RAMP UP
A skateboard ramp is probably the last thing one would expect to see in a luxury store in the Miami Design District. But New York transplant and accessories designer Gelareh Mizrahi has never been one for traditional practices. She’s disrupting her main category, pricey python bags crafted in Italy, through daring, funny designs like bloodshot eyes, plump lips with gapped teeth, and food from fried eggs to pepperoni pizza. Vogue named her “Thank You” style inspired by common plastic bags handed out at bodegas an It bag, and she swears the item holds magical powers for its wearers. Mizrahi has fallen for Miami’s charms and celebrates the year-long pop up with exclusive colors. Other projects are matching pins in her themes and a pending T-shirt collection.
151 NE 41st Street; 301.787.5209; gelarehmizrahi.com
BROWN TO BASS
Trisha Brown, a seminal figure in postmodern dance who passed away last year, lives on through her namesake dance company and choreography. “In Plain Site,” an evolving, site-specific initiative that draws on her repertory, comes to the ICA, Miami through the ICA Performs series from April 26-28. Her troupe selected pieces that reference the artistic heyday of Donald Judd, whose painting exhibit at ICA coincides with their four performances. Reserve here. The Bass hosts Night at the Museum, its annual spring fund-raiser, on April 27. Wear starry bright attire to bid on works by prominent artists and view two new exhibits, a solo show by French artist Laure Prouvost, as well as a group show where fashion meets art organized by Deste Foundation of Contemporary Art in Greece.
icamiami.org. thebass.org
LAMB & LOBSTER
Coyo Taco brought silver platter-level ingredients for its new location at the Royal Poinciana Plaza in Palm Beach. Exclusive tacos include barbacoa lamb shoulder with queso fresco, salsa and aioli; and langosta, whose Spanish translation is misleading since it’s actually beer-battered Maine lobster tail with citrus slaw, avocado and radish. Islanders are gobbling up the lobster item, so they’re adding a quesadilla and torte soon. But from day one, the Florida grouper taco has remained the best seller. Its fresh fish is lightly fried and served with roasted jalapeno aioli and avocado. They have big plans for Cinco de Mayo with family-friendly activities like a mariachi band and face painting (plus a margarita bar with every kind of tequila for adults). Taco Tuesdays, online orders and delivery launch by summer.
340 Royal Poinciana Way; 561.318.8616. coyo-taco.com
GALLIC + GREEN
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels on your home or business, check out Balenciaga’s new boutique in Miami. The Parisian fashion house’s creative director Demna Gvasalia selected the green initiative not only for energy efficiency, but to create a dramatic façade. Its pale blue solar panels cast a grid pattern across large-scale, luminescent letters spelling the brand’s name. Gvasalia approached the unique site as one big design project. Interiors appear more in line with Paris-based flagships on Rue Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, especially pink logo carpeting in the men’s department upstairs. The first floor features women’s ready to wear, handbags and shoes. Children’s wear also debuts here. The bilevel, 1,600-square-foot flagship opened seven years after Balenciaga’s Bal Harbour location, bringing the total of U.S. stores to a tidy dozen.
153 NE 40th Street; 305.908.4242; balenciaga.com
We’ll see you next week with even more of South Florida’s places to go!