Miami is woefully lacking in European fashion boutiques or those with a European fashion sensibility. I’m not talking about the now ubiquitous global luxury brands. But the individually owned, one of a kind, upscale boutiques you find in places like the St.Germain area of Paris, Barrio Salamanca in Madrid, and Brera in Milan ( not the four figure pricey kind). So it was with great pleasure I came across Antidote one of the newest of Wynwood shops, which features multiple designers with a point of view. Everything has to be eco conscious and ethically made, and the designers passionate about artisanal practices. She calls it slow fashion chic and I’d add with a serious element of cool.
One of my favorites was Kilometer, vintage French cotton workwear shirts, embroidered or bearing appliques relating to a city or country – Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, India, and Qatar. There’s also an exclusive Wynwood shirt with on the way. Each item bears the longitude and latitude of the place on a sleeve. ($400-$675)
Another favorite were the big seller, vintage Levi jeans.They’re made from recycled fabrics — shorts, skirts, full length jeans, in blue wash and white (starting at $250). You can team them up with popular Veja sneakers made in Brazil from Vegan leather, in white with a colored logo or gray ($110).
The art deco inspired leather clutches by Parisian designer Eli Grita were a standout – leather collages with different colors and textures, in small and large sizes. The tops come off so if you buy more than one you can switch them and make your own creation ($910-$1350, the most expensive things by far in the store). They also make this cool bomber jacket.
Continuing the unique lineup are coats and skirts made by Bono’s wife from felt like materials sourced in Africa, selling under the Edun brand name. Representing the feminine side of fashion are the coveted Chinese silk blouses, trousers and shorts by Cienne.
Rounding out the offerings are a small selection of gift items, fashion jewelry (average $100),
shoes (besides sneakers) and bathing suits.
And while you’re in Wynwood and on the hunt for fine fashion, check out the shop of Montreal designer Marie Saint Pierre. Her sophisticated, stylish and very contemporary designs are bound to elicit compliments.
In case you missed it, here’s an earlier post on more shopping picks in Wynwood for men and the home.