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Florida Life - Lifestyle
Haute in Florida: Designer boutiques and high-end fashion
Silvia Fassardi
Septimo Jewelry- Miami/Sunny Isles/Coral Gables
Fassardi chose the name for her jewelry line based on its translation from Spanish — septimo means “seventh,” and seven is a lucky number for her. But it’s more than luck that has built a fan base for her 24k gold-plated and sterling silver, affordably priced snake-themed earrings and rings, delicate zodiac necklaces and cuff bracelets, which are available through her website as well as in boutiques in Miami, Sunny Isles and Coral Gables.
Julian Chang
Julian Chang Couture - 8 boutiques in Florida
This Peruvian-born designer has been a shining star since his Miami Art Institute days in the ’90s; since then, he’s won numerous awards, including Women’s Wear Daily’s Up-and-Coming Ready-to-Wear Designer to Watch, for his glamorous, sexy yet sophisticated, Miami-influenced apparel, fans of which include Britney Spears and Gloria Estefan.
Silvia Tcherassi
Silvia Tcherassi Boutiques - Miami/Coral Gables
Colombian-born, Miami-based Tcherassi has been lauded for her delicate, ethereal prêt-à-porter and demi-couture, which have been shown on the runways of Paris and Milan. She also designs a bridal collection, showcased in her Coral Gables bridal atelier.
Kimberly Hendrix
k.hendrix - St. Petersburg
Hendrix’s hand-made, meticulously beaded and embroidered bustiers and dresses created from high-end reclaimed or recycled vintage materials are on display at her downtown St. Petersburg showroom.
Esteban Cortazar
Miami
The 29-year-old former creative director of Emanuel Ungaro was showing his sketches around Miami at age 13, when then-fashion designer Todd Oldham took him under his wing. After he graduated from Miami’s Design & Architecture Senior High, his career took off; today his elegant, expensive high-fashion gowns, suits, capes and accessories remain favorites among well-heeled women of style.
Natalya Toporova
Natalya Toporova Swimwear - Miami
Like many of the fashion-forward, the Russian-born designer has chosen south Florida as her base, where she designs bold, unique bikinis and “monokinis” with cutouts and embellishments and eveningwear that’s meant for the sizzling Miami nightlife.
Erin Healy
Miami Beach/St. Augustine
Her style has been described as “Coco Chanel-classy with a Gwen Stefani edginess.” Healy’s designs have been featured in Lucky magazine.
Kyoko Higa and Maritza Fernandez
Filomena Fernandez - Coral Gables
Designers Kyoko Higa and Maritza Fernandez collaborate to meld the influences of their respective cultures in flowing pieces with clean lines and interesting details like lace insets, cold shoulders and sheer panels.
Lorie Lester
Miami/Key West
Available at boutiques throughout Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee For six years, this designer has been building a following that loves her easygoing dresses, jumpsuits and separates in silk, organic cotton and modal