Miami Shoot

Florida

BloggerBuzz, MSM Online

BloggerBuzz: A Tel Aviv fashionista making the best of Miami

Fashionista Michal Harel’s travel diary about her first time experience in Miami. Dealing with the city vibes she compares Miami to her own home town of Tel Aviv. Michal reviews her adventures in Miami and fashionable spots that she recommends to other travelers who visit. Visiting Miami for the first time was an extraordinary experience. As a fashion blogger who lives in Israel and is passionate about travel and lifestyle, I find it interesting to discover new destinations, since traveling makes people grow in a way that it turns them mature. So how does it happen? Well I chose my flight spontaneously to Miami, picked up my bags and entered the other side of the world. Landing at the airport, I felt very curious to find out about the culture of this amazing city. When traveling to a new city, visitors struggle to find the right place to stay. It all depends on the budget and what type of experience each traveler wants. As for me, I wanted to be located in central Miami so that I would be able to walk everywhere within a distance. Finding a suitable place to stay is an important step as it has a significant impact on the overall quality of the trip.  There are two options to consider: 1. Airbnb – where visitors can stay with the locals which allow them to nourish deep into the culture. 2. Hotel – a more expensive option that provides personal services and facilities based on visitors needs. Epic Hotel Balcony View Lobby Roof Top Bay View   As a fashion blogger who travels a lot, it is important for me to choose a place that has the most of Miami’s views for capturing photos. I stayed at the Epic Hotel which is located in Downtown Miami. After receiving a warm welcome from their staff, I turned on my Ford Mustang and went on the road to absorb the city vibes. Watching the sea view on Ocean drive reminds me of my home town in Tel Aviv. That’s when I noticed that my culture was similar to Miami in a way that both cities have hot climate  which affects the way people dress and act. Just as Tel Aviv, I can say Miami is ‘the city that never sleeps’. “Miami feels like home, although I’m far away from Tel Aviv. I was amazed to discover the cities’ similarity.” Miami is all about fun and you can never get bored in this city. The streets are crowded with different cultures of people who value each other. Miamian’s shows a great sense of community. There are tons of roof bars, cafes and restaurants to visit such as Sugar Factory, Mango Tropical Cafe, the famous pizzeria Mister 01, and Full Bloom. These places are visited by many locals; therefore it’s great to experience Miami through their eyes. Sugar Factory Full Bloom Mango Tropical Cafe Mister 01 Fashion Walking the South beach area, I noticed that people were mostly wearing swim suits or dressed in a casual and laid back style. They believe – their priority is to feel comfortable with what they wear. Due to the favorable weather in Miami, people are able to lead a healthy lifestyle filled with fitness clubs and bike lanes – comparable to Rotchild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, which plays a big role in people’s appearance. That also reflects on Miami’s culture, where it is all about freedom of expression by accepting different cultures no matter what’s their race or gender – typical to Tel Aviv. Miami is one of the friendliest city’s that encourages mingling, connecting with other people, unlike other cities in the US such as New York or LA. Betsy Hotel South Beach Ocean Drive Art When traveling, I noticed that each city I have visited has their own form of art. One area in Miami called Wynwood is famous for its graffiti walls. The Wynwood Arts District is home to over 70 Art Galleries, Retail Stores, Antique Shops, Eclectic Bars, and one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world that is worth the visit. Graffiti –also an art form of expression has been popular over many years as a way to leave imprints on a wall or simply to communicate with others by signing a wall with their names. Graffiti art is very popular among local artists. In Tel Aviv, The Wynwood District reminds me of the Neve Tzedek neighborhood in my home town as they’re both filled with graffiti walls. Llia Torlin Neve Tzedek Experience If anyone is visiting Miami for a short period of time, which does not allow them to experience all of the neighborhoods – then a Helicopter flight would be a good choice as visitors can observe and view the city from the air. Seeing Miami from the sky will give each an unforgettable experience, especially for those who want to overcome their fear and challenge themselves. What to expect: The feeling of courage, a stunning and breathtaking view, the mix of the sky and sea color tones from Miami’s beach strip, and an entire city that looks like mosaic. Throughout my trip to Miami I have realized its similarity to my city – Tel Aviv, and I can definitely say I had the greatest time of my life for the first time as a traveler fashionista. Whether it’s enjoying the amazing sunset by relaxing at the beach, getting a tan and shopping on the Lincoln Road, taking a private cruise to Star Island, riding a jet ski (and overcoming my biggest fears while doing that), or going out to fashionable clubs and restaurants such as Zumma and E11EVEN, Miami is a unique experience! I will miss this amazing city and surely be back again soon. As I always say when a vacation comes to an end… Till the next time! See you soon Miami 🙂 https://www.instagram.com/MICHALH1986/ https://www.facebook.com/MHfashionista/ https://twitter.com/michalh23 http://mhfashionista.com/

MSM Online, Sports

Brianne Goutal Prepares to Compete at the Longines Global Champions Tour

Equestrian sports are the only Olympic sport where men and women are able to compete on equal terms against each other. The Longines Global Champions Tour at Miami Beach in April will bring together the Top 30 ranked show jumpers in the world to compete at a unique location, on the beach. Leading American female show jumper, Brianne Goutal has taken this sport to a new level with her drive, passion and dedication. Goutal remains the only rider to ever win all four major equitation finals documented in Animal Planet’s reality show, Horse Power: Road to the Maclay. The equitation finals included: the 2004 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East, the 2004 Washington International Equitation Final, the 2005 USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal Final, and the 2005 ASPCA Maclay National Championship. The same year, she claimed individual and young rider gold at the North American Young Rider Championships. Goutal turned professional and balanced her riding commitments with classes at Brown University. She graduated in 2012 with a literature degree. Not only does Goutal have a rigorous six days a week riding schedule, but also she trains four other top riders. “I love teaching. I’m able to reap the benefits from the fact that it forces me to become more aware of my own riding,” states Brianne Goutal. “I enjoy working with my students and helping them work through issues more than commanding lessons.” Brianne has quite a full life out of the saddle. She splits her time living in New York City and Wellington, Florida taking time in between horse shows to travel. “Life is all about balance,” says Goutal. “Having the opportunity to break away from my daily routine and be able to enjoy time with my family and friends, is the best way to clear my head and prepare for the next show.” For more information on Brianne Goutal, click here 

Entertainment, Film, MSM Online, Music, Traveler

10 Celebrity Vacation Hotspots

By Gisel Habibnejad With their fame and fortune running on surplus, celebrities know exactly where and how to vacation. If you want to know the hotspots to travel to, simply follow the footsteps of all the biggest celebrities—after all, they keep coming back for a reason. Here’s a list of the most popular worldwide destinations infested with familiar faces. 1. Saint Tropez Who you’ll see: Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Tom Cruise, Rihanna, P. Diddy, Jack Nicholson, Gigi Hadid, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sir Elton John, Beyonce, Jay-Z 2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Who you’ll see: Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, Cameron Diaz, Ryan Seacrest, Julia Roberts, George & Amal Clooney, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith 3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia Who you’ll see: Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, Rob Lowe, Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, Keith Urban 4. Maldives Who you’ll see: Eva Longoria, Penelope Cruz, Kate Moss, Jude Law, David & Victoria Beckham, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Katy Perry, Tom Cruise 5. South Beach, Florida Who you’ll see: Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Cameron Diaz, Christina Aguilera, Kanye West, Amber Heard, Drake, Lenny Kravitz, Ellie Goulding 6. Lake Como, Italy Who you’ll see: George & Amal Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Madonna, Sir Richard Branson, Alred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger, Kylie Minogue, Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock 7. Maui, Hawaii Who you’ll see: Paris Hilton, Megan Fox, Owen Wilson, Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jason Statham, Jack Osbourne, Charlize Theron, Sean Penn 8. Dubai Who you’ll see: Kim Kardashian West, Kanye West, David & Victoria Beckham, Rita Ora, Nicole Scherzinger, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Roger Federer, Selena Gomez, Paris Hilton 9. Aspen, Colorado Who you’ll see: Elle Macpherson, Jack Nicholson, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Nicole Scherzinger, Lewis Hamilton 10. Barbados Who you’ll see: Rihanna, Cara Delevigne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Simon Cowell, Sting, Hugh Grant, Tiger Woods, Naomi Watts, Katy Perry    

Cover Stories, Entertainment, Music, The Issue

Phil & Orianne Collins Cover Shoot & Interview

LITTLE DREAMS, BIG CONCERT By Katie Jackson  In February of 2000, a foundation brimming with a passion to provide a unique form of philanthropy and compassionate support was born. The Little Dreams Foundation, created by music legend Phil Collins and former wife and jewelry designer Orianne Collins-Mejjati, fulfills the dreams of children who do not have the means to achieve their desired goals in music, art, and sports. To say the foundation has been successful would be an understatement, as it has positively impacted over 300 lives, with participants going on to be famous guitarists, karate champions, Olympic athletes, singers, and more. Originating in Switzerland, Phil and Orianne have made it their mission to spread their foundation across the globe. After expanding to countries like Belgium and Morocco, the Little Dreams Foundation finally reached the United States this past year—with the first stop none other than the Magic City. After receiving numerous letters from children asking for help to fulfill their passions, Phil and Orianne decided that it was time to create an organization that not only provided monetary support, but also provided guidance and special individualized attention. “We thought instead of just sending checks, we should do better,” says Orianne. The program is aimed at young children between the ages of four and sixteen. An application must be completed on the Little Dreams Foundation’s website, and if selected, children are invited to audition. Once the children are chosen to be a part of the foundation, they receive a personalized program that specifically caters to their area of interest within the three categories of music, art, or sports. Participants can receive training courses, equipment, summer camps, complete coverage of hotel and traveling expenses, personal trainers or instructors, and so much more. “It’s full support,” says Orianne. Though the children are young when they join the foundation, they often stay with the program until they are well within their twenties. The foundation has been so successful that Phil and Orianne decided to create the LDF No Difference Program in 2003. The new program provides the same monetary support and guidance, but for children who are handicapped. “With the help of the foundation, we see that the kids are feeling so much better. It’s been a great success,” says Orianne. After announcing that the Little Dreams Foundation will be coming to Miami in a press conference at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel last November, and holding the first Miami auditions in March, both Phil and Orianne are excited to further the expansion. “The objective today is to be known in Florida, then state by state, and finally to be known across the U.S,” says Orianne. Until then, the foundation’s annual gala will be held at the Fillmore Miami Beach this December during Art Basel. Phil will lend his voice to the “Dreaming on the Beach Concert,” along with Latin superstars Laura Pausini and Alejandra Guzman, children from the foundation in The Little Dreamers band, and “lots of different surprises,” promises Orianne. “We love surprises!” Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue. MIAMI SHOOT MAGAZINE HEADQUARTERS: Photography by IMANI OGDEN Set Assistants: AMBER BAER, GISEL HABIBNEJAD & STEPHAN USECHE Stylist: ANNIE VALDIVIA (DOLCE AND GABBANA) Hair: FRANK IZQUIERDO (IGK HAIR, SLS HOTEL) Editor-In-Chief: ERNESTO POBLACION Location: MSM HEADQUARTERS

Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Kevin Lyttle

By Craig K. Skilling “Turn me on” three simple yet provocative words and song lyrics that captured the heart of music lovers from across the globe ten years ago has hit the charts again! I had the pleasure of sitting down recently with the singer and song- writer of those lyrics along with his wife, the Barack and Michelle power couple of south Florida and the Caribbean, the engaging Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Lyttle. Kevin, born Lescott Kevin Lyttle Coombs from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is most known for his talented high pitch sound that universally blessed us in 2004 with that hit single “Turn me On” off of Atlantic Records. We met up for good food, drinks and conversation where everything was on the table including Kevin’s latest business ventures, philanthropic efforts, married/ family life, the early days of his music industry career and of course his new music! As Kevin and I began to catch up I was informed by Jackie that Kevin just returned from a long trip for a concert performance and philanthropic mission in the south pacific island of Papa New Guinea along with R&B singer, songwriter and actress Ms. Mya Harrison. The two plan to record a song together once their schedule permits in 2014. The reminder allowed for Kevin to open up on some of the amazing things that are currently happening in his life. “Man, it’s crazy “Turn me on” is back on the charts and is currently #7 on the local charts and #28 on the Amazon’s best-selling digital songs list,” says Kevin emphatically. As I looked across the table I noticed a few of Kevin’s gadgets including two cell phones and a dual phone/wristwatch device. Kevin recently struck a deal with Samsung to be an official brand ambassador and as part of the deal receives the latest in their mobile technology. Speaking of mobile technology Kevin has just inked a deal with a company called ‘Pack’ to build his personalized and branded “Fan Experience” celebrity app available in the iTunes, Amazon and Google app store. Kevin is a brand and what I found out is that the lovely lady sitting next to him, his wife and business manager has been extremely instrumental in helping to build that brand. “We actually met when we were both thirteen in third form” (the US equivalent of high school) says Dr. Jacqueline James-Lyttle who received her PhD in Engineering from the University of Miami. While both were thirteen Kevin said he was going to marry the Vincentian when he turned sixteen. It would take several years for their stars to align and for marriage to become a reality but Jackie mentions with a gleam and glow that Kevin would always inquire to see how she was doing and remained confident that he would marry his island beauty one day. Their bond seems to be unbreakable however Kevin would admit that that being an international touring artist and balancing being a husband and father would not be possible without the support of his multitalented wife and business manager. Although Kevin is not a casual consumer of alcohol he did mention that when he occasionally has a drink you better believe it will be Monte Carlo Vodka in his cup. Kevin signed a deal with Monte Carlo Vodka to represent their brand throughout the world. If that were not enough he and his wife Jackie are partners in a phenomenal startup company called Kidsville, currently located in Southland Mall with new Florida locations being confirmed. Kidsville is the ultimate experience for kids and a place where parents can safely consider dropping their children off while working or shopping at the mall. Just when I thought we were going to catch up on his music the entertainment mogul mentions another partnership with a company called Chill Shot. Chill Shot is the natural liquid version of what someone like Bob Marley would have truly appreci- ated. No it’s not a liquid version of marijuana but it is a legal FDA approved version and stimulating experience that will basically make an individual feel “chill” after taking the shot. We shifted our conversation to Kevin’s independent label Tarakon Records, co-founded by his wife Jackie. Tarakon has been instrumental in discovering and signing new talent as well as releasing Kevin’s latest music including a song titled “Anywhere” featuring south Florida homegrown, worldwide, music heavy- weight FloRida. “Anywhere” is one of Kevin’s most recent singles and has been licensed by Hollywood for a film titled “What about Love’ featuring Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia. The film will be released on February 15th, 2015 and will incorporate scenes from the film in an official Kevin Lyttle music video. Tarakon is a rising star in the independent music label space and has been able to secure several major deals for Kevin and their artists including a quickly approaching print, radio and television talk show campaign. As for new music I am told Kevin’s new LP will be titled the “Diplomat” partly titled after his world travels and his official appointment as ambassador of St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Kevin still tours throughout the world touching almost every continent. His upcoming single features another Caribbean star “Mr. Boombastic,” international recording artist Shaggy. Additional artists to be featured on the new LP include Yagay Mackie, King James out of Ruwanda, Medina in Sweden and many more to make up the international and diverse sound. I had the pleasure of listening to the various songs on his Samsung device and must say the diverse blend and world sound of dance, reggae, soca, pop and r & b is going to make the Diplomat a must get for sure! When asked what drives him to continue the hectic daily grind, Kevin mentions his family including his talented little man KJ, his wife and the Janice Lyttle Foundation named after his mom who passed away a few years ago. The foundation is really

Interviews, Swimwear

One On One With Red Carter

Swimwear designer Red Carter makes a giant splash in the fashion industry, and it’s only the beginning.  By Katie Jackson/Photo courtesy of Ken Pao In 2003, Miami gained a designing phenomenon when Red Carter left his native California to take his talents to the Magic City.  After working for major brands like Esprit, Guess, Victoria’s Secret, and Oscar de la Renta, Carter was finally ready to break out on his own. Inspired by Miami’s glamorous Art Deco style, Carter created and developed his swimwear brand out of his Miami Beach apartment. Now, Carter’s fashionable and sexy swimwear has catapulted him to the top, with numerous features in leading high fashion magazines and a large celebrity following.  Sadly for Miami, Carter recently relocated to New York City to continue growing his burgeoning brand, but will always have a special place for Miami in his swimwear and in his heart. For Carter, the desire to design clearly pulses through his veins. As a young child, Carter was already creating sketches for what would soon lead to a career in fashion. “I started drawing sketches of naked ladies, and my mom was like, ‘you can’t have all these pictures of naked ladies laying around!’ So she said, ‘why don’t you put clothes on them?’ So I started drawing dresses and watching vintage movies, and that sort of inspired me to see the art of fashion in movement,” says Carter.  He then went on to study at the prestigious Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. After his graduation, Carter gained extensive experience working for top fashion brands and designers. But after taking a job with a start up company and being let go soon after, Carter decided it was time to take control of his career. “I found myself without a job, and I decided that I wanted to have my own message. So, I started my own brand,” says Carter. After moving to Miami 11 years ago, Carter says he was given a rare opportunity to “set the tone for luxury living.” Carter capitalized on the growing niche for high-end swimwear, creating polished yet glamorous pieces with a fun Miami edge for the fashionista with a flexible budget. “My customer is looking for a getaway, and they want to stand out. They definitely don’t want to wear what everyone else has,” says Carter.  Carter began designing his brand on his own dime and started selling his pieces out of his apartment. “We would do little shows, sell them out of little stores. I just paid my dues.” But it wasn’t long until Carter’s designs starting receiving massive attention.  Popular retail stores started carrying his designs and magazines began giving him features. Then in 2004, Carter participated in the very first Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, launching him and his designs into an international spotlight. Today, Carter’s designs have been featured in multiple high fashion glossies, and have been spotted on notable celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, and the Kardashian sisters. One of his suits was even worn by Beyoncé in her music video “Grown Woman” off her mega-hit self-titled visual album “Beyoncé.” Upon finding out about the video, Carter said he was ecstatic. “I was like, are you kidding me? It was a great couple of minutes. I did the happy dance. It was kind of the most funny, anxious moment, but it was really great.” But even with the massive exposure, Carter stays humble. “I’ve never really taken it for granted. I’m always very flattered,” says Carter of the all the attention. “You’re only as good as your next design. So I’m very honored, but I always think to myself, what is possibly next? That was great, who else now? How else can I affect people?”  Carter has now relocated to New York City after joining the outerwear manufacturer Amerex Group. Joining Amerex Group has not only helped Carter grow his business, but also allowed him to be removed from the operations of the company and solely dedicate himself to what he truly loves: design. Carter is now able to work on multiple projects at once, including continuing to design suits for Jessica Simpson’s swimwear line, a project he was approached to do a few years ago.  As for when he’s back in Miami, you may catch Carter relaxing at The Standard or grabbing a bite to eat at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. “It’s so bad, but so good,” Carter says of the restaurant. While he’s not particularly into the party scene, Carter says he loves to people watch when in Miami. “I’ll definitely relax by the local pools and watch what people are wearing and what their lifestyles are all about. That’s my little secret weapon.”  Although Carter is no longer living in Miami, he will be returning this summer to participate in the MBFWS 10th anniversary, but will not be doing a show. “It’s kind of an honorary participation,” says Carter.  Instead, he will be showcasing one of his prints from one of the last runway shows he did for MBFWS, which happens to be the piece featured in Beyoncé’s video.  While it’s clearly evident that Carter has made an enormous indent in the fashion industry, he remains the perfect balance of humble, passionate, and determined.  “I’ve had a great journey. I’ve had great seasons and I’ve had seasons of struggle. I think in the end, persistence is a true reward. Persistence is what you have to focus on. And not being a flash, but being a constant. Just follow your dreams and don’t give up.”  You can find Red Carter designs at Nordstrom and online at Niemen Marcus, as well as shopbop.com, southbeachswimsuits.com, and Everything But Water Stores worldwide.  Photo by Imani Ogden Click here to view this post in the July/August 2014 issue.

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