Last weekend I planned a visit to the Big Apple for my daughter Channing to accompany me to a hair salon for a new look. The itinerary quickly changed to include a complimentary hot girl weekend in Miami’s South Beach.
When I called to confirm our plans, I learned my fashion writer daughter, Channing received an invitation to attend the Cabana + (Capsule) Show in Miami. The question, did I want to go to Miami, the Magic City, or keep my long-awaited hair transformation appointment in Brooklyn? Decisions, decisions. As you can tell, I choose the freebie.
The name of the trade show event, Cabana & (Capsule) represents the convergence of two shows under one roof. The show is open to the fashion industry, with free entry for all retailers and editors.
For starters, the Cabana & (Capsule) Event is a significant trade show for independent brands to show resort collections to retailers. Those attending discovered the best in women’s travel lifestyle, swim, intimates, young emerging designers, accessories, and contemporary selections.
The first booth, Nannacay caught my attention for her unique natural summer bags. I met the designer, and she shared her story about the brand — and her Creative Hands Sisterhood project that employs women in Peru.
When I was looking for chic eyelet sundresses, I was perusing the wrong stores and sites — the selection at the Cabana & (Capsule) show, all winning styles.
The place to be and be seen, someone pointed out the Bergdorf Goodman buyers making their rounds to all the booths. Out of the over 500 vendors, only 24 companies represented sustainable brands. Even fast-fashion Zara recently announced sustainability goals.
I was excited to meet sustainable designer Verandah while checking out the lines. I own a pair of her wide-leg striped pants.
The lifestyle trade show reminded me of what an early New York Fashion Week might have looked like before all the major productions. A large convention center where every vendor has a booth, you stopped by to view their product line and place your order.
Free Amenities & Activations at Cabana & (Capsule) Miami Beach:
Coveted Coconuts by Coconut 503 x Coconut Cartel
Corkcicle Water Bottles
T-Shirt Printing
Hair Braiding
Manicures
Nail Decor
Personalization Station
Monogram Station & Express Pedicure
Re Wear Bins
Rose Bar
Rum Bar
How about the car service to and from the W South Beach? A 1960 Red Chevrolet Impala.
Bienvenidos a Miami
My earliest recollections of this southern city – the tropical heat, and the gangster Mafia movies, Scarface and Godfather: Part II. And the television series, Miami Vice fighting crime in Florida. Remember the cigarette boats chasing drug barons, the pushed-up sleeves making men’s fashion statement, and the music?
My first visit to Miami in 1995 for a family reunion included a sightseeing tour of the landmark Art Deco district and a cruise on the Atlantic Ocean. I can’t forget, a day at the South beach.
This time around a complimentary stay at the W South Beach resort hotel on South Beach provided a closer look at the international playground. Some of you may even remember, Will Smith’s 1998 single, “Miami,” that rap song says it all about the jet-set crowd in Miami.
A few lyrics from Will’s song:
“Party in the city where the heat is on.”
“Every different nation, Spanish, Haitian, Indian, Jamaican, Black, White, Cuban, and Asian.”
“Everyday like Mardi Gras, everybody party all day, no work all play”
“All night on the beach till the break of dawn.”
South Beach, Miami, is located in the Entertainment District. There are special local ordinances for the last call when clubs/bars close — the music, pumping the entire weekend stay.
I can see why the jet-set flock to this destination, there is no last call in South Beach. Bars are open 24 hours (at least at the hotel.) The Entertainment District also has a unique smoking observance. Lighting up is permissible in this adult venue.
Forget the party scene. I preferred to head over to Wynwood Walls Murals with the many other sightseers. The former industrial district now designated as a tourist attraction in Miami. The vision started with one man, Tony Goldman in 2009. According to the Wynwood Walls website, Tony was looking for something to transform the warehouse district of Wynwood.
Mr. Goldman arrived at a simple idea: “Wynwood’s large stock of warehouse buildings. All with no windows would be my great canvases to bring to them the greatest street art ever seen in one place.” Just like the jet-set crowd that frequents Miami to party and frolic on the beach, the murals celebrated artists encompass global contributions.
Miami didn’t seem so hot and humid when we took time to relax on the beach. We enjoyed the ocean breeze, the peaceful, soothing sound of the waves, and the sand on our feet.
Thank you Liberty Fairs for the opportunity to experience the elevated essentials of resort fashions, and the Miami culture with my hot girl daughter, Channing.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
