People

BRICKELL MAGAZINE’S 2013 Dressed for Success

Introducing The Magic City’s Best Dressed Professionals
Photography: Nick Garcia for BlindLight Studio Interviews: Jorge Arauz Onsite Fashion Editor: Noé César Hair & Makeup: Teresa Miranda & Alana Almeida Vaz; 786.343.1727; [email protected] Location: BlindLight Studio; 4747 SW 75th Ave.; 305.266.3197; BlindLightStudio.com | June 14, 2018 | People

the women

Katie Phang
Shareholder/Partner
Arrastia, Capote & Phang LLP
ACPLegal.com

Her style: Classic with an edge

Style icon: Kerry Washington

In her closet: Prada, Etro, Dior, Trina Turk, Helmut Lang, Black Halo, Rag & Bone, Vince, Louis Vuitton, Chanel

Where she shops: Bal Harbour Shops

Prized possession: “For Valentine’s Day, my husband gave me a pair of black Christian Louboutin Vendome heels autographed by…Christian Louboutin himself! I can’t bring myself to wear them, though. I feel like they should be in a glass display case somewhere!”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “Overalls in college! It was all the rage, but a 5’2’’ Korean with a bowl-cut hairdo has no business wearing overalls…ever!”

Style tip: “Buy what you LOVE, not what you like! That way you’ll always have great pieces to wear, even when fashion trends change.”

Liliana Paez
CEO
Global Smart Products
& Key Int’l Sales
GSmartProducts.com;
Key-International.com

Her style: Classic with a modern twist

Style icon: Carla Bruni

In her closet: Prada, Helmut Lang, Manolo Blahnik

Where she shops: Barneys New York, Intermix, Neiman Marcus

Prized possession: “Definitely my Patek Phillipe watch!”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “On my wedding day, I decided to jump in the pool with my Monique Lhuillier dress. Unfortunately, I underestimated the weight of the dress and almost drowned…it might not sound like it, but it was really funny.”

Style tip: “Always combine classic pieces and style with modern accessories.”

Erbi Blanco-True
Sr. VP
Great Florida Bank
GreatFloridaBank.com

Her style: Elegant

Style icon: Audrey Hepburn

In her closet: Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Jimmy Choo

Where she shops: Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Consign Of The Times

Prized possession: “My Louis Vuitton Vintage Handbag, I’ve had it for more than 20 years and it still goes with everything!”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “Once I decided to have a mermaid-style gown custom-made for a black-tie event but when I picked up the dress, I realized I could hardly walk in it because it was too tight around my legs…I spent the whole night sitting at the table without being able to dance or walk around!”

Style tip: “Buy classic quality pieces —you can easily update them with accessories. Plus, they will last forever!”

Mency Acosta
VP
King Creative
KingCreative.tv

Her style: Miami chic

Style icon: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

In her closet: She’s always on the lookout for up-and-coming designers and brands.

Where she shops: She uses HotPinkStyling to get her looks from various places including Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Terry Boutique in Pompano Beach.

Prized possession: “A Louis Vuitton vintage clutch that belonged to my grandmother’s sister. She passed away a few years ago and was a Louis Vuitton fanatic!”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “One day while I was headed to Brickell Key for lunch, I thought I could just walk across the bridge with my cute new heels…but halfway across the bridge I kept tripping, nearly falling into passing traffic!”

Style tip: “Always look for the best deals and take your time when shopping!”

the men

Malik S. Benjamin
Dir. Of Program Innovation
FIU College of Architecture Managing Director
Institute of Collaborative Innovation
MalikSBenjamin.com

His style: “Blipster 007!”

Style icon: Jean-Michel Basquiat

In his closet: Zara, Cole Haan, Brooks Brothers, Rotenier

Where he shops: Zara, Brooks Brothers

Prized possession: “A series of sneakers with my face designed onto the side!”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “I was a student at Alvin Ailey when I picked out a perfect outfit for a celebration party after the final performance of the year. A month later, suit in hand, I went to the concert hall, performed and got dressed. Apparently, that was the month I had my final growth spurt and my suit pants were as high as Steve Urkel’s!”

Style tip: “Be you…it sounds corny but it’s true!”

Ofir Farahan
Owner & Founder
OFY Men’s Shop
Facebook.com/ShopOFY

His style: Simple, wearable combinations

Style icon: Pharrell Williams

In his closet: Brands OFY carries including Zanerobe, Vince, Joes, Life After Denim & Altru Apparel

Where he shops: OFY, Club Monaco, J.Crew

Prized possession: “My 100% leather bag-pack! It’s one-of-a-kind so I know no one else will be wearing it!”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “I was in NYC at a clothing trade show recently when I realized I sat on a brownie. With no change of clothes I decided to just embrace my new stain!”

Style tip: “You want to look sharp, hip, like you’ve got the latest, and you’re put together well. It’s not ostentatious. It’s a kind of sexy, sophisticated blend.”

Ari Tenzer
Partner
Tenzer Delgado PLLC
Tenzer.com

His style: European, with an Italian flavor.

Style icon: Gianni Agnelli, a.k.a. “L’Avvocato.”

In his closet: Custom-made Italian suits and Diesel, Ralph Lauren, Boss, Zegna

Where he shops: Paolo Barone for anything custom-made and various designer boutiques and high-end shopping malls throughout the city.

Prized possession: “My custom suits! I love them all! They’re a staple for anyone who needs to get dressed up for work every day.”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “Whether something is a faux pas really depends on your perspective and geographic location — when in Rome, do like the Romans.”

Style tip: “Dress with passion, style and an eye toward distinguishing yourself — and don’t be afraid to be different!”

Stylianos G. Vayanos
CCO & BDO
Skyline Equities
SkylineEquities.com

His style: Urban gentleman; classic with a touch of trend

Style icon: Sean Connery

In his closet: Burberry, Paul & Shark, Vineyard Vines, Zegna, Ferragamo, Cole Haan, Armani, Gianluca Isaia, Ralph Lauren, Incotex, Canali

Where he shops: Village Of Merrick Park, Dadeland Mall, Gilt.com

Prized possession: “My Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in white gold with blue dial, diamond hour markers and blue crocodile leather strap!”

Memorable fashion faux pas: “Socks with sandals! That’s just wrong…”

Style tip: “If you fill your closets with classics you can always jazz them up with the latest trends or add cool colors. Spend money where it counts.”