As the mastermind behind Miami’s Faena District — dotted with uber-hip hotels, shops, cultural centers and residences — Alan Faena has redefined Magic City cool. The Buenos Aires-born, top hat-wearing art collector and developer is now telling his story in a new book from Rizzoli: “Alan Faena: Alchemy & Creative Collaboration: Architecture, Design, Art.” The memoir features vivid photos from his childhood, his early days as a fashion designer and his current home in Miami.
But of all his accomplishments, Faena, 55, says that his garden in Uruguay fills him with the most pride. “I built a magical rose garden on the ocean, with more than 4,000 red roses, in a place where the experts said roses cannot grow,” he tells Alexa. “With all that I have built in my life, this may actually be my grandest accomplishment. It was here that I invented my future plans for the Faena District in Buenos Aires and in Miami Beach. It’s to this garden that I always return when I need to become inspired and recharge.” From silk Versace shirts to healing crystals, Faena shares with Alexa the places and faces that keep him dreaming big.
“The vintage, silk Versace shirts at Faena Bazaar are a great fashion find. The beautiful prints from the ’90s were so ahead of their time and feel entirely contemporary today.”
“We have collaborated with a diverse group of artists working together to create emotional and powerful performances where we mix culture, art, romance, music and imagination. It’s a place of dreams and new beginnings.”
“[Chef] Francis Mallmann’s very special restaurant and hotel, La Isla, on a secluded island in Patagonia, is the best culinary experience I may have ever had. His cuisine captures the vibrant spirit of South America, and we are thrilled to have brought such a remarkable talent to Miami.”
“Rizzoli books are gorgeous and smart — what more could you ask for? Of course they are also my publishers, and I have shared with them the journey of bringing my story to life. I am extremely proud of the book and grateful to them for the opportunity to create it together.”
“These boots are all handcrafted and far from ordinary. My favorite items are those that are unique because they each reveal their own story.”
“Every time I’m at Bates, I discover something new. Their hats have an old-school feel blended with world-class craftsmanship.”
“I collect crystals, which can be healing and cleansing — they can be found throughout my house and gardens. This show is for rare and precious finds. It’s there that I have found some of my dream stones.”
By Christopher Cameron
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