AQUA SOUTH FLORIDA
PHILANTHROPY
THE MIAMI HEAT
REFLECTIONS ON CREATIVITY
• MALAN BRETON
• CHAD FARMER
• FEDERICO TERAN FASHION FORWARD
• ECO STYLE
• DUSK TO DAWN
22 Reflections on Style Tastemaker Malan Breton talks about creative inspiration, cultivating calm, and more.
26 Fitting It All In
Zibby Owens—author, podcaster, and more—is out to discover just how much moms can do.
30 Dusk to Dawn
Falling into the new season with a few wardrobe updates will leave you refreshed.
36 The Possibility of Sea Changes
Creative director Chad Farmer harnesses the art of communication.
40 Disrupt the Cycle of Waste
Sustainable fashion offers a fresh alternative. COLUMNS
Meet our creatives. 8 AQUA SOUL
Miami unite!
JUICE
Fall Fizz: Italian Lambrusco 12 CURIOUS MINDS
Interior designer Federico Teran
GIVEBACK
Miami Heat Charitable Fund
HEALING WELL
Improving healthcare for women
Liza Meli’s No Reservations
Moorea, French Polynesia
Beach Polo World Cup 52 READING WITH ROCHELLE Bold, vibrant books for fall
THE AQUA LIFE Fun on the water
COVER
This underwater photoshoot is a bold statement against ocean plastic pollution. The model’s gown, made from 300 recycled plastic bottles, symbolizes how creativity and sustainability can unite to combat the plastic crisis in our waters.
Photograph: Water Bear Photography Model: Sarah Marie
SEA,MEX &SUN
BIENVENIDOS AND WELCOME!
W
WHEN SPANISH EXPLORER Juan Ponce de León explored the coast from what’s currently St. Augustine to the south of Tampa Bay in 1513, the abundance of flowers he saw on every stop inspired him to call the land Florida—Spanish for “flowery.” The combination of turquoise seas, luscious flora, and natural waterways fascinated the Hispanic conqueror. Today, over 500 years later, we are as mesmerized as ever, living in our water-world paradise.
Hello, South Florida! My name is Randi Berger. I am a Miami native, proud University of Miami alumnus, marketing executive, publicist, NGO director, and now an exhilarated Group Publisher at Wainscot Media. AQUA South Florida is a new publication that will become your inside guide to getting the most out of living in this water-framed land.
The name AQUA—Latin for water—
stems from the symbiosis that South Florida has with its waters. Having grown up as an avid Miami boater, I felt a sense of saudade, of yearning, when I lived in Los Angeles and New York City. There was nothing Marina del Rey or The Hamptons could do to replace the stimulating sensation of warm ocean spray on my face as our boat sliced the wind toward the Florida Keys. So, when it came to naming our new lifestyle magazine for the region, it had to relate to our refreshing Floridian waters.
AQUA South Florida covers the good life—la buena vida! We showcase the uniqueness of living in the only tropical region of the continental U.S.,—from luxury oceanfront real estate to our lively cosmopolitan culture. To entertain, inform, and guide our readers, AQUA South Florida has columns and features for many interests. Our singularly voiced articles give equal time to art, fashion, food, and travel as to health, wellness, and philanthropy because we know that doing good and feeling good go hand in hand.
Going back to Juan Ponce de León, he never did find the fountain of youth he was said to be seeking, but I feel like we who live here sure did. It’s not a literal fountain, of course, but our blessed South Florida as a whole, with its blue skies, aquamarine water, and enthusiastic people. South Florida itself is our fountain of youth, keeping us young in heart and soul.
Join me on a new journey through all that South Florida has to offer—a voyage designed for those who appreciate the vibrant, diverse culture of the region and the rich tapestry of international influences.
Warm regards,
Randi B. Berger Group Publisher
Group Publisher
Randi B. Berger randi.berger@wainscotmedia.com
Advertising Director
Daisy Abreu daisy.abreu@wainscotmedia.com
Sales Director
Gerri Brownstein gerri.brownstein@wainscotmedia.com
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Fashion Editor
Dana Goldberg
Creative Advisory Board
Malan Breton
Gestalt Brand Lab aquasouthflorida.com
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Art Director
Rosemary O´Connell
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
AQUA South Florida magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of the Miami area, it is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
GERRY BARKER
Gerry’s two passions are writing and travel. Atlanta-born and Texasraised, he left an awardwinning media career to see the world. Today, he maintains a website, North Palm Beach Life, and works as a freelance travel writer. Follow his adventures every month in Wanderlust
J.J. COLAGRANDE
J.J. has written about Miami for 20 years—first with The Miami Herald, then the Miami New Times and HuffPost. He’s the publisher of The Jitney blog and Jitney Books, which publishes creative works by Miamiarea writers, and is a fulltime professor at Miami Dade College.
JEFFREY DELANNOY
A talented lensman, Jeffrey has shot for Rolling Stone, the Smoky Mountain News, Consequence.net, The Guardian UK, and The New York Times. He splits his time between Miami and North Carolina.
JULIETA FIGUEREDO
Only weeks after turning 21, Julieta landed her first job in the wine industry in a wine store. She earned her WSET level 2 certification and continued in wine retail until she moved to the restaurant side and became a sommelier in 2020. She loves bringing wine to life for readers.
MARC GRANET
Marc is an adventurer, 15-time offshore-racing world champion, pilot of the Miss GEICO powerboat, and an avid sportfishing enthusiast. Based in South Florida, he has been featured in numerous publications and TV shows centered around watersports.
SUZAN McDOWELL
Suzan’s marketing agency, Circle of One Marketing, which she founded 23 years ago, has grown itself into a formidable and influential brand in South Florida. The agency’s work is mainly done in the multicultural space for a variety of clients and industries. Suzan (left) is seen here with her daughter, Sydney.
LEIGH ALLISON POLLACK
Leigh is a personal stylist, wardrobe consultant, poet, and lyricist based in Coconut Grove. She grew up in and worked for a fashion family, and earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at San Diego State University. Find her on Instagram @caprettogirl and @leighpo.
OMAR SOMMEREYNS
Omar is a journalist and content strategist based in Miami. His career has fluctuated between working as a writer and editor at print magazines and digital publications and creating content for various brands and tech companies, including Amazon and Monster.com.
JANICAVALESCA HIERONIMI
Janica has a bachelor’s degree in Event and International Business Management. After the COVID-19 pandemic, she embraced holistic living and became a nomadic writer and meditation guide.
ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN
Rochelle is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of seven novels. When Rochelle’s not writing, she’s sharing book recommendations in the online literary magazine Women Writers, Women’s Books; teaching workshops at Nova Southeastern University; hiking; reading; and finding the world’s best nachos. Her eighth novel, We Are Made of Stars, releases on February 25, 2025.
Miami Unite!
This column will celebrate South Florida’s diversity in all its glory.
BY SUZAN McDOWELL
IT ALL STARTED WITH a phone call from my friend Randi Berger. She was calling for advice on content creators for this exciting new venture—AQUA South Florida. Randi told me about this distinctive media brand with loquacious excitement. Yes, the magazine will cover the good life in its broadest sense, giving equal time to indulgences and my favorite things like art, fashion, food, and wine. But that’ll all be paired with my other favorite things, like civic pride, environmental stewardship, humanitarian endeavors, and philanthropy. Overall, this sounded like my kind of party, so I said: I’m in! And that’s how I talked myself into writing this column you’re reading— “AQUA Soul.”
As you well know, 2024’s been a wild year. THE SHIFT.
There’s an awakening to Black women’s immeasurable contributions to the fabric of America—particularly from a leadership perspective.
Logic, process, strategy, accuracy, consistency, creativity, intelligence, curiosity, empathy, resilience, strength, common sense, and flexibility. This is what Black women bring to leadership, with a smile and perfect skin, whether at home, on the field, in the boardroom, or in the White House. From Olympic champion Simone Biles to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Ketanji Brown Jackson, the new paradigm shifts and the acceptance of their truth in American culture fascinate me. Now, back to our beloved Miami and South Florida. Miami is so many things. It’s crazy; it’s brilliant; it’s diverse and loud and creative. And Miami doesn’t care what any other city thinks. I have spent years wishing I
Miami is diverse and loud and creative—and it doesn’t care what any other city thinks.
—Suzan McDowell
lived somewhere else—only to be here long enough to see Miami become the hottest and most interesting city in America. I had to realize how good this place has been to me, how much of me is in Miami, and how Miami has made my dreams of motherhood and entrepreneurship come true.
I founded my marketing agency here 23 years ago, and it’s grown into a formidable
force focusing on the multi-cultural space in a variety of industries, with a variety of clients—in everything from entertainment and finance to nonprofits and municipalities (including the massive Jazz in the Gardens festival and OneUnited Bank—the largest Black-owned bank in the nation).
Quick history about me: I was born in Jamaica. My mother was an American (Texan) homecoming queen and linguist, and my dad was a Jamaican superstar dentist. I was raised in both countries, and I’m looking forward to bringing my quirky, brazen, saucy, slightly impertinent Jamerican perspective to you, my dearest reader. Talk soon!
For more info about McDowell’s work, visit circleofonemarketing.com
PHOTOGRAPH
BY DAVID MUIR
Give Kids a Place to Dream & Grow Help Us
MIAMI READS!
In honor of the Miami Book Fair, which opens November 17, AQUA has assembled a guide to books with Miami connections.
BY ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN
IT’S THAT TIME of year when hundreds of esteemed authors and thousands of readers converge on Downtown Miami for its renowned literary festival. If you love all things Miami, AQUA has compiled a list of titles connected to the city, either by setting or author Grab a friend and get ready to meet, greet and read.
ALEX
SEGURA Alter Ego
A clever, escapist mystery set in the world of comic books. In the present day, a comics legend is given the chance to revive a beloved but forgotten character. But at what price? November 23, 4:30 p.m., 8203
ASHA ELIAS Pink Glass Houses
A social satire about the wealthy PTA moms of an elite elementary school in Miami Beach. Big Little Lies and Pineapple Street with diamonds, a tan, and a glass of rosé. November 24, 11 a.m., The Pavilion
CESAR
BECERRA Kaimiloa Becerra traces Medford Ross Kellum’s 1924 journey aboard the SS Kaimiloa.
November 24, 11 a.m., Magic Screening Room
DAVE BARRY
Swamp Story
Dave Barry returns with a “hilariously funny” (Steve Martin) caper full of oddballs and more twists and turns than a snake slithering away from a gator. November 24, 10 a.m., Auditorium
ED NEWMAN, HOLLY GREENBERG NEWMAN
Warrior Judge:
One Man’s Journey from the Gridiron to the Gavel Four-time All-Pro guard Ed Newman takes you inside the NFL and his transformation from a hapless Miami Dolphins rookie into an elite player and an elected judge in South Florida. November 23, 4 p.m., 8202
EDWIDGE DANTICAT
We’re Alone: Essays Tracing a loose arc from childhood to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent events in Haiti, the essays ask us to think through some of the world’s intractable problems while deepening our understanding of one of our most significant novelists. November 23, 11 a.m., 8302
GEAN MORENO
Carlos Alfonzo: Late Paintings
An expansive view of Alfonzo’s body of work spanning from Havana in the late 1970s to the dynamic compositions that brought him international recognition in the 1980s. November 23, 1 p.m., Magic Screening Room
JAMES GRIPPANDO
Goodbye Girl- A Jack Swyteck Novel
A contentious intellectual piracy case leads to an unsolved murder, and Jack Swyteck’s client—a pop music icon—is the accused killer. November 24, 2:30 p.m., 8203
PAUL S. GEORGE, PH.D., AND HENRY GREEN
Jewish Miami Beach
Celebrates how Jews have played a prominent role in Miami Beach’s achievements and fame. November 24, 11 a.m., Magic Screening Room
LISANDRO PEREZ
The House on G Street: A Cuban Family Saga
The author shares Cuba’s history through the lens of a single family: his own. November 23, 5 p.m., 8202
LEONARD PITTS
Jr. 54 Miles
The fateful weeks of March 1965, and the families who find themselves confronting the past amid another flashpoint in American history. November 23, 2 p.m., 2106
RICHARD BLANCO
Latino Poetry: The Library of America
Anthology 180 poets spanning from the 17th century to today written in original Spanish with English translation. November 24, 5 p.m., 2106
OSCAR FUENTES
Relics of the Heart: Stories of My Family Fuentes masterfully weaves real and emotional stories that capture the essence of family life and the importance of the emotional ties that unite us. November 23, 4:30 p.m., 8102
PABLO MEDINA
Sea of Broken Mirrors: Poems
A new poetry collection by the award winning Cuban-American poet, novelist, and translator. November 24, noon, 8303
ROCHELLE WEINSTEIN What You Do to Me
A Rolling Stone reporter on the hunt for the muse behind a famous love song. Inspired by “Hey There Delilah.” November 23, 12:30 p.m., 8201
ZIBBY OWENS, ROCHELLE WEINSTEIN, DARA LEVAN, KEREN BLANKFELD
On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates
An intimate collection of essays from 75 contributors sharing their thoughts on what it means to be Jewish in the wake of October 7. November 23, 3 p.m., 2106
RUTH BEHAR
Across So Many Seas
This epic novel tells the stories of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many of them forced to leave their country and start a new life. November 23, noon, The Art Lab
ROMINA GARBER
Castle of the Cursed
After a mysterious attack claims the lives of her parents, all Estela has left is her determination to solve the case. November 24, 5:30 p.m., The Pavilion
STEPHEN G. BLOOM
The Brazil Chronicles
Bloom shares the wild story of his time at the Brazil Herald in Rio’s seedy Lapa district. November 23, 3:30 p.m., 8102
The Miami Book Fair is November 17-24 at Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus, Downtown Miami, and streaming at miamibookfaironline.com Friday, November 22: FREE admission for all. November 23-24: adults, $12; ages 13-18, $5; over 62, $7; and 12 and under free. www.miamibookfair.com.
PERFECT HARMONY Federico Teran
INTERVIEW BY JANICA-VALESCA HIERONIMI
FEDERICO TERAN is an endless dreamer and a multifaceted creative talent. Over the past 30 years, his designs have transformed interior spaces in the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, Dubai, Spain, Germany, and the Dominican Republic. Whether working on custom high-end furniture or envisioning interiors for residences, restaurants, yachts, private jets, or hotel brands like The Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt, his firm—Fede Design USA—specializes in melding luxury with technology to deliver turnkey projects that always inspire and uplift the user. AQUA recently spoke with Teran about his process, his lesser-known stint in the music industry, and his definition of luxury.
What truly gets you going as a creative mind?
Well, it’s the endless array of possibilities that the world presents. I believe that inspiration can be found in anything if you can grasp the essence and core of that element that catches your attention.
After teaching interior design in Mexico, you went into the music business, right? What was the impetus there?
After completing my degree and venturing into teaching design, an unexpected opportunity arose to work for one of the biggest record labels in the world. Interestingly, I turned down the offer three times at first. Although I adored music, I was unfamiliar with the music industry and its intricacies. However, after some convincing, I thought, “Why not?” At a young age, the prospect of meeting iconic music legends like Elton John, Bon Jovi, Kiss, the Three Tenors, The Cranberries, Janet Jackson, and many others seemed like a dream come true. So, I paused my career to learn, immerse myself, enjoy, and have fun with these incredible artists.
When you’re designing furniture, does your process differ from when you’re creating spaces?
When I‘m designing bespoke furniture catering to clients’ needs in the entertainment and sports industries, ergonomic considerations are paramount. Factors like height play a crucial role, and I painstakingly ensure that every physical aspect is considered. This holistic approach—which I call “The Fede Experience”—stems from a place of genuine care.
How would you define luxury when it comes to interior design?
In my view, the concept of “luxury” eludes a precise definition. Luxury is subjective and can be interpreted based on background and perspective. While some equate luxury with purchasing expensive items to flaunt prestigious brands, I believe the true essence of luxury lies within oneself. Crafting a luxurious space involves skillfully integrating elements to create opulence. Luxury is a state of mind—once you master it, it becomes a part of you forever.
Tell us about your work with the Aston Martin Residences in downtown Miami.
Working on the Aston Martin building has been a personal dream come true, and I love being able to witness its evolution from its inception. Every morning, as I gazed from my balcony, I was driven by the desire to make my mark there. Currently, I‘m designing stunning units within this magnificent building. The structure is going to be a marvel.
For more information, visit fededesignusa.com.
A Family Affair
Steve Stowe heads the Miami Heat Charitable Fund, which helps extend the storied team’s generosity way beyond the court.
BY J.J. COLAGRANDE
THE MIAMI HEAT is one of the truly perennial sports organizations in the world. The team has been a gem of consistency for decades—winning three world championships while fostering some of the best NBA talent on the planet, including players like Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, and now Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Heat players are admired worldwide for their grit, along with a no-nonsense, nevergive-up/never-back-down attitude—what is overall referred to as “Heat Culture.” And this culture goes beyond the court, especially at home in Miami, where the team is known for its close-knit, family-like structure, which allows members to take care of their own and their extended community. What makes the Heat shine so brightly is the team’s propensity to give back, with such initiatives led by Steve Stowe, vice president and executive director of the Miami Heat Charitable Fund.
Like the organization he’s represented for the past 25 years, Stowe is a man of action. He oversees the fundraising arm of the team, which focuses on at-risk families in South Florida and social-justice initiatives. During an exclusive interview with AQUA, the father of three was personable, warm, down-toearth, and generous with his time. Talking in his office—adorned with photos capturing Heat greatness—we spoke of the importance of giving back and the processes he uses
to engage the athletes.
“I always love to hear from our players,” he said. “I listen to what their interests are and get them focused on the court. Then, I try to make this community their community.
A BLANKET OF SUPPORT
To list every charity the Heat contributes to would require a scroll. The themes run the gamut from domestic violence, cancer, and arts funding to homelessness and education (with $5.4 million in funds having already benefited students in the Heat Academy program).
Furthermore, the Charitable Fund has been actively involved in relatively recent tragedies, including the Surfside building collapse and the mass shooting in Parkland.
Stowe mentioned the challenge of allocating resources: “We have to balance listening to the players and what they’re into with acting off of what’s happening in our community.”
In 2012, after the Trayvon Martin shooting, the Heat—then led by Lebron James—was the first modern sports team to engage in activism around social-justice causes. The team released a powerful photo of the entire squad wearing hoodies in support of the injustice of Martin being targeted for wearing a similar garment. At the time, it was groundbreaking and opened the door for other teams to do the same. Now, it’s commonplace for the entire
Steve
Stowe,
vice president and executive director of the Miami Heat Charitable Fund
NBA community to engage in social activism. We asked Stowe to reflect on that historic moment.
“I remember feeling very frustrated and feeling the pain,” he said. “We all felt it, and we were heartbroken over it and yes, the players did come to all of us. The players also went to each other and said, ‘What are we going to do?’ The team was on the road—the players really made a huge statement, and to do that at the time was very raw, you know? It was a pivotal and transformative moment.”
Switching gears, the subject of Bam Adebayo came up, given that we spoke the day after the All-Star player and two-time Olympian received the key to the county for winning a gold medal at the Olympics this year. We asked how he, in particular, gets involved in giving back to the community.
“What doesn’t he do?” Stowe responded. “He doesn’t seek out attention, but he has helped by paying rents for folks who are going through tough times, showing up randomly at different hospitals, or showing up at different community centers and really just leaving his footprints throughout this community. Watching that is something I really enjoy.”
Despite the obvious tough job of confronting those who are hurt or in need, or who are victims of tragedy or disease, joy still reverberates throughout the Heat organization.
“Like Pat [Riley]—the team’s president— always says, we’re in the Toy Department of Human Affairs. We have fun with what we do. We really do. And it’s an honor.”
For more information, visit nba.com/ heat/community/foundation
PHOTO-PORTRAIT BY JEFFREY DELANNOY
Your Body, Your Temple
AQUA talks with the indomitable
Andrea Ivory about her work to improve healthcare access for all South Florida women.
BY JANICA-VALESCA HIERONIMI
ANDREA IVORY EMBODIES the essence of an inspiring—and resilient— woman. In 2005, following her recovery from breast cancer, she founded the South Florida-based nonprofit Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative (WBHI), where she is now the executive director. Her mission? To steer an outreach organization that transforms and saves lives through disease prevention and early detection across all social layers.
“It’s not just about the screenings and the education,” she points out, during a recent interview with AQUA. “We’re into relationship-building. We come back again and again. And that work is so important because, ultimately, if we’re going to change the trajectory of health, it is going to be through prevention and early detection when it comes to breast cancer and heart disease.”
We all know how expensive medical care can be in the U.S., and thus Ivory still puts an emphasis on reaching lowincome women here in South Florida.
“These women bring the meals to our tables at our favorite restaurants and make the beds in our homes and in our hotels,” she says. “They check us out at our favorite retail stores and supermarkets. Yet they don’t really participate in early detection. And then, unfortunately, they arrive at the hospital or medical center with late-stage disease.”
For that reason, Ivory—who’s a recipient of the CNN Hero award— has the WBHI roll up in front of supermarkets, in malls, and in various low-income neighborhoods with its mobile mammography vans, as well as with hypertension, glucose, and cholesterol screenings.
Additionally, Ivory uses health education to empower this and future generations. Consider, for instance, the WBHI’s Virtual Advocate Program for college students, with professors from leading institutions across South Florida’s three counties—Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach—providing curricula that go beyond standardized
BRUSHES WITH CANCER
Launched this year by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Brushes with Cancer pairs an artist with a cancer survivor. The result? Compelling artworks that are inspired by the experiences of individuals whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
Breast cancer survivor and women’s health advocate Andrea Ivory was one of those chosen to work with an artist. Miami interdisciplinary artist Evo Love collaborated with her to create the unique artwork pictured here.
Brushes with Cancer art was auctioned at a public event, with the proceeds going to support future editions of Brushes with Cancer at the Arsht Center.
“The arts are therapeutic and a vital tool for community wellness, which is why the Arsht Center has committed to providing life-affirming creative outlets for all ages in our community,” says Jairo Ontiveros, vice president and Dorothea Green Chair of Education and Community Engagement at the Arsht Center. “This new program provides opportunities for healing and deep emotional connection—all through the shared experience of making art.”
course content, encouraging students to share up-to-date health information with their peers on social media.
IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE
Most people know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. The stats are alarming. According to the American Cancer Society, a woman in the U.S. has a one-in-eight chance of developing the disease. “Don’t think it can’t happen to you,” Ivory warns, “and it’s being diagnosed in women at younger ages, too.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 10% of new breast cancer diagnoses are in women younger than age 45.
Still, as Ivory continually stresses: Through early detection, lives can be saved. It’s important to be aware of how your body
normally looks and feels—and get screened regularly. There’s an opportunity to catch something at its earliest stage. The same goes for heart disease. Regarding the latter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it’s the “leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups” in the U.S.
LIVE MINDFULLY
Living mindfully can also help prevent health issues. Eat fewer processed foods and more vegetables. Consume less added sugar and go for long walks. Get enough sleep so that your cells renew themselves—and so that you feel properly rejuvenated each morning.
“Take care of this body of yours,” Ivory says, “and treat it like a temple—because it is.”
Not a bad reminder, eh?
The Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative’s Workplace Wellness Program has completed over 2,000 breast and heart screenings, and more than 3,300 people have received health education to promote wellness literacy throughout their communities. Plus, over 4,400 students have been certified in the Virtual Advocate Program (VAP) since 2020, with 17,000+ social-media posts made by VAP participants— resulting in 70,200+ engagements.
For more information and access to podcasts, visit flbreasthealth.com.
Disappear Here
BY OMAR SOMMEREYNS
MAYBE YOU’LL FIND IT; maybe you won’t.
But this place, this rather clandestine place—quite well placed in a nondescript mall-sprawl, right off Biscayne Boulevard— will immediately welcome you and cushion your gridlocked self into an ambient, dim-lit, velvety-feel hall, with good, not-loud music and even better food. It’s not a chef-driven place. But it’s a really fine bistro, with both classic and natty wines and an owner who transcends the banal, carpetbagging restauranteurs who often pop in and out of South Florida.
Of Greek descent (yet raised in Sydney, Australia), Liza Meli has been a tastemaking restauranteur in Miami since 2002, when she opened the Greek taverna Ouzo’s in North
And say hello to Liza Meli—a Miami tastemaker in every sense.
Beach to much acclaim (and gave it a proper 10-year run). In 2013, she launched BarMeli 69 in the MiMo (Miami Modern) District—a legendary wine refuge for the quiet-toned Miami intelligentsia eluding the clutter-andclatter of reggaeton-acolytes. That also ran for a decade. And then came No Reservations in 2023.
Let it be said that Meli is rather prescient. She consistently knew there would, quite necessarily, be a need for something that didn’t cater to the oomph-oomph crowd: neighborhood eateries that are accessible to those with a simple curiosity for good food and wine.
For this column, Meli speaks candidly with AQUA about how she got here, this
highly optimized and fully realized new epicurean vision—one that jettisons all preconceptions of what a wine bar and resto should be. You see, Meli isn’t a sommelier, but her good taste and instincts are impeccable, and everyone, even strangers, trust that palate to a tee. Enjoi.
I gotta ask: the name. Is it just a cheeky reference to Anthony Bourdain’s storied show?
A couple of reasons for the name. First, the essence of “no reservation” may create a sense of freedom for the palate and mind. A place to be yourself without judgment, which Bourdain definitely portrayed in his shows and in his character. Another is the informal
dining concept. I am a last-minute decisionmaker who follows instinct over planning. I was striving to create a place where you can arrive on a whim without having to make a reservation—although, yes, those are still welcome and accepted.
What’s your favorite dish on the menu currently? Please describe it and why you’re most fond of it. This, I cannot answer at the moment, as it all depends on the mood I’m in and also on the wine I’m about to pop open. I do, however, appreciate the many options on our menu— from fresh seafood to delicious vegan dishes.
No Reservations is first and foremost a great wine bar. But you told me you’re not a sommelier, right? Not that it matters. But can you elaborate a bit on how you select wines for the menu?
Funny story: I did attempt my sommelier course before opening my first wine bar 11 years ago [BarMeli 69], and I did in fact complete the first course. Problem was, you’re supposed to be tasting and spitting the wine. I did not spit, so by the end of the day, I was too tipsy to answer all of the questions correctly.
Got that.
My wine selections are first about the winemaker/producer. I choose from familyowned, small-production wineries. I also try to meet with them whenever possible. Either on their visit to Miami or on my travels. Winemakers are an interesting breed of artists/ entrepreneurs. So, wine for me is more about the winemaking process. I love wines made with integrity and character. I love surprises in wine. But we do offer all types: from the classic Bordeaux, malbecs, and amarones to the funkier, naturally made wines [the “natty” ones] that are rarely the same. An example of a good wine is simple: If you enjoy it, it is good. At No Reservations, I often let the customers “try before they buy.” I look at their facial expressions [when they taste]. It’s a fun way of getting to know them.
During our dinner, I tasted a refreshing, fruit-forward rosé from Slovenia. Didn’t taste like the drier, salmon-hued classics from the Provence region of France. Still, those natty wines, to me, always go down like a juicy, fruity-in-agood-way elixir. Do you have many natural wines on your menu? I really try to have a broad variety of wines
to please all palates. Slovenian wine is not as known and popular as it should be. Most wines from these regions are “natural” naturally. On my trips to Greece, it is fine to drink the local house wine. It is natural by default. My wines are mostly from the Mediterranean region as they do tend to have less sulfites and, well, are made with a more rustic approach. We [Greeks] do not drink wine for the good of living. We drink wine because it is the drink of the gods—and our appetite for the divine is keen.
Regarding these Dionysian proclivities, tell us about your “Symposium Table” (aka “The Misfit Table”).
Spontaneously—on any given night—we have our communal table quickly filling up its seats to welcome open-minded individuals who enjoy diversity and uninhibited, unrestrained, and unexpected moments. This is where individual expression is encouraged and where the Dionysian frenzy begins. In Ancient Greek mythology, Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, festivity, and more. The Greeks believed that drinking wine was a way to feel the presence of a god inside them—which would then alter and free them.
There’s also such a calming ambience at No Reservations—a winning mix of dim lighting, jazzy/ low-volume sounds, and subtle nonchalance, all of which I find to be a rarity in most of Miami, where the focus is on brashness and garishness. Is this ambience you created part of your personal sensibility? Or did you want to intentionally create a sort of retreat from all the Miami noise?
Yes. Most places in Miami are an assault on silence. I personally think that, for a sophisticated group like wine lovers, they want their taste buds to experience the most. with the environment interfering the least—just to be present and to appreciate a melodic ambience. It was definitely a thought-out process to create this particular setting of romance and serenity—and, for some, an escape from their everyday routines.
For more info, visit noreservationsmiami.com
BY PHILLIPS HOUSE
M RENAISSANCE MAN
The multi-talented tastemaker Malan Breton talks to AQUA about creative inspiration, cultivating calm and how he would like to be remembered.
BY LEIGH POLLACK
MALAN BRETON IS MANY THINGS:
a master tailor, musician, singer and songwriter; a runway model, actor, athlete and dancer; a celebrity stylist, reality TV star and award-winning filmmaker; a costume and fashion designer; and an influencer. He’s also a rarity in the world: a superstar who is humble, self-deprecating, laid back, gracious, and kind.
My first (virtual) meeting with Breton does not go as planned. When
we finally connect after an unfortunate hour of technical and audio delays, during which I narrowly avoid a complete meltdown by practicing the 5-6-7 deep breathing technique, Breton sounds a bit like he is very far away. But in complete contrast to me, he is calm. His voice is soft, soothing, and projects understanding. Like the proverbial student becoming the teacher, the interviewee comforts the interviewer.
“I’m completely, completely chill.
So nothing to worry about at all, actually,” he says, his accent reflecting his citizen-ofthe-world background: British citizen, born in Taiwan, discovered in Hawaii, currently residing in Paris. His accent is not one thing; it is international. His voice, his tone, and his cadence are disarming and calming. Breton seems, truly, “chill.”
REFLECTING QUIET AMID NOISE
Breton is in Manhattan to prepare for his first major New York Fashion Week show in many years, and as we chat, I can hear typical city street ambient noise—cars and humans in motion. Any notion I have about the stress surrounding a career moment like showing at NYFW is belied by his laid-back demeanor. In contrast to the movement machine that is Manhattan, Breton, a daily meditator, projects stillness. He blocks out the noise and focuses on the work while grounded in gratitude. “I’m someone who didn’t give up when everyone told me I should,” he muses. “I know I’m very, very, very blessed.”
His eponymous brand’s ethos, “Wherever you go, shine,” shows up in the textiles and the tailoring, but also in the fabric of the company itself. Breton infuses his brand with hope and positivity because he embodies both. His stories are nostalgic without being
saccharine, and his luxurious, bright, and bold aesthetic has made his designs a favorite of celebrities and fashion publications like Vogue
GIVING VOICE TO HIS WORK
British Vogue once called Breton the most influential designer you’ve never heard of. He has over 500,000 Instagram followers, so true anonymity has evaded him, but scrolling through his feed, you’ll find that posts feature the clothes and the work, but not the man. His social media channels highlight celebrities, influencers, socialites, and models wearing his impeccably tailored ready-towear garments and bespoke evening wear, but not Breton himself.
When I ask him why I have to work so hard to find a recent picture of him anywhere, he tells me that he made an intentional choice years ago to step away from the public eye because he wanted the focus of his life’s work to be on the clothes and the people wearing them. “I think social media has a lot to do with the need for
Model: Elton Ilirjani
Photographer: Lodovico Colli DiFelizzano
AWARDWINNING FASHION FILM
THIS YEAR, Malan Breton directed his fourth fashion film, titled Je Suis Mona, a documentary that follows international supermodel and activist Elton Ilirjani through a season of 45 shows for fall winter 2024/25 collections. The film recently won the Trailblazer Award at New York City International Fashion Film Festival.
immediate gratification,” he explains.
It strikes me that for someone whose first taste of major fame came from a Bravo reality television show, Breton is the antithesis of a such a star. He was a contestant on season three of Project Runway I was a 20-something living on South Beach at the time, and I watched that season weekly, as it aired. I tell him this and he is tickled. “Oh, thank you!” he replies.
“In the 90s, when I was a model, I had to come to Miami several times,” says Breton. “I have all these beautiful memories—Versace, Madonna, Herb Ritts.” He particularly loves South Beach and its oceanfront Art Deco architecture. “The sun and the sand and the beach inspire me a lot. It’s so much fun down there!”
I am flattered on behalf of all Miamians when Breton, unprompted, tells me: “Miami has its own voice in fashion.”
INSPIRED BY THE FLOW OF LIFE
When asked what moves him to create, Breton shares that his sensibility is driven by a love of historical garments, and how practical lines and fabrics can be incorporated to create modern looks.
“When I am creating,” he says, “the design process begins in a place of meditation, then inspiration brings me to a place of creating beautiful pieces inspired by the beauty around me. I love the constant flow of life and clothing is very much a part of that.”
What’s next on Breton’s calendar? “This season in New York and Paris, I will present two of my lines,” he says. “The main line will present a collection in NYC inspired by empowerment, strength, and hope. The Paris collection is inspired by pieces written by Ralph Waldo Emerson and celluloid of the silent film era.”
When I ask about legacy, Breton’s calm voice fills with sentiment. “I would never be where I am if one of the producers from Project Runway hadn’t given me a chance to show my work on the show.” He was fortunate. He knows it. And he is grateful.
A LEGACY OF LOVE
Breton wants to be remembered for being kind, for making dreams come true, and for giving back to communities, not for commercial success. “I really loved,” he says. “I loved everything I did. I loved humanity.”
“Thank you to every person who has ever believed in my little dream that became so big,” he continues, a catch in his voice.
Right before we hang up, he reminds me not to worry about the technical difficulties.
“It was a pleasure,” he says, which makes me choke up, the interviewee again besting the interviewer.
Fitting It All In
Zibby Owens— author, publisher, mentor, and podcaster—is out to discover just how much moms do have time to do.
T
BY ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN
THE ZIBBY-VERSE IS REAL.
Zibby Owens is the darling of publishing, a champion for all writers, plus the mother of four. She has forged her own path with Zibby Media—a Manhattan publishing house, an award-winning podcast (Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books), a Santa Monica bookstore, Zibby’s Book Club, and multiple retreats connecting and inspiring writers. Did we mention she’s also an author herself? Zibby found the time to sit down with AQUA Welcome, Zibby!
Tell us about yourself. Who is Zibby Owens and how did you become a household name in publishing? What was the impetus for taking that first step?
Describe a day in the life of Zibby. What drives you?
Oh boy. Racing. I race from pick up and drop off to the office, back to my podcast “studio,” and along the way, I’m sending emails and checking Instagram. My days are fully scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. when I leave to pick up the kids. Then I do more emails and everything until LATE. But I eat dinner and hang out with the kids. What drives me? The knowledge that life is finite, and I have to fit it all in, now.
Tell us how you balance being the CEO at work and at home. What tips would you give to working moms?
I set clear boundaries on my time. 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. is blocked for kids. I take them to all their activities. And then I get the rest done. I would say ask for what you need. As long as you get everything done, your boss should be happy and most importantly, you won’t miss the best time with your kids. Also keep color-coded calendars for each kid.
there fighting the bad guys and helping women find time to read.”
Jenny Mollen, author and actress
Haha, I’m not sure about being a household name! But I come at this whole world from the point of view of an aspiring author. I wanted to be an author since I was nine years old. (Spoiler alert: It took until I was 47 to publish my first novel.) After some rejections for various works of fiction and book proposals, I decided to take a friend’s advice to “build my platform” by starting a podcast. But as soon as I started podcasting, I fell in love with interviewing authors who had been my heroes from a young age. I was a shy kid who read constantly. Books have helped me through…everything. They still do. The least I can do is give back. The podcast introduced me to the publishing world today. I decided to try to do things a little differently by starting my own publishing house and curating my own indie bookstore. I also began gathering people, first in my apartment in salons, then in my bookstore and at retreats around the country. Everything has grown. And along the way, I became an author myself.
Blank is your first novel (Little A, March 2024). The book has been described as “funny and relatable” as main character Pippa navigates parenting and publishing. Tell us a little bit about the story and what you hope readers glean from Pippa’s experience.
The story is about a former bestselling author who can’t come up with an idea for her next novel, so she decides to hand it in blank, no words, as a commentary on the publishing industry and how it’s really about book marketing, isn’t it? But really it’s about her as a wife, a mom, a daughter, and a close friend, and how she navigates it all, especially when her career upends everything. I hope readers will feel seen and will think more critically about why they pick the books they select to read. Also, that it’s never too late to start your next chapter.
With such an honest exploration of the ins and outs of the publishing world, what’s the best advice you received about writing to share with our readers?
The best writing advice I’ve gotten is to open the document every day. Just have it up on your computer as you do other things.
Zibby is a force of nature and a champion of women. She is like the book world’s Batman who is out
Above: For her podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, Zibby Owens (right) interviews Rochelle Weinstein, bestselling author and AQUA contributor.
Zibby is a comet. Our North Star! She’s built this extraordinary community of passionate book lovers and writers...a thoughtful and astoundingly generous person. She cares about books. She cares about causes. She cares about making the world better.”
Caroline Leavitt, co-founder of A Mighty Blaze and New York Times bestselling author of 13 novels
For me, this lets me pop in and out when I actually have time. Also, I had years of rejections, but I just never gave up.
Tell us how Zibby Books came to be. What were some of the joys and pitfalls?
After hearing from so many authors about what was wrong with publishing and how disappointed they were with their experiences, I decided to do something about it. It has been hard. It’s hard to get a book to stand out and exhausting to publish one book a month, especially with such a tiny team. And yes, now that I read for acquisition, I’m more aware of how great the first few pages have to be. They’ll show if you’re a great writer or not and if I want to keep reading. And on the flip side, I knew what to do to treat authors with respect: open communication, texting support, and helping in every way. I treat every book like it’s my own.
There’s a lot of buzz about the anthology On Being Jewish Now (Zibby Books: ebook and audio available now; paperback November 1). In a few short weeks, you masterminded a collection of essays from 70+ notable authors sharing their personal experience in a post-October 7 world. All proceeds benefit Artists Against Antisemitism, a 501(c)(3) founded in the aftermath of that day. Why this book?
I had to do something. I felt so helpless and needed to act. Readers can expect first-rate essays from leading authors
sharing their innermost feelings—essays that will ultimately make readers feel more connected, hopeful, and proud of their Jewish identity.
You’re no stranger to South Florida, and we’re excited to see you at the Miami Book Fair this November discussing both Blank and On Being Jewish Now. What are your favorite go-to spots and/or activities when you’re in Miami?
I love Books & Books in Coral Gables!! One of my favorite bookstores ever.
What books are on your nightstand? Tell us what we all should be reading.
I just finished Pictures of You by Emma Grey, which was so good. I really enjoyed Connie Chung’s new memoir. And I really loved Betsy Lerner’s Shred Sisters
What’s up next for Zibby Owens? Are you working on anything new?
I just handed in my next novel, Overhead, which will come out October 1, 2025. Never dull!
Where can readers, writers, and fans find you?
I’m on Instagram (way too much) @zibbyowens. Go to zibbymedia.com for everything about my podcast, publishing house, bookstore, and retreats. For more about my own books and writing, go to zibbyowens.com. And subscribe to my substack: zibbyowens.substack.com. Thanks!
Dusk to Dawn
Falling into a new season with a few wardrobe updates will leave you refreshed and ready for the upcoming holiday season.
BY DANA GOLDBERG
Fluttering Into Fall
We are currently crushing on the effortlessness and elegance of flutter sleeves and dragging hemlines for this fall and holiday season. The importance of “getting dressed”—for every occasion—is coming back.
Designer: Ema Savahl www.emasavahl.com | @emasavahl
Opposite page: Photograph by Klevin Halili
This page: Photograph by Natasha Kertes
Flying to New Heights
Elevate every journey with a look that is as relaxed as it is refined. These versatile high-quality essentials can take you from jetway to boardroom to bar—and home for the holidays.
Designer: Anatomie www.anatomie.com | @anatomiestyle Photographs courtesy of Anatomie
Fluid Fashion
Bold prints, tailored silhouettes, and luxe fabrics are redefining men’s swimwear. Despite the cooling weather, it just got a lot hotter on the beaches of South Florida.
Designer: Live Kolibri
www.livekolibri.com | @live.kolibri
Photographs courtesy of Live Kolibri
The Possibility of SEA CHANGESB
Creative director Chad Farmer harnesses the art of communication to create sweeping brand awareness, endless impressions, and cultural revolutions.
BY OMAR SOMMEREYNS
BREAKING INTO A CREATIVE’S mind can have its hazards. For one, you might just get entangled in a whirlwind of synaptic associations—almost like when the Surrealists played that game of free association. You may, say, encounter one idea, and that one gets tentacled to another, and then, soon enough, you’re enwrapped in a proliferated web of concepts, impressions, and postulations. Hence, proceed carefully. But stay with us, here. Because the creative—and luminary— we’re about to introduce to you has, yes, a beautiful mind.
Meet Chad Farmer. Looking at (or
experiencing) his work as a creative director, culture promulgator, image maker, and visual/marketing communicator will keep you spellbound in a sort of dream state: You’re observing a powerful image and message, which may affect you in an emotional manner for a period of time, and then they’ll evoke something more universal—something unfading and ineffaceable. Something that really stays with you, that stands the test of time.
SNEAKER-FREAKER
Back in the 90s, Farmer hatched one of the most enduring advertising campaigns of that era (for the Airwalk sneaker brand) when he was at The Lambesis Agency— one that emanated from skater culture and then, incrementally, went beyond the “tipping point,” as famously posited by Canadian journalist and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell. How did that happen? As explained by Gladwell—also a staff writer at The New Yorker magazine—in his book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference:
“The short answer is that Lambesis came up with an inspired advertising campaign. At the start, working with only a small budget, […] Farmer […] came up with a series of dramatic images—single photographs showing the Airwalk user relating to [their] shoes in some weird way.”
Remember that print ad showing a young dude, turned around, an Airwalk shoe atop his head, with two laces about to be cut by a hand holding scissors—with those laces cleverly appearing like stringy, hanging dreads? The playfulness there readily appealed to the youth who saw the ad (and similarly affecting ones) plastered on billboards, in alt-culture mags, and on construction-site walls.
Airwalk continued to grow, and then— equipped with a bigger budget—Farmer was able to create television ads that kept playing with that cheeky irreverence of 90s communications. (For example, a commercial set in a teenager’s bedroom, with the camera panning across the floor as you hear sounds of bedsprings coiling up and down, yet the camera goes up and you ultimately see the teen jumping on the bed and using an Airwalk shoe to try to squash a spider on the ceiling).
As Gladwell wrote, “The ads were entirely visual, designed to appeal to youth
all over the world. They were rich in detail and visually arresting. They all featured a truculent, slightly geeky antihero. And they were funny, in a sophisticated way.” Indeed. With time—swooped into the collective unconscious of cool kids across the country (and across the planet, too)—those ads helped take Airwalk from a $16 million company in 1993 to a global presence with sales at a whopping $175 million in 1996—all the while becoming the number-three footwear brand (behind Nike and Adidas). Such influence—and how a series of smaller items of communication can lead to an eventual larger impact, with the
possibility of full-on sea changes in popular culture and beyond—has always fascinated Farmer.
UPGRADING THE AESTHETIC OF MASS COMMUNICATION
During a recent conversation, Farmer was hiding out in the impressive library of his home in the La Jolla area of San Diego, (to escape the noise of workers trimming trees outside, beyond which the waves of the ocean were undulating toward entropy). For a while, this writer for AQUA was rambling on about the this-and-thats of the zeitgeist, along with the advent of mass
TOP: PHOTO CREDIT: RAYMOND MEIER. BOTTOM: PHOTO CREDIT: RAYMOND MEIER
communication, when Farmer mentioned he had attended the highly esteemed ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, and that’s where his interest in mass comms, design, and visual marketing truly gelled in his intricate mind.
“It’s age-old for me,” he says. “I’ve always loved design and art and just mass communication in general, and I was studying a lot of the early propaganda imagery when I was at ArtCenter—and how those were always able to motivate the masses.”
Farmer kept working with Lambesis on big accounts, including Dasani and
Gold Peak. But he wanted—needed—to emancipate himself and fully actualize his own vision for clients, while he was lecturing about marketing communications at keynote events. He started to see crystal clearly, and neoteric ideas began to snowball—those synapses firing on all cylinders. As technology evolved—from TV to the internet— Farmer could make use of new mediums to go further, taking a cue from Canadian philosopher and media theorist Marshall McLuhan’s notion of the communication medium being the message—and how man (and his ideas) can extend
themselves onto those mediums in such variegated ways.
Of particular note, Farmer launched the creative vision for SKYY Vodka and helped turn it into a global brand. Additionally, he created the first international Campari campaigns, featuring actors Salma Hayek and then Jessica Alba. He also worked directly with businessman Peter Morton to develop the creative marketing for the Hard Rock Hotel and Residences in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, his interest in fashion and luxury was expanding. In an article for Brandingmag.com, he proposed what became a major tenet of his creative approach: “True luxury is communicated with precision. Ezra Pound wrote, ‘Good art is precise.’ Clarity and precision are the difference between great companies and billion-dollar luxury brands.”
Gestalt Brand Lab was thus born— with Farmer as creative director and his former Lambesis colleague Brian Munce as managing director. Their work has elevated the aesthetic of such high-end brands as Martin Katz, Grand Marnier, Campari, TACORI, and SLS hotels with campaigns often injected with their signature combo of sophistication, humor, and glamour.
“We always try to uncover what’s called ‘latent brand equity,’” Farmer tells AQUA. “Looking at anything from their name to their logo, to their positioning, to their target audience, to the product itself, I ask: What is unique about them?”
“That all comes with the regular, rigorous amount of research,” he adds, “but we also look at cultural trends and rational consumer behavior. Like, what’s going to motivate them to purchase or to love this brand just from a rational standpoint? And then we look at the emotional aspect in these psychographics, like is there anything emotional about this brand that we can pull out to connect consumers with?”
Furthermore, Farmer likes pushing campaigns that offer brands the option of running through all kinds of touchpoints between the brand and the consumer. But Gestalt can also go off-kilter, as needed, such as with super-luxe home-kitchen appliances brand Gaggenau, for which they created immersive gastronomic experiences at a pop-up restaurant with
PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF GESTALT
three-Michelin-starred chef Daniel Humm (of Eleven Madison Park in New York City), who took to cooking on those appliances among invitees including architects, interior designers, chefs, and culinary influencers. They even brought in trees from the Black Forest for the décor (given that Gaggenau’s designs are all made in Germany).
“I can’t create or design anything without having a really clear idea of a strategy,” Farmer says. “And then, from there, aesthetic is everything. We’ll do design for every single touchpoint—and that can include doing interiors as well.”
ALL EYES ON MIAMI
Lately, Farmer’s unstoppable luminary mind has turned toward our fair city—and the
South Florida region, with the potential for new sea changes to happen down here, too.
“I’ve been constantly seeing the rise of— and a real appreciation for—design in Miami, as well as just a higher level of taste there in general. The city completely feels like the future now. Premium brands want to be there. Luxury abounds.”
“Still,” he continues, “for each new client, we’ll always observe a set of cultural, rational, and emotional drivers, along with the target audience. What can we apply from each of these to the product or the company? That’ll determine what we’re going to base their positioning on. And, in the end, we’ll run with a combination of cultural trends, rationality, and whatever emotional insight we can gather.”
THE AQUA LOGO
SINCE BEFORE the inception of AQUA, Chad Farmer has been an advisor helping to birth this magazine—one that melds the South Florida lifestyle with the most compelling aspects of Miami’s art and culture, while reflecting our waterthemed region.
Farmer designed the AQUA logo with elegant serifs that are purposefully nicked to allow the viewer to imagine water or sand flowing through them— and to create a sense of depth on each of the magazine’s covers. As he puts it: “We wanted to convey a feeling of sophistication and style that communicates the vibrant, sunny lifestyle of South Florida. The font also has elements on the serifs that reflect a sense of water-drops.”
For more info, visit gestaltbrands.com
Disrupt the Cycle of WASTE
Sustainable fashion is the ultimate glow-up for the style world—offering a fresh alternative to a fast throwaway culture.
BY RANDI B. BERGER
ART DIRECTION CHARLES E. SOTO
FFOR FASHIONISTAS who crave both flair and purpose, this paradigm is the ultimate trendsetter, creating innovative designs that make a statement in both style and sustainability. AQUA is all about supporting a chic fashion movement that champions timeless pieces over disposable ones, allowing the fashionsavvy to showcase progressive taste while leading the charge in a revolution—where haute couture meets heartfelt commitment. Wear your values, and contribute to a greener, fairer world. What could be more stylish?
Papier – Couture Designed by Lia Griffith
Paper Paper
Papier – Couture Designed by Lia Griffith
Plastic Plastic
Models wearing clothing made out of recycled plastic
With some fabric surgery and a lot of creativity and design sense, this jacket was transformed from ’80s Vegas has-been to current statement piece—and avoided the landfill.
Photo: Tyler Molinari @trmphotosfl
Model: Riley L / POSCHE MODELS
Designed by Phoenix denimbutcherfashion.com
Jeans, scarves, artsy pillows, tapestries, and jewelry are just a few ingredients that can be dissected, visually collaged, sewn together, and given new life. The three garments above reflect the possibilities.
Designed by Phoenix denimbutcherfashion.com
EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE, INCLUDING OUR WARDROBES.
Style today is all about investing in pieces as kind to the Earth as they are to your Instagram feed. So, flaunt those recycled and upcycled materials and organic cottons— because when you do, you’re not just slaying the fashion game but also saving the world (one killer outfit at a time).
Upcycled Upcycled
A True Holiday
Visitors to the island of Moorea soon rediscover the sweetness of doing nothing.
BY GERRY BARKER
ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS you learn from the locals when you arrive in Moorea is its correct Tahitian pronunciation: Mo-o-RAY-a—which translates to “yellow lizard” (legend has it Moorea was born from a yellow lizard). But regardless of how you say it, you can just call it paradise.
Located some 10 miles northwest of Tahiti, it’s one of the 100-plus islands that make up the Society Islands, otherwise known as French Polynesia. Long recognized as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, this is a location that
makes me very glad I chose travel writing. We arrived in Tahiti on a French bee flight from San Francisco. Our visit started with a seven-night “Dreams of Tahiti” cruise aboard Windstar’s Star Breeze, newly deployed in Tahiti to meet the demand for more guest capacity. While the ship would make Moorea one of its stops, we had already decided to stay over after the cruise and spend more time there. After all, who rushes to leave paradise?
Once the cruise ended in Papeete,
Tahiti’s capital, my wife, Pam, and I headed off to find transit to Moorea. You can get there either by air (a short flight from Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport) or sea (via multiple ferries located near the cruise port). We chose the Aremiti Ferry. It’s modern, comfortable, relatively fast (takes 30-45 minutes), budget friendly, and, most important, air conditioned. As Florida residents, we know all about heat. But, given the time of year (February), the “mugginess” factor in these islands is at its highest.
THE PEAK OF RELAXATION
On Moorea, a taxi took us to our new home for the next three days: Cook’s Bay Hotel and Suites, located on the island’s north shore. Acknowledged as one of Moorea’s most scenic areas, Cook’s Bay is where the cruise ships dock. And why not? Gorgeous, clear, aquamarine waters in the shadow of 2,700-foot Mount Mouaputa, one of the most iconic peaks in the South Pacific—it’s a screensaver waiting to happen.
The first hotel on this site opened in 1985 but was shuttered in 1998. Cook’s Bay took it over, reimagined the property, and relaunched in 2023. Featuring 38 suites on two levels, a pool and an on-site restaurant connected by a wooden walkway over a lagoon, it has all the luxury you could ask for as a basecamp for exploring the island.
But first, after a busy week visiting five islands and enjoying fire dancing, snorkeling, and photo safaris, the next order of business was a cocktail with one of those tiny umbrellas. We wanted to take time to soak in the trade winds, the swaying palms, and, as the Italians say, dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).
Moorea is home to some 20,000 people, and they are, as we found throughout the islands, some of the friendliest and most welcoming you’ll encounter. In fact, we decided to forgo the usual organized tour and hire Damon, a local, to show us around. It proved a good decision. Raised on Moorea, he left to attend college in Arizona but returned to care for his grandfather. There’s nothing
more important than family here.
While it only takes an hour or so to drive completely around the island, there’s plenty to see and do. A few of our favorites:
Belvedere Lookout is a “must stop” on everyone’s list, and it’s free. At the end of a long and winding road, you’ll arrive at the highest point you can reach by car on Moorea—833 feet. Standing at the observation deck, you’ll get sweeping views of the northern end of the island, where towering Mount Rotui is flanked by Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay. The mistshrouded volcanic peaks offer endless photo opportunities wherever you go.
If you’re looking for the perfect background for all those selfies you’ll take to torment your friends back home, To’atea Overlook is the place. On the north shore near the Temae public beach, it offers a stunning view of pastel blue waters, the overwater bungalows at the nearby Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort, and in the distance, Tahiti.
Our other stops included the Opunohu Valley archaeological site, where the culture of Moorea’s earliest inhabitants is preserved, a pineapple plantation, of which the island has many, and the Manutea Tahiti distillery, which offers rum and fruit juice tastings. But one of the highlights of our time with Damon was shopping in the local grocery store and enjoying what can only be described as “bakery heaven” from a roadside vendor—coconut bread. Warm and freshly made, it literally melts in your mouth. We bought more.
Speaking of food, everything here is so fresh, especially the fish and fruits. You’ll have a wide array of options, including roadside vendors and food trucks. Le Cook’s at our hotel offered diverse choices and an amazing waterfront setting. One of the highestrated spots is Rudy’s Seafood, on the north shore, family owned for 40 years (definitely make a reservation). We had their signature dish, parrotfish, which was outstanding. Another plus: They offer free pickup and drop-off. If you get a craving for pizza, Damon steered us to the best on Moorea: Allo Pizza, off the main road on the north side. Just look for a line of customers.
There’s much more here than you can sample in a few days: hiking, water sports, waterfalls, ATVing—something for everyone. The local currency is the Polynesian French franc (the islands are a territory of France), but dollars are widely accepted—be sure you have both. While French is the official language, English is widely spoken. Rental cars and motorbikes are available and recommended if you want to see Moorea on your own.
Regardless of when you go, dress for the tropics and remember, you’re closer to the equator. Pack that sunscreen, and even though it wasn’t a problem for us, bug spray. Rain is always a possibility. The week before we sailed, a cyclone forced the cruise ship we were on to miss several ports of call.
Last but not least, impress the locals by learning a few key words, like la orana (hello) and maruru (thank you). And, until we meet again in this space, nana Tahitian for goodbye.
LUXURY MEETS SPORT ON THE SAND
This month, the Beach Polo World Cup will hit the ground running at Miami Beach.
BY LEIGH A. POLLACK
THE WORLD POLO LEAGUE Beach Polo World Cup features eight international teams with players from more than 10 nations and over 120 horses. In Miami, the excitement of polo takes on a new dimension as the sport transitions from its traditional fields to the sandy shores of Miami Beach. This unique event blends the elegance of polo with the city’s signature flair, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
“Polo is widely regarded as the oldest and most elite team sport in the world,” says international player Tito Gaudenzi, founder and producer of the event. “Its allure lies
not only in the skill and strategy required but also in the prestige associated with the sport, which attracts royalty, celebrities, and high society across the globe. Playing polo on the pristine beaches of Miami elevates this already exclusive experience, blending the excitement of the game with the natural beauty of the oceanfront setting.”
But the allure of the Beach Polo World Cup extends beyond the game itself. The event is a celebration of luxury and style, and attendees are as much a part of the show as the players. With glamorous parties, gourmet food, and the opportunity to socialize with an elite crowd, the Beach
Polo World Cup is more than just a sporting event—it’s a lifestyle experience. Attendees can expect exclusive VIP lounges, luxurious accommodations, and a myriad of opportunities to mingle with influential figures and celebrities.
“We are thrilled to be back for our 19th season,” says Gaudenzi. “I couldn’t make any of this happen without my business partner Melissa Ganzi. We continue to grow and grow.”
World Polo League Beach Polo World Cup 2024 takes place November 14-17 at The Setai Miami Beach
Falling into Books
BY ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN
I OFTEN JOKE THAT my favorite season is football, which incidentally falls in fall, my other favorite season. And while we don’t get the colorful foliage on the beach, we get the hint of a cool(er) breeze, and a whiff of what’s to come. Books are their very own season, they peak too, and this month we bring an array of bold, vibrant reads…our very own fall foliage.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI BOOK FAIR
A book lover smiles at the 2023 edition of the Miami Book Fair.
THE TRADE OFF
By Samantha Greene Woodruff
The Wolf of Wall Street is brilliant and ambitious, and her name is Bea Abramowitz. A lover of numbers, fascinated by trends and fluctuations, Bea aims for a career in the stock market, but this is the 1920s, and her charming, unqualified twin brother lands her dream job. The pair ultimately devise a secret plan positioning Bea as the brains behind the broker. And with the Great Crash impending, Bea must take the reins or risk losing everything. Woodruff crafts an empowering, immersive read on a refreshing topic: women in finance. Fun fact: The novel is inspired by the true story of an investment legend.
THE WEDDING PEOPLE
By Alison Espach
Imagine checking into a posh hotel in Rhode Island with only the clothes on your back and one goal: to end your life. As dark as the premise is, The Wedding People is a beautiful and affecting rendering of the good that comes from human kindness. As Phoebe enters the hotel lobby, she’s greeted by a lively wedding party and mistaken as one of the guests. And when she shares an elevator ride with the bride, Phoebe spills her plans, and so begins an unlikely bond that threads through the wedding week. Espach expertly weaves a smart, witty, uplifting tale chronicling the connections that make us feel alive.
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK
By Chris Whitaker
Whitaker’s ambitious follow-up to We Begin at the End is equal parts mystery, thriller, and love story deftly crafted by a skilled literary hand. Teenaged Patch is a one-eyed pirate, whose future is long and hopeful until he tries to rescue a young girl and is abducted in her place. In captivity, he meets Grace, and they fall in love despite never seeing each other’s faces. Patch escapes, spending the next three decades searching for answers, and for Grace. Spanning 1975-2001, this tour de force will leave readers breathless.
THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN
By Lynda Cohen Loigman
Augusta Stern just might be my new literary best friend. A retired New York pharmacist transplanted to Rallentando Springs, Florida, Augusta has barely recovered from the shock of living down south when she comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart sixty years ago. In Loigman’s latest page turner, we revisit 1920s Brooklyn, when Augusta worked in her father’s pharmacy while learning unconventional remedies from her Great Aunt Esther. These potions wreaked havoc on Augusta’s young relationship, but can the magic give these two a second chance? This is your fall feel good story
Find these fabulous reads at Books & Books And if you love books as much as I do, mark your calendar for November 17-24, 2024, when Miami Book Fair comes to town. Join the street fair, author panels, books signings, and so much more! I will be there discussing On Being Jewish Now with our spotlight guest Zibby Owens and my seventh novel, What You Do to Me
AQUA-HOLIC
A new column focuses on life on the water in South Florida. Isn’t access to yearround boating and aquatic activities the real reason we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else?
BY MARC GRANET
AQUA-HOLIC…the name is splayed on the transom of the streamlined, bright white day yacht as it idles by my sweet little spot on Lake Boca Raton, and then makes its way south through the Intracoastal. It’s just one boat in a long procession of beautiful big-boy toys out on a late summer Saturday. “Bailando” (Enrique!) drifts from the speakers as a beautiful couple laughs and dances on the back—shimmying with passion like it’s their first date. Welcome to South Florida, I say to myself.
The crystal-clear aquamarine water picks up speed as high tide spills through the inlet, and the color transfixes your brain to evoke a picture of some sort of paradise. Sometimes, it all seems so surreal. And you don’t have to have a boat or live on the water to enjoy the latter. It’s all around you.
Water-World Dreams
The South Florida water. At one point, we saw this unique megatropolis in the sun and said, “That’s me. That’s where I want to live.” We visualized spending the weekends on boats or beaches, eating at waterfront restaurants, sitting on a park bench with the breeze coming in from Biscayne Bay, and just generally enjoying the magical effect
that the life aquatic in South Florida has on all of us: unlimited excitement and joy, but also peace and tranquility during every sunrise and sunset. Stick with me here, as this is going to be a fun ride. This column will explore “The AQUA Life” in all its unadulterated glory—and I’m not just talking about the fluffy stuff. Life on the water here is a world inside of a world with many unopened doors (that I’ve yet to discover, too— and I’ve lived it for 30 years now).
I’ve always had a fascination with the ocean— from observing my father’s work on submarines to relentlessly watching French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as a kid. But this love affair was truly solidified when I saw Don Johnson driving that Chris-Craft boat off the Miami coastline in Miami Vice I listened to Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley as I made my way from the suburbs of D.C. to the west coast of Florida, eventually setting down roots in St. Pete Beach to raise my family. That’s where I bought my first Jet Ski, which led to my first offshore racer (i.e., cigarette boat). Soon enough, the boats got longer and faster—and by the end of it, I found myself behind the wheel of the fastest offshore boat in the world (the beautiful Miss GEICO).
I’ve always had a fascination with the ocean—from observing my father’s work on submarines to relentlessly watching French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as a kid.”
I was getting paid to travel to exotic venues to race powerboats in front of thousands of fans every weekend. My dream had come true. And it couldn’t get any better, right? Well, as fate would have it, a friend invited me out for a day of practice fishing for a top bill-fishing team. He said it’d be like nothing I’d known about fishing (i.e., drinking beer and chilling until they bite). This was serious stuff with millions of dollars on the line to catch the right fish. Needless to say, I was hooked, as this was another level of competition I didn’t know existed (and one that I will highlight in a future column).
Anyway, as my offshore racing career wound down, I stayed on the fishing circuit and slowed to a life of fishing with the family and spending time on boats just for the fun of it. But this column will explore everything from sport fishing for world-
class billfish and chasing lobsters on reefs to yacht life, island-running, sandbar parties, luxe waterfront restos, high-speed offshore racing, and everything in between. We will talk about really cool people and explore their journeys within South Florida to live this special lifestyle we all cherish and love.
Boating and Floating
Located about 45 miles north of Miami, saltwater Lake Boca leads directly to the ocean. On any given day, there are 50 to 2,000 boats anchored and rafted up there, soaking in the spectacle of gorgeous water, beautiful bodies, and multimillion-dollar homes. You’ll find families spending quality time together on the sandbar, collecting shells and playing with their dogs. Feeling hungry? A small boat winds its way through the anchored and beached boats, and you can just call out your order—anything from
pizzas and burgers to incredible ceviche.
Yup. Welcome to South Florida, once again. The outskirts of the lake host the no-holds-barred younger crowd, with 20-plus boats rafted together and EDM on full blast—fluorescent thongs and shredded bodies dancing from end to end. My first mate not so gently reminds me of my age and says no, I’m not going over there to get their perspective on “The AQUA Life”— even if it might be critically important to this column, am I right? My brain’s thinking I’m 25 and still got it.
Most boaters like us relax on floats or 20-foot lily pads and ponder just how good we have it. When workdays get too tough, and we need an escape—we always have the water.
The ocean is vast, the waterways abundant. There’s room for all of us—and I look forward to our adventure together.
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