Greenies everywhere, rejoice—the non-toxic skincare line by the name of Tata Harper has landed in the 305. Adored by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Alicia Silverstone, Lake Bell and Tory Burch, Harper’s line offers an organic approach to saving face. “We’re a brand-new category of beauty—our products are 100-percent natural and non-toxic but completely science- and results-driven,” says Keri Waxer, founding ambassador. Slather on the label’s signature Rejuvenating Serum ($150) for an amazingly flawless, glowy complexion. The bonus? It feels spectacular to be green. Available at Gee Beauty, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour, 305-868-3533

A dish from Phuc Yeah!

For the next two months we will be able to dine at Phuc Yea!, a temporary restaurant in Downtown Miami’s Ingraham Building. The Southeast Asian restaurant is helmed by a trio of creative culinary scenesters: Anièce Meinhold, who mans the front of the house, and Cesar Zapata and Daniel Treiman, who bring their skills to the kitchen. The menu consists of mostly small plates and will feature a focused selection of 12 to 15 items that rotate on a weekly basis. The categories are broken down into “1 – một,” “2 – hai” and “3 – ba,” representing the size of the plates in that section. Try 1 một, a selection of fresh and fried “rolls” wrapped in moistened rice paper with various fillings such as Cha Gio (imperial rolls, pork, crab, shrimp, and glass noodles); 2 hai So Hap Xa (spicy steamed mussels, lemon grass, beer, herb butter, chiles, crusty bread), and 3 ba five-spice pork belly. As for the name, “phuc” in Vietnamese seems to stand at a crossroad of meanings between “prosperity,” “happiness,” and “fortune.” Phuc Yea!, The Ingraham Building, 19 SE Second Ave., 305-494-0609

Fashion's Night Out at DVF

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) festivities caused quite a stir last night. Though local shopping destinations like Bal Harbour Shops, Aventura Mall and even the Design District brought in the big guns with open bars, catered food, celebrity appearances, DJs and beauty product sampling, we went after even more kick for our FNO marathon.

Cue Merrick Park. Though an obvious choice because of Ocean Drive’s partnership with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, plenty of stores pulled out all of the stops. Getting through the massive crowds—though worth it—was a bit daunting at times, but once we finally arrived to cocktails with catchy fashion-themed names like Cashmere Pear (a concoction that included Grey Goose La Poire vodka that tasted like cinnamon cookies), it was hard to not get in the spending spirit. Manicure touch-ups with Deborah Lippmann colors like Birthday Party kept the party going, while a photo booth captured all of the fun for a take-home keepsake. There was even an arts-and-crafts table where guests were able to custom create a pair of Hanky Panky underwear and have the details stitched on by an expert.

Ocean Drive editor-in-chief Suzy Buckley revealed the magazine’s pop-up shop, which included looks fit for a night out, a gala and a leisurely weekend. And Neiman Marcus presented a runway show with fall fashion trends straight from the contemporary department (furs, color blocking, sparkle). We are shopped out just thinking about it.
 

Timothy Stanley and P. Scott Cunningham

This weekend, spend some time with Gene Hackman in Miami. Well, not the Gene Hackman, but the creative writing process brought to life as P. Scott Cunningham and Timothy Stanley perform live literary criticism of the other’s work at the art space Bas Fischer.

How did this project begin?
P. SCOTT CUNNINGHAM: The project began when Tim and I met at Art Basel Miami Beach last December. We hit it off right away and it wasn’t long before we started talking about collaborating. Both of us are writers who are interested in performance, so the idea for [Gene Hackman] came out of looking for ways to write and perform together.

TIMOTHY STANLEY: Scott and I met in Miami during Basel last year. He called me up a couple months ago and told me he was doing a performance in Miami and asked me if I wanted to do something as well. We started talking and it turned into collaboration. We wanted to do something visual and performative while still keeping writing as the focus. Jim Drain and Naomi Fisher were great enough to let us use Bas Fisher and the venue and we took it from there. Still, it wasn’t until the days before we started that we knew what it would look like. 

I love Gene Hackman as much as the next girl—Lex Luther in Superman, Royal in The Royal Tenenbaums—but what is with the name?
PSC: Mostly it has to do with the sound of the syllables. It’s a beautiful name.

TS: God, I really have no idea. I’m in love with it, though. We’ve been watching motivational clips from Hoosiers lately, but there isn’t really a reason for the name. 

Do you feel like you are writing on a daily deadline?
PSC: Yes. For this project we’re reading things we wrote the day of, so in order to read something you have to write it that day. It’s part of the fun.

TS: Absolutely. I’m trying to write a full-length novel in the three weeks I’m in the space, so word count is the objective. I’ve given myself a 5,000-word goal for every day. Who knows if I’ll hit it. 

What if you get writer’s block?
PSC: I drink more coffee.

TS: I’m beginning to realize that writer’s block is a luxury of time. The parameter I set for myself means I have to write like a coal miner—just get it done before the whistle blows at 5 PM. And I know Scott will let me know as harshly as possible if the writing has suffered as a result. 

How old were you when you realized you wanted to write when you grew up?
PSC: I was 29 when I realized I was a poet.

TS: I’m not exactly a grown-up yet, but I figured out I wanted to write creatively around the end of high school. Before that, it was torture.

What are you reading these days?
PSC: Wallace Stevens and a book about the Chicago jazz movement AACM called A Power Stronger Than Itself by George E. Lewis.

TS: Right now I’m reading Dracula. For a monster book, it’s beautifully romantic. Stoker writes women well, which is something I’ve always wanted to be able to do convincingly. And Renfield is just about the best lunatic ever written.

What other writers should we be reading?
PSC: There’s no “should” in reading. If it interests you, great. If not, that’s OK too. No one will die. For those who are interested in poets alive today though, I recommend Kay Ryan.

TS: Scott Cunningham. Oh, and any writer who doesn’t have a least one eye on what Lil Wayne is doing is probably missing something special. I mean that sincerely.

What about Miami inspires you?
PSC: You can’t change Miami. It’s too big, too fractured, too complex for any of us to tangle with. For a poet, that’s a blessing. I want to wrestle with my city, not be catered to like a baby.

TS: The small but strong community of creative people. The artists here support each other in a way that’s rare to find anywhere else. They pull each other up, which is inspiring. Also, the tiny lizards that run under my feet in Morningside. The whole place feels like Jurassic Park. 

FROM LEFT: SLVR T-shirts designed by Scot Bendall and Pietsch Lim

SLVR, a boutique brand by Adidas, has debuted a new line of tees ($65 each) for fall in collaboration with various artists including Pietsch Lim, Edward Enninful and Scot Bendall. Find them at Base in Miami Beach. Base, 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-531-4982

Louis Vuitton Python fetish strap pump ($1,430) and patent-leather fetish strap pump ($1,075)

Louis Vuitton gives the classic Mary Jane an extra dose of sophistication and sex appeal this season in python and patent-leather versions with decorative bows. Louis Vuitton, 19595 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura Mall, 305-931-3887

Etiqueta Negra

From Bal Harbour to Coral Gables and everywhere in between, Miami’s most tasteful men will celebrate the long-awaited arrival of Fashion’s Night Out this Thursday. In honor of the extravaganza, here is a list of eight must-visit shops offering the best in style and entertainment.

Adolfo Dominguez: Comfort and casual ease combine seamlessly inside this Spanish designer’s signature boutique. Grab a pair of this season’s boots, all of which are masterfully masculine. Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables, 305-774-7383; Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-931-5050

Cole Haan: The lucky winner (announced October 10) of Cole Haan’ sweepstakes will claim a free pair of shoes every month for an entire year. Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables, 305-442-0882; Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-931-0125

Ermenegildo Zegna: For a sartorial dive into fall, grab a cocktail and peruse Zegna’s latest irresistible collection—from camel to plaid, leather to chambray. Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-865-8652

Etiqueta Negra: Let Argentine flamboyance steal the night with the sultry moves of tango (7, 8 and 9 PM) (plus photo opportunities and plenty of hors d’oeuvres). The traditional jeans and cotton shirts are an excellent sample of South American flair. Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-961-1674

Marc Jacobs: Sofia Mini Champagne and a support of the arts—a portion of the night’s proceeds will be donated to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)—highlight the offerings at this New York-based designer’s Miami outpost. Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-864-2626

Salvatore Ferragamo: A sleek pair of oxfords or a new silk tie awaits you as creative director Massimiliano Giornetti debuts his fall runway collection in a black-and-white themed festival. Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Lincoln Center Institute in support of the performing arts. Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-866-8166

Sebastien James: Using Miami as a source of inspiration, Sebastien James invites shoppers to browse the traditionally European style of his designs. Expect wine and cheese (and 20 percent off all purchases). Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-935-1050; 130 NE 40th St., Suite 2, Miami Design District, 305-576-5200

Y-3: Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto’s athletic-wear boutique gears up to offer half off everything in store. 150 NE 40th St., Miami Design District, 305-573-1603

Get your hair in shape for fall at South Beach’s Salon Vaso, which is closing out the summer with a handful of can’t-miss treatments. Try the Frizz Fighter ($100; Tuesday–Friday)—an express keratin blowout and a signature manicure—and the Brighten Up ($100), a single-process organic hair color and a bag filled with samples of the latest conditioning treatments. If you’re looking for something simple, Salon Vaso blowouts ($25) are available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Salon Vaso, 1500 Alton Road, 2nd Floor, Miami Beach, 305-674-7470

DJ Jessica Who

If you caught the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night you probably caught a glimpse of Miami’s own DJ Jessica Who. We recently sat down with her to talk requests, Miami and more

You’re one of LIV’s resident DJs. What does it feel like to be at one of the hottest clubs in the country?
DJ JESSICA WHO: Playing at LIV is the best experience. I can handle any room in the world after this. At first I felt like a tiny fish in a huge pond but now I love it. It’s evolved too, and Wednesdays are fun and high energy. It’s my job to keep the party going. I play what people expect in a way they don’t expect.

What was your first gig?
DJW: I was 17 the first time I was exposed to the scene and I just fell into it. I knew it was what I wanted to do.

What is currently on your iTunes?
DJW: Cut Copy at the moment

What is your advice to up-and-coming DJs?
DJW: Make sure you’re in this for the right reasons. It takes so much work and you have to pay your dues.

What is the best advice you ever received?
DJW: My mom would always tell me it’s not the end of the world. When you’re young so much seems like it’s so major, and my mother would always remind me that it’s not the end of the world. And it wasn’t.

Is there anyone you would be nervous to play for?
DJW: Oh yeah, a lot of people. If you don’t have that humility and respect for your elders you’re missing a part of the game. I opened up for Laid Back Luke and that was awesome.

Do you take requests?
DJW: Yes, of course. But if you’re going to make a request make it fast, no life story, don’t sing to me, don’t ask me where the bathroom is. No, I don’t have a pen [or a] lighter. No, don’t hit on me, don’t touch me, don’t touch the turntables.

Where do you like to go out?
DJW: I’m usually off Mondays or Tuesdays so Mokai or Wall, but I always end up at Purdy. I love hole-in-the-wall places. I wish we had more of them.

And finally, where is the best jukebox in Miami?
DJW: Kill Your Idol

Since we all love a good dinner party, make sure not to miss Mercadito Midtown’s monthly spirited four-course dinner on Wednesday, August 31 (7 PM; $45). This month’s guest is Corzo Tequila, and chef/partner Patricio Sandoval and executive chef Aldo Ayala will incorporate the spirit into each dish. Corzo cocktails will also be paired with each course. Here is what to expect:

Corzo Tequila Blanco
Ceviche de Huachinango (red snapper, jicama, tomatillo pico de gallo, tequila-watermelon-chile piquin broth)
Uvarita cocktail: Corzo Tequila blanco, green grape, Mexicano regano, agave

Corzo Tequila Reposado
Taco de Mariscos (roasted garlic shrimp, octopus, scallops, tequila pickled red cabbage and jicama, achiote-coconut sauce)
Caribbean Passion cocktail: Corzo tequila blanco, passion fruit, cilantro, chile guajillo syrup, achiote

Pollo a las Brasas (adobo-marinated chicken breast, salsa borracha, nappa cabbage three-corn pico de gallo, chipotle vinaigrette
Paloma cocktail: Corzo tequila reposado, fresh grapefruit, fresh lime, agave, seltzer

Corzo Tequila Anejo
Mousse de Maracuya (passion fruit-tequila mousse)
 

Mercadito Midtown, 3252 NE First Ave., 786-369-0430