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Living

Living, The Issue

The Ligné Group Arrives

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By Angela Betancourt  This fall, just in time for Art Basel, Miami will welcome the highly anticipated Ligne Ateliers showroom to Wynwood. The Ligne Atelier is a boutique furniture and lighting showroom that caters to the elite clientele looking for the finest in home décor. This will be the company’s first showroom to feature all of the luxury brands they work with and give their clients the opportunity to engage with their offerings on a new level. The Ligne Atelier will be open to the trade as well as the general public. Collections in the Atelier are from the finest craftsman and designers throughout Europe and South America with designs ranging from contemporary to transitional for residential and select commercial projects. Founded by Meredith, 29 and her husband Yuri, 28, the Ligne Atelier is their new endeavor stemming from the couples highly established Ligne Group, a luxury de- sign company that is focused on building, promoting and distributing global brands. The Ligné Group was found- ed in 2013 and consists of three divisions: Ligné Agency, Ligné Magazine and Ligné International. The group has become a driving force behind the market expansion of leading industry brands, and continues to develop their portfolio throughout Europe and the Americas. Both Meredith and Yuri founded the Ligne Group to fill a void within the industry. Within the past few years, there has been a massive shift on how the industry executes its business functions. End users have become much savvier, and designers are discovering new methods to promote themselves that are found outside of the traditional design centers of yesterday. Meanwhile the balancing act to respect the designer and satisfy the end user has become more challenging. In the midst of all the change, Meredith and Yuri recognized an opportunity to help bridge the gaps and fill a void. The Ligne Group was their answer. There was a need on the business side to help designers connect with new products while helping buyers connect with new designers. The Ligne Agency division offers public relations, marketing, brand development, graphic design, and other services to their luxury design clients. Ligne International is the group’s sales, distribution, and import and export division and the Ligne Magazine is a quarterly online publication for the luxury shelter industry that serves as a resource for designers and the press about what is happening within the Ligne group. Despite being so young, the Ligne Group exploded onto the scene and quickly became a major player. The company has since worked with some of the world’s most impressive designers as well as with luxurious and iconic brands. Their new Miami Atelier is a reflection of their in- dustry clout. Brands being showcased include collection’s from Vaheed Taheri, Louis Kazan, Byford and Veronique, and Windfall Contemporary Crystal Lighting. Windfall Contemporary Crystal Lighting is a dynamic contemporary chandelier brand which has set out to re-define the nature of crystal chandeliers. The couple’s decision to establish the Ligne Atelier in Miami was in part because of how well Windfall sales were doing in the city. Their original plan was to open in Los Angeles. However, with Miami’s growing prestige as a designer city combined with all the new residential developments and foreign investments; Meredith and Yuri knew Miami, rather than LA, was where they needed to be. “We were doing great sales in Miami and that made us increasing more familiar with the city so we went with the demand” said Meredith. “We were already doing business in Miami prior to the decision of opening the Atelier here.” The selection of the Atelier in Miami gives the Ligne Group some added advantages they won’t get anywhere else. The cities proximity to South America gives However, with Miami’s growing prestige as a designer city combined with all the new residential developments and foreign investments; Meredith and Yuri knew Miami, rather than LA, was where they needed to be. “We were doing great sales in Miami and that made us increasing more familiar with the city so we went with the demand” said Meredith. “We were already doing business in Miami prior to the decision of opening the Atelier here.” The selection of the Atelier in Miami gives the Ligne Group some added advantages they won’t get any- where else. The cities proximity to South America gives them easier access to reach potential clients coming to Miami from key markets in that region. Meredith also explains that Miami’s design tastes are also a good fit for the Ligne Group and their new Atelier. “Miami has a bigger appeal for the contemporary aes- thetic and for the Miami lifestyle,” she said. “The views are a part of the décor so designs usually have clean lines.” Miami clients like to have some WOW factor whether it’s with an extravagant chandelier, a piece of art, or a pop of color from artwork. They understand these trends and are able to accommodate them via their access to a network of highly talented designers. Access to this network of creativity, will now be even more accessible with the opening of their Wynwood showroom. The couple is very excited to finally materialize a plan that has long been a part of their Ligne Group vi- sion. The Ligne Atelier, in addition to being a compa- ny milestone, will also be a testament to the hard work and expansive knowledge the company’s two founders bring to the table. Meredith obtained her B.A in Art History from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and her M.A. in the Fine and Decorative Arts from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom. She studied architecture at Oxford University in England and traveled extensively through Europe while completing her dissertation. Her husband Yuri comes from the fashion industry. He’s worked with Fendi Case, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus where he was a couture buyer. Meredith met Yuri when she worked as Fendi’s art curator. It wouldn’t be farfetched to say that they are a design industry power couple. When they

Living, Luxury, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – SLS Lux Brickell – The Urban Oasis

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By Angela Betancourt  When sbe, the global hospitality and real estate company behind the award winning SLS Hotel brands launched a property in South Beach, it quickly became one of the city’s hottest hotels and culinary destinations for tourists and locals alike. In the wake of all the success, sbe partnered with development titans the Related Group, to build an SLS Hotel & Residency in Miami’s Brickell community. Though still under construction, the project was highly anticipated and quickly sold out. It’s not surprising then that sbe and the Related Group, along with The Allen Morris Company, have joined forces again to build another SLS property. Named the SLS LUX Brickell, the development is an elevated SLS Hotels & Residency brand that will offer an all-suite and residential experience with an astonishing amount of luxurious amenities and personalized VIP Services. Set to open in 2016, the SLS LUX Brickell is being built just steps away from the upcoming billion dollar Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village. The 57 story building will boast 450 residences and a limited collection of 12 penthouse residences on the top three floors. The building was the creation of internationally acclaimed architect firm Arquitectonica who designed Canyon Ranch in Miami Beach and the American Airlines Arena among others. The interior was designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the design firm behind some of the world’s most notable hotels including the Four Seasons in Toronto and Tokyo; the W Hotel, Times Square, New York, and the St. Regis Bal Harbour. Together, both firms set out to “indulge the senses” by making art an integral part of the overall design and living experience. Museum-quality art will be prominent in all common areas by renowned artists Fernando Botero, contemporary painter Fabian Burgos, and lighting artist Ana Isabal Martinez, who designed a one of a kind LED façade. The units reflect their own sense of art and style with their imported stone vanity tops, full size mirrors by Yabu Pushelberg and premium European cabinetry with designer details. In addition to art, residents can also indulge in private residential elevators, a fitness center, a roof top pool, wine cellar , a cigar room, and two ground floor dining experiences; Katsuya and SBar. sbe founder and visionary Sam Nazarian originally came up with the LUX concept as a way to create an environment where luxury, service, creativity and fun, would all harmoniously come together. His vision also entailed offering “resident’s ultimate access in an oasis of exclusive privileges” that defines SLS living. This oasis of exclusive privileges includes a butler, on demand housekeeping, overnight shoe shine, preferred event tickets, pre-arrival provisioning / grocery shopping and delivery, translation services, a babysitter/nanny and dozens more. Additionally, residents also get full access to the other SLS Brickell hotel’s event facilities and services. Just like their other two properties, the SLS LUX Brickell has captured the world’s imagination and has become a main topic of conversation in the real estate world. Though 2016 is still more than a full year away, Miami has caught SLS fever and there are no signs of the excitement ending anytime soon. Photography Courtesy of SLS LUX    Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.

Living, Luxury, Real Estate, The Issue

Edgewater’s New Found Paradise

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By Angela Betancourt In the past 35 years, The Related Group has been a leader in developing some of the country’s most luxurious and highly celebrated condominiums. They account for 25% of all condominium development in South Florida. With an ever growing portfolio of projects, The Related Group has proven time and again, that they are industry leaders. In true fashion, the company recently celebrated several major milestones including the launch of Paraiso Bayviews and the groundbreaking for Paraiso Bay. The launch of Paraiso Bayviews and the construction of Paraiso Bay represent the ongoing revitalization of a once neglected Edgewater neighborhood. Edgewater is approximately located by 17th street to the south, 37th street to the north, the Florida East Coast Railroad and First Avenue to the west, and Biscayne Bay to the east. Edgewater use to be a thriving area about 50 years ago until the mid 1990’s when it started to fall into harder times. Drug dealers, gang bangers, and the homeless began taking over the area. Today this neighborhood is finding a new identity. Edgewater is now a hot commodity in part because of The Related Groups efforts and the bayfront which is one of the area’s highlights. The launch of Paraiso Bayviews was attended by hundreds of VIP brokers, Mayor Tomás Regalado, and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. The project’s international interior and industrial designer Karim Rashid was also in attendance. Rashid, who’s been featured in Time Magazine and is recognized as one of the most important industrial designers of our time, evolved his trademark colors and bold shapes for a softer more natural approach to the project. Boasting 44 stories and 396 units, this new tower is the latest addition to the Edgewater’s New Luxury Paraiso Bay Compound. Residents of Bayviews will enjoy all of Paraiso’s luxury amenities including a rooftop swimming pool, tennis courts, a beach club, marina, gardens by Enzo Enea, a signature restaurant by Michael Schwartz, and more. The Paraiso Bay property, which is set between Biscayne Boulevard and the Bay at NE 31st Street, was designed by internationally renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia, principal of Arquitectónica. Paraiso Bay is self proclaimed as a “resort styled, self-contained community” and is attracting a lot of high profile attention. Though the estimated completion isn’t until Spring 2016, celebrities who have already reserved homes there include DJ and music producer David Guetta, basketball star Manu Ginobili, and Spanish tennis legend Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario. Future Paraiso Bay residents won’t have a shortage of amenities to enjoy while they embrace a new park and acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Thus far, plans for the park include a playground, exercise area, and art sculptures among other features. It’s truly an exciting time for The Related Group and the Edgewater community. The opening of Paraiso Bayviews and the construction of Paraiso Bay will forever change the Edgewater skyline. Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

LIFESTYLE, Living, Luxury, The Issue

Artful Collaborations

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Brazilian Interior Designer Joao Armentano and Paulo Bacchi, CEO of Artefacto join forces in the ultimate collaboration of high end interior design. By Angela Betancourt The phrase ‘art and life become one’ can inspire the imagination and conjure a variety of literal and figurative imagery and meanings. The Related Group sought to take this phrase and turn it into reality by doing what they do best; creating an ultra luxury condominium building that entices both praise and envy. The result is the Marea, South of Fifth’s final and captivating condominium. Meaning tide in Spanish, Marea’s name is very fitting considering its location near the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach Marina. Marea was designed by the powerhouse team of Sieger Suarez Architects, Yabu Pushelburg (interior design), and Enzo Enea (landscape). They set out to capture Miami’s “uniquely glamorous fusion of art and design” and harmoniously incorporated original works of art by critically acclaimed contemporary artists in the common areas. Not surprisingly, there are hardly any units left at Marea and the last remaining penthouses are getting some extra VIP attention. The Related Group assembled another superstar team of designers to finish their last four penthouses which are going for upwards of $7 million. Brazilian Interior Designer Joao Armentano and Paulo Bacchi from the Brazilian luxury furniture manufacturer Artefacto, joined forces to create customized interiors for the penthouses and they define their designs as “a breathtaking fusion of European flair and Brazilian sensuality.” To celebrate this collaboration, The Related Group along with Krug Champagne hosted a private “Best of Brazil” event to unveil the designs. The renderings were showcased to a room full of VIPs which included Krug Champagne President & CEO Magareth Henriquez and the Executive Vice President of The Related Group Carlos Rosso. Guests enjoyed a variety of delectable appetizers and sipped on Krug Champagne as they toasted to the new designs and Armentano’s growing influence in the Miami market. Armentano’s practical, beautiful and intelligent style has made him one of the most sought after Brazilian designers and made him a perfect fit for this project. That evening Rosso appropriately described his work as “half bohemian and half luxury”. “We know that our buyers crave relaxed elegance and want to come home to a place of quiet luxury, which is exactly what he delivers,”said Rosso. His unique style combined with Artefacto’s established reputation for creating masterful work was exactly what The Related Group was looking for. “Working with Joao and Paulo was fantastic; they are both monumental names in Brazilian design. Bringing them to our team for this project really helped us tap into what our Brazilian buyers want,”added Rosso. The end results were incredibly detailed renderings that depicted rooms with exquisitely designed furniture, distinctive lighting, and a wide array of eclectic accessories; each perfectly placed to complete the room’s ambience. Future penthouse residences will find themselves in a spacious home that captures the vibrant spirit and relaxed luxury of Miami Beach. For Bacchi, this collaboration was an extremely rewarding experience. Working with talented designers like Armentano to or- chestrate a grand vision for a property like Marea represents the very essence of what he enjoys most about the work that he does. “Joao brings a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic to Miami. He uses vibrant tones and textures to infuse each space he envisions with a unique panache,” said Bacchi. Armentano’s experience working on this project was also very rewarding but very intense. It strengthened his existing bond between Artefacto and The Related Group. “The Related Group is one of the best groups around the world. I worked for them in Brazil and now in the USA. Their works are perfect,” said Armentano. “Artefacto is like my second home. Mr. Paulo Bacchi is doing a very important and good job. I love their designs and the quality.” Armentano knows good design and quality when he sees it. He’s been developing architectural projects, and interior decoration in the residential, commercial, corporate, and hospitality segments for more than 30 years. His works have been featured in prominent magazines, books, and exhibits and he is considered a design super star in his native Brazil. Now the US is starting to catch on. Armentano ‘s expansion to Miami first occurred when Bacchi brought him along with fellow Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar to work on other luxury developments like Paraiso Bay and 1 Hotel & Homes. Becoming a designer was more of an involuntary act than it was a conscience decision; his career chose him. He remembers always being drawn to objects with natural lines and his mind was always looking for ways to improve on things that would make living life better. A career in design came naturally and till this day he takes pride in expressing that he has never ‘worked’ a day in his life. Even Armentano’s idea of ‘free time’ still involves ‘work’. “I love to go to my office and go around construction sites. This is my life, this is my pleasure,” he said. He prefers to be at work where he can generate new ideas, embrace new projects, and face new challenges. Armentano draws inspiration from his surroundings and believes that artists have to keep an eye open for the special moments and opportunities that can evolve into fresh new ideas. “We are always looking for a special moment. Naturally I’m very lucky! I have several special moments in my life; sunsets, sunrises, friends, birds, and the perfect family. Thank God! I’m so lucky to have these special conditions. So it’s easy to create, to make something special, and to work with pleasure. It’s the perfect way,” said Armentano. Armentano has big dreams for the future and will continuously tap into special moments for future projects. Though he doesn’t have something specific he would like to work on next; the bigger picture of what he envisions will serve a greater and noble purpose. “You know, we live in a very big world. My dream (and I think

LIFESTYLE, Living, Luxury, MSM Online, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – Sofia Joelsson – SoJo Design Miami Beach

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By Sherri Balefsky/Photography by Imani Ogden Stepping into the SoJo Design offices in the heart of South Beach is like stepping onto an oasis during a major MacArthur Causeway traffic jam. Sofia Joelsson, the firm’s founder and creative director, arrived in Miami late last night after her flight from New York was delayed four hours. You’d never know; she is blithe and cheerful and—with no makeup, nonetheless—looks incredibly well rested. From just a quick glance around her office, it is clear Joelsson has impeccable taste—so much so you’d think she spent years studying at an accredited design school. But Joelsson grew up in a small town in Sweden where she reveals, “People are very much do-it-yourself. A career in interior design is not something that is really even thought of.” Instead, the former Miss Sweden grew up thinking she wanted to be an actress. She spent time living in Germany and the Dominican Republic before making her way to Miami. “I was modeling and doing commercials,” she says. “But people kept asking me who my decorator was…So thirteen years ago—to this day, actually [June 9, 2014]—I started SoJo Design.”  With no formal training, Joelsson has managed to make a name for herself in the world of interior design, having worked on some of the most impressive luxury properties in Miami, New York City, and Dallas, Texas, among others. This includes penthouses at the Setai, Il Villagio, and 1500 Ocean Drive in South Beach; the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; and Manhattan’s Walker Tower (where a penthouse recently sold for a reported $30 million). “I found a niche in penthouses,” she says. But her portfolio also includes luxury condominiums at Canyon Ranch, Miami Beach, One Bal Harbor, and the Four Seasons, Miami, and multimillion-dollar estates in affluent neighborhoods in places like Star Island and the Hamptons. She’s also designed interiors for hotels, office buildings, restaurants, and even private jets. The SoJo Design aesthetic is sleek, chic, and modern. Each room exudes an effortless balance of color, texture, shape, and open space. Joelsson has an affinity for natural materials like wood, stone, and leather, and for neutral tones such as white, black, and beige. While an estate she designed in Dallas has a much different vibe than, say, one of her South Beach penthouses, the signature SoJo je ne sais quoi permeates throughout each endeavor. In total, SoJo Design has worked on more than 150 projects, representing close to a billion dollars of real estate. The success has led Joelsson to expand her business into other areas of creativity, which includes the launch of a design-inspired magazine, Curated Living. “I did [the magazine] to challenge and inspire myself, and in turn, inspire others,” she says. “It was originally only supposed to be online [www.curated-living.com], but my clients and advertisers were all asking for copies.” For the first issue, aptly named “The White Issue,” Joelsson curated pieces from her favorite design and fashion houses to put together a series of white-themed vignettes. The next issue, slated for Summer 2014, will have both equestrian and nautical themes. Along with being editor-in-chief of a burgeoning magazine, Joelsson is working on a new textiles line, which she anticipates will be part of a larger Sofia Joelsson Home, Anywhere collection. She also launched an e-commerce site, Cudesso (www.cudesso.com), which offers a handpicked selection of her favorite furniture and home accessories from around the world. And, if that wasn’t enough, Joelsson is also in talks with producers about a potential TV show. With so many projects evolving simultaneously, it’s no wonder Joelsson says the one person she’d love to meet is Martha Stewart. “She is such an inspiring entrepreneur and businesswoman—and she’s had a very interesting life!” Much of Joelsson’s inspiration comes from travel. Her favorite places include Mykonos and Santorini, Greece; and Capri, Italy, where she says she visits every year. Aside from traveling, in her free time (though it would seem she has none!), Joelsson loves to entertain. She likes having friends over to watch movies on her terrace where she has a full-size chess set and a popcorn machine. “A lot of my friends have kids,” she confesses. “I have four-legged kids.”  She gushes about her shih-tzu mix, Caspar, whom she rescued five years ago. He is by her side at the office on most days. “I think it’s important to create a fun work environment,” she says. “We’re here very long hours some days, so you have to keep people loving what they do.” The SoJo Design team currently includes five designers, plus an extended staff that helps support her in her multiple endeavors.  And despite her laundry list of accomplishments in just 13 years, Joelsson remains down-to-earth and remarkably humble. “The United States is still, to me, the land of opportunity,” she says.“Miami is special because it’s only something like thirty percent developed—as opposed to New York, which is like ninety-nine percent developed. There’s so much opportunity and growth…What Craig Robins is doing with the Design District is pretty incredible. It’s cool to be a part of a growing design community.”  So what’s her best piece of advice for anyone who wants to follow in her footsteps? “Follow your passion. Everything else is just passing the time. [Your passion] can change—mine did. But if you love what you do, you will be successful.” Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

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