“Miami News” by William Norwich first appeared in the April 1993 edition of Vogue. To explore more highlights from Vogue’s archives, subscribe to our Nostalgia newsletter.
For at least two years now, it’s been official: Miami’s trendy South Beach is America’s Riviera. But South Beach isn’t the kind of place where you leave your designer bags with the nanny. You won’t depart from a vacation here reminiscing about spa treatments, diet meals, or hydrotherapy—unless you count a lover’s kiss in the sparkling turquoise waves at sunrise as a form of water therapy.
Miami is an affordable getaway.
“It feels like Capri in the 1950s,” says designer Gianni Versace, who is restoring a 1920s beachfront mansion here. His book, “South Beach Stories,” is out this month. “Everything feels new, and the vibe is wonderful. You don’t need to go to the movies; just watching people is like taking snapshots, and everyone is on equal footing. You don’t have to be wealthy to stand out. It’s true freedom.”
“There are definitely choices,” adds photographer Todd Eberle. “You can splurge on a luxury hotel for $150 a night or opt for a charming, budget-friendly spot for $30. Either way, you’ll have just as much fun.”
Of course, it’s all relative, but Miami Beach is reasonably priced. Despite the renovations and real estate boom we’ve heard about, you can still find cozy apartments for under $30,000. At Findings, the top boutique in South Beach featuring items from 12 local designers, almost nothing exceeds $500.
“I spend less here than I did in New York, and I have bedrooms, yards, bathrooms… I love that,” says artist Kenny Scharf. He, his wife Tereza, and their daughters Zena and Malia moved from New York last year after buying a house in Florida. Since then, the Scharfs have become a prominent couple in South Beach’s social scene. They recently got involved with a bistro called Aqua, where Kenny designed the juice bar. (In Miami Beach, juice bars are the equivalent of coffee shops.)
Suppose you have one day to experience Miami Beach on a budget. You might start with a stay at the Raleigh Hotel, take a swim in the pool, soak up the sun, and then go shopping. At Last Tango in Paradise on Washington Avenue, you’ll discover amazing vintage clothing and accessories, including beaded bags and Lily Pulitzer dresses. (This is where many designers find their inspiration.) Nearby is the excellent shop Findings, and across the street is the popular gym Club Body Tech, owned by Peter Rana. Beach News, run by Doug Meyer, is a hub for media and fashion, where you can buy ties by his brother, New York designer Gene Meyer, right next to the latest issues of ¡Hola! and The New Republic. Have drinks at the Century Hotel, check out Versace’s ongoing renovation, discuss real estate with the sought-after agent Esther Percal, visit Jason Rubell’s gallery featuring affordable works by emerging artists, consider a tattoo at Lou’s, play pool at Club Deuce, and then choose your dance spot: Byblos for variety, or Warsaw, Paragon, or Torpedo.
As for food? Fine dining isn’t really part of the South Beach vibe. As artist Ross Bleckner puts it, “There’s the Miami diet. You rush to get a reservation at a trendy spot and then lose weight waiting for your food to arrive!”
But it doesn’t really matter. Have an orange instead, and you’ll look even better in your bikini the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about From the Archives A Look Back at South Beach Miamis Artistic Boom in 1993 with clear and concise answers
General Beginner Questions
Q What was the Artistic Boom in South Beach in 1993
A It was a period in the early 1990s when South Beach transformed from a rundown area into a major international hub for art fashion music and design attracting artists celebrities and designers
Q Why was 1993 such a significant year for this
A By 1993 the momentum from the late 1980s had peaked The area was globally recognized with its Art Deco architecture restored famous nightclubs thriving and art galleries and fashion shoots becoming commonplace cementing its cultural status
Q What kind of art was most popular during this boom
A The scene was very diverse It included contemporary painting and sculpture photography pop art and the vibrant colorful aesthetics inspired by the restored Art Deco district itself
Q Who were some of the key artists or figures involved
A While many local artists were key the boom also attracted international celebrities like Gianni Versace who bought a mansion there and photographers like Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts who shot iconic campaigns on the beach
Q What role did the Art Deco architecture play
A It was the foundation The preservation and colorful restoration of the hundreds of Art Deco buildings in the 1980s created a unique photogenic backdrop that defined the South Beach look and attracted creatives from all over the world
Deeper Advanced Questions
Q Was this boom just about fine art or were other creative industries involved
A It was a full cultural explosion The fine art scene in galleries was deeply connected to the fashion industry the music scene and the culinary world creating a powerful synergy
Q How did the nightlife contribute to the artistic environment
A Nightclubs were more than just party spots they were creative melting pots and impromptu art galleries Club promoters were like curators and the clubs themselves became stages for performance art fashion shows and social networking for artists