New York and Los Angeles have a new competitor: Miami is emerging from the pandemic as a U.S. fashion destination this summer.
The beachside city that welcomes the art and fashion crowd every year for Art Basel is now the chosen location for some of the industry’s top trade shows. Project, Coterie and Liberty Fairs are holding in-person events in the city, bringing in even more influential style than years prior.
Project: Miami will take place July 10-12 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach near Destination: Miami by Coterie, a women’s resort wear and swim wear market event at Eden Roc Hotel. Liberty Fairs will host its first trade show in Miami during the same time. The dual-gender apparel and accessories trade show is partnering with Cabana, a resort-focused trade show, to host their first joint physical event at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The area saw an influx of visitors during the pandemic, as herds of travelers ventured to Florida for the state’s seemingly lax approach to lockdown restrictions. Now, with Covid cases at a record low in the U.S., people are cautiously gathering for activities they enjoyed before the pandemic began.
With the shows only days away, Rivet compiled a list of must-see destinations every fashion lover should check out after a long year without travel. Whether you’re new to Miami or returning, these scenes are worth a visit in between shows.
Goodtime Hotel
The brainchild of music and fashion icon Pharrell Williams and nightlife entrepreneur David Grutman, the Goodtime Hotel is a can’t-miss Miami attraction that takes over an entire block of land. Nestled within South Beach just above the ever-popular South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, its location lends well to all things dining and nightlife—but most of what you’re looking for is likely already inside anyway. Each corner of the seven-story hotel unlocks a different experience, including a lush pink library, indoor/outdoor gym and eclectic cafe. Come here to stay overnight or just take a look around.
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Strawberry Moon
Located within the Goodtime Hotel, Strawberry Moon is equal parts outdoor pool oasis and hip Mediterranean restaurant. During the day, alternate between soaking up the sun in a lounge chair and retreating to a pastel-drenched cabana. If you can’t make it until later in the evening, you can still enjoy a variety of mezzes, small plates, Turkish pizzas and kebabs against a Miami sunset backdrop.
Oasis
Having just launched in the spring, the Oasis is a concert venue and entertainment concept situated in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, a district known for its vibrant displays of street art. With six outdoor dining destinations and a “Tower Bar” for all of your nightlife needs, the space has already seen major acts from Dutch DJ Tiesto and pop singer Charlie XCX. The open outdoor concept lends itself well to a variety of entertainment that’s sure to attract the fashion crowd, with retail pop-ups and cultural events on constant rotation.
Moxy
The new Moxy hotel in South Beach is a destination for those who want to enjoy themselves without sacrificing luxury. Case in point: hotel check-in is stationed at the front bar. Have a drink while you grab your key and get situated before heading up to the colorful rooftop eatery, Serena. The Mexican-inspired menu features dishes like uni and crab tostadas, squash blossom quesadillas and chorizo huaraches.
El Santo Don Diablo
After a long year locked down, a classic Miami club night is a necessary pitstop on the itinerary, and El Santo Don Diablo in the city’s Little Havana district is the place to go. Featuring cushy leather-studded couches and an antique chapel piano that doubles as a DJ booth, the restaurant and speakeasy share a religious aesthetic that closely aligns with the 2018 Met Gala’s “heavenly bodies” theme. If you can’t make it out for a club night, take a seat at the “altar of food” and choose from a menu of sharable items with Asian, Peruvian and Latin influences.
Miami Design District
With a wide array of high-end stores and seemingly endless opportunities for window (and real) shopping, the Miami Design District is a must-see. The neighborhood is home to designer brick-and-mortars with lavish interiors—pop inside Alexander McQueen for a glimpse of the centrally located spiral staircase, Chrome Hearts for its cascading floral arrangement adorning the inner balcony and Ganni for its aesthetic of bold patterns and color blocking. You’ll also want to stop inside for a coffee and pastry at either Dior’s or Fendi’s luxe cafe popups while they’re still open.
Wynwood Walls
There’s a reason why Miami locals and visitors alike return to Wynwood Walls again and again: the vibrant street art display features a new crop of artists every three to four months. Whether you’ve been before or this is your first time, you’re bound to see new and exciting, impactful displays at every turn. Past artists have called attention to important social causes like the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements.
The Showroom Miami
Fashion lovers can’t come to Miami without checking out a local boutique. The Showroom in Coconut Grove features a mix of moody home décor and women’s apparel, including jeans from L.A. denim brand Citizens of Humanity, funky T-shirts and fine jewelry. Shop owner Marilyn Sanchez carefully selects each item to ensure quality. Located just outside of Miami International Airport, this is a must-see before leaving the city.
Antidote Miami
Sustainable fashion enthusiasts need to check out Antidote Miami, a shop carefully curated by founder Sophie Zembra. Collections include upcycled apparel and vegan accessories from ethical brands such as Stella McCartney and Re/Done. The shop’s e-commerce site features items organized by ethical category, including “Made in USA,” “eco-friendly,” “vegan,” “artisanal” and “social.” The shop has been featured in Vogue, which described it as having a “playful, fashion-loving vibe rather than information overload.”