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Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Your Guide to Miami Swim Week 2015

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By Gisel Habibnejad Miami Swim Week is only a day away and with so many fashion shows and events occurring this week, it’s hard to keep up. MSM has compiled a list of scheduled events to make sure you don’t miss a beat. WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH Peroni Annual Sneak Peak ­– 6-9pm ­– STK Miami THURSDAY, JULY 16TH Art Institute Fashion Show – 1pm – Main Funkshion Tent Liliana Montoya – 6pm – Main Funkshion Tent If you love mermaids, you are not going to want to miss Liliana Montoya’s Swim Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The show will include “sea-jungle” inspired trends that are all the rage this summer. Planet Fashion TV VIP Opening Night Reception & SWIMMIAMI Kickoff – 6-10pm – W Hotel What better way to celebrate the first official day of Miami Swim Week than with a special performance by MSM’s co-owner, Julio Iglesias Jr.? Sponsored by Planet Fashion TV, the fun event will include a presentation by Lacoste™ to celebrate the opening of SWIMMIAMI 2016. RSVP: (305)793-1389 Art Hearts Fashion – 8pm – Main Funkshion Tent Peroni Emerging Designers – 9pm – SLS Hotel FRIDAY, JULY 17TH Gypsea Swimwear & Lychee Swimwear – 12-2pm – Kaskades Suites Issa de’ Mar Dinner & Presentation – 6pm – Soho Beach House Robb & Lulu – 6pm – Main Funkshion Tent SAME SWIM by Shea Marie ­– 6-8pm ­ EDITION Hotel Clover Canyon Presentation – 6:30-8:30pm – SLS Hotel Hammock Runway Show – 7pm – W Hotel Dijana Swim – 7pm – Bass Museum Filthy Haanz – 8pm – 1Hotel Mikoh – 8:30pm – 1Hotel Mikoh designers Oleema and Kalani Miller showcase their latest swimwear collection highly influenced by surfer chic meets femininity. Style Saves Swim – 9pm – EDITION Hotel Sinesia Karol – 9pm – The Setai San Lorenzo Bikinis – 9pm – W Hotel Wildfox NightSwim – 9pm-12am – Delano South Beach 6 Shore Road by Pooja – 9:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent Mia Marcelle – 10pm – 1Hotel At this year’s Miami Swim Week, fashionistas will be excited to learn that the Mia Marcelle 2016 Collection is bigger and better than ever. You can also expect the men’s line to be joining the runway once again! Hot As Hell Party – 10pm-12am – Soho Beach House SATURDAY, JULY 18TH SwimShow – 9am-6pm until Monday – Convention Center Hammock Trade Show – 9am-6pm until Monday – W Hotel Cabana Trade Show – 10am-6pm until Monday – Collins Park Zigilane Lunch & Presentation – 12pm – Delano Hotel Bungalow 253 by RxGenesys – 1-4pm – EDITION Hotel Escape Miami Style Lounge – 1-6pm – Shelborne Hotel Elite Gifting Lounge & Body Beauty Suite – 1-6pm – 1Hotel Keva J. – 2-4pm – Ritz-Carlton Hotel Mohini – 4-6pm – Shelborne Hotel DIVE Preview – 5pm – SPACEBY3 Gottex – 6pm – 1Hotel Tori Praver – 6:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent CFDA Fashion Incubator Presentation – 7pm – W Hotel Mara Hoffman – 8pm – Casa Casuarina – Invite Only DIVE IN Movie – Swim Week Edition – 8:30pm – The Standard Luli Fama – 9pm – Main Funkshion Tent Join Luli Fama as they present their latest swimwear dream catcher themed show. Being one of the highly anticipated designer brands at Miami Swim Week, you won’t want to miss it! Caffe Swimwear – 9pm – W Hotel Belusso – 10pm ­– 1Hotel With celebrities like Jessica Biel, Miranda Kerr, Eva Longoria, and Chrissy Teigen rocking this swimwear brand, you know you can only expect unique and detailed designs by Belusso. The comfortable pieces exude luxury as this year’s designs were inspired by Steve McQueen’s automobile collection. Frankie’s Bikinis – 10:30pm – W Hotel SUNDAY, JULY 19TH Akai, Alexibella & Siempre Golden Brunch – 11am – Seagrape at the Thompson Hotel Swim Week Field to Table Brunch – 11am-3pm – Mmmm French Café We Are Handsome Preview Brunch ­– 11:30am – EDITION Hotel The always interesting, We Are Handsome designs never seem to disappoint. This year, the Australian-based brand will showcase their latest pieces with an exclusive presentation at the EDITION Hotel. Lazy Sunday BBQ: Swim Week Edition at The Standard Spa Miami Beach – 12-8pm – Standard Spa Bungalow 253 by RxGenesys – 1-4pm – EDITION Hotel Swim Week Pool Party – 2pm – The Broken Shaker Anita Rincón Swim – 2-4pm – Riviera Hotel Nookie – 5-7pm – Mondrian Hotel Lycra Presents: Lybethras & Lila Nikole – 6pm – 1Hotel SwimShow Cocktail Pool Party – 7pm ­– Thompson Hotel Protela Colombian Trend (Maaji, Agua Bendita, Hernan Zajar, Saha, Malai, Firlan) – 7pm – W Hotel Maaji – 8pm – Main Funkshion Tent Hot As Hell Resort/Spring 2016 Collection – 8:30pm – 1Hotel Hot As Hell designer Sharleen Ernster debuts her first ever swimwear collection at this year’s Miami Swim Week. With previous experience as the Chief Design Officer of Guess, it’s safe to say this collection is one to watch out for. AD for Men – 9pm – SLS Hotel Floridita – 9:30pm – The Setai Acacia – 9:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent Indah – 10:30pm – W Hotel

Fashion panel brunch event with influencers and stylists at outdoor Miami venue
City Vibes, Fashion, MSM Online

Fashion for Breakfast: Fashion Meets Philanthropy

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By Katie Jackson In the latest Fashion for Breakfast series—held at the swank Cecconi’s restaurant at Soho Beach House—President and Founder of Style Saves Rachael Russell (featured in MSM’s July/August issue!) moderated a conversation with hosts iShine365, Goêt, AURate New York, and Gee Beauty. Style Saves is a non-profit organization that raises funds in order to provide back-to-school clothing necessities for in-need children. Russell’s annual Style Saves Swim fashion show fundraiser will take place this Friday at the Miami Beach Edition in which each of the hosts, in addition to Regine Chevallier, Jaimie Nicole Jewelry, and Kai Lani, will participate. During last Friday’s Fashion for Breakfast, Russell asked each host to discuss the foundation of their brands, what trends they love for the summer season, and what philanthropy means to them. The discussion allowed attendees to learn about the hosts on a deeper and more personal level. After the discussion, attendees were able to peruse Goêt’s latest eyewear collection, AURate’s luxury jewelry designs, and have their makeup touched up by the founders of Gee Beauty. For more information on Style Saves Swim or to purchase a ticket, visit stylesaves.org

Arts, Entertainment, MSM Online, Music

Creating the Stepping Stones for At-Risk Youth

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By Alyse Mier Photography by World Red Eye July 9th marked a day of pure joy for the staff and students at the Irie Foundation Allapattah Music and Literacy Center (IFAMLC). Media, volunteers, staff, Jeff Ransdell from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Miami’s very own DJ Irie were in attendance to celebrate the van that had been gifted to the center by Merrill Lynch. The students of the center had been working tirelessly for days to put together a performance that would impress the crowd. The performances consisted of exceptionally talented rappers, dancers, solo singers and spoken word poets who made the crowd’s jaws drop. The performers exhibited qualities of artistic professionals and were true examples of the center’s incredible success. Using the arts as a motivational and learning platform, the Irie Foundation has provided kids with a creative outlet for self-expression through its art programs. The students are encouraged to use their talents to increase self-confidence and build essential life skills. At the center, the children are taught how to write songs, produce music videos, edit music videos and, thanks to Irie’s efforts, may soon be able to listen to their very own music on the radio. Most importantly, the center works with each student to ensure that they turn their love for music and arts into a passion for academic success. Free tutoring lessons are offered to every single student and made mandatory for those students that want to participate in music and art classes but are receiving a “C” or below in one or more subjects in school. “Irie and his team are creating opportunities for these young kids to learn and to express themselves, and quite honestly I’m just proud to be a part of it,” said Ransdell who is the Managing Director and Market Executive for Merrill Lynch in the Southeast, Latin America & Caribbean. At the heart of the center is DJ Irie, whose goal is to provide at-risk youth with opportunities to express themselves through a creative outlet and in ways that would otherwise not be provided to them. He wants to be able to award the kids with the same opportunities and experiences that he was able to take advantage of when he was younger. “If I wasn’t able to experience and enjoy music and art at an early age, I don’t think I would be the person that I am today. Some of the kids in there know how to shoot, produce and edit music videos. When you have that knowledge you can take that and pursue it as a career. They don’t have to depend on anybody else, so the fact that all those things are available for them now really enables them to make that decision,” said Irie. The youth currently served by the center are walking testaments that the arts are an extremely powerful learning tool and exemplify just how critical a solid academic foundation is. For more information on the Irie Foundation, please visit iriefoundation.org

Entertainment, Fashion, MSM Online, Music

Julio Iglesias Jr. to Perform at SWIMMIAMI

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By Alyse Mier The most fashionable week of the year will kick off with SWIMMIAMI sponsored by Planet Fashion TV. The much-anticipated event will be hosted at the W South Beach Hotel and Residences on July 16th at 6pm. SWIMMIAMI will feature a VIP cocktail reception, a runway presentation by Lacoste™ and a performance by the widely talented Spanish singer Julio Iglesias Jr. Iglesias will perform a not to be missed modern day remake of his father’s hit song “Vous Les Femmes.” However, your swim week fun does not need to end there. SWIMMIAMI will carry on from July 17th through July 19th during swim week. Make sure to gather all your friends and dive into the most fashionable time of the year. To purchase VIP tickets, please call (305)793-1389 For more information, please visit planetfashiontv.com

Beauty, Body, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, Skin Care

A Stress Free Guide to Miami Spa Month’s Deals

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By Alyse Mier Miami Spa Month is finally here! And along with this comes the obvious question, “where do I begin?” We know doing all the research and finding the best deals can cause even more stress, so there is no need to worry, we’ve compiled a list of some of Miami Spa Month’s best deals that are sure to leave you relaxed, rejuvenated and reinvigorated. Massages agua Spa at the Delano South Beach Thai Fusion Massage Let yourself unwind and feel the stresses from your life escape you during this 60-minute massage. This massage combines eastern and western massage techniques, as well as Thai yoga stretching to relive muscle tension throughout the body. Regular Price $190 Miami Spa Month Price $99 Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach Swedish Rubdown Massage This 50-minute massage is a traditional full body Swedish massage, promising to leave you rested, tension free and even improve your circulation. Regular Price $155 Miami Spa Month Price $99 Exhale Spa at the EPIC Hotel Fusion Massage and one month MindBody Membership Enjoy a 60-minute Swedish-based therapy combining rhythmic massage movements and aromatherapy. You can even customize your massage experience with your choice of an uplifting, detoxifying or relaxing herbal blend aromatherapy oils. Also, enjoy a one month MindBody membership which includes: unlimited classes, access to all of the amenities, 24-7 fitness center, EPIC pool deck, 15% off dining at Area31 and 10% off boutique purchases. Regular Price $405 Miami Spa Month Price $129 The Biltmore Spa Signature Chardonnay Massage The Biltmore Spa’s signature massage utilizes Swedish techniques to increase circulation, reduce tension and induce deep relaxation. Featuring French Chardonnay Grape seed Oil, one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. Gift yourself 70 minutes of pure bliss and relieve all your stresses. Regular Price $190 Miami Spa Month Price $99 The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Tranquil Delight A 50-minute treatment that starts with a full body salt and oil scrub to exfoliate your skin. Complete the experience with a back, neck and shoulder massage that will bring you a sense of tranquility and peace. Miami Spa Month Special $99 Facials and Spa Combinations Bliss Spa at the W South Beach Fabulous Facial Customized ‘spa’-cifically for you with a variety of beauty boosting upgrades, this is “fab-for-all” facial that includes all the expertly performed facial essentials (cleansing, exfoliation and extractions). Regular Price $130 Miami Spa Month Price $99 The Spa at Viceroy Miami Spa Month Sampler Revive your mind, body and spirit with a 25-minute massage that targets the areas where you need it most. Then follow by a classic manicure and classic pedicure leaving you polished, ready and refreshed. Miami Spa Month Special $129 The Ritz-Carlton Spa Ritz Carlton Signature Facial A truly thorough facial, a trained skin esthetician will analyze your skins needs and customize a treatment plan just for you. This facial will focus on deep pore cleansing, detoxification of tissues and rebalancing skin’s overall appearance. Regular Price $155 Miami Spa Month Price $99 Elemis Spa at Merrick Park Elemis Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap and 50-Minute Massage Cocoon yourself in a comforting wrap that combines the richness of sea plants, marine algae, detoxifying juniper and lemon. Enjoy a de-stressing scalp treatment and soothing foot massage with active ingredients that help redefine the look of cellulite. This package also includes 50-minute Swedish massage. Regular Price $190 Miami Spa Month Price $129 The Palms Spa – AVEDA Fountain of Youth: Feel Young and Look Younger Truly rejuvenate your skin with this facial that includes: 30 Minute Elemental Nature Facial/15 Minute The Green Science Skin-Renewing Eye Area Treatment/5 Minute Perfecting Plant Peel/15 Minute Warm Oil Infusion Scalp Massage. Following your treatment feel free to immerse yourself in Aveda’s tranquil indoor/outdoor relaxation area with steam room, work out in their fitness room or enjoy usage of the hotel’s pool and beach. Miami Spa Month Special $129

Events, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online

The Weekend Guide: 7/10-7/12

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By Alyse Mier We’re almost there! Just one more day until the beautiful and much anticipated weekend arrives. So it’s time to start calling up your friends and finding out what weekend plans you’ll have. Here, we’ve put together a list of some of this weekend’s low-key happenings, which we can all agree is much needed after a highly eventful Fourth of July weekend. Lookingglass Alice Join Alice and the Wonderland characters on their opening weekend in this modern retelling of the classic Alice in Wonderland. Take a journey down the rabbit hole and immerse yourself in Alice’s magical and circus like world. This show will prove to be quite the spectacle and a marvel for all ages. When: Friday July 10th – Begins at 8pm Where: The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami Dade County – 1300 N Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL Tickets: Can be purchased through www.arshtcenter.org Price: $55-$85 Craft and Craft Who doesn’t enjoy some arts and crafts every once in a while? Create your own pottery at Craft and Craft while drawing inspiration from the Women, Art and Social Change exhibition presented by The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise. While you’re channeling your inner Michelangelo sip on some delicious craft beer courtesy of J. Wakefield brewery. When: Friday July 10th – Begins at 7pm Where: Wolfsonian Museum – 1001 Washington Ave Miami Beach, FL Tickets: Can be purchased at museum entrance Price: $5 for members, $10 for non-members (includes supplies and beer samples) Additional Information: All those in attendance must be 21 and over Wynwood Art Walk Occurring the second Saturday of every month, this monthly event features opportunities to visit: art galleries, art institutions, retail businesses and local bars. Hundreds of people crowd the streets to enjoy a great night out and explore Miami’s cultural scene. When: Saturday July 11th – Begins at 6pm Where: Between N. Miami Ave & NW 23rd St Miami, FL Additional Information: This event is open to the public and most events are free of charge. Wynwood Graffiti Art Tour Stroll down the streets of Wynwood as you learn about its rich history. The tour will stop at some of the most interesting murals, and guests will learn about the genesis of street art. This tour is sure to bring you a newfound appreciation for street art. When: Saturday July 11th – Cocktail hour at 6pm, tour commences at 6:30pm Where: The tour will meet at Wood Tavern – 2531 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL Price: $25 Additional Information: This is a walking tour that will visit about 8 different sites Sunday Market at Mary Brickell Village Come out and enjoy the warm and sunny Miami weather at this weekly farmers market. The Sunday Market will feature: art vendors, food vendors and live music. When: Sunday July 12th – Begins at 10am- 4pm Where: Mary Brickell Village – 900 S. Miami Ave Miami, FL Additional: This event is free and open to the public

The Issue, Traveler

Travel for Self-Discovery

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By Dawn Wilson You may sometimes feel as though life is simply passing you by and instead of living, you are simply existing. When you get to a point in your life where nothing brings you happiness or even contentment, it may be time for an Eat, Pray, Love moment. In the movie, Eat, Pray, Love, it was all about finding meaning and purpose in life again. This can be done in a variety of ways, however; the character in the movie removed herself from her normal surroundings and set out on an adventure that eventually gave her exactly what she needed. Each location on her journey had meaning and purpose. Rome, Italy Rome is the capital of Italy and is located in central Italy. The Vatican City is also located in Rome; this is why it is often referred to as being a capital with two states. Rome is known for its mythological history. However, in recent years, it is the culinary scene that keeps tourists coming back. Perhaps the character in the movie came to Rome for the food or perhaps to see the passion for which the food is prepared. There is nothing like experiencing the real culture of a city by taking “the road less traveled.” Hire a local to take you where you’ll find the best gelato, pizza, pasta, bread, olive oils, cheeses, need I go on? With the variety of foods that Rome has to offer, who couldn’t easily lose themselves. For more information, please visit www.RomeTravels.com Sacred Ashram in India Hindi gurus in India live in ashrams. An ashram is a sacred place of healing and reconnecting. They are usually located far away from the city center, deep in the mountains or forest where there is peace and tranquility, limiting distractions. An ashram is generally open and airy; designed to allow the perfect amount of light in to illuminate throughout the space. Do not for one second think that visiting an ashram is a vacation. You are only allowed to bring your necessities. The overall objective is to connect with your spiritual side. This is done through a strict schedule of daily chanting, meditation, yoga and teaching/learning seasons. Personal time is allowed for exercise, writing or reflecting. Visiting an ashram is a great way to refocus on what brings you the greatest happiness. For more information, please visit www.TraveliteIndia.com Bali, Indonesia Bali is an island of Indonesia and is the largest tourist destination in the country. It is considered by many to be an enchanting paradise island. With its Mediterranean temperatures and long days, travelers have good reason to visit Bali. Romance is rampant on the island because of its majestic beauty. Visiting Bali is like a fairytale within itself. You just need to write the script. There are exquisite arrangements of flowers and bountiful fruit, lavishly displayed. In the evening, there are captivating performances, which reflect the culture and history of the Balinese people. There is no doubt that time spent in Bali easily allows you to let your walls down; leaving you feeling stronger and renewed. For more information, please visit www.Indo-Diver.com Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

Arts, Culture, The Issue

Valli Art: The Unconventional Gallery

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By Michèle Bigler Photography Courtesy of Valli Art Gallery A new art gallery has popped up not too far from the Wynwood Walls, contributing to the continuous flourishing of a neighborhood that used to sport gray walls and run down buildings and is now an explosion of talent and color. In the past decade, Miami has undergone an astonishing transition that curators, artists, critics and enthusiasts are reveling in. Aside from the socialites, wine and “aperitifs” served at the Valli Art Gallery opening on Thursday, June 4th 2015, the work of five clever artists were exposed, all of which seemed to demonstrate a keen interest in human relationships and the incorporation of mixed media. The expo welcomed aficionados with two resplendent images by the Argentinean native Nina Surel and her ode to “sisterhood.” Her paintings set the tone of the pieces on display, by incorporating an escape from the traditional barriers of the canvas and embracing plastic techniques, which fundamentally create a commendable topography. The integration of assorted materials as a reference to identity and our times is most likely one of the defining physiognomies of our era. Surel herself has been quoted saying that “the characters embedded in these scenarios always precisely indicate an identity that lies half way between fiction and my flesh and blood, between mythology and autobiographical reality.” Subsequently, three portraits of women obfuscated by neon lights followed Surel’s “Fridaesque” and yet Grecian manifestations in the Javier Martin collection, which obligated the spectator to take a closer look of the models and perhaps see past the mainstream definition of beauty. The interference of the light screams at the onlooker pleading for further contemplation all the while signaling to our dependency on light and energy. Thereafter, a further awareness of the technologies that we take for granted came into play in Fabrizio Corneli’s installations; a series of strategically placed geometric shapes that come to life at the push of a button. It is thanks to the radiation of light that his pieces truly take shape and overshadow the more traditional paint on a white surface approach. He revolutionizes the canvas and gives art an innovative form of mobility and ultimately broadens habitual dimensions. Corneli’s shadows were consequently followed by the colorful geometric visions of graffiti artist Kenor, whom the Valli Art website identifies as “a self-confessed extraterrestrial, a born performer, Kenor’s organic, kaleidoscopic productions are geometric representations of sound and movement, visual interpretations of music and dance in two-dimensional form.” The poetic rendition of the man behind radiant hues truly captures the essence of Kenor’s abstract pieces. The show’s rendition to artistic multimedia integration would not have been complete without Olga Andrino’s canvases, which were a return to the topographic style introduced by Surel’s paintings. In spite of the similarity in the dimensions that both artists merge into their work, Andrino steers free of the overindulgence of color and truly exploits red and white tones provoking a somber anonymity to the figures in her work. This is particularly visible in “Muchedumbre” a piece that features wire, paper and newspaper and reminds one of the famous Ezra Pound haiku, “In a Station of the Metro”: The apparition of these faces in the crowd; Petals on a wet, black bough. Conclusively, the opening was a respectable start to what will contribute to the cultural growth of the Wynwood area. Its founding exposition accomplishes a poised and sensitive rendition to multimedia art and its producers. Ultimately, the Valli Art Gallery seems to pride itself on the promotion of artists’ careers identifying as “more than an art gallery,” perhaps a safe haven for painters and the like to explore, create and realize ideas. For more information on the Valli Art Gallery, please visit www.ValliArtLLC.com Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

Tech, The Issue

Profile Picture Do’s & Don’ts For Men & Women

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Dating App Advice from the Founders of MiCrush: Sonya Kreizman & Natasha Nova Dear men, if you are looking for that perfect girl to crush you on MiCrush, then follow these 5 tips to create the most swipe-worthy profile! DON’T post a picture of you and another girl. Is that your girlfriend? Was it your girlfriend? We get it, you have pretty girl friends. DO post a picture with your mom, this makes us want to swipe to the right fast! DON’T post a picture of you with other guys. Which one are you? Your friend is hot, can you introduce me to him instead? DO post an action shot! It’s sexy to see a guy doing sports! DON’T post mirror selfies, especially shirtless in a bathroom. That’s just creepy. Dear ladies, we’ve seen way too many bad dating profile pictures! Follow these 5 tips to get the right guy to swipe your profile to the right! Remember, your profile pictures should be all about showing the best you! DON’T post a picture of you and a group of girlfriends. You wouldn’t want a guy to swipe right just so you can introduce him to your beautiful friend, now would you? DO post a full-body image! Guys are onto you if all you upload is pictures from the waist up and of your face. Be proud of your body and show it off! DON’T post pictures with your ex-boyfriend or some random guy. If those pictures get automatically imported from Facebook, remove and replace immediately! DO post pictures of your radiant and beautiful smile! Look happy and positive, Mr. Right is going to crush you soon! DON’T post pictures of you with too many drinks at a party or looking scantily clad. You might attract the wrong type if he suspects you are a party girl! For more information on MiCrush, please visit www.MiCrushApp.com Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

Beauty, The Issue

A Vanity Fair at Vanity Projects

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By Gisel Habibnejad Photography by Gesi Schilling If you’re looking to spice up your style, this summer is the one to take that chance. However, there is no need to look any further than your very own fingertips. The latest craze in beauty is without a doubt nail art. Whether it’s trying a new bold color or simply adding an accented topcoat, nail art comes in different forms and variations. Luckily for Miamians, the leading nail art company has finally made its big move to our city. However, Vanity Projects is no stranger to our beloved city. If the name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because they have actively participated in Art Basel Miami for the last 3 years. Not only that, they also did the models’ nails for the Mara Hoffman Swim SS15 presentation last year. Vanity Projects combines a high-end nail atelier with contemporary art videos – talk about nail art. While the first location is in New York, they decided to open their second atelier at the ever evolving in fashion and style – the city of Miami. “Miami is a perfect city because it is equally part culture, fashion, and lifestyle centric,” says founder Rita de Alencar Pinto. “I love Miami, it is a city on the rise and I believe my brand will be very successful here.” Just like our Magic City, their style is always growing and changing, as they are constantly hosting international nail artists to test their creativity within their very walls. Hailing from several fashion capitals of the world, such as Tokyo, Paris, London, Barcelona, Singapore, and Melbourne, these nail artists work on rotation for a limited time at Vanity Projects. This summer, you can expect Britney Tokyo, Spifster, Gina Oh, and Sophy Robson to take over the atelier and transform your mani/pedi experience. While they are usually the main attraction, it is the resident artists who keep clients coming back for more with their high expertise in nail art with Japanese gel. What really sets this nail salon apart from the others is the combination of fashion, culture, and art successfully working in harmony with one another. That 1 hour and 30 minute nail session goes by fast when watching videos hand-picked by the creator of Vanity Projects herself. As a curator, Rita also invites other curators across the globe to create edgy, contemporary art to be displayed on the screens of the atelier. The programs are always changing as they switch-up every 6-8 weeks, so as a loyal client you’ll never miss a beat. Dior, Floss Gloss, RGB, Smith & Cult, and Trust Fund Beauty are the typical brands you’ll see on the shelves. What about Rita’s favorite trends this season? “Nude with a twist is what we are calling the hottest trend in nail art this summer. Neutral colors have been a huge trend over the winter and into summer; white tribal looks or Coachella inspired turquoise on a nude background feels chic and fun at the same time,” shares the enthusiastic art lover. With future plans on the horizon, like performance art programs to accompany the videos, clients can always expect the latest in nail and art at Vanity Projects. For more information on Vanity Projects, please visit www.VanityProjectsnyc.com/miami Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

Entertainment, The Issue

My Miami: America Olivo

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Photographed by Russell Baer America Olivo is a true multitalented artist, where education meets seemingly endless creativity. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the opera theatre program at The Juilliard School in New York, she landed a job opening for Ricky Martin in China. During this time, along with three friends, she formed a Spanish/English pop band, called Soluna and signed a multimillion dollar record deal with DreamWorks Records/Universal Music Group. For 6 years, Soluna toured the U.S. and Latin America performing with Enrique Iglesias and Mark Anthony. In the last 10 years, she has appeared in 40 television episodes, 16 films, and several on-stage performances. When she’s not performing, she and her husband, Christian Campbell, produce live shows, web, and television series. America Olivo currently recurs on Chicago P.D., Defiance, and Degrassi: The Next Generation. She can also be seen in the upcoming Mission: Impossible–Rogue Nation with Tom Cruise. She and her husband have recently established a production company named EsoteriCam Productions. They are both spokespeople for Baby Quest Foundation, which provides grants to prospective parents who need financial assistance to create a family when they can’t “naturally” do so. When in Miami you may catch me… Having lunch in Coconut Grove or shopping at vintage boutiques on Biscayne Boulevard. The biggest misconception about Miami is… That it’s just a big fashion show centered around superficial, body conscious beauties. I prefer to think of Miami fashion as body “unconscious” that encourages people to be free, courageous, and unreserved. The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was… The Terrace at the SLS South Beach Hotel. It reminds me of being at an Italian cafe in Lake Como, where my husband and I were married. I’m a sucker for pancakes and their Olive Oil Mini Pancakes are to die for. What surprised me most about Miami was… That you don’t really need to pack a lot. It’s always a freeing feeling to let go of my black clothing and leggings, and trade them in for vibrant colors, flowing fabrics, and bathing suits. I’m also often surprised by how fast Miami natives make me feel comfortable every time I visit. Aside from the weather, the best reason to return to Miami is… My husband and I usually attend the week long Burning Man Festival in the Black Rock Desert. Miami shares some amazing qualities with this festival such as: self-expression; the sense of living in the moment rather than that rat race rush; the feeling of community; and the importance of music, dancing, art, and culture rather than business. The first time I became really curious about Miami was… I was obsessed with La Música Latina growing up. Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine drew my attention towards Miami. I couldn’t wait to hear the Cuban rhythms en vivo! Click here to view this post in our July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

Entertainment, Film, The Issue

Vanessa Ferlito: Taking Graceland by Storm

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By Gisel Habibnejad What started off as an acting gig on The Sopranos quickly snowballed into a successful career branching out into other TV shows and movies. Vanessa Ferlito has had the pleasure and privilege of working with talented directors, such as Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Oliver Stone, Lee Daniels, and Sam Raimi. At the moment, she graces the small screen on Graceland, in which she portrays the character of Charlie. Graceland follows the lives of several undercover agents living under one roof, known as “Graceland.” Leading up to the third season (which premiered on June 25th), Charlie has a lot going on for her right now. Between her fallen relationship with her love interest, Paul Briggs (played by Daniel Sunjata) whose child she is pregnant with, and facing the traumatic repercussions from her kidnapping – we can’t wait to see what season 3 has in store for us! We caught up with Vanessa on the new season of Graceland, what it was like working with John Leguizamo and Meryl Streep, and how it all started. MSM: How did you break into the acting world? VF: My first job was on The Sopranos then, two weeks later, I booked the lead of this independent movie called Online. Thankfully, after that I was working nonstop. I have gotten the great opportunity to work with Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Oliver Stone, Lee Daniels, Sam Raimi and have also worked opposite of John Leguizamo. It all happened really fast. MSM: What is the most challenging role you’ve played to date? VF: Probably Charlie – although, I want to say every role comes to mind. Death Proof and Shadowboxer, opposite Helen Mirren, were challenging. Maybe it’s because we’re three seasons in, but Charlie is such a complex character. Playing her and then playing her, undercover, which is playing a different character inside of the character, and also having a relationship in the house. It makes every year more challenging, and I am so thankful for that. When you’re on a TV show, for multiple seasons, you kind of become the person and take her home with you. It’s a long stretch, months at a time, you relocate and your emotions are all over the place. So, maybe because I’m in it right now, I want to say Charlie. MSM: What was it like working with John Leguizamo in Undefeated? VF: Working with John was wonderful. He is a fantastic guy and he’s an actor’s director. He basically let me do whatever I wanted to do. He trusted me 100%. I filmed two movies with him, in Undefeated I played his girlfriend, and in Nothing But the Holidays I played his sister. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat. MSM: How was it working with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams in Julie & Julia? VF: They are both extremely focused women. It was fantastic working with them, they are both lovely. MSM: What can we expect from the third season of Graceland? VF: A lot is revealed. There’s a lot of drama and it’s heartbreaking. You can expect a lot of truth to come out. MSM: How is season 3 different from the previous seasons? VF: It’s different in the sense that it gets a little more personal with the characters when Charlie is pregnant. Whereas, before, there was some personal stuff but this is crazy personal. The house is brought back together. MSM: What does the new season hold for Charlie and Briggs’ relationship? VF: Well, in season 3 we are not together. I can’t say what happens but Charlie is still pregnant. She is still dealing with that and just focusing on her baby and her health and finding (Jermaine) the man who beat her up in the second season. So as far as Briggs goes, it’s on ice for the moment. Ultimately she’s not even sure if she knows who he really is. MSM: How do you prepare for the intense scenes on the show? VF: I kind of just stay to myself, I listen to music, and I try not to goof off too much because that’s what I love to do. I try to think of what makes me sad, but I try not to go too deep into it because I’m scared of some of the thoughts that come up in my head when I have to go to a really dark place. MSM: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? VF: I’m a homebody and I love to couch surf. I love staying home and watching Game of Thrones, that’s what I do. And spend time with my baby. Watch Graceland on the USA Network, Thursdays at 10pm For more information on Graceland, please visit www.USANetwork.com/Graceland Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

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