FLLFW MAGAZINE SPRING 2022

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

1

-

TRES CHIC! WHAT FASHION ACCESSORIES YOU MUST HAVE IN 2022

TRAVEL ADVISE

YOU WANT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE THE FLIGHT

SPRING BEST

BEAUTY TIPS

+ FLLW

BY CELESTE P. COHEN

2022 DESIGNERS SPOTLIGHTS

MEET THE BOSS

SOFIA

CASTRO EDITION Nº 13

2

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

3

AVAILABLE AT MACY’S GALLERIA MALL FORT LAUDERDALE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

4

CEO & PUBLISHER FLORENTINA WEST @FLOWEST1 PRESIDENT/PRODUCTION GRANT C. WEST EDITOR FLORENTINA WEST ART DIRECTOR ARIANA DE STEFANO @ARIANA_DESTEFANO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GRANT WEST EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MACIELLE HERRERA @MACIHERRARA PHOTOGRAPHER WELLINGTON GUZMAN @WELLINGTON_MIAMI

Contents 08 FASHION ACCESSORIES 10 MIAMI ART WEEK ‘21 14 ALL ABOUT FLLFW ‘21 50 MEET THE BOSS 64 MAKEUP TRENDS 70 MEET THE DESIGNERS 76 YAZZIN 80 TRAVEL TIPS 83 UNIQUE-MODERN 85 FLLFW CAMPAIGN

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT/STYLIST BRITTANY MITZAN @BRITT.MITZ

COVER CREDIT ------------------------PHOTOGRAPHER RICARDO REYES @TECHYOURPICTURE

STYLIST ZAKIYA WALCOTT @ZAKIYAWSTYLIST

DIRECTOR BRITTANY

@BRITT.MITZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR BRITTANY

@BRITT.MITZ DESIGNERS/BRANDS MACY’S GALLERIA FORT LAUDERDALE 2314 E. SUNRISE BLVD, FORT LAUDERDALE (954)537-2300

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

A LOOK INSIDE

WWW.FLLFWMAGAZINE.COM

5

6

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLL FASHION WEEK 2023

FASHION WEEK SHOW FASHION YOUR WEEK BRAND FASHION WEEK FASHION WEEK FLL FASHION WEEK IS TAKING APPLICATION FOR DESIGNERS AND BRANDS THAT ARE INTERESTED TO JOIN THE 2023 EXPERIENCE. EMAIL: INFO@FLLFASHIONWEEK.COM

WWW.FLLFASHIONWEEK.COM

7

8

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

A combination of refreshed classics and bold new favorites are popular this year. From an update on the classic beret to the much-loved ’00s wide waist belt, there are plenty of new pieces that will elevate your existing wardrobe. Traditional jewelry like pearls and gold earrings get a fresh update and are sure to inspire you. Some of these are the renewed staples, and others are made for the bold fashion risk-taker. These are the latest accessory trends spotted at Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Weeks, and tips on where you can find them

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE Escape to Paris without leaving the country by adding a netted beret into your wardrobe. This combination of a fascinator and hat is excellent for a tailored ensemble, such as a sundress or belted shirt dress. Keep the silhouette of your outfit and jewelry minimal to emphasize the bold headwear. To rock the look like a real Parisian, place it on the head, covering most of your forehead, and an inch behind your ears. Pull one side down, so it sits on a slant.

¹

9

2

5 4

3

7 6

8

9

10

(1) Beret with the Net (2) Wide Waist Belts (3) Purple Bags (4) Chunky Platform High Heel Boots (5) Layered Double Chain Necklaces (6) Pearl Jewellery (7) Colored Prada Gloves (8) Head Scarf (9) Statement Gold Hoop Earrings (10) Over sized sunglasses

10

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

MIAMI ART WEEK MADNESS FLLFW MAGAZINE hosted one of the best event during Miami 2021 ART WEEK at SLS HYDE in South Beach. From live musical performances, art exhibition in collaboration with SUNSET RENDEZVOUS and Nolcha Shows productions. The chic event was full of fashion and besttrends of the season.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

11

12 12

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

A Letter

is a big number. It's exactly how many months we have in a year and it’s symbolic of these past twelve months. To think how different life was 12 months ago. The fear of when all the havoc would end, the hope for a better future, and to hug our loved ones once again. A lot of people felt the same way and it was a testament to how this past summer’s FLLFW 2021 show went. Big smiles without a worry, hugging, and conversations in person again, as the host of the show, it was an amazing experience to share the stage with some of the best designers FLLFW has seen to date. We had laughs, tears, and every good emotion in between celebrating fashion and expression of style together.

This issue represents a new kind of “normal” to all of us. The importance of “self-care” and what it means to each person can be very personal as Aline Lowry mentions in our Cover Story. She and I had a conversation as I was here in Fort Lauderdale and she was below the Equator in Minas Gerais, Brazil yet still able to talk as though we were in the same room. My husband is from Brazil and I appreciate Aline’s authenticity to her culture and her first home.

Editor from the

Never let others tell you your dreams can’t be achieved, stay consistent, be authentic, & people will trust you and follow your journey.

We can understand that theory because that is why Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week Magazine is here, Because of You. Your continued support in the arts and fashion with a company like us is what keeps all of our dreams alive.

7 years ago Florentina gave me ( a 23-year-old fashion college graduate) an opportunity to start small but dream big, and this is why she gave me the greatest gift of all, she believed in me. Her vision and passion are what keeps this circus alive and it has changed so many lives.

This is just the beginning of so much more to come.

As you read through this FLLFW Magazine Issue 12 remind yourself to take in the little moments this Holiday season. The laughs, the smiles, and that “together” feeling again. Like it was once said, “I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words.” So clink those glasses, celebrate life, and take in the moments with a little more gratitude as this year comes to a close. Remember that today is the youngest we'll all ever be for the rest of our lives, So live it up!

Sauld, L’Achim, Um Brinde, & Cheers!

Moura n a tz i M Brittany BRITTANY MITZAN-MOURA EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR FLLFW MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

BE READY FOR THE

SUMMER ARTCOL.COM

13

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

14 2021

FLL FASHION WEEK REVIEW

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

15

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

16

FLL MADNESS MAGAZINE SUMMER RELEASE PARTY AT EASTON ROOFTOP FORT LAUDERDALE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAYMATV

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

17

18

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW

in collaboration with Macy’s Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale

MACY’S

Our Opening Night was hosted

by MACY’S in Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale; undoubtedly a night of inspiration for all in attendance. In collaboration with Scentsability Candles and IDDEAL Foundation, FLLFW brought a show that was impactful in a way that made everyone feel their attendance mattered.

Bringing current trends from some of MACY’S most recognizable designers; Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Micheal Kors, DKNY, ALFANI, and INC. International Concept, to name a few, were some of the incredible looks styled by our Stylists Dana Yurglich. Special guest appearances down the runway by the Dining Divas (Denise Casale, Christine Curran, Kativa Channe), our very own Ambassador Milan and her brother Zalen, and to the ones that stole the show, Alexis “Lexy” Chung, Jessica Schmidt, and Micheal D’Angelo “the three’s company” that absolutely killed their looks down the runway. These 3 incredible ambassadors of IDDEAL Foundation brought warmth and kindness to our event that we are so thankful for. Thank you to IDDEAL Foundation’s board member Sofia Castro and her team for making this entire event so special with their involvement.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

19

IDDEAL Foundation Lexie Chung

20

Rocking the Runway at Macy’s Galleria

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

21

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELLIGNTON GUZMAN

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO REYES

22 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

23 G.DESTIN COLLECTION & ACCESORIES

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO REYES

24 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

HOT MIAMI STYLES

25

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO REYES

26 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

27 KISTORKAT COLLECTION - ACCESORIES

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO REYES

28 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

29

CARMEN DA TATIANA SS 21

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO REYES

30 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

31

KHANGLE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO REYES

32 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

KHANGLE

33

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO REYES

34 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

35

VERSA - LUX

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELLIGNTON GUZMAN

36 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

LUIS APONTE

37

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELLIGNTON GUZMAN

38 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

39

CHANTWA COLLECTION

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELLIGNTON GUZMAN

40 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

BOHEMIAN WOMAN

41

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELLIGNTON GUZMAN

42 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

DARE TO WEAR BY CHRISTY

43

EDITION 12

7th ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK

/

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WELLIGNTON GUZMAN

44 FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW SUMMER 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

TONY VISIONS

45

EDITION 12

46

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

47

48

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

The SLS South Beach: Miami’s Most Seductive Hotel

FEEL FLAWLESS. FIND YOUR FLAIR. FLAUNT WHAT YOU GOT. WELCOME TO FORT LAUDERDALE’S FAVORITE ADDRESS FOR FUN & FLAVOR.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

49

VISIT US 2414 East Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

50

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

SOFIA CASTRO “WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE BEST IN ANY INDUSTRY”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: RICARDO REYES STYLED BY: SAKIYA WALCOTT WARDROBE: MACY’S GALLERIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY: CELESTE P. COHEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: BRITTANY MOURA MITZAN

A O

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

Sofia in her mansion wearing the Almost Famous Halter-Neck Ribbed Dress. Find this dress at Macy’s for $30

51

52

We are honored to have you and very excited to be able to be here with you and share this amazing experience. This incredible woman sitting next to me emulates everything that a “girl boss” or entrepreneur or however you want to put it these days dreams to become. I mean, there's a synonym for the new hashtag everyday for but the idea of where she's come from and where she is today is a great example of what it means to bring unity and have a team together that only enhances and brightens your life. So that being said, without further ado, Sophia, how did you get started?

SOFIA: Well, thank you so much for the introduction. It was awesome.

I'm bringing her home with me every single day! So I got started really young in being an entrepreneur in life. I got married, I met my husband at 18 years old. We started very, very young because well, we started with zero. We both came from parents that were very and extremely humble. My parents came from Cuba in 1959 with absolutely zero. They needed to run away, well for obvious reasons. When they got here, my father was a hustler. He just came straight over here and said we need to make this happen.

We need to get it done. And he had three jobs as soon as he got here and from that point on, he just went ahead and started just getting life going for us. I wasn't born just yet but we're seven siblings and I'm the youngest.

FLLFW: So how many siblings did your family have before he had three that were already there when first coming to the US? SOFIA: 4 born and one on the way. He was a hustler. He loved women. That's for sure. So yeah, so when I was born, it was already a lot better because he was you know, so I was born in ‘71. By then he was already established. He had already bought a home and so forth. So when I was born, you know, I had already an advantage that my family was already established, but always extremely humbled. I mean, my mom wasn't able to work because she had seven kids. So she wasn’t able to work.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FLLFW: Technically she worked 365 days.

SOFIA: Yeah, it never stopped up for a woman. She was a great stay at home mom and wife. She loved it. She was born for that, which I absolutely was not born to be a housewife. When I was 18 years old I met my husband.

I had already dropped out of high school because I was I couldn't stay in school because I wanted so much more out of life and my parents couldn't afford to buy me a car, buy the clothes that I like, you know, ever since I was little, I've always liked to be dressed very fashionable. And see that and my parents just couldn't afford what I wanted to wear. So I decided that I was going to drop out at the end of 10th grade and go work so that I could afford to buy a car and buy clothes.

FLLFW: You wanted your freedom.

SOFIA: Yeah, but the two things I wanted the most were my car and my clothes. That was it. That's the only thing I wanted, I'm still that way. I love my cars. I'm a big car person and I love my clothes.

FLLFW: So with each period in your life, I still feel like whatever your morals, your values, your dreams. Your ambitions.

Stay true to who you are, but they just evolve as time and your success evolves as well.

SOFIA: Definitely. Yes, I've been very steady with those two.

They've just evolved into something really big.

Fortunately, I have been able to get to the level that I really love. So yes, I'm 18 years old. I met my husband shortly after I got pregnant. By mistake, it wasn't on purpose. But a big blessing to have my daughter I adore. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be where I'm at today. We wouldn't have all of this. That drive, where we needed to get that fast and not wanting to stop. So it's a very big blessing. But at 18 years old, when I met my husband we decided he has a big, also very positive personality and mindset. Always wanting more than what his family gave him. And just together, the force of us two together, meeting just created this big explosion.

We were able to create success in our lives. And people ask how did this happen? And I still don't know to this day. It was just a matter of having that Positive Mental Attitude. And knowing that we had a goal and that we needed to reach it and we weren't going to stop that nothing gets in between us getting to that goal in life.

And fortunately enough we have done very well for ourselves and created extreme generational wealth for our families.

FLLFW: That generational wealth is a huge motivational part of why you travel while you're able to do basically whatever you want at any time, which I think is the

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

53

INC Space-Dyed Duster Cardigan available at Macy’s $79

54

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

55

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

56

FLLFW: For anyone, especially here in the United States, but around the world. Everyone comes here to this country for that freedom and that liberty and that opportunity to succeed. So to see that you have not only done it for your family, but you've done it for your parents, and Bobby's parents is incredible. It’s something to be really proud of today and yesterday and then for the rest of your life. I applaud you for that.

SOFIA: It was hard work, but you know what, I loved it every minute of it. I wouldn't change a thing anybody asks me all the time, would you change anything and I'm like, I will not change one thing that I went through, even getting pregnant at 19 years old, having many many many mistakes in our lives, going through turbulence that were unexpected and every little step of my life I have learned so much from and I've been able to carry this on and be able to express this to others and not to give up to share that through that and even from my own family, my kids, my grandbabies. I hope my great grandkids also take this message and be able to do what we were able to create and continue it because it's been an amazing journey.

FLLFW: That's incredible. That that is the American dream like that is where you come from. That is where everyone leads to become : it's just incredible to know you personally and have the honor of watching you in your everyday life and know that you should be so proud and you are proud.

SOFIA: It's incredible, extremely, extremely proud and I always preach to others, you know, don't give up reaching for the stars. Have goals to get there. I did it. You could do it too. I mean, it's just it.

FLLFW: So we've already done where you were in your past where you are today, but so what about the future? I know this is a fashion magazine. Your style is very particular and in the sense of it exemplifies who you are. We already know that you were born and raised during a time when women were not only encouraged but dedicated to staying home right?

And to dress a certain way to act a certain way. You've created this lifestyle for yourself. Where does your style differentiate from maybe other women your age?

"If I want to dress up, dress down, go to the gym. It doesn't matter. And I love that because I think I said, I just love to be put together. It makes me feel good."

FLLFW: You know, and that's like, it's so incredible to watch. The generational wealth that you speak of, but beyond that, your representation of how successful you are and your personality. They don't really “mesh” which is a good thing, like a really good thing. Because a lot of the time you meet people with extreme wealth, but their attitude extremely sucks, right?

SOFIA: Yes, yes, I've run into quite a few.

FLLFW: What I’ve noticed is you never let it absorb you and there's always something to learn. And that you haven't ever met your cap of anything. There's always something to evolve from, no matter how much money is in your bank account or in your investments. Speaking of investments, from what I read, you reach the billionaire mark in June of 2019. Correct?

SOFIA: So we sold our company for the valuation of a billion dollars in 2019. Yeah.

But, you know, like everything we didn't, you know, pocket the you know, we're reaching it, we're reaching here. Yes, we have. We started a company in 1993 or ‘94 with $0. My mom actually lent myself and my husband $1,800 to purchase this manual to create a business that we just ran into. And we took that business from zero to being able to sell it in 2019 for $1 billion in valuation.

SOFIA: You know what, that's a difficult one. I have this style I'm like I said from a little girl. I've always loved to dress and look my best, what I think is my best because the only thing I care about is how I feel but I love to always look very put together. And for that reason, you know, I also have a stylist (@its_fashion_daahling) that I absolutely adore because you know I'm a very busy woman. I work as you know, even though I have reached my success in life, I don't have a ceiling and I work every single day, even weekends. I don't like to stay put. So I don't have the time to always get my clothes together and I always have events and I speak at conferences and so forth. So having Amereen has been a blessing in my life because I wake up and I have exactly what I want to wear. She knows me to the “T”.

SOFIA: Oh my god, I can't wear my outfits more than once. I just can't. Yeah, so it's really difficult.

FLLFW: What helps you the most is your team. I've met your team before I hung out with your team. They're incredible people. Laura, Amereen, How many people do you interact with on an everyday basis, give or take?

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE 18

57

SOFIA: In my company in the eternal small family office that we have. We have 12 people but I own multifamily apartment buildings throughout and in every apartment building.

We have staff so I have over probably close to 80 to 100 employees, but I only interact on a daily basis with around 12 of my employees that then delegate.

FLLFW: See, and that's the most important thing is to have a good foundation and again that that moral support everything you have all of that in your internal playbook. And then those internal playbook players do the best delegation they can.

SOFIA: Delegation is the best thing they've ever created for an entrepreneur. I love delegating, because you know, we can't do it all and we can't be the best at all. So having the best people that can do the best things around is awesome. I love to be able to be around people that can carry on the task at their best abilities. Which then at the end makes me the best. And as a team, all of us create nothing but the best.

FLLFW: Speaking of the team, you and Bobby, right.

Yes. So you started at 18,19 years old, you had your small investment of $1800. And so now, how has your dynamic changed while increasing your revenue and changing your streams of income? How has that stayed consistent while evolving in your business?

SOFIA: You know our relationship has stayed very consistent. We have been together for 32 years and it's not been easy there. It's not that it's not literally sold Orion it has been a nice little roller coaster. But you know even through the goods and the bads.Trembling times, it doesn't matter. Our relationship has always stayed extremely steady. We understand each other. When he's in a bad mood. If I'm in a bad mood, if we're in a good mood or you know, it doesn't matter. Our relationship never gets interrupted with anything that's going around as a matter of fact, it makes it very strong because whenever he's down, I can stand up. If I'm down, he can stand up for me and we kind of hold each other's hands and or push each other or drag each other whatever they may.

But you know, it's been extremely blessing to have him and really because we're both a partner to each other. Relationships in a marriage, you know, business working together all day. Being at home all day. It's like we're always together. It's extremely difficult. Especially meeting at 18 years old.

You know, we were children when we met, you really don't even know yourself at that age. And we've been able to grow in different stages together, which has been amazing because you could grow and then the other person grows a different way or and it just doesn't work and it's for us. It's just been such a blessing that we've been able to grow together in all different stages of our lives. I love that.

58

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

59

60

Guess Amber Rib Mix Crisscross Sweater $69 Lauren Ralph Lauren Striped Pencil Skirt $145 At Macy’s Galleria

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE FLLFW: So many people might have different ambitions, different dreams, but if you again either push each other, hold each other's hand, one way or drag on whatever it is, but you keep it even while it changes whatever the other person needs, you know that because you've been with them for so long. It's really empowering to still in today's age, being an independent woman and having your own life and dreams. You still have a partner that compliments that.

SOFIA: Yes, it's awesome. I hope that for every woman out there, because it's been amazing.

FLLFW: And from what I was reading you you love to create this opportunity for women in particular, where you know we are in a man's world unfortunately we run on the men's ecosystem, but you you've you've created this opportunity in this I guess space of well, especially for single women for mothers who might have the opportunities presented to them. You're giving them the opportunity, to make wealth for themselves. Having a real conversation about wealth here.

SOFIA: I'm actually building a course which should be out hopefully by the end of March, beginning of April, something like that, where I'm going to be able to teach. We're going to have three different levels of of what can I say like a course in a mentoring ship that I'm going to create where I'm going to teach the beginner beginner that has not yet come into this real world and has no real time or foundation where they want to go but it's very strictly into real estate.

E

Entrepreneurship, then, you know, there's one in the middle where they're trying to get their feet wet and they haven't been able to be successful. And then one that's where, you know, a professional woman that wants to get involved into entrepreneurship, and real estate. I'm going to be mentoring them.

I love supporting women. The reason why I'm so passionate about it is because I've seen these women, especially Spanish, Latin women, relying on these men to be able to create wealth for themselves. And I have been so blessed to have a husband that's always been completely opposite.

He encourages me to become powerful, be my own person, create. We've always been in business together. He does not do any kind of business decisions without counting me and has always been that way and I love that and I see so many women out there that feel that they can't be there themselves.

They can't be an entrepreneur, they can't go into business because they want to rely on their husband. They want to and there's no reason for that unless you want to be a stay at home mom and a wife and be dependent if that is for you, that's beautiful, there is nothing wrong with that. We need women like that. Definitely.

61

I'm not, you know, saying anything wrong with that. But if you want to be successful in other aspects of your life, or if you want to be empowered, but you're being held back because you either feel that you have to wait for a man or your spouse or your partner, whoever is holding you back, this is where I like to step in and show them that there's no need for that, you could do it. I love to be able to motivate women because I've been there. I've been able to be successful and been able to go through all these trial and errors. And if I could help and give back to all these women, that's what makes me fulfilled FLLFW: That's what drives you to find something else. And in a space where again, it's mostly men.

SOFIA: Yes. Extremely. The industry (Real Estate) is extremely powered by men. Yeah, think that they're the only ones that can do it. And when I step into a room and I love when my husband and I step into a room and they start talking to my husband, and he directs the conversation, the question to me. I love it. I love to step into a room of all men and be able to show them that us women can do it too. We multitask way better than men.

FLLFW: That is so great. So with your relationship right? Does Bobby have the same passion in fashion at all or is it just really you know, that really I tried to push his dresses really well, luckily, but I tried to get him to have a stylist and get his clothes but he dresses really well so it's good.

He doesn't know he's not so he doesn't care as much as I do. But at least he likes to look well.

Unknown 22:02 Yeah, he knows me, you know that I happen to be you know, intact and it's funny because his brother is a lot like me. His brother has a stylist. I like to be dressed to the tee and, and not have to worry about going shopping and going to get it and so forth. And it's funny and his wife and my sister-in-law are like Bobby, so it's really funny. Yeah.

FLLFW: What they do is they probably just pull from you guys see.

That's really funny.

So your day to day routine, what does that look like for you? I'm like, you know, on average, I'm talking about I know you're always busy. This interview was a lot of work to schedule. Yes, but you're here today. Good. But on an everyday basis, what does that consist of?

62

SOFIA: So my daily routine and it doesn't matter if I'm on vacation or not. I wake up every morning at 6 in the morning. I go to work.

That's my first thing I have to get my workout in. It's something that's extremely important for me, especially when you get a little bit older that you know you have to make sure that that body keeps moving. Keep it going. You know, so it's extremely important. So no one can schedule any meetings, call anything for me before 9am Because I love to go to my workout or run or walk whatever. I work out every single day of my life. Then after that 930 comes around and I am booked to the tee. Every day I have to go see properties. I have to meet with my stylist, which is very important. I got to squeeze in time for that. Um, so then you know and I work until like eight o'clock at night every day because you know, it's for me, it's not really work. For me, it's just like I love to be busy. I love to be able to create, continue this generational wealth machine that I'm trying to leave for 100 years to come. So I'm extremely busy on a daily basis, but in my mornings Nobody could touch and nobody could interrupt.

FLLFW: So that's where you create those boundaries for yourself. I'm sure with the level of success that you do having those boundaries is what has kept you sane while you've evolved.

SOFIA: Yes, because without that sanity you can. I need that. I need that “me” time, and that “me” time is my workout. That's what makes me good in my mind and my energy daily. I need that in order to come into this office and be able to get my day going 100%.

FLLFW: When do you think that started for you? Why did you make that decision?

SOFIA: You know, I've always loved working out I've always been in my routine, my daily routine, but about sort of my about 15 years ago, I incorporated the morning time because I used to work out whatever time is whenever I can fit it in and then I started like not liking it because I would fit in 20 minutes, 30 minutes. Sometimes I wouldn't have to skip it. And about 15 years ago I said no. This is going to be my life. I need my workout in the morning. And I just incorporate it into my daily routine. Like if it was my job. Yeah. And I'm trying to tell you a lot of people tell me oh my god, but you're so consistent with your gym. Well, for me it's consistency because I put it in my schedule. And everybody knows that that time is already scheduled. It's a job for me. Yeah, I got to just like I have to attend a meeting. I’ve got to attend. That is my fuel and I need it. So it's just incorporated. If you put it in your schedule, like if it's a meeting you're going to be there at least for me, that's just my consistency. I'm very respectful of my meetings and people that I have to meet have to be there on time and I have to show up that well, to me that's showing up for yourself.

FLLFW: And that I think that's a huge takeaway for like where you got in your life and how important things are to you. That being a woman it takes a lot of extra time to do a lot of extra things, right?

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE We don't just get to wake up, brush our teeth, put a comb through our hair and walk out the door like it's a lot more of a process. So I applaud you for giving yourself that time and then some to be like this is how I know how to show up for the best days.

FLLFW: You're an inspiration to so many women and so many young girls that the real estate industry can be overwhelming. Okay, it's very possible because we see women like you doing it. It's been such an honor to have this experience with you. But lastly, I just wanted to ask you, if you could tell yourself one thing, and 25, what was something that you would tell yourself then?

SOFIA: You know, I think it's that I would tell a young woman out there to always have goals and don't be afraid to have big goals. But take step by step to get there. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon. And some women get discouraged and they say I want to be whatever you want to be but I don't have the education or I don't have the money or I don't have anything to start with. Don't let any of that noise interrupt where you want to get to in life. Even if it takes you 10 years, have a big goal and then just take baby steps to get there. And every quarter, every year, make sure you look back at them and make sure you're getting there. Little by little it doesn't have to be fast. It can be a very little, it took us 20 something years to get where we're at so really not that long, though. It's really not when you think about it like that. A Lot of

"People give up because they feel like it's too long to get there" But life goes on no matter what. It's like a lot of people come to me, they say Oh, I can't go to school like it's four years but the four years go by and the time goes by so it's up to you to maximize that time. Never give up. If you really want it, if you have a dream board, if you have a desire, write it down. Get there. You could get there somehow and in some way. You could get to that end goal.

FLLFW: Yeah, that's incredible. Sofia, thank you so much for having this interview with us. We are so honored to cover your story. & Of course for the show. It's going to be a fantastic experience. Now that we're out of quarantine and practically on the other side of this pandemic, we're onto bigger and better things. This is just going to exemplify a big celebration of women.Thank you so much. It's been an honor. We love you. We will see you, your team and everyone else at the Fashion Week Magazine Release Party and FLLFW Shows this March.

Happy Fashion Everyone!

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

63

64

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

The Hottest

MAKE-UP TRENDS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2022 - BY CELESTE P. COHEN

Believe it or not - winter is finally coming to an end. That means it’s the perfect time to plan your new makeup looks.

The best way to start the year is with the hottest Spring/Summer 2022 make-up trends that will turn your everyday beauty routine into something to talk about.

Runways from New York to Paris gave us all the glamour we’ve been longing for, led by a true essence of the 90s. Bold colors, glittery eyelids, face decor - so many incredible styles to note that will make your look the fiercest yet.

Graphic Neon Eyes If the 90s gave us one thing, its accent colors. Going bold in the details was a clear trend across the catwalks, especially through eyeliner. Graphic neon eyeliner - as well as eyeshadows, made an unforgettable appearance, making eyes pop along the runway. Don’t be shy to layer your eyeliner, creating a stunning rainbow-like effect that makes your eyes stand out.

Glossy Lips Lipgloss is back, a nod to the fashion of the late 90s and early 2000s, lipgloss returned with major magnetism for the Spring/Summer 2022. What stood out most was just how versatile the lipgloss will be in 2022. Looks ranged from glassy vinyl lips to a naturally sexy Carrie Bradshaw-esque lip shine.

No matter which looks you fancy, fashion made it clear that this year is all about gloss.

FLLFW MAGAZINE

Metallic Eyes The accents on the runway didn’t stop with bold colors.

Dramatic and metallic eyeshadows graced eyes all down the runway, with colors like lilac and light blue coming back into style again. Many artists, such as Dua Lipa, Vanessa Hudgens, and Jennifer Lopez, are loving these colors this season, adding serious appeal to both daytime and nighttime looks.

Layering your eyeshadows with tiny foil flakes is also a major trend, giving your eyes a mirror finish. Mac Cosmetics has launched an amazing ad with the iconic celebrity singer Cher, where she is wearing the blue and silver metallic colors in a fabulous way.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

65

Statement Blush

Spring/Summer 2022 showed us unique ways to make our faces just glow with one single thing - blush. Colorful blush graced the faces of models in various shows, contouring and lifting cheekbones, while also adding more magic to the eyes and temples. While this all may seem daring, harnessing the power of blush in your contour is something you can easily integrate into your look. By playing with blush shades to suit your complexion, you can make a glamorous makeup statement.

Decorative pieces 2022 is the year to express yourself in embellishments, it's all about face decorations. Channeling your own style through face gems is a prime style trend for the Spring/ Summer season. Think crystals, rhinestones, eye foils, or anything Gwen Stefani would proudly sport back in the 90s.

These decorative pieces can even expand beyond sparkly jewels. Tattoo transfers and face stickers both made a debut on runways in Europe, suggesting how you can make a courageous entrance into the new seasons by broadcasting your own style, all on your face.

This year Fendi surprised us with a space and science fiction look by using Swarovski crystals all over the faces of models, giving them a cutting edge look.

The hottest makeup trends for 2022 are all about daring looks that challenge you to accentuate your beauty and show off your own eccentric style. From glossy vinyl lips to striking statement contours, there are plenty of ways to bring out a bold 90s look this year.

66

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

67

Our quarterly magazine showcases fashion inspiration for men and women looking for information on local events, travel, leisure, beauty, celebrities, charities, trends, eateries, music, design, and more. FLLFW Magazine features a diverse range of thriving businesses and emerging fashion brands including Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week designers and Kid’s Fashion Weekend.

FASHION / STAYCATION / BEAUTY WWW. FLLFWMAGAZINE.COM

We collaborate with local and national brands for 4 days of high fashion runways as well as a quarterly Magazine Cover Release party with digital and print campaigns year round.

68

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

MELRUB Meliza is a mixed media & visual artist who uses acrylics and oils on different canvases from Wood to skin.

Meliza was influenced by Marlene Pratt and her interior design work, by her mother's portraits drawings at a very young age, and artists such as Malika Favre, Jackson Pollock, Lynda Benglis, Ian Davenport, Robert Delaunay, and Gerhard Richter. Meliza was born in 1989 in Norwood, New Jersey; however, she lived the majority of her life surrounded by the Caribbean Sea in the colorful, picturesque city of Santiago, Dominican Republic. Her mother was a portrait artist who gave up drawing to raise a family, but from an early age encouraged Meliza to explore her creativity and develop her own artistic talent. Meliza fell in love with painting during her very first art class in the second grade. Her study of Architecture & Design for two years at Pontificia Universidad Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in Santiago and later Interior and Exterior Design at the Art Institute of Tampa cultivated her use of strong lines in her work.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

69

70

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

PRESENTS:

MEET THE DESIGNERS JMARCH 13-19 2022

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

Alexandra Nunez, ByAlexas is an arising clothing company

71

dedicated to making women of all ages and backgrounds feel beautiful through a universal language: fashion. Our handcrafted pieces are uniquely designed to make our clients look and feel beautiful. We create an array of timeless, comfortable, and affordable designs to suit your style for any occassion. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Byalexas is proud to say that our products are 100% Made in USA. Our goal is to help women feel confident and beautiful wherever they go. We want our clients to love both fashion and themselves as much as we do

Tayo Ishola is a Nigerian born fashion model that always had an intense passion for all things creative. She was introduced to the world of bikinis and swimsuits when she started competing in beauty pageants at the age of 15. Tayo developed a deeper interest for the swimwear industry when she moved to Miami in 2010 and began modeling swimsuit fashion. Eido Swimwear ‘Eido’, a Greek word meaning ‘to know’ or ‘to be aware’, Eido swimwear is constructed for the woman who is undoubtedly aware of who she is, and is totally comfortable in her skin. The ideal Eido woman does not yearn for validation; she is an energetic woman who desires to swim in style and stand out.

The collection features a variety of options from bikinis to one piece suits and resort wear available in both simple, structured pieces and complex patterns.

Each chic swimsuit features prints conceived and created by Tayo, and is designed to tell its own story in a unique way while flattering the woman’s body.

Lily Marotto is a fashion brand focused on custom-printed and luxurious one-of-akind garments made of natural fibers. It is a fast-growing brand, representing classic femininity for today’s world. Inspired by Art, Philosophy, Mythology, and Heritage. All the stages of production, including fabric printing, happen in the brand production studio in the USA. The brand was established in 2016, and has presented at LA and NY Fashion Weeks, many other shows and events in the USA. In 2017, Lily Marotto opened the Design Studio and Showroom in California, and in 2018 started selling collections in West Coast Leather Store in the heart of San Francisco. Lily Marotto has won multiple awards, created gowns for winners of International Beauty contests, and the most important, won the hearts of customers who value the combination of uniqueness and the highest quality materials and production. In 2019, Lily became an internationally known brand and presented her collection in Eiffel Tower at Paris City Fashion Week in France. In 2020, Lily participated in a documentary film, "Pivot in the Pandemic, " exhibited her Couture garments in Art Galleries, and kept expanding her creative borders. Last year, Lily moved to Florida, where she keeps working on the new collections, participating in fashion collaborations with visual artists, and bringing joy to her customers.

72

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

Khangle was launched in 2014 as a fashion brand by the former name Khang Le (Tin Tin). The label embodies a vast range of luxury products inspired by Prêt-à-Porter high fashion and unique "Avant-garde" styles. Khangle’s designs have expanded to encompass additional fashion merchandise, which include shoes, purses, bags, and jewelry. Recently, Khangle was the Lead Couture at Rochester Fashion Week 2017-20182019, NYFW Fashion Show 2017, and Syracuse Fashion Week 2017-18-19. His collection was broadcast on news-channel WKTV9 as part of a charity event that raised over $2,000 for breast cancer awareness in Herkimer, NY. He's also the Creative Director of Golden World Entertaiment, produced over 3 international pageant events, and a Casting Director of Stitched NY. “Be different – Be unique – Be YOU” – Khang Le

Maria Zapata is a clothing brand that uprises design to provide the confidence of the nowadays woman. The brand was born in a society fighting for justice, diversity, and genuine personality. Maria Zapata's objective is to provide a statement, timeless, and premium pieces that will elevate women's confidence to project their natural inner.

Its name comes from a tribute and legacy representation of José Indaburo's grandmother.

José and Diana, his wife, joined together to follow his family fashion representation toda.

Maria Zapata's collections are a truthful meaning of power, color, and disruption that will take all women to the next level in the nowadays revolt society. Maria Zapata motivates you to be yourself because either you run the day or the day runs you.

Tony Visions is a Street Luxury designer from Fort Lauderdale using garments as a tool of empowerment. Creating sustainable and eco-friendly products at affordable prices with luxurious feels. With inspiration drawn from past and present cultures, all designs are created with a vision of enlightenment from the dark spaces.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

Colombian designer Jorge Afanador is an experienced architect with a background in industrial and interior design, fashion and arts. Creativity is the hallmark of his AFANADOR brand. In his designs fresh ideas are matched with textures and different materials, diversity of form, and avant-garde concepts are mixed with art to bring an architectural element to clothing and jewelry with environmental awareness. For spring/summer 2022, AFANADOR presents an exquisite collection: PsyCHICdelic, which brings waves of 70s into the future, featuring a mixture of textures, color, small pieces of fabrics used creating wonderful textures mixed with traditional techniques.

AFANADOR HAS BEEN PRESENTING ITS COLLECTIONS IN NEW YORK CITY SINCE 2009, at the prestigious couture fashion week, and other events with great success. He has decided to present this collection in the vibrant atmosphere of Fort Lauderdale, where he plans to settle in the near future

73

Hot Miami Styles is about style. We offer a vision of a style and look that you cannot find anywhere else for a price you can actually afford. We are experts at what we do and our customers have come to trust our expertise and our sense of style for all things fashion related. The results speak for themselves. We are constantly trying to grow, to improve, and to offer you more of what you want sexy, trendy, styles you can't get anywhere else. This is what we do, and this is what we love. Fashion is truly our passion here at Hot Miami Styles. Customer satisfaction is our priority. We assure you, you won't find better customer service at any other stores, and you especially won't find hotter styles than what we carry.

Florentina West is based in south florida. after pursuing a modeling career in 2017 she released her own collection Versa-lux.

Versa-Lux is a fun, bold and versatile brand. On the runway you can always find Versa adapting to different styles and ideas with Versatility and Luxury. Versa Lux women are powerful and they are strong;they are the women who are going to change the world, one step at a time.

74

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

Nicole Osorio, Is a up and coming fashion designer based in Fort Lauderdale. Nicole pieces are inspired by exclusively and dedicated to the designer's late mother who taught her to be a designer.

Macy's (originally R. H. Macy & Co.) is an American chain of department stores founded in 1858

by Rowland Hussey Macy. It became a division of the Cincinnati-based Federated Department Stores in 1994, through which it is affiliated with the Bloomingdale's department store chain; the holding company was renamed Macy's, Inc. in 2007. As of 2015, Macy's was the largest U.S. department store company by retail sales. As of January 31, 2022, there were 510 stores (570 boxes), including 11 flagships (16 boxes) and 384 magnets (429 boxes), for a total of 395 core stores (445 boxes), and 51 neighborhood stores (56 boxes), 47 furniture galleries (52 boxes), 2 furniture clearance centers, 8 freestanding Backstage stores, 5 Market by Macy's and 2 stores converted to fulfillment centers (there are a total of 506 full line stores) with the Macy's nameplate in operation throughout the United States.[2][6] Its flagship store is located at Herald Square in the Manhattan borough of New York City. The company had 130,000 employees and earned annual revenue of $24.8 billion as of 2017

Garry Destin. Haitian born and Brooklyn raised, Garry Destin brings over 20 years of experience to his signature line, The G. Destin Collection. The G. Destin Collection is a dream come true for the designer and was born after a lifetime working under some of the best and most influential designers in the fashion industry. Garry began his career under American fashion icon, Donna Karan. He then went on to work for designers Tracy Feith, Susanne Horton, and William Kleinberg, among others. Garry’s artistic talents were recognized at a very young age. He has won countless awards for his artwork. In grade-school teachers referred to him as “the next, Picasso” and commissioned him as the student who would exclusively sketch the Christmas Picture for the school. Although he still paints and has great admiration for art, his real passion is fashion. The son of a dressmaker, Garry’s passion for fashion is in his blood. He remembers spending his spare time helping his mother cut patterns, then rushing to the well-known Iron Market in Port Au Prince, where his grandmother sold local art. After graduating high-school, he decided to design his own affordable clothing line and enrolled at The Mayer Institute, where he studied pattern-making.

He then went on to study apparel, millinery, footwear, and accessories at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in Manhattan. Shortly after, the G.Destin Collection was born, and he began selling his collection in local Manhattan boutiques and consignments stores.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

March 24 - 27, 2022

101 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

75

76

FORTReggaeton LAUDERDALEArtists FASHIONStriving WEEK MAGAZINE A Puerto Rican Native to keep moving up in ranking and take over South Florida, Latin America, and ultimately, the world.

eahcim Lopez Bellony known as “Yazzin” is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter with his focus on bringing positive vibes, joy and inspiration to the world through his music. With over Hundreds of thousands streams and views across his social media and trending challenges on TikTok, it’s apparent that Yazzin has a lot of eyes and ears on him. But, the internet is not the only place where you’ll see him thrive. His live performances in Orlando, Miami, and Puerto Rico have been known to turn any casual listener to a hardcore fan.

Needless to say, Yazzin is showing why he’s destined to be the next Reggaeton Super Star despite his journey not being so easy.

Creative Director: Brittany M. Moura Designer: JAMES 113 Photographer: Odalys Stylist: Brittany M. Moura

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

77

The first step, he decided, was to move to Miami and go to school for audio engineering. Now living in Miami with no family and no safety net, he started to build an audience by releasing music videos and performing in events all over South Florida. After a few months of living alone, he was evicted from his apartment. For some time, he would sleep in music studios or friends’ couches and on less fortunate nights, in his car. Being torn emotionally and financially, Yazzin had to put a hold on making music and resorted to selling his audio equipment to get by.

He remained isolated during this tough time, even ignoring calls from his friends and family.

Refusing to give up on his dreams, he began to focus on bringing himself up and back into music. With some help, in 2020 he was featured in “Bandera - Remix,” in which he began to rebuild his audience through TikTok and receive thousands of streams across social platforms.

He followed up with three of his hottest tracks: “Bailando” “Desnuda” and “Suave y Lento”.

Every new release keeps his audience on their toes to what he will do next. Yazzin strives to keep moving up in ranking and take over South Florida, Latin America, and ultimately, the world.

Creative Director/Stylist: Brittany M. Moura Designer: JAMES 113 Photographer: Odalys

78

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

www.cureskin.care

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

79

80

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

The Best

LUXURY Travel Tips Your new year resolution starts here

After more than a year of travel restrictions, you have finally decided to take a vacation. You have your location picked out, but how can you make sure your experience is truly exceptional? Luxury travel offers unforgettable experiences that you may get only once in a lifetime. Therefore, it becomes crucial to do everything right. Below are the best luxury travel tips that you should know about.

Consider where you will stay When we think of a luxury trip, we ultimately think of a 5-star hotel. However, there are other options. You can always book a private villa that comes with several exclusive amenities such as private pool, media room and much more, as well as allowing you to relax and rejuvenate away from the crowd. Another option you can choose is a cruise. If you are traveling to a beautiful place like Croatia, you can travel via luxury cruise Croatia. A luxury cruise provides an enthralling experience that is difficult to replicate any other way.

Consider your transport A true luxury experience begins the moment you leave your doorstep. Therefore, you need to consider your choice of transport. You can always go for a first-class flight that guarantees comfort, or you can choose a private jet charter for an even more exclusive experience.

Hire a driver

Once you have reached your travel destination, you would not want to travel via public transport or self-drive cars. Therefore, it is recommended that you hire a driver who can take you to your accommodations and famous tourist spots in style. Since you are hiring a driver, you can choose from a wide range of luxury cars.

You can travel via a luxury sedan while enjoying a sparkling glass of Champagne.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

Make friends with your hotel concierge

81

Find a luxury hotel bar

There are a lot of extra benefits you can get by befriending your hotel concierge because they are the ultimate insider. Hotel concierges usually have the knowledge of the best suites, best restaurants, clubs, etc. They might even be able to provide you with extra perks and benefits. One of the ways you can establish a good relationship is by making sure you tip them for your service. Mmake sure that you do not get overly friendly as hotel concierges can sense when you are talking to them for your benefit. So, stay genuine and do not push their boundaries.

Your five star hotel will have the perfect place to enjoy cocktails. If you’re staying in a villa, there will likely be great bars nearby. However, even if you are visiting a beach or an island, you can always find bars that are set up for people to chill out and enjoy drinks in a relaxed setting. So, make sure you look for a great bar to end your day on a perfect note. Now you know all of the tips that can enhance your luxury travel experience. Make sure that you gather enough information ahead of time about the country or city you are traveling to.

Bon Voyage!

Hire a private guide

A side note: Follow Famous Travel Bloggers

Hiring a private guide can make things even more comfortable and easier for you. Since you may be unfamiliar with the setting you are in, having a private guide to accompany you will remove all the hassle from your trip. Also, these guides know the history and culture of the destination, and they can help you out with getting the best experience as they know their way around.

Visit a 5-star restaurant

Part of the joy of traveling is tasting the authentic cuisine of the country you are visiting. Ask your concierge or private guide for the best recommendations. There are also Michelin-star restaurants that offer a mouth-watering palette of flavors that you should try at least once. Therefore, try visiting a 5-star restaurant or a Michelin star restaurant while you are traveling. In addition, you can look for local pastry shops that are famous in the area to further enhance your food traveling experience.

Many airlines and hotels have their own loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or miles that are redeemable for free flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals or shopping.

Everybody should participate in these programs as they can save you tons of money by travelling (almost for) free as well as offer you tons of other perks. However, it does take quite some effort to get some basic knowledge of how to collect miles & points in the most efficient manner. One of the best tips is to subscribe to the newsletters of expert bloggers, so that you will be instantly updated on promotions and tricks for earning or spending your precious miles or hotel points.

I hereby list my 6 favorite travel bloggers, that have helped me to travel for free (I am considering featuring my own frequent flyer section on my blog if there would be a genuine interest for that):

82

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

WERE UNIQUE

MEETS MODERN

WE CHAT WITH LAURA THE OWNER OF THIS BEAUTIFUL HOUSE. THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS VERY MODERN SPACIOUS ADOBE STYLE. THIS HOUSE IS WALLED IN FOR PRIVACY. INCLUDES A POOL AND MODERN LANDSCAPING. HOUSE INSIDE AND OUT ALL WHITE. DESIGNER FURNITURE. POOL AND TIKKI HUT IN THE BACKYARD GIVES IT A MORE RELAXING FEEL IN RIO VISTA 3 MINUTES OF DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE WHERE FLLFW BLOGGERS AND INFLUENCERS BRUNCH WILL BE TAKING PLACE.

BY FLORENTINA WEST

The property is owned by Goldman,peter R &. 1970 is the year the property was built. The property is 52 years old, which is five year older than the average age of a building in Fort Lauderdale of 47 years. The property features 3,606 sqft of living area. The house was sold for $435,000 on Jan 18, 2000.

The house has three bedrooms. The property has two full baths.

The square foot of this property costs $120.6. This is a two-story house. The total size of the living area is 3,606 sqft. The list of materials that were used to construct this building includes stucco. It has a built up roof. The list of flooring materials includes linoleum / vinyl, other. The property has a slab foundation. One of the common ways to write this address is 820 Southeast 8th Strt, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-1206.

The ZIP code for this address is 33316 and the postal code suffix is 1206. The address is in the Rio Vista neighborhood.

The address’s geographic coordinates: 26.112032,-80.134297.

Monthly rental prices for a two-bedroom unit in the ZIP code 33316 is around $1,280. It may cost you $1,510 per month to rent a two-bedroom dwelling in Broward County, says HUD. AT&T is the fastest internet provider available at this address. Optical Carrier/Fiber to the End User is a technology used by the ISP to provide connectivity. Declared downstream speed is 1,000 mbit/s, upstream speed is 1,000 mbit/s

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

83

84

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

COMING UP IN

SOUTH FLORIDA FLL FASHION WEEK One of the best fashion production in SouthernFlorida is coming back this year in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

FLL Fashion Week 2022 is being held in multiple venues around the city from March 13th to March 19th. Visit the website at www.fllfashionweek.com for more details ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL2022 Ultra Music Festival 2022 is a festival which takes place on March 25, 26, 27 2022 Bayfront Park Downtown Miami, FL ROLLING LOUD The Rolling Loud Music Festival is a three-day event that has become the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world. And it all started in Miami.

Headliners at Rolling Loud 2021 are A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott and Post Malone.

Jul 22 - 24, 2022 HARD ROCK STADIUM 347 Don Shula Dr. Miami Gardens, FL 33056 JUANES SAT, MAR 19, 6 – 9 PM THIS EVENT LISTING PROVIDED FOR THE MIAMI COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR. COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH OR SPONSORED BY AARP, BUT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU. LUMMUS PARK 1130 OCEAN DR, MIAMI BEACH

CENTRAL FLORIDA SOUL FEST Their goal is to create an environment where one soul touches another through music, food, and art in a loving, joyful, and festive environment.

Thus – Soul Fest! Our Soul Fest will focus on urban music, art, food, and other aspects of urban culture. A Production by J&E Entertainment.

Sat, Mar 26, 1:30 – 11:00 PM Central Florida Fair 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL

Hyundai Air & Sea Show and National Salute to America's Heroes LUMMUS PARK May 28 - 29, 2022 Free, with VIP Admission starting at $40 Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show The Hyundai Air & Sea Show returns to South Beach for its annual celebration over Memorial Day Weekend, May 29-30, 2021. Known as “the greatest show above the earth,” head to the beach and simply look up to enjoy an impressive aerial show of America’s military might. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show highlights the strength and ingenuity of the U.S. military. You’ll also enjoy the spectacle of motorsports demos, watersports shows and military displays at Lummus Park on Ocean Drive.

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

85

View all

Find upcoming Russian events. Concerts, comedy, nightlife, theater,kids events and Experiences to explore more...

CONCERTS

THEATER

Check out dates and schedules to buy concert tickets for the latest can’t-miss tours and one-off performances.

Explore ticket prices, live show schedules and seating charts for Broadway, comedy and family shows.

See concerts

See theater shows

PARTIES

FAMILY EVENTS

Discover live DJ sets from international superstars and intimate cocktail bars alike.

From immersive kids shows to a whole family experiences, bring joy to entire family!

See parties

See family events

www.eventcartel.com

86

FLLFW 2022 CAMPAING PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAEL HURSEY DESIGNER: TONY VISIONS MODELS: SHU LIN, ALYSSA & NATALIA MAKEUP BY: SIMI SOLA

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

87

88

FLLFW 2022 CAMPAING PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAEL HURSEY DESIGNER: TONY VISIONS MODELS: ALYSSA MAKEUP BY: SIMI SOLA

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

89

90

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE FLLFW 2022 CAMPAING PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAEL HURSEY DESIGNER: TONY VISIONS MODELS: NATALIA GARCIA MAKEUP BY: SIMI SOLA

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

91

92

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

FORT LAUDERDALE

GDESTINCOLLECTION@GMAIL.COM (678) 447-8030 WWW.GDESTINCOLLECTION.COM

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

93

94

FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE

WWW.MACYS.COM