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AroundTown, Entertainment, MSM Online

4th Annual Veuve Clicquot Carnaval Returns to Miami’s Museum Park

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By Staff The 4th annual Veuve Clicquot Carnaval is returning to Miami’s Museum Park on Saturday, March 10, 2018 in support of the Pérez Art Museum Miami! Veuve Clicquot once again transports the excitement of Carnaval to Miami at beautiful Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay, where guests will enjoy a daytime champagne fête packed with traditional Carnaval entertainment and, of course, Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Over the years, the event has been attended by the likes of Ciara, Adriana Lima, Karolina Kurková, Gabrielle Union, Chanel Iman, Eiza Gonzalez, Ana de Armas, Olivia Culpo, Solange Knowles, Nina Agdal, Emily Ratajkowski, Prince Royce, Diego Boneta, Daniela Botero and Tyson Beckford, and we expect another star-studded turn out.

Cover Stories, Culture, Entertainment, Film, MSM Online, Music, The Issue

Gloria & Emilio Estefan: Making History Over & Over Again

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By Gisel Habibnejad The world knows them as the trailblazing power couple of Latin music; however, Miami knows Gloria and Emilio Estefan on a much deeper level. It has even been said that the Grammy Award winners have influenced a generation of artists, with more generations to come. They paved their own well-documented path by immersing themselves into their careers, and as a result, music that withstands the test of time and still echoes in modern-day music. Gloria Estefan was born in Havana, Cuba and fled from the island as a little girl and would eventually pursue a life that would make her parents proud. As a result, she proceeded to earn a higher level of education at the University of Miami, through which she earned a BA in psychology. With a firm education, she then pursued her lifelong dream of a professional career in music. Consequently, she joined Miami Sound Machine through which she met Emilio Estefan and became romantically involved in 1976. Two years later, the couple married and officially began their path as the influential powerhouse the world knows them as today. Just four years shy of officially being credited as a solo artist, the “Conga” singer won her first Grammy Award in the category of Best Tropical Latin Album for Mi Tierra–this would be the first of the three awards she won for the same category in the years to follow. Mi Tierra holds a special place in Gloria’s heart as it paved the way for her solo career, winning several accolades awarded by Billboard, the Grammy Awards, and even earning the first Diamond album in Spain. In addition, it sold over 100 million records worldwide. Not to mention, her lively performances and concerts that literally make you want to “get on your feet” from start to finish. Among their many achievements collectively, Gloria and Emilio have earned stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the ALMA and Premio Lo Nuestro Musical Latina, induction into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, a spot on Billboard’s Top 30 Most Influential Latin Artists of All Time, Latin Grammy Awards, and a Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Last November, they received the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by President Barack Obama. Gloria shared her appreciation of the special moment, “We really do love this country and we respect it. To have been given the opportunity to live our lives the way we have and to be able to follow our dreams and work hard… it’s been phenomenal.” And while, they were recognized by the country on this day, Emilio never forgets to acknowledge his beloved city, “Today we were thinking about Miami. Thinking about the Latino community and saying that we are proud. We never left Miami, we never changed our name and I think that’s an important thing to recognize.” Not many people can say they performed at the Olympics and at the Superbowl twice—Gloria has done both. In fact, her hit single “Reach” became the anthem for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. The Estefans have always been adamant on using their fame to be involved and bring awareness to political affairs. In 2010, Gloria famously led Las Damas de Blanco march down Calle Ocho in support of the opposition movement in Cuba. Las Damas de Blanco is a group of wives and relatives of imprisoned dissidents who attend mass on Sundays wearing white followed by silently walking down the streets of Cuba. Emilio’s contributions include producing phenomenal musical events at the White House and being appointed by President George W. Bush to the Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 2002. In 2013, he also became the AARP Life Reimagined Ambassador. And in 2014, Commissioner Jean Monestime appointed him as Miami-Dade Special Ambassador. They went on to conquer other facets of the industry, such as Gloria becoming a board of director for Univision Communications Inc. Staying true to his producer role, Emilio produced and directed his first full-length film in 2008 called 90 Millas. He has also produced multiple Latin Grammy Awards shows. As if it weren’t enough, they are also best-selling authors. Gloria has published children’s books and cookbooks; Emilio published his second book in 2011, The Exile Experience: A Journey to Freedom in collaboration with Alberto Montaner and Carlos Pintado—the powerful book is made up of testimonials from different generations of exiles. Throughout his career, he has received honorary doctoral degrees from Barry University, the University of Miami, Berklee College of Music, and Florida International University. Their latest conquest involves music, dancing, and Broadway. Fans can now experience a biographical look into the lives of these trailblazing artists as individuals and as a family. On Your Feet debuted in November 2015 starring Ana Villafane as Gloria and Josh Segarra as Emilio and directed by Jerry Mitchell. The homage comes to life with “Conga” at the end of the first act, when audience members are encouraged to join the Conga line as part of choreographer Sergio Trujillo’s plan. The show includes flashy costumes designed by ESosa accompanied with electrifying performances of their hits, such as “1-2-3” and “Get On Your Feet.” Variety magazine raves: “Newcomer Ana Villafane is a knockout in the leading role, the dazzling centerpiece of this flashy, splashy spectacle helmed by Jerry Mitchell.” “I hope we can inspire a different generation, to make them think about how lucky we are to live in the United States and to be able to achieve the American Dream,” Gloria proudly shares about the show. “We want to give so much back to this country.” Presently, they continue to defy the odds by actively working on creating the National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C. They also became the first Cuban-Americans to buy minor ownership stake of an NFL team through the Miami Dolphins. Locally, however, you can find the Estefans at one of their many locations of

Business, News & Entertainment, The Issue

Words of Wisdom with Mike Fernandez

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By Ernesto Poblacion Mike Fernandez is best known for his entrepreneurial ventures around Miami. However, most of us forget to acknowledge where he came from and how he became one of the most successful men in the Magic City. Inspiring, tearjerking, and motivating are just a few words to describe the journey that humbled him. In Humbled by the Journey: Life Lessons For My Family…And Yours, Fernandez allows outsiders to take a sneak peek of his life growing up and the moments which changed his life. The book launched in January 2015, but had already pre-sold 20,000 copies. Ironically enough, it was actually an idea planted by his wife, Constance, who encouraged him to write a book about his success and tribulations for his children, grandchildren, and those who follow to read and learn his life lessons. While his business ventures have developed him into a high profile figure in our city, his philanthropic work is what sets him apart from all the others. Humbled by the Journey: Life Lessons For My Family…And Yours shares his intimate life challenges and triumphs through a 508- mile pilgrimage from France to Spain for which he will be partaking in for the third time this May. The walk raises money for Miami Children’s Hospital. Fernandez moved to Miami in 1975, and having not known anyone here, was forced to pave his own path to success. Thankfully, he is grateful to those who showed him encouragement, “Miami is full of people who have gone through what every new arrival is going through and if you ask for help or advice, you may be surprised as to how many people will go out of their way to help you.” Humbled by the Journey: Life Lessons For My Family… And Yours proves to be a lesson handbook for those inter- ested in the entrepreneurial field. “Failure is a necessary companion on the road to success,” says Fernandez when asked to give advice to those who fail time and time again. “I encourage all entrepreneurs to push themselves to the point of failure, and to always learn from it. The road to success is not linear and we must be ready to constantly adjust to market forces and customer demands.” One of those roadblocks may be racial or ethnic discrimination in a world where some find them- selves constantly having to prove their validity in the business world while pursuing their dreams. Fernandez was born in Cuba and moved to the United States when he was twelve years old. He offered his best ad- vice to those still facing this social issue, “You have a choice, you have the option of allowing someone the power over you to put you down or you can take the high road and use their words as a vehicle to motivate you to do better.” In January, The Related Group celebrated Fernandez’s condominium purchases in The Residences at Park Grove. He was excited to share his new neighbors will consist of close friends while his views will include the spectacular skyline and city lights Miami is made of. While he and his family will be living in Coconut Grove, which he described as one of Miami’s most sophisticated and interesting locations, you can find him enjoying Biscayne Bay or hiking somewhere in Spain with his loved ones. When asked what are the most important lessons readers can take away from his book, Fernandez simply replied: “Life and business are not as complicated as books and theory would lead you to believe. Life is about listening to your instincts and core values and business is about the smallest details because by focusing on the micro, the macro is almost guaranteed.” Well said, Fernandez, well said. Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue. 

Fashion, The Issue

Paul Andrew at Capretto Shoes

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By Katie Jackson  Miami heel addicts received a very special treat when CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Paul Andrew made an in-store appearance at Capretto Shoes during Art Basel. The beloved South Miami shoe boutique was filled with adoring guests who were able to mingle with, and even receive a quick shoe fitting from, the famous footwear and accessory designer. The British born and now US-based designer certainly has a lot to celebrate. Launching his eponymous line of luxury women’s shoes in Spring 2013, and becoming the first shoe designer to win the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, complete with $300,000 and mentoring from some of the most powerful influencers in the industry, Andrew is definitely a rising force. But after perusing Andrew’s latest collection, it is extremely evident why the designer is so successful. Receiving inspiration from a Henri Matisse exhibit called The Cut Outs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Andrew’s Spring 2015 collection focuses on the juxtaposition of elegant patterns, bright hues, and intriguing cuts. “The idea of layering different textures and materials with matte and shine and different colorations, that’s really the inspiration behind this season,” says Andrew. While it is clear that the appearance of Andrew’s collection is supremely alluring, the design element of his shoes is even more so. Using only the finest manufacturing in Italy in addition to superior materials, Andrew creates shoes that are the epitome of style and luxury. “What I am aiming to do is create the most comfortable but sexy shoe in the market. I did an amazing survey with about 500 different women internationally to understand what is the fit of now. The arch is a very different shape, there is a lot more padding in the insole, so you sort of sink into this cushion, and the heel is positioned in a very specific place.” Though Andrew has traveled to many places across the globe, this is his first time visiting Miami. After arriving late in the evening the night before his Capretto appearance, Andrew says with enthusiasm that he has already fallen in love with the Magic City. “I love the vibe here. It’s a totally different feeling than New York, and I’m really happy to be here.” Photography Courtesy of WORLD RED EYE Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.  

Fashion, Shows & Events, The Issue

Celebrating DVF’s The Woman I Wanted to Be

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By Katie Jackson Many wish they could peek into the minds of those who have found true happiness and success, hoping to come to understand the pathway in which they earned their desired goals. But to be offered a glimpse into the life of a woman who is not only brilliantly successful and heavily admired, but is also kind, genuine, and immensely passionate, is a true rarity. Diane von Furstenberg gave those who not only adore her designs, but those who adore and admire her, the chance to understand exactly how she became the woman she wanted to be. Even better, the legendary designer made sure to come and celebrate her tome during Art Basel right here in the Magic City. In her memoir, the woman responsible for creating the beloved wrap dress delves into detail about her journey to becoming one of the most respected forces in the fashion industry. Included in The Woman I Wanted to Be are also intimate details about von Furstenberg’s love life, children, how she overcame cancer, and her feelings about aging. “In a sense I feel more beautiful than I have ever felt because my life is full, my children and grandchildren are my pride, and so is the body of my work. I have traveled the world, seen so much beauty in nature, met so many people. I cannot pretend that I am younger than I am, and truly I feel that I have lived so fully that I should be twice my age.” Already a best seller, The Woman I Wanted to Be has garnered an extensive amount of attention. And despite her busy schedule—shooting her “E!” reality show “House of DVF” included—von Furstenberg headed to Miami during Art Basel to celebrate with those who fell in love with her story. With cameras in tow, the designer made a stop at Books & Books in Bal Harbour Shops on December 2nd for a discussion led by entertainment journalist Ana Remos. The very next night, von Furstenberg signed copies of her book in her Aventura Mall boutique. Packed to the brim, the designer’s pop up was filled with attendees sipping champagne and enjoying hors de ‘oeuvres while patiently waiting to have a moment with the legend. With The Woman I Wanted to Be, readers will walk away with truly remarkable wisdom from the woman who not only created an empire, but also created a platform that truly empowers women everywhere. Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.  

Cover Stories, Culinary, The Issue

If You Can’t Take the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen – Cover Feature

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Photo by Bill Bettencourt By Nycole Sariol On a late Wednesday afternoon, Chef Tom Colicchio is late to catch a flight. Colicchio is no stranger to airports these days. Especially since signing with Bravo yet again to host the mega-network’s newest competition series, Best New Restaurant, in which the infamous Top Chef host scours the country in search of the nation’s best all-around restaurants, one city at a time. “Uh, non-stop services…all flights are…” he trails off as he mutters chopped-up thoughts underneath his breathe, popping in and out of our phone interview. Though the departure prompter has now summoned fifty percent of Tom’s attention, the other half was tightly transfixed on divulging the meat and potatoes of his latest small-screen endeavor. “The show is about so many different talents coming together rather than one chef; this is about the entire restaurant,” elicits Tom. Best New Restaurant debuts on January 21st at 10pm eastern time and the pressure to win has never been more paramount for the sixteen competing restaurants, rooted in the large-scale metropolises of Los Angeles, New York, Austin, and our very own Magic City. Tom, alongside BlackboardEats founder Maggie Nemser and New York restaurateur Jeffrey Zurofsky, will judge the qualified restaurants aspiring to take home a semi-finalist spot at the end each episode. During the first eight episodes, the grub hubs will dual it out in a trifecta of adrenaline-pinching tasks: first, the chosen restaurants must endure the “Pressure Test” of juggling a flurry of ravenous walk-ins and the intensity of a packed house. Next come the hidden cameras, where “Undercover Diners” secretly capture the overall service and experience of the restaurant through a customer’s eye view. The two restaurants that have surpassed each of the aforementioned tasks will then face each other in a thirty-seat VIP dinner service, taking them into the semifinalist rounds. The winner of the show will revel in a stew of glory consisting of an exclusive feature in Bon Apétit magazine, participation rights at Vegas Uncork’d, and a well- deserved monetary pleasantry of one-hundred grand. It all sounds as juicy as it looks. But perhaps the juice worth squeezing are the contestants themselves. “What’s interesting is that we have all types of restaurants participating: we’re not out there looking for white table cloth, upscale restaurants – we have Barbeque, mom and pop, and fast casual restaurants that have invested their entire life savings and maxed out credit cards just to open their shop,” Tom shares. “What’s really important is that we’re looking at these restaurants not only in context of how good their food is, but their over-all concepts.” Tom and crew know not of the word discrimination: as far as personalities go, the symposium of participating restaurants span the gamut, from prim fine dining to unchartered hole-in-the-walls, yearning to be discovered. Some of which, happen to fall within our very own backyard of the 305. To dutifully represent Miami with reverence, eateries like R House, Buns & Buns, The Federal, Tongue & Cheek, and Dolce Italian will take up their prongs and fight in our honor. Though Tom is not one for favoritism, he alludes great verve for one Miami restaurant in particular: “The Federal is a place that you probably drive by a hundred times and don’t even think about going to, but their food is fantastic – talk about putting their heart and soul into what they’re doing!” All quaking contention aside, it appears another chef and TV personality, who fancies a life of extreme candor and intimidation – more so then Colicchio himself – will make his uncanny presence known as Best New Restaurant’s executive producer: Gordon Ramsay. Ramsey can usually be recognized as striking fear into even the most steadfast of hearts in Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares, but today, he trades in his reigns of terror for a life of national wanderlust with his esteemed Colicchio counterpart. The show is an American spin on Ramsay’s UK series “Ramsay’s Best Restaurant,” so of course the British spitfire dug right in. Presumably, working with such an infamous kitchen- tyrant would evoke indubitable intimidation, but – surprisingly – Tom wouldn’t know – not yet at least: “I have yet to meet Gordon Ramsay,” Tom laughs. “Believe it or not, I have never met him, though I hear he’s a great guy to hang with. So, unfortunately, I couldn’t tell you what he’s like to work with.” Unbeknownst to the average eye, Best New Restaurant isn’t the only project that has Colicchio hell-bent. Aside from the soon-to-be-arrival of his New York hotspots, Living Room in the Beekman and the restaurant at Topping Rose House, the famed food activist has had his sights set on anchoring a dining concept right here amongst the sand-ridden shores of Miami Beach for quite some time. Whispers of Tom opening up a restaurant within the swanky walls of 1 Hotel South Beach wafted around for months, and up until recently those rumors were indeed confirmed truths. However, the decision of a name posed a slight problem for Tom and his team, and frankly, had everyone waiting anxiously on the edge of their seats. “It was hard naming this restaurant,” Tom says of what is now known as Beachcraft. “We came up with a bunch of different names that we wanted to explore, and working with the hotel we finally arrived at one.” Beachcraft dubbed most fitting in the eyes of Colicchio, due chiefly to the fact that Craft is Tom’s brainchild, brand, and the name of just about all of Tom’s restaurants scattered throughout the country. “Craft is our brand and the restaurant is in Miami Beach,” thus, “Beachcraft just made sense.” Mediterranean flavors imbue Beachcraft’s menu, while a Woodburn grill ignited by natural fuels and topped with locally sourced ingredients seek to help bewitch taste buds of its diners abound. And when it comes to making friends in Miami, Tom is in no short supply: he owes his local ingredient and farm connects to

Cover Stories, Entertainment, Music, The Issue

Phil & Orianne Collins Cover Shoot & Interview

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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, Film, MSM Online, Real Estate

Miami Real Estyle – Meet Chad Carroll – Star Of Bravo’s New Series Million Dollar Listing Miami

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By Sherri Balefsky Move over Wade, Bosh, and James, there’s a new trifecta in town. And they are about to explode onto Miami’s pop culture scene. Million Dollar Listing Miami, a spinoff of Bravo’s popular Million Dollar Listing reality series, debuts on June 25. The show follows three of Miami’s top power brokers—Chad Carroll, Samantha DeBianchi, and Chris Leavitt—as they dominate the South Florida real estate market. Less than two weeks away from the premiere, a calm, confident Carroll discusses the upcoming season. Carroll moved to Miami in 2008, a time when real estate sales were struggling. “I didn’t know a single person,” he recalls. But the 24-year-old Ohio native was determined to make a name for himself in the industry. “I became an expert in every single area of Miami. When people were running away from the business, I was right in the middle of it.” Fast-forward to today: South Florida real estate is booming, and Carroll is a power broker in every sense of the word. He’s closed over $200 million in property sales, and for the past two years has been named Douglas Elliman’s top producing agent in South Florida (and one of the firm’s top 1 percent nationwide). So, when Bravo decided to expand the MDL series to the Magic City, Carroll fit the bill perfectly. “They knew what they were looking for [in a cast member] and I met that criteria,” he says. “My sales experience and my track record show that I’m better than anyone in Miami. As soon as the episodes start to air, you’ll see how my approach to real estate is different from anyone else out there.” Carroll doesn’t just sell properties; he sells the lifestyle that goes with them. “People come to Miami to live their dream,” he says. “Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, yachts, planes, cars…I sell the dream that comes with owning a property in Miami.” It’s this approach that has led him to secure some of the most lavish properties in the area, with clients so exclusive, he respectfully must keep their names confidential. “I have one of the best reputations in Miami—both business and personal,” he says. “My clients know they can trust me. I’m available to them 24/7. They are my friends, my family. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.” Carroll insists this is evident from the first episode. “People will see just how hard I work…Nothing is handed to me.” While he admits it was strange at first to have cameras following him, after a few weeks, it was second nature. “This season is going to be a little different,” he reveals. “We represent properties from Palm Beach down to the Keys—waterfront homes, condominiums, luxury developments, new construction… We give viewers a taste of everything South Florida has to offer. And with property values on the rise, the competition is fiercer than ever.” This will also be the first time the series will have a female cast member. “I knew Sam [DiBianchi] before the show,” Carroll says. “She has a very strong personality; there is a little tension because we have conflicting selling styles.” As for Leavitt, they both worked at Douglas Elliman, but they didn’t know one another. “We end up co-listing a property. You’ll see how it all transpires from the beginning of the season to the end.” As Miami property sales continue to break records, Carroll has more drive than ever to keep moving up in the industry. Every year, he sets out to double sales from the year before. “I love real estate. I breathe and sleep it—I dream about it!” Does the same go for his personal life? (The season’s trailers hint at a possible engagement.) For now, it’s mums the word. “My girlfriend, Jen, is a very important part of my life,” he says. “You’ll see on the show how our relationship grows.” No matter what, it’s safe to say that MDL Miami will bring the same drama and entertainment as it did for Los Angeles and New York. “The three of us have three completely different personalities,” Carroll says of the cast. “You’ll have to tune in to see how it all unfolds!” ■ Click Here To View This Story In Our July/August Issue

Fashion

Style Mafia Confessions

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By Nycole Sariol Trying to stake your claim within the Miami fashion scene is no walk in the park, and especially when it comes to launching your own brand. Limited access to quality yet inexpensive fabrics is made near impossible to find; well-thought out design concepts hard to come across; and of course, who can forget, the grueling pressure of your neighboring competitors, all elbowing to snag the same spotlight of recognition. But for the 22 year-old Miami native and founder of local, contemporary brand Style Mafia, Simonett Pereira is the head of the fashion mob – or rather mafia. “We just got a bunch of new stuff, like fifty new pieces,” says the iced-blonde, style vixen while juggling curating a photo shoot for the cover of a Colombian magazine, keeping tally of stylist pulls, and lunging through box-loads of fresh, new merchandise. Although the fashion realm is where Pereira breathes easiest these days, it was publications and event coordinating that led her to an inevitable fate as shop owner and style peacemaker. Places like 944 Magazine and big time event firms provided the experience that she required, but not the artistic satisfaction that she in fact craved. “I’m a networker,” she proudly confirms. But it wasn’t until the youngling turned to blogging that which filled the hallowed void Simonett was desperate to find. “There were these sporadic stylists, bloggers, and designers that were dispersed throughout Miami and I wanted to bring them all together.” And so it was – the birth of Style Mafia – a platform where 305 and 786 patrons of the fashion-obsessed variety could showcase their talent through exclusive productions like photo shoots and video blogs. While Pereira was focused on bringing inspiration to the Magic City through her blog, she was also catering to the retail-holics via mobile app Poshmark, selling pieces from her very own closet. “I finally got to the point where I would sell up to 60 items in a week!”And then, a light-bulb moment evinced from a suppressed idea was released, allowing Style Mafia to evolve from blog to brand.“I wanted something really different,” states Pereira about her contemporary womenswear line dedicated to all things, mesh, clean-cut, and embroidery. But for Pereira, sending a message out into her community is not just about textiles and drapery, it’s about making a grand entrance, ergo the opening of her Wynwood boutique in December of last year. “The outside was covered in graffiti; there was blue carpet that was ridden of humidity; it had slate walls and it smelled like death,” she describes her now-gallery inspired boutique kissed by modernity, pre-renovation. “I wish I had a picture to show you,” giggling to herself. The launch of the 3,000 sq. ft. compound gave way to a 55-piece collection and a generous following almost immediately. There, retailers and casual clientele all call Style Mafia home. Today, the brand is carried in over 50 stores worldwide and was spotted at the Latin Grammys and Good Morning America. So what’s next for this already booming brand? “We just re- launched our website and blog!” Simonett squeamishly blurted out. “We also have a fashion film that we are producing next week,” she states. Style Mafia will debut the artful fashion film at a private exposition later this month, collaborating along side local artist, Sabrina Yanguas. “We are doing limited edition accessories in collaboration with Sabrina’s art and my pieces.” “We have a little bit for everyone,” Pereira says, “Style Mafia is a place where you can rediscover your style.” The mob-boss affirms. All images courtesy of Style Mafia. Click here to view this post in the March/April 2014 issue.

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