Miami’s developers have been in the business for years, but the latest industry trend of partnering with an international brand lends to a different collaboration with creative minds that see real estate from a different perspective. So whether it’s a luxury sports carmaker or fashion mogul, labels are flocking to our skyline to create standout, sophisticated flagship properties that are captivating the world.
ASTON MARTIN RESIDENCES
Hopping across the pond, the British luxury sports car manufacturer has partnered with G&G Business Developments to bring its first residential project to Miami. “Aston Martin has defined handcrafted luxury within the automotive world for over a century. We’ve translated its precision engineering and design innovation into a luxury residential property that tells a story of classic beauty and heritage. Working with a partner that shares our vision and adds value with its insight into the ultra-luxury world is incredibly satisfying,” said German Coto, CEO of G&G Business Developments. Aston Martin’s key concepts of impeccable design, craftsmanship, luxe materials and timeless sophistication will be seen, felt and experienced throughout the sail-shaped property, which is expected to be completed in 2022. The property will feature 42,275 square feet of sky amenities over four floors and a bespoke white-glove butler service for residences.
PORSCHE DESIGN TOWER
The relationship with the luxury carmaker started nearly a decade before Dezer Development turned an idea to build the first Porsche Design residential tower into a soaring reality. Just like Armani is more than a clothing brand, Porsche designs much more than high-performance sports cars, including coffee makers, pens and even trains. “They are industrial designers and design on another level,” developer Gil Dezer said. According to Dezer, for a branded residence to be successful the brand needs to match the property in terms of price points, unit size and exclusive amenities. Its most striking feature, the car elevator, has been an attractive amenity for celebrities including Gucci Mane, Maluma and Lionel Messi. The Sunny Isles Beach building’s contemporary interiors echo those of the German autos with rich woods, cool metals and supple leathers, plus each unit has a private plunge pool on the balcony.
RESIDENCES BY ARMANI/CASA
Armani isn’t just a clothing brand. It’s a lifestyle company that was fully immersed in the design of its first branded condo tower. Co-developed by Dezer Development and Related Group, the waterfront project boasts timeless Armani/Casa interiors including stunning wall coverings, exquisite furniture, elegant tapestries and rich textiles. “When a building is tied to a quality product, like a luxury brand, buyers know what to expect and can relate to the design aesthetic,” said Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development. With years of real estate experience, Dezer encountered an unprecedented request from the Italian brand; a contracted gemologist oversaw the work at the marble quarry to ensure flawless slabs. The common areas, designed as immersive works of art, include a private restaurant, cocktail lounge and spa while the private spaces feature spacious closets (imperative for the fashion label), wraparound balconies and restorative oceanfront views.
THE ESTATES AT ACQUALINA (LOBBIES DESIGNED BY KARL LAGERFELD)
When The Trump Group (no relation to POTUS) owners, Jules and Stephanie, traveled to Paris to meet the legendary Chanel and Fendi designer, they never imaged they were commissioning the only Karl Lagerfeld-designed residential lobbies to ever exist in the country. “We built the world’s finest residences, and when he saw what we were doing, it was a match made in heaven,” said Michael Goldstein, president of sales for The Trump Group. Lagerfeld got to work right away, sketching his vision for the lobbies at that first meeting. “He knew what he wanted and he created it.” The audacious designer’s impeccable eye for detail and ability to create a one-of-a-kind recherché setting is seen throughout the two lobbies including 12-foot glass panels that are etched with Lagerfeld’s personal photos of Roman fountains, parquet-pattern floors made of cutting-edge silvered hammered metal, silver-leafed walls textured with swans, mosaic tile designs that resemble intricate rugs, and flowing fountains surrounded by lush blooming flowers. Although it’s unfortunate the designer will never see his designs come to life, his team continues to be heavily involved in the project. The South Tower is set for completion in 2021, with the North Tower, or Boutique Tower, completed in 2022.
FENDI CHÂTEAU
The famed Italian fashion house fell in love with The Château Group’s vision for this project during a fortuitous Art Basel encounter several years ago. The property was already conceived, but Fendi was eager to create a flagship property in Miami. “We’re proud to be the first to develop a Fendi property and be a part of their growth,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of The Château Group. With decades of real estate experience Grosskopf saw the rising interest from buyers to align their purchases with brands they are loyal to and thus was open to co-branding the property with Fendi. “Miami has international buyers who are brand-oriented and identify with high-end brands.” The 12-story boutique building, which was delivered in 2016, boasts custom Fendi kitchens in each unit and plenty of luxe amenities including a wine cellar, private restaurant and full chef kitchen to host exclusive dinner parties.
MISSONI BAIA
The Italian fashion brand’s emblematic kaleidoscope of colors takes on a new form at this Edgewater property. The label’s first U.S. residential collaboration came to fruition because developer Vladislav Doronin, chairman and CEO of OKO Group, and co-developer / development partner, Cain International, appreciated Missoni’s internationally acclaimed brand. “Branding is very important. It helps identify the concept for the buyer,” said Edgardo Defortuna, president and CEO of Fortune International Group, which is in charge of sales. Through that relationship based on communication, mutual respect and shared tastes, the team created the soul of the building through the eyes of Missoni. The brand’s bold shades, textures, graphic prints and furnishings are found throughout, adding an elevated level of joyful sophistication. The boutique property, which will be completed in 2021, boasts lavish homes in the sky and was designed to feel intimate and private.
