Interviews

Beauty, Business, Cover Stories, Fashion, Interviews, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, The Issue

Adrienne Bosh: The Ultimate Cheerleader for Women – Cover Shoot

Interviewed by KATIE JACKSON, Photographed by IMANI OGDEN, Wardrobe Styling by BRIANNA AGOSTO, Hair & Makeup by TAMIA EVERETT FOR TAMIASTYLES, Location: MSM STUDIOS, EDGEWATER DISTRICT Excited for her cover photo shoot, Adrienne Bosh stepped into MSM studios and posed as photographer Imani Ogden snapped her picture. Music from Bosh’s personal iTunes library played over the speakers, and after a series of photos, she began to dance and laugh, lighting up both the camera and the room with her genuine warmth and positivity. This happy and positive attitude is what helped make Bosh the phenomenon she is today. As the wife of Miami Heat center and power forward Chris Bosh, mother of three, business owner, blogger, party planner, and active philanthropist, Bosh is so much more than meets the eye. Born in Indiana, Bosh says her Midwestern upbringing provided her with a solid ground of morals that make her the person she is today. Raised by a single mother, she learned at a young age the importance of independence, a quality she hopes to now instill in her own children. “I love encouraging my children to be self-sufficient, and to become whatever it is they want to be,” says Bosh. As a mother to Dylan Skye and Jackson, and stepmother to Trinity, Bosh feels that motherhood has enriched her life in every sense. “My kids have taught me amazing patience, and they have taught me the importance of living in the moment.” With her family as her number one priority, Bosh has also managed to create a movement so powerful that she has deeply impacted other families’ lives. In addition to holding the position of Vice President of Team Tomorrow Inc., a charitable organization founded by her husband, Bosh has made it her mission to encourage and empower women everywhere. She hosts an annual Mother’s Day brunch called Today I Can, which treats new and expectant mothers to a day of pampering and baby supplies. She has also chaired the Dress for Success Gala, an event that provides professional clothing and career development strategies to unemployed women in South Florida.  Apart from her philanthropic spirit, Bosh strives to provide multiple outlets for women to seek out when they are in need of fashion and health advice, laughter, or overall inspiration. Starting a blog on her website, AdrienneBosh.com, Bosh shares her own personal struggles and triumphs with her readers. “I feel like as a young woman, I didn’t have a lot of women share their secrets with me, their heartbreaks, their sad times, or their struggles,” says Bosh. “I just had to learn the hard way. I feel like we can do better as women to help equip the next woman sooner, faster, better. Those five minutes you take to talk to a young girl could change her life, and I just want to be able to do that.” But perhaps her biggest venture yet will be the opening of her retail boutique and event venue, Sparkle and Shine Darling. Opening in May, Bosh has put her heart and soul into creating a space where women can gather to celebrate each other. After her husband and closest girlfriends threw her a beautiful Parisian themed party in Paris for her 29th birthday, Bosh felt inspired to create a similar experience for Miami women. “My girlfriends spent months shopping to find these items from vintage stores and different themed stores. But they never found one store that sold all of these items,” says Bosh. “So when I came back from Paris, I really wanted to create a place where women could not only shop for items to celebrate these women, but also provide a place where they can have a beautiful occasion and party like the one my friends had given me.” In providing multiple themes for any occasion, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, garden tea party, Gatsby champagne, and a Parisian rendezvous, Bosh wants to provide a space for customers to celebrate birthdays, graduations, baby and bridal showers, bachelorette parties and so much more. As far as the boutique’s name, Bosh wanted to incorporate her love of “sparkling and shining,” while also receiving a little help from her husband. “My whole theory behind sparkling and shining is that if you are totally confident, and totally okay with how you are shining and sparkling in life, then you will succeed. But I added darling because that’s my husband’s nickname for me. He’s from Texas and he’s very southern. So he always says ‘whatever you want to eat, darling,’ or ‘whatever you want, darling.’ So the darling came from him,” says Bosh. “At the end of the day, I want my darlings to feel the same way when my husband calls me darling. I want my darlings to feel loved, supported, encouraged, and confident. Because when my husband calls me darling, I feel all of those things.” Bosh also envisions her boutique as not only a place to host and celebrate occasions, but to throw events to bring communities of women together. “My goal is to have this as a space for any event meant to encourage women,” says Bosh. “Whether it’s a women’s entrepreneur night, a book club night, or new moms’ night, I want to provide a space where women can come together and support each other,” says Bosh. “It’s much more than a store, it’s a movement.” As Bosh’s interview comes to a close, she makes sure to thank every person in the room before leaving, showing that she truly lives and breathes everything she encourages. An example for women not only living in Miami, but women everywhere, Bosh is the epitome of a darling whose sparkle and shine will never go out. To follow Adrienne Bosh’s blog, visit http://adriennebosh.com For more information on Sparkle and Shine Darling, visit http://sparkleandshinedarling.com. Follow the boutique on Instagram @sparkleandshinedarling & on Twitter @SparkleDecorMia View May/June Issue Here View Online Issue Here

Cover Stories, Fashion, Interviews, Swimwear

Jessica Bleier Cover Shoot: High Fashion Chic Meets An Easygoing Spirit

 Click Here To View Full Story & Images In Our July/August Issue PHOTOGRAPHED BY IMANI OGDEN/INTERVIEWED & STYLED BY KATIE JACKSON/MAKEUP BY ESTHER JIMENEZ/HAIR BY FRANK CATANESE/ SET ASSISTANT-STEPHAN USECHE/SWIMWEAR BY RED CARTER/JEWELRY BY CATTIVA  BOUTIQUE/SUNGLASSES BY EDWARD BEINER/SHOES BY STEVE MADDEN/JESSICA REPRESENTED BY FRONT MANAGEMENT From countless spreads in high fashion magazines, to strutting down the runway for numerous years in fashion shows and traveling across the world for photo shoots, Jessica Bleier has certainly cemented her career as a high fashion model. Starting her career at just 11 years old, the Miami native is now a bona fide star. She continues to push creative boundaries, even recently starring as the beautiful love interest of Latin pop singer Chayanne in the music video for his hit single “Humanos a Marte,”proving that her possibilities are endless. But apart from her success, stunning good looks, and ridiculously close resemblance to Angelina Jolie, Bleier is insanely down to earth, making her not only lovable for her work, but for who she is as a person. Bleier’s first run-in with a modeling agency came when she was just in middle school. After being bullied by her classmates for her height, Bleier’s mother decided to take her to a modeling agency in South Beach to prove to her that tall is beautiful. “She wanted to show me that, one day, you can make something of your height,” says Bleier. After being signed immediately to the agency, Bleier was already traveling for work. “My mom would come with me everywhere, we went to places like Italy and Paris,” says Bleier. Despite Bleier’s early success, her career came to a halt when she decided to attend college at the University of Florida to study history. But after graduating during the recession, Bleier found it difficult to find work. While searching for a job in her field, Bleier decided to give modeling another shot to generate some extra income. “One thing led to another and it turned into a full time thing,” says Bleier. After moving back to Miami and signing with Front Model Management, Bleier was catapulted back into the modeling scene, doing fashion shows and photo shoots in Miami and across the world. But this high fashion model loves living the low-key life. Apart from spending time with her high-school sweetheart and fiancé, Bleier loves to garden and read books. “I read constantly,” says Bleier. She also likes to explore the burgeoning art and design districts. “I absolutely love to dance. But other than that I’m more of a low-key, go to a bar, have a beer and hangout type of person.” Bleier also makes sure to get her daily exercise by doing fun activities she truly enjoys. “I have a very active lifestyle. I take my dog for one hour walks, and my fiancé and I like to go kayaking.” Bleier’s one guilty pleasure? Pizza. “My fiancé is in the restaurant business. His parents own Steve’s Pizza, so he manages that. It’s good and bad because every night I fight the urge to eat pizza, which I usually end up eating pizza once every day!” she says while laughing. Although her modeling photos and videos are all over the media and internet, Bleier prefers to stay away from all the social media hype surrounding her career. “I feel like I was supposed to be born at another time. I love real conversation, and just, seeing a person’s face and engaging their reaction.” While it’s obvious that Bleier is a powerful force in the modeling world, what seems most attractive about her is the pure effervescence that shines through Bleier’s approachable spirit.

Interviews, Swimwear

One On One With Red Carter

Swimwear designer Red Carter makes a giant splash in the fashion industry, and it’s only the beginning.  By Katie Jackson/Photo courtesy of Ken Pao In 2003, Miami gained a designing phenomenon when Red Carter left his native California to take his talents to the Magic City.  After working for major brands like Esprit, Guess, Victoria’s Secret, and Oscar de la Renta, Carter was finally ready to break out on his own. Inspired by Miami’s glamorous Art Deco style, Carter created and developed his swimwear brand out of his Miami Beach apartment. Now, Carter’s fashionable and sexy swimwear has catapulted him to the top, with numerous features in leading high fashion magazines and a large celebrity following.  Sadly for Miami, Carter recently relocated to New York City to continue growing his burgeoning brand, but will always have a special place for Miami in his swimwear and in his heart. For Carter, the desire to design clearly pulses through his veins. As a young child, Carter was already creating sketches for what would soon lead to a career in fashion. “I started drawing sketches of naked ladies, and my mom was like, ‘you can’t have all these pictures of naked ladies laying around!’ So she said, ‘why don’t you put clothes on them?’ So I started drawing dresses and watching vintage movies, and that sort of inspired me to see the art of fashion in movement,” says Carter.  He then went on to study at the prestigious Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. After his graduation, Carter gained extensive experience working for top fashion brands and designers. But after taking a job with a start up company and being let go soon after, Carter decided it was time to take control of his career. “I found myself without a job, and I decided that I wanted to have my own message. So, I started my own brand,” says Carter. After moving to Miami 11 years ago, Carter says he was given a rare opportunity to “set the tone for luxury living.” Carter capitalized on the growing niche for high-end swimwear, creating polished yet glamorous pieces with a fun Miami edge for the fashionista with a flexible budget. “My customer is looking for a getaway, and they want to stand out. They definitely don’t want to wear what everyone else has,” says Carter.  Carter began designing his brand on his own dime and started selling his pieces out of his apartment. “We would do little shows, sell them out of little stores. I just paid my dues.” But it wasn’t long until Carter’s designs starting receiving massive attention.  Popular retail stores started carrying his designs and magazines began giving him features. Then in 2004, Carter participated in the very first Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, launching him and his designs into an international spotlight. Today, Carter’s designs have been featured in multiple high fashion glossies, and have been spotted on notable celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, and the Kardashian sisters. One of his suits was even worn by Beyoncé in her music video “Grown Woman” off her mega-hit self-titled visual album “Beyoncé.” Upon finding out about the video, Carter said he was ecstatic. “I was like, are you kidding me? It was a great couple of minutes. I did the happy dance. It was kind of the most funny, anxious moment, but it was really great.” But even with the massive exposure, Carter stays humble. “I’ve never really taken it for granted. I’m always very flattered,” says Carter of the all the attention. “You’re only as good as your next design. So I’m very honored, but I always think to myself, what is possibly next? That was great, who else now? How else can I affect people?”  Carter has now relocated to New York City after joining the outerwear manufacturer Amerex Group. Joining Amerex Group has not only helped Carter grow his business, but also allowed him to be removed from the operations of the company and solely dedicate himself to what he truly loves: design. Carter is now able to work on multiple projects at once, including continuing to design suits for Jessica Simpson’s swimwear line, a project he was approached to do a few years ago.  As for when he’s back in Miami, you may catch Carter relaxing at The Standard or grabbing a bite to eat at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. “It’s so bad, but so good,” Carter says of the restaurant. While he’s not particularly into the party scene, Carter says he loves to people watch when in Miami. “I’ll definitely relax by the local pools and watch what people are wearing and what their lifestyles are all about. That’s my little secret weapon.”  Although Carter is no longer living in Miami, he will be returning this summer to participate in the MBFWS 10th anniversary, but will not be doing a show. “It’s kind of an honorary participation,” says Carter.  Instead, he will be showcasing one of his prints from one of the last runway shows he did for MBFWS, which happens to be the piece featured in Beyoncé’s video.  While it’s clearly evident that Carter has made an enormous indent in the fashion industry, he remains the perfect balance of humble, passionate, and determined.  “I’ve had a great journey. I’ve had great seasons and I’ve had seasons of struggle. I think in the end, persistence is a true reward. Persistence is what you have to focus on. And not being a flash, but being a constant. Just follow your dreams and don’t give up.”  You can find Red Carter designs at Nordstrom and online at Niemen Marcus, as well as shopbop.com, southbeachswimsuits.com, and Everything But Water Stores worldwide.  Photo by Imani Ogden Click here to view this post in the July/August 2014 issue.

Fashion, Interviews

MSM’s Exclusive Interview and Photo Shoot with ADRIANA DE MOURA

Interviewed by Lissette Rondon, Co-Founder & President of Miami Fashion Spotlight Photographed by David Benoliel, David Benoliel Photography Adriana De Moura, a real woman that becomes a “Real Housewife of Miami” The Brazilian bombshell, Adriana de Moura, is a real woman that always dreamt about her own TV Show in Miami. She incorporated a production company for a TV show and she chose Leah Black (her lovely friend) to make part of her cast. As she tried to produce the pilot, she met the producer of Bravo TV, which was in Miami looking for interesting women for the show “Real Housewives of Miami”. Adriana de Moura has quickly become one of the most renowned “Real housewives of Miami” as welll as a sex symbol & fashion icon. People just love her, and many housewives feel inspired by her. LR: Is what happens in the show real or are you just playing a character as an actress? ADM: “No, everything that happens is real. All situations evolve by themselves,” said De Moura. LR: How do you separate your private life from the show? ADM: “I only get involved in the series when I’m filming, the rest of my time, I keep my privacy,” added De Moura. LR: As a fashion icon that you’ve become; what’s your opinion on fashion in Miami? ADM: “I think people are always trying to be fashionable here in the city,” said De Moura. LR: Who dresses Adriana de Moura? ADM: “Many clothing brands that are located at Bal Harbour Shops, my mother… I love Valentino, Miu Miu and Chanel because I like romantic clothes,” said De Moura. LR: Tell us about your new collection of sunglasses? ADM: “I always wear sunglasses, especially in Miami; I never leave home without them. I have lots of sunglasses. When I decided that I wanted to have my own collection, my inspiration was “Jackie-O” because she always wore oversized glasses,” said De Moura. “Big glasses make it easy to look fashionable – you don’t have to wear makeup, only lipstick and go out.” LR: How do you stay in shape? ADM: “I do yoga and have a balanced diet,” said De Moura. LR: The episode that focused in on you as a sex symbol, was the episode where you gave your boyfriend a dance. Did you take a dance class for it? ADM: “I took 2 classes of pole-dancing. One at the gym and the other one, the teacher gave me a private lesson at home.” LR:  Are you going to get married soon? ADM: “No rush, we’re pretty busy right now, but of course perhaps in the future added De Moura smiling. LR: Could you define your work and yourself with only 3 words? “Survivor, romantic & optimistic.” Adriana de Moura Star of Bravo TV “Real Housewives of Miami”

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