BEYOND THE BEACH: Where to go in “New Miami”
Apt606
89 NE 40th Street
apt606.com
The strip to end all strips, Miami’s Design District houses all the top shops and $$$$ brands, from Hermes to Cartier. A diamond in a rough patch, Apt606 is almost like the true hidden gem, on the edge of all the major names. But don’t be fooled: that’s exactly its ace vibe. The concept menswear boutique has the young bloods. Among its dozen-plus labels and grooming options, standouts include pieces from Alexnder Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Kenzo, Acne and Public School.
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Marc by Marc Jacobs
3930 NE 2nd Ave
marcjacobs.com
Obviously a shop that needs no introduction, Marc by Marc Jacobs is a staple in lucky cities stateside. Although not the best-designed shop in his repertoire (thanks, LA!), it’s a great stop for tough and stylish trinkets from your sunny getaway. Shop silly swimsuits and alongside serious coffee table books on New York legends. Plus, a sizeable collection of affordable jewelry, wallets and other accessories are entirely affordable next to Jacobs’ strong menswear offering.
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Alchemist
1111 Lincoln Road, Carpark Level 5
shopalchemist.com
Perched high above Miami’s most mainstream shopping strip, Alchemist is far from typical. I guess the most striking feature is its four walls, designed by renowned Herzog & de Meuron. Oh, and it’d also be the fact that it’s in public parking car garage. Still, the views, both inside and out, are stunning. Overlook the city while browsing racks with Dries Van Noten, Givenchy and Margiela. When I ask how it’s possible that such a store stocking sweaters no less can survive in such a climate, it’s simply an international clientele making the pilgrimage here that keeps things afloat – literally. Once you’re done browsing, take the elevator to the 7th floor for perfect panoramas. No one’s going to stop you.
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Base
927 Lincoln Rd #101
baseworld.com
Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun will fry you up, take some time to enjoy an hour – or three – at Base. One of the handful of Miami spaces worth any of your money, the shop stocks out-of-this continent labels exclusive to the city like Australia’s Knomadik, whose tees will no doubt become your summer go-to. It’s really a lifestyle shop for the modern man, with reading by Kinfolk and Monocle, underwear from Bread & Butter, and pants by Zanerobe. You’ll easily see why Racked named it the Best Menswear Store of 2014.
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Alma Mexicana
1344 Washington Ave.
almamexicanamiamibeach.com
When you’ve tried almost everything on Cecconi’s and Soho room service menus, it’s time for some real home cooking. Although it’s sandwiched between South Beach tourist traps and its looks leave little to be desired, all the love is in Alma’s dishes. Carnitas, pastor, pescado with a kick – it’s all here. Burritos, enchiladas. You name it. Recommended to me by a Spanish-speaking janitor cleaning the streets, Alma Mexicana is so legit it makes everything else look like Taco Bell. And it’s cheap as hell too.
By Paul Aguirre-Livingston
