H&M Pop Shop on Lincoln Road photo: Alex Tamargo

“Forget the rules, if it makes you happy, wear it!” reads the sign on the wall at the fantastic, brand new H&M pop-up shop just off of Lincoln Road.  It seemed like a delightful figment of our imagination as we approached the store last Thursday morning and saw the famed bright red letters “H & M” on the rooftop.  “Happy” was just the mood inside the store for the private preview- “ecstatic” actually. Partly because the select few who were invited to this “fashion field trip” for a sneak peek of Swedish global retailer  Hennes and Mauritz’s latest fashion forward outpost were among our most fashionable friends, who were like kids in a candy store, and also because we were drinking champagne at 11 a.m. on a stormy Thursday.  In case you didn’t notice, we used the word “fashion” three times in that last sentence- that’s because it’s all about trendy, affordable, fashion (there’s that word again) at H& M. Read the rest of this entry »

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Rag & Bone at the Soho Beach House

Gorgeous, “skinny-bones” sashayed down the runway in beautiful “rags” modeling the latest collection by British designing duo, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, of designer label Rag & Bone on Thursday evening at Soho Beach House. The Grey Goose vodka was as free flowing as the brightly- colored fabrics, in yellow, orange and turquoise, the perfect palate for a place where summer lasts all year.  One look even featured turquoise and orange together- perhaps in homage to the Miami Dolphins?

Over 300 guests filled the area surrounding the downstairs pool for the show, which took place on a platform atop the pool and was presented by Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour and Ocean Drive magazine. Read the rest of this entry »

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour along with special hostess Erin Newberg cordially invited guests to meet designer Christian Siriano on Thursday, November 10. Guests arrived for a champagne reception and luscious lunch bites on the Fine Apparel area of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to view the stunning Fall 2011 Collection, and get a sneak peek into Spring 2012. Those in attendance mingled as they enjoyed the afternoon in the ultra chic lounge setup. Models took center stage on elevated platforms as Siriano spoke through each look featured. Known as the youngest and most popular winner of Bravo TVs “Project Runway,” Siriano featured a mix of his ready-to-wear pieces including beautiful crisp white blouses with flowy bright colored pants, along with fabulous cocktail dresses and ultra glamourous evening gowns.[smooth=id:317;]

Some of our favorite designs this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Milly by Michelle Smith, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Naeem Khan, and Carolina Herrera.

Derek Lam

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Diane von Furstenberg

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DKNY

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Michael Kors

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Nanette Lepore

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Milly by Michelle Smith

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Marc Jacobs

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Ralph Lauren

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Calvin Klein

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Naeem Khan

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Carolina Herrera

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photo courtesy of getty images

Dani Stahl and Elena Kiam

by: Maryanne Salvat 

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012, luxury jewelry brand Lia Sophia, along with creative director Elena Kiam and Red Carpet Collection designer Dani Stahl, hosted an exclusive unveiling of the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection. Guests previewed the highly-coveted pieces while enjoying a beautiful ocean view from the 9^th floor loft at the Soho Beach House. The Special Edition and Industrielle II Red Carpet Collection designs were sophisticated and bold, staple pieces that make a statement. Attendees included: stylist Louise Roe, Victoria Secret Model and actress Alina Puscau, OK Columnist and Celebrity Chef Travis London, socialite Dana Shear, style-setter Henrietta Ronson, and, “The Hills” ,Whitney Port, who was spotted wearing the jewels during her visit to Miami. For a catalogue or more information on Lia Sophia, visit www.liasophia.com. [smooth=id:260;] photo credit: Manny Hernandez

Criselda Breene, Susanne Birbragher, Carlos Betancourt, and Barbara Becker

Miami’s chicest fashion and design crowd gathered at the newly reopened Gucci Boutique in Bal Harbour for an exclusive cocktail party on Tuesday April 5.  The hosts: Barbara Becker, Carlos Betancourt, Susanne Birbragher and Criselda and Jonathan Breene – all decked out in Gucci – welcomed guests including Belkys Nerey, Frank Amadeo, Brian Antoni, Cathy Leff, Iran Issa-Khan, Jeri Wolfson, Jilian Sanz, John Lin, Karla Dascal, Lisa Petrillo, Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson, Jr., Rodner Figueroa, Sam Robin, Gingi Beltran, D. Ashlee Harrison and Susie Wahab. 

The new boutique, designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, evokes the Art Deco era.  Men’s and women’s ready-to-wear styles, purses, shoes, jewelry and accessories as well as the newly launched children’s collection are elegantly displayed amid luxurious accents in rosewood, marble, ribbed glass and polished gold.

 In honour of its 90^th Anniversary, and to demonstrate its commitment to art preservation and restoration, Gucci is making a special contribution to The Wolfsonian–FIU to support the future installation of the Italian Double Parlor (1900-01), a rare surviving example of Italian art nouveau designed by Agostino Lauro.  [smooth=id:229;] photo credit: Manny Hernandez