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THE HISTORIC PARIS THEATER IS NOW HOME TO QUEEN MIAMI BEACH

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

At QUEEN Miami Beach you can indulge in the same ultimate immersive dining experience as Will Smith, Jeff Bezos, Dj Khalid, and more! Enjoy the seamless blend of superb Japanese cuisine and world-class hospitality, with today’s bold modernity of elevated nightlife to evoke a new era of posh Miami has yet to see. With renowned architect Carlos Rodriguez of ModPlay Studio at the helm of Queen Miami Beach’s unrivaled design, you will be amazed at the awe-inspiring reimagination of the space. 

QUEEN Miami Beach opened its doors on Thursday, February 9th. Mathieu Massa, entrepreneur and restaurateur is the sole owner. He states; “Our goal will be to create the most beautiful, interesting, diverse, and fun mix of people possible, on any given night.” When walking into QUEEN Miami Beach the first word that came into my head was “GLAMOROUS.” The architecture and decor are simply stunning and genuinely make you feel like a star. QUEEN Miami Beach is a “wildly lavish and extravagant 21st-century Japanese-style grill that pays homage to its history of opulence and theatricality.”

After being in awe of the architecture and decor you will be in even great astonishment at the wide selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails and the cuisine offerings. We started with some delicious cocktails, my favorite being, “Tokyo Rose.” Tokyo Rose ingredients contained: Don Julio Blanco Tequila, peach calico, yuzu, rose water, egg white, and ginger ale. There are 9 other craft drinks that all had deliciously unique twists, a full bar, and a sommelier on staff to help with the extensive wine list. 

We had the opportunity to try a special menu where we tasted some of the best items on the menu in small portions for two. Chef Mitch Hesse and his team made our culinary experience exciting, diverse, and truly mouthwatering. We indulged in AVOCADO TART, HEIRLOOM TOMATOES SALAD, TUNA PIZZETTA, CAVIAR CRISPY RICE, OISHII PRAWN COCKTAIL, CARPACCIO SURF N’TURF, FRIED MAITAKE, ABURI SALMON SASHIMI to start, For our mains, we tried the QUEEN IMPERIAL PLATTER that had nigiri, sashimi, and maki, MISO GLAZED CHILEAN SEABASS, CHIPOTLE MISO LAMB CHOP, CREAMED CORN, and a truffle risotto that I did not see on the menu. Lastly, to end the evening we had the DELUXE DESSERT PLATTER. The platter had an assortment of frozen fruit, cheesecake, JAPANESE CAPPUCCINO, and BAKED ALASKA. Cheek out our Reel to see visuals of my new favorite meal. 

Everything consumed at QUEEN was honestly 10/10 but my top 4 favorite items were the FRIED MAITAKE, QUEEN IMPERIAL PLATTER, CAVIAR CRISPY RICE, and the cheesecake as a sweet ending.     

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FoodFood & DrinkLifestyle

Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen Participates In Miami Health and Wellness Months

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

Dukunoo has been participating in Miami Health and Wellness Months from mid-February through the end of March. Come in to Dukunoo and try the healthier side of living by treating yourself and loved ones to their vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options and much more during the months of February and March. As the saying goes, “Come Fi Di Food, Stay Fi Di Vibes”! The 15% lunch discount runs Tuesday to Friday lasts all the way through the end of March between the hours of 12 noon to 4PM. The delicious offerings include a delectable Beyond Jamaican Jerk Burger, Vegan Ackee rolls and Curry Chickpeas just to name a few. 

On Friday, February 17th Dukunoo invited The Knockturnal to join them for a healthy lunch meet-up. At the meet-up writers, food bloggers, and friends enjoyed a vast selection of Jamaican eats and drinks from the health and wellness menu as well as the main menu. 

The popular Jamaican eatery takes center stage when partnering with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for Miami Health and Wellness month. In February, American Heart Health Month was recognized, with the first Friday of February being Women’s Heart Health Day, it was and continues to be the perfect time to show consumers the healthier side of Jamaican fare.

Gayon Gray, manager at Dukunoo, stated that Dukunoo is not just a restaurant but a “vibe.” Her favorite item on the menu would hands down be the jerk chicken, she loves the spice in it.

A first-time customer stated that she has never been to a Jamaican restaurant. She tried the jerk chicken and found it to be delicious, not dry, with the perfect amount of kick, and full of flavor.

Make sure to check out the Reel made by Goodeatsonlyyy to see some more delicious Dukunoo eats.

Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen is in the heart of Wynwood at: 316 NW 24th Street, Miami. They are open for lunch daily, except for Mondays. Regular business hours are Tuesday – Thursday: 12noon to 1AM; Friday – Sunday: 12noon to 2am; Monday: 5pm – 1am. Happy Hour 4pm – 7pm! Reservations suggested, walk-ins always welcomed.

 

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Fashion & BeautyLifestyle

Exclusive Interview With Vanessa Agudelo – Queen Of Vibes Founder and CEO

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

THE EVOLUTION OF QUEEN OF VIBES

Just with one look and you know that dress is QUEEN OF VIBES! The upcoming and iconic Label stays true to its vision:

The Knockturnal: Tell readers about yourself and your brand.

Vanessa Agudelo: Vanessa Agudelo founded her brand in 2022. Queen of Vibes literally began in Boca Raton, FL out of her boyfriend’s loft. With a focus on clean silhouettes, tailored cuts, neat hems & neutral colors, she soon packaged this aesthetic and began to sell it on the internet.

During the week she would go to her 9-5, come back and work on her 5-9. During the week she would set up backdrops and studio lighting to take photos of her clothing and post to the internet. She would create content and have it ready in batches to post throughout the day. The grind would never stop but she kept true to herself and her vision. In a world of Gen Zer’s and crop tops, going all in on this “quiet fashion luxury” was a RISK. Vanessa kept telling herself “Classy is forverrrrr”.

Soon then she signed up for markets as they were an opportunity for her to make more sales on the weekends in front of thousands of customers worldwide. She would constantly fly out to Atlanta and Los Angeles markets and fashion shows to keep up with the fashion trends.

After she refined her aesthetic into “classy, sophisticated style” it immediately went viral and started trending on TIK TOK.  It was incredible to see first-hand how women responded to this kind of fashion. Sales went sky rocketing for Queen of Vibes.

People like Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Blair Waldorf fully embodied the LUXE style through their simple and elegant outfits.

Demand from its growing US clients and now international clients we hope to open a store soon in the US!

The Knockturnal: What inspired you to start Queen Of Vibes?

Vanessa Agudelo: I had a hard time finding classic styles in a world of gen z, crop tops, and y2k. I just didn’t fit the mold. I wanted that clean, classic effortless look. I wanted to make a mark in the world. Have a collection of my own. Bring back the quintessential vibes.  

You can do anything you want in this life. It is full of opportunities. The hard part is figuring out WHAT it is you want to do. I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. There are millions of clothing brands out there. I just wanted to put my twist/style on it.

The Knockturnal: What does body positivity and inclusivity mean to you and your brand? 

Vanessa Agudelo: I’m an average size-person and I sometimes feel looked down upon when you are not a size 0 or XXS. Growing up it always gave me anxiety when going into Abercrombie, because deep down inside I always wanted to be one of those size 0 girls, and have the clothes fit and look the way it does on them. I feel like brands have made progress in being body inclusive, but it truly is up to us the consumer, the models, and influencers to spark a change.  

I have always said it’s not what looks good, it’s how does it make you feel? Confident, powerful, empowered?

The Knockturnal: When did your passion for fashion start? 

Vanessa Agudelo: VERY YOUNG….i used to be ashamed of it…People always said to me “You know it’s not all about looks” or “Vanessa!! This isn’t a fashion show”.

But this is how the god lord made me and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would dress up and have nowhere to go. I would get dolled up and put on fashion shows for my neighborhood growing up. I would have my outfit ready even though we were just going to Publix, but I didn’t care. I always thought why doesn’t everyone get up and get ready? Even if they have nowhere to go. 

Every family trip oh boy was that a mission. My family already knew I would bring 3 bags, not including hats and shoes. It was never about where I was going, it was always about “what are we wearing!!!” LOL

Does it match the vibe?? Can I create a cool look with my style!! 

The Knockturnal: What makes your clothing line different from the rest? 

 Vanessa Agudelo: It creates a look and style of high value and fine living. Without having to break the bank. It’s effortless and you don’t have to show or layer too much. It’s about how the clothes make you look and feel.

 

The Knockturnal: What advice would you give it to somebody starting a clothing line? 

Vanessa Agudelo: Nike said it best… “Just do it”. Keep it simple, don’t overcomplicate things. You are going to mess up so you learn the journey while ON THE JOURNEY. Just like Michael Phelps, it’s you and THAT WALL!!! Don’t look left, don’t look right, or EVER compare yourself. You are different and that is your power.

The Knockturnal: If you had to choose your favorite piece from your line, which would it be? 

Vanessa Agudelo: Princess dress….. buttery soft, you look like a present, great to dress up or down. 

The Knockturnal: How would you describe your fashion taste?

Vanessa Agudelo: Classy, timeless, feminine, quintessential

The Knockturnal: What inspired you to name clothing pieces after friends, family, and loved ones? 

Vanessa Agudelo: I wouldn’t be able to do it without their support In giving me the courage and the love that helped me go through this to fruition. It’s the least I can do.

The Knockturnal: Are there any new exciting projects/news you can tell us about?  

Vanessa Agudelo: I am excited to start pop up shops and collaborations with local brands and markets. A traveling boutique would be a HUGE GOAL of mine. Getting to meet new people from all over, interacting, and making them feel like a million bucks is priceless to me and why I do this in the first place. 

Instagram: @_queenofvibes

Website: Shopqueenofvibes.com

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EventsMusicThe Latest

On The Scene: DJ Khaled Presents We The Best Press Conference Pt 1

by Nishat Baig
written by Nishat Baig

On Wednesday, writers and correspondents from across America were flown out to South Beach, Miami, for a special press conference held by DJ Khaled & We The Best taking place the following day. Day 1 of the 48-hour trip included complimentary flights, an airport shuttle, and a one-night stay at the legendary South Beach W Hotel. We The Best showed up and showed out and made it clear why they are the best after giving writers the 5-star treatment. Guests were greeted with cocktails on arrival and left to enjoy themselves for an entire night, all while wondering what the press conference had in store the next day. From poolside to beachside views to luxury amenities inside the hotel, there was more than enough to do to enjoy Miami for a night.

Day 2 of the trip was the press conference and after-party, and the energy was electric. As the media entered the iconic Mr.Chow, where the press conference was held, immediately to the right-hand side was a step & repeat with We The Best, Belaire, Def Jam, Roc Nation, and Air Jordan logos. At this moment, it became abundantly clear that Khaled might have more than one announcement. Writers enjoyed lite bites and complimentary cocktails while waiting for the conference to begin. We The Best, were the best at keeping everything secretive from the announcements themselves to who would be in attendance.

Just before Khaled’s arrival, the media were shown a video of Diddy sending a heart-felt message about Khaled before introducing him. DJ Khaled arrived fashionably late and dropped the biggest announcement first as journalists were on the edge of their seats waiting to find out what the announcement could be. Khaled was a ball of energy as always and was overflowing with positivity and love as he thanked guests for traveling and taking time out of their schedules for this news. Khaled kicked off the good news by saying, similar to when Lebron James held a press conference to announce he was taking his talents to Miami, Khaled announced that he and We The Best will now be partnering with Def Jam Records moving forward and that all upcoming releases like his next album will be a Universal Music Group / Def Jam release. Not only this, but Khaled will also be joining Def Jam/UMG as a Global Creative Consultant.

DJ Khaled states, “This new chapter marks a special time for me. The energy at this point in my career is at an all-time high and I’m grateful to Sir Lucian Grainge for allowing me to join his empire at this stage in my journey. Together, we will achieve even greater heights and take it to the next level. I feel blessed and so inspired with renewed energy. I’m excited to not only partner but to come back home to Def Jam. Tunji Balogun is not only an extraordinary A&R but a true music man and visionary who continuously is responsible for introducing the world to some of its next greatest superstars. I’m excited to join my sister and visionary executive LaTrice Burnette once again, as we have had tremendous success on every single project we have collaborated on in the past. Def Jam is the culture and together we will make history yet once again.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO, said, “DJ Khaled is a great artist, hitmaker, mentor, and cultural innovator. It gives me great pleasure to welcome him home to UMG where we look forward to working together to amplify his brilliant creative instincts and unique vision.”

“Beyond a proven hitmaker, incredible producer, undeniable artist, and consummate showman, DJ Khaled occupies the rarified air of cultural icon,” said Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. “His uncanny ability to continuously have his finger on the pulse of the culture, to reach audiences all over the world in innovative yet authentic ways, and his remarkable savvy for marketing, promoting, and eventizing everything he touches is absolutely second to none. We are thrilled to partner with DJ Khaled and We The Best, both as a multi-platinum, award-winning artist and as a valued executive. Without a doubt, Khaled can only make us better.”

“DJ Khaled has been a dear friend and close collaborator of mine for over a decade,” said LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings/President, 4th & Broadway. “Throughout our years together at Epic, Khaled and I developed a special working bond and broke barriers through a united vision, focused partnership, and hard work. I have a tremendous respect for Khaled’s artistry, creativity, work ethic, marketing savvy, and boundless positive energy. I’m thrilled to welcome him back home to Def Jam, and can’t wait to see what we cook up next.”

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EventsMusic

Adrian Grenier Enjoying El Cristiano Tequila Silver at the “Off The Canvas” Art Basel Party in Miami earlier this month

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

Actor and activist Adrian Grenier attends “Off the Canvas” Art Basel Music & Art activation featuring El Cristiano Tequila Silver in downtown Miami on December 1, 2022. The night featured performances by Camephat, Kaz James, Moojo, Eran Hersh, B2B, Darmon, Kasia, Talon and Ora, with Hurry Up Slowly.

 

According to IMDb, Adrian Sean Grenier is an American actor, producer, director and musician. He is best known for his portrayal of Vincent Chase in the television series Entourage (2004-2011). He has appeared in films such as Drive Me Crazy (1999), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Trash Fire (2016) and Marauders (2016). In 2021 he stars in the Netflix series Clickbait.

 

One of the Worlds’ fastest-rising events series, Hurry Up Slowly is an experiential events concept focused around immersive musical and Artistic voyages from a team of curators with over 30 years of experience. Native to Miami Florida, with more global aspirations on the horizon, the East-Coast tastemakers have quickly formed a unique identity within the industry’s electronic music landscape, welcoming renowned international artists, Global Brand Partners and more.

El Cristiano was a crowd favorite at the Hurry Up Slowly music Festival in Wynwood, Miami, serving El Cristiano in a Margarita & Paloma as the two speciality drinks. The Festival ran 9pm-3am from Wednesday, Nov 30th to Saturday, Dec 3rd with a surprise performance from Diplo on Thursday Night which was headlined by Blondish originally. It was a beautiful and lively crowd in attendance and the venue, Toejam Backlot, was extremely unique with a very cool vibe. 

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Events

On The Scene: Nobleman and Rolls Royce VIP Event to celebrate Art Basel

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

To kick off Art Basel in Miami, NOBELMAN hosted its annual celebration with Rolls Royce at Villa Positano, a waterfront property in Coconut Grove. A fantastic evening of music and connection, guests enjoyed the exceptional Miami weather as they sipped on delicious specialty cocktails featuring El Cristiano Tequila, with the Black Label Extra Añejo standing out as the go-to of the night and their signature Silver tequila another favorite of the evening.

The evening started with delicious cocktails from El Cristiano, hors d’oeuvres, and caviar with a shot of vodka. Guest mingled and enjoyed the breathtaking waterfront views that the waterfront property had to offer. I sipped the spicy margarita and loved the taste of El Cristiano in the marg, the flavor was bold but not overpowering, and completed the jalapeno notes very well. 

Guest also got to look and sit inside the 3 Rolls Royce on the property as well as learn more about the brand and features that Rolls Royce has to offer.  Rolls-Royce was a British luxury car and later an aero-engine manufacturing business established in 1904 in Manchester by the partnership of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. Rolls Royce has pledged to achieve net zero carbon in their operations by 2030 and has plans to play a crucial role in enabling the sectors in which they operate to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

 

According to the NOBLEMAN website, NOBLEMAN is a premier American men’s ultra-luxury magazine uniquely crafted for the modern gentleman. Distributed nationally, it focuses on the people, places, and events that define creative style, and beyond.

Founded in 2016 by leading publishing entrepreneurs, Doug & Lydia McLaughlin, and headquartered in Newport Beach, California, NOBLEMAN is the arbiter of taste in design, fashion, arts, travel and hospitality, fine dining, real estate, automotive, and technology. With an unparalleled commitment to design, photographic and editorial excellence, NOBLEMAN is more a coffee table book than magazine and defines what luxury is all about.

NOBLEMAN magazine and its digital platform are for the discerning and sophisticated man. The content presents compelling national, and international stories, features, and interviews, including: THE BEST OF MEN’S STYLE, LUXURY AUTO / YACHT / PRIVATE JET – TRENDS AND REVIEWS, LUXURY WATCH & ACCESSORIES, PRESTIGE REAL ESTATE & HOME DESIGN, ELITE TRAVEL + FINE DINING, GROOMING, HEALTH & FITNESS, GIFTS FOR HER / ALL SHE WANTS, PEOPLE: LEADERS OF LUXURY, BRANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW.

More About El Cristiano Tequila: 

Just introduced El Cristiano, the world’s finest and additive free ultra premium tequila, made by third generation master tequila makers from the finest Jalisco Highlands Blue Agave. El Cristiano is dedicated to producing the purist tequila with no additives – (85% of tequila today has sugars and thickeners added) – with a high focus on harvesting only mature agave aged at least five years and certain sizing through sustainable agriculture practices. By establishing this process, they have eliminated the need for additives which would change the true essence of 100% Highlands Blue Weber Agave.  

Created at the Casa Tequilera Aceves. Nom 1499, their foundation and premium flavor profiles, ranging from Silver, Reposado and Anejo to Aged Anejo, Extra Aged Anejos and Extra Aged Reposados, El Cristiano has introduced an entirely new flavor category with their 11 month barrel aged Extra Reposado. Using a distillation method of traditional distill pots with copper, and aging in American Oak barrels, their tequila is always additive-free and gluten-free, using sustainable practices.  El Cristiano takes pride in their unique, unmatched collection offerings and tasting notes. This holiday season, featuring the finest Jalisco Highlands Blue Weber Aged Agave, offering exceptional quality and taste, El Cristiano Tequila provides sustainable, additive-free, and gluten-free tequila.

Website: https://www.el-cristiano.com

IG: @elcristianotequila

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ArtLifestyle

Resy and American Express Design District Pop-Up during Miami Art Week

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

 On Wednesday, Nov. 30 The Knockturnal was on the scene of Phillip K. Smith III’s Garden of Reflections with food and drinks by Michael Solomonov (Chef and Owner of Zahav, Abe Fisher, Merkaz, Dizengoff, Goldie, Laser Wolf, Federal Donuts and K’Far in Philadelphia, PA and Laser Wolf in Brooklyn, NY).

Solomonov’s delicious Mediterranean inspired spread included Instagram-worthy Ceviche in Bissli Bag, Hummus Cones with Brussel Sprouts & Green Garbanzo, and Mushroom Baklava. Guests also were invited to indulge in an open bar and enjoy handcrafted cocktails, wine, and champagne. American Express cardholders also received a cookbook: Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking. The cookbook features many Israeli recipes, personal stories, and a dictionary of related terms.

My personal favorite item of the day was the Ceviche in a Bissli Bag. The flavors were outstanding and unique and eating it out of something that resembled a chip bag was so innovative, convenient, and mess-free to eat at this event.

 “Food, culture and art are so intricately linked and I am thrilled to be partnering with American Express and Resy to bring this exciting experience to guests in Miami,” said Chef Michael Solomonov, Chef and Owner of Zahav and five-time James Beard Foundation award-winner.

Resy and American Express to Host Multiple Dining Events During Art Week in Miami Including Dinner Series with Massimo Bottura, Missy Robbins and Mashama Bailey with Original Art by Phillip K. Smith III; Gallery Day to Feature Food by Michael Solomonov

The art featured was “Phillip K. Smith III’s Garden of Reflections.”

Garden of Reflections is an installation composed of 17 columnar sculptures that collage the light, atmosphere, and movement of the space across their highly reflective and folded mirror polished steel surfaces. Organically collected in three different groups, the artwork reacts to the immediate surroundings, colors, and realities of the day.  As the light of the space changes, so the artwork changes. As people move within the space, the artwork reacts accordingly. This reflective experience reconfigures and compresses directionality and space, amplifying one’s perception of their surroundings. The result is an installation that is equally powerful and quiet, completely immersive, and changing at all times, no matter day or night.

 More about the artist: Working in the Southern California desert’s Coachella Valley, Phillip K. Smith III creates light-based work that draws upon ideas of space, form, color, light + shadow, environment, and change. Featured in many online and print publications, Smith is known for creating large scaled temporary installations such as Lucid Stead in Joshua Tree, Reflection Field and Portals at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, ¼ Mile Arc in Laguna Beach, and The Circle of Land and Sky at inaugural 2017 Desert X exhibition. His public artworks are sited in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kansas City, Nashville, Oklahoma City and beyond; and the artist was recently commissioned to create permanent, light-based works for the cities of West Hollywood, CA, La Jolla, CA, and Bellevue, WA. The artist currently has solo exhibitions on view at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art through August 6, 2023, and at the Palm Springs Art Museum through May 7, 2023.

ABOUT GLOBAL DINING ACCESS BY RESY:

Global Dining Access by Resy is a dining program for eligible* American Express Card Members that provides elevated access to top restaurants in the United States and internationally. Card Members can utilize the program’s benefits – to get access for exclusive tables, Priority Notify, event access – by having their eligible American Express Card on file in their Resy profile. In the U.S, Global Dining Access exclusive tables are available at 500+ restaurants including Carbone (NY) Lilia (NY), Via Carota (NY), Zahav (PHL), Monteverde (CHI), Mi Tocaya (CHI), Mother Wolf (LA), Kato (LA), Contessa (MIA), Rose’s Luxury (DC), Sarma (Boston), Carbone Vino (DAL) and more.

Global Dining Access members are also invited to purchase tickets to Global Dining Access events featuring top chefs and restaurants. Past events have included World’s Best Restaurant noma’s 5-day residency in New York City (May 2022) and Platinum Coast (September 2021), a floating restaurant on a barge in Manhattan’s East River featuring Nancy Silverton, Kwame Onwuachhi, Stephanie Izard and more Global Dining Access Chefs.

*Global Dining Access by Resy membership extends to eligible U.S. American Express Cards: Platinum Card®, Business Platinum Card®, Corporate Platinum Card®, The Centurion Card, Centurion Business Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire (see Global Dining Access Terms and Conditions).

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EntertainmentEvents

Richie Akiva Takes Basel Week By Storm – From Gala Miami to Stone Island

by Staff
written by Staff

Richie Akiva came into Art Basel full force and claimed Miami with the hottest parties and events, undisputed. The hospitality giant and NY nightlife King, held Basel pop ups starting with Stone Island on November 29th and included celebrity stacked nights at GALA Miami nightclub, Socialista at Cipriani Miami on December 1 and December 3, and even a mega Yacht party on November 30th. There were definitely more, but we lost count.

Akiva marked his rank on Basel 2022, seen out nightly and all around town with an A-List crew.

GALA Miami, the hottest new and exclusive South Beach nightclub by JoJo Lahoud and Marco Garcia, partnered with Akiva for an unmatched weekend of talent endlessly flowing nightly and posted up across all the VIP tables. DJ sets included Jus Ske on Friday night and Stevie J on Saturday, with Ruckus guest popping into the booth . The flow of talent at GALA included Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian, Foodgod, Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, Hailey Bieber, Serena and Venus Williams, Hassan Whiteside, Griizy, Shay Mitchell, Bella Thorne, Frida Aasen and Tommy Chiabra, Miguel, Cash XO, Floyd Mayweather, Eiza Gonzalez, Hailee Steinfeld, Beau Casper Smart, SAINt JHN, Zack Bia, Gastaad Guy, Yung Taco, Victor Cruz, Eric The Jeweler, Larsa Pippen, Marcus Jordan, Dixie D’Amelio, Patrick Carroll, JR Smith, Alesso, Tobey Maguire, and the list goes on….

If you missed the GALA late night parties, was there even a point to be in Miami last weekend?  Perhaps, because Akiva also had just as many VIPs out at Cipriani’s Miami Socialista lounge for his earlier evening sets. On the 1st, Zoe Kravitz celebrated her birthday at the waterfront lounge, partying along side names such as Eiza Gonzalez, Hailee Steinfeld, Jamie Chung, and Hailey Bieber all hanging in their intimate VIP area, as well as Venus and Serena Williams, Adrian Grenier, Phillies’ owner John Powers Middleton, Vincent Laresca, Tobey Maguire, Frida Aasen, Tommy Chiabra, and more.  The Socialista party reconvened on Saturday night for a second installment, December 2nd, in which Akiva did a double header.

Stone Island was the kick off of Akiva’s week at the RC Cola Plant on the 29th for the 40th anniversary with a performance by Jamie XX, and the likes of Jared Leto, Miguel, Odell Beckham Jr, Vivi Nevo, Danny A. Abeckaser, James Goldstein, Riccardo Tisci, and Venus Williams, among several other bold faced names, with DJ sets by Tomas Station and Jonny Rock, and many more. The event was co-hosted by Ronnie Madra, Steven Kentucky, Lucciano Grey and Skylar Hauswirth.

His lineup then followed on the 30th with a super VIP party on the VAVA Mega Yacht, for a party we hear went all night following Sean Penn’s Core Response Gala. The guest list of the yacht deserves an award in itself, ranging from A-Listers like Jared Leto to supermodels, athletes, influencers and a slew of notables, and we hear no phones were permitted. Akiva knows how to throw a bash, as we hear guests were greeted with white glove service.

The Knockturnal continues to bring you the hottest nightlife and event insider info. in all top cities. Follow us for more on instagram.

Photo gallery above from Gala Miami, exclusive images by World Red Eye / Seth Browarnik. Head to World Red Eye for more images from Gala, Stone Island and Socialista.

 

 

 

 

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Fashion & BeautyLifestyle

ALEXIS LAUREN IS NOW OPEN IN CORAL GABLES

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

Pop the champagne, Alexis Lauren is now open in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami. The Knockturnal was honored to be invited and get an exclusive first look at Alexis Lauren Collective. 

 

Alexis Lauren Collective, a medically-backed luxurious beauty destination was founded by husband-and-wife duo, Dr. Michael and Alexis Renda, the Alexis Lauren Collective aims to redefine high-end aesthetic skincare in a modern beauty collective, marrying injectables with bespoke skincare treatments in a self-care sanctuary.

Alexis Lauren Collective’s approach is personalized to each client, with results-driven, medical-grade services. At the Collective, the team believes in offering what is best for you in the moment, satisfying varying skin desires, and generating transformational results. Clients can receive treatments through individual visits, or through a monthly membership in which clients receive monthly custom treatments, exclusive pricing, and members-only perks. Services that will be available at launch include injectables, custom facials, microneedling, and chemical peels using premium products with medical-grade devices and technology.

 

With regard to product, the “Collective Cabinet” comes complete with trusted, scientifically proven brands to complement on-site treatments, including cult-favorite Biologique Recherche, Skinbetter Science, iS Clinical, and more. Alexis Lauren Collective will also house devices that offer the finest methods of skin refinement, like Oxylight Ionix, in addition to an array of facial equipment from LED to microcurrent, and more. Guests at this event all received samples from Biologique Recherche to enjoy. 

“My husband Michael and I came together to fill a void we saw in the skincare space: an ultra-luxe beauty collective that cares as much about its members as it does results,” said Alexis Renda, co-founder of Alexis Lauren Collective. “Our service menu is tailored to serve the client, not overwhelm them.”

 

Co-founded by trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Renda, his medical background strengthens the backbone of the business model along with the team of specialists presiding over the Collective.

 

“The ability to take care of patients with catastrophic traumatic injuries and burns has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of wound healing and our body’s resilience,” says Dr. Michael Renda. “This translates into the aesthetic realm as many of the skincare products and procedures are designed to remodel the skin, and at a cellular level elicit the body’s wound healing response.”

 

The evening was filled with good company, celebration, champagne, and pure bliss to celebrate the newest medically-backed luxurious beauty destination in Coral Gables.

Interviewing the dynamic duo and learning more about them and their endeavors was truly inspirational.

 

The Knockturnal: What inspired you to start your own beauty collective?

Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “When we moved to Miami several years ago, I was looking for a place for injectables and facials and I couldn’t find an experience I loved. So, Michael and I started discussing what was missing in the space and what it would take to open a beauty collective that was luxurious and also offered bespoke treatments that really catered to the client and their needs. We wanted to marry the concept of injectables with high-end, highly curated skincare treatments.”

 

The Knockturnal: Have you always been passionate about beauty?

Alexis: “Yes, I have loved the beauty industry ever since I was a child! I was a ‘90s baby and read every copy of Seventeen and CosmoGirl magazine I could get my hands on—I even asked for retinol in middle school.”

 

The Knockturnal: What is your earliest beauty obsession?

Alexis: “I had so many obsessions and they were not good (ha)! Do you remember Sea Breeze and St. Ives Apricot Scrub?” 

 

The Knockturnal: As a trauma surgeon, can you shed light on how it makes a difference to have true medical influence involved in aesthetic skincare? What can members expect as a result of having true medical expertise presiding over the collective?

Dr. Michael Renda: “The ability to take care of patients with catastrophic traumatic injuries and horrible burns has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of wound healing and our body’s resilience. This translates into the aesthetic realm as many of the skincare products and procedures are designed to remodel the skin and at a cellular level elicit the body’s wound healing response. For example, Sculptra, is designed to act as a catalyst to induce new collagen formation which helps redefine facial features for a more youthful look. Everything in medicine always boils down to the basic building blocks of biology, and that is no different for the aesthetic space; therefore my background only helps strengthen the medical backbone of our business model.”

 

The Knockturnal: What is it like running a business (so far) as a husband-and-wife duo?

Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “We like to describe starting this business like walking in the dark in the middle of the night from the bathroom to the bed. You have your hands out and are blindly walking trying not to trip or hit your shin. Having a business partner on the same page as you, with the same goals, work ethic and reliability though has been key. The hard part is the access to your business partner. It never ends. We wake up and the texts between each other start at 7am to discuss the business, troubleshoot, answer emails etc. We are working on this balancing act but we can’t imagine doing this with anyone else. Seeing a project take shape that was merely an idea is uniquely gratifying. It is all a steep learning curve.”

 

The Knockturnal: What inspired the interiors?

Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “Alexis as much as she won’t admit it is truly an aesthete—she has unparalleled taste and style. She was able to put together a mood board that our architects took one look at and brought to life. One of our mottos is “let’s slow things down”. The client is on a journey the second they immerse themselves into ALEXIS LAUREN. Time stands still from the moment they walk in the front door to their treatment room. Every wall and door is curved and custom made, just like the experience.” 

 

The Knockturnal: How do you spend your free time in Miami?

Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “We are total creatures of habit. We have our favorite places and things to do and we repeat them over and over again. We love the water, which makes Miami so special to us. Fitness is also paramount to each of us. You can always find Michael at Anatomy and Alexis taking a Pilates class at Tremble. We are total homebodies!” 

 

Follow Alexis Lauren Collective on Instagram @alexislaurencollective and check out their website www.alexislauren.com to follow their journey and book your services. 

 

Alexis Lauren Collective:

4203 Ponce de Leon Blvd

Coral Gables, FL 33146

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