Miami Shoot Magazine

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MSM Online

My Miami features Weronika Rogowska

By Nadja Atwal Weronika Rogowska is in high demand in Miami. The Polish born model finds herself more and more away from her base in New York and more and more on the Miami beaches shooting for brands and magazines worldwide. Currently she is bedazzling us in the Australian Maxim issue.. But Rogowska – who is often compared to fellow Polish born model star Joanna Krupa, is not just a a gorgeous girl who is taking the model world by storm, she is also an academic. After finishing her master in psychology she found herself drawn to the craft of helping and inspiring others. She even created a website for that matter where she posts articles about life, business and relationships. This lead to her getting requested as both a motivational speaker and life coach – also in Miami. Her favorite quote is one she created herself “Be the light that helps others see.” Given her foreign background and unique professional diversity that swing between photo shoots and psychology, we were keen on her take on Miami… When in Miami… you can catch me at Nobu Hotel. I always stay there. Enjoying the classy beach club, organic cafe and having Nobu restaurant right there all this means you never need to leave! The biggest misconception about Miami is… that it is just a fast growing, international tourists mecca. That could lead one to believe that it’s a very one-dimensional town without much depth. Which is very wrong. Stay open minded! It’s not just a vacation destination. Miami has a lot to offer when it comes to art, fashion, food and nature. Each time I visit I discover something new. Since I’m an art fan I frequent the galleries quite often. The last restaurant I enjoyed was…. Hakkasan at the Fontaine Bleau Hotel . The San Pei Chicken Clay pot is one of their big hits…as is the lobster. Every dish is delicious and the interior is spectacular. Sleek, modern , yet cozy. What surprised you most about Miami was… Villa Vizcaya. A little Venice in Miami. It has a very European classy feel to it. Beautiful view and gorgeous Italian architecture. Miami has some history that I wasn’t aware of! Best reason to return to Miami aside from the weather? Definitely stone crab season. No wonder the wealthy New Yorkers get them shipped to their homes now from places like Joe’s Stone Crab. They are so delicious. Then of course Art Basel is a must visit with a growing international scene. I also recommend spending New Years Eve in Miami – again, here the Nobu is a great option. I had a wonderful time here last NYE. The first time I became curious about Miami… was of course when I watched Miami Vice while still living in Poland, where the show was a big hit and made us all sigh and ready to pack our bags to visit Miami. Anything special about your personal connection to Miami you can share? Well, I made my first trip with my boyfriend to Miami. It was the beginning of our love. We are still happy together. So Miami brought me luck!

Culinary, Culture, MSM Online

Voila with Chef Trisha Bloomer

Trisha Bloomer is a top chef, food stylist and a frequent flyer – due to her great love for Italy (don’t we all love Italy?). Whenever she comes back from her annual August trip to Bella Italia, she arrives with a big smile and can’t wait to cook the dishes she enjoyed most while being Overseas. For Miami Shoot Magazine, she walked down foodie-memory lane and shared some wonderful pictures and the recipe to one of her favorite Italian dishes…   TB: Come away with me and “Seas” the Day. After returning from 6 weeks in Italy I am still reminded of the Culinary delights of the Adriatic Sea. From NYC to Umbria, a short 7 hour train ride from Spoleto we arrived  to our Villa in Puglia to spend 6 days.   Although it is well into Autumn  I still crave the freshness of the Sea. One of absolute favorites dishes at the beach resorts we visited while in Puglia were Linguine a la Vongole. I adore this dish because there are so few ingredients. When I look at a recipe and it has more than 8 ingredients I start shutting down. OK this Recipe has 9 ingredients. Most of the ingredients are staples in my kitchen.   Stay with me here and Voila .. so off I went to Whole Foods to get my fresh Clams and fresh Italian parsley..   Set that table and invite family and only your best friends to enjoy … Linguini a la vongole 1lb Linguini 1/4 white onion diced 1lb Cockles or Clams (I prefer cockles) Closed clams ONLY 1/4 C Olive oil 1 Tbs Butter 6 cloves garlic Juice of one lemon 1/2 cup white wine 1/4 cup chopped parsley   Set  a large pot of water (add a Tbs of salt) on the stove to boil the Linguini in a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 Tbs. butter ( the olive oil prevents butter from burning) medium to low temp and cook the onion and garlic until soft and transparent.    Add your clams and lemon juice, white wine & bring to a boil. Cover the skillet to steam the clams .. in about 4 minutes the clams will open. Remove the  drained pasta into the clams and toss in the skillet. Serve into a pasta bowl that will hold the juices so you can dunk your bread of choice. Top with lots of chopped fresh parsley. Serve with a chilled white wine. Trebbiano di Abruzzo is my choice .. So crisp and clean ..  or any Pinot Grigio.   In Italy they will not let you add cheese to any fish dish .. but It’s OK to cheat !

Business, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – The Real Deal with Bravo TV’s Chris Leavitt

By Gisel Habibnejad When Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Listing Miami star, Chris Leavitt, is not busy breaking real estate records – he can be found relaxing in many of Miami’s luxurious spas. By perfecting the balancing act of work and play, he has become the essence of all that is Miami. His smart work ethic not only derives from drive and ambition, but it stems from his 20+ years of experience dating back to when his parents first invested in real estate which peaked his interest. Chris inspires many current and future real estate brokers who idolize him. MSM catches up with Chris Leavitt for a one-on-one interview: MSM: What about Miami do you love the most? CL: I love the fact that I am watching it turn into a world-class city right before my eyes. The finest hotels, spas, and restaurants are opening up and also culture is moving into Miami like never before with new museums and parks. MSM: In your opinion, what is the state of the Miami real estate economy? CL: Booming with no sign of slowing down. MSM: Tell us about the characteristics of your typical client. CL: I tend to have clients who demand the finest things in life. My clients also require the absolute best customer service, and fortunately, that is my speciality. MSM: Where do you find your clients or how do your clients find you? CL: My client base is almost 100 percent word of mouth referrals. MSM: In what Miami developments can we find some of your biggest listings? CL: THE BATH CLUB ESTATES. MSM: Share with us what has been your most successful deal to date. CL: My most successful deal to date is not necessarily the most expensive but one where I was able to sell a house in Palm Beach on a bet. The seller and I bet that I could sell it in 10 days and I did it. The seller told me it would take me at least 30 days and I did it in 10 days as I promised. MSM: What is the approximate aggregate dollar value of all your listings today? CL: Well over $200 million. MSM: In 2013, it is said you sold over $120 million in real estate transactions. That’s a number that instills a lot of envy in the eyes of many agents on the street. What is it about your business approach that differs from the agent selling less than $5 million a year in transactions? CL: I work smart. I know how to navigate away from people that will never buy or are unrealistic sellers, and focus on collaborating with clients that are focused on making a deal. MSM: Do you feel your fashionable style plays a significant role in attracting the high net worth clients that surround you? CL: It doesn’t hurt, but what attracts clients to me is my honesty, trustworthiness, and hustle. MSM: In Bravo Tv’s Million Dollar Listing Miami, you carry yourself with great style. Do you shop with a personal wardrobe stylist or do you style yourself? CL: Thank you. I do all of my own shopping and have a very discriminating taste when it comes to my personal style. I feel that my personal style reflects the high-end, luxury brand image of my clients and the fine homes I sell. MSM: How do you celebrate on the day of closing of a multi-million dollar deal? CL: Spa, spa and more spa! Photographed by JUAN FERNANDO Renderings Courtesy of BATH CLUB ESTATES    Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.

Fashion, MSM Online, Shows & Events, Swimwear

10th Anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

By Katie Jackson/Photo by Imani Ogden (Last years MBFWS 2014 Agua Bendita Collection.) July has notoriously been the hottest time in South Florida. No—not because of the scorching 90-degree weather—but because it is the time when bikini-clad models grace the runway in the hottest designs in swimwear for the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.  This year, things are about to heat up even more as the MBFWS 10th Anniversary kicks-off at The Raleigh Hotel this Thursday. This time, we not only get to celebrate a week of spectacularly fashionable swimwear, but a decade of incredibly talented designers and the show that brought it all to life. On July 17, the annual MBFWS kick-off party will give a special honorary presentation to the designers that have taken part over the years (including MSM’s July/August cover designer Red Carter—who participated in the very first MBFWS.) The lineup for the rest of the week will surely not disappoint the 10,000 plus expected guests—with designers such as Mara Hoffman, Mikoh, L*Space, Aquarella, Luli Fama, Caitlin-Kelly, Rip Curl, Poko Pano, Beach Bunny featuring The Blonds, Caffé Swimwear, Suboo, and so many more. And, of course, the stylish late night after-parties and glamorous poolside celebrations will be in full swing. MBFWS will come to a close on July 21, leaving us waiting for the hottest runway show to return next year.  Until then, MSM will be there to give you the exclusive on every last glamorous detail.

LIFESTYLE, Living, Luxury, MSM Online, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – Sofia Joelsson – SoJo Design Miami Beach

By Sherri Balefsky/Photography by Imani Ogden Stepping into the SoJo Design offices in the heart of South Beach is like stepping onto an oasis during a major MacArthur Causeway traffic jam. Sofia Joelsson, the firm’s founder and creative director, arrived in Miami late last night after her flight from New York was delayed four hours. You’d never know; she is blithe and cheerful and—with no makeup, nonetheless—looks incredibly well rested. From just a quick glance around her office, it is clear Joelsson has impeccable taste—so much so you’d think she spent years studying at an accredited design school. But Joelsson grew up in a small town in Sweden where she reveals, “People are very much do-it-yourself. A career in interior design is not something that is really even thought of.” Instead, the former Miss Sweden grew up thinking she wanted to be an actress. She spent time living in Germany and the Dominican Republic before making her way to Miami. “I was modeling and doing commercials,” she says. “But people kept asking me who my decorator was…So thirteen years ago—to this day, actually [June 9, 2014]—I started SoJo Design.”  With no formal training, Joelsson has managed to make a name for herself in the world of interior design, having worked on some of the most impressive luxury properties in Miami, New York City, and Dallas, Texas, among others. This includes penthouses at the Setai, Il Villagio, and 1500 Ocean Drive in South Beach; the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; and Manhattan’s Walker Tower (where a penthouse recently sold for a reported $30 million). “I found a niche in penthouses,” she says. But her portfolio also includes luxury condominiums at Canyon Ranch, Miami Beach, One Bal Harbor, and the Four Seasons, Miami, and multimillion-dollar estates in affluent neighborhoods in places like Star Island and the Hamptons. She’s also designed interiors for hotels, office buildings, restaurants, and even private jets. The SoJo Design aesthetic is sleek, chic, and modern. Each room exudes an effortless balance of color, texture, shape, and open space. Joelsson has an affinity for natural materials like wood, stone, and leather, and for neutral tones such as white, black, and beige. While an estate she designed in Dallas has a much different vibe than, say, one of her South Beach penthouses, the signature SoJo je ne sais quoi permeates throughout each endeavor. In total, SoJo Design has worked on more than 150 projects, representing close to a billion dollars of real estate. The success has led Joelsson to expand her business into other areas of creativity, which includes the launch of a design-inspired magazine, Curated Living. “I did [the magazine] to challenge and inspire myself, and in turn, inspire others,” she says. “It was originally only supposed to be online [www.curated-living.com], but my clients and advertisers were all asking for copies.” For the first issue, aptly named “The White Issue,” Joelsson curated pieces from her favorite design and fashion houses to put together a series of white-themed vignettes. The next issue, slated for Summer 2014, will have both equestrian and nautical themes. Along with being editor-in-chief of a burgeoning magazine, Joelsson is working on a new textiles line, which she anticipates will be part of a larger Sofia Joelsson Home, Anywhere collection. She also launched an e-commerce site, Cudesso (www.cudesso.com), which offers a handpicked selection of her favorite furniture and home accessories from around the world. And, if that wasn’t enough, Joelsson is also in talks with producers about a potential TV show. With so many projects evolving simultaneously, it’s no wonder Joelsson says the one person she’d love to meet is Martha Stewart. “She is such an inspiring entrepreneur and businesswoman—and she’s had a very interesting life!” Much of Joelsson’s inspiration comes from travel. Her favorite places include Mykonos and Santorini, Greece; and Capri, Italy, where she says she visits every year. Aside from traveling, in her free time (though it would seem she has none!), Joelsson loves to entertain. She likes having friends over to watch movies on her terrace where she has a full-size chess set and a popcorn machine. “A lot of my friends have kids,” she confesses. “I have four-legged kids.”  She gushes about her shih-tzu mix, Caspar, whom she rescued five years ago. He is by her side at the office on most days. “I think it’s important to create a fun work environment,” she says. “We’re here very long hours some days, so you have to keep people loving what they do.” The SoJo Design team currently includes five designers, plus an extended staff that helps support her in her multiple endeavors.  And despite her laundry list of accomplishments in just 13 years, Joelsson remains down-to-earth and remarkably humble. “The United States is still, to me, the land of opportunity,” she says.“Miami is special because it’s only something like thirty percent developed—as opposed to New York, which is like ninety-nine percent developed. There’s so much opportunity and growth…What Craig Robins is doing with the Design District is pretty incredible. It’s cool to be a part of a growing design community.”  So what’s her best piece of advice for anyone who wants to follow in her footsteps? “Follow your passion. Everything else is just passing the time. [Your passion] can change—mine did. But if you love what you do, you will be successful.” Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

The Issue, Traveler

MSM Traveler takes you to Amanpulo Resort in the Philippines

By Dawn Wilson/Photos courtesy of Aman Resorts A dream is just a dream until you make it a reality. A trip to the private island resort, Amanpulo, in the Philippines, is a dream trip that you won’t soon forget. Imagine landing in a slightly remote and deserted island, on a private landing strip. Next, imagine being greeted by a resort guest associate who will escort you to the lovely Amanpulo resort. This is the beginning of a dream come true. Amanpulo is located in the northern region of the Philippines on Pamalican Island. Pamalican Island is just a short plane ride from the capital of Manila. This beautiful island has unspoiled white sand beaches and natural beauty. Visitors can actually stroll around the entire island in less than two hours. Imagine your own private island oasis in a peaceful and tranquil paradise setting and you have just imagined Amanpulo. The island resort of Amanpulo offers a variety of accommodation options. There are 40 bungalows also known as casitas, located beachside and hillside. Each location offers picturesque scenery that is unbelievably beautiful. The beach bungalows give guests direct access to the beach while the hillside bungalows offer incredible sea views. If you book your stay at one of the deluxe hillside accommodations, you will have panoramic views of the neighboring islands and the sea. The interiors of the bungalows are in keeping with the natural elements of the island. They have pebble-washed walls, beds with wide rattan headboards, large glass doors which open onto an outdoor deck, marble bathrooms with double vanities, separate changing areas and bathtubs with large windows and wooden shutters. These windows are perfect for peering out of while allowing sunlight to illuminate the space. Each bungalow has it’s very own buggy for getting around the island resort. In addition to the bungalows, guests can also stay at one of the resorts magnificent villa’s. The villa’s are available with one, two or four bedrooms, a private pool, separate living and dining areas. What dream trip wouldn’t include your very own private chef and housekeeper! Amanpulo offers an unsurpassed level of hospitality. This is a dream best experienced with eyes wide open. The island resort facilities include several restaurants, pools, a Beach Club, Lagoon Club, library, boutique, gallery and the Aman Spa. The restaurants, located at the Beach and Lagoon Clubhouses, offer fresh seafood, Spanish tapas and Vietnamese cuisine. The pool area is designed with aqua tiles that mimic the Sulu Sea. Located around the pool are several salas, ideal when you simply want to lounge around the pool for the day. The Beach Club is an open air pavilion with a spacious deck that looks out onto the sea. This is another location that is simply perfect for taking in the beauty of the islands serene ambiance. Amanpulo is a great place to visit when you are in need of rejuvenation and pampering. You are serviced by an extremely attentive yet inconspicuous staff at Amanpulo. To further aid you in your rejuvenation process, a trip to the Aman Spa is a must. You are offered numerous treatment options at the resorts spa facility, which is located hillside overlooking the Sulu Sea. Each treatment room has a deep-soaking tub, dressing area and steam shower. Guests can also enjoy themselves at the Fitness Pavilion. Here is where you will find a yoga studio, cold plunge pools and another outdoor relaxation area.   Don’t worry, if you want a little relaxation mixed with a little adventure, you will also find it at the Amanpulo island resort. The resort also offers, daily snorkeling excursions, cycling, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, cruising and windsurfing. There is something for the entire family to enjoy at Amanpulo, even a Kids Club where your children can plant trees and take a jewelry making and pizza making class. When you are thinking of the ultimate vacation destination, think of Amanpulo, where your dreams become reality. Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

Fashion, Fashion 101

Fashion Flight, From Paris to Miami

  A piece of Paris fashion arrived to Miami Beach when the French boutique Roses and Dreams opened its doors in celebration of their grand opening in Miami Beach last Thursday night. Macarons and champagne greeted the guests who joined Valerie Engel, owner, on the inauguration and the ribbon cutting ceremony of the French clothing boutique. Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Libbin held the oversized scissors to cut the inaugurating ribbon with Valerie and gave start to the celebration. The boutique, decorated with vintage photos on the walls and pink and white roses accompanying French designers’ creations, such as Brigitte Bardot and Antik Batik, gave room to friends and family, shoppers and also Venezuelan actor Alberto Quintero and Next Model Chad Masters. Roses and Dreams is Valerie’s creation inspired by her studies in arts and fashion in Paris and her experience working for Chanel fashion house. She brings to South Beach Parisian apparels and accessories that will give a relaxed, yet chic look to the Miami girl. Alberto Quintero, Valerie Engel, Chad Masters   Located at 220 10th Street in the heart of Miami Beach. Tel: (786) 803-8383 www.rosesanddreams.us Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm – Stephan Useche

Shows & Events, Uncategorized

MSM celebrates its Jan-Feb cover with Julio Iglesias Jr.

By Stephan Useche A night full of photographers and press complemented a Friday night on the streets of Brickell, as all eyes were on distinguished guests walking the red carpet at “Dolores but you can call me Lolita Restaurant and Lounge.” Miami Shoot Magazine hosted the private event along with MSM’s sponsors DermaGenetics, Allure Rejuvenation, H&H Jewels, Bastille Whisky and OR-G Vodka. The cover party brought together a number of selective guests to celebrate the magazine’s Jan-Feb  launch event, featuring Anna Kournikova on cover, on Friday, January 31st 2014. The celebration also included the singing performance of  MSM’s Co-Owner Julio Iglesias Jr. with DJ Abel the Kid where he sang his new single “Smile.” The media coverage was prevalent during the event, as they walked through the crowd who enjoyed the complimentary drinks by Bastille Whisky and OR-G Vodka. One camera crew, however, had all its attention on Iglesias and every single one of his moves as they filmed his reality show pilot revealing his family, friends and lifestyle. Guests such as Actress Dawn Olivieri made her way to the party. Ms. Olivieri is currently filming in Miami a new movie called “A Change of Heart” with Gloria Estefan, Aimee Teegarden, Emilio Estevez, Kathy Najimy, and Jim Belushi!

Beauty, Body

BOND NO. 9 – MSM One on One with Laurice Rahme

By Sandra Mateu Summer Issue 2012       In homage to the city where anything is possible, artist and founder Laurice Rahme created a collection of fragrances that give every neighborhood of New York City a scent of its own. Bond No.9 is a brand that brings back the art aspect of perfume-making, while developing fragrances that go hand in hand with the ever-changing world of today. Wall Street, Chinatown, New Haarlem and Brooklyn, just to name a few, already have a perfume of its own. Each of them offers a taste of its people, its food, and its culture with a touch of progressiveness typical of the city that doesn’t sleep.  Bond No.9 offers a modern proposal by creating fragrances not only for men or women, but also unisex and “by making scents contemporary by adding a twist to the classic fragrance notes,” as her creator carefully explained. Rahme, who has an extensive and impressive background in the beauty industry having worked for Lancome, Annick Goutal and Creed, thought that New York City needed to be celebrated. She started her mission in 2003 by opening a boutique in NoHo, New York. “The name of our brand comes from our first boutique opened on 9 Bond Street. I wanted to honor every neighborhood of NYC and since I know the City very well, I started pairing their scents such as their delicious food, especially desserts and spices, to their location and creating a fragrance to celebrate it,” explained Rahme. While sitting at the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue – Dadeland Mall in Miami, Florida, Laurice shows me a beautiful collection of gorgeous bottles of Bond No.9 and lets me try on Central Park West, a fragrance that comes with a cute necklace/bracelet and rose pin. As Rahme explained, Central Park West consists of “Narcissus mingled with tangy ylang ylang and a pinch of piquant pepper; a beckoning white-petal mélange and majestic gardenia.” She also tells me about their new scent Sag Harbor coming out on Memorial Day. “Sag Harbor is the only marine oud on the market. It is an easy going, sophisticated and enticingly beautiful fragrance,” said Rahme. Laurice came to Miami this May 11th and 12th for a special event at Saks Fifth Avenue where she not only promoted her fragrances, but also autographed bottles. This event donated 10% of the sales to three community organizations: Jewish Community Services Shalom Bayit, Women’s Fund of Miami Dade and La Liga Contra el Cancer (The League against Cancer). At the end of the interview, I asked Laurice if Bond No.9 had any plans of expanding her fragrance collection to other cities, and she proudly responded: “New York City deserves this celebration, especially with everything it has gone through. We want to stick to our mission and infuse the island of Manhattan with delicious scents.” Captivated by the enthusiasm and good energy of the conversation I dared to ask one more question. Hypothetically speaking, I said to Rahme, if there was a remote possibility of creating a fragrance for the city of Miami, what would it smell like? She laughed and responded without hesitation: “Ohhhh It would smell very, very sexy dear.” www.bondno9.com

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