From Knits To Silk, A Slice Of Miami’s Latest Fashion Offerings

Miami has become an emerging fashion hub over the past few years, for many reasons. The growth of the Miami Design District has exploded, while new boutiques opening around the city, honoring Latin design. Miami Swim Week keeps growing each year, as does Miami Fashion Week. A cool crop of women-led brands are also based in Miami, which are worth checking out, too, from shoe designers to apparel and resort wear.

For the past few months, Miami has been cloudy and chilly, so pack your jean jacket and knits because you’ll likely need them (even if just at night). If the sun is playing peek-a-boo when you’re in Miami, here are some style-savvy ways to keep busy.

Bingeworthy Boutiques

Curio at Faena Bazaar in Miami Beach is a beacon of luxury fashion. Just steps away from the five-star Faena hotel, Curio is co-curated by its owners, Jeff Lasota and Danielle Licata. Stroll in to see the latest runway looks fully stocked here, from brands like Dior, Celine, Tom Ford and ready to wear style from Carioca, Aspesi and Barena Venezia, and more. “We discover, partner with, and mentor brands that people have never heard of, and we also operate as a showroom,” said Licata. “Our boutique is differentiated from other boutiques because it focuses more on storytelling.”

Brickell City Center is a go-to luxury fashion destination in Brickell. The mall features an impressive four floors of luxury brands, from Saks Fifth Avenue to Azulu, Cole Haan and Levi’s. It is truly somewhere you can spend all day discovering new brands. Meanwhile, the Miami Design District has all the boutiques you’d typically line up for in New York City, but with a more chill, laid back vibe. For a truly unique look at Miami’s fashion scene, check out Isidra, a concept store with the best of Latin American fashion—from swimwear to linen dresses and even coats to bring back home in your luggage.

Hands down, Bal Harbour Shops is the most exclusive shopping destination you can get in Miami. It opened in 1965 and has since become a go-to for luxury shopping. For all the top brands at global fashion weeks, look no further. If you’re looking to shop for winter must-haves, their brands like Addict, Wolford, Scanlan Theodore and Fabiana Filippi have some of the most coveted wears to bring home in your suitcase.

Local Fashion Designers

Biba fashion designer Barbara Hulanicki lives in Miami (look out for her upcoming retrospective at Bermondsey’s Fashion & Textile Museum, The Biba Story, 1964-1975, opening in March). Brands like Julian Chang, Rene Ruiz, Krel Tropical Knitwear are based in Miami, not to mention Thrifts & Threads founder Gabriela Prendes, and Seta Apparel designer, Andrea Salazar.

Miami is also home to vegan silk brand Niluu founder Nilufer Bracco, as well as We Are Just Bee Queen, a resort brand designed by mother and daughter duo, Maria and Sydney Strauss. Venezuelan designer Maria Alejandra Perez and Adriana Epelboim-Levy, who hand paints shoes and home accessories to elegant perfection, also calls Miami home, so does Rossy Sanchez, the shoe designer behind Anabella.

Sceney Hotspots

When it comes to fashion history in Miami, there is no other location quite like the former Versace Mansion, which is where fashion designer Gianni Versace once lived. Today, it’s called The Villa, Casa Casuarina and has an onsite restaurant called Gianni’s, honoring the late designer. It’s a marvel in design just to walk through this extravagant property.

The Queen Miami Beach is an upscale clubstaurant set in the heart of Miami Beach. Expect to abide by their dress code (no sneakers, upscale attire) as you step into a venue fit for The Great Gatsby. The stylish Art Deco décor and cultural highlights make this venue an unforgettable stop on a tour of Miami, especially for the fashion scene looking to get seen in the city’s most glamorous hotspot.

If there is one restaurant for fashionistas in South Beach, it has to be Amalia. Set inside the moss-covered Lennox Hotel Miami Beach (which has a champagne vending machine, by the way), this hotspot attracts the stylish boho crowd, as well as the more sophisticated crowd alike.

There is both indoor seating and a cute, outdoor patio to soak up the sun, and the cocktails are a huge highlight. The walls are filled with plants and flowers, and the decor is covered in pink items that the restauranteur Analia Castellanos gathered on her European travels, and designed herself. Their fish dishes really shine here, so does their extravagant Chocolate Surprise dessert, which you have to try out on a date night.

Sofia Italian Restaurant in the Design District is one of the most stylish restaurants in Miami. With sparkly pop art on the walls, pink décor, and velvet seats, this is a must-hit location for fashion lovers. And it’s right in the heart of the shopping district, so a perfect place to have dinner after a day of shopping.

A Side Dish Of Fun

The Puttery is likely the most design-savvy mini putt experience in Miami. This “sip and swing” mini golf set in the heart of Wynwood adds a fun touch to any Miami visit, and just opened in December. For adults only, Puttery’s first Miami location has three nine-hole courses with Instagrammable installations at this course, which counts Rory Mcllroy as one of their investors.

Where to Sleep

Miami’s Hotel Croydon is a short ride away from the bustling South Beach. This chic, boutique hotel is set in Miami’s mid-beach location, just off Collins Avenue. With Old World charm and local touches, this venue is known for hosting fashion-forward parties during Art Basel Miami Beach. They offer a ground-level pool, yoga classes, and a rooftop deck with ocean views.

Getting Around

Alto is the luxury car service that’s available in Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, and Washington, DC. It’s a step up from Uber and Lyft with next level service from the experience, from top notch drivers to complimentary charging stations in every vehicle and water bottles. They also have their own line of candles, apparel, and tote bags. Just look out for the white SUVs and step in.