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An SUV is a first from the British brand.

Photographs Courtesy Bentley

 

The car's competition is other luxe vehicles like the Range Rover and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo.

Photographs Courtesy Bentley

 

Some features include the signature bold Bentley grille; a powerful 6-liter W12 engine that can make up to 600 horsepower; and an 8-speed transmission.

Photographs Courtesy Bentley

 

The back boasts luxury tailgating.

Photographs Courtesy Bentley

 

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Bentley made a statement the night before the Geneva International Motor Show during VW’s Group Night, where each of the parent company’s brands showcased their latest and most spectacular vehicles. The British luxury maker wowed the crowd with its first SUV concept, EXP 9 F.

Massive 23-inch alloy wheels; the signature bold Bentley grille; a powerful 6-liter W12 engine that can make up to 600 horsepower; an 8-speed transmission; a fold-down champagne cooler; and luxury tailgating fit for the Kentucky Derby, seem to overly exceed expectations of consumers looking to purchase an ultra-elite SUV. Bentley’s sports utility vehicle is in competition with other luxe cars like the Range Rover and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo. While the design and composition keep all the usual Bentley trappings, it is unknown if this foray into SUVs will be met with negative or positive feedback.

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The Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is a blend of traditional and classic with modern technology that allows the car to keep up with customer expectations.

Photographs Courtesy Rolls-Royce

 

The car boasts a completely revamped satellite navigation system with 3D landscape topography, guided view tours, and more, all on a much larger monitor.

Photographs Courtesy Rolls-Royce

 

A virtual constellation of stars in the interior can be customized to your liking.

Photographs Courtesy Rolls-Royce

 

Other specializations include a drink cabinet.

Photographs Courtesy Rolls-Royce

 

The front features LED headlamps and a slightly revamped bumper.

Photographs Courtesy Rolls-Royce

 

Phantom family of four models.

Photographs Courtesy Rolls-Royce

 

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From connecting with their clients via private tours of their plants to throwing exclusive events for owners, Rolls-Royce is a brand that treats its customers like a close-knit family. These individual discussions with owners on what R-R stands for, what customers expect from the company and the product, and what it needs to be in order to move forward are exactly what inspired the brand’s new Phantom Series II model.

“When considering changes to our iconic Phantom, we first carefully listened to customers,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. “Around the world they explicitly told us, ‘Do not change Phantom too much but introduce new technology where appropriate.’ And this is precisely what we have done.”

The end result is a blend of traditional and classic with modern technology that allows the Phantom to keep up with customer expectations. “It combined the spirit of its famous pedigree with superbly elegant design work, ground-breaking technology, and visionary engineering techniques,” said Müller-Ötvös.

Of note technologically are the full LED headlamps, and the completely revamped satellite navigation system with 3D landscape topography, guided view tours, and more, all on a much larger monitor. Best of all, its famous V12 direct injection engine has been updated with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear differential, which results in 10-percent improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

The car’s appearance has also gotten a few updates. In addition to the aforementioned LED headlamps are a virtual constellation of stars in the interior, and a slightly tweaked bumper. Just as with its unparalleled customer service, the brand will go above and beyond to create a custom luxury vehicle to your specifications—from humidors to drink cabinets to constellations in the shape of your zodiac sign, virtually anything is possible.

“Since its first appearance in 2003, Phantom has reclaimed the pinnacle of automotive luxury and refinement,” said Müller-Ötvös. “It is a completely unique and unequaled achievement that goes beyond its primary role as a car and becomes to many a work of art, a fine piece of jewelry, or a rare and collectible object of desire.”

Tessuto Borchie golf bag, Prada ($2,950).
Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave.,
305-864-9111

For her Spring 2012 men’s show, Miuccia Prada chose to immerse the audience in all things golf. From the Astroturf runway to the pastel cleat-like oxfords and caricature-printed cotton field jackets, the collection seemed to be simultaneously winking at and updating the classic golfer’s uniform. Knockout pieces include decorated and studs-embellished golf bags. These dazzling accoutrements, in shades of blue and red, as well as an illustrated surfer print, are sure to cause a stir on any Miami course—and perhaps, as an added bonus, distract your opponents.

Stills from Dara Friedman’s Dancer video, 2011

“Art doesn’t just belong within these walls,” filmmaker Dara Friedman explains at the Miami Art Museum’s opening for her latest work, Dancer. “Art is everywhere!” Indeed, the Miami-based Friedman has demonstrated that belief again and again, capturing otherworldly—and often quite intimate—moments that occur in public throughout her growing body of work, which favors 16mm film over video for a visually richer effect. Dancer continues that approach, featuring a host of local performers busting out their impressive moves on the streets of downtown Miami, reveling in the sense of their own motion on an impromptu, outdoor stage. “I was less interested in how you move than in what moves you,” Friedman says of her directions to her cast. The end result is as much an ode to the free-flowing body as to the Magic City itself. If it’s a Miami that seems equal parts urban playground and fairy-tale setting, that’s precisely the point. “When you catch things out of the corner of your eye, you think, Did I really just see that? That happens to me in Miami a lot!” Dancer is on view through May 6 at the Miami Art Museum, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami, 305-375-3000

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DARA FRIEDMAN AND GAVIN BROWN'S ENTERPRISE, NEW YORK

Kyle Trowbridge’s Untitled (Il Duce), 2006; Untitled (Naïve Terrorism), 2006 (left)

Dark, dark, dark. Whatever his chosen medium, Miami artist Kyle Trowbridge employs a very black sense of comedy. Yet the laughs are never cheap, and although the self-described “social critic” injects a provocative subtext into his work, the takeaway is anything but dogmatic. There’s empathy beneath his anger—as seen in his all-too-rarely exhibited drawings, a series of which recently hung at the University of Miami’s Wynwood Project Space for that school’s art department faculty show. A masterful draftsman, Trowbridge depicts a young boy caught somewhere between the cheery security of childhood and the cruel realities of onsetting adolescence. With artfully dripped tea stains and watercolors adding to the dissipating dream state, Trowbridge’s stand-in hoists a paper airplane skyward and invokes the piece’s punch line: CRITICS DISMISS MY WORK AS NAÏVE TERRORISM. In another drawing from this set, an innocent smile beams out from beneath a paper admiral’s crown: IT WAS DURING RECESS ONE DAY THAT MY NICKNAME “IL DUCE” FIRST STUCK. Barbed self-portraits? Perhaps they’re simply reminders that even the most heinous crimes of the past century were enacted by men who—in their earliest days—once roamed playgrounds. As Trowbridge explained to the Cultist blog, “It’s easy to render something extreme or shocking, but the truly scary stuff occurs when I just set a suggestive stage obscured in humor and allow the viewers to fill in the blanks.”

The Politics of Time, featuring artwork by Kyle Trowbridge, is at the Dorsch Gallery through March 31, 151 NW 24th St., Miami, 305-576-1278.

Rooftop, John Sanchez, 2011

Beyond the postcard-friendly, pink-hued Deco buildings and sky-piercing condos of South Beach, there’s a visual palette to mainland Miami that’s full of gritty tropical beauty. Think rain-slicked highways, downtown traffic lights winking yellow as they sway in the wind, and warehouse districts full of all manner of strange possibilities. No one in South Florida paints this flamingo-free landscape better than John Sanchez, and the recent Rooftop is a gorgeous example of his atmospheric brushwork. If you’ve ever gazed at Edward Hopper’s classic Nighthawks and marveled at the hidden world lurking within its seemingly placid diner setting, expect the same invocations of mystery from Sanchez. Indeed, devotees of Wynwood’s Art Walks may recognize the puddle-strewn rooftop in question as belonging to the Dorsch Gallery (which reps Sanchez): The surrounding terrain may seem barren, but a hopeful spirit prevails—from the dynamic sky dreamily reflected in the roof’s pools of standing water, to the ad hoc spotlights jury-rigged with plywood beams and weighted buckets, attesting to culture amid the concrete. “We’re so used to seeing Wynwood from the ground up,” Sanchez explains. He was after a different perspective, one he marveled at after clambering up onto the gallery’s roof between passing cloudbursts. “There’s a feeling of awe I was going for,” he adds. “I wish I could do a painting you could actually walk into.” Dorsch Gallery, 151 NW 124th St., Miami, 305-576-1278

Agua Spa at the Mondrian South Beach

Agua Spa at the Mondrian South Beach
Seaweed Mask
The ocean is known for its healing properties, so it’s no surprise that seaweed helps detoxify. The Mondrian takes full advantage by combining seaweed and French green clay into a concoction that infuses the epidermis with amino acids, vitamin E, and green tea extract for luxuriously supple, smooth skin. $150 for 60 minutes; 1100 West Ave., Miami Beach, 305-514-1950

Dr. Etti
Juice Cleanse
Detox doc extraordinaire Dr. Etti offers a seven-day program cheekily called Sexi Juicing. Each group-guided juicecleansing program costs $625 and features organic juices, smoothies, and a final day of kosher meals and festivities including organic vegetarian plates and a closing breakfast ceremony at Dr. Etti’s home. For clients desiring more privacy, she offers one-on-one programs starting at $975. 5700 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-861-9383

Elle Spa
Red Flower Detoxifying Hammam Ritual
Hit the women’s magazine’s first-ever spa for a six-step healing massage that uses aromatic mint tea, coffee, lemon, quince, orange, and tangerine essences, as well as cleanses, scrubs, soaks, and wraps that are meant to recharge and hydrate. $300 for 100 minutes; Eden Roc, 4525 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-531-0000

Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Bleau Detox
Reverse your nocturnal overindulging with the Bleau Detox, a three-step treatment consisting of a hydrobath, red seaweed wrap, and energy-boosting drainage massage. The end result is so stabilizing and refreshing, you’ll be ready for round two in no time. $220 for 80 minutes; 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-4772; fontainebleau.com

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Detoxifying Program
We’ve got three words for you: almost four hours. The Mandarin’s Detoxifying Program uses all that time to rid the body of toxins with a trifecta of algae wrap, aromatherapy massage, and facial assessment that will leave you feeling Zen-sational. Starts at $525; 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami, 305-913-8383

The Sports Club/LA
Body Detoxification
The gym handles muscle fitness, but for something more holistic, try this treatment commencing with a foot rub that segues into a deep-cleansing, full-body exfoliation. Seaweed/algae are applied to remove all the toxins and boost energy. A forehead and scalp massage serves as the blissful finale. $269 for 110 minutes; The Four Seasons, 1441 Brickell Ave., Miami, 305-533-1199; thesportsclubla.com

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Detox Cleanse
If you’re fatigued from a tough week or sore from a strenuous workout, this therapeutic massage is designed to increase circulation, expel toxins, restore balance, and reduce muscle aches and pains. The added bonus? Each rubdown is performed with aromatherapy oils, body brushing, and a belly massage, and the sisal body brush is yours for the taking. Starts at $145 for 60 minutes; 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-1717; standardhotels.com

The Taschen boutique at 1111 Lincoln Road

Alessi
This whimsical Italian design factory just opened a shop in the Design District. The merchandise aesthetic is clever and sleek, comprised of modern, minimalist lines and all things stainless steel—think cutlery, pots and pans, Michael Graves tea kettles, as well as a unique selection of bar and wine accessories. 4141 NE Second Ave., Miami, 305-572-2900; alessimiami.com

Base
The hip guys in your life will dig Base’s on-trend, limited-edition kicks, curated artwork, and pop-of-color timepieces, plus an outstanding music selection (think artists you’re more likely to hear at an avant-garde warehouse party than on the radio, like Fujiya & Miyagi, Osunlade, and Electric Wire Hustle). Our favorite option might be the store’s version of “audio couture,” the Album Club, which makes monthly deliveries of said music to the recipient’s doorstep. 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-531-4982; baseworld.com

Country French
For that gift-from-another-land feel, look no further than this South Miami furniture accessories and furnishings destination. As the name suggests, the shop offers items ranging from handcrafted soaps and candles to table linens and antiques imported from the French countryside (and beyond). 7259 SW 57th Ave., South Miami, 305-661-0159

Design Box Home Boutiques & Interiors
Founded by Miami-based interior designer Herbie Parets, this full-service home design studio handpicks its finds from all over the globe. Look for artifacts such as old nautical compasses, rustic folk art statues, and textured antique glasses and jars. 3049 Fuller St., Coconut Grove, 305-644-9400; designboxinteriors.com

Nest
This Lincoln Road home furnishings and accessories showroom retails everything from hand-blown glass vases to vintage mosaic coffee tables. You’ll also find a well-curated selection of top lines such as Missoni Home. An everchanging in-store photography exhibition (everything’s for sale) features prints previously seen in Vogue Italia and Vanity Fair. 1020 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-672-9611; nestcasa.com

STND/OHWOW at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
The aqua-hued Rafael de Cárdenas-designed hotel shop housed within The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is a great stop for the discerning art lover. You’ll find international magazines and art books, as well as accessories such as Hring wood carved rings, Baron Von Fancy bow ties, Chen Chen marble bracelets, and myriad handpicked items. 40 Island Ave., 305-704-3927; oh-wow.com

Taschen
Specializing in large—sometimes absolutely massive—limitededition hardcovers, the experts at Taschen can suggest how to expand any refined coffee-table book collection. Some of the rare finds include an autographed copy of Helmut Newton’s Sumo, which comes with a Philippe Starck table, and GOAT: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali, replete with a Jeff Koons sculpture and four photos signed by “The Greatest” himself. 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-538-6185; taschen.com

W Hotels The Store
As tasteful as a shop-within-ahotel gets, The Store has a little bit of everything: Think Moyna beaded clutches, one-of-a-kind druzy agate and vermeil gold necklaces from local designer Cimber Designs, quirky Eugenia Kim hats, and plenty of cutesy tech gadgets such as Moshi Moshi Pop phones. W South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-938- 3010; wsouthbeach.com

Fortuny lamp by Mariano Fortuny for Pallucco

With the addition of a second floor to its Design District space, Miami’s original design mecca, Luminaire, further cements its status as a leading force in relevant contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories design, and now, education. The company was founded in 1974 by husband-and-wife duo Nasir and Nargis Kassamali, whose small original space in North Miami Beach demonstrated the pair’s knack for discovering the newest and most innovative European talents. In the ensuing years, that tiny kiosk grew to 4,500 square feet of showroom space, followed by a flagship Coral Gables location in 1984. A Chicago branch followed five years later, and more recently, two more Coral Gables outposts.

Early this November, the Kassamalis will take over the second floor of the Design District’s Newton building (3901 NE Second Ave.), where the firstfloor Luminaire Lab already sits—a 15,000-square-foot expansion. A complete overhaul will create an expansive lab setting featuring exhibitions and designer talks. “The Lab is an interactive playground used to house the most innovative of contemporary design,” says Nasir Kassamali. “Opening the second level is a catalyst to communicate our philosophy for curated exhibitions, lectures and design education.” The new space will carry sought-after lines from the likes of Alternative, Nahoor and Piure, and will house enduring design classics, such as the Monte Carlo sofa by Eileen Gray for ClassiCon and the Fortuny lamp by Mariano Fortuny for Pallucco.

From its inception 37 years ago, Luminaire has gone against the grain of American contemporary design to bring the European aesthetic to a South Florida audience; its overarching mission has always been to promote classic, timeless design. With powerhouses such as B&B Italia, Paola Lenti and Porro, the new showroom represents some of the most acclaimed designs on the market today. The Kassamalis’ goal was to bring design awareness to the masses by demonstrating to consumers the importance of space and the effect it has on our everyday lives. Luminaire is, bar none, the first-stop shop in town for any budding design enthusiast or seasoned designer—a virtual design paradise, where artistry, education and awareness are equally meaningful and significant priorities.

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The Setai

 

Boulan South Beach

 

The Residences at the W South Beach

 

Gansevoort Miami Beach

 

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Walk north of 20th Street on South Beach’s Collins Avenue and the sidewalks seem to widen, the crowds thin, and a newly redone, leafy stretch of land beckons: Collins Park is a calm, ordered contrast to the often-chaotic street scene to the south. As the next 12 months bring more housing on-stream, this particular neighborhood is due to become the next hot place to live and play on the Beach. House-hunters have taken note, quickly snatching up 80 properties in the neighborhood through mid-August of this year, compared to just 79 during all of 2010.

A host of starchitect buildings already surrounds Collins Park itself. A Robert A.M. Stern-designed Miami-Dade Public Library and Arquitectonica’s Miami City Ballet studios sit across from the elegant 1930 Russell Pancoast-designed structure now housing the Bass Museum of Art, which received a new wing by Arata Isozaki in 2001.

The area’s renaissance began in 2005, when the 40-story Setai debuted a block north of the Shore Club and Mynt Lounge. The stunning condo-hotel sold seven of its mostly million-dollar-plus apartments in the first half of this year, ranging from $980,000 to $4.6 million. And one-bedroom units here rent at prices starting at $6,000 per month.

“The Setai was so isolated. Now there’s a community there,” observes star broker-associate Jill Hertzberg of Coldwell Banker. First in was 2009’s Yabu Pushelberg-designed W South Beach, featuring a Bliss Spa, Mr Chow restaurant and the developer Aby Rosen’s own Damien Hirsts, Warhols and Basquiats adorning the lobby. In the first half of 2011, six apartments sold in the building, spanning $688,000 to $3.3 million. Hinting at the role Brazilian buyers are playing both in Miami’s real estate renaissance in general and specifically at The Residences at W South photographs by greg clark (gansevoort); Jesse D avid Harris (w south beach)  Coldwell Banker Beach, its website offers Portuguese as one of its language options.

Across Collins Avenue, the 52-apartment Boulan South Beach (“where scene meets sanctuary,” complete with meditation garden and spa-style baths) opened this year, and is already 20 percent sold at prices ranging from $400,000 to $1 million. No word yet on the $4.2 million penthouse, but hopes are high. The “game-changer” in the neighborhood, however, according to Coldwell Banker Realtor (and Jill’s son) Danny Hertzberg, lies in two additional properties. New ownership at the Gansevoort Miami Beach has resulted in complete renovation of its 259 condos, with the goal of attracting hundreds of moneyed young buyers. And behind the Bass Museum of Art, Artécity offers 202 apartments and townhouses about three blocks from the redhot Mokaï nightclub. Hertzberg predicts a surge of retail and dining on the stretch of 23rd Street connecting the two properties. From where we sit, it’ll be fun to watch.