Isabel Toledo Spring Collection, Park Grove Miami

{Park Grove Residence Rendering provided courtesy of Terra Group}

On Monday, May 4th, Fashion Designer Isabel Toledo showed selectively gorgeous and beautifully crafted pieces at the Park Grove Sales Center.  Park Grove is the new, multi-tower residence project that's going to be calling Coconut Grove it's new home.  We were hosted on the 7th floor, in a mock up of a residence which boasted some of the most incredible waterfront views in Miami.  The project features the combined efforts of world class architects, designers and developers (Terra Group and Related Group). Famed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas is credited with designing the overall project.  The residences will feature individual private rooftop pools (reserved for the Penthouses), 24 hour valet and concierge service, in addition to sleek and modern Sub Zero / Wolf appliances and floor to ceiling windows.  I'll take three, please.  

{Park Grove Residence Rendering provided courtesy of Terra Group}

{Park Grove Illustration by Ruben Toledo, Isabel Toledo's husband}

Now, on to the fashion!  What really stood out to me from this collection was the use of luxurious, high-end fabrics.  Each piece was constructed with material that had an infinite amount of detailing on it. My favorite look (pictured below), featured hundreds of applique flowers on a sheer skirt.  I love the muted color scheme of the dress with the pop from the flowers.  Isabel Toledo has been formally designing since the 1980's, but her love of fashion and design was cultivated from a very early age, in her Cuban hometown of Camajuani.  She's an inspirational woman in the business, who has solidified her place in fashion history with the help of First Lady Michelle Obama.  Obama wore an Isabel Toledo dress and coat to the Presidential Inauguration.  If you would like to read more about her, she just published her new book, Roots of Style.

Another fun fact about Toledo: she and her husband recently collaborated with makeup brand MAC on a collection where they designed the packaging for a new line.  They're items are so cute!

I was able to capture great photos of the designs, as they passed down the runway.  Take a look at those textiles - they're amazing!  I hope you enjoy this post.

Fashion Show: Etro Spring 2014 at PAMM, Miami

I had the pleasure of attending the Etro Spring 2014 Runway show in Miami, hosted by Saks Dadeland.  The event was held at the newly inaugurated Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).  If you have not gotten a chance to check out PAMM yet, you must go! The location lends itself to stunning photographs.  The passed bites at the event were delicious - chicken curry on edible spoons, mini crab cakes and beef sliders.

The fashion forward crowd at this show brought out all the stops on the chilly Miami night.  Dressed in furs, thigh high boots, and gorgeous boucle coats, the front row audience at this show was dressed to kill.  You won't be seeing any of my outfit shots from this night - I went to the event straight from work, and was basically shamed to be seen wearing my boring work outfit.  I had the pleasure of meeting Adriana De Moura and Ninoska Fabbri.  Both ladies looked gorgeous; Adriana wore an amazing black and white Etro top which was beautiful.

There was not one piece in the entire show that I did not love.  Be sure to checkout the photos of the event below.  Most were shot by my friend Gissi of The Architect of Style.  She takes great pictures.

Remember to scroll down to the bottom of this post for the finale video of the entire Etro 2014 collection.  Some of the pieces are already available for sale online. I've linked to where you can find them. 

xx

Miami Fashion Bloggers: Neiman Marcus Event at the Village of Merrick Park

Last week, my bestie, Meli, from Melificent, and I attended a blogger event at The Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, at the Neiman Marcus.

I've had my blog for a little over a year now, and I've never wanted to really delve into the Miami blogger world. I think I was shy for a long time, and I didn't want anyone to know I was running The Fashionable ESQ.  This is a really small city - and by that I mean, everyone knows each other. I wanted to lay low for a bit and develop the blog to see where it went.

I'm over that now.

I want new Miami blogger buddies!

Below are my pictures from the event. It was really fun, and there was a huge turnout! I had no idea we had so many bloggers in Miami?  There were little stations with wine, food & the best popsicles from Paulina's Pops (the coconut still makes my mouth water!) The clothes in the fashion show made me want to wipe out my bank account. 

Below are the pictures of the event.

Event: Rag & Bone @ SoHo House, Miami

On Thursday night I had the opportunity to attend a Rag & Bone show @ SoHo Beach House, Miami.  The event was hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour & Ocean Drive Magazine, here in Miami.  In true MIA form, we all gathered poolside; watching the girls (and occasional guy) trot down the runway wearing vibrant and flowy teal/nectarine/electric blue pieces.  The crowd was ultra chic and this made for great people watching.  I saw some amazing outfits on and off the runway.

We got there an hour late, but luckily the show hadn't begun yet, and I was able to get a great photo spot near the edge of the pool.  The best comment of the night had to have come from a guy standing behind me, when a yellow rain coat came down the runway, he basically peed himself from excitement: "OMFG Ifuckingdieforthatjacketman,IDIE.  It's fucking $900, I fuckingdie." 

That's how I feel about clothes, too.

I love this city. 

A big, big thank you to Saks & Ocean Drive for the invite.