Emmy-nominated contemporary dancer and choreographer Travis Wall started working professionally at just 15-years-old. Today, at the ripe old age of 25, his resume lists television credits such as So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars, as well as performances at the Oscars and MTV's Video Music Awards. Recently, his Shaping Sound company brought its first-ever tour to Miami Beach's Colony Theatre. We caught up with Wall to learn more about the tour, his creative influences, and his dream collaborator: Beyoncé. 

Tell us about your company, Shaping Sound, and the shows you did in Miami. 
TW: Shaping Sound is the first commercial dance company of its kind to emerge from competitive dance shows. The concept is inspired by a quote from the original Peter Pan: 'You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you. That’s where I’ll be waiting.' We use a lot of contemporary music, but our show is very eclectic. Our musicality is what we’re best at. We create different movements and images based off of the music.

Is there a piece that is especially personal to you?
TW: "Fix You," a cancer piece I did for my mom, hit home. [It] was literally created step-by-step from the experience of going home and seeing my mom after her surgery.  

You run the company with three other collaborators. Do you divide and conquer, or is there a little of each of you in every piece?
TW: The choreography is completely collaborative. You never know when one person’s vision ends and the next one begins.

Dance is obviously a huge part of your day to day, but you also run a business. What's that been like at 25-years-old? 
TW: When I set out to start a company, I didn’t realize I was starting a business. I never imagined owning a business at 25. I’ve been working to make it a success and have an incredible production team. Though it’s more work than I could have imagined, I’ve realized this is my dream.  

Any life or business lessons you've learned along the way?
TW: I’ve learned that you can’t be afraid of taking a risk. I'm becoming a bit of an older dancer now and I have had a lot trauma with a hip and knee injury. I was able to choreograph myself to work around those issues.  

Who are you dying to work with? 
TW: I still haven’t met or worked with Beyoncé. That’s the end all be all. When that happens, I’ll be very pleased.

BY LIANA LOZADA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB KIM/GETTYIMAGES.COM

Surreal Native Woman, Guillermo Wiedemann (1960s)

The University of Miami's Lowe Art Museum's new exhibit, "Pan American Modernism: Avant-Garde Art in Latin America and the United States," unites the multicultural musings of 71 artists—50 from Latin America and 21 from the United States.

The 75-piece mixed-media showcase opens this Saturday, June 22, stringing together works that exemplify the stylistic similarities employed by various regions from 1919 to 1979. During this time, the art world shifted its gaze from Europe to the Americas, due in part to the Mexican mural movement and its influence on neighboring countries like Colombia and Cuba. Several works in "Pan American Modernism" will be making their exhibition debut.

The museum has also put together a hefty programming lineup for the exhibit, which will remain on view through October 13. Curator Dr. Nathan Timpano will host a related lecture series in September, followed by appearances by noted national historians. The campus' Cosford Cinema will also screen a collection of modernist films, beginning with the The Violin on July 18. 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables, 305-284-3535

BY LIANA LOZADA 

French architect Joseph Dirand designed the new Design District Emilio Pucci boutique

Kaleidoscopically colorful Italian fashion house Emilio Pucci has opened its third South Florida boutique in Miami's Design District, marking the brand's sixth stateside location. Since unveiling its New York City flagship last November, Pucci has expanded to Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Aventura.  

Within the floor-to-ceiling window ensconced boutique, you'll find breezy looks in signature Pucci prints, as well as sleek solid separates, elegant minaudiéres, and carry-all totes. Staying true to the area's beach-chic style, the Pucci Design District boutique will offer shoppers an abundant array of resort wear while also displaying its full product line.

In addition to an overall design that nods the brand's Florentine roots and Miami Beach's Art Deco style, French architect Joseph Dirand integrated opulent, marble slab Pucci lettering throughout the store's interior. Dirand then contrasted the lavish conversation pieces with an airy, neutral color palette and clean, white walls. The result is globally-inspired glamour at every turn. 
155 N.E. 40 St., #100, Miami, 305-576-1830

Revenge Wears Prada author Lauren Weisberger

It's been a decade since Lauren Weisberger's The Devil Wears Prada hit bookshelves. Set in the fictional halls of Runway magazine, the book's icy antihero, Miranda Priestly, is imagined by most readers as Vogue's Anna Wintour. (Plus, in real life, Weisberger's first job was as assistant to Wintour...) And the 2006 film adaptation starring Meryl Streep as Priestly and Anne Hathaway as Andy, an aspiring hard news journalist who takes a job at a Vogue-esque glossy, painted a picture of life (some may say servitude) in the world of New York City fashion magazines. 

Now, much to the delight of her fans, Weisberger is revisiting the characters of Miranda and Andy in Revenge Wears Prada, which finds Andy at the helm of her own magazine. Miranda also has a new job—one that is eerily similar to Wintour's recent promotion to artistic director of Condé Nast. Coincidence? We spoke with Weisberger in advance of the Aventura stop on her book tour to find out. 

The parallels between reality and fiction in Revenge are uncanny. What's your comment on the Miranda/Anna promotion similarities? How on earth did you anticipate that?  
LAUREN WEISBERGER: I will say that my book was signed, sealed, and delivered before the announcement was made. Sometimes life imitates art, which is kind of fun.

Had you always intended to write a sequel?
LW: I was thinking about writing about the sequel for such a long time. I've always been curious about what was happening with these characters. So much happens over ten years. I was really kind of excited to check back in and see what Andy and Miranda were up to.

Seeing as you were once Wintour's assistant, you had lots of real-life inspiration for The Devil Wears Prada. Did you draw upon that experience again for Revenge? 
LW: Probably not quite as much as the first book, but I still think there's a pretty good amount. Andy still lives in New York—[which] plays a huge role in this book. I'm a New Yorker, I love the city as much as she does. She and I both make our living writing. I don't want to give too much away, but I got married and had kids over [time] and motherhood definitely plays a role in this book.

How has Andy changed in this new, higher-powered chapter of her life? 
LW: The Andy of the first book was 22-years-old, wide-eyed, and naive. This Andy has had a lot of different experiences. She is about to get married when the book opens. She is an editor and has her own magazine now. Like so many women in their 20s and 30s, Andy has grown up a lot.

Any chance we'll be seeing a Revenge Wears Prada movie?
LW: I would absolute love that. I loved what they did with the first one so much. Consider my fingers crossed.

Andy has a new fiancé in Revenge, and there are some other new faces as well. Any thoughts on which actors might play these roles if a big screen sequel were to happen?
LW: I haven't yet but I need to start doing that! I loved the first cast so much I certainly hope they would all return. I'm going to start thinking about the new ones, that's a good idea.

BY LIANA LOZADA  

The daughter of photographer Leo Matiz, known for his photos of Frida Kahlo, will speak at M+V Art Gallery

M+V Art Gallery's captivating Frida Kahlo photography exhibit, featuring works by Leo Matiz, gets a boost this weekend as Matiz' daughter, Alejandra, shares details of her father's artistic relationship with the famed Mexican artist. [Cultist]

Kanye West made a surprise appearance at an Art Basel event presented by Design Miami this week, giving the international art crowd a preview of his upcoming album, "Yeezus." [World Red Eye]

In addition to welcoming Swire Properties' EAST hotel brand, the new Brickell CityCentre will also feature a $20 million elevated "Climate Ribbon" with its own "microclimate." The ribbon will reduce sunlight, reuse rain water, and redirect wind to create a subtle, refreshing breeze on the premises. [Huffington Post Miami]

Jetting up to New York this month? Show some local love and join Meat Market's Sean Brasel and Makoto's Makoto Okuwa as they each host pop-up dinners at Manhattan's James Beard House. [James Beard]

With Magic City's second season set to premiere this Friday on Starz, Mediabistro sat down with director Mitch Glazer and actress Kelly Lynch to find out what viewers can expect. [Fishbowl NY]

BY LIANA LOZADA
IMAGE VIA

Afrika Bambaataa will man the deks at Rec Room on Friday night

Afrika Bambaataa at Rec Room
Friday, June 14, 11 p.m.
Hip-hop and funk legend Afrika Bambaataa takes over the Rec Room at The Gale Hotel. The Bronx-based DJ is considered the "Godfather" of break-beat deejaying, making Friday night's set one that is not to be missed. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

"22 Grams: Set Me Free" Opening
Saturday, June 15, 6- 9 p.m.
Imagesound Americas unveils artist Kubiat Nnamdie's first solo exhibition, "22 Grams: Set Me Free." Nnamdie's multimedia show centers around the theory that when a human dies, the psychedelic compound DMT is released in the brain, causing the body to weigh 22 grams or fewer. The term also symbolizes the human spirit's release after physical death. 20 N.W. 25th St. Suite #203, Miami

Redland Summer Fruit Festival
Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Peruse and sample a colorful, exotic array of agriculture at this weekend's Summer Fruit Festival at Homestead's Fruit & Spice Park. Admission is $8. 24801 S.W. 187th Ave., Homestead, 305-247-5727

BY LIANA LOZADA

Miami Cocktail Company splashes onto the scene with single serving, low-cal drinks

Move over Skinny Girl, Miami is home to a new, locally-based premixed cocktail purveyor, Miami Cocktail Company. Sold in single serving bottles, each cocktail checks in at 84 calories, with no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, sodium, or gluten. 

The sips get their taste via natural fruit extracts, a smidgen of Splenda, and distilled spirits, including 100 percent blue agave tequila and Cuban rums. Currently there are five flavors: Old Time Sweet Tea, Cherry Margarita, Pina Colada, Classic Mojito, and Pink Lemonade.

Miami Cocktail Company is the brainchild of Ross Graham and Simon Benstead, who became friends while working at several bars together. The pair made sure that Miami style resonated through every brand detail, including the packaging, which nods our city's rich, Art Deco allure. And in-keeping with the all-natural ingredients, the drinks and their vessels are also eco-friendly, thanks to recycled materials, water-based inks, and organic and bio-dynamic ingredients. Miami Cocktail Company bottles are currently sold at Vintage Liquor and Wine Bar in Midtown. 3301 N.E. 1st Ave., #105 Miami, 305-514-0307

BY LIANA LOZADA

Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys team up for the new film The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete

Film Life’s star-studded American Black Film Festival (ABFF) returns to The Ritz Carlton South Beach from Wednesday, June 19 to Sunday, June 23. The five-day affair will spotlight upcoming new releases and world premieres as well as short film, documentary, narrative, and webisode competitions backed by the likes of Nickelodeon, CNN, and HBO.

The 17th edition of the ABFF opens with The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, starring Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks, Jeffrey Wright, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Anthony Mackie, and Jennifer Hudson. The film, powered by executive producer Alicia Keys and director George Tillman, follows two boys who are abandoned in a Brooklyn project.

ABFF's cinephile celebrations will close with the world premiere of Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, releasing nationwide on July 3. Lionsgate shot Hart's stand-up comedy set inside Madison Square Garden: The tour itself made history as one of the highest grossing comedic endeavors of all time.

ABFF has also partnered with the City of Miami's Community Redevelopment Agency to present "Films Over Miami," a showcase of local filmmakers and emerging talent. Movies will screen at the Colony Theatre, Gusman Theater, and Miami Beach Cinematheque. Limited-quantity event tickets are currently available online. Festival passes will be available on-site starting Wednesday, June 19. The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, 1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

BY LIANA LOZADA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTYIMAGES.COM

Mendoza in her own designs 

Recently in town for a trunk show at Miami Beach's Pistils & Petals, New York City-based jewelry designer Paula Mendoza's statement jewelry starts conversations. The Colombian-born designer has made a name for herself through her use of raw gems, particularly emeralds, and Colombian gold. We chatted with the journalist-turned-designer before her anticipated arrival to find out what inspires her standout designs.

How would you describe your designs?
PAULA MENDOZA: Bold, rich, elegant, and timeless. 

How do you feel your designs fit into Miami's aesthetic?
PM: I think my jewelry aesthetic is the perfect combination of hectic, multi-tasking NYC and the relaxed vibe of Miami. It is very bold and fun so I think it is a great fit for the Miami woman who likes to travel. 

I heard you used to be a journalist, is that correct?  
PM: Yes, I went to journalism school in Colombia,  and for a while I was a journalist during the day and a jewelry designer at night. It came to a point that I had to decide between one profession or the other, and I realized then that I wanted to create jewelry full-time.  

What has been your proudest moment as a designer thus far?
PM: When the very stylish first lady of Colombia called me to meet her at the presidential palace to see and buy my jewelry. I was very honored that she chose me as one of her favorite designers. 

Who inspires you? Any particular designer, artist, or architect?
PM: I love Proenza Schouler and also admire the work of Marina Abramović. 

Do you have a dream client or collaboration?
PM: Dream clients would be Michelle Obama and Marina Abramović.

BY LIANA LOZADA 

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Cool Father's Day gift ideas at Zeidy's, now open in North Beach. 450 W. 41st  St., Miami Beach, 305-397-8068

 

 

Cool Father's Day gift ideas at Zeidy's, now open in North Beach. 450 W. 41st  St., Miami Beach, 305-397-8068

 

 

Cool Father's Day gift ideas at Zeidy's, now open in North Beach. 450 W. 41st  St., Miami Beach, 305-397-8068

 

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Man-centric retail destination Zeidy's is now open in North Beach, offering thematic hobbyists, collectors, and aficionados a bevy of trinkets and toys to shop. The new store, owned by couple Natan and Fanny Brach, is a treasure trove of luxury car and sailboat replicas, miniature gadgets, and food and wine related gifts. The store also sells an array of designer cufflinks, ties, watches, and accessories. Natan is no stranger to the retail business: he helped co-found Stonehenge Ltd. in 1984, which became one of the first companies to successfully transfer artwork onto silk neckwear. The company reached its peak in 1992, when president Bill Clinton wore one of their ties featuring Grateful Dead artwork. Natan and Fanny will officially celebrate the grand opening of their latest venture this Thursday, June 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests are welcome to stop by Zeidy's for a classic wine and cheese social and shop last minute Father's Day gifts.

BY LIANA LOZADA 
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE EDGAR