Our travels have taken us far and wide across the continents and through wild seas, and as we hail the arrival of our A/W 18 Collection ‘Travels to Miami & Morocco’, we invite you to explore Miami with us in this blog post; taking you deep into the soul of the city, sharing with you everything that inspired the prints in the newest collection.
On arrival, Miami is a storming city of skyscrapers and soaring palm trees. A buzzing tropical and urban complex where the sun doesn't seem to stop shining. This coastal hub connects via roadways to keys and beaches further out east; the lengthy strips of sand that soak up the surf and run parallel to the mainland are summer havens. The famous Miami Beach is located on these barrier islands, a beach resort that sings summer 24/7. Miami Beach is a paradise where summer seekers can surf afternoons away, jet ski into the horizon and paddleboard south to Key Biscayne and further. And it is also a place where people desiring a shoreside snooze can settle down whilst volleyball players down the beach swing their arms in play.
A TROPICAL HAVEN
As you walk back from the beach, with sandy feet and sandy beach towels, before you reach the hustle and bustle of the gleaming city, tropical fauna erupts from banks, blooming with exotic flowers and shrubs. Boardwalks mapping across the city are surrounded by these forests of luscious greenery. Frangipani trees prosper among the Palms and Banana leaves, all so colourful and vibrant it is a textural and tropical wonderland.
The Damien Hirst Mammoth Sculpture at the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach
RETRO INSPIRED
One of the stand out moments of our travels through Miami were the days spent exploring the Art Deco district. A more historical part of town in South Beach, boasting more than 900 historical buildings making Miami the city with the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world. An architectural wonder, where the streets are lined with candy coloured facades, all of which have stood the test of time. Neon trimmings, brass detailing, curved corners and window ‘eyebrows’ are all key features of the buildings, each lit up at night with luminous pink tinted fluorescence. The geometric and retro styled structures soar up into the sky, parallel to the palm trees, adding to the tropical ambiance of this exuberant city. Miami is known for its nightlife that seeps out of these incredibly decadent buildings, under neon lights on rooftops overlooking the ocean, this city never sleeps.
As well as golden beaches, tropical fauna, Art Deco and a spirited nightlife, Miami offers a rich culture of art and design. The design district attracts the tops names in art and fashion, a spot where art galleries flourish with new and innovative work. Graffiti graces storefronts, elevating this neighbourhood to a contemporary and fresh level of living. Although in the low season this part of Miami may seem quiet and low key, it comes alive during the annual Art Basel which is held in the first week of December. Over the course of this one week, designers, artists, innovators and more flock to Miami to celebrate design in all aspects. It is this essence of vitality that captivates us when it comes to Miami, its ability to breath with the times, yet still retain its true and historical character.
SUPREME SUNSETS
After days wandering through the many districts, exploring the architecture, the beaches and the streets that effortlessly connect this city together, weaving it in a ‘Manhattan’ inspired grid. We took to the roofs to settle down with a few drinks before watching the sunset. We anticipated the famous Miami sunset and the astounding colours that would occur as the sun heads towards the horizon. As we sipped our cocktails and overlooked the swelling ocean, the sun began its descent. The hues emanating from the sky were wonderful, sweeping pinks and deep purples interjected with profound oranges and ochres. The skies are painted so brightly, the ocean below reflecting the glowing colours and ceremoniously washing them towards the shore in skilled cadence. And as nightfall then began to cloak the city, Miami softly switches on. Lighting up every corner with different shades of neon, casting a fluorescence across the contemporary cityscape.
Miami is truly a hub of creativity, a place where life erupts with supreme vibrancy, but in the same vein, it is a place where you can slow life down and rest upon open rooftops and on the stretches of sandy beach with a cocktail in hand. Our A/W 18 collection draws from the retro and colourful aspects of the city, picking up the hues that weave through Miami, from ocean to skyscraper. Our prints explore pops of colour along with summer favourites, ice creams, deck chairs, and sunset skies all of which are Florida’s staples.
Click here to explore the latest to land from Love Brand HQ, discover our new A/W 18 Collection ‘Travels to Miami & Morocco’ - find your perfect print and get holiday ready.
As always,
With love,
