THOM BROWNE OPENS MIAMI STORE IN DESIGN DISTRICT

Thom Browne announces the opening of its Miami store, the designer’s second freestanding American shop.

Thom Browne continues his collaboration with architect Flavio Albanese of ASA Studioalbanese on the design of its newly opened store located within the Moore Building of Miami’s innovative Design District. The 3,000 square foot store neighbors some of Miami’s most prominent art galleries, restaurants and luxury retail boutiques. Behind Browne’s signature slat blind covered windows, the grey subway tile-wrapped boutique features a mobile wall installation that can be shifted to visually transform the space. Outside of the brand’s signature tailored and sportswear offerings, the store’s men’s and women’s assortment is tailored to the temperate climate through the use of seersucker, linen, and lightweight wool fresco fabrics. The mid-century furniture throughout the store is by American and French designers including Pierre Jeanneret, Dunbar by Edward Wormley, Paul McCobb, Jacques Adnet, and Maison Jansen.

Browne notes, “...I am excited for my store in Miami...the design district feels right and feels special and unique within the city...I felt it was important to be part of the design district because of the importance that the area places on art...and my approach to the design of the store is unique to Miami...my grey tile box...i felt the design district deserved a unique retail experience...”

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Balmain opens flagship store in Miami

Balmain announced the opening of its first Miami flagship. Set within the prestigious open-air Bal Harbour Shops, the 200-square-meter boutique displays the brand’s women’s, men’s and accessories collections.

The interior relies on the new store concept for the brand, conceived by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing and designed in partnership with the three young architects from Paris’ Studio AMV: Anna Philippou, Marie-Charlotte Prosperi-Fouchard and Victoire Guerlay. This new concept was first introduced in the brand’s Milan flagship, which opened in April of this year.

“Miami is one of my favorite destinations and my family and I have spent many vacations here. But, of course, the decision to open here has little to do with my love for the area’s beauty and distinctive culture and everything to do with Miami’s uniquely vibrant fashion and retail environment,” explains Massimo Piombini, Balmain’s CEO. “There is a very strong bond between Olivier and America, which is why we are strengthening both our retail and wholesale channels across the United States. What compelled us to choose Miami for the location of our third American boutique is the added bonus that this is a very important destination for the Latin American consumer—and Balmain has long been popular with that shopper, as well.”

For the house’s new prototype design, Creative Director Olivier Rousteing directed the architects at Studio AMV to focus on the house’s Parisian roots. “Since this design will serve as a prototype for all future addresses, Olivier wanted the stress to be placed squarely on the second part of the house’s official name: Balmain Paris,” explained Anna Philippou of Studio AMV. “He made it clear to us that he wanted Balmain to transport Paris to all corners of the globe, to make each Balmain visitor feel the atmosphere of Paris, wherever they may be in the world. But he also ensured—at every step of the process—that this was done in a modern fresh way, that avoided all the expected clichés.”

The Inspiration: The Classic Parisian Hôtel Particulier Rousteing oversaw Studio AMV’s efforts to create the house’s new store concept. “Our brainstorming sessions took off from a consensus on the need to riff on classic Parisian residential architecture,” explains Rousteing. “From there, we ended up breaking down the codes of the hôtel particulier into ten particular elements, each of which was then associated with one key Balmain signature. Since I wanted each store visit to offer experience, intimacy and discovery, we divided the space into a series of connected, distinct rooms, each inspired by the look of a living space (library, garden, boudoir, etc) and each dedicated to the display of one Balmain collection.”

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Behind-the-Scenes at Miami Swim Week with Art Hearts Fashion

Where's the party? Backstage, of course!

I have often said that behind-the-scenes is a fashion show in itself. Make it to Miami Swim Week and it's most definitely a party. See cover photo above - speaks the truth. Now, in fairness, the hair and make-up teams are hard-working, talented artists and they too are backstage, working feverishly to achieve runway beauty perfection. 

The photo gallery featured, chronicles the sexy, organized chaos electrifying the backstage madness of the Art Hearts Fashion brand.

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RECAP: Miami Swim Week Art Hearts Fashion Miami Swim Weekend

 Art Hearts Fashion kicked off Miami Swim Week at Funkshion's Collins Park Tents, with Nick Cannon opening the show. The opening night featured 8 designer including: Vichi Swim presented by Best Talent Group, The Eight Continent, Grayson Boyd, Courtney Allegra, Hale Bob, Cirone Swim, Elie Madi, and the grand finale presentation by none other than Mister Triple X by Erik Rosete who's show opened with Men's Physique world champion Michal Komosny and closing with Nick Cannon. Guests enjoyed amazing shows, a great reception with complimentary sponsored goodies, and an art presentation by Miguel Paredes. Following the shows all guests were invited to the after-party Swim Gala taking place at Ora Nightclub Miami with a special performance by Zoey Dollaz.

On Friday July 21st the Art Hearts Fashion swim weekend team joined forces with Planet Fashion to produce shows for OMG Bikinis, Karma Bikinis and a closing showcase by DSquared2 at the SLS Hotel South Beach. 

On Saturday July 22nd Art Hearts Fashion closed out its 3 days of shows with an epic finale at the SLS Hotel. The event featured 3 designers at 8pm Du Aqua Swim, Argyle Grant, and Holidolls Luxury Swim. The opening showcase was followed by Gabriela Pires and Just Bones boardwear presented by Planet Fashion. The event wrapped up in an epic manner with Billboard chart topper Dyson opening for the finale presentation featuring Honey Bee Swim, Alina Petra, Courtney Allegra and Rocky Gathercole. Guests enjoyed a closing party at Hyde Beach.

The event presented by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation highlighted its #KeepThePromise campaign to promote awareness and safe practices. 

Photos Courtesy of Art Hearts Fashion & Getty Images

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MERRY CHRISTMAS 2015!

I'm in Miami for Christmas. I drove down with my dog, Simone a.k.a. MissFashionado, earlier this week. (Well, I did all the driving, the diva mostly slept.)

I'm spending the holidays with my mother and with my sister, her husband and their two furry little ones, Lola & Lily.

Christmas, and not just Christmas, but the entire holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving and ending with New Year's, has always been my favorite time of the year. I've done the party thing and all that jazz when I was younger but it's being with my family that is the most meaningful to me.

We eat, watch movies, eat some more and exchange gifts. It's a special time. Quality time. There's so much craziness in the world that being around the people I love the most re-fuels [my] humanity on some deeper level.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all. May your day be filled with love!

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Video Tour through Miami's Wynwood Art District

The Wynwood Art District and its Wynwood Walls have become a regular stop in my visits to Miami. Art lovers and tourists alike will appreciate the burst of talent and creativity flowing through and up the sides of window-less warehouses, bringing them to vibrancy. I've presented a photo gallery in the past, but more recently, we had a chance to "play" with our GoPro and take video. Enjoy this tour through the Wynwood Art District and next time your in Miami, make it a stop during your visit!

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Shop the City by Conrad: Conrad Miami Debuts Inspired Luxury Shopping Experience

Conrad Miami announced the launch of Shop the City by Conrad, a guest package providing extraordinary VIP shopping experiences. Conrad Hotels & Resorts understands that its guests are looking for a unique and immersive stay in the cities they visit, and Shop the City by Conrad provides a customizable shopping experience complete with local boutiques and sightseeing. Beginning April 1 through May 21, Conrad Miami will serve as the backdrop for the Shop the City by Conrad experience.

Guests will delight in this bespoke shopping experience, which includes a 2-night stay in the hotel’s Deluxe City View or Premium View Rooms, breakfast-for-two each morning with Miami’s famous Cuban coffee before embarking on a full day of shopping at the city’s chicest boutiques - all from the comfort of their own chauffeured vehicle. 

Conrad Miami has teamed up with some of the most exclusive retail brands in the city including Burberry in Miami’s Design District, Saint Laurent at Bal Harbour Shops, Tourneau in the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, and The Webster – a locally inspired multi-brand boutique on Miami Beach. The hotel’s knowledgeable concierge is happy to offer personalized recommendations for cultural destinations based on the guests’ preferences.

“Miami is known worldwide for its shopping, and Conrad Miami is perfectly located near all the best shopping hot spots in the city,” said Stephane Mercier, general manager, Conrad Miami. “The Shop the City by Conrad package is part of our ongoing commitment to connect our guests with the local culture and excitement of Miami. This experience allows our guests to explore the best of what Miami has to offer from luxury shopping to beaches, great dining, and much more.”

Situated in the heart of the city’s financial district and vibrant city center, Conrad Miami offers contemporary luxury with soaring views of the city and Biscayne Bay. Guests will enjoy the rooftop poolside oasis, gourmet dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Atrio, the newly renovated rooftop tennis courts, and the personalized service for a warm weather getaway. In addition to Conrad Miami, the brand will offer limited-time Shop the City by Conrad stays in select cities throughout 2015, including: Conrad Dubai, Conrad Istanbul, Conrad Tokyo, Conrad Beijing, Conrad Hong Kong, and Conrad New York.

The Shop the City by Conrad package for Conrad Miami starts at $405 per night for a two-night minimum.

For more information on Shop the City by Conrad and details on participating properties and retailers, please visit shopthecitybyconrad.com.

For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts please visit www.conradhotels.com or http://news.conradhotels.com.

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