Top Ten Innovators
{innovators} Edward De Valle
One gets the impression that Edward De Valle would be making major moves even if he wasn’t working within the public arena. But when one has a bloodline that includes the 4th president of Cuba and the owner of the island nation’s largest newspaper, well, the public arena just comes naturally. With a client roster that includes the likes of Blue Martini, Mango, Timberland, The W South Beach and Four Seasons Residences, the Miami-based full-service marketing and communications firm is fast becoming the go-to company for integrated wow. Add such powerhouses as the Trump Organization, and it’s a bet that wow comes with all that and then some.
{innovators} Michael Gongora
This Miami Beach Commissioner and lawyer makes our Top Ten Innovator list for his Green inniatives, his tireless cheerleading of Miami Beach and his positive action on behalf of the LGBT community.
{innovators} Primary Flight
Chris Oh and Typoe might not have originally wanted to helm a world-wide street art collective, but helm one they do. Then again, originals have a tendency to step up when called upon, even if it means speaking on behalf of hundreds upon hundreds of the most secretive and discerning souls in the art game. Knowing what’s what doesn’t hurt; nor does keep it credible. But perhaps what’s most laudable is the fact that Primary Flight (and their Design District-based Primary Projects) are adamant about putting Miami art on the global map. - (John Hood)
{innovators} Keith Menin
It’s no secret Keith Menin got his start with South Beach’s Sanctuary, nor is the fact that the 4th generation entrepreneur parlayed his initial success into some of the swingingest developments this side of heaven. And while a second Sanctuary is slated for Eleuthera, projects in Chicago (The Rafaello) and South Beach (The Mondrian) prove the can-do developer is in no way resting on his laudable laurels. He’s simply using each and every one of ‘em as a springboard for even bigger things to come.
{innovators} David Sugarman
What do you get when you cross a former banker with a city full of sports stars? A hotshot money manager for some well-heeled celebrities, that’s what. Such is the case with David Sugarman, who got his first taste of the high life while he was still working at such esteemed firms as Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch. The culprit? None other than a sports superstar, who in short order begot more of the inimitable same for the newly formed Sugartime Sports and Entertainment Firm. While the company’s client list is a closely guarded secret, word is it now numbers some of the sweetest names in every field, including the Magic City’s most heated.
{innovators} Wasabi Fashion Cult
Raspberry-haired Pamela Wasabi has been a fixture on Miami’s nightlife and fashion scene for some time now — in fact, with her look, her sass and her digi-zine, you could say she’s helped to exemplify it. When the feisty Flor Francis joined the fold, the Kult became even more active. With events such as The Chromatic Project (which put Miami style and sound on to celluloid) and MOD Swim Week (where WSK kicks off with Betsey Johnson, for whom they are Miami’s exclusive producers), it’s a cinch the Wasabi will be increasingly influential as well. - (John Hood)
{innovators} Kobi Karp
Miami has no shortage of magical properties. The best of them combine architectural splendor and an eye for interior that goes will beyond form following function. In fact you might say they represent the functionality of a beautiful form. Kobi Karp knows this. And so does anyone who’s ever seen let alone set foot in one of the firm’s signature creations. And though Kobi Karp boasts a plethora of gleaming Miami projects (from The Astor and The Breakwater and The Gansevoort to Miapolis), it’s also worked its wile in such far flung hotspots as Cape Town (Mouille Point), KSA (Mecca Hotel) and Vietnam (Thu Tiem). Surely just the start of an increasingly unique architectural record.
Category: COVER
