Last week, Bal Harbour Shops marked its 60th anniversary with a celebration worthy of its storied legacy where fashion, music, and heritage collided under the starry Miami sky. The iconic open-air shopping destination, long hailed as a global beacon of luxury, transformed into a who’s who playground as more than 1,200 guests gathered to honor six decades of visionary design and enduring glamour. The evening unfolded with guests “checking in” at a gleaming, hotel-inspired concierge desk, entering an immersive “Vacationland” experience that reimagined the art of celebration. Among the lush koi ponds and tropical palms, the familiar calm of Bal Harbour Shops’ refined serenity gave way to a vibrant, electrified energy. DJ Isaac Likes set the tone, and surprise performances by music legends Chaka Khan and the Gipsy Kings energized the crowd, who danced beneath the moonlit “Collins Club” stage.
Balmain, Moncler, and many other shops, left open throughout the buzzy evening for those looking to peruse while the party raged on, brought to life interactive installations that embodied the spirit of craftsmanship and entertainment. Balmain added an exhibit that paid homage to its 80th anniversary with a curated display of archival pieces, while Moncler provided personalized portrait sessions in the center court.
Isaac Hindin-Miller
Culinary artistry held its own spotlight throughout the evening as well. Guests delighted in signature bites from Carpaccio and Makoto, where I had earlier that day enjoyed a delectable lunch with my dear friend, Miami-based Samantha Angelilli, while also sampling a preview of the highly anticipated China Grill and Slim’s concepts, set to debut in 2026. Champagne flowed endlessly, signature cocktails passed generously, and every toast echoed a shared reverence for a legacy 60 years in the making.
At its core, the evening honored a family vision that forever redefined luxury retail. Founded by the late Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops has remained a family-guided enterprise, an exceptional rarity in today’s landscape of corporate conglomerates. Now under the stewardship of fourth-generation president and CEO Matthew Whitman Lazenby of Whitman Family Development, the Shops continue to embody the essence of timeless splendor through thoughtful attention to detail.
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- Erin Newberg
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- Romero Britto
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- Karolína Kurková
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The celebration drew a glittering guest list, including Chanel Iman, Karolina Kurkova, Romero Britto, Alicia Pettitt, Georges Coupet, Stephanie Hill, Lisa DiCicco, Priscila Evangelista, Eva Hughes, Mary Leest, and many more, who mingled with devoted patrons, brand executives, and longtime members of the Bal Harbour Shops family. Those who know Bal Harbour Shops best speak not only of its iconic brands, but of the unmistakable feeling that defines it. For Miami locals and global visitors alike, the Shops are more than a destination; they are a sanctuary of elegance, where luxury feels both personal and ever lasting. Through exclusive partnerships with The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, its Exhale Spa, and the Shops’ own Red Market Salon, guests are invited to indulge in every way. I was fortunate enough to enjoy all three; that is, a stay at the hotel, a restorative massage one afternoon at its spa, followed by hair and makeup at Red Market in preparation for the evening’s festivities. At the salon, stylist and makeup artist Fallon Fitzpatrick took the time to carefully understand my preferences, ensuring the finished product was effortlessly polished and perfectly suited to my desired look for the night ahead.
As the final notes of Chaka Khan’s performance rang into the night, and Champagne glasses continued to clink in the warm November air, one truth lingered: 60 years on, Bal Harbour Shops remains the very definition of refined, luxury living.
Gipsey Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes
Images: Diana Zapata/BFA.com
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