Up until a month ago, I wouldn’t have considered myself a novice when it came to Miami. I didn’t grow up there nor did I live there during college, but considering it’s a quick flight from NYC, Miami had become a go-to vacation spot for me over the past several years. And just in case I was getting a bit too confident with how familiar I was, I finally visited the Miami Design District and was quickly proved wrong.
To be totally transparent, MDD hosted me for a couple days to check out what this area of Miami—not necessarily the shores of South Beach, where you’d typically find me—had to offer as far as fashion goes. Not only did that include (window) shopping to my heart’s content at Céline and Miu Miu but also getting a closer look at which fashion trends these dream stores can barely keep on the shelves.
And if you initially assumed that Miami style leaned toward flat sandals and the most literal definition of “resort wear”—like I did—you’d be wrong. Instead, along with the sand, the parties, and a bustling art scene that includes next week’s kick off of Art Basel, there’s a style POV that’s unique to the 305, and it has less to do with bathing suits than expected.
With this in mind, I went straight to the experts of Miami style—those who work within the luxury Design District stores—to break down a few of the trends and items that customers are constantly asking for. Get ahead of the trends below.
Céline
WHO WHAT WEAR: What's the number one product customers ask for in the store?
Céline: Our Iconic Luggage ($3350) and Iconic Classic Box (price upon request).
WWW: What else do customers always ask you?
Céline: Walk-in clients always want to know where our leather goods are handcrafted. They also ask who and where is the designer from when they don’t know about Phoebe Philo.
WWW: How would you describe the biggest difference between the Miami Design District location of your store and all other locations?
Céline: With the appointment of Creative Director Phoebe Philo in 2008, the Miami Design District location became the third in the U.S., alongside locations in New York and Beverly Hills, and it features many Miami-exclusive leather goods.
WWW: Which products can you absolutely not keep in stock?
Céline: Our new Big Bag, our Iconic Double Face Cashmere Coat, and our new Lizard Strap Wallet.
Shop Céline's best sellers ahead.
Christian Louboutin
WWW: What's the number one product customers ask for in the store?
Christian Louboutin: For women’s shoes, So Kate 12MM ($675). For men's shoes, Louis Flat Spikes ($1295).
WWW: What else do customers always ask you?
Christian Louboutin: Do you make baby shoes? What is the best way to protect the red sole from wearing off? What is the difference between a So Kate and Pigalle?
WWW: How would you describe the biggest difference between the Miami Design District location of your store and all other locations?
Christian Louboutin: The Miami Design District is an iconic location for Christian. It was the sixth boutique to open in the United States back in 2009 with a unique concept designed by Christian himself. Christian himself believes each boutique should offer its own unique flare, not only through the design of the store but also offer boutique exclusive products inspired by our city and culture (such as the Miami handbag charms and Miami-exclusive Louis Orlato Cork sneaker).
WWW: Which products can you absolutely not keep in stock?
Christian Louboutin: Anything with Christian’s signature design, in addition to our classic bag.
Shop Christian Louboutin's best sellers ahead.
ba&sh
WWW: What's the number one product customers ask for in the store?
Ba&sh: Our colorful dresses catch the eyes of customers passing by the store, so they often start by inquiring about them.
In Europe, the brand has really built a strong reputation for being "the go-to brand" when you're looking for a dress for a special occasion, so we also regularly get customers who already know the brand and are looking for a dress.
WWW: What else do customers always ask you?
Ba&sh: Customers who discover the brand usually immediately ask if it's from Paris.
Customers who already know the brand are excited to see that we finally opened in the U.S. and ask if we are planning to open more stores soon! The answer is yes, with two new stores opening by the end of the year.
WWW: How would you describe the biggest difference between the Miami Design District location of your store and all other locations?
Ba&sh: In Miami, it's summer all year long, so our lighter clothing is in demand whatever the season. The fact that our fabrics are light, airy, our prints colorful even in our fall/winter collections, is actually a real advantage in Miami, where customers need this all year long.
The Miami Design District store clientele is really international, reaching those coming from Latin America but also from Europe and from the Middle East.
WWW: Which products can you absolutely not keep in stock?
Ba&sh: Joyful printed dresses, tops with unexpected details, and jumpsuits are our best sellers.
Shop Ba&sh's best sellers ahead.
Miu Miu
WWW: What's the number one question customers ask in the store?
Miu Miu: The number one most asked question by all clients is “What, or who, is Miu Miu?” Miu Miu is part of the Prada family and was founded in 1993 in Milan, Italy. Miuccia Prada created Miu Miu as her personal creative outlet for everything she cannot do in Prada. Miu Miu is not only named after her childhood nickname, Miu, but is also a walk inside of her personal creative diary.
Mrs. Prada creates our pieces to match personalities of women. For example, we have products that feature chunky chains on beautiful and delicate matelassé leather to represent the woman that is feminine and classic but also has an inner wild side.
WWW: How would you describe the biggest difference between the Miami Design District location of your store and all other locations?
Miu Miu: Our Miami Design District Miu Miu store is a one-of-a-kind concept for all of our North America stores. Our store features a seaside concept that allows us to have very special pieces that cannot be found anywhere else. Our store is home to almost all runway pieces that have been produced for sale, one-of-a-kind exotic handbags and ready-to-wear pieces, and also vintage Miu Miu and Miu Miu archive pieces that have never been available for sale before.
WWW: Which products can you absolutely not keep in stock?
Miu Miu: Our top-selling item is our Miu Lady handbag. This handbag was created in 2016 and sold out in North America within weeks. A larger buy was then put in to fulfill all orders countrywide. The handbag is our newest It bag and has been seen on celebrities such as Taylor Swift. Our top-selling color is Bianco, white with the pearl detailing. This combination was created in limited quantities for the original buy and reorder. If it is seen in a Miu Miu boutique, it will be gone within days!
Shop Miu Miu's best seller ahead.
Valentino
WWW: What's the number one product customers ask for in the store?
Valentino: Customers ask for our classic Rockstud Pumps ($845) more than any other item.
WWW: What else do customers always ask you?
Valentino: Often, we have customers ask if Valentino is still the designer of the brand.
WWW: How would you describe the biggest difference between the Miami Design District location of your store and all other locations?
Valentino: Our three-story boutique is unique because we have an all-glass façade and very high ceilings which fills the space with beautiful light. This gives the store a very airy and art gallery–like feel.
WWW: Which products can you absolutely not keep in stock?
Valentino: Our Rockstud Espadrille Wedges, Rockstud Pumps in Poudre, and Rockstud Rolling Noir crossbody bag.
Shop Valentino's best sellers ahead.
Up next, if you're ready for a style challenge, try wearing a dress for 31 days in a row (and for a wonderful cause).
This press trip was paid for by the Miami Design District. Editors' opinions are their own.
