Last weekend, I planned a visit to the Big Apple for my daughter Channing, who would 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 that my fashion writer daughter, Channing, had received an invitation to attend the Cabana + (Capsule) Show in Miami. 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 chose 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.
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.
At the first booth, Nannacay caught my attention with her unique natural summer bags. I met the designer, who shared her story about the brand and her Creative Hands Sisterhood project, which employs women in Peru.
When looking for chic eyelet sundresses, I was perusing the wrong stores and sites—the selection at the Cabana & (Capsule) show was full of 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.
While checking out the lines, I was excited to meet sustainable designer Verandah. 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 stop 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 W South Beach? A 1960 Red Chevrolet Impala.
Bienvenidos a Miami
My earliest recollections of this southern city are the tropical heat and the gangster Mafia movies Scarface and Godfather: Part II. I also remember the television series Miami Vice, which fights crime in Florida. Remember the cigarette boats chasing drug barons, the pushed-up sleeves making men’s fashion statements, 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, 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 nation, Spanish, Haitian, Indian, Jamaican, Black, White, Cuban, and Asian.”
“Every day like Mardi Gras, everybody parties 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. Special local ordinances govern the last call when clubs/bars close—the music is pumping throughout the weekend stay.
I can see why the jet-set flocks 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 heading to Wynwood Walls Murals with the many other sightseers. The former industrial district is 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 wanted something to transform Wynwood’s warehouse district.
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 of 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 a hot girl weekend in Miami with my daughter, Channing.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
