Thanks to our travels, we’ve had the opportunity to meet so many fascinating people from countless industries, countries and environments. These guys and gals are all making a mark on their communities, and we love the idea of introducing you, our readers, to these folks, so we’ve decided to start our own “it” guy or girl platform. There's no formality to our “it” interviews, we’ll simply profile inspiring people. And for the two of us, that usually means we’re walking away saying “I have a crush on her, him or them.”
Crush: Laure Heriard Dubreuil
After the incredible launch of our Miami Chapter in March, we had the pleasure of meeting the crew from The Webster, one of the most beautiful stores in North America (well, that’s our opinion, but check it out for yourself).
The store was founded by two guys and a girl (Milan Vukmirovic, Frederic Dechnik and Laure Heriard Dubreuil), all with an impressive fashion portfolio under their belt: Milan was one of the founders of Colette in Paris, Laure and Fred came from Balenciaga and YSL in NYC via Paris!
Laure (pictured above with Pharrell Williams!) joined forces with us for a night in Miami where we danced the night away to Bob Sinclair at Casa Tua (our favourite dinner spot in the city right now). She and her partners are really shaking up the fashion scene. Here’s what we learned about this gem of a girl:
What inspires you? People and nature.
If you could be anywhere in the world at a specific moment, where would you be and what would it be for?
I'd be in Athens for my cousin's wedding, only eight people out of a 100 made it because of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruptions in Iceland.
What do you love about Miami?
The sun, the light, the lifestyle of a city on the beach, the Art Deco buildings and the mix of cultures. It's definitely the crossroads of the Americas!
Tell us about your three favourite local joints?
Sugarcane, a new Tapas restaurant in downtown Miami, reminds me of San Sebastian on the Basque coast. Mandolin, a lovely greek restaurant in the design district, is a favourite. Last but not least, Tap-Tap, a Haitian restaurant down my street in South-beach, has some of the island's most famous artists' paintings on the walls. It's an institution!
What is your next big project? Decorating my apartment in Miami. I never seem to find the time.
Where do you get cultured in Miami?
In the streets, that's for sure. At the MOCA museum, OH-WOW gallery and the Rubell Family Collection, among others.
Give us one quirky fact about yourself that people don’t know.
I grew up learning how to taste wines and spirits in Cognac vineyards in the south-west of France and I wanted to become a "Nose" (fragrance designer). I switched to fashion in my twenties but still have an extremely refined sense of smell. I spent eight years of my life learning Mandarin and Chinese culture and civilization. I could even translate Confucius from text! It must still remain in me somewhere.... I also swim an hour everyday!
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