Get ready to break open your piggy banks. Manolo Blahnik is coming to town in March. Miami’s first international, biennial Artists’ Book Fair, returns to the Miami Design District next month. Take a stroll through Nader Sculpture Park and experience fresh air, exercise, and over 50 monumental sculptures. And love is in the air on Lincoln Road.

Manolo Blahnik To Open Boutique In Miami Design District

Manolo Blahnik boutique in Miami’s Design District starting in March. If you think I’m kidding, think again. Get ready to spend $800 to over $1,300 for a pair for the new and classic collections that were famously featured on HBO’s “Sex in the City” series. The shoes are also available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. Miami marks the third U.S, boutique—Manhattan and East Hampton were first.

There’s a reason why Beyoncé, Blake Lively, Rihanna and former first lady Michelle Obama are among the celebrity fans of designer Manolo Blahnik’s shoes. They are among the ones who can afford them. Nevertheless, the designer footwear company will do just fine in the land of the rich and famous in Miami. The Design District is a major destination for everyone with money. Both residents and tourists make this area a must as often as they can to keep up  with fashion and interior design trends. It’s as popular, or even more popular, than Bal Harbour.

The new Manolo Blahnik boutique was designed by British architect Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design. No one knows what the store will actually look like but reports indicate some sort of a a geometric façade “circular motif” inspired by Art Deco and European artist Josef Hoffmann. According to Footwear News, the Miami location will showcase 13 exclusive shoes in six silhouettes from the Spring 2025 collection.

The Manolo Blahnik flagship store is in London, the Chelsea district. The designer also has stores in Madrid, Barcelona and Tokyo.

Feb. 6-9. Tropic Bound returns!

Book artists, publishers, curators, librarians, book lovers and the aesthetically curious will come together for an international event highlighting the art of books, and books that are art, with an educational symposium, breakaway sessions, and a bustling fair filled with exhibitors from around the globe. My friend, Sarah Michelle Rupert founded and runs the event (sarahmichellerupert@gmail.com) so I am giving you a great context if you are interested in this industry.

Tropic Bound will take place at Paradise Plaza and Palm Court in Miami’s Design District. They launched Tropic Bound in 2023 with the support of the Knight Foundation, and in collaboration with the DACRA / Miami Design District team. Next week, Tropic Bound will bring together 90+ book arts exhibitors from the US, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, UK, Ireland, Turkey and Egypt for a 4-day event atop Miami’s Design District’s iconic rooftop spaces.

The fair begins on Thursday, Dec 6 with exclusive shuttle tours of Miami’s literary arts hot spots, a Symposium with keynote speaker Stephanie Stillo, US Library of Congress; Chief of Rare Books and Special Collections, the panel Beyond the Binding: How Artists’ Books are Made Today, and a fun welcome party with exhibitors and visitors.

Full program details at www.tropicboundfair.org/fair. During the Fair days, exhibitors will congregate to debate, discuss, showcase and debut various new works from book artists across the globe.  Artist talks will open up new dialogues for book arts as an art form and collecting focus. A full list of exhibitors is at https://www.tropicboundfair.org/2025-exhibitors.

Sarah is personally looking forward to – new editions of tunnel books by Miami-based artist Ashley Castañeda; San Antonio-based Coyote Bones Press with a collaborative artist book that presents as a set of volvelles featuring an interactive, customizable poem; the intricate and delicate work by Islam Aly from Cairo, Egypt; deliciously illustrated kids books from Tra Publishing in Miami, photobooks by women and non-binary photographers, collectives, and sister organizations from WOPHA, sculptural and wearable artists’ books by Minnesota based Erica Spittzer Rassmusen from Hot Tomato Press, and Flying Fish Press‘ most recent artist’s books by Julie Chen published in 2023 for the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the work is a large rotating ring flexagon with a companion book and a beaded necklace, all housed in an elaborate box.

Sarah hopes you can join her for the second edition of this special project! Register here. If you are able to make it Friday, please consider yourself her personal guest for Member Hours, Friday, Feb 7, 11am-Noon. Please reach out to her directly should you have any questions or need any additional information.

Nader Sculpture Park Is Unique, Imaginative, Educational, And Free

 The Nader Sculpture Park, founded by visionary art collector Gary Nader, is an innovative cultural destination located in Miami Design District. It’s also a breath of fresh air to be able to walk outside, get some worthwhile exercise and see so many pieces of public art from famous artists.

The park features over 50 monumental sculptures in a carefully curated open-air environment, blending art, nature, and community. As part of Nader’s broader mission to position Miami as a global art hub, the park joins a list of other artistic initiatives by Nader, including the Nader Museum, Gary Nader Art Centre, and Botero Immersed.

Visitors get to see sculptures by internationally celebrated artists, including Fernando Botero, Richard Hudson, Frank Stella, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Olafur Eliasson, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Rufino Tamayo, Alexander Calder, Bernar Venet, Rachel Valdés, Jesús Rafael Soto, Agustín Cárdenas, Sophia Vari, Oswaldo Vigas, and Robert Indiana.

Bea Pernia, an internationally renowned interior designer and founder of BEA Interiors Design, is responsible for creating the space and making it a wonderful experience for people of all ages. Since establishing her studio in the Miami Design District in 2012, Pernia has gained acclaim for her ability to blend organic materials with timeless elegance.

At the park, her vision is reflected not only in the layout but also through the inclusion of her sculptural furniture pieces from the Atus Furniture Collection. Beyond its primary function as a venue for monumental sculpture, the park is designed to be a versatile, multifunctional space. It will host a variety of events, including cultural programs, fashion shows, live concerts, and private gatherings, offering a dynamic mix of art and entertainment.

10:00 am – 6:00 pm
4201 NE 2nd Ave, Miami

Art & Valentine’s Jazz on Lincoln Road

There’s so much fun happening on Lincoln Road in February including art installations and jazz. Celebrate the season of love with an unforgettable evening of live jazz at the Valentine’s Jazz Concert featuring Yamit & the Vinyl Blvd! Enjoy the romantic ambiance of the iconic promenade as the band takes you on a musical journey with smooth jazz, soulful grooves, and timeless classics. Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or enjoying a night out with friends, this free outdoor concert is the perfect way to kick off your Valentine’s weekend.

Bring your blanket, your best dance moves, and your favorite person—or come solo and make some new memories. This event is open to all, so don’t miss out on a beautiful night of jazz, love, and community. Presented by: South Beach Jazz Festival & Lincoln Road BID https://sobejazzfestival.com/