As Miami’s not-so-little secret for the past decade, revered women’s designer Rene Ruiz celebrated the opening of his new flagship store at 262 Miracle Mile with nearly 500 Miami/New York socialites and fashionistas. Ruiz, known for dressing Miami’s most talked-about women, debuted in high style with a performance by Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artist Studio and preview of his new ready-to-wear, bridal and evening gowns. 

Ruiz’s designs are sexy, feminine and ultra sophisticated in a palette that includes white, pink, periwinkle, turquoise and cocoa. According to Rene, “the women who wear my designs are the one’s who inspire my creativity.” 

For Cuban-born Ruiz, the past decade not only marks 10 years in the business, but also 10 times more space. The new 3,000 square-foot showroom and atelier caters to his flourishing local and national clientele, who are drawn to Ruiz’s appreciable style and eye for high-quality fabrics. Prior to moving to Miami, Ruiz honed his skills in Europe during a one-year apprenticeship under the tutelage of Valentino’s sample maker in Florence, and later in Paris.  

Ruiz hosted some of Miami’s most recognizable women at the opening event, including Malini Murjani, Norma Quintero, Helen Marie Gordich, Shelley Wolfberg, Iran Issa-Khan and Alison Spear. For more information on Rene Ruiz, visit the new store at 262 Miracle Mile or call 305-445-2352. 

Wanna be the first to wear the hottest fashions from down under? Then hop on over to Sage, an adorable new boutique that recently opened its doors just off Lincoln Road. The shop features Australia’s hottest designers for women’s apparel, accessories and nail polish! 

The brainchild of Susan Callau, the idea for Sage originated while she was living in Australia. When she returned to the States and found that no store in the Miami carried her favorite Aussie designers, she did what came naturally. She combined her love of fashion, keen eye for beauty and her sharp business sense to create this innovative boutique.   

“The designers I have selected are all contemporary, extremely well-established and well-regarded by the fashion community in Australia, Asia and Europe (particularly in England),” says Callau. “I adore the sense of style, use of fabrics and colors and the general wear-ability of Australian clothing – perfect for the South Florida climate and lifestyle,” she adds. 

Australian fashion is renowned for its hip silhouettes, superb natural fabrics, fashion forward designs and artistic intensity. The designers that create the product mix at Sage have been selected based upon the quality of design, innovation and fabrication and include Alannah Hill, Leona Edmiston, Lisa Ho, Third Millenium, Scanlan and Theodore, Wayne Cooper and Zimmerman. Handbags from the Money Penny Collection ensure that the clientele will have the perfect accessory to complement their outfit. A well-dressed woman also has well-manicured hands and the latest colors of nail polish from Australian Christina Fitzgerald are also available at Sage. The price range for clothing is $100 to $800 and the handbags cost from $65 to $200. 

Sage is located at 1665 Michigan Avenue, South Beach. 305-538-2242