watch-hermes-single-tour-45mm-1AWHS744BLACKpH0008321v89pH078741CZ89/

 

Celebrate Good Times

For summer barbecues and other occasions, dad can break out his champagne bucket from Ralph Lauren Home. The imported piece comes in muted gold stainless steel with navy leather handles. For a more festive gift, fill it with his favorite chilled beverages and let the party begin.

https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/mens/product/ralph-lauren-home/lifestyle/barware/wyatt-gold-tone-and-leather-champagne-bucket/46353151654997163

 

Foodie Fathers

Treat foodie fathers to a meal at one of Miami’s 12 newly awarded Michelin-starred restaurants in the first Florida guide. They include the two-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, as well as the one-starred Ariete, Boia De, Cote, The Den at Sushi Azabu, Elcielo Miami, Hiden, Le Jardinier, Los Felix, Stubborn Seed and The Surf Club Restaurant.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/miami/restaurants

 

McLaren Model

For fathers who were glued to the TV (or track in person) for Formula 1’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix, the Amalgam Collection has created a limited-edition model car of British-Belgian racing driver Lando Norris’s McLaren for the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. Only 500 MCL35M were handcrafted in a spectacular papaya hue.

https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/mens/product/amalgam-collection/lifestyle/art-and-prints/lando-norris-mclaren-mcl35m-2021-monaco-grand-prix-118-model-car/25185454456713758

 

Beach Reading

Check off some of the books on dad’s summer reading list at Books & Books. The Miami-born bookstore even put together a special Father’s Day list to make shopping more convenient. Visit locations in Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Coconut Grove, Bal Harbour, the Arsht Center, Key West, Miami International Airport and online.

https://www.booksandbooks.com/great-books-for-dad/

 

 

Basel Bliss

By Art, Culture, Events

Miami shines for the whole world when Art Basel comes to town.

One of the most fantastic things about living in South Florida is our annual Miami art week. What began with Art Basel Miami Beach in 2002 has grown with additional fairs and exciting exhibits and events. I look forward to it every year and am so happy that we’re returning to in-person events. Besides walking the fairs and finding new artworks, I also appreciate meeting people from around the world and learning from them. I plan to soak up the inspiration all around me.


Of course, everything centers on the main fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center. If you haven’t been to the venue recently, it’s been completely renovated for a vastly improved experience. Definitely start here during Art Basel’s invitation-only preview days and vernissage from November 30-December 1. (It opens to the public December 2-4.) Galleries is its main sector, among many, but I’m also interested to see what Museo Tamayo director and Art Basel guest curator Magalí Arriola has in store for the Meridians sector that focuses on large-scale installations. She’s getting a lot of buzz.


There are too many satellite fairs to mention all of them, but don’t miss these two if you’re staying on the beach. Located in Pride Park across from Art Basel, Design Miami introduced an app to locate booths and other news more easily. Untitled returns to its oceanside tent with guest curators who bring a different perspective like Natasha Becker, curator of African Art at San Francisco’s de Young Museum, and Peruvian writer and TEOR/éTica’s former codirector Miguel A. López. To hear more from these fresh voices, they’re featured in the fair’s new IGTV video series #UntitledUnplugged.


Untitled represents the art world’s shift to promote diversity such as artists of color. David Castillo Gallery in the Miami Design District exhibits news works by Pepe Mar, a Mexican artist who’s known for incorporating designer clothing by Versace and D&G into multimedia collages and assemblage boxes. (I also suggest visiting “Tesoro,” the group show that he guest curated for FIU’s Frost Art Museum.) Jeffrey Deitch gallery pops up with an expanded version of its hit show “Shattered Glass” that focuses on works by artists of color and premiered in Los Angeles earlier this year. To explore Latin American art, visit the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO) and the Pinta fair, which relocates to Midtown Miami for its 15th edition with VIP previews November 30-December 1, followed by public viewing through December 5. Divided into four sections, this year’s Pinta emphasizes solo projects including a photographic installation by Colombian artist Ruby Rumié.


The rise of NFTs is another major theme for Miami art week. Art Basel fair presents “Human + Machine: NFTs and the Ever-Evolving World of Art,” an interactive experience for viewers with leading artists in the movement. The series takes place December 2-4. The week is filled with tons of collection launches and book signings, too. Louis Vuitton premieres its latest Objets Nomades at its women’s boutique in the Miami Design District on December 1. Patricia Urquiola and Humberto Campana are among the series’ collaborators who will speak. Daniel Arsham, an artist who got his start in Miami before going on to collaborate with Dior to Tiffany & Co., signs his new “Sketchbook” at the Miami Beach Edition on December 1.
With all this running around, it’s important to recharge. Swiss beauty brand sets up its La Prairie Beach Club on December 2 for relaxing treatments and a collaboration with new media artist, choreographer and dancer Wen-Chi Su. Other great wellness retreats are Faena Hotel’s Tierra Santa Healing House and Gee Beauty for the most heavenly facials. For healthy bites, Malibu’s favorite juice bar Sunlife Organics opened a Miami Beach branch near Lincoln Road.

Forty & Fabulous

By Art, Culture, Events, Music

Congratulations to Miami’s very special YoungArts on its big birthday!

YoungArts, one of the world’s biggest champions of the next generations of artists, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Miami-based organization, it was founded by Lin and Ted Arison to foster U.S. artists aged 15-18 in various disciplines including classical music, jazz, voice, dance, theater, visual arts and film. Each year, hundreds of winners across the nation receive financial awards and a week in Miami to study and mingle with star experts, many of whom are YoungArts alumni themselves. Just to give you an idea of the talent, Viola Davis, Andrew Rannells and Tarell Alvin McCraney have participated in this program, first as teens, and then as instructors. YoungArts also has enough cachet to get famous non-alums like Mikhail Baryshnikov, Debbie Allen and Wynton Marsalis to share their insight and experiences with the kids in master classes. The nurturing doesn’t end there. Winners are eligible for nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, among many professional networking and career development opportunities and services.

The Arisons passed the baton to their granddaughter, Sarah Arison, Arison Arts Foundation’s board chair who has put her own spin on things. A major rebranding initiative shortened the original name simply to YoungArts and revamped the website and overall look, while recent hires and promotions bring vital new energy to Sarah and executive director Jewel Malone’s vision for the next chapter.

© 2018 Jason Koerner Photography

Many people are already familiar with the annual National YoungArts Week in January, when teens and teachers arrive for workshops and performances that culminate in the YoungArts Backyard Ball at its Miami campus (housed in iconic, historic buildings formerly owned by Bacardi). The 2022 week is slated for January 9-15, but they’re skipping the traditional gala in lieu of a special, earlier celebration in honor of the 40th season. Co-chairs Sarah and her husband, Thomas Wilhelm, are hosting the “40 Years for Artists” birthday bash with cocktails, a seated dinner under the stars and a performance by Queen Esther [and her orchestra], the night’s master of ceremonies who won the YoungArts Theater award in 1983. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is a proud sponsor of this milestone event on November 20.

More festivities follow with the opening of “The Choreographers’ Scores: 2020” in December. The exhibition features works on paper by U.S.-based choreographers, including Camille A. Brown, who were commissioned to imagine a score as a love letter to the future of dance. The Lapis Press printed editions of their scores handmade in quarantine during the pandemic’s shutdown. You can be among the first to see these rare works at the YoungArts Art Basel Miami Beach VIP breakfast and curator tour on December 1.

I’d also like to recommend attending Nu Deco Ensemble’s performance at the Arsht Center on December 10. YoungArts partnered with the local modern orchestra for this concert featuring original compositions by 2007 YoungArts Classical Music award winner Chris Rogerson.

Looking ahead, the YoungArts New York Gala returns on April 11, 2022. Its inaugural event in 2016 commemorated the 35th anniversary. Here’s to many more great years ahead!

Falling for Art in NY

By Art, Culture, Events

A look at the city’s art-filled season, which starts this week with tony fairs.

The Armory Show kicks off New York’s splendid art season. The premier fair has lots to talk about this year, beginning with new dates—September 10-12, with a private preview for VIPs on September 9—and a new venue—the Javits Convention Center, which recently underwent a $1.5 billion expansion, enabling modern and contemporary works to be displayed cohesively. There are new sections and programs, too, including Solo, which focuses on single-artist presentations from the 20th or 21st century, and Armory Off-Site, a large-scale, interactive series of public artworks exhibited at multiple sites around town. Among the latter are Swedish artist Katja Larsson’s new sculptures (titled Empire and Materially Superior) that will be on view at Hudson River Park through December 3; and American artist Josh Callaghan’s installation (titled Social Blocks) in the Flatiron Plaza through November 1. Keep in mind that some of the nearly 200 participating international galleries are only exhibiting virtually due to covid. Others will be showing in person and virtually. Armory Live, a two-day art conversations series, will also take place in person and virtually.

There are several concurrent satellite art fairs. The Future Fair will make its physical debut at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. (The first in-person edition was scheduled for last year but pivoted to a digital-only format.) The concept encourages diversity and transparency, as well as supports artists and galleries through year-round storytelling and authentic engagement with art audiences. Half of its participating galleries are women-owned, while a quarter are owned by people of color. Its dedication to inclusiveness marks a big step for the art fair scene.

Storytelling is also at the heart of Independent New York, a fair designed around the artist experience through inspirational settings and an intimate, rare mix of established, emerging and outsider galleries. Forty have signed on for its 11th edition from September 9-12, at the beautiful Battery Maritime Building (home of Cipriani South Street) with three halls overlooking the water and a spacious outdoor terrace for an exclusive café and restaurant serviced by Cipriani. Independent is also introducing an Online Viewing Room option from September 9-September 26. Beyond booths, the inaugural digital platform features exclusive editorial content like artist takeovers, podcasts and videos.

There are too many great exhibits to mention all of them, but one of immense scope should definitely be on your list. The Whitney in New York and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are collaborating on a monumental, unprecedented retrospective of Jasper Johns, who’s still working at 91 years old. The complementary exhibitions, which are concurrently on view from September 29, 2021 to February 13, 2022, required two institutions to cover his prolific, seven-decade career. Nearly 500 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints range from his iconic flags to recent works to selections from his personal collection that are being shown to the public for the first time. A double-entendre, its title “Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror” references his longtime study of mirroring and doubles, as well as how the two self-contained shows mirror one another.

My Art Agenda

By Art, Culture, Events

I’d like to share my list of exhibits to visit here and during your summer travels.

A clear sign that South Florida is no longer seasonal is the quality of art exhibits that continue long after Memorial Day weekend. I especially enjoy having this time to visit our many incredible museums, galleries and alternative art spaces to see a good show. Here are some of my picks in Miami and other parts of the U.S., in case your summer travels take you there.

I’m so impressed with the level of shows that the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami is curating. They’re groundbreaking and cool, including when the ICA recently exhibited Drake’s custom Rolls-Royce Cullinan x Chrome Hearts in its sculpture garden. It also organized the comprehensive survey “Chakaia Booker” The Observance,” which is on view through October 31. Though most recognized for her sculptures and large-scale installations made with deconstructed rubber tires and rubber conduit, this American artist uses many other tactile materials from bronze to plastic. The show also features two series of abstract paintings in acrylic on various surfaces like wood.

I’m always curious to see what Nina Johnson has going on at her Miami gallery. Her current show “Bhakti Baxter: Heat Transfer” presents new paintings and drawings by the native Miamian who now lives and works in Topanga State Park near Los Angeles. He continues his exploration of innovative techniques, a process that requires drawing grids in blue chalk on raw canvas, soaking the works in water and painting them en plein air. The natural elements affect their outcome, too, thus the “heat” reference in the show’s title.

Every summer, Guild Hall in East Hampton celebrates a major artist. It’s even more special this time, being the 90th anniversary of the treasured cultural institution for art, theater, music and other events. Concurrent with its summer gala, “Robert Longo: A History of the Present” will be exhibited from August 7-October 17. Taking over the entire museum, his massive charcoal drawings offer a critical investigation of history that spans the Abstract Expressionism movement to today. Held the night before the show opens to the public, the glamorous fundraiser features an exclusive preview followed by cocktails, dinner and music at a nearby private venue.

Everyone’s talking about the Alice Neel retrospective at the Met, but I’m also looking forward to “The New Woman Behind the Camera” from July 2-October 3. It’s about the rise of personal cameras in the early 20th century, which became an important outlet for women to express their artistic talents. The show features works shot by 120 photographers during the 1920s to the 1950s. It really gives a global viewpoint, too, since the selected photographers represent more than 20 countries. Subjects range from fashion advertising to portraits to street photography, while some artists are Dorothea Lange, Gerda Taro and Berenice Abbott.

Aspen Art Museum always makes sure to line up premier shows for summer art lovers, and this summer is no exception. “Cerith Wyn Evans: Aspen Drift,” which opens June 11, is the Welsh conceptual artist and film maker’s first presentation at a U.S. museum in nearly 20 years. The witty title references both the state of feeling adrift, as well as the local context, the mountain setting’s snowdrifts. See his sculptures, paintings and works on papers through October 10.

Don’t miss another show by a poet and artist located outside on the rooftop. On view June 11, 2021-September 18, 2022, “Precious Okoyomon: Every Earthly Morning the Sky’s Light touches Ur Life is Unprecedented in its Beauty” is a mixed-media installation combining sculpture and organic matter including plants, soil and water. Since it’s a garden, which the artist will maintain during her residency here, the work will evolve and grow. She’ll also collaborate with other artists and musicians for live performances and seasonal soundtracks.

Moving to Miami

By Art, Beauty, Culture, Dining, Events, Fashion, Florida Finds, Interior Design

Here are some of my local tips for new residents.

Being in real estate, I’m often the first person someone meets when moving to Miami. It’s only natural that they want to know everything about their exciting new town and ask for local tips. Since so many people are in the process of relocating here, I thought I’d put together a quick guide to some of my favorite places, services and events. I hope you enjoy discovering them, as well as cultivating your own gems over time.

Shopping

Miami is a shopper’s paradise. I can’t get over how many incredible stores keep opening here. For a local lifestyle boutique, I recommend the Showroom. The owner has been in retail for decades and knows the market. The South Miami location is geared more toward homewares including Tina Frey’s handmade resin pieces, while Coconut Grove carries more denim. For home, I also shop the extensive collections at Luminaire and Artefacto. Both have huge showrooms in Coral Gables, among many locations, if you’re pressed for time.

For fashion, you can’t go wrong with Neiman Marcus’s two stores here. They cater to the stylish side of Miami with more runway looks and interesting designers. I can always count on their personal shoppers, too. The Miami Design District has really taken off in the last few years. It’s become a major worldwide destination for designer brands like Dior and Hermès, as well as contemporary labels. Recent openings include Alexander McQueen and Stone Island, and there are rumors that Chanel’s coming.

Beauty

I can’t say enough good things about Gee Beauty. I wrote about this family-owned spa and boutique’s 15th anniversary in my blog last year. The Gee women constantly amaze me with their knowledge and service. Their facials are the ultimate luxury, and I love loading up on skin care, cosmetics and supplements on my way out.

If you’re from New York or Los Angeles, chances are you’re already familiar with IGK Hair. The partners behind the salon’s initials actually opened their first location here. They’re also known for their inhouse line of healthy hair products like Good Behavior Blowout Balm, the perfect protection for Miami elements.

Fitness

Miami has a serious wellness scene. There are many state-of-the-art gyms like Anatomy, but I trained one-on-one with Faheem Mujahid. Beyond being a master personal trainer, whose practices extend to yoga, meditation and breathwork, he’s a licensed life coach, mental conditioning expert and mindfulness speaker who’s helped moguls to corporate teams from major brands get on the right track. Check out his podcast and website for upcoming workshops. https://www.faheemmujahid.com/about

Dining

I like to eat light without missing out on flavorful ingredients and beautiful settings. Located on the bay in Brickell, Cipriani has one of the most gorgeous dining rooms in the city. It works on so many levels from power lunches to special occasions. Old World details and authentic cuisine instantly transport me to Italy. Milos in Miami Beach offers a similar vacation vibe. I feel like I’m in the Greek Isles with its airy décor and fresh Mediterranean seafood like whole, salt-encrusted fish and charred octopus. Its homey, private dining room is often booked, and the three-course, prix-fixe lunch is super popular.

Annual Events

Miami is as famous for its nonstop events as its moonrises. Many tourists time their holidays here around them, and locals never get any rest during season. Attending the Miami International Boat Show is a must. But of all of the events, December’s Art Basel fair is tops. Not only did it permanently transform Miami in remarkable ways, but the exchange of ideas and the people you meet during art week can’t be compared to anything else here. It feeds my soul, and I learn so much. I always come away with new inspirations and friends.

 

Miami, Mi Amor

By Art, Culture, Events, Fashion, Florida Finds, Interior Design, Real Estate, Travel

An ode to our vibrant city’s many charms and its new chapter.

Miami is my home. It’s where I grew up, received my education, discovered my career, built my business, raised my family and invested my time and energy into the community. I’m not alone. People have been seduced by its charms going back to early settlers at the turn of the 20th century. They love to vacation here, too, and attend tony events like Art Basel, but many are just discovering our best-kept secret—that it’s also a great place to live and work. Florida has been one of the fastest-growing states for years, and the pandemic has compounded the trend, especially in South Florida.

Every day I hear about a new company, celebrity or mogul relocating to Miami, or at least strongly considering it. Mayor Francis Suarez has been very vocal about collaborating with big tech and startups to establish headquarters or open satellite offices here. He even exchanged words with Elon Musk, who’s already put down roots in the Sunshine State with his SpaceX program.

Goldman Sachs is also scouting South Florida to potentially relocate its asset management arm. The firm’s openness to leaving Manhattan makes sense with the shift to WFH, which should continue post-pandemic for reasons beyond saving significant costs in leasing office space. Other factors for saying, “Yes,” to Florida are our residents’ tremendous wealth; tax incentives including no state taxes, and gorgeous weather to cater to clients on the golf course. It’s really kind of a dream situation for Goldman Sachs.

As an entrepreneur, I can also vouch that Florida offers a favorable climate for businesses of all kinds. Miami attracts a lot of people who are company founders and work for themselves. I always enjoy hearing my clients’ stories about how they worked hard and would like to enjoy the good life now but still stay in the game. The city was built on this independent spirit from visionary developers to the large population of Cubans who came here to be free and flourish.

Besides Miami’s professional opportunities, people are pleasantly surprised about how family-friendly it has become. There are numerous private schools to nurture every child’s personal needs and interests, and several of our neighborhoods offer coveted, A-rated public schools that parents strive to enroll their children.

Local institutions foster our young minds, too. In addition to the new Frost Museum of Science, our plentiful art museums, botanical gardens and even shopping districts provide regular kids’ programming. Sports and an all-around active lifestyle are very accessible to all ages. Indoor and outdoor soccer fields, skating rinks, private and public clubs for sailing, swimming, rowing, tennis and golf, and abundant parks and nature preserves are available to our kids.

Healing nature is just one key element in our growing wellness scene. New residents soon learn that Miami shed its party stereotype a while ago. They partake in yoga and meditation classes and dine on plant-based cuisine at stunningly beautiful wellness centers like The Sacred Space in Wynwood; run and bike Miami Beach’s lengthy beach path, and grab paddle boards and kayaks for a day on the water. Being outdoors is rejuvenating, especially now, and Miami excels in this advantage.

These are only some of my brief initial thoughts on why we’re a hot spot now. And I didn’t even touch on all of our incredible culture. There’s so much to love.

 

Let There Be Light

By Art, Events

Maison&Objet, Paris’s home, design and lifestyle fair, goes virtual for its September edition.

 While Paris trips are on hold for many of us this year, we can travel to the City of Light in our minds. Its internationally renowned Maison&Objet fair for home, design and lifestyle introduced a digital edition through September 18. Normally each of its biannual events receives 80,000 visitors. This year’s attendance is expected to balloon to hundreds of thousands on its Maison&Objet and More (MOM) platform, which launched in 2016 as a way for industry insiders to stay connected.

The platform pivoted with newly added digital showrooms that enable design professionals and the general public to walk the show from their laptops and other devices. Dial your interior designer and meet online to learn about the latest trends and to shop for brilliant items. Filters make it convenient to zero in on categories from furniture to fragrances. The website’s Inspirations section also helps with browsing. Here, the fair invites design experts who own firms, showrooms and boutiques as well as home and design editors from magazines all over the world like AD France and House & Garden to share their favorite pieces. Pieces are broken down into themes, too, like eco-chic and tea time. I’ve included photos of some of my picks that work well for the Florida lifestyle.

A fun fact is that Maison&Objet staged a U.S. edition of its show in Miami Beach for two years. It’s easy to see why since South Florida is a hotbed for forward design. We are lucky to have iconic projects from a plethora of revered architects like the late Zaha Hadid who designed Miami’s One Thousand Museum Residences proudly represented by OSIR. The region offers so many luxury home showrooms as well, including B&B Italia’s first Southeast location that recently opened in the Miami Design District. I definitely recommend a visit.

Maison&Objet also hosts daily digital talks on its MOM platform. I’ve noticed that this year’s programs focus a lot on the return to nature and how to protect the environment—themes we’re all experiencing these days. A few to look out for are sustainable interiors on September 15; post-pandemic hotel design by Miami architect Chad Oppenheim (he just spoke to Forbes about the timely topic) on September 17, and a chef’s point of view on the natural world by Christophe Aribert, the alpine culinary visionary and farmer’s son behind Maison Aribert resort in France’s mountainous Uriage-Les-Bains park—I’d love to take one of his coveted cooking classes.

The fair’s Designer of the Year installation has been postponed until the next event from January 22-26, 2021. The honor goes to architect Franklin Azzi, whose Paris-based eponymous firm is known for whole landscapes that often involves urban planning—his Left Bank promenade along the Seine is similar to New York’s High Line. His impressive portfolio also features stores for French fashion houses like Isabel Marant, Lacoste and LVMH’s brands. I look forward to returning to the real deal in winter and toasting him with a glass of champagne, bien sûr.