Miami continues to be one of the most desired locations for fashion photography — what better proof than the recent opening of Beach House at Model Lounge Miami, located at the Raleigh Hotel presented by smartwater. It’s accessible only to female models repped by top agencies, but you may still be able to catch a glimpse of Coco Racha or Karlie Kloss, if you’re lucky enough.
Make sure to pick up our February issue to read an exclusive interview with famed architect Zaha Hadid, as she tells FIM about her quest to create the “ultimate fluid space” and her vision for the future.
Top: Zaha Hadid portrait by Steve Double. Above: A view of the interior of the MAXXI museum in Rome, designed by Hadid, photographed by Iwan Baan.
We must give credit where credit is due. Recently retired French Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld wore the designers she heralded like no other. Unlike her American counterpart, Roitfeld’s look was anything but orchestrated. Her style was often as unkempt as her unruly hair or those signature bushy eyebrows. In the end her aesthetic fiercely translated onto the runways where her personal take on fashion influenced the designers she nurtured during her decade at Vogue. Something tells us, however, that although Roitfeld may be finished with Vogue, she most likely is not done with fashion. - Anetta Nowosielska / Photography: Hedi Slimane (courtesy of New York magazine)
If staying in the tropics for New Year’s Eve, the idea should be to steer clear from the untamed brouhaha and find yourself a more refined location with good food, dapper gents and stylish dames, a nice view, and plenty to imbibe. For that, we recommend the Acqualina Resort & Spa on Sunny Isles Beach, where their NYE soirée includes food, live music and a DJ, drinks, dancing and entertainment under the moonlight. Options include a five-course seated gourmet dinner for $250; a buffet for $200; or $95 for open bar if you prefer to eat elsewhere. Call 305/918-6860 for reservations.
Additionally, the fine folks at Acqualina have offered us a gift certificate for one lucky FIM reader to receive a free 50-minute Swedish massage at ESPA, their renowned, 20,000-square-foot oceanfront spa. We want to hear your ideas, so you must come up with a compelling response to the following question in order to win: What specific subject(s) — related to fashion, art & culture, design, architecture, food & drink, health, travel, or luxury lifestyle — would you like to see featured in FIM (that hasn’t been already)? The best response will be chosen by our editors in early January (and may actually turn into a feature in an upcoming issue).
Please email your responses to osommereyns@floridainternationalmag.com (and CC blopez@floridainternationalmag.com too). Happy Holidays to all!
Top: Alfresco dining at Acqualina. Bottom: A massage room at ESPA.
Terms like “organic” and “farm-to-table” have been buzzing in the South Florida culinary scene for quite some time now (see, most prominently, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Miami Design District), although bona fide restaurant options in these categories are still lacking. Two new places, however, are certainly promising: Market 17 in Fort Lauderdale and Sustain in Miami.
You’ve likely seen your fair share of creative eccentrics at the Wynwood art-walk. Now, here are a couple of oddballs captured at an art-walk in Buenos Aires, courtesy of FIM friend and photographer, Ali Miranda. [Ed. Note: Please feel free to send us any compelling images to osommereyns@floridainternationalmag.com.]
Port-au-Prince native Jhon Charles was precociously sentient enough to internalize images and already render them on paper as a child. Following the horrible Haiti earthquake tragedy this year, Charles recalled a multitude of children running around the shelter tents and was inspired to depict them in a positive light — playing games, mirthfully. Despite their poverty and struggles, Charles sees them as the future of his country and intends on reinforcing their spirit with his work. Part of his Soul of Haiti series, the piece is on view at the Haitian Heritage Museum in the Miami Design District, along with other acrylic paintings and his darker, black-and-white charcoal drawings. On view through March 31, 10am-5pm Mon-Tue, 7-10pm Second Saturdays, 305/371-5988.
If it isn’t already, Roberto Giordano Salon & Spa in Brickell should be on your radar. From impeccable hair styling services to facials, massages, nails, waxing and spray tans, RG is a reliable, one-stop source for all your beauty needs. Plus, you can sip on coffee or wine at the elegant bar set up right inside the salon while you wait. Call 305/400-6663 to schedule an appointment.
A highlight performance during Art Basel this year: the electro-magnetic Peaches (pictured, center), at the Moore Building in the Miami Design District, for the Bally Love event, mesmerizing the crowd with decadent beats, laser beams and magenta hues. Seen walking in together: hip lensman Ryan McGinley and R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. - Omar Sommereyns / Photo courtesy of Patrick McMullan
