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Cover Stories, MSM Online

On the Rise and Never on the Fence : Cathy Areu

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Interviewed by Nadja Atwal Cathy Areu is one of those people you must like ….even when you disagree with her. She carries herself well with that witty intellect and sassy charm. The daughter of Cuban immigrants grew up in Miami, graduated with honors from Miami Killian High School got her B.A. degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL and received an M.S. in English Education from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. No wonder she landed that gig as a contributing editor for the Washington Post Magazine. The vibrant go-getter is also the founder of CATALINA magazine a top read magazine catering to the Latin demographic. It is also worth noting that she is one of PressReader’s international publishers. She has become a famous liberal commentator on TV – debating even the strongest conservative voices – including Sean Hannity. But as we mentioned, even when one disagrees with her, one can’t help but to like her, as she is okay, if you don’t see things her way. She simply wants to open your eyes to another point of view. On top of that, few Corona experiences were as highly publicized as hers (more in our interview, but we can already reveal, it was no picnic for Cathy). Now she is planning a whole new move: juggling wolves and swimming with sharks – aka…? Just read on. We spoke with her exclusively amid the post-Covid-19 opening of Miami.  You wear many hats. We see you as a passionate liberal political commentator on TV, then you also run a magazine. Tell us about your work.  I’m like most people in the media industry these days. I have to appear on more than one media platform to get my message heard. I started as a staff writer for my college newspaper, The Florida Flambeau, at Florida State University. And, eventually, like most print journalists, I went on to discuss my writing on national cable news channels.In the middle of it all, I made a life-changing decision, sold my car and moved to New York to create a company (catalina) and become an advocate for Latinas in the United States (my own demographic). I wanted to break stereotypes, and I have had to wear many hats to do it. You were to my knowledge the first prominent Floridian face of Corona. A sentence that stuck out to me was when you said “the virus finds your weakness” which is so individual. Tell us more about that and about your experience.   When the pandemic started, I was in South Florida in quarantine with my family, but I was still working. So when COVID 19 hit me, it hit me hard. I was sitting in front of bright stab lights when a painful migraine came out of nowhere. This was followed by the worst five days of my life! Even though my condition was considered mild to moderate, I experienced the worst headaches; my vision turned blurry for days; I couldn’t taste; my throat was sore; and I had chills and stomach and body aches. … All these symptoms are something I’ve experienced before at one point or another in the past, but not as painful and relentless. It’s like Covid gathered up all these weaknesses and threw them on me all at once.  I wasn’t sure if I contracted COVID-19 because, at the time, the only three symptoms listed were fever, cough and shortness of breath — and I experienced none of those! But my doctor here in South Florida broke the news: I was infected with coronavirus. Many weeks later, the CDC finally added some of the symptoms I had to their site, and it looks like the media continues to add new symptoms and findings everyday.  I believe my doctor here in Florida was the first to call it, “My Corona,” and I was the first one to consciously feel and say that coronavirus attacked me in a personal way. It zoned in on my worst weaknesses: migraines and headaches (non stop for 5 straight days). You have asthma but the virus seemed to ignore that…..? Weird, right? This asthmatic didn’t experience shortness of breath until day 5. That’s when my asthma started to bother me a little bit. I panicked  But, It turned out to be the final day of all my symptoms. I was finally able to go outside again for a run a few days after that. So refreshing. You have two daughters who also went through the virus – how have you communicated the whole Corona crises to them and how have they been dealing with it? I’ve been completely honest and transparent with them about it.  They know the media industry, and we talk about news every day. The coronavirus  was just another news topic, and they trusted me with the whole thing. They adjusted to quarantine quicker than I did, so there wasn’t a crisis in the house — it was more of an adjustment period of like three days. Like, creating a solid schedule for both of them and me really made everything about quarantine hassle-free.  But the kids didn’t understand the importance of my self-isolation, so they busted through my bedroom door and wanted to give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek to “help me feel better” … so yeah, they got the virus too. Both of them were ill at the same time, with a quick fever, but otherwise, they had different symptoms from me and each other. They may not be indestructible or made of rubber, but my two girls did feel a lot better in just two days. You are in NY and Miami and said you got the virus in Miami. How did it happen? I have offices in South Florida and New York City, so I’m back and forth all the time. I was in Miami when my symptoms started though. But I’ve heard symptoms can appear up to 14 days after being exposed. So, first

Business, Financial, MSM Online

Armando Soto on How To Make It In Miami & Live the American Dream

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By Nadja Atwal / Photography by Alessandra Fiorini Sometimes we just need an inspirational story that reassures us that the American dream is still alive. We would rather work smart than too hard, since in the end we work in order to live and – especially in a place like Miami that needs to be enjoyed all year around. Armando Soto shows us that is no problem at all and we do not have to wait until we qualify for a senior pass to get there. The 32 year old investment banker and start-up-company genius left his home country of Guatemala at age 15 to live with his American mother. He struggled with learning English and getting into college he became a plumber by trade. After refusing to let go of his dream of working in the business world he would read the Wall Street Journal out loud in front of a camera and play back the tape to improve his pronunciations; signed up for college at age 24 at The City University of New York and  jumped into the finance industry. Today he handles billionaire clients and has transacted over 500 million in Leveraged Buy Outs. He currently finances and restructures client investments while building new companies like kids build sandcastles in Miami beach. A frequent guest commentator on national business TV shows, he recently started to make waves across the country as a motivational speaker in front of large audiences especially young people turning up in great numbers to hear his speeches in search of smart guidance with both IQ and EQ. NA: Your story is fascinating and unique and attracts thousands of people to events when you appear as a motivational speaker. Tell us about your early years when you arrived in the US? AS: The early years were very difficult, simply because I was starting my sophomore year in a suburban high school in the middle of nowhere New Jersey. Between the language barrier and the culture shock, school was difficult and making friends in a new country was not simple either. I was bullied by many people including my mother’s brother in law. I remember an instance where I was helping him take out a bag full of garbage and he said to me “practice your new profession”. I could not believe my ears but in hindsight I believe many people discriminate or are racist because they feel threatened in one way or another. I was fortunate enough to have my neighbor Louie who had moved into town from Brooklyn; he was new in school as well so we became good friends and his size deterred many people from bullying me in my junior year. I learned a lot from him in regards to becoming more confident and not taking any abuse from people. Academically with English as a second language it was very tough for me. I was able to learn to speak English fluently by the time I graduated High School and my prospects looked a bit dim for college. I didn’t get accepted into any Universities so I turned to the plumbing trade and went through a four year program. By the time I graduated from Plumbing school I realized it was not my passion at least I learned trigonometry in-depth. NA: Did you have anything like a big American dream? AS: As a child I would watch the movie Trading Places with Eddie Murphy. I asked my father what the World Trade Center was and why the buildings in New York City were so tall. He would tell me all the big business in the world happened there. As a child I would day dream about walking in the streets of New York and working in the trading pits, there was something about the motion creating emotion.  When I moved to the United States I mentioned my dreams to friends and they would laugh at me. NA: How did the switch happen from plumbing business to the finance world? AS: When I was 22 years old I realized being an engineer by trade was not my passion and I felt that I had an untapped potential. The construction markets were starting to show signs of distress right before the great recession. I asked Phillip, a family friend who is a very successful investment banker for a dinner meeting and after eight months of coordinating with his assistant he had some time to meet with me. I had three hours to absorb as much information about investment banking as possible and I told him my plan of going back to school to break into finance. After looking back and thinking about our meeting, I really got key parts of “the recipe” that night. I started commuting to CUNY from New Jersey. It was a rough start but mentally, there was nothing that would stop me and this was just the start of climbing a mountain that would only get steeper with time. NA: Why did you decide not to finish university? AS: I began to look at everything from a finance perspective and I did not have enough money to finish school without falling very deep into debt. I was offered a great job opportunity in finance and asked my Economics professor for advice on whether to take the offer or continue school. He said to me “opportunity knocks…” I answered “once” and he said “well there you go, I wish you the best of luck. Although it seems like you don’t need it”.  I base my decisions based on facts but that day it was based on intuition. NA: Tell us how exactly how you managed to lose your Spanish accent and what motivated you to do this? AS: I used a camera to record myself reading the Wall Street Journal and played the tape back to focus on my mispronunciation. Practice certainly helps. In business being clear and concise when you speak is one of the most important qualities you need to have. The motivator was to fit into America, I came to this country and from day one I

AroundTown, Arts, MSM Online

Miami to New York to Miami – Wearable Art hits Miami and you too can be painted

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While Miami prepares to welcome an annual surge of 70,000+ collectors, celebrities and art lovers for Art Basel, we are excited to this year be wearing the art and talking to visual artist Zuzanna Kozlowska who creates painted dresses, based on people’s unique energy. Starting out as a traditional artist, and a former Miami Beach resident, Zuzanna’s collection of drawings and paintings have been exhibited internationally. Her silk dresses have become a wearable-art collection that are designed by her mother, Olga Kozlowska; a fashion design icon who’s signature pieces include the 70’s khaki cargo-style jumpsuit. This year, Zuzanna will be live painting for Art Basel Miami, not only on her silk garments (which are available for purchase) but also on personal garments of those who encounter the artist during Art Basel. We talked to Zuzanna about art, life between New York and Miami, and what to wear when preparing to become a living work of art. What inspires your art? My art has always been about people. In 2013, when I stopped working figuratively and began responding to the sensations that I felt from individuals, I began to see my work as a greater truth. We are all so concerned about the way things look, especially between people and especially in art, that I believed it was more important to focus on what was felt. My work then became about dealing with how to visualize that, what is felt. So how do you go about showing what is felt? Ah, my secret! Really though, I am a very sensitive person at heart, but more so, I discovered that when I let go, my hands respond to energy vibrations that can be mapped out via pen, pencil or other medium. People often ask if I visualize the pieces before I create them, which I don’t and can’t because the image is created in a reaction to a specific person / time period / moment and therefore doesn’t exist to be seen before it’s created. How did you start painting on silk? Well, I had just moved to New York and was planning to attend an evening event at the Guggenheim, alone, to connect with the art lovers about my work. I was nervous, and I painted a red gown that my mother had sent me, really as a conversation starter and to be able to readily show my work. My personal style was so distinct at that point that it was easy to apply it to any surface. In the process of painting the dress I fell in love with how smooth the fabric was to paint on and how beautiful the results were! How do you go about designing your dresses and wearables? I approach garment design more like a sculptor which is why I often create using mutable fibers such as soft wire within the fabric and paint around the figure, rather than print on the fabric and cut it. The dresses are a collaboration with my world-famous uber-talented mother Olga Kozlowska, using patterns she’s perfected over her career. While I continue to collaborate with other designers, I find that my mothers gowns fit magically and her design sensibility aligns with my style seamlessly; probably because we are related! Tell us about your time living in Miami. I left Miami beach in 2012, when Wynwood was still quite dangerous and South Beach was dominated by elite nightlife. I both, loved and hated feeling like I was constantly on vacation in Miami and I moved to New York City for the art. Since then I come back at least once a year and find it healing, inspirational, and am proud of the city for supporting the arts in such a major way. Things are really happening here! Do you still create paintings? Always. Paintings have a resilience and a classic appeal that I will always adore. In New York, space is a hot commodity so right now I sketch a lot more and experiment with new media but l’m manifesting a larger space in either Miami or California where I can explore on large canvases again! How do you go about painting on a person? It’s definitely challenging to paint on people live because they are unpredictable! They move and breathe and each are unique in their shape, which is actually what I love! I use fabric markers and fabric paint that’s dry cleanable and match my brush movement and strokes to the persons’s vibrational energy while mapping a visual journey that’s personal and flattering to their body. Simple really! Where can people find you during Art Basel? This year I am pleased to be showing wearable art at Spectrum Miami Booth #319 as well as hosting an art brunch at SLS hotel on Saturday December 9th, where I’ll be paining live. Aside from these wonderful events, I’ll be flowing around Miami, painting across the entire platform that is Art Basel. I will be sharing my locations with Miami Shoot Magazine and you can follow me on instagram @zuzafy for locations and live feed. What should people who are looking to be painted by you wear? Light colored silk is optimal as a canvas, but really something they feel comfortable in, a fabric that is smooth, in a plain, solid color. Lighter shades show color more vibrantly. Polyester and stiffer fabric (rather then stretch) also work well. And have good energy! It’s amazing how we can feel positive vibes and that is something that I am both drawn to, and want to draw to share with the rest of the world! Spectrum Art Fair  Location: 1700 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33132 VIP Reception Wednesday, December 6  6:00PM – 10:00PM Daily SCHEDULE Thursday, December 7  1:00PM – 9:00PM Friday, December 8  1:00PM – 10:00PM Saturday, December 9  1:00PM – 9:00PM Sunday, December 10  12:00PM – 5:00PM SLS ART BRUNCH Location: 1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Saturday,  December 9  12PM – 3PM Zuzanna Kozlowska Artist – Art Director Fine Art: www.IamZuz.com Creative Direction:www.WakeCreate.com  Email: Zuz@me.com Telephone: 702.506.7521 Facebook: www.facebook.com/zuzafy Instagram: www.instagram.com/zuzafy   Locations for images: Green

Events, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, Traveler

Biweekly Events Guide: 4/18-5/1

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SOUTH FLORIDA Beaker & Gray Showcase Game of Thrones Inspired Cuisine to Celebrate Show’s Season Premiere When: Monday, April 18th-Sunday, April 24th – all day Where: Beaker & Gray Additional Information: Dishes include Valyrian Grinder (village bread, pulled mutton, Valyrian mushroom, & wildfire / $14); Ribs of the North (lamb ribs, dragon fruit, and & berries / $17). Drinks include Manticore Venom (Tyroshi Pear brandy, blackberry wine, & Fruits of Essos / $11). Desserts include Red Wedding Donuts ($11). www.beakerandgray.com Lou La Vie Art Night When: Wednesday, April 20th at 7:00-10:00pm Where: Lou La Vie RSVP: Email gallery@loulavie.com www.loulavie.com Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails Debuts Monthly Full Moon Party When: Friday, April 22nd at 7:00-10:00pm Where: Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails Additional Information: Celebrate the full moon with views right from the beach. A steel drum band will provide music. An exclusive menu of food items will be provided along with cocktails, beer, & wine of your choice, & complimentary popcorn. http://sbe.com/restaurants/locations/hyde-beach-kitchen-cocktails/ Full Moon Pairing Dinner When: Friday, April 22nd at 7:00pm Where: Shooters Waterfront Fort Lauderdale Admission: $49 per person includes dinner; Call (954) 566-2855 Additional Information: Five-course meal each paired with a different beer. Meals include shrimp, lamb, snapper crudo, char grilled skirt steak, & cheesecake for dessert. www.shooterswaterfront.com NEW YORK Tribeca Film Festival When: Wednesday, April 13th-Sunday, April 24th Where: Tribeca Additional Information: Don’t miss exclusive events featuring Idina Menzel, Zachary Quinto, Mark Ruffalo, Tina Fey, Oprah Winfrey, Jodie Foster, Katie Couric, Tom Hanks, & more. www.tribecafilm.com CHICAGO Chicago Chef Week 2016 When: Sunday, April 17th-Friday, April 22nd Where: Various restaurants throughout the city Prices: Three-course lunch $22; Four-course dinner $44 Additional Information: Chicago Chef Week celebrates top local chefs with 100 participating restaurants. Culinary ranges from Argentinian, French, Italian, tapas, & sushi. It is the perfect opportunity to experience new spots and revisit old favorites. www.chicagochefweek.com James Beard Eats Week 2016 When: Friday, April 22nd-Monday, May 2nd Where: Various restaurants throughout the city Additional Information: Chicago dives into their culinary indulgences this week with yet another weeklong eating event. Nearly 100 top restaurants will participate by including dishes inspired by James Beard’s famously known classic recipes. www.jamesbeard.org CALIFORNIA Culinary Institute of America’s Worlds of Flavor International Conference & Festival When: Wednesday, April 20th-Friday, April 22nd Where: Napa Valley Additional Information: This conference is recognized as the “most influential professional forum on world cuisines, food cultures, & flavor trends” in the country. More than 60 top & esteemed guest chefs will participate now in its 18th year. www.worldsofflavor.com Second Weekend of Coachella When: Friday, April 22nd-Sunday, April 24th Where: Indio To purchase tickets, click here  Additional Information: Enjoys beats by Skrillex, Lido, Cash Cash, & Rae Sremmurd www.coachella.com The 2016 Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race When: Saturday, April 23rd-Sunday, April 24th Where: Starting at Newport Beach ending at Ensenada, Mexico Additional Information: The annual boat race consists of a 125-nautical-mile international race with over 200 boats taking part. www.newporttoensenada.com KENTUCKY Kentucky Derby & Derby Festival When: Friday, April 18th-Friday, May 6th Where: Louisville To purchase tickets, click here  Additional Information: The Kentucky Derby is more than just horse racing–attendees can enjoy basketball events to a beer festival to golf & steamboat racing. www.kentuckyderby.com

LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, The Issue, Traveler

New Year, New Adventures

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By Dawn Wilson While you’re sitting there taking stock of your life and considering what awaits you this New Year, why not consider doing something totally unexpected. You may read about some exciting and adventurous activities that people participate in and say to yourself that you could never do that. Well, think again. You can do it! Put all of your inhibitions behind you and think about how exciting it would actually be to be one of the people telling the story rather than listening to the stories. Instead of listening to everyone else’s stories, start making your own. Life can be short. No one knows or understands this better than someone who experiences an unexpected tragedy in his or her life. There is no time than the present, because tomorrow is never promised to you. Now is the time to step out on fate and just go for it! You know what they say, ‘Go big or go home!’ 2016 is a New Year offering New Adventures. Start planning yours today. Consider these over-the-top adventures for 2016: Base Jumping Tandem BASE (Twin Falls, Idaho) We often think of the most insane things that people do and base-jumping is probably one of them. However, you have to wonder what’s so exciting about throwing yourself off a bridge. You’ll never know until you try it for yourself. At Tandem BASE in Twin Falls, Idaho, you are paired with an experienced instructor who has successfully made hundreds of jumps. The jump begins 486 ft. above the Snake River Canyon, where you will eventually cascade. It isn’t unusual to have your reservations about doing something like base-jumping, however, rest assured that you are in good hands. Safety is the #1 priority of everyone at Tandem BASE. For more information, please visit www.tandembase.com Aerobatics Sky Combat Ace (Las Vegas, Nevada) Adrenaline junkies will love Sky Combat Ace. There are several exciting experiences offered to you: aerobatics, air combat, extreme sightseeing and more. Whichever you decide to do, any of these activities will surely give you bragging rights. Sky Combat Ace has a perfect safety record with no injuries since opening in 2011. Safety always has been and will continue to be a priority at Sky Combat Ace. For more information, please visit www.skycombatace.com Heli Boarding Chugach Powder Guides (Anchorage, Alaska) If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding but are looking to break out of your comfort zone, Chugach Powder Guides may be just what you are looking for. With approximately 750,000 miles of skiing terrain and 700 inches of snowfall, you have every advantage needed to start your snowcat skiing or helicopter boarding adventure. If you’ve never tried your hands at either of these before, here’s your chance. For more information, please visit www.chugachpowderguides.com Shark Diving Hawaii Shark Encounters (Oahu, Hawaii) If shark diving has been on your bucket list for a while now, why not make 2016 the year to check it off your list. You can do this when you visit Hawaii Shark Encounters. You are able to come into contact with sharks in their natural habitat, the deep blue ocean. The experience is informative and invigorating. No scuba experience is necessary to engage in this type of adventure. You have nothing to fear as the Poly Glass windows of the cage protect you from the sharks. For more information, please visit www.hawaiisharkencounters.com Zipline Along the Fastest, Longest, & Highest Canopy Tour in North America New York Zipline Adventure Tours (Hunter Mountain, New York) So you’re thinking that there is nothing to this since you’ve zip lined before. This zip line tour has a slight twist to it; it’s done at night. This means you don’t know what you’ll see as you transverse through the forest in the dark. With only the moon as your main source of light, you’ll go on 6 zip lines and 4 rope bridges. Finally, you will rappel 65 ft. to your final destination. Zip lining at night makes it much more of an adventure than doing it in the sunlight. For more information, please visit www.ziplinenewyork.com Paragliding Proflyght Paragliding (Maui, Hawaii) Soar high in the sky with Proflyght Paragliding. At Proflyght, you can paraglide with a certified instructor or learn to fly solo. There are plenty of chances to get up the nerve to take that leap of faith since Proflyght flies in every season, weather permitting. Located in Maui, Proflyght Paragliding offers you the opportunity to see the wonders of the world from the best vantage point possible, high in the sky. For more information, please visit www.paraglidemaui.com Bobsledding Utah Olympic Park (Park City, Utah) You’ve gone skiing and snowboarding so now it’s time to step things up with something a bit more unexpected, bobsledding. Can you honestly say that you know many people who have actually gone bobsledding? Not many of us can. However, when visiting Park City, Utah, you can actually go bobsledding on the 2002 Olympic Sliding Track, with a trained professional. You’ll have to do your part in steering the sled in order for it to maintain maximum speed. See how it feels to go at top speed down a narrow track confined, three people to a sled. It is an adrenaline rush that you can’t imagine. For more information, please visit www.utaholympicslegacy.org Ice Climbing Ouray Ice Park (Ouray, Colorado) Now here is something you don’t hear about people doing every day, ice climbing. If you’re considering doing something that none of your friends have ever done, ice climbing may just be the ticket. Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, Colorado, offers over 200 climbing structures, all of which are actually man-made. Several guide services operate within the park and are available to assist you in getting started on your ice climbing adventure. All you need to bring with you is a little courage, which you’ll certainly need to get through this adventure. For more information, please visit www.ourayicepark.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Business, News & Entertainment, The Issue

Michael Capponi & Gideon Kimbrell: Taking Entrepreneurship to the Next Level

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By Angela Betancourt Photographed by Akram Soliman Miami Beach was not always the desirable city it is today. Its transformation is due large in part to visionaries who saw the city not for what it was, but for what it could be. One such visionary is Michael Capponi, an entrepreneur and humanitarian who has played a major role in shaping Miami’s nightlife industry. For the past 20 years, he has been one of Miami’s most prominent business figures and the gatekeeper to the hottest clubs in the city. His influence is legendary and it’s no surprise that his latest venture has become an instant success. Capponi partnered with software engineer and tech expert Gideon Kimbrell to create InList: a new members-only mobile app that is propelling the nightlife industry into the future. InList provides access to the hottest venues, restaurants, and parties around the world right at your fingertips. The app currently features hundreds of venues in more than 45 cities around the world including Miami, New York, Las Vegas, Paris, Ibiza, Saint-Tropez, Dubai, and Hong Kong. Since its launch, it has had more than 100,000 downloads. “It was an underserved market,” said Capponi who saw the tremendous potential to combine nightlife with technology in today’s connected world. “This is the future of nightlife.” InList uses a proprietary concierge model that allows app users to make dinner reservations, book a table at a club, or secure access to a special event right on their phone. The venues are selected by special “InList ambassadors” around the globe. These ambassadors are highly connected people tasked to hand-select the best events in their cities. The team plans on launching InList in new markets, incorporate more major events, and introduce a new ticketing category. “There are a lot of things we want to do but we want to make sure we execute it properly,” said Kimbrell. Bringing the worlds of nightlife and technology together is just one of Capponi’s many projects. In addition to being a nightlife pioneer, he is also an influential figure in the construction industry and a passionate humanitarian. Capponi has built and restored some of the most beautiful homes in Miami. He is the recipient of several awards including the Renovation Firm of the Year Award from the Developers and Builders Alliance. Recently he joined forces with Shear Construction & Management to form Capponi Shear Construction. The company builds and restores homes from Star Island to Indian Creek that range from $4 million to $50 million. For Capponi, restoration also plays a role in his charitable work. He is the founder of the Haiti Empowerment Mission, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with the goal to empower the people of Haiti by providing quality education, diverse vocational training, and job creation. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Capponi and his team were one of the first people on the ground to help. In the past six years, he has been there more than 70 times. “The first 20 or so of those trips were mission trips to help on a humanitarian level to bring them food and medical attention,” Capponi explained. After that, his trips were about housing, education, and helping in boosting tourism as one of the pathways to sustainability. “We spent a lot of time promoting Haiti as a tourism destination.” Capponi knows there are still challenges to overcome in the country, especially when it comes to non-profit organizations, but he recognizes that progress is being made. Whether he is revolutionizing the nightlife industry, beautifying Miami with his construction projects, or improving lives in Haiti, Capponi’s innovative spirit and vision for the future is making a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. “We all have the same motives–to create business models that better the world somehow.” For more information on InList, please visit www.InList.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Accessories, Fashion, The Issue

Spring Fashion Trends

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By Katie Jackson  This spring season, fashion is kicked up a notch with a modern twist on style favorites. The free-spirited bohemian style, or boho-chic, is now presented as evening wear, featuring stunning, loosely fitted silhouettes and draped fabrics in the form of long, formal gowns. New iterations of America’s favorite textile, denim, dominated the runways while suede, with a slight seventies vibe, makes a huge comeback. Whether you are looking to amp up your wardrobe or create a new spin on a style staple, we’ve gathered the top spring 2015 trends that have made the biggest impact straight from the runways of New York, Paris, London, and Milan. FRINGE Fresh off the runways of Proenza Schouler and Emilio Pucci, fringe is making a huge splash in the spring 2015 style scene. Wear it in the form of a flapper girl-inspired dress, a jacket, or shorts adorned with long, unexpected streamers. Fringed Dress by H&M HM.com / $39.95               BOHEMIAN CHIC As seen on the Valentino, Vera Wang, and Joseph Altuzarra runways, the already romantic look has been transformed into something even more spectacular. Designers lightened-up their evening wear with loose and whimsical fabrics that prove to be supremely alluring. ‘Bellini’ Dress in Red with Embroidery by Altuzarra Altuzarra.com           PINSTRIPES This boardroom basic has undergone a lively makeover, especially with the shimmery hues as seen on the Chanel runway. But while refined pinstripes, in any color, will always be in style, the design on cropped pants and trousers is a must this season. Pants by Ann Taylor AnnTaylor.com / $98           DENIM Denim is having a major style moment, and Alexa Chung for AG Jeans is at the forefront. The British style icon teamed up with the luxury denim brand to create a collection comprised of dresses, tops, and high-waisted jeans. Denim also commanded attention on the spring 2015 runways, with colorful and bedazzled jeans offered by Dolce and Gabbana and chic, mod dresses by Bottega Veneta. The Pixie – Lightsome by Alexa Chung for AG Jeans AGJeans.com / $325       THE TOTE The beloved tote never goes out of style. Update your favorite bag this spring with a bold new color or with a fun, unexpected touch such as a chic tie at the top or side bow. Handbag by H&M. HM.com / $24.95           THE BUCKET BAG The bucket bag is an absolute accessory essential for spring. Perfect for a girl-on-the-go, the bucket bag fits everything needed and more without losing its trendy shape. Available in an array of colors, from bright and bold to classic and muted, the bucket bag will bring a touch of glamour to any ensemble. Signature Exotic Embossed Mini Bucket Bag by Ann Taylor AnnTaylor.com / $118     SUEDE Gone are the days where leather is among the most worn fabrics of the stylish and fashionable. Suede has returned, and it’s here to stay. Offered in a seventies-inspired yet updated aesthetic in the form of dresses, skirts, and tops in subdued colors, suede is quickly reclaiming its place as one of the most coveted fabrics. Faux Suede Shift Dress by MINKPINK MINKPINK.com or Nordstrom.com         FLORAL Spring and floral undoubtedly go hand- in-hand. But this season, florals are offered in such a stylish abundance it almost feels wrong to not whole-heartedly embrace the trend. Whether dressed up or worn casually, spring 2015 is bringing the ultimate in fashion “flower power.” Dress by Ann Taylor AnnTaylor.com / $149           MESH Mesh continues to be the easiest way to bare a little extra skin before bikini season. Show a little leg this spring with a chic mesh cutout at the bottom of a dress, or layered over another top. Jacket / $189 Skirt / $98 AnnTaylor.com   Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue.

Arts, The Issue

My Miami: Nadja Atwal

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Photography by Enrique Vega Nadja Atwal, 35, is a “jack of all trades”  businesswoman, and a style  public relations expert. She designs, writes, inspires, coaches, and produces media projects: from animal rights photo campaigns for PETA to feature films like Without Men, starring Eva Longoria. In 2013, she was named “Sexiest Power Woman of All-Time” by U.S. Lifestyle magazine, Viva Glam. The German born amazon, who currently resides in New York with her husband and son, was also appointed as the “fashion police” for the Oscars for European TV. She was also just hired as the style and beauty expert for the U.S. TV Show America’s It Girl. In Miami, you can catch me… At the amazing James Royal Palms Hotel, where I am building sandcastles by the beach with my husband and our 3 year old son, or riding one of their rental bikes. And, if we have a babysitter with us, dancing at Club Mynt at night. It’s also a special treat hanging out with my favorite Miami person, Supermodel Joanna Krupa. The biggest misconception about Miami is… That it is mainly a party town. For me, it has become my favorite sweet escape with the family. It is up to you to discover the Miami you want. The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was…. Lure Fishbar. I never take food pictures, but here I photographed their lovely sushi creations from every angle. Plus, I enjoyed the rustic yet romantic interior design. While we were there, the mayor enjoyed his dinner next to our table, so we felt like exclusive “Miami insiders.” What surprised me most about 35, is a “jack Miami was… The convenience factor with regards to the distance of the airport to the beach. The beauty of the art deco houses that can never be matched in photographs – you gotta experience it, walk by, stop, gaze. What titillated me was the prodigiously endowed mannequins in front of some shops on Collins Avenue. I believe it even surpasses Vegas standards. Aside from the weather, the best reason to return to Miami is… We (New Yorkers) are all about time and saving time. Those convenient 2-hour, 45-minute direct flights from New York to Miami are simply too tempting to ignore. The first time I became really curious about Miami was… When I watched Scarface. Even though most of the scenes were filmed in California, they took the right kind of establishing shots in Miami. What happens in Miami stays in Miami… and in MSM. Any secret or funny moment you ‘d like to share about you and this city? I was featured in an episode of The Real Housewives of Miami being productive and not causing drama. Sounds like an oxy-moron, I know (laughs).   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.  

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

Living, Luxury, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – SLS Lux Brickell – The Urban Oasis

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By Angela Betancourt  When sbe, the global hospitality and real estate company behind the award winning SLS Hotel brands launched a property in South Beach, it quickly became one of the city’s hottest hotels and culinary destinations for tourists and locals alike. In the wake of all the success, sbe partnered with development titans the Related Group, to build an SLS Hotel & Residency in Miami’s Brickell community. Though still under construction, the project was highly anticipated and quickly sold out. It’s not surprising then that sbe and the Related Group, along with The Allen Morris Company, have joined forces again to build another SLS property. Named the SLS LUX Brickell, the development is an elevated SLS Hotels & Residency brand that will offer an all-suite and residential experience with an astonishing amount of luxurious amenities and personalized VIP Services. Set to open in 2016, the SLS LUX Brickell is being built just steps away from the upcoming billion dollar Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village. The 57 story building will boast 450 residences and a limited collection of 12 penthouse residences on the top three floors. The building was the creation of internationally acclaimed architect firm Arquitectonica who designed Canyon Ranch in Miami Beach and the American Airlines Arena among others. The interior was designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the design firm behind some of the world’s most notable hotels including the Four Seasons in Toronto and Tokyo; the W Hotel, Times Square, New York, and the St. Regis Bal Harbour. Together, both firms set out to “indulge the senses” by making art an integral part of the overall design and living experience. Museum-quality art will be prominent in all common areas by renowned artists Fernando Botero, contemporary painter Fabian Burgos, and lighting artist Ana Isabal Martinez, who designed a one of a kind LED façade. The units reflect their own sense of art and style with their imported stone vanity tops, full size mirrors by Yabu Pushelberg and premium European cabinetry with designer details. In addition to art, residents can also indulge in private residential elevators, a fitness center, a roof top pool, wine cellar , a cigar room, and two ground floor dining experiences; Katsuya and SBar. sbe founder and visionary Sam Nazarian originally came up with the LUX concept as a way to create an environment where luxury, service, creativity and fun, would all harmoniously come together. His vision also entailed offering “resident’s ultimate access in an oasis of exclusive privileges” that defines SLS living. This oasis of exclusive privileges includes a butler, on demand housekeeping, overnight shoe shine, preferred event tickets, pre-arrival provisioning / grocery shopping and delivery, translation services, a babysitter/nanny and dozens more. Additionally, residents also get full access to the other SLS Brickell hotel’s event facilities and services. Just like their other two properties, the SLS LUX Brickell has captured the world’s imagination and has become a main topic of conversation in the real estate world. Though 2016 is still more than a full year away, Miami has caught SLS fever and there are no signs of the excitement ending anytime soon. Photography Courtesy of SLS LUX    Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.

Accessories, Fashion, The Issue

Orianne Collins Jewellery: Glamorous Design with a Cause

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 By Katie Jackson Orianne Collins-Mejjati plays many roles, including an active philanthropist, insightfully creative designer, and most importantly, a mother of three young children. She fuses all three of these roles into her jewelry line, Orianne Collins Jewellery. Now with a boutique located in the burgeoning Design District, her customers are given an eclectic selection of carefully designed pieces that are both timelessly elegant and trendy, all while supporting a profoundly meaningful cause. Collins-Mejjati discovered her love for design in 2003 after working with different brands on special collaborations for the Little Dreams Foundation, the philanthropic organization that she co-founded with ex-husband Phil Collins. With the enormous success of a charm bracelet she had co-designed with Van Cleef & Arpels, she knew that it was time to branch out on her own. “I always wanted to be a fashion designer, and this project made me think that this is something that I really want to do. So I started my own company in 2006.” Inspired by everything around her, Collins-Mejjati can often be found with a pen and sketchbook creating her next piece. “I’m inspired by my travels, by my friends, by the people around me. I don’t want to miss anything. Sometimes it just happens in the middle of the night and I have to have my crayons and start to sketch.” This inspiration wholly translates into her line, with specific destinations even influencing entire collections. After witnessing the beautiful architec- ture in Morocco, Collins-Mejjati was motivated to create her Tales collection. “It’s like the magic from my travels,” she says. Offering a variety of intricately designed rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces for women, Collins-Mejjati also provides pieces for men and children. “I have children, and I create a lot of pieces for them. They test the jewelry, and I know it’s unbreakable. With kids it has to be unbreakable!” With children’s collections filled with adorable charm, like the Glitter and Yummylicious collections, there are plenty of pieces that would make any child’s heart melt. For men, Collins-Mejjati created collections that include sophisticated rings and cufflinks. “Men need some nice jewelry, so I try to offer them some- thing original.” Even with the tremendous success of her line, Collins-Mejjati is always determined to give back. In addition to co-founding and chairing the Little Dreams Foundation, she makes sure that many of the proceeds from her line go directly to the organization. “I create and donate a lot of pieces for auctions, and one hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Little Dreams Foundation.” Collins-Mejjati is confident that Miami is the place to grow her jewelry line and foundation, even opening her boutique in the heart of the up- and-coming Design District. “I think it is going to be the place to be. It’s going to be like SoHo in New York—how it was not very well known, but then became this hip place to go.” When customers enter her boutique, Collins-Mejjati wants to ensure that they feel welcome and know that there this is a piece of jewelry for them. “Everyone is my target customer, and I try to make pieces of jewelry that will reach everybody.” In developing a growing brand that promotes and engages in philanthropy while simultaneously making customers—women, men, and children—feel special, Collins-Mejjati has surely achieved her goal. Orianne Collins Jewellery is located in the Design District at 90 Northeast 39th Street, Miami FL, 33137. To purchase or view Orianne Collins Jewellery online, visit oriannecollins.com. Photography by IMANI OGDEN Stylist: ANNIE VALDIVIA (DOLCE AND GABBANA) Hair: FRANK IZQUIERDO (IGK HAIR, SLS HOTEL)    Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.  

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