Holiday bags and butterfly shoes, the best Miami shopping
Gift Bag
Little things always spark the greatest joy. Behold: the tiniest, most delightful present of them all, ready to dazzle on your holiday-party circuit.
These micro-mini beauties — coming in at less than 5 inches by 4 inches — take their brand name, Warp, literally. Designed with an architectural twist by Pakistani-born CEO and Creative Director Hirra Babar, they are both efficiently practical (the lightweight bags manage to hold cash, cards and a lipstick, complete with a hidden mirror and magnetic clasp!) and decadently glamorous (each is hand embellished with approximately 1,700 crystals by local artisans in Lahore).
Go forth and decorate thyself with a truly ornamental vibe.
Wing It
Shoe lovers, net a pair that will give you literal butterflies. These beauties, from British designer Sophia Webster, will set your heart aflutter and surely elicit an “Oh my gosh, I love your shoes!” from admiring passersby.
Which is precisely what inspired the creative director’s new book title, released just in time for the holidays and in honor of Webster’s 10th year as a shoe (and subsequently, bridal, handbag and “mini me”) designer.
Her winged creations, in particular, have made a memorable footprint. Inspired by her grandmother’s weekly letters, which always included a butterfly sticker or motif, Webster has a knack for making those who wear her designs (including A-list fans like Rihanna and Blake Lively) soar.
Rock a pair and fly high, baby.
In the Loop
With cutout backs, boned fronts or interlocking belted sides, Dion Lee’s blazers are no ordinary pieces.
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, the New York-based designer is famed for his sculptural tailoring, signature “Rib Corset” tank (as seen on Kim Kardashian) and oversize para- chute pants (as rocked by Hailey Bieber). His first US store, opening tomorrow in the Miami Design District, is filled with experimental cuts — and some bold bling.
Staud Beach
With its sunny styles, Staud is a perfect fit for Florida. The LA-based brand favored by Kendall Jenner, Dakota Johnson and Emily Ratajkowski has opened a boutique at The Royal Poinciana Plaza in Palm Beach.
Stock up on co-founder and creative director Sarah Staudinger’s coastal-chic “Marlowe” dress, beach-ready “Allora” tote and cheerful “Tommy” beaded bag, then relax in the lush gardens outside.
Guy Things
From the façade spray-painted by Thomas Trum to the graphic logo footwear, the new Dior men’s store in the Miami Design District showcases creativity.
A work by multidisciplinary artist Elias Sime hangs in the elevator vestibule along with a painting by Gioele Amaro in one of the two VIP salons. As for the merchandise, fellas will find ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, accessories and pieces from the Gem Dior fine jewelry collection. Everything is aesthetic.
Frank Talk
In honor of its second year partnering with Art Basel, Louis Vuitton is unveiling a retrospective of its ongoing collaboration with architect Frank Gehry, along with a limited-edition women’s bag capsule created with the icon.
The exhibit at the fair covers everything from Gehry’s sketches to finished works for the storied fashion house, including the Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, fragrances and handbags.
As for the new bags, there are 10 different designs, each as memorable as one of Gehry’s buildings.