Babalú Miami: a new spin on luxury kiosk retail

STEPPING OFF the elevators of the parking structure at the new retail, dining and parking development at the Mews, Miami’s landmark upscale shopping promenade designed by world-renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, one does not expect to be literally enveloped in the glittering kiosk Babalú Miami—eye candy is putting it mildly! Sumptuously arrayed with luxury conveniences, you can’t just rush by. Even if you are running unfashionably late for a business meeting or smart lunch or just about to browse the promenade, you feel compelled to stop and peruse the goodies.

Babalú’s one-of-a-kind items provide a delightful one-stop pop-up original concept store with an ever-changing offering of luxury items, gifts and must-haves ranging from $2 to $2,400. The sheer convenience of finding the ultimate in products in a busy and on-the-go life proves irresistible to Miami visitors, world travellers and the increasingly diverse cosmopolitan demographic of Miami urbanites.

Forward-thinking owner-partners Greg Melvin and Paolo Ambu, whose stellar reputations in creating global trends in the fields of luxury retail and hospitality, took a chance on this unusual space no one could figure out what to do with. Collaborating with dream-team retail interior designers John Rawlins and Devinn Bruce (credited with Fontainebleau retail and Bergdorf Goodman designs), they created a modern kiosk spin on Miami’s 1950s nostalgia and glamour.

Trend-setting and sophisticated, the space has a casual ambience yet evokes the romance of Miami: striped mirrored walls inspired by ocean-side beach cabanas, light pink glows from afar envelop the store’s niches to accentuate the raw nature and industrial character of the building. Portable displays and fresh flowers extend into the passageway.

Every nook and cranny is open to treasure-hunting and delightful discoveries, like their vast designer soap collection, luxury pure silk sleep masks by Slip, tote bags by Carlos Falchi and Eric Javets, Sail bags, Dosh and Dynomighty men’s wallets, Babalu’s cufflinks in gold and silver, Ecuadorian chocolates and more.

Featured amongst their cache of amazing inventory is an impressive choice of fragrance, offering exclusive scents for Babalú by Nasomatto and Panama. There are also fragrances by Oar Ito, Parisian Nez à Nez, Acqua de Parma, Bond No. 9, Boadicea, Comme des Garçons, Costume National, État Libre d’Orange, Eau d’Italie, Esteban, Odin, Santa Maria Novella and Six Scents. An array of the world’s finest candles offers Avenue, Claus Porto, D. L. & Co., the Hype Noses and, now, exclusively to Florida, Ortigia, Italy’s interpretation of ancient Italian herbology for home, body and soul.

World-class designers including Betony Vernon, Kenneth Jay Lane, Laura Constantine, Miriam Salat, Monies and Noir represent fashion, fine jewellery, accessories and small leather goods. John Hardy’s (exclusive Miami Beach art-déco collection), Paul Smith Accessories, Philip Crangi, Graf von Faber-Castell, Ten Thousand Things, Carolyn Tyler, Diana Dunk and Tricia Kim are also included.

Babalu’s eponymous signature jewellery collection, inspired by the international jet-set lifestyle and timeless beach culture, offers an irresistible array of lovely universal symbols and natural sea motifs. Masterfully sculpted charms in 18 ct gold and silver are delicately adorned with hand-knotted mala strands of semi-precious beads.

Get style: choose from their collection of cutting-edge watches by top international designers, Brera Orologi, Eleven Eleven Watches, Welder by Italo Fontana and Ice Watches, Belgium; accessorize further with a pair or two of their stylish designer sunglasses by Mosley Tribes, Paul Smith Sunglasses, Ray Ban and Super Retro.

How about a perfect home décor gift? Exquisite offerings are available from Murano glass art from Salviati (US exclusive), Forge de Laquiole and Fornasetti’s fabulous plate themes (US exclusive) to Mission Home, Paul Smith Accessories, Calvin Klein Home and St Dupont.

Top-of-the-line apothecary item brands includes Malin & Goetz and Nasomatto (Miami Beach Exclusives). Anthony Logistics Sun Care and Shaving, Elgydium, Geo F. Trumper, Marvis Toothpaste, Shiseido Sun Care and Men, and Super Smile.

The magnificent Miami beaches beckon, so there’s no time like the moment to refresh. No suit, towel or lotion? No problem. Take your choice from colourful Babalú Miami terry velour beach towels, AussieBum (Miami exclusive), Eric Javits (hats), FB Collection beach paddles, Havaianas flip-flops (for adults and kids), Melissa shoes, Orlebar Brown, Paul Smith Swim, Sundek and Swims. Grab the best electronics on the market: a great headset by Dr Dre, the Beats Headphone; or the Munitio Earphones or Jawbopne Jambox wireless speakers for the total experience.

Available each day are freshly cut flowers, accoutrements to accent evening cocktails, distinctive must-have gifts such as sommelier knives from Forge de Laguiole and travel and design books. Everything is uniquely sourced from essentials down to refreshing drinks.

Babalú Miami has become a strategic location first point-of-interest and primary welcome point for visitors to Miami Beach. Their service philosophy extends beyond retail sales with its signature five-star concierge service: sales staff specifically trained to provide visitors with local area information, directions and even assist with restaurant recommendations.

This unexpected haven of luxurious convenience also offers the ability for shoppers to order some of their offerings online from the web store (www.babalumiami.com), for worldwide delivery to home or workplace. •

Babalú Miami
The Mews
1111 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
USA
Email hello@babalumiami.com
Telephone 1 305 831-4984
www.babalumiami.com

Anita Talbert, a well respected event producer, is a guest writer for Lucire.

Babalu Miami Designs: Pacific Māori 18 ct matte yellow gold chain

Babalu Miami logo and gift section


Bond No. 9 NYC High Line


Miriam Salat star-studded rings


Miriam Salat honey twig earrings


Miriam Salat double lion cuff


Salviati crystal tableware


Claus Porto Déco candle


Swims shoes

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