Did you know that Miami is the only major city in the world to be founded by a women? That women was Julia Tuttle, a local landowner who had grand visions for the Bay of Biscayne (as Miami was once known). As she didn’t have the funds for development herself, she planned to persuade multi millionaire Henry Flagler to extend his railroad further into South Florida, bringing tourism and money.
He refused several times, but luck would be on Tuttle’s side. When North Florida was hit by a severe frost for the third year in a row (causing huge damage to Flagler's fruit business), Tuttle sent Flagler a huge package of fruit and foliage, thus showing Flagler, Miami was below the frost line and its huge potential. This did the trick and he extended the railroad, Miami was born.
As well as bringing his railroad, Flagler built some impressive resorts for the rich to holiday in and Miami prospered until 1920’s when was hit was a huge hurricane. A big rebuilding programme was put in place, influenced by the style that was hugely popular at the time from France, Les Arts Decoratifs, best known as Art Deco.
That rebuilding programme is the reason why Miami now has, one of the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world, with the main bulk built along the sea front. Miami art Deco architecture is extra special because the buildings use a particular colour palette. Rich yellow and turquoise greens juxtapose pale pastel colours. These colours were chosen to reflect the Miami seafront and sunset, a tropical playground.
Nowadays these buildings are sadly filled with slightly tacky bars and restaurants, that I suppose it essential for the party side of Miami. Thankfully a few of these buildings have been lovingly restored by the retail industry, from huge companies like Apple to independent boutiques.
Without doubt, the best of these independent shops is The Webster. It’s like a fashion gallery expertly curated, mixing high end and ready to wear pieces.
Plus, if you are a Chanel fan, this is your heaven. There were more unusual Chanel pieces than you could shake a stick at, including this fabulous Chanel shopping basket.
If luxury fashion is your thing, I recommend following the owner of this shop on
instagram and if you ever become a billionaire and want one of those Chanel
lego bags. Here's the place to get it. Thanks Julia Tuttle.
Labels: Chanel, Miami Art Deco District, The Webster, TRAVEL
