Churchill Downs has introduced the 2026 Kentucky Derby Style Guide, presenting Derby fashion as a digital art gallery based in Louisville and themed “Art of the Kentucky Derby Fashion.” The guide is designed to showcase how style contributes to the overall Derby experience for attendees and fans. This year’s edition highlights 152 years of fashion and tradition, blending classic Derby elements with contemporary cultural influences. The guide features a range of looks inspired by longstanding customs and newer design trends, encouraging fans to explore varied approaches to Derby attire. Original artwork throughout the Style Guide reflects the atmosphere of Churchill Downs and emphasizes personal expression through clothing. Fans are encouraged to view outfit styling as a creative process that communicates individual identity rather than simply getting dressed. Churchill Downs is also promoting Kentucky Derby and Oaks two-day ticket packages that place guests in the venue for both race days, from Kentucky Oaks on Friday to the 152nd Run for the Roses on Saturday. Interested fans can view ticket packages and access the Style Guide online. Fans can see the Style Guide for a full look at this year’s featured fashions and artistic concepts. By ML. Photo(s)/Churchill Downs

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive, upscale twist at TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, located on the 15th floor of W Miami. On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the rooftop destination will host an all-day celebration featuring bold Mexican flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and panoramic views of the Brickell skyline. The experience features an extensive à la carte menu highlighting traditional favorites and modern coastal bites. Guests can enjoy a dedicated guacamole bar, tuna tostadas, mini chicken quesadillas, and a variety of tacos including Baja-style crispy fish, al pastor, carne asada, and QuesaBirria. Every order includes refreshing Agua de Jamaica to complement the spicy and savory flavors. To enhance the fiesta, TULUM has partnered with Mijenta Tequila to offer a special menu of handcrafted specialty cocktails throughout the event. Event Details: Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Time: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM Location: TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant (15th Floor, W Miami - Main Event & Specialty Cocktails), 485 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL Highlights: Hidden Room: Lobby Level (Mijenta Tequila Tasting) Entertainment: Live DJ Menu: À la carte Mexican specialties Featured Mijenta Tequila Cocktails (For Purchase): Guava Mint Paloma: Featuring Mijenta Blanco. | Mango Tamarindo Rim Margarita: Featuring Mijenta Reposado. Complimentary Mijenta Tequila tasting in the Tulum Hidden Room (lobby level) from 3PM-5PM Special cocktail and chef’s menu offered at TULUM Roofop Bar & Restaurant for purchase from 7:30AM to 5PM Requirement: Guests must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Reservations are available now to secure your spot for this sky-high celebration. You can book your experience via OpenTable. By ML Staff. Photos: TULUM / W Miami.

Chanel is spotlighting its COCO MADEMOISELLE Pearly Body Oil as a gifting option for the season, positioning the product as an alternative way to experience the COCO MADEMOISELLE fragrance line. The Pearly Body Oil features the fresh, ambery notes associated with COCO MADEMOISELLE in a shimmering, scented formula designed to enhance the skin and offer a sensorial application. Promoted as a way to show affection through fragrance, the oil extends the existing perfume range with a body care format aimed at consumers looking to pair scent with visible luminosity. More details are available on the Chanel website. By ML. Photo(s)/CHANEL

Long before Pilates became a defining pillar of Miami’s wellness culture, The Pilates Place Studios were quietly setting the standard: cultivating a devoted following through a method grounded in precision, personalization, and results that stand the test of time. Celebrating their 20-year anniversary this spring, the studios reflect not only longevity, but a meaningful and lasting influence on the region’s wellness landscape. Over the past two decades, The Pilates Place Studios have played a pivotal role in shaping both clients and instructors alike, establishing themselves as one of the area’s most respected destinations for authentic Pilates training. Master instructors Jackie Weiner & Louie Gonzales Founded and led by master instructors Jackie Weiner and Louie Gonzales, the studio brings together more than 50 years of combined teaching experience. Their work is rooted in a direct lineage to Joseph Pilates through second-generation instructors, an authenticity that continues to define the studio’s approach today. Independently owned and founder-led, The Pilates Place Studios operate two Miami locations – South Beach and near the Miami Design District – each affectionately referred to by clients as “My Pilates Place.” With classes intentionally limited to just six participants, the experience remains deeply personal and highly refined, allowing every movement to be seen, guided, and perfected. The Pilates Place Miami The Pilates Place South Beach This commitment to individualized attention extends beyond the studio floor, with offerings that include private sessions, house calls, virtual training, and corporate wellness programs, each tailored to meet clients where they are in their journey. Equally significant is the studio’s influence on the next generation of instructors. Its renowned 530-hour teacher training program attracts aspiring Pilates professionals from across the United States, Canada, and Europe, reinforcing The Pilates Place Studios’ role as both a sanctuary for clients and a cornerstone of Pilates education. As Miami’s wellness scene continues to evolve, The Pilates Place Studios stand as a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful movement, expert guidance, and a deeply personal approach to health – proving that true excellence is not only built over time, but sustained through intention. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Pilates Place Studios

El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company, announced today that ALINA Residences Boca Raton has recorded over $60 million in sales during South Florida’s peak winter-spring residential season, when buyer activity traditionally accelerates across Palm Beach County.  This sales momentum has led to the recent sellout of ALINA 210, marking a significant milestone for the development. With both ALINA 200 and ALINA 210 now sold out, a limited number of developer residences remain available at ALINA 220, representing one of the final opportunities to purchase within the community. Phase Two at ALINA – comprised of the recently completed ALINA 210 and ALINA 220 buildings – has seen particular interest in larger residences, with buyers drawn to generous floor plans, oversized closets and thoughtfully designed indoor/outdoor living.  The recent sales include three penthouses, underscoring continued demand for wellness-focused luxury living in downtown Boca Raton. "The sellout of ALINA 210 reflects the level of demand we are seeing for well-executed luxury product in Boca Raton," said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Brokerage, Douglas Elliman Florida Region and president of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida. "Buyers are responding to quality, location and a turnkey offering, and that demand is continuing with the very limited remaining residences at ALINA 220. Palm Beach County is now ranked among the fastest-growing wealth hubs globally, with a significant influx of capital and a more than 100% increase in its millionaire population over the past decade. The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County reports 68 billionaires and 71,000 millionaires now call the region home, reflecting the depth of the buyer pool driving activity at communities such as ALINA.  Across South Florida, Forbes reports that billionaires hold a combined net worth of more than $657 billion, including more than $250 billion tied to Palm Beach County alone, reinforcing the region’s position as one of the fastest-growing hubs for high-net-worth individuals globally. In addition to those relocating from the Northeast and international markets, ALINA is popular with existing Palm Beach County residents transitioning from large single-family estates in established communities such as Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club. For those buyers, ALINA offers the lock-and-leave convenience of condominium living without sacrificing the scale, quality or neighborhood they value. "We are seeing strong demand from luxury buyers who want new move-in ready construction with no updates required," said Candace Jorritsma, vice president of sales and marketing for El-Ad National Properties. "They appreciate the value of ALINA’s larger floor plans, and unique private campus-style setting with wellness-oriented amenities and personalized services."   While Phase One has been sold out for several years, a limited number of residences remain available in Phase Two at ALINA 220, including recently released units. This represents one of the final opportunities to own a new residence within the community. ALINA Residences comprises three nine-story buildings: ALINA 200 (121 residences, completed, sold out and occupied), ALINA 210 (30 residences, now sold out and fully occupied) and ALINA 220 (152 residences, received its temporary certificate of occupancy on Jan. 9, 2025, and began closings immediately thereafter), for a total of 303 units. Phase Two includes ALINA 210 and ALINA 220. All ALINA residents enjoy a curated selection of upscale amenities across the campus, including two private rooftop pools; his-and-hers spa facilities with dry saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms and relaxation rooms; state-of-the-art fitness centers; a studio with a professional-level golf and sports simulator; fire pits; dedicated yoga areas; appointed club rooms; a dog park and more. Tucked between the manicured fairways of The Boca Raton and Southeast Mizner Boulevard, ALINA Residences is in close proximity to downtown Boca Raton's restaurants, art galleries, salons and boutiques, including Mizner Park Amphitheater and the Boca Raton Museum of Art. The city's iconic beaches, pristine parks and Brightline Boca Raton station are just minutes away. Residences are priced from just over $6 million to over $9 million. Private appointments can be scheduled at the sales gallery at sales@alinabocaraton.com. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is the exclusive sales and marketing team for ALINA Residences. By ML Staff. Photos: Elad Group

Chanel is presenting a selection of floral fragrances for Mother’s Day, inviting customers to choose scents that range from fruity and ambery to woody compositions. The brand highlights its floral fragrance lineup as gift options that can be explored online at chanel.com or during dedicated shopping sessions at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty boutiques. Among the featured scents is CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE Eau de Parfum, described as a radiant and magnetic fragrance with a floral‑fruity trail. COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum is presented as a fresh, feminine ambery‑woody composition with a distinctive character, while N°5 Eau de Toilette appears in a bottle inspired by the original 1924 design and offers an abstract floral bouquet accented by sandalwood and vetiver. Chanel is also promoting COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum Purse Spray in a limited‑edition chain‑adorned case, designed for use on the go and intended to refresh the fragrance trail throughout the day. By ML. Photo(s)/CHANEL

Image by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA / Pexels Proving that a hospital or doctor failed to recognize the signs of a stroke is a difficult journey for any family. When a patient shows up at an emergency room with sudden weakness or slurred speech, every second counts toward saving their brain cells. If a medical provider ignores these red flags and sends the patient home, the results are often permanent and devastating. Locked-In Syndrome is one of the most severe outcomes of such a mistake, leaving the victim fully conscious but unable to move any part of their body. Families facing this nightmare often need the guidance of a Florida Locked-In Syndrome lawyer. Understanding the Florida Pre-Suit Process Florida law requires a very specific set of steps before you can even set foot into a courtroom for a medical malpractice claim. This period is known as the pre-suit process, and it begins with a deep look into the medical history of the stroke event. Your legal team must gather all hospital records and nursing logs to see if the doctors followed the correct rules for treating a potential stroke. Once they find evidence of a mistake, they must get a written opinion from a medical professional in the same field as the negligent doctor. This affidavit proves that there are reasonable grounds to believe that medical malpractice actually happened during your hospital visit. After gathering this expert opinion, your attorney sends a formal "Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation" to the doctors or the hospital involved. This starts a 90-day period where the insurance company for the medical provider gets to investigate the claim on their own. During this time, the "clock" for the statute of limitations is paused to allow both sides to talk about a possible settlement. Under Florida Statutes section 95.11, you generally only have two years from the date you discovered the injury to begin this process. If the 90-day investigation ends without a fair offer from the insurance company, your lawyer is then free to file the official lawsuit in a Florida court. Strategies to Prove Medical Malpractice Proving that a doctor was careless requires showing that they did not act like a reasonable medical professional would have in the same situation. A lawyer uses several pieces of evidence to build a timeline that shows exactly when and where the healthcare team failed. They often look at the time the patient arrived at the hospital compared to when the first brain scan was ordered. If there was a long delay, it shows the hospital did not treat the situation like a true emergency. These strategies help a jury understand that the patient’s permanent paralysis was a preventable tragedy rather than an unavoidable accident. Reviewing triage records - Lawyers check if the initial nurse correctly identified stroke symptoms like facial drooping or vision changes. Analyzing imaging timelines - Your team looks for delays in getting a CT scan or an MRI that could have revealed a blockage. Checking medication logs - They verify if clot-busting drugs were available but not given within the narrow time window. Consulting neurology specialists - Medical professionals explain how the lack of treatment led directly to the brain stem damage. Compensation for Lifelong Medical Needs A victim of this condition will need a massive amount of help and equipment to live a safe and dignified life. A Florida Locked-In Syndrome lawyer at Brain & Spinal Cord Injury works with life care planners to list every single item the patient will need for decades. This includes the cost of 24-hour nursing care, speech-generating computers, and modified vans for transportation. They also fight for non-economic damages, which provide money for the mental pain and loss of companionship the victim suffers. Because the patient is fully aware of their surroundings, the emotional toll of being unable to move is a major part of the compensation request. High-tech communication tools - Compensation covers eye-tracking devices that allow the patient to speak and use the internet. Home renovation costs - Money is secured to widen doorways and install ceiling lifts for moving the patient safely. Future lost wages - The settlement accounts for all the money the victim would have earned throughout their entire career. Respiratory therapy supplies - Funds are set aside for ventilators and feeding tubes that must be replaced regularly. How Florida Laws Protect Malpractice Victims Florida has specific rules that help make sure victims with the most serious injuries get the help they deserve. While some states try to limit the amount of money a person can receive for their pain and suffering, Florida courts have ruled that these caps are not fair to the most injured people. This means that a victim of a missed stroke can seek the full value of their losses without an artificial ceiling on the award. Your lawyer will also check if the hospital is owned by the state, which changes how much notice you must give before suing. Understanding these technical rules is the only way to hold a large medical corporation accountable for their negligence. Take Action to Secure Your Family's Future Starting a legal review as soon as possible is the best way to make sure you do not miss the strict filing deadlines in Florida. Your attorney needs time to find the best medical witnesses and to make sure the hospital does not lose any important digital records. Securing a settlement provides the financial foundation your loved one needs to access the best therapy and technology available. You have the right to demand that the people who caused this harm provide the resources necessary for a lifetime of care. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Pexels

Amazon has become a defining channel for professional beauty brands navigating the shift from salon distribution to eCommerce. As the platform continues to dominate online beauty retail, brands increasingly rely on specialized partners like beBOLD Digital, a full-service Amazon agency that focuses on scaling premium and compliance-sensitive products within highly competitive categories. This shift is driven by data: Amazon’s beauty segment alone grew by 11% year-over-year in 2024, reinforcing its role as a primary growth engine for both emerging and established brands . At the same time, the category is forecasted to reach $36 billion with 26% annual growth, outpacing Amazon’s overall expansion. For any pro beauty Amazon seller, this signals a critical inflection point. Growth is no longer about presence on the platform but about execution across search visibility, compliance, and conversion. Image by DepositPhotos Why specialization matters in professional beauty Professional beauty brands operate under a different set of constraints compared to mass-market products. Ingredient transparency, claims validation, and regulatory alignment are not optional. These factors directly influence listing approvals, advertising eligibility, and customer trust. At the same time, Amazon’s algorithm prioritizes performance signals such as reviews, conversion rate, and pricing competitiveness. This creates a structural challenge. Brands rooted in salon credibility must translate their authority into digital signals that Amazon recognizes. Without this translation layer, even high-quality products struggle to scale. This is where agencies specializing in professional beauty step in, combining marketplace mechanics with category-specific expertise. beBOLD Digital is one example of a pro beauty amazon agency that focuses on aligning premium brand positioning with Amazon-native performance metrics, helping brands bridge the gap between offline credibility and online conversion. A data-backed recommendation from beBOLD Digital One consistent insight from beBOLD Digital is that professional beauty brands should prioritize conversion architecture before scaling traffic. In practice, this means aligning product positioning, review velocity, and compliance messaging before increasing ad spend. The rationale is straightforward. Amazon’s system rewards listings that convert efficiently. Driving traffic to under-optimized listings often leads to wasted spend and suppressed rankings. A realistic scenario illustrates this: A salon-grade haircare brand entering Amazon initially invests heavily in paid media but sees limited return. Despite strong brand equity offline, its listings lack clear differentiation, and compliance language is either missing or overly technical. Conversion rates remain below category benchmarks. After restructuring the listings, simplifying claims, and improving review acquisition within policy guidelines, conversion rates increase significantly. Only then does paid traffic begin to scale profitably. This aligns with broader industry patterns where optimized listings can dramatically improve performance outcomes before additional traffic is introduced. Image by DepositPhotos 5 Amazon agencies focused on professional beauty growth 1. beBOLD Digital beBOLD Digital operates as a full-service partner for brands navigating Amazon’s complexity, particularly in categories where compliance and positioning are critical. Their approach integrates SEO, paid media, and content strategy with a strong emphasis on marketplace fundamentals. What differentiates their model is the focus on aligning brand equity with Amazon-native performance metrics. Rather than treating Amazon as a pure acquisition channel, they structure it as a scalable distribution engine. For brands transitioning from salon or clinic-based distribution, this approach reduces friction between offline credibility and online conversion. It also explains why agencies specializing in luxury beauty such as beBOLD Digitall are increasingly sought after by premium brands entering the platform. 2. Oceanwing Oceanwing applies a full-funnel framework that combines DSP, Amazon Marketing Cloud, and listing optimization. Their work in beauty highlights the importance of connecting upper-funnel awareness with on-platform performance signals. Their case studies emphasize how structured campaigns and creative testing improve both ranking and return on ad spend . This is particularly relevant for brands launching new SKUs or entering saturated subcategories. 3. Digitis Agency Digitis focuses on performance-driven growth, particularly through Amazon advertising. Their beauty case studies demonstrate how targeted campaigns can rapidly scale revenue when paired with strong listing foundations. Their approach highlights the role of paid media as an accelerator rather than a starting point, reinforcing the importance of conversion readiness before scaling . 4. Front Row Front Row emphasizes strategic integration across retail, media, and brand positioning. Their insights point to Amazon as a central component of modern beauty distribution, requiring coordinated execution across channels. Their framework is particularly relevant for brands balancing direct-to-consumer strategies with marketplace expansion. 5. Specialized Boutique Agencies A growing segment of boutique agencies focuses specifically on conversion optimization and review management for beauty brands. These agencies address critical levers such as listing clarity, customer feedback, and content structure. Industry insights suggest that these improvements can significantly enhance customer lifetime value and reduce return rates by aligning expectations with product performance. Key considerations for choosing a salon brand e-commerce agency Selecting the right partner requires a clear understanding of both operational and strategic capabilities. For professional beauty brands, the following factors are critical: Experience with beauty product compliance and regulatory nuances Ability to translate professional-grade positioning into consumer-friendly messaging Proven frameworks for improving conversion and review quality Integration of SEO, advertising, and content into a unified strategy Understanding of the transition from offline distribution to digital marketplaces These factors determine whether a brand can sustain growth in a category defined by both high competition and high consumer expectations. Image by DepositPhotos Strategic direction for professional beauty brands on Amazon Amazon’s dominance in beauty is not just a function of scale but of infrastructure. The platform combines logistics, discovery, and consumer data into a single ecosystem that favors brands capable of adapting quickly. With Amazon capturing significant market share and continuing to outpace traditional retailers in online beauty, brands must approach the platform with a structured, data-driven strategy. For professional brands, this means rethinking how authority is communicated. Clinical validation, ingredient quality, and salon heritage must be translated into signals that drive clicks, conversions, and repeat purchases. Final perspective The opportunity for professional beauty brands on Amazon is substantial, but so is the complexity. Growth is no longer driven by product quality alone. It depends on how effectively that quality is communicated within Amazon’s ecosystem. Working with a professional beauty Amazon agency enables brands to bridge this gap. More importantly, it provides a structured pathway to scale without compromising brand positioning or compliance integrity. For brands evaluating their next phase of growth, the focus should not be on whether to invest in Amazon but on how to execute within it. That distinction ultimately determines long-term success. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

In this exclusive conversation with  Miami Living Magazine , artist Ash Kolodner reflects on a creative journey that moves from the precision of photography to the visceral, layered language of painting. Now presenting  Surface and Gesture  at ArtLAB in North Miami, Kolodner returns to Miami with a body of work that is both deeply personal and expansively open – exploring themes of identity, perception, and becoming. Rooted in a period of profound transformation, his work invites viewers into a space where meaning is not fixed, but felt – where abstraction and embodiment meet, and where attention itself becomes the subject. Miami Living (ML): Welcome, Ash. Before we dive into Surface and Gesture, can you share a little about where you are in life right now and what’s been feeling most present for you lately? ASH:  I’m in a period of what I’d call “deep integration.” The last several years have asked a lot of me, not only as an artist, but as a person moving more fully into alignment with who I am and want to be. I’ve been thinking a lot about transformation and the many selves we carry inside us: how identity is lived, how the body carries history, and how perception shifts when one begins to inhabit truth more completely. More and more, I’m drawn to things that don’t resolve cleanly – those in-between spaces, the thresholds, the moments of transition. That’s become a real throughline in my work, both philosophically and formally. I’m less interested in certainty or neat and tidy conclusions and moreso in what it means to be present, and in that emotional charge of “becoming.” That sensibility is very much at the core of Surface and Gesture. Posture Wrap ML: You began your creative journey behind the lens. What did painting unlock for you that photography couldn’t, and how did that shift transform your relationship to image-making? ASH:  Photography taught me rigor. It taught me how to look, how to frame, and how to understand the emotional voltage of surface and light. But painting opened a far less fixed space — one in which meaning could remain mobile, unstable, and embodied. Even the most expansive photographic work still carries a tether to the visible world. Painting loosened that tether. What it really opened up for me was a way of working that comes before language. I could just move through sensation – pressure, rhythm, accumulation, interruption – without needing to explain it. I started letting contradictions exist instead of trying to resolve them into a clear image. And I think my focus shifted too: from asking what an image depicts to asking what it holds… what it transmits in the body, what you feel before your mind steps in and tries to organize it. Flawed Murmurs ML: You’ve mentioned that you work exclusively with a brayer rather than a brush. That’s a striking choice. What does that constraint give you? ASH:  Yeah, I mean, the brayer isn’t just a tool I use – it really shapes how the work happens. It creates this very physical relationship between my body, the tool, and the surface. It’s about pressure, drag, rhythm, release… not so much about describing something. A brush feels more controlled, more precise. With the brayer, you’re distributing paint across a roller, so the gesture becomes broader, more embodied, more committed. You can’t really fuss over it or overwork it. And that limitation is actually what makes it feel honest to me. I can’t hide in detail. The painting either comes together through instinct and accumulation, or it doesn’t. Over time, that’s become a kind of trust – trust in the gesture itself, and in the idea that the work can arrive somewhere real without being overly worked or refined into it. ML: GAYFACE 1st Class was an ambitious and deeply human project — 500 portraits, nine states, ultimately a published book. What did that experience give you, and how did it shape you as an artist moving forward? ASH:  GAYFACE really changed how I think about portraiture. It’s not just about capturing what someone looks like – it’s about permission, about trust, about what it means to be seen and to be witnessed. Photographing so many queer and trans people across the country, I saw this incredible range of lives and experiences, but also this shared complexity around visibility – how powerful it can be, how tender, and sometimes how risky. It also shifted how I think about the role of art. I wasn’t just making portraits – I was part of something more collective, like contributing to an archive of queer life. That feels especially important right now, when trans lives are so often treated as if they’re new or somehow abstract. They’re not. We’ve always been here – across time, across cultures. Holding onto that continuity feels really central to the work. And I think there’s always this tension around visibility. It can absolutely carry risk – that’s real. But invisibility has its own kind of harm. So the work becomes a way of saying: we’re here, we’ve always been here, and our lives are far more expansive than the narrow ways they’re often framed. Galactic Fallace ML: Surface and Gesture began alongside your gender transition — a period when you needed a medium that could hold what language couldn’t. How did painting allow you to process aspects of that experience that felt inaccessible through words or photography? ASH:  I think for me, transition was never something that could be summed up just as identity. It was – and is – temporal, physical, psychic, relational… all of it at once. And there were parts of that experience that language could get close to, but not really hold. Words tend to push toward clarity before you’re actually ready to be clear. Painting doesn’t ask for that. So I found myself turning to painting because it could hold more. Through layering, gesture, density, color – I could stay inside that complexity without having to explain it. I didn’t need to narrate the experience for it to be there. Abstraction, especially, let me get closer to something true. It could be both reflective and permeable at the same time – like a mirror, but also something you can move through. It gave me a way to register that sense of instability and vitality, that feeling of becoming, without reducing it to something fixed or illustrative. Cocoon Heist ML: Do you remember the first painting where you thought: something is genuinely shifting here? ASH: Yeah – it wasn’t some big, dramatic shift. It was actually pretty quiet. I just remember realizing at a certain point that I wasn’t trying to make an image in the usual way anymore. I was trying to create an encounter. And that felt like the real turning point.  After that, I stopped feeling like the painting had to resolve into something clearly legible for it to be true. It just needed to have its own internal necessity. Once that clicked, I started trusting abstraction in a different way – trusting intuition, accumulation, the intelligence of gesture. It felt like the painting could know something before I had the words for it. Lil Monster ML: The titles of your works — Cocoon Heist, Petty in Pink, Under the Mango Trees, Self Betray — feel poetic and elusive. How do language and paint make meaning together in your practice, and where do they resist one another? ASH:  I tend to think of titles more like openings, or apertures, than explanations. They’re not there to tell you what the work means (though they sometimes do that), and ideally they don’t shut anything down (thought they also sometimes do that as well). It’s more that the titles shift the emotional tone a little – introducing something like irony, or tenderness, or even a kind of fracture. I think titles can act like a kind of nudge how someone enters the painting without telling them how to read it. Petty in Pink is a good example of that. The painting was never about being ‘pretty’ in a conventional sense – it was more about brightness that has weight, emotion that takes up space. And the title kind of pivots on that – “petty” not as a flaw, but almost as a stance. A small insistence that actually holds. For me, as someone who never really identified with that idea of being “pretty in pink,” it feels a bit like a wink, but also a reclaiming. And more broadly, I think paint and language just do really different things. Language often wants to pin things down, make them stable. Paint doesn’t have to do that – it can hold contradiction, excess, things that don’t fully resolve, and still feel completely articulate. So I’m interested in the title and the painting being in conversation, but not one explaining the other. That tension between them is actually where something interesting happens. Under the Mango Trees ML: You spent years working at the intersection of luxury fashion — Milk Studios during Fashion Week, agency modeling for Miu Miu, editorial work for Elle and Marie Claire to name a few. Do you think that world shaped your eye as a painter in ways you can identify? ASH:  Yeah, definitely… just maybe not in the most obvious or expected ways. Working in luxury fashion taught me about surface as a concept – how texture, color, proportion, tension all come together to provoke a reaction or create a feeling. There’s a real discipline to that world, and I think I absorbed a lot of that, even when I was still inside it and not necessarily thinking about it critically. What I brought into painting is this sense that surface isn’t superficial at all. Every choice – color, gesture, whether you add something or hold back – carries weight. It affects how something is felt and perceived. At its best, fashion understands that. Painting does too. The difference is that with painting, I get to decide what the surface is doing – what it’s in service of. Self Betray ML: Returning to Miami with this exhibition, after Art Basel Miami Beach in 2012, feels like a full-circle moment. What does it mean to present this body of work here now? ASH: Miami’s actually been part of a few different chapters for me. The first time I showed there was back in 2012 – I did this live painting presentation called Art Metamorphosis . It was this monochromatic installation with a mannequin, plywood panels, clothing… a whole environment. Looking back, it feels like I was already circling ideas around transformation, surface, and embodiment – I just didn’t have the same language for it yet. I’ve come back in different ways since then – photographing GAYFACE at Orgullo Miami, spending time at The Betsy for a writing residency, showing work through the Writer’s Room. So being back now doesn’t really feel nostalgic; it feels more like a continuation. Like I’m returning with a clearer sense of what I was reaching toward all along. This exhibition also felt vulnerable in a different way, because I started painting without any formal technical background whatseover. Putting that work out publicly was honestly pretty nerve-wracking. There’s a particular kind of exposure in sharing something that’s so intuitive, so personal, and still relatively new within your practice. So, to have people meet the work so openly and seeing them respond in a really visceral way was incredibly reaffirming for me. It reminded me that the work doesn’t have to be explained to be felt. I’m also deeply grateful to Herb Sosa, Unity Coalition and ArtLab for creating space not just for the show, but for what it represents more broadly. As a trans artist, that kind of support really matters. Especially right now, when trans lives are being threatened or treated as if they’re new or up for debate, which they’re not. Transgenderism has always existed throughout humanity and history. And choosing to be visible, even in the face of what’s going on right now, is a way of insisting on our humanity and our right to exist. Pierced Linen ML: What do you hope people carry with them after experiencing Surface and Gesture? ASH:  I think more than anything, I hope people leave feeling a little more open: to themselves, to ambiguity, to emotion, to change. I’m not really interested in everyone landing on one fixed interpretation or takeaway. It’s more that the work should give you permission to feel before you try to name or categorize it… to sit with complexity instead of rushing to make it clear.  And I hope there’s a kind of felt understanding that comes through – that transformation isn’t always neat or easily resolved, nor does it have to be defined. But that the concept of transformation can still be beautiful and very embodied. Especially right now, I hope the work quietly insists on something bigger – that trans lives are human lives, that we’re not a trend or an abstraction or, worse, something to fear…that we’ve always been part of culture and history. And if someone walks away feeling a little more open, a little more attentive, more willing to sit in their own in-between… then I feel like the work has done something meaningful.   Passive Harmony ML: Finally — what’s next for you? Is there a direction the work is pulling you toward? ASH:  I feel like the work is asking me to go further inward, but at the same time, somehow further outward too. Most recently,  I’ve been really interested in scale and, specifically, what happens when these emotional spaces get big enough to actually surround and immerse you. I keep coming back to this tension between restraint and release. It still feels like something I don’t fully understand, but in a good way – like there’s more there to uncover. I’ve also been thinking a lot about community and context where the work lives. What it means to show in spaces that welcome and might even prioritze queer and trans audiences, as well as spaces that don’t necessarily have that focus. Both feel important. I want my work to move and travel and to land in places where it can actually do something, maybe even change people in a real way. That’s the hope. ashkolodner.com  | @ ashkolodner  | ArtLAB Gallery, North Miami By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Ash Kolodner

Bailey Tippen is stepping into a defining moment in her career as the face of Sylvie in Beauty in Black, a global hit that has drawn attention for its focus on survival, power, and overlooked voices. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living, Tippen reflects on the weight of the story and the turning point her character faces after a pivotal cliffhanger. Working under Tyler Perry, Tippen has embraced the discipline and focus required to carry such a role, while also learning to separate her personal life from the intensity of the character. The growing success of the show has become tangible through fan interactions, reinforcing the cultural reach of the project. She began performing at a young age and built her skills through on-screen work and training. Tippen appeared as Naomi in the TV movie The Watsons Go to Birmingham, as Tootsie in the series Underground, and as Astra in Constantine. Her first on-screen role was as a middle school student in 5 Minutes in 2012. Since then, she has taken on both supporting and leading parts, with Beauty in Black marking a key step in her growing recognition. As she prepares to say goodbye to Sylvie, Tippen approaches the moment with a sense of closure, recognizing both the demands of the role and the impact it has had on her as an artist. By now, Beauty in Black is now fully available to stream on Netflix. Part 1 was released back in September 2025 and Part 2 came last month. Miami Living (ML): Sylvie left audiences on edge after that major cliffhanger in Part 1. What was your emotional reaction when you first read that scene, and did you immediately understand its importance? Bailey Tippen: It's a major cliffhanger. I had a million and one reactions to it, but I was mostly intrigued. Sylvie really had me on the edge of my seat, too, when I first read the script. "Did that really just happen?" The cliffhangers set up the next plot and story arc for my character. In part 2, there’s a switch in Sylvie that I didn't know she had in her when love is on the line. We get to see her redefine what survival looks like to her. ML: "Beauty in Black" became one of Netflix’s biggest global hits. When did it truly hit you that you were part of something special? Bailey Tippen: Honestly, you can sense when a project will succeed before it even hits the screen. The show amplifies the voice of underdogs in society and takes you through a journey of survival and power. This plot is unlike any show I’ve seen before! I notice how special it is when I’m out and about, running into supporters of the show. I love meeting them and hearing their thoughts. They’re excited to share how they’re invested in the show, the questions they have, or how they’re needing the next season asap. Being able to connect with them is one of my favorite parts about this job. ML: Sylvie is a layered character. How much of yourself do you bring into her, and has playing her changed you personally? Bailey Tippen: She's dynamic and layered, definitely, but I find that so interesting about this character. She's a teenager. Still learning about the world & herself, and experiencing some heavy situations in the process. I have to find ways to put myself in her shoes mentally while filming. In the process, I’ve developed even more compassion and appreciation for abuse survivors as her story continues. I also developed a strong self-care routine after shoot days to keep a healthy boundary between myself and my character in my personal life. Establishing those boundaries makes me even more excited and curious to step back into my character's journey. ML: Tyler Perry is known for powerful storytelling. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from working with him? Bailey Tippen: Definitely about working hard & staying focused. He wears so many hats in this production, but he still has the same 24 hours in the day as anyone else. It’s inspiring to watch how he works. ML: With the show heading into its final season, how are you preparing to say goodbye to Sylvie? Bailey Tippen: I may throw a celebration party. I’d like to honor the hard work that was put into the show and celebrate the success of the project. ML: Miami has a unique and ambitious energy. Do you have any personal memories there that connect with the world of the show? Bailey Tippen: Honestly, not exactly. The show’s world is completely different from my own experiences in Miami. I do find the ambitiousness to be a universal experience there, though, so I can connect with that from an artistic perspective and personal experience. The characters are on a mission to sustain themselves and survive, so there’s an innate sense of hustle that comes naturally within the air of the show. It manifests in beautiful and sometimes dark ways. ML: When you visit Miami, what do you enjoy most about the city? Bailey Tippen: When I’m there, I have to spend my time on the beach, in the sun, and just enjoying nature. I’m probably eating sushi by the ocean or jet-skiing with friends and family. I crave the quiet moments and love to fill my time with wellness activities and self-care too. ML: You started performing at a very young age. What would you tell your younger self about this journey? Bailey Tippen: I wouldn’t tell her anything. She’s got this! ML: And what advice would you give to other youngsters looking to get into an acting career? Bailey Tippen: Be yourself, have fun, and keep striving for greatness. Great things take work and patience. You got this. You can follow Bailey on: Instagram By ML Staff. Photo Credit by: Tammy McGarity Photography. Hair: Nefertiti Powell. Makeup: Samone Emon.

Voices for Children of Broward (Voices) celebrated a milestone at its annual Soaring for Children Gala, the organization’s signature event, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at The Venue in Wilton Manors. This year’s theme, Capes & Courage, was a playful yet elevated take on superheroes. It brought the community together to celebrate 15 years of impact for children in foster care and to honor the individuals and partners who continue to show up in meaningful ways. The sold-out event welcomed nearly 270 guests for an evening that reflected on both the strength of the mission and the collective commitment to ensuring children in foster care have the resources, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive. The gala marked the largest event in the organization’s history, both in attendance and funds raised. The event raised over $200,000 to support Voices’ mission to ensure that every child and young adult in Broward County who has experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. The funds will help sustain year-round, high-impact programs that provide stability, meet essential needs, and create meaningful opportunities for children in foster care. Since 2011, Voices for Children of Broward County has served more than 14,000 children by providing advocacy, essential resources, wraparound support, and experiences that promote dignity, normalcy, and hope. Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, a three-course plated dinner, a compelling program, a curated silent auction, and superpowered entertainment throughout the evening. Upon arrival, guests had the opportunity to pose for photos at the step and repeat alongside Batman and Wonder Woman before being welcomed into cocktail hour, where the silent auction was open and a violinist set the tone. Guests were then invited into the ballroom, where superhero aerialists created a dynamic and engaging transition into the program. Throughout the night, interactive moments brought the theme to life, with DJ Christopher Andrew keeping the energy high. A themed photo booth invited attendees to transform into their own superhero personas, creating memorable keepsakes that captured the spirit of the evening. Each table featured superhero action figure centerpieces, further reinforcing the theme. Even The Venue’s service team joined in, with servers dressed as superheroes as they moved throughout the room, delivering each course with flair and reinforcing the evening’s message that heroism can take many forms. Guests embraced the spirit of the evening in elevated attire, wearing gold, deep red, and navy, the signature colors of Capes & Courage. Many added capes and superhero-inspired accessories, bringing an added sense of fun and energy to the night. The evening reflected on 15 years of impact while looking ahead with renewed purpose, united in the shared commitment to supporting children in foster care. It served as a tribute to the community of partners, supporters, and advocates who continue to show up and make a difference. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate our 15th anniversary,” said Voices President and CEO Erica Herman. “Capes & Courage reflects both the resilience of the children we serve and the commitment of those who show up for them every day. This evening honors the individuals and partners who have supported our mission over the past 15 years, and we are grateful to those who continue to help us respond to the needs of children in foster care.” During the event, Voices honored 15 individuals and organizations in recognition of the organization’s 15th anniversary. Honorees included Donna and Jim Inglis; Representative Chip LaMarca, Florida House of Representatives; The Honorable Brenda D. Forman, Broward County Clerk of the Circuit and County Court; Gena and Tom Hoyer; BB Americas Bank; Dejah; Dario Knowles; Desiree Forsythe; Homeinc; Neiko Shea; Norene Bauers; Pam Tindall; The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation; Precious Dreams; and Susan Kraizgrun. The 2026 sponsors included The Inglis Giving Fun; Homeinc; Shumaker; Pam Tindall; Myrna & Bob Kopf; The DeBrito Family; The Ogden Family; Amy Goldin & Brian Strelitz; Margy & Rich Puritt; The Honorable Brenda D. Forman, Broward County Clerk of Courts; Gena & Tom Hoyer; Holman; ChildNet; AT&T; The Dryer Family; The Brooksy Group; The Giuliano-Fried Family; Publix Super Markets Charities; Locality Bank; Ron Rubinoff; Dr. Sylvan and Ruth Goldin; Luz Carime Reveiz; Setnor Byer Charitable Family Fund; PKF O’Connor Davies; Ken Fisher & Elizabeth Lender and Heal the Planet; Angel Palank-Sharlet & Phil Sharlet; Justice for Kids; Handy; Broward Sheriff’s Office; Christopher Andrew; Print E Solutions; Balloons Galore & More; and The Venue. For more information about Voices for Children of Broward County, please visit https://voicesbroward.org/soaring-for-children-annual-cocktail-reception/. By ML Staff. Photos: Voices for Children of Broward County.

South Florida's growth in healthcare infrastructure continues to gain momentum as MAS AJP, in partnership with Flagler Healthcare, announces two new MedSquare® developments—one in Port St. Lucie and another in Charlottesville, Virginia. The expansion marks a major milestone for the Class A medical office portfolio, including its first project outside of Florida. MedSquare® Port St. Lucie. Photo Credit: Modis Architects. Designed to meet the evolving needs of both patients and providers, MedSquare® has become synonymous with thoughtfully planned, high-performance medical environments in rapidly growing markets. With these latest additions, MAS AJP and Flagler Healthcare are doubling down on a shared vision: delivering modern, purpose-built spaces that support the future of outpatient care. In Port St. Lucie, MedSquare® will introduce a 68,000-square-foot, Class A facility located at 190 SW Becker Road. The development will be anchored by Cleveland Clinic, which will occupy the entire 34,000-square-foot first floor. Slated for completion in late 2027, the project reflects years of strategic planning and collaboration, driven by a longstanding relationship with the healthcare leader and a clear demand for expanded outpatient services in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. MedSquare® Charlottesville. Photo Credit: Bermello Ajamil & Partners. Meanwhile, MedSquare® Charlottesville signals the brand’s expansion beyond Florida with a 20,000-square-foot, build-to-suit facility fully leased by Gastro Health. Located at 300 Worrell Drive and expected to open in early 2028, the project originated through a direct partnership with the provider, further underscoring MedSquare®’s reputation as a trusted development platform for leading healthcare groups seeking elevated, patient-centric environments. Together, these projects highlight a broader strategy to scale MedSquare® across high-growth markets, reinforcing its position at the intersection of real estate innovation and healthcare delivery. As demand for accessible, high-quality outpatient care continues to rise, developments like these are shaping the next chapter of community-centered healthcare, both in Florida and beyond. By ML Staff.