A much welcome new addition to the Miami art gallery and boutique scene is Zenith Art and Fashion. They feature no fewer than 38 fashion designers and emerging and established artists represented from over 24 nationalities. Fashion Institute of Technology grad and co founder Carla Cid de Diego is one of the designers. The Spanish American womens wear designer’s creds include crafting costumes for the Florida Grand Opera and Duende Ballet Espanol . Exclusive to Zenith, she designs limited-edition leather handbags in precious metal cages crafted by her father, Fernando Cid de Diego. Her father’s metalwork is owned by the likes of Queen Sofia of Spain and the White House (bought by the Clinton Administration). These are serious, handsome handbags, part of a collection of wearable art and accessories. Plus, Zenith has an 8,000 square-foot outdoor sculpture garden which can be rented for events.
Zenith is the creation of Carla and her partner, Greek English architect and designer Jonathan Fakinos, a lovely couple. They chose the name “zenith” for its meaning of “the culmination point of the universe where magic happens”. Art includes oil paintings and sculptures from artists ranging from Norway and Italy to Romania, Spain and Denmark. My favorite is the wearable art – clothing and accessories, for men and women. Think statement pieces: hand painted dresses like an abstract painting on canvas ;
black leather jackets that could have been painted by a leading street artist;
and a limited but attractive selection of shoes by Denmark designer Rey Rey.
There’s also jewelry by Italian designer Patrizia Falcone. Made with silver thread knitted like Chanel lace and mixed with glass, stones and handcrafted silicone, her designs are inspired by ancient Greece and Rome.
Among my favorites were the denim and lace bustiers with a corset lace up and vintage military jackets from Germany that are appliqued and decorated with gold, silver and copper leaf, and spray paint.
The talented couple also plans to create unique promotional events combining the performance arts. It’s more than a coincidence that Zenith is near PAMM, Freedom Tower, the Miami International University of Art and Design, and an epicenter of Art Basel this year. Zenith is a highly creative space and a valued addition to Miami.”
Zenith Art and Fashion Gallery, 1440 Biscayne Blvd. (T. (786) 409-8530). Park at 1400 N.E. 2nd Avenue garage and they will validate your ticket.
They’ll also have a booth at Art Miami.
