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MSM Online, Sponsored, Tech

WoW Lens: The Future of Smartphone Cameras

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Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have completely customized our ways of living. It is now easier for people to pick and choose the content they like and incorporate it into their own profiles, allowing for them to comment and curate as they see necessary. The outcome? The demand for bloggers to seek new and innovative ways to keep tech savvy visitors interested in both content and visual graphics. Bloggers have begun to document events, places, items and tutorials in order to form more personal relationships with their audiences and create an open form for communication with their followers. Smartphone cameras have played a key role in this rapidly growing digital era. It has revolutionized the way photos are viewed and taken and has allowed for bloggers to stay up to date with the news hungry and visually orientated culture we have become. Recent technology has allowed people to capture some impressive shots, but the built-in camera lens is quite limited and not capable of capturing professional quality images. However, the creators at AppBanc, LLC, a Silicon Valley company, have found a way to enhance the photographic capability of mobile devices by creating a smart lens case for phones that can rival the performance of professional cameras and allow bloggers to appeal to their audience. WoW Lens, the slim yet protective phone case that allows you to switch between lenses has been introduced to the digital world. The carousel technology allows you to choose from five specialty lenses. The Original iPhone Camera Lens uses the built-in camera while still carrying your phone in the protective case. The Macro Lens extends the depth of field of the iPhone’s macro range, which enables the phone to capture amazingly close subject photography. WoW Lens’ Wide-Angle Lens increases the iPhone’s camera view by 30º not just horizontally, but also vertically, providing users with 180º camera view increase. The fun Cameo function isolates the subject of the photograph and adds a smooth vignette around the subject. This feature heightens skin tones, colors and adds an alluring composure to facial features. Lastly the Polarized Neutral Density Lens is extremely high quality. This lens helps tone down bright daytime lighting, reduces glares and adds a blur effect to motion pictures. WoW Lens is also extremely practical. The carousel is approximately the height of two quarters stacked on top of each other and the case is only a few millimeters taller and wider than the actual phone. The polycarbonate plastic shell ensures that the phone will continue to be lightweight, meaning the phone can still easily fit in your pocket and the days of having to carry cumbersome camera bags and switch between bulky lenses are long gone. The nifty little case is bundled with an innovative app called eZoom. EZoom brings the new concept of lossless zooming to both live image shots and images that are already stored in your library. When you crop and enlarge a photo on eZoom, the clarity remains crisp. This patented technology adds more pixels to the image you cropped. In fact, you can choose how many pixels you want. This means that any photo taken with the WoW Lens and then cropped on eZoom can be enlarged and printed without the fear of an image becoming too pixilated. Most smartphone users tend to employ their phones as their principal photo gallery, and would therefore benefit from eZoom’s made-for-smartphone software. Inventions such as WoW Lens can help bloggers maintain a steady following. The WoW Lens’ portability allows for bloggers to document events as they are on the go. The high quality and professional looking images captures the attention of readers, who will want to continue to explore and read further into the blog. For Miami bloggers, WoW Lens can prove to be an essential tool. With so many cultural events and nightlife happenings occurring almost daily, bloggers can engage their readers on an article that is to come by simply snapping a photo and posting it along with a tagline on all social outlets. A simple snapshot could encourage a reader to attend an event, share the post or even start a conversation. The possibilities and challenges with the always evolving technology era we live in are endless, and WoW Lens is one tool that will help us not fall behind. Compatible with iPhone 5/5s and iPhone 6 (coming soon) Available in black, white, magenta, and copper For more information, please visit wow-lens.com

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online

Have a SIX:02 Moment with Under Armour

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By Gisel Habibnejad Have you ever had a SIX:02 moment? Chances are you have! This powerful movement encourages women everywhere and represents all our aspirations and goals. Whether it’s every morning when you wake up or every evening coming home from work–we all set time aside to reconvene with our goals. Short-term goals and long-tern goals are what keep us going everyday; without them we have no real motivation. An important routine of every happy individual’s life is exercise. The ARMOUR Bra collection by Under Armour makes women a priority by developing state-of-the-art sports bras. The Armour Low Bra and the Armour Mid Bra are made with HeatGear fabric to ensure a lightweight and full coverage without straining movement. Of course, they contain Under Armour’s Signature Moisture Transport System, which doesn’t absorb sweat leaving you feeling fresh through your workout. ARMOUR LOW BRA The Armour Low Bra is best for those looking for minimal support, suitable for low-impact activities such as yoga, walking, and pilates. The antimicrobial technology prevents the absorption of germs, which increases the chance of smelling fresh. Now, let’s talk about the style! We all want to look good when we work out–because when we look good, we feel good too. The ultra flattering sweetheart line enhances femininity and the thin back straps add the perfect touch of chicness. ARMOUR MID BRA For all the other types of exercise, the Armour Mid Bra will do wonders for you (this includes cycling, boxing, weights, and elliptical). The classic racer back style secures full support from intense movements and doesn’t limit your range of motion. The comfortable jacquard elastic strap guarantees to stay in place, so the only thing you’ll need to worry about is getting the best out of your workout! We challenge you to get motivated and have a #SIX02MOMENT! To purchase these products, please visit www.six02.com

Cover Stories, Entertainment, Music, News & Entertainment, The Issue

Julio Iglesias, Jr.: World Tour with His Father, Family Life, & What’s Next

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September-October Issue 2015 MIAMI NATIVE & SPANISH SINGER REVEALS WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING ON TOUR WITH HIS FATHER, GROWING UP AS AN ‘IGLESIAS,’ & WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR HIM By Gisel Habibnejad Photographed by Ernesto Poblacion With musical talent running through his veins, it’s safe to say Julio Iglesias, Jr. was born to grace the world with his gift. Throughout his lifetime and various works, music has always remained a constant. There’s no denying the greatness that awaits Julio in the near future with a new album in the works and joining his father on his world tour, among the many. Julio was born to Spanish music icon Julio Iglesias, and Filipina socialite and journalist Isabel Preysler. Growing up, his parents instilled morals and values that molded him into the person he is today. “My dad taught me the importance of working hard in anything you do in life and to always surround yourself with great people.” Having a popular singer as a father also had its perks. “When I was younger, I saw my father like any young boy sees his father. As I got older, I began to realize that my father was famous. It was always nice to hear my friends and their parents express how they love my father’s music,” says the singer. “It’s a great feeling when people appreciate what your parents do.” Although he doesn’t plan on having children in the near future, he can’t wait to instill his family values into his future offspring. “I value good people with big hearts, family, friends, and music.” As Julio grew older, his passion for music blossomed and he soon realized his purpose in life. “Growing up in a musically-inclined family, you learn to really appreciate it.” While it would be easy to assume Julio broke into show business through music, it was actually through his modeling career. With several campaigns under his belt, his most notable include: Versace and Gap. Soon after, he ventured off into other aspects of the industry. He displayed his dance moves on the Spanish version of Dancing with the Stars known as ¡Mira Quien Baila! He then went on to win the first season of Gone Country, featuring various celebrities from different genre backgrounds competing to become a country singer. However, the most memorable of his TV stints has to be his frequent appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show. Somewhere between his modeling career and television shows, Julio toured and became the opening act of Cher’s Do You Believe? 1999 North American tour. Most recently, Julio recorded the album Latin Lovers, featuring various artists coming together to create a compilation covering popular Spanish music hits. Along with Nuno Resende and Damien Sargue, Julio performed several of these covers at numerous concerts throughout Europe. Among the popular singles are “Vous Les Femmes,” an original by his father, “La Camisa Negra,” and “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” When he’s not touring or traveling all over the world, he’s in Miami–the place he has called home for most of his life. Julio was born in Spain, but moved to our beloved city when he was a child. Ever since, it has held a special place in his heart. “My family and friends live here. There’s nothing better than that.” An ideal day for Julio is relaxing by the beach and playing tennis. “The great thing about Miami is that you never get bored here; the city is always expanding. There’s always something to do.” However, ‘home is where the heart is’ and his heart belongs to his beautiful wife, Charisse Verhaert. Charisse and Julio began dating 12 years ago and finally tied the knot in 2011. “I love my wife, she’s an amazing woman. I’m very blessed to have her by my side,” says Julio about the Belgian model. While he’s usually touring overseas, some of his favorite destinations are within our very boarders. He takes delight in making occasional trips to the Florida Keys and spending time in his vacation home. Besides boating and kite boarding, the drive itself brings him bliss. “The spectacular view of the ocean on both sides when crossing the Seven Mile Bridge really makes the long drive worth it.” Having attended Menlo College near San Francisco, Julio grew affection towards Northern California, which he visits at least four times a year. One of his favorite places on the west coast is Lake Tahoe. During the winter, he can’t get enough of snowboarding; while in the summer, he enjoys the quiet beaches. Earlier this year, it was announced Julio would be joining his father on his world tour. Their first official performance together took place on May 22nd in Romania. Bulgaria, Spain, and Portugal were among the other countries that followed. In September, he will perform alongside his father in Guadalajara, Santiago de Querétaro, Mérida, Yucatán, Hermosillo, Puebla, and Monterrey in Mexico. In November and December, he looks forward to touring in Asia. “It’s a great experience because I get to spend a lot of quality time with my father. To share a stage with him in front of 20,000 people has been a dream come true.” As for a concert in Miami, locals should be on the look out for an upcoming performance down the road. With this in mind, we had to ask: are there any future plans for a performance with Julio, his father, and Enrique? We were pleasantly surprised to find the answer to be yes. Whenever this occurs, it is sure to make history! We were especially excited to learn that Julio has begun writing and recording songs for his next Spanish solo album, which will be released next spring. Everyone will be able to get to know Julio on a personal level like never before, and he can’t wait to share it with the world. To keep up with all the latest news on Julio Iglesias, Jr., follow his social media accounts: Instagram: @juliojrofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulioJrOfficial Twitter: @JulioJrOfficial Click here to view this

Business, Financial, The Issue

My Miami: Ken Mahoney

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Ken Mahoney is the current star and face of financial advising. The Founder and CEO of Mahoney Asset Management in New York is known for his “outside of the box” ideas and creative approach to the financial market. That’s why he’s not only a highly sought-after guest expert on typical business shows and channels where he frequently gives us more insight into the swinging moods of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and NASDAQ. We also see him on programs, such as the TODAY show, where he educates viewers on various topics like turning your own junk into cash, for example. Since diversity is increasingly becoming a key ingredient in successful careers, Ken himself followed his own advice and branched out into his passion of Broadway. Today, he is not just a Broadway-lover but also a Tony Award winning producer! The happily married father of two boys is a true embodiment of the term “business meets pleasure” and views Miami as the perfect place for both family and business trips. When in Miami you can catch me… Taking a walk in the early morning on South Beach and Ocean Drive. I’ll spontaneously pop into a restaurant, like The Front Porch Cafe, for great breakfast and be entertained by people watching. The biggest misconception about Miami is… That it’s just the “hustle and bustle” of a big city. It can be at times, but the nearby ocean and the picturesque Art Deco District in the area can encourage people to stop and smell the roses. The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was… KLIMA Restaurant and Bar. It is simply outstanding spanish cuisine; plus, my wife and I enjoy the low-key atmosphere. We order a number of tapas to try a little of everything and I get to practice speaking Spanish, which is “un poco” [laughs]. What surprised me most about Miami was… That Miamians are really into their sports, especially the Miami Heat! But also the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. When you speak to Miami natives, they usually jump right into their sport teams. Also, the architecture and Art Deco District being so close to the ocean is very beautiful. And the colors… my God, the colors! Aside from the weather, the best reason to return to Miami is… The vibe. I truly believe Miami invented the idea of “work hard, play hard.” People are so happy, warm and friendly. They accept you even though you’re there for a short stay. You feel so welcomed to come back. The first time I became really curious about Miami was… Do I need to share my age? [Laughs]. The Miami Sound Machine and the great opening theme of Miami Vice–including Jan Hammer’s amazing musical theme, of course. 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 in traffic and noticed all the cars getting off an exit, so I figured “when in Rome…” I got off the exit earlier than I expected, and in hopes of skipping the accident ahead, I followed the car in front of me, figuring he would navigate us through local roads. The next thing you know, he pulled into his driveway! I pulled over and said I was not stalking him, but was expecting to follow him back to the highway. With that, he jumped back into his car and brought me back to the highway, with plenty of laughs. That is the kindness of Miami people! Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Entertainment, News & Entertainment, The Issue

LA MUSA Awards Induction Gala 2015

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CELEBRATING THE GREATEST LATIN SONGWRITERS & COMPOSERS By Gisel Habibnejad Photography Courtesy of AR ENTERTAINMENT & LSHOF On October 18, 2012 history was made when the Nominating Committee and Board of Directors had their first meeting to establish The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. “I was driven by my passion to honor the greatest Latin Songwriters of all time,” shares Rudy Peréz, LSHOF Co-Founder and President, who joined forces with Desmond Child, LSHOF Co-Founder and Chairman, to create the organization. With the celebration of the musical accomplishments of Spanish and Portuguese icons as its driving force, these music titans will never be forgotten. In efforts to support and educate those aspiring to pursue a career in the music world, workshops, showcases, and scholarships are put into the hands of the next musically inclined generation. “Our immediate goals are to continue inspiring new generations of songwriters through our Masterclass In The Round series and ongoing digital initiatives,” says Peréz. Once a year, The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame committee comes together to celebrate inductees and honorees with LA MUSA Awards Induction Gala. Special performances by artists currently making waves and presenters honoring their peers take place throughout the night. While the night is full of laughs and tears, the induction process is hard work. Involving singers, producers, songwriters, recording engineers, and performing rights organization representatives, the awards aren’t just handed to anyone. Some of the requirements include having their first big hit at least 20 years prior. The amount of significant influence they’ve had on other artists is also taken into consideration. The award trophy itself has a beautiful story behind it. The design was inspired by cofounder, Desmond Child’s mother in order to preserve her legacy and symbolize the meaning of the award. “In 2012 after my mother, the Cuban poet and songwriter Elena Casals passed away. I felt a strong need to create a legacy in her honor that would educate, preserve, honor and celebrate the lives and music of the world’s greatest Latin music songwriters and composers and encourage future generations of music creators in every genre,” recalls Child. Of course, none of this would be possible without the founders. Rudy Peréz, LSHOF Co-Founder and President, has made an impact in the music industry for the last 30 years writing about 300 #1 hit songs and being pronounced “Producer of the Decade” by Billboard Magazine with five Grammy wins. Fellow musical veteran of 40 years, LSHOF Co-Founder and Chairman, Desmond Child has sold 300 million albums worldwide and has worked with artists such as Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and Aerosmith. In addition to honoring the biggest musical influences in the industry, they make it a priority to preserve an endless appreciation to songwriters who often become the unsung heroes of the music business. “We stand with them in solidarity so they will be able to make careers out of what they do best, which is to write the classic songs that we’ll be honoring at the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame far into the future,” declares Child. The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame may be young, but the future only looks brighter with a museum in Miami and a traveling exhibition currently in the works. “We are in the planning stages of creating an interactive Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame Museum Experience that will be a must see tourist attraction in Miami,” reveals Peréz. For now, we can celebrate Latin music and its pioneers through LA MUSA Awards Induction Gala which will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 7pm at The Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theatre. “This year we have many surprises in store, you will see unique performances that you’ll never see anywhere else, as well as a stellar line up of iconic legends and contemporary superstars all accompanied by the great La Musa Orchestra conducted by Maestro Eduardo Marturet of the Miami Symphony Orchestra,” shares Peréz. The upscale event will induct Hector Ochoa Cardenas, Emilio Estefan, Myriam Hernadez, Gustavo Santaolalla, Alvaro Torres, and Diego Torres. The 2015 Honorees include Beto Cuevas, Fonseca, Alejandra Guzman, Quincy Jones, and Rita Moreno.  LA MUSA Awards Induction Gala will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2015 For more information, please visit www.latinsonghall.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online 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

Luxury, The Issue

Louis Moinet: Everlasting Memoris

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LOUIS MOINET DEBUTS A NEW CLASSIC IN TIMELESS BEAUTY By Gina Samarotto Composed of fifty-two pieces crafted in either 18kt rose or 18kt white gold, framed in a two-part bezel with bespoke, polished screws and functioning with an impossibly high level of elevated precision that can only be Swiss; the Memoris by Louis Moinet veritably purrs with exquisite richness. Created by the impeccably skilled craftsmen at Louis Moinet, the Memoris took Baselworld 2015 by storm when the timepiece made its luxury market debut earlier this year. Released in three limited editions of just sixty exquisite timepieces each, the Memoris is a stunning collaboration of form and function reserved for a very select few. So exclusive and brilliant is this timepiece that the debut of the Memoris has been referred to as “…probably the most important launch we’ve ever done” by company CEO and Creative Director, Jean-Marie Schaller. In addition to its hauntingly elegant good looks, what sets the Memoris apart from other luxury watches lies within its finely honed, visible and mesmerizing workings. Featuring inspired mechanical elements including a yoke that swivels along the same axis as the second wheel to improve the engagement and ‘Energie Plus,’ an automatic winding system relying on a spring and ‘crab claw’ design. In the case of the latter, the advantage of the ‘Energie Plus’ is the notable ability to allow the watch to be wound in multiple directions, minimizing the travel and optimizing each movement of the rotor so that the movements are wound more effectively over time. In a true pièce de résistance style, the chronograph feature of the Memoris was created to be held entirely within the dial – an industry first permitting the movements to be seen and swooned over at the gentle push of a button. Reigning in – as described by the watchmaker – “splendid isolation” the chronograph function on the dial shows each movement; assuring all that this is neither a skeleton nor superfluous component. “We couldn’t draw inspiration from what had gone before; everyone else worked from the premise that the chronograph was an additional complication on top of the time function,” explains Schaller. “Our starting point was the opposite: sweeping away the past and making the chronograph the heart of our design; the central component to which we then added a time function, rather than the other way round.” Indeed, the movement is for the chronograph element alone and to watch it work is to watch a finely choreographed display of graceful elegance. Named after the man who invented the chronograph, or ‘compteur de tierces’ as it were; the Switzerland-based Louis Moinet is a luxury creator of fine watches headquartered in Saint-Blaise, where the heart of Swiss watchmaking still beats in rhythmic staccato. Committed to innovate designs executed with impeccable artistry and using luxuriously exotic materials, Louis Moinet is the creator of distinctive timepieces showcasing the centuries old art of watchmaking. For further information on the limited edition Memoris, including availability and pricing, please visit www.louismoinet.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Culinary, The Issue

SIMI Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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By Gisel Habibnejad This fall, sip and relax your way through the season with SIMI Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The delectable flavors are taken from two separate vineyards located in Sonoma, California. Hints of cinnamon, cedar, clove, and toasty oak combine to make the perfect fall feasts rise to the occasion. Blackberry, plum, cassis, and black pepper give it the extra pop it needs to leave a lasting impression. In order to generate its impeccable composition, the wine undergoes a lengthy process measured to perfection. The wine is fermented with grape skins for 31 days to ensure the best quality. Additionally, the wine yields a second process over a 20-month period through malolactic fermentation, which guarantees a softer taste as opposed to a tart flavor. Pairs perfectly with: roasted mushroom and wild nettle pesto pizza; or charcoal-grilled beef carpaccio with asiago-onion salad. For more information, please visit www.simiwinery.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Business, Living, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Monica Venegas – Featured Power Broker of Miami’s Luxury Real Estate

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By Angela Betancourt Photography by Korey Davis It’s hard to deny that Miami is experiencing a boom in the ultra luxury real estate market. This year the Wealth Report, issued by the London-based real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank, placed Miami in sixth place of the most important global cities for the wealthy. The demand for the Miami lifestyle and its growing influence on the world stage is attracting wealthy buyers and investors seeking the best money can buy. At the forefront of this growth is the Venegas International Group, a Miami-based international boutique real estate company that specializes in luxury acquisitions, project development, marketing, and property management services. Venegas International Group also provides guidance on risk assessments and portfolio diversification. The company was founded by real estate power house Monica Venegas who has spent the last 20 years successfully connecting real estate investors with high-end residential properties. Venegas has worked with high-profile developers in South Florida including the Terra Group, the Related Group, Millennium Partners, and the Château Group. Additionally, she’s offered pre-construction access to iconic buildings like Portofino Tower, Murano at Portofino, Icon South Beach, 900 Biscayne Bay, Trump Hollywood, Four Seasons, Château Beach, and Fendi Château Residences, among others. Her expertise in luxury residential, commercial, and international real estate has resulted in more than $3 billion in sales. “International buyers come to Miami looking for a lifestyle, and price is not the main factor,” said Venegas. “Rather, branded developments with service, design, amenities and location are the components that drive these elite buyers most. They want to know who is behind the project.” Most recently, Venegas International Group was entrusted with the launch, marketing, and sales of the new Fendi Château Residences in Surfside, which is slated to be completed for the summer of 2016. Venegas reports that the condominium is already 90% sold as of July. This much-anticipated project is the fashion house’s first luxury branded real estate property in the world. Its extravagant units range from $7 million to $25 million. “Fendi Château is the first Fendi Residences worldwide. It’s a boutique building with 58 flow-through private residences in 300-lineal feet of ocean front.” When complete, residents will enjoy amenities such as an attaché lifestyle with white glove service, amenities such as a private restaurant, kids club, screening room, a spa with an indoor European thermal pool, doorman, and much more. Venegas International Group was also responsible for the sold out Château Beach Residences in Sunny Isles Beach. This stunning 33-story ocean front property has 84 units priced from $1.5 million up to $25 million for the 9,050 sq ft, two-story penthouses. Some of the post amenities include a wine lounge, cigar bar, and indoor and outdoor wellness facility, and a private swimming pool. She has been part of the success of these two properties, consulting developers with her expertise in the marketing and sales of developments. With this, the success of these two properties doesn’t really come as a surprise to Venegas. She has seen Miami’s real estate market evolve over the years. “I’ve been a part of Miami’s history. Miami was once a small town and now it’s a cosmopolitan city on the world’s radar,” said Venegas. “As a result, Miami has become one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the world and there is an increasing number of clientele looking for the high-end lifestyle.” Thus, the Venegas International Group has worked hard to expand its global presence to meet the demands of international investors from new markets. “Europe used to be a strong market. Now the Middle East and Asia, especially China, are the markets that are most looking to invest in both residential and commercial real estate. Over the past seven years, we’ve paid a lot of attention to those markets. I have a very strong commitment with the Chinese particularly in Beijing and Shanghai. I go there 3-4 times a year,” she said. Over the course of the next several years, Venegas International Group plans to continue building a strong presence in China and further expand their services into new markets. Locally, the firm has expanded their services with the recent launch of their Sports, Arts, & Entertainment Division and partnership with tennis marketing company Premier Tennis. The two new ventures further cements Venegas International Group as an industry leader in Miami and the world. Venegas International Group Is located at 888 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 111, Miami, FL 33132 (786) 567-4122 For more information on Venegas International Group, please visit www.venegasinternationalgroup.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Fashion, Interviews, Luxury, The Issue

Jason of Beverly Hills Opens in the Miami Design District

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By Katie Jackson Photography by World Red Eye Since 2002, Jason of Beverly Hills has become the go-to luxury jeweler among Hollywood’s elite. In providing diamond pieces that push limits while also maintaining opulent glamour, the brand has attracted high-profile clients including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey and MSM’s July/August cover model Joanna Krupa. Owner Jason Arasheben has expanded his popular brand from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, to upscale locations in major cities including the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, North Carolina, and now in the heart of the Miami Design District. What began as an appointment-only diamond jeweler quickly grew into a multi-billion dollar operation. “We would design something specific to somebody’s personal style and image, so the DNA of the brand is custom pieces,” said Arasheben. “Then we kind of transcended into building collections.” Drawing inspiration from nature, architecture, fashion, and even cars, the brand’s collections are anything but ordinary. “We like to think out of the box and we like to be eccentric,” said Arasheben. “I always say that this is not your grandmother’s jewelry. If I make a piece and my mother hates it, I say okay, this is perfect.” The brand recently drew attention with their ADDICTED collection, featuring pieces like diamond encrusted pill pendants and syringe rings. “Everyone has an addiction to something,” said Arasheben. “This is an addiction to diamonds.” Though controversial, the collection has become a favorite among notable celebrities. “Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Lindsay Lohan have all purchased pieces from the ADDICTED collection,” said Arasheben. As for the fourth flagship location, Arasheben is thrilled to bring Jason of Beverly Hills to Miami. “The great thing about Miami is that the culture and vibe of the city is very much in line with the identity of our brand,” said Arasheben. “There’s a strong nightlife, people like to have fun, and there are a lot of South Americans who are big fans of our brand, so it was really the perfect alignment.” Jason of Beverly Hills is located at 140 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137 For more information on Jason of Beverly Hills, please visit www.jasonofbh.com Click here to view this post in our September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Culinary, The Issue

Una Noche Buena at CENA by Michy

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By Justina Coronel James Beard Award Winner Chef Michelle Bernstein brings Miami a taste from different cultures, a natural touch of flavorful ingredients, and a delicious flair of soulful cooking with the opening of CENA by Michy on Biscayne Boulevard. Bernstein cooks what she truly enjoys and that transfers gracefully onto the dishes that she prepares. Bernstein is a Miami native of Jewish and Latin descent who brings adventurous, yet simplistic recipes to the menu. CENA, which translates from Latin as “the most important meal of the day,” is a neighborhood restaurant that travels guests into a world of incredible flavors and world-taste wonders. This modern-day feel restaurant with an open concept view of the kitchen has a beautiful gold exquisite piece of art on the wall that encourages all guests to enjoy its beautiful delicacies. The bar is welcoming with multiple cocktail concoctions to serve such as the Cena Bramble and the Michy-lada. The Cena Bramble is shaken with either vodka or gin with lemon juice then strained over crushed ice topped with aperol laced peach-rhubarb compote. The Michy-lada has a little kick with baby bell and hot peppers with sour and navel orange that attains charred papaya shrub, spiced pomegranate and citrus, and then finally topped with estrella damm beer with an ancho chili smoked salt rim. The perfect way to cool down after this zesty drink is with the scrumptious food. Through her one-of-a-kind appetizers, Bernstein puts her own unique pizazz into the vegetable starters. The Beet Sorghum Risotto has roast beets with the added touch of horseradish crème fraiche; now you can’t ‘beet’ that! The Creamy Polenta has crunchy yet perfectly cooked brussel sprouts covered with a l’ekema oil slow poached egg. Bernstein tops the vegetable starters with a Cauliflower Steak that is pickled with garlic aioli, marconas, raisins, and capers, oh my! The best way to top off your dining experience is with a signature dinner dish, the Harissa Lamb Spare Ribs. It is deliciously cooked on la parilla with sumac yogurt smudge and tanzeya slow cooked fruit. This feel good restaurant embraces Bernstein’s colorful personality and her true dedication to good food. Make sure to indulge and enjoy the most important meal of the day at CENA by Michy. CENA by Michy is located at 6927 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138 For more information, please visit www.cenabymichy.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

LIFESTYLE, Living, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle: Chad Oppenheim World-Renowned Architect On His Latest Projects & Passion for Architecture

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By Angela Betancourt When he was just seven years old, Miami-based architect Chad Oppenheim watched as his parents built a custom home. He became fascinated with the process and spent a lot of time with the architect learning and absorbing as much as he could. His interest grew throughout his elementary school years and by the time he reached the 8th grade, he was hooked and a lifelong love affair with architecture had begun. “While most of my friends were reading Sports Illustrated, I was reading Architectural Digest,” said Oppenheim. Oppenheim went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell University and in 1999 became the founding principle of the award winning firm Oppenheim Architecture. Today, Oppenheim has become one of the most sought after architects of his time. His firm has become globally recognized for socially and environmentally conscious architecture and has set trends in the sustainable and humanitarian sectors. “I have a deep respect for the natural world, place, and life, and design projects that support and enhance those experiences. I like to celebrate the sense of place for each project that I’m designing by using natural resources and elements such as light, air, water, sky, views and vegetation, as well as locally sourced materials that root the project in its place,” said the architect. “Nature in itself inspires me.” His intense passion for green architecture has made Oppenheim a highly demanded speaker and lecturer. He has lectured at some of most prestigious universities in the country and he is the recipient of more than 50 academic and career distinctions. Among all of his awards, Oppenheim is most proud of being elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Oppenheim Architecture has left its mark around the world. In South Florida, the fi rm is behind the Ten Museum Park, Bal Harbour House, Marriott Marco Island, Sonesta Key Biscayne, and dozens more. To say that the firm’s project list is impressive is an understatement. With Chad Oppenheim at the helm, the company has quickly risen to the ranks of one of the most in-demand architecture firms in the world. Between single-family residences, mixed-use commercial buildings, hotels, and urban projects, Oppenheim Architecture has proven it can tackle just about anything. Behind all of this success is a strong philosophy and culture about the industry that is the driving force behind Oppenheim’s work. His vision and mission also inspires his team who share the same sense of purpose. “We strive to create architecture of elemental means that achieves the maximum effect of building both urbanistically from the scale of the pedestrian, to the experience inside of the building. Modern architecture can sometimes be associated as being cold and absent of charm, but we strive to create the ultimate nurturing and comforting environment for the occupants of our architecture. We want to create buildings and spaces that support and enhance life,” explained Oppenheim. Creating to support and enhance life means a chance for growth. To Oppenheim, each and every project is an opportunity to evolve in ways that further connect to what he describes as “the spirit of place.” It’s the idea of creating and building structures that seemingly integrate to its surroundings. It’s how Oppenheim brings his philosophy to life and helps define his signature style. “I love working on projects that integrate themselves into their environment and that celebrate the natural ecology of the place. I enjoy projects of all different scales, and I incorporate my design philosophy into each project regardless of its size. My main mission is to enhance life and the way people live, which is a lot of fun to do with single family homes, resorts and multi-family residences. I love creating incredible houses and environments for amazing clients,” said Oppenheim. The firm has been keeping busy winning additional accolades and working on both domestic and international projects. They recently won the Asia Pacific 2015 Award for Net Metropolis, a 1,550,000 sq ft mixed-use commercial building. Located in the Philippines, Net Metropolis uses cutting-edge technology and exceptional quality coupled with green design. They also won the 2015 Architizer A+ Awards for Residential Interiors, Jury Winner. In Miami, they completed designs for a new Whole Foods planned for 1901 Alton Road in Miami Beach which will feature 55,000 sq ft of retail space, 281 parking spaces, and a green wall and planters to shield the garage. It’s a very exciting time not just for the Oppenheim and his team but also for South Florida and the world. Oppenheim’s projects will continue to set the bar in this city and beyond. Miami especially has come a long way. “I think Miami has notoriously been a place where great architects designed not-so-great buildings. Now we’re starting to see great architects come in and do great buildings. It’s exciting to see that there’s an added value to projects with good design. It is something that our firm has been a proponent about, especially with residential buildings, which for a long time didn’t get that attention. We are now seeing it globally where residential buildings are getting the highest level of architecture.” House on a Dune Photography by Karen Fuchs House on a Dune is a minimalistic, elegant, and comfortable beach house located in Harbour Island, Bahamas: an island of choice for many high profiled celebrities. The 3,000 sq ft waterfront private residence was designed to reconnect its inhabitants with nature. Its design celebrates the island’s natural beauty and inspires a powerful connection to place and time. The home was built with environmentally sensitive materials that include concrete blocks, recycled cedar, reused pipe, and milk paint. The home has sliding doors that are made of impact-resistant glass as well as a palm frond roof made of cedar shakes similar to the architectural styles of many of the homes on the island over the last several hundred years. The home also holds many technological tricks that cleverly hide any visible light fixtures,

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