FRANCISCO COSTA Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Costa Brazil

Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., are widely known for their philanthropic work in our South Florida community. They have received numerous awards for their exceeding dedication including in 2023, Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. Family Foundation were honored by Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, during National Philanthropy Day. In 2019, the Trish & Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award by Branches, President’s Distinguished Service Award by South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Community Builder Award from United HomeCare, the 2017 Power Couple by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, 2015 American Red Cross Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year Award, the 2014 Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award from the Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade, the 2013 James W. McLamore Volunteer of the Year Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Together, Mr.& Mrs. Lopez also served as chair to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s South Florida Executive Committee, whose initial focus was to host the 2020 Legends for Charity Dinner (NFL Super Bowl LIV). Mr. & Mrs. Lopez have Chaired over 10 Galas for charitable organizations and non-for profit including but not limited to the American Cancer Society, Miami Children’s Health Foundation, the National Young Arts Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade, the American Red Cross and Chapman Partnership, raising over $50 million combined. Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. Have personally donated over $6 million to non-profits over the past 25 years

Marile Lopez is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm. As CFO, she manages the financial reporting, income taxes, account receivable, drafting of contracts, and investments for the firm. Prior to joining the firm in 2006, Mrs. Lopez founded and was creative director for Maria Elena Headpieces, a successful multimillion dollar global bridal accessory company which designs, manufactures, and sells products to luxury wedding boutiques.

Mrs. Lopez also dedicates time serving the community through leadership roles in a number of organizations. She was past Chair of FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs Dean’s Advisory Council, where she led her 2nd — multi-million dollar capital campaign as part of “Next Horizon: The Campaign for FIU”. She also served on the board of Chapman Partnership, Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade, FIU President’s Council. She served for 6 consecutive years as Chair of Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) Foundation, on the Board of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Miami Children’s Health System Board leading the “Together for the Children $150 million dollar Campaign. Mrs. Lopez also served on two national boards, the Board of American Cancer Society’s Miami-Dade Unit and the American Red Cross South Florida Chapter. Mrs. Lopez is a current member of the International Woman’s Forum (IWF).

In 2022, Mrs. Lopez was inducted into the Miami-Dade College Hall of Fame. Mrs. Lopez received in 2018 the MDC Parks Foundation in the Company of Women Award, the Take a Walk in her Shoes Award by Chapman Partnership, and the Woman of the Year Award by Miami Women Who Rock. In 2017, she received the Philanthropy Award by Fairchild Botanical Gardens, and in 2016, she was the recipient of Torch Award – Community Leadership Professional Achievement Award by Florida International University, the American Red Cross Spectrum Award, and the Women of Substance & Style Award by Buoniconti Fund. In 2015, Marile received the Woman of Distinction and Caring by Plaza Health Network, and in 2014, the Women of Faith with the Virtue of Charity Award from the Archdiocese of Miami, Mujeres Giving Back Treasure by The Woman’s Fund, Women Who Have Influenced the Community with Outstanding Charitable Causes by Neiman Marcus-Coral Gables, Miracle Maker by Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Hispanic Leadership Philanthropy Award by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Lopez was also the recipient of the Inner Circle of 12 recognition from the American Cancer Society in 2013, and St. Jude Honors in 2012.

Mrs. Lopez received her Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University, and Associate’s degree from Miami-Dade College. Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., have five children: AR, Carli, Annia, Saramelia and Luis Jorge. They all reside in Coconut Grove, Florida.

Rosa Tous is the corporate vice president of TOUS Jewelry, a renowned global jewelry and accessories brand founded by her family in Spain. Since joining the family business, Rosa has played a pivotal role in propelling TOUS from a local store into an international powerhouse with a presence in over 50 countries. Known for her keen business acumen and dedication to brand integrity, Rosa’s leadership has been integral in crafting TOUS’s signature style—a blend of traditional artisanship with modern design, famously symbolized by their iconic teddy bear motif. Rosa is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility and actively involves TOUS in various philanthropic activities. Her influence extends beyond the boardroom as she actively participates in women’s leadership forums and initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs globally.

Brazilian designer Alexandre Birman is a global powerhouse among footwear designers. As heir and chief executive of Arezzo & Co ., Birman oversees one of the largest shoe empires in his native company. Brands offered at include his own luxury label, family brand Arezzo, Anacapri, Schutz and Fiever. His namesake line — known for its use of exotic skins in vibrant hues and prints — is globally renowned, and a firm favorite of A-listers such as Blake Lively, Katy Perry, Gigi Hadid , and the Duchess of Cambridge.

Birman was born into a family of shoe makers: his father Anderson Birman, chairman of Arezzo & Co., and uncle Jefferson founded shoe brand Arezzo in 1972. By the 1990s Arezzo had rapidly expanded, becoming a household name in Brazil. However, in 1995, aged 19, Birman junior decided to start his own label, Schutz, instead of joining the ranks of the business.

The designer started Schutz with a $3 million investment from his father, but very quickly the venture became commercially successful and self-sufficient. By 2007 Schutz was delivering annual revenues of over $64 million. It was then that his father invited him to fold Schutz into Arezzo & Co, and four years later, when the company was preparing for an IPO, Birman senior handed leadership of the group over to his son. The firm has the advantage of owning its factories, located outside the southern city of Porto Alegre.

Today Arezzo & Co. dominates the Brazilian domestic market, selling more than 11 million pairs of shoes annually. And while roughly 90 percent of Arezzo & Co.’s business is Brazil-based, Birman is building on his existing international reach. The Schutz brand boasts 80 stores in Brazil, and has been identified as having huge growth potential stateside. There are two stand-alone boutiques in the US: one on New York’s Madison Avenue, and a second on Beverly Hills Drive in Los Angeles, which opened in 2016.

In Europe, the focus is amplifying the Alexandre Birman label, launched by the designer in 2008. Already the brand has high-profile stockists worldwide, including Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, Luisa Via Roma, Harvey Nichols and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Birman’s designs have long been a favorite among prominent celebrities and public figures — from Bella Hadid to Kate Middleton — and was the footwear of choice for Gisele Bündchen when she made her cameo during the 2016 Rio Olympics opening ceremony wearing a bespoke pair of stilettos. In January 2019, the designer expanded beyond heels to debut a pair of sneakers, worn by Sandra Oh at the Golden Globes After-Party.

Carlo D’Amario is a distinctive fashion industry figure known for his entrepreneurial spirit and deep-seated principles that challenge conventional business models. As a key partner in Vivienne Westwood’s fashion empire, D’Amario holds a 30% stake and has been instrumental in expanding the brand’s global presence. His journey in fashion began with a stint at Fiorucci, followed by founding his own PR company, Casanova, before fully committing to Westwood in the late ’80s. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach across 30 countries and introduced the Anglomania sportswear line and a Vivienne Westwood fragrance. D’Amario’s approach blends a staunch critique of mass production and a commitment to craftsmanship, aiming to foster a business environment that values creativity and long-term employment. His strategic vision has helped transform Westwood’s operations, propelling the brand into a globally recognized name in fashion.

Denisa Palsha is a contributing fashion director, editor, and writer. She is also an editorial stylist and styling mentor. She has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, W, L’Officiel, Grazia, and others.

Julieta Sopena is the Head of LATAM & US Offshore Marketing at Schroders. She was born in Paris and later moved to Buenos Aires, where she grew up with her parents and sister. She studied Communication at Universidad Austral and later earned a postgraduate degree in Global Fashion Management at FIT in New York City. She worked for over 15 years at Grupo Mass, one of the largest marketing agencies in South America, handling fashion and beauty accounts (such as Valentino, Kiehl’s, Adidas, Lacoste and Buenos Aires Fashion Week), and then large corporate accounts (Stella Artois, Nespresso, Four Seasons, HSBC), among many others.

As Head of LATAM and US Offshore Marketing at Schroders, she is now a British asset manager with over USD900 billion in assets under management.

A true trailblazer, innovator and trendsetter, Silvia Tcherassi is one of the leading figures in fashion. She has been awarded one of France’s highest honors –the Officier de L’Ordre Arts et Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters), a distinction bestowed on leaders of the international arts community for their “contribution and commitment to cultural service.”

The pioneer of the Latin flair—according to WWD—was born in Colombia, on the shores of the Caribbean. Tcherassi began her career as an interior designer, but the search for new artistic expressions led her into fashion. Her creations have been presented during the official calendar of Paris and Milano fashion weeks invited as a special guest by their organizers. “Silvia Tcherassi” collections are available worldwide through her own namesake 15 stores situated in prime locations across Europe, North America and South America, historic department stores, some of the most famous multi-brand boutiques and premier online luxury fashion retailers.

She is also the founder and creative director of the brand extension Tcherassi Hotels focused in the conceptual development of hospitality and real estate projects. Her debut property Tcherassi Hotel + Spa in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia was selected by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the best in the world.

Lucas completed the MBA in Creative Leadership at the Berlin School, spanning Europe, the United States, and Asia. With two decades of experience in Marketing, Advertising, BI, Fashion Marketing, and Public Relations across competitive markets in Latin America including Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

He spearheads the marketing strategy for South America’s largest retailer and one of the most competitive e-commerce platforms in the region: Falabella.

Lucas has consistently ranked in the Top 5 most admired marketers in Colombia and Chile for six consecutive years. His extensive experience lies in crafting marketing and advertising campaigns across various sectors and categories.

Diversity and Inclusion stand as one of his passions. He is a recognized advocate for equality in Latin America, contributing leadership and visibility as an inclusion agent in corporations and diverse forums.

With over 50 awards in Marketing and Advertising across Latin America and the globe, his prowess in efficient creativity is undoubted.

“I didn’t know I could be this growing up,” Miguel Enamorado said, pointing to the magazine covers he’s styled so far as Fashion Director at Harper’s BAZAAR – among them the August 2019 issue featuring Serena Williams in a gold Ralph Lauren Collection cape that shines just like a medal.

As an immigrant from Honduras, Enamorado’s world shifted quickly when his family arrived in Miami, and he had to readjust to a new, American system of schooling. He’d always been interested in working in the arts and attended Design and Architecture Senior High in Miami’s Design District. After graduating, he attended FIT where he thought he’d go into fashion design, but shifted career goals once he was introduced to the magazine world.

His first editorial experience was at Cargo magazine, a shopping guide for men from Conde Nast Publications Inc. After it folded in 2006, Enamorado went to Interview magazine where he spent 10 years working under the then- leadership of editorial director Fabien Baron and creative director Karl Templer.

The editor began to style more when he became the magazine’s fashion director. He spent a lot of time in the Interview archives admiring the incredible names in the historical mastheads of industry titans like American artist Richard Bernstein and editor André Leon Talley.

His colleagues at the time Karla Martinez (now Editor at Vogue Mexico and Latin America) and Dania Ortiz (currently Fashion and Accessories Director at Town & Country) were some of the other Latinxs in the room. They even jokingly referred to their friend group as Entrevista (which means interview in Spanish).

But for Enamorado, diversity isn’t binary and has to include the entire spectrum in order to really be inclusive. The legacy he hopes to leave behind is radical visibility. It’s important to him that his three names appear on the masthead each time: Miguel Alberto Enamorado.

“It’s part of our Latinx culture to have all these names. I’ve always been called Miguel Alberto in my family, mostly because if you’d just say Miguel there’d be four other people who’d answer,” he jokingly added.

He styles with the generations of women in his family and early life in Honduras as the main point of reference and inspiration – the way he’d watch his mother or abuela put together an outfit helped filter his way of thinking and defined his modern-day approach to styling.

As the current Fashion Director for Harper’s BAZAAR, he’s had the privilege of working with bon vivants like Penelope Cruz, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Moore, and Susan Sarandon, making a name for and adding himself as a notable stylist in our industry today.

The world knows of the indelible styling works of Polly Mellen and Grace Coddington, but what did that career trajectory look like for Enamorado or anyone aspiring to be the next great one?

That question resonated with me as I thought of the important symbolism behind him taking up so much literal space on a piece of paper in a masthead with a very melodious, romantic and unequivocally Latinx name. For Enamorado, Latinx Heritage Month is an opportune time to provide positive visibility to those contributing to the culture.

“If you as a young Latinx do not see that as a possibility for you, you won’t try to achieve it. But if you can see Nina Garcia at ELLE, Karla Martinez de Salas at Vogue Mexico, and even myself at Harper’s, you will create people who will also want to do this and know that they can too. I’m not any different than you or anyone that will read this,” he said. “The more that we as Latinxs are in it, the more people like us can understand that they can too.”

Liz Gilbert Cohen is a political advisor and documentary producer, specializing in government affairs, fundraising, and event management. Liz previously consulted on a SHOWTIME limited docuseries covering the 2020 election and is currently attached to various projects in development and production. Liz leads and supports government affairs efforts for multiple clients across the healthcare industry, and she is a Press Advance associate for the White House. Over the past decade, Liz has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for presidential, senate, and gubernatorial campaigns, conventions, and committees across America. She served as President of the Milwaukee 2020 DNC Convention and as Executive Director of the New Jersey Democratic Party. Liz is an alum of the Democratic National Committee.

One of youngest to show in the Miami & New York Fashion Week.

Esteban Cortázar was born in Bogotá (Colombia) but grew up in Miami (Florida) surrounded by the models and photographers of the moment; from Patrick Demarchelier to Herb Ritts and through Cindy Crawford.

He debuted on the New York catwalk at just 18 years old , becoming the youngest designer to do so, a fact that earned him the nickname ‘ wonder boy ‘ . In 2007, at just over 20 years old, he moved to Paris to take the reins of Emanuel Ungaro . “I was lucky to work in Ungaro’s sewing workshop with many of the professionals who had worked with him,” he admitted. Two years later, he was leaving his position to focus on his own firm.

This designer, who is part of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, assures that his origins have always marked his work: “ Latin music , art and design have always influenced me. I want to create luxurious garments that speak to cosmopolitan women around the world,” he declared.

Thoughtful and restless, in recent years he has changed the system for presenting and selling his collections to speed up consumer access to his garments by creating “trans-seasonal” collections.

Danielle N. Garno is an experienced litigation and transactional attorney who focuses on specific issues faced by the fashion community. She began her career in fashion law, handling cases relating to anti-counterfeiting, trademark infringement and intellectual property issues. In addition to fashion, Danielle also practices complex civil litigation with an emphasis on white-collar defense and fraud actions, including defense of corporations against federal and state indictments, as well as internal investigations and negotiations with various federal and state agencies. She has worked extensively in cases involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, False Claims Act, fraud, Ponzi schemes, securities violations, money laundering, conspiracy and racketeering.

Danielle has written and lectured on legal topics relating primarily to fashion law and white-collar defense and fraud. She was a featured panelist for Miami Fashion Week’s Master Classes, participating as a thought leader in panel discussion about “The New Dress for Success.” She spoke at Miami Swim Week on fashion advertising disclosures in social media and recently spoke at the Florida Bar’s Entertainment Arts & Sport Law retreat regarding Fashion & the FCPA. She was also quoted in the industry article, “SEC Delivers Light Settlements as DOJ Declines to Prosecute FCPA Remediators”, Just Anti-Corruption, Main Justice, April 27, 2015.

She was recognized as Legal Elite for the category of Commercial Litigation by Florida Trend for her work in 2015; Rising Star by Florida Super Lawyers for 2013-2014 and was listed as a team member by Law360’s “Employment Practice Group of the Year” for the years of 2011 and 2013.

Edgardo Osorio, Founder and Creative Director of Aquazzura, infuses a global perspective into luxury footwear. Born in Colombia and raised by Miami and London, his journey began at institutions like the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins.

With a decade of experience working in prestigious fashion houses, Osorio’s passion for blending beauty and comfort led to the founding of Aquazzura in 2012. The brand gained international acclaim for its distinctive creative flair and innovative vision.

Aquazzura’s collections, a manifestation of Osorio’s unique style, offer diverse footwear, from timeless pumps to chic flats. Embraced by influencers worldwide, Osorio’s designs are a blend of craftsmanship and comfort.

Symbolism plays a role in Osorio’s designs, evident in the golden pineapple emblem, symbolizing hospitality, beauty, and good luck.

The name ‘Aquazzura’ reflects Osorio’s admiration for the sea, particularly the waters of Capri, embodying a new ‘Dolce Vita’ with Italian craftsmanship and a contemporary twist.

Osorio’s inspiration stems from women and their aspirations. His journey from diverse landscapes to the global stage of luxury footwear showcases dedication, artistry, and a profound connection with women’s desires.

As the visionary force behind Aquazzura, Edgardo Osorio continues to shape the future of footwear with elegance and innovation.

As chief executive of 3.1 Phillip Lim , Wen Zhou has earned the respect of the industry for her entrepreneurial mindset and can-do attitude, propelling the Phillip Lim business from fledgling start-up to international fashion brand — with retail stores in Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles and annual revenues exceeding $100 million.

Zhou’s skills in fabric sourcing and production management, as well as her sound business judgment, have enabled 3.1 Phillip Lim to offer a winning proposition, combining a strong fashion point-of-view, quality construction and more accessible price points, enabled by made-in-China production sourced via Zhou’s strong relationships in Asia.

Zhou told Time magazine, “The thing I remember from childhood is the soothing sound of my mother’s sewing machine putting me to sleep. I came from a town that had no plumbing, no heat, we were simply looking to survive. I wanted to do better.”

Laure Heriard Dubreuil, Founder and CEO of The Webster, brought French sophistication to South Beach, Miami, by opening her iconic boutique in June 2009. Leaving her roots in Paris, Laure embarked on an adventure amid a retail crisis driven by her passion for fashion. She fell in love with Miami’s energy and found her calling in creating The Webster during Art Basel.

Growing up in Paris and Cognac, Laure’s love for sun and water evolved from holidays in Corsica. Initially aspiring to be a nose and craft fragrances, her journey shifted to the fast-paced world of fashion. With degrees in business and Mandarin, Laure honed her skills in NYC, contributing to Balenciaga and later becoming head merchandiser at Yves Saint Laurent.

Laure’s career includes impressive stints at top French luxury houses, paving the way for The Webster’s collaborations with sought-after brands. The boutique’s charm lies in Laure’s rule-breaking merchandising, creating a vibrant atmosphere. From its South Beach origin, The Webster expanded to ten boutiques, embodying Laure’s distinctive style across the US and beyond.

Balancing her French heritage with the American dream, Laure’s positive outlook drives The Webster’s success. Beyond fashion, she actively supports Mothers 2 Mothers, aiming to eliminate HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Residing in Miami with her family, Laure leads The Webster into new territories. The recent Palm Beach pop-up signals continued growth and innovation.

Maria Buccellati is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in the marketing, fashion, and textiles industries. As a CEO, Global Brand Leader, Board Advisor, Mentor, and Brand Ambassador, she has demonstrated a profound ability to drive growth and innovation. Skilled in trend analysis, retail, business development, and marketing strategy, Maria has expertise in tech and textiles. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration focused on International Business from the University of Miami – School of Business.

In 2022, Maria co-founded Faith Tribe, a pioneering open-source platform that empowers creators to design, customize, mint, and distribute digital and physical fashion assets. The platform stands out by allowing its community to decide which designs should be produced physically and democratically. Faith Tribe fosters a global, decentralized community that includes designers, visual artists, curators, fashion enthusiasts, influencers, brands, and buyers, all united in a transparent ecosystem. Here, creators engage directly with buyers, and contributors are rewarded with native tokens, promoting a vibrant and collaborative fashion ecosystem.

Oscar Feldenkreis is CEO and President of Perry Ellis International (PEI). He joined PEI in 1980 and has been involved in all aspects of the Company’s operations since that time including as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) from February 1993 until his selection as CEO and President of PEI in April 2016. Oscar’s extensive experience in the apparel business, including marketing, branding, sales and manufacturing has enabled PEI to become one of the leaders in the industry.

He is involved in numerous local and national civic causes, including the Kosher Food Bank, United Way, Israel Bonds, Temple Menorah and the YPO/WPO Organization. He is currently on the Advisory Board of My Mela, President of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), Greater Miami Chapter, on the Advisory Board of the Miami Fashion Institute for Miami Dade College and an Advisory Member for the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Retail.

Most recently, Oscar will be honored as the 2016 Apparel Industry Honoree and Co-Chairman of the Ronald McDonald House of New York Annual Gala in June. He also received the National Human Relations award given by the American Jewish Committee, the 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Wharton School of Business and the 2010 Achievement Award from the Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) organization.

The creative director of Condé Nast’s most prestigious and widely read Mexican and South American titles, Kelly Talamas was a key figure in Latin America’s fashion industry, who is focused on growing the magazine’s presence and building brand awareness in the continents key market.

Born and raised in Miami, Talamas graduated from University of Miami where she studied Journalism and Economics. Previously having gained experience at Ocean Drive, she joined Vogue Mexico in 2007 as editorial coordinator, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become fashion editor, and, following a relocation to Mexico City in 2011, she was appointed Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico and Vogue Latin America in 2012.

Talamas’ most significant achievement to date was the launch of the Talents Corner and “Who’s on Next?” initiatives, which aim to bring attention to local design and support emerging fashion labels. With a mission to promote latin American creative talent, Talamas also intends to launch “Who’s On Next?” in Colombia, where Talents Corner has been a part of Colombiamoda, the country’s fashion week, since 2012.

Before becoming creative director, Talamas was editor-in-chief of the titles during which she has featured the first lady of Colombia on the cover of Vogue Latin America’s 2013 September issue, and, in November 2012, published a special edition dedicated to Frida Kahlo, and in July 2016 Talamas was responsible for featuring Argentinean First Lady Juliana Awada on the cover with an exclusive interview. She was succeeded as editor-in-chief in June 2016 by Karla Martinez, who previously was the associate editor for the titles. After stepping into hew new role as the title’s creative director, Talamas announced her retirement in 2017 and moved to Bogota to continue working in the local fashion scene, consulting for fashion brands and stores.

Today, the monthly circulation for Vogue Latin America and Vogue Mexico stands at roughly 316,000. The magazines have a 3.5 million multi-platform audience, according to spokeswoman Karina Balderas.

The Colombia native’s signature ruffles and off-the-shoulder silhouettes perfectly capture the spirit of Latin America and have resonated with industry insiders and consumers alike. Ortiz’s use of vibrant colours and feminine silhouettes have proved commercially successful, earning her worldwide stockists and a loyal clientele base.

The designer has become something of a fashion ambassador for Colombia and has been invited to show her collections at the White House in Washington and the United Nations in New York. She is currently expanding into new categories, having made a bridalwear debut with an exclusive collection for e-tailer Moda Operandi.

Ortiz studied fashion design in Florida, graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with honours before returning to Colombia to start her namesake couture label in 2001. It wasn’t until 2014 that she started showing at Colombiamoda in Medellin and Circulo de la Moda in Bogota — two of the country’s biggest fashion weeks — and was met with critical acclaim. The following year, she took the label global with an exclusive collection for Moda Operandi, and today is stocked at some of the world’s top retailers including Neiman Marcus, Lane Crawford, Bergdorf Goodman and Net-a-Porter.

Ortiz is proud of her heritage, which has a strong influence on her creative aesthetic. In an effort to give back to the community, her label places high priority on working with indigenous communities and women in Colombia.

Craig Robins is an entrepreneur, real estate developer, and art collector based in Miami, Florida. As the CEO and President of Dacra, the real estate development company he founded in 1987, Robins focuses on developing creative communities that integrate art, design, and architecture to accelerate asset value creation and enrich urban life.

Dacra has spearheaded some of the most successful and transformative commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects in Miami’s history, including South Beach, the Lincoln Road area, Allison Island, and the Miami Design District. The latter is an 18-square block neighborhood dedicated to fashion, design, and art that incorporates the work of emerging and established architects, site-specific public art, and stores by the world’s most significant luxury brands. The Miami Design District is the first LEED-certified Gold Built Version 4 Neighborhood in the world.

In the late 1980’s through the early 1990s, Robins played an integral role in the repositioning and revitalization of Miami’s South Beach through Dacra’s restoration of Art Deco landmarks, and the creation of new commercial and cultural opportunities. Robins realized that creative public programming would rapidly foster a sense of community, and his projects were defined in part by performances, public art, and dynamic events that were inclusive of residents and visitors to the area. In parallel, Dacra also developed mixed-use projects throughout South Beach including Lincoln Road and Espanola Way. Later Dacra acquired 8.5 acres on Allison Island and created a New Urbanist residential community — AQUA. The rapid appreciation of the asset value of the Miami Beach properties was attributable in part to Robins’ strategy of defining Dacra’s projects as destinations in the national and international conversation, a strategy he continues to employ today.

Robins began acquiring property in the once-abandoned Miami Design District almost twenty years ago, and in 2000 set about transforming the neighborhood into one of the most important global centers for cutting-edge design, fashion, food, and art – a position it occupies today. In 2010, Dacra entered into a partnership with L Real Estate (now L Catterton) to further develop the Miami Design District by forming Miami Design District Associates (MDDA), a partnership between Dacra and L Catterton, a global real estate development and investment fund, specializing in creating luxury shopping destinations. In 2014, a minority percentage of MDDA was sold to a joint venture between real estate companies GGP and AAC, who are adding their additional acumen and resources to the project.

In 2005, the neighborhood’s rapid renewal inspired the creation of Design Miami/ and subsequently Design Miami/ Basel, design fairs that have evolved into the world’s premier global forum for collectible design. Robins is the Chairman of the show, which he owns in partnership with MCH Swiss Exhibition, the producers of Art Basel. Both Design Miami/ events occur concurrently with Art Basel and are cross promoted.

As an individual investor, Robins is focused is on early-stage investment in digital first brands and disruptive technologies — many of which have sustainability at the forefront.

An avid collector and supporter of the arts and architecture, Robins is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Perez Art Museum Miami; an active supporter of ICA Miami; and a member of the University of Miami School of Architecture Master in Real Estate Development and Urbanism Advisory Board. Robins’ long-term commitment to design earned him the 2006 Design Patron award presented at the White House by the First Lady, which recognizes an individual’s patronage of design within the business and civic sectors from the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. He is also on the Board of the Sylvester Cancer Center at UM Health.

Robins was born in Miami Beach in 1963. He attended the University of Barcelona in 1982, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1984, and graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1987. Fluent in Spanish, he and his wife Jackie Soffer are the parents of six children.