With its sexy styles, straps that snake seductively around the leg and shiny embellishments, René Caovilla is a footwear brand tailor-made for Miami. Perhaps that’s exactly why the label recently opened a new stylish boutique at Bal Harbour Shops. We spoke to Creative Director and CEO Edoardo Caovilla about what shoppers can expect. —LRR
The new René Caovilla store at Bal Harbour Shops
CEO and Creative Director Edoardo Caovilla
Why did you decide to open in Miami and Bal Harbour Shops in particular? Miami has always been one of the most popular destinations in the world, and BHS has been the place to go to for luxury shopping for decades. Lifestyle, target clients and extensive luxury retail development [made the city and the center] the perfect place for us.
Has Miami always been that important for the brand? It’s been
one of our most important markets
for decades.
Tell us about the aesthetic of the store by m2atelier. What did you want to accomplish? The boutique reflects the concept of new Caovilla spaces with additional novelty elements. The main stylistic innovation was to create a golden envelope to evoke the Venetian origins of our brand. The space is seductive, modern and young.
What can you tell us about the inventory? We opened with the spring/summer 2021 collection, a mix of iconic and classic styles with limited-edition pieces available only here.
Such as? Exclusive models, but also some of our iconic styles developed in special colors.
What do you see for the brand in the future as it relates to South Florida? There are other locations with potential in the area, but we will wait and establish ourselves in the market for the next year and surely will investigate more opportunities.
9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305.763.8095
The Vicky sandal
The Floriane sandal
BOOK SMART When it comes to coffee-table books with wow factor, few beat the offerings of publishing house Assouline. Just in time for the holidays, the publisher has opened a pop-up shop on the second floor of Bal Harbour Shops that will remain there through February. Marked by bright Miami colors, the space charms with 40-foot golden bookshelves, yellow velvet arc book displays and an 18th century pink chaise lounge for reading. Here, visitors can find the company’s massive and standout titles, as well as accessories that include acrylic bookstands, candles and Olympia Le-Tan clutches. Not to be missed is AlUla XXL (Assouline’s largest tome to date) and Miami Beach, its latest ode to our shores. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 786.216.7121, assouline.com –Lorna Ramage
The new Miami Beach book by Assouline
LIFESTYLE DOMAIN The new SENA Lifestyle Studio (senalifestylestudio.com) is an online retailer that reflects the lives and loves of its founders, Miami’s own Brittany Peltz-Buerstedde and Vian Abreu, through and through. Effortlessly chic, the boutique focuses on bringing a certain sense of harmony and peacefulness to retail. Among the highlights offered are handmade, reiki-infused sage bundles, homewares including handwoven rugs from India, children’s and baby clothes, toys and accessories, Hunting Season bags and lighters and all sorts of wellness products to support motherhood, such as SEEDLIFE powder smoothie blends. As Peltz-Buerstedde puts it, “SENA’s philosophy is born out of the ethos that everything in life is a reflection of a choice you have made... it is about holding space for your energy, your vibe, that feeling of walking in, exhaling and knowing you are home.” –LRR
Healing crystals are part of the eclectic inventory at SENA Lifestyle Studio.
PRECIOUS MINUTES True watch collectors should be delighted at the fact that Grand Seiko has refreshed its Design District boutique just in time for the brand’s 60th anniversary. The space will serve as a store for Grand Seiko’s most exclusive watches, as well as a gathering spot for timepiece lovers to learn more about the art of Japanese watchmaking. “Our new storefront will not only satisfy the demand for high-luxury product, but also broaden awareness of our inimitable design and craftsmanship,” says Brice Le Troadec, president of Grand Seiko Corporation of America. “Our intention is to fuel the market for collectible design and provide an exciting yet accessible destination for collectors and enthusiasts in the South Florida area.” In terms of inventory, the shop will carry the extended collection, including special models. Two new U.S.-exclusive watches, SBGA427 and SBGA429, will also be on-site. “They are a continuation of the Grand Seiko Japan Seasons collection,” adds Troadec. “These timepieces embrace the brand’s roots and express the uniquely Japanese moment in nature known as soko or the end of autumn, when the frost first embraces the forest.” A poetic approach to horology, indeed. 130 NE 40th St., Miami, 786.360.6869, grand-seiko.com –LRR
The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SBGP009 powered by Caliber 9F85
BIRKIN FEVER Hermès aficionados will be flocking to Brickell City Centre this season now that Privé Porter has opened its first official brick-and-mortar location in the shopping center. The leading reseller of the queen of all bags, the Birkin, has set up shop with a pop-up that will remain open through at least the end of April, perhaps longer. Fully secured with locked entrances and exits, the store limits the number of customers inside to allow for an almost-private shopping experience. As for the goods? Previously owned but pristine Birkin and Kelly beauties, including certain styles in new 2020 colorways that include Vert Criquet, Sellier Rainbow and Bleu Brume. 68 SE Sixth St., Miami, 305.432.1285, priveporter.com –LRR
Birkin and Kelly bags abound at the new Privé Porter.
Photography by: photos courtesy of brands and stores
