
OY TO THE WORLD
A STAR-STUDDED HANUKKAH DINNER IN MIAMI BEACH MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT COCKTAIL RECIPES FOR MAGIC CITY MERRYMAKING
OY TO THE WORLD
A STAR-STUDDED HANUKKAH DINNER IN MIAMI BEACH MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT COCKTAIL RECIPES FOR MAGIC CITY MERRYMAKING
54 HAUL OUT THE CHALLAH
Lesley Goldwasser and Jonathan Plutzik
host a feast fit for the Festival of Lights
By Linda Marx
62 HOLIDAY CHEERS
Raise a glass with creative cocktails filled to the brim with seasonal spirit
By Jules Aron
68 FINELY FEATHERED
Sparkle and shine in the festive colors of the season
By Mary Murray
74 AMERICAN GIRLS
Designer meets diner in this fun and flirty fashion story
Photography by Olivia Graham
14 FROM THE EDITOR
AVENTURIST
17 SEASONAL STYLE
Glam meets gourmet in a luxe collab between The RitzCarlton, South Beach and Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour
18 CHRISTMAS CHEER
Five large-scale light displays that are sure to dazzle
20 HANUKKAH HAPPENINGS
Menorahs in Miami, plus three ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights in the Magic City
22 RETAIL
Get cozy in sweaters from locally owned Krelwear, scent your season with a pine-inspired candle from Vacation and a Miami-centric perfume from Le Labo, and propose a toast with Miami Coquito 305
24 GUIDE
Our picks for the best of Miami Art Week
26 BOOKING IT
Trendy tomes to gift to your most fashionable friends
28 AGENDA
Mark your calendar for these five can’t-miss events
STYLE
31 IT LIST
Customized pieces make perfectly personalized presents
ON THE COVER:
PHOTOGRAPHER:
JERRY RABINOWITZ
MODELS: LESLEY
GOLDWASSER AND
JONATHAN PLUTZIK
LOCATION: THE
GOLDWASSER-PLUTZIK
RESIDENCE, MIAMI BEACH
32 THE LOOK
Deco apparel and accessories for a new generation
36 THE EDIT
Set your holiday tablescape with our editors’ must-have china pieces and patterns
38 JEWELRY BOX
One-of-a-kind finds from high-jewelry collections
40 BEAUTY
Glittery makeup and more for festive gatherings
42 TRENDING
Hacks to handle your next hangover
JOURNEYS
45 WANDERLUST
Two islands that deliver an authentic taste of Greece
49 FLORIDIANA
Sunset Key captures the duality of the Florida Keys
50 HIGH ROAD
Behind the wheel of possibly the most powerful MercedesBenz S-Class ever
52 HIGH SEAS
Casting lines aboard Formula Boats’ new 457 CCF
SIP & SAVOR
85 OPENINGS
With the launch of Momento by Ikaro, Iñaki Murua and Carolina Sanchez bring their acclaimed Michelin-starred concept from Spain to Miami
86 ’TIS THE SEASON
Amp up your holiday cheer with festive menus, seasonal cocktails, immersive activations, and a big-deal brunch
88 LOCAL BITES
Bid adieu to a tough season of ’Fins football with a bottle of 1800 Blanco Tequila that commemorates the team’s storied past, plus three reasons to love pasta bar Otto & Pepe
90 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST
The Winter Spice Negroni is the ultimate fireside cocktail
HOME
93 INTERIORS
A Miami Beach couple combines a pair of adjoining condo units into a single soothing space
94 BY DESIGN
Decking your holiday halls in style
95 ELEMENTS
Black-and-white furnishings that are at once modern and timeless
96 INSPIRED LIVING
Expert insight into Chrismukkah decor
SOCIAL STUDIES
99 SEEN ON THE SCENE
Pics from Miami’s most fabulous events
LAST WORD
104 ON THE RECORD WITH...
Bridget Finn, the newly appointed director of Art Basel Miami Beach
Editorial Director
Daphne Nikolopoulos
Editor in Chief
Kristen Desmond LeFevre
Creative Director
Olga M. Gustine
Executive Editor Mary Murray
Fashion Editor
Katherine Lande
Automotive Editor Howard Walker
Travel Editor Paul Rubio
Libations Editor Jules Aron
Web Editor Abigail Duffy
DESIGN
Art Directors
Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto, Ashley Meyer
Digital Imaging Specialist
Leonor Alvarez-Maza
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Jane E. Enos, Allison Wolfe Reckson, Gaylene Salomons
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alena Capra, Jeanne De Lathouder, Caitlin Granfield, Linda Marx, Jesse Scott, Liza Grant Smith
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Olivia Graham, Gyorgy Papp, Jerry Rabinowitz
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Publisher Terry Duffy
National Sales Director
Deidre Wade, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com
Account Managers
Sandy Silverman, ssilverman@aventuramagazine.com
Sima Kohen, skohen@aventuramagazine.com
Libby Lekach Roffe, lroffe@aventuramagazine.com
Digital Account Manager
Ryan Hollihan, rhollihan@aventuramagazine.com
Advertising Services Coordinator Elizabeth Hackney
Marketing Manager
Rebecca Desir
Production Director Selene M. Ceballo
Production Manager Lourdes Linares
Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis
Senior Designer Jeffrey Rey
Advertising Design Coordinator Anaely J. Perez Vargas
Production Coordinator Ileana Caban
Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone
OPERATIONS
Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt
Accounting Specialist Mary Beth Cook
Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel
Distribution Manager Judy Heflin
Logistics Manager Omar Morales
Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva
Circulation Assistants Cathy Hart, Britney Stinson
Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple
IT Manager Omar Greene
SUBSCRIPTIONS
In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013)
HOUR MEDIA, LLC
CEO Stefan Wanczyk
President John Balardo
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Residences from $1.4 M
Now Under Construction. Move-in Next Year.
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CHEF’S KISS
Shooting this month’s cover story with photographer Jerry Rabinowitz was a decidedly delicious endeavor. Observing Michelin-starred chef Laurent Tourondel and his culinary team at work preparing a Hanukkah feast worthy of the Festival of Lights was a joy—but tasting the fruits of Tourondel’s labor was even better. Suffice it to say, I’m still dreaming of his brisket and slow-cooker applesauce.
It’s that time of year in the Magic City when we welcome two distinct seasons: the winter holidays and the return of the snowbirds. Sure, that means a bit of extra hustle and bustle (and more traffic, to boot). But the excitement of sharing our most treasured traditions with family and friends—plus sharing our beautiful city with folks seeking out this particular slice of paradise— makes it all worthwhile.
This month’s issue of Aventura celebrates all things holiday. From Linda Marx’s cover story featuring a chef-driven Hanukkah dinner hosted by Miami Beach luminaries Lesley Goldwasser and Jonathan Plutzik in their art-filled home (page 54) to Jules Aron’s gorgeously gourmet cocktails worthy of any seasonal soiree (page 62), our feature well is chock-full of December delights. Miami is notoriously good at all things celebration, so it’s no surprise that there are myriad ways to make merry across the metro area. Check out Aventurist, starting on page 17, for Jesse Scott’s rundown of local spots sure to make spirits bright. Don’t miss Paul Rubio’s picks for this month’s most festive menus and decadent drinks in Sip & Savor, starting on page 85. And for ways to deck your halls in style, turn to page 94 to get all of Alena Capra’s chic cheat codes to make your holidays homey.
As if the holidays aren’t enough reason to celebrate in the 305, this month also marks the return of Art Week. Flip to page 24 for our guide to the finest of the fairs (and the activations surrounding them). And don’t miss our “Last Word” with Bridget Finn—the newly appointed director of Art Basel Miami Beach—for an inside look at this year’s exciting event.
Here’s wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@aventuramagazine) and subscribe to our Insider’s Guide e-newsletter at aventuramagazine.com to stay up-to-date on all the holiday happenings (and more) across the Miami-Dade metro area.
Kristen Desmond LeFevre klefevre@aventuramagazine.com
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour are teaming up this month to create a seasonal celebration of Miamicentric luxury and glamour. Step into the hotel’s Art Deco–inspired lobby to be wowed by an extraordinary Christmas tree. Designed by artists at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, its branches are festooned with ornaments from the celebrated Jim Marvin collection. In a palette of pinks, golds, and blues that mirror the hotel’s architectural style, the tree reflects Marvin’s rich history in creating iconic holiday displays for figures like Jacqueline Kennedy and Andy Warhol. Beyond the lobby, guests can reserve The Ritz-Carlton Suite for Santa’s Couture Exchange. Starting at $10,000 per night, the suite will set the stage for a spectacular gift exchange party including curated surprise gifts from Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, as well as gourmet noshes from the José Andrés Group (think: ahi tuna bites, grilled Prime steak, and tres leches cake) for a truly sparkling holiday experience. (ritzcarlton.com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre
BY JESSE SCOTT
While we may never experience the joys of a white Christmas here in South Florida, the Magic City makes merry all the same, creating Christmas cheer with an impressive roundup of full-scale light spectacles (think: palm trees and yachts bedecked with all kinds of holiday pizzazz) that are sure to warm holiday hearts. Here are some of our favorites.
JUNGLE ISLAND
In collaboration with Lektrik Art, Jungle Island brings its popular Luminosa festival back to Miami for a third year. The fairy tale–inspired spectacle features a walkway lined with giant animated books that appear to open and close while butterflies gently flap their wings. Or gaze in wonder at the display of nine towering dragon lanterns inspired by Chinese folklore that float in the park’s water features. Now through January 5, guests can enjoy Jungle Island’s first-ever European-style marketplace, featuring food vendors hawking holiday treats like elephant ears and mulled wine, a bazaar with seasonal crafts and gifts, and a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. (jungleisland.com)
Celebrating its fifth year, Fairchild’s NightGarden promises immersive and interactive wonders at every corner. The 83-acre tropical paradise filled with stately trees, rare flora, and a butterfly garden will come alive with nighttime holiday spirt, including a beloved talking tree, a fairy quest, and light shows to fuel your imagination. The event—a favorite for date nights and family outings alike—runs through January 12. New this year: the debut of a New Year’s Eve fireworks show perfect for ringing in 2025. (fairchildgarden.org)
Mark this one as a worth-the-drive event. Fort Lauderdale’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade returns December 14. The route stretches from Stranahan House in Downtown Fort Lauderdale north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, featuring watercraft of every shape and size draped in thousands of lights—plus performances from musical groups, appearances by beauty queens, and more. For a more formal affair, snag tickets to the posh Winterfest Black-Tie Ball December 7. (winterfestparade.com)
Zoo Lights Miami kicks off November 29 with the lighting of a 26-foot-tall, LED-lit holiday tree. On select nights through December 30, Zoo Miami will be morphed into a veritable light fiesta, with more than 1 million twinklers taking the form of animals of all kinds. Additional holiday experiences include character appearances, animal encounters, letters to Santa, and a Snowman’s River boat ride featuring cookies and hot chocolate. (zoomiami.org)
PINECREST GARDENS
Santa sightings, a holiday bazaar, festive treats, and miles of lights at Pinecrest Gardens’ annual Nights of Lights will have you feeling oh so jolly as you stroll this 14-acre property that dates back to 1936 and features more than 1,000 varieties of exotic plants. Catch the magic Thursday through Sunday evenings December 6-29. (pinecrestgardens.org)
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HANUKKAH HAPPENINGS
Meaning “lamp” in Hebrew, menorahs are a treasured symbol of the Jewish faith. Although ancient menorahs had seven branches to symbolize the seven days of creation, the modern version features eight main branches (plus an extra branch to hold the “shamash” candle that’s used to light the others). These eight main branches represent the Hanukkah miracle of one day’s worth of oil lasting to light the temple for eight days. Whether you’re in the market for a new menorah to adorn your own Hanukkah tablescape or to give as a special gift, here are three of our designer favorites available in Miami-Dade. —K.D.L.
Awash in MacKenzie-Childs ’ signature Courtly Check pattern and trimmed with gold accents, the ceramic Courtly Hanukkah Menorah ($199) fuses traditional, modern, and playful elements into any Hanukkah celebration. Available at Neiman Marcus locations in Bal Harbour and Coral Gables. (mackenzie-childs.com, neimanmarcus.com)
Available at Jonathan Adler ’s boutique in the Miami Design District, the sleek Mustique Menorah ($375) pairs traditional colors with bold geometric shapes. Polished nickel candleholders add a touch of glamour and shine. It’s the perfect piece to place front and center for a modern take on an ancient holiday, or to gift from one stylish member of the tribe to another.
Head to the Michael Aram boutique at the Bal Harbour Shops to purchase the Palm Menorah ($475), which was inspired by a windswept palm tree. “I was having lunch with friends on a veranda overlooking the sea when I looked down to the lawn and saw a fallen palm frond,” Aram says of his creative process. “The leaves were all twisted and curled, yet it stood out magnificently against the otherwise perfect landscape. It made me think of the passage of time and the bountiful gifts of the palm tree, which provides everything from food to shelter.” (michaelaram.com)
South Florida is home to one of the largest concentrations of Jewish people outside of Israel—equating to nearly 15 percent of the local population. So it’s no surprise that the holiday season is particularly vibrant here, with lit menorahs, traditional Hanukkah tunes, and plenty of games of dreidel. This year, the Festival of Lights kicks off on the evening of December 25 and runs through January 2. Check out these three local events to celebrate the holiday in style. –J.S.
Miami Beach Hanukkah Festival
Taking place December 25 at 5 p.m., this annual event morphs Collins Park (which famously fronts the the Bass Museum) into a family-friendly festival. Revelers can expect musical performances, community art projects, crafts for kids, live DJs spinning tunes, and a traditional buffet spread for noshing. (mbhanukkah.com)
Light Up the Night Menorah Lighting
Downtown Doral Park becomes the epicenter of the holiday season come December 26 at 6 p.m. when a grand menorah will be lit. The event will include light bites, live music, and raffles complete with prizes for young and young-at-heart. (cityofdoral.com)
Matisyahu’s “Festival of Light” Hanukkah Tour
Talk about incredible timing for one of the biggest Jewish artists (and rappers) on planet Earth to land in Miami for a show. Cultural icon Matisyahu—known for his reggae jams, beatboxing, and hits like “King Without a Crown” and “One Day”—will rock the Miami Beach Bandshell December 29. (miamibeachbandshell.com)
The aesthetic industry has expanded very rapidly, leading to exaggerated marketing, confusion, poor results, and fears of looking “fake” among patients who want to enhance or rejuvenate their appearance. However, it is possible to get high-quality and natural results by avoiding the gimmicks, learning about the procedures, and carefully choosing the proper providers. This monthly series focuses on providing helpful information about the various aspects and procedures of facial aesthetics.
• Loss of elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other components leads to thinner, crepe, and less elastic or “bouncy” skin. This can be demonstrated by pinching the skin and watching how quickly it returns to normal
• Pigment changes lead to uneven, blotchy tone
• Surface texture changes with fine irregularities of the surface and increased pore size
• The neck skin is usually the first and most affected area as it is where we have the most movement and relatively thinner skin.
• The under eye area is another example. As we smile, the cheek lifts up, scrunching up toward the eye. Instead of contracting, aged / thin skin wrinkles.
• There is no single “one best treatment”. Options include lasers, microneedling, & biostimulators. Prevention with sun avoidance, good nutrition, and skin care are vital.
• We begin to lose volume from our faces as early as in our 20’s. Initially this is seen a maturing face, but around the 30’s this begins to contribute to the undesirable signs of aging
• Volume is lost in terms of fat and bone, leading to a variety of aesthetic issues:
• Hollowing / Recession (ie. temples, marionette lines, Nasolabial folds
• Contour changes (ie jawline angle, outer cheek, brows)
• “Pseudo-ptosis”: Laxity and dropping due to deflation
• The soft tissues of the face begin to drop with age.
• When facial features assume a lower position, they can give a more tired, aged, and sad appearance.
• This is where a trained and aesthetic eye comes in handy. It’s important to spot the exact issues in order to treat them specifically, rather than treat everyone the same, which leads to over inflation.
• Treatments include replacing volume with fillers, biostimulators, fat, and implants.
• Eyebrows and the upper lip are very common areas that tend to drop with age.
• When fat pads drop, they take away volume from areas where we want the volume, and add them to areas where we do not. (ie cheek dropping over nasolabial fold and jowls)
• Treatments for laxity are primarily surgical, including facelift, browlift, and lip lift
*NOTE: More details on treatments in part 2 (Jan. 2025 issue)
What makes a winter sweater extra cozy?
Knowing that it was made right here in Miami. Krelwear is the brainchild of textile artist and fashion designer Karelle Levy, who opened a flagship store and atelier at Miami Ironside in 2016. Krelwear’s sweaters and other knitwear are avant-garde and Miami-centric, featuring vivid colors and distinct textures (think: bamboo fibers and even glow-in-the-dark elements). They’re a celeb-favorite, to boot: everyone from Alanis Morissette to Nicki Minaj has donned Krelwear’s knitted creations.
Beyond knitwear that can be worn, Levy presented The Interknit sculptural piece at the Miami Book Fair last month. The community-based project involved locals connecting to the piece by knitting an addition, tying a knot, or attaching a pom-pom. Later this month, during the North Beach Social at the Miami Beach Bandshell December 19, Levy will collaborate with Afrobeta and the Rhythm Foundation for a new performance weaving in what she calls “a cosmic craft constellation interactive installation.”
“My collections are timeless,” Levy continues. “I’m constantly experimenting to make new styles on my knitting machine.” (krelwear.com) —J.S.
While we don’t have vistas of snow-laden pine trees to put us in the holiday spirit, everyone’s favorite Miami-based sunscreen brand, Vacation , has us covered. To scent your space with the smells of a winter forest, the iconic brand offers its new Royal Pine Deluxe Candle with a scent built off of a three-pine blend: balsam pine accord, Siberian pine needle, and Norwegian spruce. Housed in a weighted glass container with gold foil detail, the soy candle makes the perfect hostess gift this holiday season. (vacation.inc) –K.D.L.
A TRADITIONAL PUERTO RICAN HOLIDAY DRINK THAT’S MADE WITH COCONUT MILK, CREAM OF COCONUT, RUM, VANILLA, SPICES, AND SOMETIMES EGG YOLKS (DEPENDING ON HOW YOUR ABUELA LIKES IT), COQUITO HAS BECOME INGRAINED WITHIN MIAMI’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS. TO MAKE COQUITO PART OF YOUR OWN TRADITIONS, CHECK OUT COQUITO MIAMI 305 , MADE BY MIAMI LOCAL JESS ORTA. THE COMPANY’S VARIETIES INCLUDE TRADITIONAL, COQUIÑA, PASTELITO DE GUAYABA, AND CAFÉ CON LECHE, AS WELL AS VEGAN OFFERINGS. (COQUITO MIAMI305.COM) —J.S.
You live here. You work here. Now you can smell like you’re from here, thanks to Le Labo Fragrances’ new City Exclusive Collection. Call it Miami in a bottle (though its real name is Tabac 28). Smoky, seductive, and alluring, the gender-neutral scent features notes of aromatic tobacco paired with oud and cedarwood. Gaiac wood and rum give the fragrance an intoxicating warmth that’s rounded out with fresh green cardamom. Tuck a bottle into your favorite Miamian’s holiday stocking or wrap it up as a Hanukkah gift and thank us later. (lelabofragrances.com) –J.S.
FROM ART FAIRS THAT ARE MUST-SEES TO ART HOTELS THAT ARE MUST-STAYS, THE BEST OF ART WEEK 2024 BECKONS GUIDE
BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE
FAIRS’ FINEST
When: December 3-8
Where: One Herald Plaza, Downtown
The Buzz: Hailed as Miami’s original and longest running contemporary art fair (and the second most attended fair globally), Art Miami is the show to see if you want to peruse the most important works from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries in collaboration with some of the world’s most respected galleries. Art Miami kicks off with the highly anticipated VIP Preview on Decem ber 3 before opening to the public December 4-8. The show continues to develop and draw upon a base of collectors looking to acquire important works from the forefront of the contemporary, modern, classical modern, post-war, and Pop Art eras—all of which will be showcased in this year’s fair. (artmiami.com)
When: December 6-8
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center
The Buzz: Since its inception in 2002, Art Basel Miami Beach (known as North America’s largest and most prestigious international contemporary art fair) has routinely drawn more than 80,000 visitors annually. This year, more than 285 galleries from 38 countries will showcase works by thousands of emerging, mid-career, and established artists. As in years past, Art Basel Miami Beach’s offerings will be divided into separate curatorial spaces: Galleries (the centerpiece of the show), Meridians (a platform for large-scale works), Nova (focusing on works created within the last three years), Positions (showcasing solo presentations by emerging artists represented by young galleries), Conversations (offering panel discussions and lectures by cultural leaders and artists), and Survey and Kabinett (which both take a historical approach to curation). (artbasel.com/miami-beach)
When: December 4-8
Where: Mana Wynwood Convention Center, Wynwood
The Buzz: Two of Miami’s longest running Art Week fairs—Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami—return to Mana Wynwood Convention Center, offering “two fairs under one roof” and showcasing more than 1,000 artists and 280 exhibitors. Spectrum Miami—an upscale and urban contemporary art fair—will present programs and exhibitions that reflect Miami’s thriving art landscape, highlighting independent artists, studios, and up-and-coming galleries. Within Spectrum Miami, [SOLO] is a special section that will offer established and emerging independent artists the opportunity to present their work on an international stage, making it the ultimate venue for independent artists to be discovered by both gallery owners and collectors. For new collectors (or those on a budget), check out the Discoveries Collection, which will feature a selection of artwork all priced at $3,000 or less. Spectrum’s sister fair—Red Dot Miami—is a gallery-only fair of more than 75 galleries representing more than 500 leading contemporary artists. Take it all in at the shows’ Opening Night Preview December 4, featuring libations, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. (redwoodartgroup.com/spectrum-miami; redwoodartgroup.com/ red-dot-miami)
What: “Cosmos” by Chris Rivers
When: December 4 to February 28
Where: Arlo Wynwood
The Buzz: In a partnership with London’s famed Pontone Gallery, Arlo Wynwood presents “Cosmos” by Chris Rivers in its Living Room Gallery. To promote art for all, the entire exhibition—which features a series of Rivers’ exuberant oil paintings that depict otherworldly expanses and environments— will be free and open to the public. “I’m thrilled to showcase my new exhibition at Arlo Wynwood during Miami Art Week,” says Rivers. “‘Cosmos’ is about the things you don’t notice at first and serves as a contrast between innocence and something darker.” The artist himself will be on-site for the ticketed VIP opening reception the evening of December 4, inclusive of cosmic-themed cocktails and DJ beats. (arlohotels. com/wynwood)
What: Works by Nicholas Galanin and Lyra Drake
When: December 2-8
Where: Faena Hotel Miami Beach
The Buzz: Nonprofit organization Faena Art presents work by cross-disciplinary native Alaskan artist Nicholas Galanin. His monumental, site-specific piece that will be installed on the sands of the resort’s Faena Beach, Seletega (run, see if people are coming/corre a ver si viene gente), poses questions about society’s role in creating a responsible future, and asks viewers to reflect on human interconnectedness. In addition to Galanin’s work, Faena Art will present multidisciplinary artist Lyra Drake’s Faith in a Finite World in the hotel’s Cathedral. Audiences will be able to interact with a divine feminine oracle to explore questions of faith and human belief. (Fun fact: Drake created the voice of the oracle in this piece of performance art using a custom AI consciousness tool.) (faena.com/miami-beach)
What: Bit Basel
When: December 3-8
Where: The Sagamore Hotel South Beach
The Buzz: Discover the intersection of art and technology at BitBasel, hosted by The Sagamore Hotel. The weeklong show brings together artists, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the world of digital art and blockchain innovation through a series of cutting-edge exhibitions, interactive installations, and panel discussions. Highlights of the week’s events include a Grand Opening VIP Dinner December 2, a “Beyond A.I.” panel discussion December 3, a Creative Tech Investor Summit December 5, the famous Mooon.Party Volume 2 shindig December 6 (where guests will celebrate the merging of art and technology), a runway fashion show by Jayne Pierson December 7, and the requisite 305 Pool Party to close things out December 8. (sagamoresouthbeach.com/blog/miami-art-weekat-sagamore)
BY MARY MURRAY
BELLA CASA
Coffee-table books that are as stunning as the subject that lies within are a rarity. But Loro Piana: Master of Fibres (Assouline, $1,200) is such a book. Part of Assouline’s Ultimate Collection, the handcrafted tome was hand-bound
using traditional techniques and is covered with the Loro Piana Tela Sergio cotton-linen fabric. Published in honor of Loro Piana’s 100th anniversary, it chronicles the origins and evolution of the maison via extensive interviews, archival photos, and historic documents. (assouline.com)
Last year’s Barbie film was a cultural phenomenon—as was its press tour. However, due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the tour was cut short, and the film’s star, Margot Robbie, couldn’t debut all the looks that she and stylist Andrew Mukamal had prepared. Those outfits have been immortalized in Barbie: The World Tour (Rizzoli, $55). Released earlier this year and now a New York Times bestseller, Barbie: The World Tour features kitsch-meets-cool photography by Craig McDean and Barbie-inspired fashions by Vivienne Westwood, Donatella Versace, and Chanel, to name just a few. (rizzoliusa.com)
Writer Tim Allis recounts the life and eponymous retail operation of a maverick of modern retail in Henri Bendel and the Worlds He Fashioned (University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press, $35).
An in-depth historic review of Bendel’s life gives way to a celebration of his pioneering women’s department store concept, which helped to bring high fashion to the masses and revolutionized the way large department stores operated in the twentieth century. (ulpress.org)
Behold, your new fashion bible. Collecting Fashion: Nostalgia, Passion, Obsession (Rizzoli, $75) spotlights fashion’s most important archival collections—from the late architect Zaha Hadid’s curation of shoes to French trendsetter Michèle Lamy’s Comme des Garçons library. Inside, striking imagery is complemented by essays from leading thinkers who contextualize these archives in relation to both the collector and the fashion house. (rizzoliusa.com)
TAILORED TO PERFECTION
When a brand’s client list runs the gamut from Queen Victoria to Clark Gable, Coco Chanel, and Brad Pitt, you know it’s good. Author Tom Chamberlin explores the history, operations, and 175-year staying power behind one of London’s finest bespoke tailors in Huntsman: Redefining Savile Row (Vendome, $75). Beyond the beautiful imagery, readers are privy to a look behind the seams, as Chamberlin illuminates the process of crafting the perfect custom suit. (vendomepress.com)
The luxe David Yurman brand has an artistic heritage: it was founded by David, a sculptor, and his wife, Sybil, a painter and ceramist. Today, it has grown into one of the most recognizable fine jewelry companies the world over. The new book Sybil and David Yurman: Artists and Jewelers (Phaidon, $70) illuminates the couple’s biography and more via more than 400 images, including family photos, original sketches, jewelry portraits, and archival materials. (phaidon.com)
Florida Panthers Home Games
December 7, 20, 23, 28, and 30
It’s a busy month for hockey fans, with five home games at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. Cheer on the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers on their home ice as they square up against the San Jose Sharks (Dec. 7), St. Louis Blues (Dec. 20), Tampa Bay Lightning (Dec. 23), Montreal Canadiens (Dec. 28), and New York Rangers (Dec. 30). (nhl.com/panthers)
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
December 13-24
Ring in the holiday season with this classic ballet—danced by the Miami City Ballet—at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. The twohour show features more than 100 dancers, jaw-dropping costumes, a live orchestra, and choreography to Tchaikovsky’s original score. Watch as the Nutcracker Prince and his soldiers battle the Mouse King in this enchanting tale that will warm hearts and rekindle holiday joy. (arshtcenter.org)
Andrea Bocelli December 22
World-famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has sung for popes, kings, queens, and presidents. Now, with his “Andrea Bocelli: In Concert Tour” coming to the Kaseya Center off Biscayne, Miamians can experience his spirited voice in person. (kaseyacenter.com)
Dave Chappelle
December 26-28
From his hit television series, Chappelle’s Show, to his buzzy Saturday Night Live appearances, it’s easy to see why comedian Dave Chapelle has won five Emmy Awards and three Grammy Awards. Chappelle brings his act to the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood this month. His three nights of stand-up are sure to have everyone laughing until they’re crying. (casino.hardrock.com)
Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Festival December 26-29
The fiftieth anniversary of this Native American festival will feature storytelling, performances, indigenous crafts, an artisan market, traditional food, and alligator shows. Taking place at the historic Indian Village festival grounds in the Everglades, this familyfriendly event will offer a view into the lives and culture of Florida’s original inhabitants. (miccosukee.com/events/ miccosukee-indian-arts-craftsfestival) —Caitlin Granfield
3: this handmade photo album with hand-stitched embroidery doubles as a place for keepsakes and a decorative coffee-table book ($1,930), MH Studios, modaoperandi.com 1
Bespoke Cameron Album Package
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KATHERINE LANDE
Be a Bag Collection: create a one-of-akind accessory with a favorite photo printed on a recycled canvas tote, handbag, or wash bag ($360-$1,325), Anya Hindmarch, us.anyahind march.com
Mini Masterpieces Collection Family Portrait Necklace: transform your children’s art into fine jewelry, realized in 18-karat gold with sapphires, amethyst, and rubies (price upon request), Brent Neale, brentneale.com
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Personalized Spring Bonfire Candle Set: 30 petite candles with individualized handwritten labels are presented in a custom gift box ($1,500), Flamingo Estate, flamingoestate.com
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Pet Portrait Collection: starting with a provided photo, an artisan will hand-paint an intaglio portrait of a beloved furry friend onto carved crystal quartz (various styles $7,770-$19,640), Irene Neuwirth, ireneneuwirth.com
DRESS TO THE NINES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A NEW TAKE ON DECO
BY KATHERINE LANDE
IT’S A TIE
Knot clutch (price upon request), Bottega Veneta, multiple locations, bottega veneta.com
VALENTINO RESORT 2025
Alessandro
Michele presents a fantasy-filled collection influenced by Valentino Garavani designs of the past.
POSH PATTERN
Dior Fine Jewelry My Dior bracelet (price upon request), Dior, Miami, dior.com
AROUND THE BLOCK
Verity BH 45 block heels ($1,195), Jimmy Choo, multiple locations, jimmychoo.com
TIME FLIES
Tiffany Hard-
wear watch with diamonds and mother-of-pearl set in gold ($18,000), Tiffany & Co., multiple locations, tiffany.com
DISCO INFERNO
Gold and silver sequin
PRETTY PEARLS
Baguette handbag ($9,500), Fendi, multiple locations, fendi.com
HEAVY METAL:
Accessorize with an array of gold and silver metallics.
STARRY NIGHT:
Opt for ornate accents like sequins, glitter, crystal, and pearls.
ROARING ’20s:
Low heels and fancy bags play into the retro-romantic look.
Mixed petal and pearl drop earrings ($360), Oscar de la Renta, oscardela renta.com
EVERYDAY GLAM
Fleming sequin mini hobo handbag Tory Burch, locations, toryburch.com
DANCING QUEEN
Ballet flats ($1,075), Chanel, multiple locations, chanel.com ($548), multiple
ALL THAT GLITTERS
New Vara plate ballet flats ($780), Ferragamo, multiple locations, ferragamo.com
Two-story
One-story
Interested in knowing your
TURN YOUR DINNER TABLE INTO A WORK OF ART WITH OUR EDITORS’ FAVORITE CHINA PATTERNS AND PIECES
GOTHIC GARDEN
Black Orchid dinnerware fivepiece set ($146), Michael Aram, michaelaram.com
Michael Aram’s artistry shines across his Black Orchid collection, which exudes a refined gothic beauty that I adore. The design is delicate enough to not outshine your culinary endeavors, but bold enough to make a statement when bare. —Mary Murray, executive editor
SIP FROM A CLASSIC Anthemion Blue coffee cup and saucer ($495), Wedgwood, wedgwood.com
This unabashedly extravagant cup and saucer showcases true English craftsmanship that dates back to 1759. If this shape isn’t your cup of tea, china vessels designed to elevate your morning shot of espresso are also available. —Gaylene Salomons, contributing editor
DUTCH TREAT
Tulipa tableware (starting at $49), Z.d.G. by Zoë de Givenchy for Pulitzer Amsterdam, zdgofficial.com
In this collaboration for the Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel, Zoë de Givenchy drew inspiration from the tulip, the beloved—and ubiquitous—flower of the Netherlands. The floral motifs are rendered in a pastel palette and crafted with traditional artisanal techniques unique to Z.d.G. Very Dutch, yet perfect for Palm Beach. —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director
RED HOT
Balcon du Guadalquivir dessert plate ($145), Hermès, hermes.com
This striking Hermès pattern was inspired by authentic Andalusian ironwork found on the balconies of homes in southern Spain. The porcelain plate’s vibrant red provides the perfect backdrop for holiday entertaining, while its timeless motif makes it ideal for year-round use as well. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, contributing editor
DISHING IT OUT
WHAT A SHOWBOAT
Gravy boat ($746), Bernardaud, bernardaud.com
Made in Limoges, France, this piece from the Elysée service by Bernardaud emulates an ancient oil lamp and features characteristics inspired by antiquity, including palm leaves in burnished gold set against a pale blue background. —Jane E. Enos, contributing editor
Syracuse Turquoise buffet plate ($355), Robert Haviland & C. Parlon, roberthaviland-cparlon.com
This Limoges porcelain serving dish is a suppertime showstopper. Designed by French artist Arielle de Brichambaut, the pattern features motifs from the ancient Greek city of Syracuse and is inspired by the remarkable landscapes and colors of the nearby Ionian Sea. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, editor in chief
Cindy, a serial entrepreneur, attorney, successful business executive, and dynamic real estate broker-agent, has founded and launched the house&hive team. With a focus on serving buyers and sellers of luxury and commercial real estate in South Florida, Cindy brings a unique perspective to the rapidly evolving real estate marketplace. The name “house&hive” represents the disruptive nature of the industry, driven by a commitment to delivering exceptional results and client service at the highest level. With her extensive background and expertise, Cindy is well-equipped to guide clients through the complexities of this changing market.
5000 Island Estates Drive | Aventura | $4,685,000 | The private elevator opens to the home’s foyer welcoming you to a stunning space spanning +/-4,000sf of pure luxury. With features such as high-end finishes, custom lighting, built-ins, and designer wall coverings, every detail of this home has been thoughtfully curated. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and intracoastal from every room. Web# A11646364
Cindy Orlinsky Broker Associate Executive Director of Luxury Sales M 305.469.3222 cindy.orlinsky@elliman.com houseandhive.com
COMMAND THE SPOTLIGHT IN ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECES AND HIGH-JEWELRY HIGHLIGHTS
BY MARY MURRAY
1. OCEAN TREASURES Mish Fine Jewelry Sea Urchin drop earclips with coral and orange sapphires set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. Mish Fine Jewelry, Palm Beach (mishfinejewelry.com)
2. LUCKY STARS Louis Vuitton High Jewelry Coeur de Paris necklace from the Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds collection with a fancy deep orangey-pink diamond and LV Monogram star-cut diamonds set in platinum and rose gold, price upon request. Select Louis Vuitton boutiques (us.louisvuitton.com)
3. WALKING ON THE SUN Graff ring with a fancy intense yellow diamond and a white baguette swirl surround set in gold and white gold, price upon request. Graff, Bal Harbour (graff.com)
4. CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste earrings with unenhanced crystal opals and diamonds set in platinum and gold, price upon request. Select Tiffany & Co. boutiques (tiffany.com)
5. DECO DECADENCE Gucci Labirinti High Jewelry necklace with opals, lagoon tourmaline, mandarin garnets, and diamonds set in white gold, price upon request. By special order at select Gucci boutiques (gucci.com)
6. TOTALLY TRANSFORMED Chanel High Jewelry Sweater Prestige transformable ring with diamonds and onyx set in 18-karat white gold, price upon request. Select Chanel boutiques (chanel.com)
7. FAN OUT Van Cleef & Arpels Coquillage Mystérieux clip from the L’île au trésor collection with buff-topped rubies in Traditional Mystery Set, emerald, rubies, white cultured pearl, and pink and white diamonds set in 18-karat gold, white gold, and rose gold, price upon request. Van Cleef & Arpels, Miami, Bal Harbour (vancleefarpels.com)
8. NATURE WALK Davidor Feuillage Manchette bracelet with arch-cut green tourmalines and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. Davidor, Bal Harbour (davidor.com)
9. GOLDEN GODDESS Jewelmer Tropics bracelet with a semi-round gold cultured South Sea pearl and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. Jewelmer, Palm Beach (jewelmer.com)
THESE MAKEUP PRODUCTS ARE ALL THAT GLITTER
BY ABIGAIL DUFFY
From festive holiday celebrations that linger into the wee hours to the season’s swankiest soirees and the buzzing countdown to the New Year, put your best face forward at every winter fete with special-edition cosmetics in stunning shades that dial up the sultry sparkle: Lancôme Celestial Rose Palette Holiday 2024, an array of colors for the eyes and face that harness the vibe of a glittering December evening in Paris ($89, Nordstrom, Aventura, Coral Gables); Deborah Koepper Luminizer for an on-the-go glow ($60, deborahkoepper.com); Artistboxxx Palm Beach
Polish and Glowww Palette, inspired by the island’s iconic architecture and vibrant hues ($85, artistboxxx.com); Guerlain Holiday Limited-Edition Ombres G-Quad Eyeshadow Palette in Regarde-Moi ($105) and Rouge G Customizable Embrasse-Moi Lipstick Case ($48, Saks Fifth Avenue locations) with Guerlain x Pucci Limited-Edition Rouge G Customizable Satin Lipstick in Marmo Twist ($42, pucci.com); and Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising Pop Shots Eye Shadows in Pillow Talk Ultra Violet – Multi-Dimension and Cosmic Rocks ($34 each, Charlotte Tilbury, Aventura).
LOOKING FORWARD TO HOLIDAY REVELRY BUT NOT THE MORNING-AFTER RECOVERY? TRY THESE TIPS FOR COMBATING THE DREADED HANGOVER.
BY LIZA GRANT SMITH
The Good Patch offers two adhesive solutions for hangovers, with patches that you can peel and place on the inside of your wrist. Revive is crafted with premium hemp extract, the natural flavonoid DHM, and black pepper extract, while Rescue contains DHM, green tea, and vitamin B1. Stick a patch on before your night out (or in the morning) and it will steadily release ingredients over an eight- to 12-hour period. (thegoodpatch.com)
The idea for More Labs’ Morning Recovery was born when company cofounder Sisun Lee was on a trip home in South Korea and tried a bottled tonic available in local convenience stores after a late night out. He woke up feeling great—thanks to DHM, a plant-derived compound that helps break down alcohol-induced toxins so your body can flush them out faster. Most effective when taken before you drink, Morning Recovery is composed of DHM, electrolytes, and other beneficial ingredients (including vitamin B and C complex) that all work together to speed up recovery. (morelabs.com)
Miami’s Concierge MD offers a Mobile Hangover IV therapy with a combination of IV fl uids, vitamins, electrolytes, and anti-nausea medicine. You can even enjoy the services in the comfort of your home by booking an appointment for a nurse to come to you. (conciergemdla.com)
As soon as you wake up, drop the Blowfish for Hangovers tablets in water and drink the lemonflavored concoction once the fizzing stops. Each tablet contains 500 mg of aspirin and 60 mg of pharmaceutical caffeine for all-inone, fast-acting headache relief, energy, and hydration. (forhangovers.com)
AVOID DRINKS HIGH IN CONGENERS. WHILE ETHANOL IS THE MAIN ACTIVE INGREDIENT IN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, THEY ALSO CONTAIN VARYING AMOUNTS OF CONGENERS. THESE TOXIC BYPRODUCTS ARE FORMED WHEN SUGARFERMENTING YEASTS PRODUCE ETHANOL. ALCOHOLIC DRINKS WITH HIGH LEVELS OF CONGENERS (PARTICULARLY BOURBON BUT ALSO COGNAC AND TEQUILA) ARE CORRELATED WITH MORE INTENSE HANGOVERS. COLORLESS DRINKS, LIKE VODKA, GIN, AND RUM, HAVE LOWER LEVELS OF CONGENERS.
USE THE ONE-FOR-ONE RULE. DRINK ONE GLASS OF WATER FOR EVERY ALCOHOLIC DRINK YOU CONSUME. HORMONES LIKE VASOPRESSIN, ALDOSTERONE, AND RENIN THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DEHYDRATION ARE HIGHER IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE A HANGOVER. FOLLOWING THIS RULE WILL HELP TO LOWER THOSE DEHYDRATION HORMONES AND ALSO SLOW YOUR PACE OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION.
Oasis Hallandale Sets the Stage for a Live-Work-Play Destination
In a major milestone for Hallandale Beach, Oasis Hallandale is redefining the cityscape with a new city center, combining residential living with a sophisticated mix of retail, dining, and office space. The 10-acre project, designed by Arquitectonica, is the city’s first pedestrian-friendly hub, and introduces two 25-story twin condo towers surrounded by vibrant amenities and urban energy.
“Oasis Hallandale is a visionary community that will redefine the way people experience Hallandale Beach,” said Giuseppe Iadisernia, developer of Oasis Hallandale. “We set out to create a vibrant city center where residents and visitors can live, work, and play within a thoughtfully curated environment. With its dynamic mix of retail, dining, office and residential offerings, Oasis Hallandale will serve as a new benchmark for urban living in South Florida.”
Oasis Hallandale will deliver over 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, along with 35,000 square feet of modern office space, incorporating trendy restaurants, a gourmet kosher food market, a high-profile art gallery, and boutique offices to serve both residents and visitors.
Above, the residential towers offer a total of 500 residences, ranging from one- to three-bedroom layouts. The towers are connected by an elevated amenity deck on the sixth floor, overlooking Gulfstream Park. This shared space features two large pools, a hot tub spa, private cabanas, barbecue and fire pit areas, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center, a yoga lawn, an outdoor movie theater, and a lounge area. Families can enjoy the children’s playground and splash pad, creating a community atmosphere ideal for relaxation and social gatherings.
The project’s new boulevards will be lined with retail and dining options, leading up to a grand breezeway crowned by a dramatic six-story waterfall that serves as a porte-cochere for residents and guests. With lush greenery, expansive sidewalks, and tree-lined promenades, the community’s design creates a true neighborhood feel.
Hallandale Beach City Mayor Joy Cooper told the Sun Sentinel Oasis Hallandale is a first-of-its-kind development for the city, drawing newcomers from New York, California, and beyond who find value in Broward County’s emerging landscape. Oasis Hallandale’s integration of residential, commercial and lifestyle spaces demonstrates are strategically designed to meet the needs of the growing city.
The recently opened KC Market and Davinci Café have already introduced gourmet grocery shopping and day-to-night dining options to the development. The commercial phase at Oasis Hallandale is fully sold out, featuring a diverse mix of tenants that include Oasis Fit, Oasis Dental, and Dr. Branovan ENT, with additional retailers and restaurants set to open soon.
Located at 1000 E Hallandale Beach Blvd, Oasis Hallandale anchors the city’s rapid transformation, establishing a new focal point for commerce and residential living. Construction is progressing rapidly, with the west tower fully topped off, and the entire project’s completion slated for 2026. The Oasis Hallandale team has also launched sales of the development’s second condo tower on the east side, exclusively represented by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. This new urban center is shaping Hallandale Beach’s future as a walkable, thriving community.
YOUR
TWO OF GREECE’S MOST SUBLIME ISLANDS DELIGHT WITH NATURAL BEAUTY, CULTURAL TREASURES, AND VIEWS FOR DAYS
BY DAPHNE NIKOLOPOULOS
Most visitors to Greece make a beeline for the Cyclades islands, charmed by the whitewashed buildings silhouetted against the sapphire sea and the buzzy, cosmopolitan beaches. Fair enough. But as summer tourism swells in the charismatic island chain, there are good reasons to look elsewhere for that authentic Greek experience—quaint harbors and Byzantine monasteries included.
The cognoscenti already know about the Sporades. This island archipelago north of Athens offers the best attributes of the Aegean without the crowds or commoditized Hellenism. When approaching from the sea,
you notice the difference right away: the landscape is mountainous and lush, with pine trees tumbling down hillsides to the water’s edge. Beaches range from large sandy swathes to windswept coves defined by rock formations that recall ancient tales from the Odyssey
The jewel of the Sporades is Skiathos, which strikes the perfect balance between tranquility and excitement. The best way to experience it is by renting a hilltop villa with wraparound views of the Aegean. London-based The Thinking Traveller (thethinkingtraveller.com) offers several villas in the Sporades, including the exquisite Azalea on Skiathos. Located in Troulos on the island’s southwest coast, the
six-bedroom villa is designed in traditional Mediterranean style with stone-paved terraces and shaded verandas surrounded by mature olive and fig trees, bougainvilleas, and oleanders. The symphony of blues, greens, and earth tones gives a spectacular first impression, but the true spirit of the villa unfolds quietly over time.
Mornings start with a swim in the pool, followed by a traditional Greek breakfast of fruit, breads, cheeses, and honey—all sourced or produced locally and prepared by the villa’s cook, Eleni. Eleni and the rest of the staff provide flawless service but are also mindful of retreating after mealtimes so guests have total privacy.
A downhill path leads to Azalea’s private beach appointed with loungers, a stocked cooler, kayaks, and paddleboards. The water is refreshing, even at the peak of summer, and so clear you can see the veining on the pebbles beneath the surface. With a picnic lunch and some music, it’s easy to lose all track of time.
Outside of the villa is an island worth exploring. On the west coast, a hike in the woods of Mandraki, toward Elias Cove, leads to a forgotten beach and a thatch-roofed shack that serves some of the best seafood in Skiathos. Out east, near the windy beaches of Xanemo, there’s always a crowd to watch airplanes descend for landing. The seaside airport has a short runway, so landings are a bit of a spectacle as planes approach directly above beachgoers.
Further inland is the monastery of Panagia
Evangelistria (Annunciation of the Virgin), one of the most historically significant monasteries in Greece. Here, in 1807, the occupied nation’s freedom fighters wove the flag of the independent state and swore an oath to free Greece from Ottoman rule. Today, it is still a working monastery with beautiful chapels, a hilltop café, a museum, vineyards, and an olive press. Locally produced products (some by the monks themselves) are for sale in a small shop. Evenings are best spent in Skiathos town near the docks, where shops, restaurants, and nightlife abound. For elevated Greek cuisine in a charming courtyard space, Marmita (marmitaskiathos.com) is a can’t-miss. From grilled Mastelo cheese with marinated peaches to roasted rabbit in Samos sweet wine, the offerings are creative and the experience world-class.
Mind you, a homemade dinner on the terrace of Azalea is no slouch, especially if Eleni’s famous pies are on the menu. With a star-strewn sky above and a summer breeze wafting up from the sea, there’s no better way to conclude a perfect day in Skiathos.
Santorini’s volcanic topography and bluedomed whitewashed churches perched atop plunging cliffs have become symbolic of an idyllic Greek vacation. Yet most travelers to this Cycladic icon bounce only between the crowded streets of Fira (the capital city) and Oia, renowned for its sunsets, forgoing some of the island’s more esoteric but no less wondrous attributes.
To really get to know Santorini, it helps to have a local curate the experience. Nous Santorini, a Yes! Hotel, has stepped brilliantly into this role, crafting original and personalized activities for its guests. The hotel is centrally positioned in Mesaria, a village within 10 minutes of the capital, and offers dramatic views of the Aegean from the caldera’s edge. A compound of geometric structures that look both contemporary and ancient, the design-forward Nous is in itself a destination. The hotel’s art collection, viewable throughout the common areas and accommodations, is centered on Greek artists and tells a heritage story through a contemporary lens. Materials take a cue from the island’s volcanic landscape and arid surroundings, and bespoke furnishings—the work of some of the nation’s top designers—express a connection to land and sea.
But what truly sets Nous apart is its focus on experiences that don’t appear in the guidebooks. This can be anything from a customized wine trail tour discovering Santorini’s little-
known (but superb) vintages to a visit to an art gallery inside a subterranean wine cave. One of the most fascinating opportunities is an expertled excursion to Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city that was destroyed during the circa-1600 BCE eruption that famously sank half of Santorini (then Thera) into the sea. At this living archeological dig, multistory buildings, incredibly well-
preserved frescoes, and intricate infrastructure have risen from ash and stone to reveal an advanced civilization.
The best way to cap days of discovery is with the sexy nightlife of Fira, which can range from intimate bars to the lively scene at Koo Club and Enigma. It’s all about balance. (yeshotels.gr/nous-santorini) «
Flexible appointment scheduling and you will NEVER be seen by a Nurse Practitioner or PA.
Serving the Aventura community for over 30 years, Dr. Seskin is trained in all aspects of Urologic care.
With additional expertise in testosterone replacement therapy and non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction as well as the latest treatments for urinary frequency and Interstitial cystitis.
IN SUNSET KEY, PRIVATE-ISLAND EXCLUSIVITY COLLIDES WITH THE IRREPRESSIBLE ENERGY OF KEY WEST
BY DAPHNE NIKOLOPOULOS
Private islands are usually synonymous with remote latitudes, where serenity is guaranteed and the feeling of escape is complete. That’s all well and good, but there’s merit to the idea of a little excitement just across the channel.
This kind of win-win isn’t always possible, which is why Sunset Key is so adored. The island sits within a stone’s skip of Key West, where legends of pirates, rum runners, and poets still color the culture and eccentricity is a virtue. We’ll get back to that.
First, let’s visualize: a boat named Lil Princess delivers you to a covered dock, beyond which splays a village of clapboard cottages with deep porches, picket fences, and metal roofs. On one side, palm trees and palapas line a beach; on the other, tables perch directly on the sand, facing west in anticipation of the nightly spectacle. Idyllic? Most definitely. Sunset Key Cottages, the Opal Collection
resort that inhabits a portion of the private island (the rest is an enclave of dreamy residences), may be the most charming of getaways in the Florida Keys. Everything is designed to reflect simpler times, from the Victorian-inspired architecture to the barefoot luxury of the interiors. The one-to-fourbedroom cottages are appointed in coastal style and a palette reminiscent of sea glass and thatch. Porches and balconies open to bougainvillea-studded gardens, and rocking chairs invite you to take it all in.
The pace is slow, but there’s plenty to do beyond the pool and beach. Fishing off the dock is encouraged— rods and bait are complimentary—and it’s common to see families angling for yellowtail
before retreating to their cottage for the daily breakfast basket. Kids love to chase down the “conch cruiser,” a tricycle that circles the carfree island to offer treats from its cooler full of ice cream. The spa is a delight, especially if you choose to have your treatment at the outdoor cabana, where the sound of swaying palms and sighing surf provides the perfect castaway soundtrack.
Evenings often start at the outdoor bar with a complimentary rum tasting and cocktail crafted by the jovial longtime bartender. Dinner is an experience to savor. Situated beachside under the shade of palms, Latitudes offers a seafood-forward menu (the Caribbean lobster risotto and Key West pink shrimp carbonara are classics), as well as a breathtaking sunset view.
For those who crave variety, Key West beckons. This southernmost American island is a living theater with colorful characters (and the odd feral chicken). You’ll find incredible diversity here, from prolific botanical gardens to the salvaged riches of Spanish shipwrecks to quirky shops and galleries—not to mention history and weirdness galore. There is truly nothing like Key West, which is why a stay at Sunset Key Cottages presents the best of both worlds. (sunsetkeycottages.com) «
MERCEDES-AMG’S SPECTACULAR NEW S 63 E PERFORMANCE
HYBRID IS A 791-HP TOUR DE FORCE
BY HOWARD WALKER
The nineteenth-century English politician, historian, and thespian Lord John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton once pontificated that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
While the good Lord Acton was reportedly referring to moral standards among his fellow man, had he been around today he might have used his famous quotation to reference the most potent, most powerful Mercedes-Benz
S-class ever made—the new AMG S 63 E Performance hybrid.
Talk about power and corruption. This rolling nuclear reactor packs an ungodly 791 horsepower and 1,055 pound-feet of torque. There are SpaceX rockets with less oomph. Stand on the gas and you’ll slingshot from standstill to 60 mph in a gut-churning 3.2 seconds. And this isn’t some hip-high, twoseat supercar. No, this is an S-class, the preferred ride of Cohiba-smoking captains of industry the world over.
Part of what makes this AMG-developed Merc so mesmerizing is what lies beneath. It’s a plug-in hybrid with a Molotov cocktail that combines AMG’s sublime 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a high-torque electric motor powering the rear axle.
But there’s an added twist: Mercedes-AMG worked with its Formula 1 team to refine the lithium-ion battery used in the race car for the
S 63. This high-output, 13.1-kWh pack delivers an instant and substantial jolt to the V8. While it doesn’t turn the big S into an EV, it can power the car in electric-only mode for just under 20 miles. That is plenty for stopstart commutes or runs to the gourmet grocery store. And when the electric runs out, the V8 seamlessly kicks in.
Where this new S 63 E is at its most spectacular is in everyday driving. In Comfort mode it is whisper quiet, serene, and stealthy as it glides along like a Gulfstream G500 for the road. But should you spot a gap in the traffic ahead or need to accelerate hard out of an on-ramp, a simple squeeze of the throttle will lunge the car forward like a rock out of a catapult.
And this is not some straight-line dragster. Find yourself a twisty backroad, dial up Sport or Sport+, and the big Benz awakens like a prodded rottweiler. The exhaust growls, the steering sharpens, and the 9-speed automatic
gets more urgent in its shifts. All this combined with the traction and stability of standard allwheel drive, the curve-carving response of rear-wheel steering, and the body control of AMG’s Active Ride Control adds up to a technical tour de brute force.
Yet, the car hasn’t forgotten its high-luxe Sclass pedigree. Yes, the pricier Mercedes-Maybach S 580 ($203,500 and up) might slather on a few more luxury touches, but this $186,200 S 63 E is not far behind. The cabin is wall-to-wall diamond-quilted napa leather opulence.
Cuddle up in the rear seat and toast to AMG’s engineering brilliance with a flute of Cristal from the Champagne chiller tucked behind the rear armrest. For a little nap time, recline your massaging and cooled seat and raise a footrest just like at your local AMC. And trust me, the pillowy back-seat headrests are the cushiest things you’ll ever lay your weary head on.
Up front, drivers are cosseted in massaging Barcaloungers as they gaze at a 12.3-inch digi-
PRICE: $186,200 ENGINE: 4.0-LITER TWINTURBO V8 WITH HYBRID POWER: 791 HP TORQUE: 1,055 LB-FT TRANSMISSION: 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC 0-60: 3.2 SECONDS TOP SPEED: 180 MPH LENGTH/WIDTH: 208/83 INCHES WEIGHT: 5,720 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT COMBINES SUPERCAR PERFORMANCE WITH TRULY DECADENT LUXURY. V
tal instrument cluster and 12.8-inch tablet-like center display. Personally, I was mesmerized by the endless ribbons of color-changing LED light strips worthy of some Austin Powers disco. Yeah, baby.
The S 63 E also looks the part of the plutocratic powerhouse, complete with 21-inch AMG forged wheels, air-gulping intakes, and a gaping maw of a grille showcasing a pizza-sized, three-pointed star emblem. At more than 208 inches nose to tail, it’s nearly
as long as an Escalade.
This is, without argument, one of the finest, most rewarding high-performance sedans money can buy. Yes, BMW’s M760i hybrid is a close-but-no-cigar alternative. Closer still is Bentley’s latest 717-hp Flying Spur with V8 hybrid power, but that’s likely to cost around $280,000.
No, when it comes to being corrupted by sheer power, this Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance reigns supreme. «
Facility
#10117 Our newly renovated fourth floor is ready for you to see! Visit The Sterling Aventura and explore modernized common areas and stylish assisted living apartments that fit your every need. While you’re here, savor a restaurant-style meal on us and meet our exceptional executive chef. This is your chance to experience firsthand why residents love calling The Sterling Aventura home.
FORMULA
NEW 457 CCF IS A DREAM MACHINE FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES TO WET A LINE
BY HOWARD WALKER
Fish, be afraid. Very afraid. You’ll soon be swimming in fear of a lean, mean, fish-catching machine from Indiana-based Formula Boats—the brand-new 457 CCF (short for Center Console Fish).
Stretching 49 feet from pointy bow to chiseled stern, this $2 million battlewagon shares its smooth-riding, wave-slicing, twin-step
hull with its sibling 457 CC. Whereas the CC is perfect for weekend family fun at the sandbar, the CCF is targeted at the serious sports angler—hence the second steering console mounted high on the 18-foot-long hardtop, where you can scan the horizon Captain Ahab style for a catch.
Then there’s the sheer size and number of storage wells for when you haul in that 100-pound grouper. The main in-deck hold is not only the size of a small Pods storage unit, but it has its own ice maker that can produce around 20 pounds an hour. And at the back of the cockpit are twin 50-gallon pressurized live wells, with one doubling as dive-tank storage for when spearfishing takes your fancy. As for rod holders, there are more than you’ll see at your local Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Prior to 2022, Formula had been all about sporty bowriders and hardtop day cruisers. Then it debuted the innovative 387 CCS and CCF center console models, which have been
strong sellers. According to the company, feedback from 387 owners helped to fine-tune these new 457s.
Take music. Everyone knows that fishing folk out on the water love good tunes. A little Jimmy Buffett or Zac Brown always fills the time between reel-ins. So, this new CCF rocks a megawatt Rockford Fosgate sound system with a multitude of top-notch JL Audio multicolored LED speakers. And speaking of lighting, the boat comes with no fewer than 29 illuminated cupholders that, together with the speakers, pulse in time with the music. Groovy.
Everywhere you look there’s great form and functionality. At the helm station, for example, there are two rows of three-across seats with armrests, and the entire area is chilled by a standard 18,000-BTU air-conditioning system. The three front seats even get back coolers. Want extra airflow? At the press of a button the forward section of windshield powers open.
Another one of my favorite features? That would be the power-opening wind-blockers on each side of the helm station. These virtually eliminate the galeforce winds that whip around the cockpit at anything more than 30 knots. No more lost baseball caps or flying Ray-Bans.
That oversize cockpit at the rear is not only a great place to cast a line, but also to feed the crew. Behind the second-row seats there’s an outdoor kitchen with a Corian countertop, sink, fridge, and 120-volt Kenyon electric grill. When not in use, it’s covered by a deep bench seat from which you can watch the angling action.
Need to leave the fishermen to their own devices?
Stroll around the extra-wide, extra-deep, cushionfloored side decks to the bow area, where there’s a three-across sun pad and twin loungers with backrests.
There’s also an air-conditioned cabin where you can escape the sun, shower off, or overnight at your favorite anchorage. It includes a U-shaped sofa that converts into a double, a galley with a fridge and a microwave, a big TV, and a toilet with a separate shower. Headroom
throughout is an impressive 6 feet, 6 inches.
Formula was one of the first builders to design boats around Mercury’s revolutionary 600-horsepower Verado V12 outboards, starting in 2021 with its 53-foot 500 SSC fast cruiser. For the 457 CCF, Formula hangs three of them on the transom to deliver a knockout 1,800hp punch and a 50-knot top speed. A 700-gallon fuel capacity should give a 270-mile range at the 30-knot cruise speed.
PRICE: FROM $2.1 MILLION LENGTH:
49 FEET BEAM: 13 FEET, 9 INCHES
Other surprises include standard Seakeeper 6 rollquelling gyro stabilization and a Fischer Panda generator to ensure all the fancy electrics keep running. Add to all this the kind of exceptional ride and proven offshore seakeeping abilities we’ve come to expect of a Formula. Just don’t mention any of this to the fish. «
DRAFT: 4 FEET, 6 INCHES ENGINES:
3 X 600-HP MERCURY VERADOS TOP SPEED: 50 KNOTS RANGE: 270 MILES WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT’S PART FISH CATCHER, PART LUXURY FAMILY CRUISER.
JONATHAN PLUTZIK AND LESLEY GOLDWASSER HOST A HANUKKAH DINNER
PREPARED BY MICHELINSTARRED CHEF LAURENT TOURONDEL IN THEIR ARTFILLED MIAMI BEACH HOME
amily and tradition are an important part of Jewish life for Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser. The co-owners of The Betsy South Beach—a boutique Miami Beach hotel known for its commitment to philanthropy and promoting the arts—are both Jewish, but their backgrounds couldn’t be more different.
Born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Goldwasser says Hanukkah was not celebrated in as grand a manner as the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. She remembers lighting the menorah candles, but she did not receive gifts during the eight-day “Festival of Lights.” When she moved to the United States in 1983, her experience shifted.
“I was surprised to learn that Hanukkah was so big in the U.S.,” says Goldwasser. “We were family-oriented, but we always had Christmas envy. Coming from diaspora, where Jews built their lives from scratch, I felt wonderful and welcomed when I moved to New York because holiday celebrations were so different.”
Plutzik—the son of poet Hyam Plutzik, a three-time finalist for the Pulitzer
BY LINDA MARX
“ AS A CHILD, I REMEMBER LIGHTING THE CANDLES, EXCHANGING GIFTS, AND ENJOYING HANUKKAH FOOD LIKE POTATO LATKES WITH SOUR CREAM AND, OF COURSE, BRISKET.” —Jonathan Plutzik
Below: The evening’s signature cocktail was the Blood Orange
Prize—grew up in Rochester, New York. His family’s observance of Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays were of serious importance, he says, to include generations of relatives gathering together to celebrate.
“Holidays were important in our home,” says Plutzik.
“As a child, I remember lighting the candles, exchanging gifts, and enjoying Hanukkah food like potato latkes with sour cream and, of course, brisket. Our family always got together for Hanukkah.”
Today, Plutzik, who retired in 2003 as a vice chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston, is chairman and copresident with his wife of the Plutzik Goldwasser Family Foundation, which supports education, children’s services, literature, and Jewish communal activities. He is also active in charitable engagement via a variety of boards, including Planet World—a Washington, D.C.–based museum dedicated to language arts—and he received a leadership award from the Academy of American Poets for his exemplary service to poetry.
Locally, Plutzik was named the 2016 Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. In 2017, the mayor gave him the key to the city in recognition of his civic contributions. He currently serves as chairman of the Ocean Drive Association, Miami
Beach’s business engine.
Goldwasser is one of four managing partners of GreensLedge investment bank in New York, primarily working remotely from Miami Beach. She met Plutzik during her own tenure at Credit Suisse, where she worked on the floor as a bond trader. He was a banker.
“I was 21 and really liked Jonathan,” Goldwasser recalls. “I called him during a work project, which became the beginning of our dating life. It was a ‘dinner’ dinner. We were married in 1986.” (They have two children, Rachael and Zachary, and a new granddaughter, Francena Luna.)
Although the couple bought South Beach’s Betsy Ross hotel out of bankruptcy in 2004—adding the old Carlton hotel in 2017 to create a second wing—they didn’t move to Miami Beach from the New York area until 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paying homage to his poet father, Plutzik, along with Goldwasser, turned the hotel—now known as The Betsy—into an enchanting, pet-friendly arts and culture hotel. It offers a canine concierge, daily jazz performances, a classical music pop-up experience, major art exhibitions, poetry readings, and an artist residency program that has hosted more than 1,000
writers and creatives.
Both Goldwasser and Plutzik enjoy living in Miami Beach and hosting dinners in their art-filled home, which has a clear view of the hotel from their expansive balcony. “We love having large holiday parties like we used to do in New York,” Plutzik says. “We both feel food is the most elevated expression of love. We like to entertain informally where people feel comfortable and can interact, of-
ten responding to environmental needs and Jewish themes. We like people with strong opinions.”
For this year’s Hanukkah dinner, the couple opened their large, open-concept living/dining space overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean Drive to more than a dozen of Miami’s cultural and community leaders. As guests mingled through the chic space (designed by Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro) they sipped glasses of Blood Orange Schivitz, the evening’s signature cocktail made with kosher Casa Noble Tequila, lime juice, blood orange juice, and Limoncello. They munched on Michelin-starred chef Laurent Tourondel’s appetizers of challah bread, potato and leek latkes, smoked salmon topped with crème fraîche and Ossetra caviar, and spiced slow-cooker applesauce.
Guests on the balcony were also treated to a classical concert that happened to be taking place in front of The Betsy. “We offer this nightly at the hotel and wanted our guests to indulge in some lovely music before dinner,” says Plutzik.
For their Hanukkah celebration, the couple decorated the dining table with a mixture of family heirlooms and traditional holiday accents, resulting in a feeling of nostalgia that both Plutzik and Goldwasser say is what makes holiday dinners special. Stacked books written by members of Plutzik’s family (including poetry tomes penned by his father) were interspersed with tabletop items like Goldwasser’s spotted fired-clay guinea fowl vases from Zimbabwe filled with roses, hydrangeas, and other blooms.
“I collect these vases and have them as table appointments as well as placed in other areas of our home,” says Goldwasser. “The collection is in various sizes and important to me.”
Before dining, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner recited the holiday prayer and conducted the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah. He gave blessings, thanking God for the miracles of Hanukkah. (On each of the eight days of Hanukkah, one new candle is lit on the menorah, until all eight
candles are illuminated, symbolizing the number of days the ancient temple lantern blazed until new oil could be found.)
The family-style meal was served with kosher Herzog Variations Five Cabernet Sauvignon and Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc. In preparation for the evening, chef Tourondel (the namesake of The Betsy’s LT restaurant) researched the ideal dishes to prepare and serve. He was surprised to learn that some of his selections were similar to dishes he enjoyed as a
child, like sufganiyot (beignets).
Tourondel’s bespoke menu included mains of wine-braised beef brisket with turnips and heirloom carrots topped with a horseradish gremolata, crispy lemon pepper chicken, and baked salmon with citrus, whole-grain mustard, and dill. Sides were smashed potatoes with walnut dressing and smoky roasted kale.
“The brisket dish was inspired by my mother’s boeuf bourguignon braised in red wine with carrots and mushrooms,” Tourondel explains. “The potato latkes appetizer reminded me of my grandmother’s millassou, a classic Correzien dish from Brive in southern France. It’s sort of a grated potato cooked in a large pan with parsley and onion.”
Even though Goldwasser makes a “delicious brisket,” according to her husband, everyone
was over the moon with Tourondel’s version. After dinner, desserts included Hanukkah favorite sweet noodle kugel cinnamon crumble plus raspberry and green cardamon sufganiyot.
While dining, guests discussed the latest cultural happenings in Miami Beach, how internationally cultured and diverse Miami has become, and the power of the Jewish community. They agreed that Plutzik has put his mark on a great deal of good happening in Miami Beach and around the area.
“Jonathan is a gentleman who understands Miami so clearly,” says guest Howard Herring, president and CEO of New World Symphony, an organization that trains emerging classical musicians. “He is sensitive to where we are going culturally and is a citizen of the world. He is the future of our community.” «
AS YOU WELCOME GUESTS INTO YOUR HOME THIS SEASON, ENSURE EVERY SIP REFLECTS THE JOY AND WONDER OF THIS MAGICAL TIME OF YEAR
BY JULES ARON
A riff on the pre-Prohibition Pegu Club cocktail, this snowy wonderland is all dressed up for the holidays
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 oz. Upstate Vodka
1/2 oz. frost syrup (recipe below)
1/2 oz. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
1/2 oz. fresh pressed lemon juice
Edible blue glitter for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass, ensuring a smooth pour. Before serving, gently sprinkle a pinch of edible blue glitter on the surface of the cocktail. The glitter creates a mesmerizing, frosted effect that swirls as you sip.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup agave syrup
1 cup apple juice
1 tbsp. blue spirulina
In a medium saucepan, combine the agave syrup and apple juice over medium heat to warm the mixture, stirring until well combined. Add the spirulina and stir until fully dissolved. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for 2 to 3 weeks.
Raise a glass to lasting memories with this striking jewel-toned drink served in a decorative ornament
1 1/2 oz. gin
1 oz. pomegranate juice
1/2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. pink peppercorn syrup (recipe below)
2 oz. Champagne, to top
Prepare a clear ornament that can safely hold liquid. Combine the gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and pink peppercorn syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Carefully strain the mixture into the ornament, filling it about three-quarters. Present each ornament in a coupe glass and then invite your guests to pour their drink into the glass and top with Champagne.
1 cup agave syrup
1 cup water
1/4 cup pink peppercorns
In a medium saucepan, combine the ingredients over medium heat to warm the mixture, stirring until well combined. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for 2 to 3 weeks.
Capture the warmth and nostalgia of the season with this cozy and decadent drink reminiscent of Santa’s milk and cookies
INGREDIENTS
2 oz. bourbon
1/2 oz. gingerbread syrup (recipe below)
1 oz. half and half or coconut cream
Elemakule Tiki Bitters (optional)
Nutmeg for garnish, plus mini cookie and/or cinnamon stick (optional)
Chill a rocks glass. In a shaker, combine the bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and half and half (or coconut cream).
If using, add a few dashes of Elemakule Tiki Bitters for additional complexity. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until chilled and well combined. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Finish by generously grating fresh nutmeg on top, allowing the warm spices to waft up as you take a sip. For added flair, garnish with a mini cookie and/or a cinnamon stick.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup agave syrup
1 cup water
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
Pinch of salt
In a medium saucepan, combine the ingredients over medium heat to warm the mixture, stirring until well combined. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for 2 to 3 weeks.
This vibrant punch combines the herbal notes of Aperol with the warmth and smokiness of tequila and mezcal, all tied together with the essence of rosemary
(SERVES 12)
1 750-ml bottle Aperol
6 oz. tequila blanco
6 oz. mezcal
6 oz. rosemary syrup (recipe below)
6 oz. fresh pressed grapefruit juice
4 oz. fresh pressed lemon juice
1 750-ml bottle soda water
Citrus wheels and rosemary sprigs to garnish
Combine the Aperol, tequila, mezcal, rosemary syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, and fresh lemon juice in a large punch bowl or pitcher. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Just before serving, add the soda water to the mixture to create a refreshing sparkle. Gently stir to combine. Serve the punch over ice and garnish each glass with a wheel of citrus and a sprig of rosemary.
1 cup agave syrup
1 cup water
1/4 cup rosemary sprigs
In a medium saucepan, combine the ingredients over medium heat to warm the mixture, stirring until well combined. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for 2 to 3 weeks.
An ode to the wintry snow figure, this dreamy mint and white chocolate concoction would make any snowman’s carrot nose twitch in delight
1 oz. white rum
1 oz. white creme de cacao
1/2 oz. peppermint schnapps
1 oz. half and half or coconut cream
Whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Pour into desired vessel and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy.
Peacock for attention in exquisite diamond, emerald, and ruby jewelry
By Mary Murray
Necklace with emeralds and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, Lugano Diamonds, luganodiamonds.com; bracelet with natural emeralds set in 18-karat gold, Yvel, yvel.com; Emerald Folha ring with emeralds and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Graziela, Marissa Collections, marissacollections.com.
Opposite page: Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2024: Phoenix Rubellite pendant with a rubellite, unenhanced Umba sapphires, and diamonds set in platinum and 18-karat gold, Tiffany & Co., select Tiffany & Co. boutiques, tiffany.com; drop earrings with rubies and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, Provident Jewelry locations, providentjewelry.com; ring with rubies and diamonds set in 14-karat gold, Effy Jewelry, effyjewelry.com
Gypsy Sun pendant in Classic with diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, and Gypsy Sun pendant in Candy with diamonds, sapphires, and tsavorites set in 18-karat rose gold, Tamara Comolli, us.tamaracomolli.com; L’Arc Deco bangle with arch-cut rubellites and diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, Davidor, Bal Harbour, davidor.com; ring with diamonds set in 18-karat Fairmined gold, Tejen, tejen-collection.com
Opposite page: Earrings with emeralds and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, Graff, Bal Harbour, graff.com; Comète bracelet with a gold South Sea pearl and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Jewelmer, us.jewelmer.com; Petite Diamond Fleur Emerald necklace with diamonds and emeralds set in 18-karat white gold, Patricia Robalino, patriciarobalino.com
Small Jasmine Bloom earrings with emeralds and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Tanya Farah, tanyafarah.com; graduated baguette emerald necklace set in 14-karat gold, Jacquie Aiche, jacquieaiche.com; bangle with emeralds set in 18-karat rose gold, Walters Faith, Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour, Coral Gables, neimanmarcus.com; Illusion Emerald Dot ring with diamonds and Zambian emeralds set in 18-karat gold, Ritique, Kirna Zabête, Miami, kirnazabete.com
Opposite page: Diamond flower cluster earrings with diamonds set in platinum, Greenleaf & Crosby, greenleafcrosby.com; Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve Collection necklaces with Colombian emeralds and diamonds set in platinum, and rubies and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Hamilton Jewelers, hamiltonjewelers.com; three-stone woven flex bangle with rubies set in gold, La Enovesé Designs, laenovesedesigns.com; circa-1960s ring with a Burma no-heat ruby and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, Yafa Signed Jewels, yafasignedjewels.com
RETRO-CHIC GLAM IS ON THE MENU—COMPLETE WITH MILKSHAKES, BURGERS, AND GOOD TIMES FOR ALL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
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Six years after earning their first Michelin star for Ikaro restaurant in La Rioja, Spain, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo of chefs Iñaki Murua and Carolina Sanchez have brought their acclaimed concept to the United States with the launch of Momento by Ikaro in Downtown Miami. Drawing from their Ecuadorian and Spanish roots, Sanchez and Murua offer a pan-Latin menu that celebrates locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Each dish at this dinner-only establishment is an exquisite creation, balancing flavors, textures, and authenticity. A recent meal began with delicate green plantain empanadas filled with crab, paired with a vibrant tamarillo
sauce; it was followed by tuna tartare bathed in a smooth, chilled Andalusian tomato sauce. The highlight of the evening was a wood-fired branzino, flawlessly executed and served over a sweet-and-sour escabeche (a secret recipe from chef Sanchez’s grandmother) complemented by fried cassava and a chive emulsion. For dessert, the Biscoff cookie cheesecake stole the show with its perfect harmony of sweet and savory notes. The attentive staff enhances the experience, providing insightful details about the dishes and their origins, plus suggestions for maximizing each bite.
“Our goal with Momento by Ikaro is to create a space where culinary artistry meets immersive storytelling, inviting our guests to indulge in unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression,” says Sanchez. Suffice it to say: mission accomplished. (momentomiami.com) —Paul Rubio
’TIS THE SEASON
AMP UP THE HOLIDAY CHEER WITH FESTIVE MENUS, SEASONAL COCKTAILS, IMMERSIVE ACTIVATIONS, AND A BIG-DEAL BRUNCH
BY PAUL RUBIO
New Year’s Eve at ZUMA
Ring in 2025 in style at Zuma Miami, a beloved fixture on Brickell’s dining scene, known for pulling out all the stops for New Year’s Eve. Step onto the red carpet for a glamorous photo moment before entering the familiar yet transformed space, where live DJs and performers set the celebratory tone. While guests can opt for à la carte dining (with a minimum spend), the highlight of the evening is an exclusive New Year’s Eve omakase ($348 per person). This indulgent, truffle-heavy, multicourse experience features an array of fabulous dishes, including sea bass sashimi with truffle and salmon roe, Wagyu gyoza with black truffle, toro maki topped with caviar, and a premium 4-oz. Japanese Wagyu steak, enhanced with chili daikon ponzu, yuzu dressing, and truffle soy. There are two seating options in the main dining room (the first from 6 to 8 p.m., and the second from 9 to 10:30 p.m.), but it’s during the later seating when the true NYE festivities take off. (zumarestaurant.com)
Balmy temperatures and palm trees might not evoke traditional holiday vibes, but this December the luxurious W South Beach is adding a seasonal twist to its signature sunsoaked fun, giving us the perfect excuse for a treat-yourself staycation. Resort guests can indulge in treats like a daily hot cocoa bar, cookie-decorating sessions three times a week, and “Tinsel & Tonics,” a cocktail-making class offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Special one-off events, such as a DIY snow globe workshop on December 27, add even more excitement. Not staying at the resort? No problem—locals can join in too. Throughout December, the Living Room bar will be serving up creamy Christmas Coquitos and iced Grove Rum Apple Cider, best enjoyed during the bar’s free live music sessions from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 9:30 p.m. (marriott.com)
Earlier this year, New York City icon Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer made its debut at Brickell City Centre, bringing its award-winning burgers, Instagram-famous milkshakes, and nostalgic late ’80s/early ’90s vibe to Miami. While its year-round offerings remain crave-worthy, this December the restaurant is incorporating some festive flair with seasonal specialties. Leading the way is the Holiday Juicy Lucy, a brie-stuffed Wagyu patty topped with sprout slaw, crispy shallots, and a rich peppercorn sauce. The fun continues with Black Tap’s Holiday Mini CrazyShake Flight, featuring three indulgent, festive shakes: the Christmas Tree Shake complete with a vanilla-frosted rim and a whimsical Christmas tree cake; the Eggnog Gingerbread Shake topped with gingerbread cookie crumbs, whipped cream, and a cherry; and the Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookie Shake adorned with crushed candy canes. (blacktap.com/location/miami)
Brunch and more at MAASS
Easily the best thing to happen to Fort Lauderdale in 2024 was the debut of Maass, helmed by rising star chef Ryan Ratino, whose D.C. restaurant, Jônt, boasts two Michelin stars. Maass delivers a dynamic, ingredient-driven, modern American dining experience. It’s a culinary adventure worth the short drive north, especially for a holiday treat.
Located in a dreamy oceanfront space at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, Maass is offering three enticing options this December: a refined yet accessible à la carte dinner (indoor or alfresco), a multicourse Chef’s Counter tasting menu, and the recently added Sunday Brunch. This new must-try brunch is divided into five categories: Breads, Raw Bar, Carving Stations, From the Chef, and Desserts. It unfolds as a feast for the senses, starting with a basket of warm breads, such as crispy pain au chocolat and fragrant banana loaf. At the open kitchen, indulge in a limitless raw bar featuring shrimp, crab claws, oysters, scallops, and sashimi, artfully arranged with sauces and garnishes. There’s also an endless carving station, where beef short rib and cured king salmon are sliced to order. Choose one entrée “From the Chef” like the brown butter lobster roll or Japanese souffle pancake; and then, to finish, select a decadent dessert (pineapple upside-down cake is our favorite). At $145 per person, this next-level gastronomic experience feels like a steal (with the option to add unlimited Veuve Clicquot for $75, another relative bargain). (maassftl.com)
The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 season may have been a tough one for fans (insert grimace emoji here), but that won’t stop us from cheering on our home team, hoping for better records ahead, and reminiscing about the glory days of the early ’70s and ’80s. In fact, this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Dolphins’ record-breaking winning streak of 27 consecutive regular-season home games, which spanned between the 1971 season and the 1974 season.
To celebrate this milestone—and just in time for the close of the 2024 season—award-winning spirit brand 1800 Tequila is giving Dolphins fans past and present a memorable gift. The company has launched a commemorative limited-edition LTO 1800 Blanco bottle, showcasing the team’s signature aqua and coral colors and the iconic logo. Available at local retailers including Total Wine & More for just $30, it’s the perfect addition to stadium tailgates and game day celebrations, or simply a fun keepsake. (1800tequila.com) —P.R.
The new Italian restaurant Otto & Pepe is a natural fit in artsy and edgy Wynwood. Here are three reasons to add it to your must-try list. (ottoandpepe.com) —P.R.
Miami’s First Pasta Bar
Ditching the standard cocktail bar, Otto & Pepe is centered around a 28-seat pasta bar, offering diners front-row seats to the culinary action. Watch as chefs whip up sizzling plates of tagliolini cacio e pepe or paccheri doppio pomodoro, featuring a tantalizing secret sauce. It’s a feast for the eyes—and taste buds.
Celebrity Chef Cred
Leading the charge is chef Viviana Varese, celebrated for her Michelin-starred Viva in Milan and W Villadorata Country Restaurant in Sicily. Her innovative, flavor-forward dishes are categorized into Not Pasta, White Sauce Pasta, Red Sauce Pasta, and More Pasta.
Spaces with Character
From a wine enoteca at the entrance to a lush garden for alfresco dining, Otto & Pepe’s layout is as dynamic as its menu. Natural wood and warm tones fill the sleek interior, while the outdoor garden offers the perfect spot to sip aperitivos and bask in the see-and-be-seen ambience.
WARM UP THIS WINTER WITH A SPICE-IMBUED NEGRONI
BY JULES ARON
There’s plenty to raise our glasses to during this festive month. From gift exchanges with friends and joyous family gatherings to the excitement of ringing in the New Year, ’tis the season for toasting merry moments. Make this month even more memorable by crafting a seasonal cocktail your guests won’t soon forget.
When brainstorming your holiday libation, consider these tips:
• Use in-season ingredients—such as
citrus, pears, apples, and persimmon—to elevate your drink with fresh, crisp flavors.
• Add warming spices—like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—for comfort and nostalgia.
• Employ a simple formula, such as a ratio of 1 part spirit, ½ part sweet, ¼ part bitter, and ½ part sour. Or re-create a classic cocktail with a seasonal twist, like a gingerbread old-fashioned, an apple cider margarita, or a winter spice Negroni.
Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni has been a classic for more than 100 years—and this holiday variation is perfect for your next gathering. The addition of persimmon and warming spices results in a unique flavor profile that balances the bitter and botanical notes with the fruit’s nuanced sweetness.
XThe Winter Spice Negroni
Ingredients
1/2 oz. fresh persimmon puree (using 1 ripe persimmon)
1 oz. Winter Spice Gin (recipe below)
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Persimmon slice or a twist of orange peel to garnish
To prepare the persimmon puree, peel the ripe fruit and blend the flesh until smooth. Strain the puree to remove the pulp. Then, in a shaker with ice, combine the spiced gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and persimmon puree. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Add a slice of persimmon or a twist of orange peel to garnish.
Winter Spice Gin Ingredients
1/4 cup equal parts cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
750-ml bottle of gin
Add the spices into a dry pan and heat gently for 2 minutes to release their aromas. Add the spices to a jar, pour in the gin, and seal. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days, shaking the jar gently every day. After 5 days, strain the gin to remove the spices.
Join us for an eveningof signature holidaycocktails, live music, and an exclusive preview of our new community. Thiselegant gathering offers the perfect opportunity tocelebrate the season in style and experience the sophisticationof The Internationalat Aventura. Wednesday, December 18th 4:00 – 7:00 pm
RSVP is required. Please call 786-401-5558 to reserve your place. We look forward to toasting the holidays with you.
Sometimes, a designer’s work speaks for itself. That’s what happened to a couple of Northeasterners when they encountered Studio RODA’s work in a neighbor’s Miami Beach home.
“The couple already owned a place in the building and lived on the same floor as our clients,” says founder Rodrigo Albir. “They immediately fell in love with the interior design. That same night, they contacted me saying they were going to look for a similar unit and would love for Studio RODA to renovate it.”
A few weeks later, the couple had closed on two adjoining residences that yielded a total of 3,100 square feet. As promised, they called on Albir again. The project’s scope was a complete renovation: both apartments needed to be joined in a floor plan focusing on breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay.
The couple has amassed a contemporary art collection of both established artists and rising talents. As such, their request for monochromatic furniture and decorative accents that permitted the artwork to shine was a top priority.
“We conceptualized a look of subtle architectural details in soothing tones of natural oak, warm whites, and grays,” says Albir. “The overall vision was to create a timeless design emitting a soft, casual elegance that allows the views and the art to become the showstoppers.”
The result? An awe-inspiring seasonal retreat where the couple can entertain and take in the beauty of Miami evenings.
“My favorite memory is experiencing their continued happiness after living in this new apartment for several months,” notes Albir. “As designers, we get so caught up in the day-today. It’s very gratifying to realize that all the
energy invested in helping homeowners create a space that gives them joy and tranquility pays off. It’s a great reminder of the impact design can have on people’s lives.” (studioroda.net) –—Jeanne DeLathouder
BY DESIGN
EXPERT INSIGHT INTO CHIC SEASONAL DECOR
BY ALENA CAPRA
No matter what holidays you celebrate, it’s the time of year to adorn your home with a little extra sparkle. There’s nothing quite like the ambience of twinkling lights, festive tabletop decor, and even a holiday scent in the air. Whether you prefer decorations that match your home’s color scheme or those that align with more traditional palettes, these tips and tricks will help you get your holiday decor underway. (alenacapradesigns.com)
WREATHS—FOR USE INDOORS AND OUT— COME IN NEARLY EVERY COLOR IMAGINABLE. USE A LARGE WREATH TO WELCOME GUESTS AT YOUR FRONT DOOR, PLUS A SERIES OF SMALLER WREATHS HUNG ON WALLS INDOORS OR EVEN ONE ATOP A MIRROR. (PRO TIP: USE A SUCTION CUP HOOK TO HANG IT.)
Garlands are one of the simplest ways to bring a holiday vibe to your home. Wrap them around railings, drape them across a fireplace mantle, or string them above your dining table. For a touch of whimsy, add a string of battery-operated fairy lights.
For those who celebrate Christmas, a beautifully decorated tree really brings the holiday spirit to any room. For a fuller look, use ribbon to fill in the gaps between ornaments. Wire-edged ribbon is best, as it allows you to easily mold the ribbon to cascade down the tree. When it comes to ornaments, try varying the sizes. Go for a mix of large, medium, and small, and hang them in repeating patterns. You can never have too many ornaments on a tree—the more, the merrier!
One of my favorite holiday looks is color coordinaing decorations to the room that they are displayed in. Buy some ribbon and ornaments in the dominant hues of your palette. Unconventional holiday hues can also become a festive extension of your color scheme. While the traditional red, green, gold, silver, and blue are beautiful for the holidays, why not have a little fun? The same goes for Christmas tree colors. Classic evergreen is always a win, but consider making a statement with a white, silver, or ombre tree. I also love the look of a flocked tree.
WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER FESTIVE ITEMS WHEN YOU ARE DONE DECKING THE HALLS? GRAB A GLASS JAR OR VASE AND PLACE ORNAMENTS, DREIDELS, OR OTHER SMALL ITEMS INSIDE. THEN CUT SOME WIDE RIBBON TO FIT AROUND THE JAR, TIE IT INTO A DECORATIVE BOW, AND YOU’VE GOT A SMART CENTERPIECE THAT’S SURE TO PLEASE ALL SEASON LONG.
We all love a little glitter around the holidays—just not on our floors or our furniture! To keep seasonal swag sparkles from spreading everywhere, spray each item lightly with aerosol hairspray. This will help to lock the glitter where it belongs, keeping it off of your hands and the surfaces in your home.
ANYTHING BUT BASIC, A BLACK-AND-WHITE SCHEME SERVES UP BOLD SOPHISTICATION
BY LIZA GRANT SMITH
When interior designer Christi Tasker was tackling her own Miami condo, she incorporated several artistic pillow covers, like this one from her eponymous home goods line ($69 for cover only). Christi Tasker Miami (christitasker.com)
Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez of Moniomi Design played with contrast in this captivating room. “The goal of this space,” they note, “was to create a dynamic bedroom with layers of textures and patterns, focusing on classic blackand-white contrasts.” Miami (moniomi.com)
GARDEN GROW
STORAGE
Form meets function in Hooker Furniture’s Moroccan Modern credenza ($1,959), a durable piece complete with bone inlay and adjustable shelves. Baer’s Furniture locations (baers.com)
LIMITS
Von Gern Home’s high-gloss lacquer place mats ($220 for set of two) have a striking geometric pattern inspired by the Manhattan skyline. Destry Darr Designs, Fort Lauderdale (destrydarrdesigns.com)
Sferra’s Procida Collection bedding ($650 for king duvet) is named after the Italian island famous for its bougainvilleadraped streets. ThreadCount Miami (tcmiami.com)
The blackened plaster finish on this Poe metal lamp ($625) from Regina Andrew is mottled with a texture, lending it a handmade feel. Design Shop by Shell, Miami (shelldesignshop.com)
CUE THE CONFETTI
Made from white and clear Polish cased glass with a black confetti glass layer, the Confetti vases ($129-$229) from Global Views are a celebration of style. Judith Norman, Hollywood (judithnorman.com)
Eichholtz
(eichholtzmiami.com)
This page: Chrismukkah decor often utilizes design signatures such as menorah displays paired with trees, nontraditional menorah applications, and a color palette of metallics and white.
Opposite page: Pairing thoughtful elements from both religions creates new memories while honoring timeless traditions.
BY LIZA GRANT SMITH
Chrismukkah entered our collective holiday consciousness in 2003 thanks to Seth Cohen, Adam Brody’s character on The O.C. As the story goes, Seth, the son of a Christian mother and Jewish father, created Chrismukkah as “the greatest superholiday known to mankind, drawing on the best that Christianity and Judaism have to offer.” Here, professional holiday decor designer Adam Floyd shares how to embrace each holiday within your seasonal decorating. (adamfloyddesign.com)
Key elements: “It always starts with the basics for me,” says Floyd. “You have to have a menorah, dreidel, tree, wreath, and lots of lights! While everyone has their own taste level, there are no rules when it comes to lights and candles during the holidays. I say the more the merrier.”
Opt for fresh interpretations: “There are so many unique and beautiful menorah displays and Christmas trees available now; it makes decorating more fun. I have done a few nontraditional uses of the menorah. [For one,] instead of doing gifts around the base, we covered it with oversize iridescent white and silver balls. The other was a beautiful gold
menorah paired with champagne garland and a champagne tree.”
Keep the color scheme cohesive: “Don’t do a red and green Christmas tree and then a lot of blue and silver Hanukkah decor. My go-to for clients is a ‘Winter Wonderland’ theme. You can never go wrong with a white, platinum, silver, and gold palette. It’s so easy to twist that into something fun by adding a pop of literally any color. I realize there are traditional colors for both holidays, but if you can pick something and run with it for both, everything feels more cohesive, thought out, and elevated.”
To tree or not to tree? There is no question: “A tree is one of the most fun and festive things you can do during this
season. I feel like everyone should have one. It doesn’t have to be the traditional Christmas tree. You can make anything into a holiday tree. It’s about the lights and festive feeling it provides.”
Let some standout pieces merge both holidays: “As long as they aren’t tacky, I have no issues with blended items. But I think it depends
on how strict you are with the religious aspect of it.”
Play with variation on theme to avoid becoming kitsch: “Focus on repetition with the decor and carrying one theme throughout instead of mixing too many looks. Have a plan or end goal and stick to it.”
More is more … sometimes: “If everything is cohesive, I say more
is more—fill the space. If you have pieces that don’t necessarily go together, it’s best to focus on how you can make those stand out for their own moment.”
Create your wow: “I like creating a few big elements, but I also want the overall aesthetic to be its own wow moment. The biggest compliment is when someone sits on their sofa, taking in all the decor, and they start [noticing] those showstopper elements that are mixed throughout. It’s always in the details.”
PAGES 74-75
Left, on Suebelle Robbins: custom one-shoulder gown (price upon request), Badgley Mischka Couture, Five Story, fivestoryny.com
Right, on model: crushed tank slip dress ($2,850), Carolyn belt ($295), fur ring ($690), Winona pumps ($895), Michael Kors Collection, michaelkors.com
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Fantasy Tweed jacket with hoodie ($9,950), Fantasy Tweed skirt ($3,850), Chanel, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, Bal Harbour Shops, chanel.com; vintage scarf ($145), Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, fabandfunkyvintage.com
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Fringe coat ($1,998), Pierced pumps ($478), Sublime tights ($198), Fruit earrings ($298), Tory Burch, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, toryburch.com
PAGE 78
Gray silk merino dress with gloves ($2,390), tartan wool jacket ($3,890), black leather Fendi FFold slingbacks ($930), gold leather Peekaboo ISeeU handbag ($4,700), Fendi, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, Bal Harbour Shops, fendi.com; vintage flower brooch ($350), Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, fabandfunkyvintage.com
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Left and center right, on Remi and Sonny Silverstein: printed tops (price upon request), printed bloomers (price upon request), Coniglio Palm Beach, conigliopalmbeach.com
Center left, on Christina Coniglio: silk top (price upon request), silk skirt (price upon request), sequin fringe jacket (price upon request), Coniglio Palm Beach, conigliopalmbeach.com
Far right, on model: silk ruffle pareo (price upon request), embellished top (price upon request), Coniglio Palm Beach, conigliopalmbeach.com; black leather Fendi FFold slingbacks ($930), Fendi, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, Bal Harbour Shops, fendi.com; vintage earrings ($145), Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, fabandfunkyvintage.com
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Organza top with feather embellishment ($1,250), silk blend organza skirt ($990), Ferragamo, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, Bal Harbour Shops, ferragamo.com; vintage gloves (price upon request), vintage earrings (price upon request), Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, fabandfunkyvintage.com
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Double-breasted dress ($5,450), Sparkle slingback pumps ($1,640), Capucines BB handbag ($7,100), Louis Vuitton, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, us.louisvuitton.com; vintage earrings ($75), Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, fabandfunkyvintage.com
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Silk georgette midi dress with all-over handmade sequins and crystals ($25,000), leather boots ($2,500), silk ribbon scarf ($520), stud choker ($2,950), Gucci, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, Bal Harbour Shops, gucci.com
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Left, on model: vicuna/silver dual sequin shirt jacket ($4,150), shell ($1,190), pencil skirt with slit ($1,590), Akris, akris.com; black leather Fendi FFold slingbacks ($930), Fendi, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, Bal Harbour Shops, fendi.com
Right, on Suebelle Robbins: custom off-the-shoulder gown (price upon request), Badgley Mischka Couture, Five Story, fivestoryny.com
WHO: Big Dog Ranch Rescue
WHAT: Fifth Annual Walk In Style For The Animals WHERE: Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour HIGHLIGHTS: Guests sipped Champagne, enjoyed passed bites, and shopped this season’s must-have fashions to raise funds for Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
DOING GOOD DOWN UNDER
WHO: Friends of The Underline WHAT: The Sneaker Ball WHERE: Brickell City Centre HIGHLIGHTS: This inaugural event brought together politicians, philanthropists, and community organizers to celebrate Miami’s linear park, urban trail, and public art destination, raising more than $500,000 to fund The Underline’s continuing operations and programming.
WHO: IGK Hair WHAT: Disco Disco Clear Gloss Shine Spray Product Launch WHERE: Gekko Lounge, Miami HIGHLIGHTS: Guests spent a night dancing under the disco ball to celebrate the worldwide launch of IGK’s Disco Disco Clear Gloss Shine Spray. The event was hosted by Miamian Isabela Grutman (an IGK partner and model) in collaboration with IGK founders Leo Izquierdo, Franck Izquierdo, Chase Kusero, and Aaron Grenia.
Bridget Finn is ready to take on Miami. As the newly appointed director of Art Basel Miami Beach, she plans to use her experience at some of the world’s most prestigious galleries to strengthen Art Basel’s position as the premier modern and contemporary art fair in the United States. We caught up with Finn to find out more about her love of all things art. (artbasel.com/ miami-beach) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre
My full name is… Bridget Kennedy Finn. I first became interested in art... through creative expression and play when I was a child. I started my career as… an archivist in midsize galleries in New York. Art is important because... it is a great connector of people and ideas. It has the power to shift perspectives, spark dialogue, and bring us together in meaningful ways. When people are intimidated by art, I tell them... they just need the right introduction! Everyone has passions, and there’s an artist out there creating work that speaks to what inspires you, guaranteed. The best way to start collecting art is... by asking a ton of questions! Visit your local galleries, attend an art fair if you can, and don’t hesitate to speak to the gallerists. They’re the experts and they love to talk shop. Art I personally collect includes... My family and I have an eclectic collection of contemporary art that reflects pivotal moments in our lives. Fairs like Art Basel Miami Beach have the power to... shape culture, as a vital platform for the discovery and amplification of artistic voices from around the world, from the historical to present day. Three things not to miss at Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 are... the extraordinary monumental-scale works in our Meridians sector, including works by Miami-born and -bred artists Rachel Feinstein and José Parlá; the exceptional presentations from emerging South American galleries and artists in our Positions sector; and Conversations, our program of free art world talks, featuring a keynote discussion with the incredible artist Hank Willis Thomas. The thing I’m most excited about for Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 is... the 34 new galleries re-energizing the show, our largest group of first-time exhibitors in Miami Beach in over a decade. The art scene in Miami is... fierce, and growing by the minute! Three Miami-based artists I’m loving right now are… Anastasia Samoylova, Pepe Mar, and Loriel Beltrán. Art trends to spot right now include... elevating extremely
significant yet historically overlooked practices of women artists, such as Lynne Drexler, Greta Schödl, Deborah Willis, Bonnie Lucas, and Sonya Rapoport (among others) who will be spotlighted at our show this year. The best thing about my job is… supporting phenomenal galleries in realizing their artists’ vision on the art world’s most important stage. At the same time, I love helping people appreciate the value of living with art. If I wasn’t doing this, I’d probably be… trying to do this. I can’t picture another role right now and am deeply committed to this journey with Art Basel Miami Beach. When I want to relax, I… head to the beach in the early mornings before the show opens. It’s the antidote to stress and best way to start the day. When I’m not working, you’ll find me… with my 4-year-old, exploring galleries or museums on our weekend art adventures. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be... embrace yourself and support others. Also, don’t worry about all of the artworks you have on payment plans. It all works out! When someone tells me they want to be an artist or work in the art world, I tell them… be present and participate. Attend gallery openings, apply for residencies and grants, and most of all contribute to your local arts community. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but… we never truly know what Art Basel Miami Beach will look like until just before the doors open. The anticipation keeps us on our toes—and just as excited as our visitors.