KIMBERLY TAYLOR (@KIMBERLYTAYLORMIAMI) BRINGS HER NAMESAKE BRAND TO MIAMI WITH FASHION-FORWARD, ELEVATED BASICS THAT NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. FIND OUT WHAT PROMPTED HER MOVE FROM NEW YORK AND HER NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH FAENA BAZAAR.

PHOTO BY EDUARDO BRAVIN; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LAUREN CARNY

What prompted your move to Miami?

The move to Miami was very natural but also unexpected. I had based my brand in the roots of New York for so long but I found myself visiting Miami quite often. I shoot a lot of our brand content here—the palms and the art deco backdrop work so well to set the mood for all of our resort pieces. I noticed Miami had changed so much in such a short span of time. The women here love to dress up and take so much pride in the way they show up to life every day, and it gave me so much inspiration that I had been missing for the past few years in New York. I still produce all my garments in New York, but my themes and inspiration have really shifted to the Miami lifestyle. The next thing I knew, I was here for six months and finally made the move official.

Founder Kimberly Taylor models her namesake brand’s chic and versatile pieces. PHOTO BY EDUARDO BRAVIN; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LAUREN CARNY

How does the Kimberly Taylor lifestyle fit Miami?

The KT lifestyle is based around easy luxury and modern glamour, so it’s very much in line with what makes this city so magical. They’re designed specifically for women who have places to go and people to see. The pieces are curated specifically to be mixed and matched and worn over and over again with beautiful accessories, and translate from day into evening with a change from flats to heels—clothes that you can wear day in and day out from lunch meetings in the Design District to a fabulous dinner on Miami Beach. They’re as versatile as the Miami woman is, and simple and feminine enough to leave room for jewels, bags, accessories and, of course, personal flair.

Who is the KT girl?

The KT girl is glamorous and refined. She attracts attention but never asks for it. She is adventurous with her style, but she is edited and purposeful. She is timeless and relevant at the same time, and she stays away from fleeting trends. She is strong and independent and can hold her own in any environment.

Founder Kimberly Taylor models her namesake brand’s chic and versatile pieces. PHOTO BY EDUARDO BRAVIN; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LAUREN CARNY

Why did you choose to partner with Curio at Faena Bazaar? How is this synergistic?

I started working with Danielle Licata and Jeff Lasota of the Curio at Faena Bazaar a few years back. I walked into the Bazaar after a beach day wearing a cabana set and the staff asked where it was from. Fast-forward three years, and they hold the largest representation of my brand at their store. At the time I was only selling direct-to-consumer. They pushed me to really pay attention to the resort line and our signature seersucker sets as it performed very well. The store is truly a fashion destination in the heart of Miami Beach, and I was so excited to be a brand among so many I really admired in a creative space that allows for discovery. As a new brand, it’s been a huge platform for me. This year, we made it official and I now work with them on the wholesale front. Curio showroom will represent my brand at the Resort 23 Market week. They have already grown my wholesale, and I’ve expanded into some great boutiques nationwide including One Door North in Del Ray, Maison Marche, and Fivestory in New York and Palm Beach.

Founder Kimberly Taylor models her namesake brand’s chic and versatile pieces. PHOTO BY EDUARDO BRAVIN; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LAUREN CARNY

What are your favorite elements of Miami?

I love that Miami is a combination of a beach and a city. There’s great energy and the sun is always shining. It’s motivating me to stay fit and start the days super early. The people I’ve met here are very diverse and open-minded and especially warm and welcoming. I live in Edgewater and face the bay while I’m working, so it’s a lot different from my office in New York!

What are the key pieces everyone needs from KT?

I would have to go with the Ashley shirt and Kyla shorts in the seersucker. They’re by far the bestsellers. The material never creases and my clients own them in multiple colors. They’re so easy to wear—we call it the uniform. Then I would throw in a Luna skirt from our new season. It fits every body type so well!