As pets grow older, their needs begin to shift. What once worked during their younger years may no longer support their health and comfort. Senior pets often move more slowly, tire more easily, and may develop new health concerns. Paying attention to these changes helps owners respond early and provide steady support. Small adjustments in daily routines can make a noticeable difference over time. Adjusting Diet and Nutrition Nutrition plays a key role in senior pet care. Older pets may need fewer calories due to lower activity levels. At the same time, they still require balanced nutrients to support organ function and maintain a healthy weight. High-quality food that is easy to digest can help reduce strain on the body. Some pets benefit from added supplements, such as joint support or omega fatty acids. Fresh water should always be available, as hydration becomes more important with age. Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help guide dietary changes based on individual needs and health conditions. Supporting Mobility and Comfort Joint stiffness and reduced mobility are common in aging pets. Simple adjustments in the home can make movement easier. Soft bedding helps reduce pressure on joints. Ramps or steps can assist pets in reaching favorite spots without strain. Short, gentle walks help maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Exercise should match the pet’s ability and energy level. Overexertion can lead to discomfort or injury. Keeping living spaces easy to move through supports both safety and comfort while helping pets stay active. Monitoring Health Changes Senior pets are more likely to develop health conditions. These may include arthritis, dental issues, or changes in vision and hearing. Early detection is important for managing these concerns. Owners should watch for changes in appetite, behavior, or energy levels. Weight loss, increased thirst, or difficulty moving can signal a need for medical attention. Regular veterinary visits help track these changes. In some cases, online veterinary help  can provide quick guidance when questions arise between appointments. Maintaining Mental Stimulation Mental health is just as important as physical health. Older pets still benefit from engagement and interaction. Simple games, puzzle toys, and gentle training can keep their minds active. Routine also supports emotional well-being. Feeding, walking, and playtime at consistent times create a sense of stability. Familiar environments and predictable patterns help reduce stress. Spending time together strengthens the bond between pets and their owners during this stage of life. Grooming and Daily Care Grooming needs may change as pets age. Some may have difficulty cleaning themselves, especially cats. Regular brushing helps keep coats healthy and reduces discomfort. Nail trimming becomes more important as activity levels decrease. Long nails can affect walking and lead to joint strain. Dental care should also continue, as oral health can affect overall wellness. Gentle handling during grooming helps pets feel safe and comfortable during routine care. Creating a Supportive Environment A calm and accessible home environment makes a difference for senior pets. Keeping food, water, and resting areas within easy reach reduces strain. Avoiding slippery floors can prevent falls. Temperature control also matters. Older pets may be more sensitive to heat and cold. Providing warm bedding or a cool resting area helps maintain comfort. Small changes in the home can greatly improve daily life and help pets feel secure. Caring for a senior pet requires attention, patience, and thoughtful adjustments. As their needs change, consistent support helps them remain comfortable and engaged. With proper care, older pets can continue to share meaningful moments and companionship for years to come. For more information on taking care of your senior pet, please refer to the infographic below. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Microsoft Stock Images

Image by DepositPhotos Packing for a weekend trip should be simple, but many people make it harder than it needs to be. They pack too many clothes, too many shoes, and too many small items “just in case.” Then they end up with a heavy bag and a lot of stress before the trip even begins. The truth is, you do not need much for two or three days away. If you pack fewer things that work well together, your trip will feel easier from the start. You will spend less time thinking about what to wear, less time digging through your bag, and more time enjoying where you are. A minimalist packing approach is not about going without but about bringing the right things and leaving the rest at home. Why Most People Overpack Most people overpack because they worry about what might happen. They think about the weather changing, about different places they might go and that they might need a special outfit for something that is not even planned, so they add extra tops, extra bottoms, and extra shoes. They pack things because they want options and want to feel prepared. But too many options create problems. Your bag gets heavy and it becomes hard to find what you need. You waste time looking through clothes you never wear. And you carry all of that weight for no reason. Packing more does not make the trip better. It usually makes it more stressful. Pack for Outfits And Not for Options The easiest way to stop overpacking is to change how you think about clothes. Do not think in single items like shirts and pants, think in outfits. Plan two or three outfits that all work together and choose simple colors so every top can match every bottom. This way, you do not need backups. You know that whatever you grab from your bag will go together. Comfort is also important. Weekend trips   often include walking, sitting, traveling, and relaxing. Your clothes should be easy to wear without needing much thought. When you choose items that can be worn in different ways, you need fewer of them. The Core Clothing List For a short trip, you really do not need much clothing. Two everyday tops are enough for most weekends. Add one slightly nicer top in case you go somewhere that feels a little more dressed up, like a dinner or a café. These tops should all work with the same bottoms. One pair of jeans or comfortable pants can carry you through most of the trip. You can wear them more than once and nobody will notice. Add one more bottom like leggings, shorts, or a skirt, depending on the weather and your plans. A sweatshirt is one of the most useful things you can pack. You can wear it while traveling when you want to feel comfortable. You can throw it over a T-shirt during the day if it gets cooler. You can wear it in the evening when you are relaxing. It works with jeans, leggings, and shorts without looking out of place. Some people like to design a personalized sweatshirt  so it feels like a normal part of their outfit, and it goes well with everything. Because it can be worn in so many situations, it replaces the need to pack extra layers or jackets. Bring one pair of shoes that you can walk in all day. This is very important because if your feet hurt, the trip is less fun. Only bring a second pair if you know for sure that you will wear them. For underwear and sleepwear, pack only what you need for the number of days you will be gone. There is no reason to pack extras. Toiletries Without the Bulk Image by DepositPhotos Toiletries are another place where people pack too much. At home, you have many products you use every day. But for a weekend, you only need the basics. A toothbrush, small toothpaste, deodorant, and a small moisturizer are enough for most people. If you use makeup, bring only what you use daily, not your whole collection. Many hotels and rentals provide soap and shampoo. If you know this is the case, you can skip bringing your own. This saves space and keeps your bag lighter. Put all your toiletries into one small pouch . If the pouch is full and will not close, it is a sign that you are bringing more than you need. How to Fit It All in a Small Bag Everything you need for a weekend should fit into a carry-on or a backpack. If you feel like you need a big suitcase, you have probably packed too much. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them helps save space.  Place your shoes at the bottom of the bag and put your clothes in the middle. Keep your toiletries and small items near the top so they are easy to reach. You can also wear your sweatshirt while traveling. This saves space in your bag and keeps you comfortable, especially if the temperature changes. When your bag is small, you move faster. You do not struggle to lift it. You do not have to dig through it to find things and everything feels simpler. Trust That Less Is Enough Minimalist packing works best when you change how you think. You do not need a new outfit for every part of the trip. It is okay to wear the same jeans again and to wear the same sweatshirt more than once. Most people will not notice what you are wearing. And even if they do, it does not matter. What matters is how you feel. When you have fewer clothes, you have fewer choices to make. This makes mornings easier because you grab what is in your bag, put it on, and start your day. Less stuff means less stress. Final Words When you pack only what you need, everything feels easier. Your bag is light. Your mind is calm. You are not thinking about what you should have brought or what you forgot. A few clothes that work well together, simple toiletries, and a short list of essentials are more than enough for a weekend away. Try this method on your next trip. Pack less than you think you need. You may be surprised at how much better travel feels when you stop carrying things you never use. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

The Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach has outlined a full slate of spring programs and exhibitions, ranging from poetry and family art workshops to a members-only fundraiser, a new satellite gallery and expanded collection displays. On April 16, the museum hosts a Third Thursdays evening with the O, Miami Poetry Festival, offering readings and activities in Collins Park alongside access to contemporary art and complimentary drinks. Admission is free with advance RSVP and seating is first come, first served. Members of The Bass are invited to Night at the Museum: Masked Reality, a black-and-white themed fundraiser on April 23 from 8 to 11 p.m. The event will feature immersive installations, fashion-focused moments and performances throughout the galleries, and requires an active Affiliate-level membership or above, which can be obtained via the museum’s membership page before attendees RSVP. The institution has also announced public programs including the opening of The Rotunda satellite gallery in Collins Park with free year-round admission, an Art Cares: Small World Sculptures family workshop on April 11 at the Bass Creativity Center, and weekly Bass Babies sessions for children ages 2 to 4 through April 30. Summer Art Camps for ages 4 to 12 will run June 8 to August 7, with registration available through the museum’s summer camps page and aftercare offered into the late afternoon. New and ongoing exhibitions highlighted in the announcement include Isaac Julien: Vagabondia, featuring the artist’s 2000 film and video installation recently gifted to the collection, and The Kaleidoscopic: Writing Histories Through the Collection, which reinterprets the museum’s holdings as a shifting archive. Additional current shows at The Bass explore contemporary practices across media, with details available on the museum’s exhibitions pages. The newsletter also promotes Neon Nights at the nearby New World Center on April 10 and 11, where New World Symphony will present chamber music programs within an 80s-influenced, neon-lit installation. Tickets can be purchased through the symphony’s online box office for the limited run performances. By ML. Photo(s)/The Bass Museum of Art

Prada has unveiled a new womenswear selection for the summer season featuring ready-to-wear pieces that emphasize light, graphic pattern work. The collection combines softly contrasted stripes and check motifs with retro nuances to create a refined graphic effect across dresses, tops and coordinated separates. The looks, presented within the brand’s womens ready-to-wear offering, highlight relaxed silhouettes designed for warm weather and focus on pattern as the key design element. Shoppers can also browse the latest womens arrivals and explore complementary mens new-in pieces through Prada’s online channels. New womens items are available in the Novidades Femininas section, while mens pieces can be found under Novidades Masculinas on the brand’s website. By ML. Photo(s)/Prada

Casa Kahlo, a red house in Mexico City once used by Frida Kahlo as a refuge from nearby Casa Azul, has opened to the public as a museum that emphasizes the artist’s close family relationships and lesser known domestic life. Purchased by Kahlo’s parents in 1930, Casa Kahlo served as an informal studio and teaching space where the artist painted kitchen murals, instructed students and spent time with her sister Cristina. The newly opened museum presents the property as a "spiritual home," offering visitors a view of Kahlo’s private world beyond her widely reproduced public image. The opening coincides with the spring release of "Kahlo: Frida Kahlo’s Home and Sanctuary" from Rizzoli Electa, a book that documents the house and seeks to reclaim a more intimate narrative of the painter’s life. Writer Natalia Rachlin details the project and includes accounts from Kahlo family members, who describe ongoing efforts to preserve both the building and the artist’s legacy. Additional material on Casa Kahlo and its role in Frida Kahlo’s life is available through Sotheby’s digital features and coverage of the new publication. By ML. Photo(s)/Sotheby’s

Florida children ages 4–11 can visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami for $13.95 with a limited-time Explorer Ticket available to state residents through May 14, 2026. The Florida Youth Explorer Ticket provides access to all museum exhibitions, the Aquarium, and one Frost Planetarium show, subject to availability, during regular operating hours. The offer is valid for visits from April 1 through May 14, 2026, and is limited to Florida residents who purchase onsite and present valid state identification. Each order can include up to six guests and the promotion cannot be combined with other discounts or applied to special events, Laser Evenings, or member-exclusive programming. For full details on the offer, visitors can learn more online at the museum’s website. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Kalamazoo and Urban Bonfire are shaping the outdoor living category through a combined focus on cooking performance and kitchen design. Founded in 1906, Kalamazoo produces outdoor cooking equipment that includes grills, pizza ovens, smokers, refrigeration, and cabinetry. Each piece is handcrafted from heavy-gauge stainless steel and built to support multiple fuel types. Its Hybrid Fire Grill allows users to cook with gas, charcoal, or wood, either individually or in combination. Urban Bonfire develops modular outdoor kitchen systems designed for residential settings. Its cabinetry is built to perform across varying climates while integrating into outdoor spaces used for cooking and entertaining. Together, Kalamazoo and Urban Bonfire present a coordinated approach to outdoor living, combining cooking equipment with kitchen infrastructure to support how people cook and gather outside. By ML Staff. Photos/Courtesy of Kalamazoo and Urban Bonfire

Miami Living brings you the following upcoming concerts and live performances happening from April 6 to April 13 in Miami and nearby South Florida. Santana performs on April 11, 2026 Ricardo Arjona — April 6 and April 7 Purchase Tickets (April 6) | Purchase Tickets (April 7)   The Latin pop and ballad artist is known for narrative songwriting and major commercial success across Spanish-speaking markets. A multi-platinum performer with decades of touring, he remains one of the most influential voices in Latin music, performing back-to-back nights at Kaseya Center. Zara Larsson — April 7 Purchase Tickets The Swedish pop artist broke through internationally with chart hits and strong streaming numbers, earning multiple European awards. Her sound blends dance-pop with contemporary R&B influences. Performing at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. The Devil Wears Prada — April 8 Purchase Tickets The metalcore group is known for blending heavy breakdowns with melodic elements, earning a strong following in the post-hardcore scene and consistent Billboard chart appearances. Performing at Revolution Live. South Florida Symphony Orchestra — April 8 Purchase Tickets This regional orchestra presents classical repertoire with guest soloists and conductors, contributing to South Florida’s performing arts scene with a mix of traditional and contemporary programming. Performing at The Parker. Verka Serduchka — April 8 Purchase Tickets A satirical pop persona created by Andriy Danylko , Verka Serduchka gained global recognition after a standout Eurovision performance, blending humor, dance music, and theatrical spectacle. Performing at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. Mt. Joy — April 9 Purchase Tickets The indie rock group has built a strong streaming presence with folk-influenced songwriting and festival appearances, becoming a staple on alternative radio playlists. Performing at Hard Rock Live. Feid — April 9 Purchase Tickets A leading figure in modern reggaeton, Feid has achieved global streaming success and collaborations with major Latin artists, shaping the genre’s current sound. Performing at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. Mark Normand — April 10 Purchase Tickets A stand-up comedian recognized for his sharp delivery and frequent appearances on late-night television and podcasts, Normand has built a strong following in the comedy circuit. Performing at Fort Lauderdale Improv. Hippie Sabotage — April 10 Purchase Tickets The electronic duo gained viral attention with remix work and continues to tour globally with bass-driven, atmospheric productions rooted in alternative electronic music. Performing at Midline Miami. Zack Fox — April 10 Purchase Tickets Known for his work in comedy, music, and online media, Zack Fox blends hip-hop with irreverent humor and has developed a strong cultural presence across platforms. Performing at Revolution Live. Gregory Porter — April 11 Purchase Tickets A Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Porter is known for his rich baritone and modern approach to jazz and soul, earning critical acclaim worldwide. Performing at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. B2K and Bow Wow — April 11 Purchase Tickets This nostalgia-driven show brings early-2000s R&B and hip-hop hits back to the stage, highlighting artists who helped define that era’s mainstream sound. Performing at Amerant Bank Arena. Santana — April 11 Purchase Tickets The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act blends Latin rhythms with rock and blues, with a legacy that includes multiple Grammy Awards and decades of global influence. Performing at Hard Rock Live. Paso Doble — April 11 Purchase Tickets An electronic performance centered on house and techno influences, catering to late-night club audiences with DJ-driven sets. Performing at Do Not Sit On The Furniture. El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico — April 12 Purchase Tickets One of the most enduring salsa groups, with a career spanning decades and a major role in popularizing the genre worldwide through classic recordings and tours. Performing at Doral Central Park Amphitheater. Triumph — April 13 Purchase Tickets The classic rock band is known for arena rock anthems and a strong following from the late 1970s and 1980s, maintaining influence in the genre’s legacy circuit. Performing at Hard Rock Live. By ML Staff. Photos/Courtesy of each artist

TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant , perched on the 15th floor of the W Miami, invites guests to celebrate Easter Sunday with a vibrant Latin-Miami fusion brunch buffet. On April 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the rooftop destination will transform into a festive oasis featuring music, drink specials, and panoramic views of the Brickell skyline. The all-you-can-eat experience highlights a blend of tropical starters, classic breakfast favorites, and bold hot entrées. A centerpiece of the buffet is the dedicated pernil  carving station, complemented by an extensive assortment of seasonal desserts. Whether gathering with family or friends, the elevated setting provides a sophisticated yet high-energy backdrop for the holiday weekend. Event Details: Date:  Sunday, April 5, 2026 Time:  12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Location:  TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant (15th Floor, W Miami), 485 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL Adult Price:  $65 (plus taxes and service charge) Child Price (Ages 4-12):  $35 (plus taxes and service charge) Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via OpenTable . By ML Staff. Photos: TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant.

At the intersection of sport, culture, and community, Ayan Broomfield is redefining what representation looks like in traditionally exclusive spaces. Through her growing initiative, Ayan’s Aces, she has created a powerful platform that brings women of color together at some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events—from the U.S. Open to Formula 1, and now the Miami Open. With a focus on access, visibility, and meaningful connection, Broomfield continues to expand her influence beyond tennis, seamlessly blending fashion, storytelling, and cultural advocacy. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living, she shares the inspiration behind bringing Ayan’s Aces to Miami, the evolution of her mission, and her vision for building a global community rooted in inclusion and experience. ML. You’re bringing Ayan’s Aces to the Miami Open this season; what inspired you to expand the initiative there, and what impact are you hoping to create in the stands? AB. Bringing Ayan’s Aces to the Miami Open felt like such a natural step. Miami is one of the most vibrant, diverse cities in the world, and the energy here is incredible. I wanted to create a space where women of color could come together, experience tennis at the highest level, and feel like they truly belong in that environment. The goal is always bigger than just attending a match, it’s really about building community in the stands and making sure the crowd reflects the diversity of the sport and the culture around it. ML. Ayan’s Aces has already brought thousands of women of color to tournaments. How have you seen representation shift since launching the initiative? AB. It’s been really beautiful to watch. When I first started Ayan’s Aces, the idea was simply to create access and community. Over time, I’ve started to see more women of color not just attending tournaments, but showing up confidently, bringing friends, posting about it, and feeling like they belong in those spaces. Representation starts with visibility, and when people see themselves reflected in the stands, it changes the entire atmosphere of the sport. ML. Last year you honored Althea Gibson’s legacy around the US Open. Why was it important for you to highlight that moment in tennis history? AB. Honoring Althea Gibson was incredibly important to me because so much of what we see in tennis today exists because of the barriers she broke. She opened doors in a sport that historically didn’t welcome Black athletes, and her legacy deserves to be celebrated loudly. I think it’s important that new generations of fans understand the history that shaped the sport and recognize the women who made it possible for so many of us to be here today, on and off the court. ML. Your U.S. Open suites drew notable attendees like Issa Rae and Olandria. How do partnerships and community-building moments like these amplify your mission? AB. Moments like that are powerful because they bring different communities together around the sport. When amazing people show up, they’re not just attending a match. They’re actively  helping spotlight the idea that tennis culture can be inclusive, exciting, and connected to so many other spaces like entertainment, fashion, and media. It creates conversations and visibility that help push the mission forward. ML. You’ve expanded Ayan’s Aces beyond tennis into other spaces, including Formula 1. How do you decide where the initiative goes next? And is it solely your decision? AB. A lot of it comes down to culture and access. If there’s a space where women of color aren’t traditionally centered but the experience is incredible, I’m interested in finding ways to bring our community there. It’s definitely not just my decision. I’m constantly listening to the community, partners, and friends around me. Also, I get great feedback from the girls  when they attend Ayan's Aces activations.  The growth of Ayan’s Aces has really been shaped by the collective energy of the people involved. ML. You’ve also made waves in fashion, attending shows for brands like Hermès and Thom Browne. How does fashion intersect with your work in sports and storytelling? AB. Fashion is another form of storytelling for me. Just like sport, it communicates identity, culture, and creativity. When I attend events or tournaments, what I wear becomes part of the narrative so I really enjoy highlighting designers I admire or bringing a different perspective to traditional sports spaces. It’s a way to merge culture, sport, and personal expression all at once. ML. During your U.S. Open appearances, you exclusively wore Black designers. How intentional is fashion as a platform for advocacy in your career? AB. It’s very intentional. Fashion has such a powerful platform, and I think it’s important to use it to uplift designers who deserve visibility. Wearing Black designers during the U.S. Open was a way to celebrate creativity within our community while also bringing those designers into conversations happening on global stages. It’s a small but meaningful way to support the ecosystem around culture and representation. ML. As Ayan’s Aces continues to grow globally, what’s your long-term vision for the initiative, and what’s next on the horizon as you expand its reach beyond tennis and into new cultural spaces? AB. Long term, I want Ayan’s Aces to become a global community that connects women of color through sport, culture, and shared experiences. Tennis will always be at the heart of it, but the vision is bigger than that because it’s about showing up in spaces where we haven’t always been centered and creating opportunities for connection. The future is really about expanding internationally, partnering with more cultural platforms, and continuing to build experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways. Follow Ayan Broomfield on Instagram  @ayan.broomfie ld  to stay inspired by her work, events, and community initiatives. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Matthew Calvis

Miami has always been a city of "big energy," but as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, that energy is shifting from a steady hum to a roar. With seven matches scheduled at Hard Rock Stadium—including the high-stakes quarter-finals—the "Magic City" is bracing for an economic and infrastructural windfall. For those navigating the real estate landscape, the tournament isn't just a sporting event; it is a massive market catalyst. Shawn Henley/Unsplash Whether you are a homeowner considering a seasonal exit, an investor eyeing short-term yields, or a buyer trying to time the market, here is what you can expect from the Miami real estate scene as the world’s biggest game comes to town. 1. The Short-Term Rental Gold Rush The most immediate impact will be felt in the Short-Term Rental (STR) market. FIFA projects that the 2026 tournament will draw between 600,000 and 1 million visitors to South Florida. With hotel inventory already bracing for 100% occupancy, the demand for Airbnbs and VRBOs is expected to reach unprecedented heights. Yield Expectations: Analysts suggest that property owners in prime locations could see nightly rates quadruple during match weeks. The "Airbnb Incentive": Major platforms are already offering bonuses for new hosts in host cities, and in Miami, the average host is projected to earn upwards of $5,000 during the 39-day tournament window alone. Operational Excellence: This isn't the time for "DIY" hosting. To secure premium rates, owners are investing in professional management to ensure seamless check-ins and high-speed connectivity, as World Cup travelers are increasingly "buying certainty" over lower prices. 2. Infrastructure as an Appreciation Engine While the games last a month, the "World Cup Makeover" leaves a permanent footprint. Miami is currently undergoing a multi-billion dollar infrastructure surge aimed at 2026 readiness. Key projects like the Signature Bridge on the Dolphin Expressway and the expansion of the Brightline rail service are designed to move massive crowds, but their long-term effect is increased property values in previously congested corridors. Furthermore, the development of Miami Freedom Park —the future 58-acre home of Inter Miami CF—is transforming the area near Miami International Airport into a permanent global soccer hub, sparking a wave of new mixed-use developments and luxury condos. 3. A Shift in Buyer Demographics Miami has always been the "Gateway to the Americas," but the World Cup is broadening its appeal to a truly global audience. We are seeing a surge in interest from European and Middle Eastern investors who view the World Cup as a "due diligence" trip. For many international visitors, the tournament is the ultimate open house. A fan visiting from London or Buenos Aires might arrive for a soccer match and leave with a contract on a Brickell penthouse. This global exposure is expected to sustain Miami's luxury market even if domestic interest fluctuates due to interest rates. 4. The Logistics of Moving in a "Mega-Event" City If you are planning to buy, sell, or relocate during this period, you need to account for the "logistical lockdown." During the summer of 2026, traffic patterns will be redirected, and demand for local services will be at a premium. If you are a homeowner looking to rent out your primary residence and move to a temporary location to capitalize on the rental boom, or if you are closing on a new property just before the kickoff, booking professional  Miami movers well in advance is non-negotiable. The influx of people and restricted access near "Fan Fest" zones in Downtown and the stadium in Miami Gardens will make traditional moving dates significantly more complicated. Expert local movers who understand the city’s complex grid and event-day restrictions will be essential for a stress-free transition. Jakub Zerdzicki/Unsplash 5. Neighborhoods to Watch Where should the smart money look? While the stadium is in Miami Gardens, the real estate action is radiating outward: Neighborhood Why It’s Hot for 2026 Downtown / Brickell Hub for FIFA Fan Festivals and corporate hospitality. Miami Gardens Ground zero for the matches; massive demand for "budget" STRs. Wynwood / Edgewater The "cool" factor attracts younger fans and digital nomads. Coral Gables FIFA has opened its 60,000 sq. ft. headquarters here, driving long-term office and residential demand. The Verdict: Hype or Reality? Is the 2026 World Cup a "bubble" for Miami real estate? Most experts say no. Unlike cities that build "white elephant" stadiums that go unused after the final whistle, Miami is using the World Cup to accelerate projects that were already in the pipeline. The tournament is acting as a global marketing campaign for South Florida. It validates Miami’s status as a world-class metropolis, attracting the kind of liquidity and human capital that supports long-term price appreciation. The Bottom Line: If you own property in Miami, 2026 is your year to capitalize. If you’re looking to get in, the window of "pre-World Cup" pricing is closing fast. Just remember: in a city this busy, whether you're moving a soccer ball or a four-bedroom house, timing and professional help are everything. As the city prepares to take the center stage, the message for real estate is clear: the game has already begun. By ML Staff. Photo/Unsplash

Miami Living spoke with Stephen Belfer , CEO of Joseph Ribkoff , the Canadian fashion house with nearly seven decades of global presence, about the brand’s evolution at a pivotal moment. The company is entering a new phase focused on refining its product vision and building a more direct relationship with the modern consumer, while preserving the heritage that defines it. Q: You’ve stepped into the CEO role at a legacy brand, what were the first three structural or strategic changes you prioritized, and why? A: Since stepping into the role, I have focused on three priorities: the team, the product, and the customer because those are ultimately the engines of any brand.First, I wanted to ensure we had the right team structure and mindset in place. Heritage brands often carry a lot of history internally, which is a strength—but it can also slow decision-making and change. We are working on simplifying operations, streamlining technology and aligning everyone around a clearer, more modern vision of the brand. Secondly, the product because at the end of the day, everything starts there. We went back to defining what makes our product distinctive—how it fits, how it feels, how it moves through a woman’s life. The focus has been on elevating quality and design through new brand expressions and capsules while making the collection more cohesive and intentional. The goal is to increase wardrobe utility and commercial durability.  Thirdly, we are putting our customer at the center of everything moving forward. Historically, we have been a B2B wholesaler and we are starting to shift that mindset to the end consumer as we are launching our ecommerce channel this summer. We are evolving our brand voice, our storytelling, and how we show up visually to feel more relevant to a modern, digitally savvy woman—while still honouring the woman who’s been with us and loyal for years. Q: Joseph Ribkoff has a strong heritage equity, where did you see the biggest disconnect between brand perception and actual market opportunity? A: We’re a global brand, present in 62 countries with 35 showrooms and over 3,500 wholesale partners—an incredible foundation built over nearly 70 years. But historically, we’ve been a relatively quiet brand, and the opportunity now is to evolve from a bit of a hidden gem into one with much stronger awareness and relevance, particularly as we expand into direct-to-consumer through e-commerce and retail. For me, the biggest disconnect has been between the strength of our brand equity and how broadly we’ve been distributed. That scale is a real asset, but at that level of distribution you inevitably lose some control over how the brand is presented and experienced. As a result, while awareness exists, it hasn’t always translated into true desirability—which is critical at a premium price point. What we’re focused on now is being much more intentional across every touchpoint: curating the product more tightly, elevating how and where the brand shows up, and building a more direct relationship with the end consumer through digital, social, and our e-commerce. The goal isn’t to reduce reach, but to elevate it—because distribution builds awareness, but marketing builds meaning, and we need both to unlock the next phase of growth. Q: Many heritage fashion brands struggle to modernize without alienating their core customer, how are you evolving Joseph Ribkoff’s identity without losing its base? A: At Joseph Ribkoff, we’re very clear that this is about evolution, not reinvention. The brand has decades of heritage, craftsmanship, and a deeply loyal customer base, and those are real strengths we want to build on—not move away from. What we’re doing is holding onto the core elements that define us: exceptional fit, inclusive sizing, and the versatility and ease of the product—while evolving how we express the brand. That means modernizing our visual identity, refining the product assortment, and showing up in a way that feels more current and relevant to a digitally savvy, style-conscious woman. At the same time, we’re expanding how we reach her, particularly through digital and e-commerce, so we can build a more direct and meaningful relationship. The key is balance, continuing to serve the customer who already trusts us, while presenting the brand in a way that invites a new generation in. Q: You’ve led across retail, e-commerce, wholesale, and operations - where do you believe most fashion CEOs underestimate complexity today? A: I think the complexity most fashion CEOs underestimate today is how interconnected every part of the business has become. In an omnichannel world, retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and operations no longer operate independently and every decision, from pricing and inventory allocation to storytelling and timing, has ripple effects across the entire ecosystem. Success now requires a holistic approach, where each channel and touchpoint is aligned and managed with care to ensure the brand grows consistently, strategically, and with impact. Q: You've talked about “modernizing” - what does that actually mean in terms of silhouette, fabrication, or styling for Joseph Ribkoff? A: Over the past few years, the team has been quietly modernizing the brand, introducing new categories such as knitwear, denim, and Joseph Ribkoff Sport, which have broadened our appeal and updated our product offering. For us, modernization means rethinking silhouettes to feel contemporary yet timeless and pieces that move with a woman’s life, from work to weekend, and fit her naturally without sacrificing elegance. It means refining fabrics for comfort, performance, and wearability, while exploring textures, prints, and finishes that feel fresh and aspirational.  In the year ahead, we will accelerate this modernization through strategic brand extensions, and a strong focus on storytelling, social media, and marketing investment, ensuring the brand resonates with both our loyal customers and a new audience. Ultimately, modernization is about honouring our heritage anchored in fit, quality, versatility—while presenting the brand in a way that feels current, dynamic, and relevant in a global fashion landscape. Q: If you had to choose three words that define the brand’s next chapter visually, what would they be? A: I’d define the brand’s next chapter visually in three words: Elevated, Intentional, and Alive.  Elevated reflects how we’re refining everything; product, imagery, and environments so the brand feels premium, considered, and modern, while staying true to its heritage. Intentional speaks to the discipline behind every choice: what we create, how we communicate, and what we leave out. Alive captures how the brand will feel in the world—dynamic, culturally present, and connected to how women move, live, and express themselves today. Q: How do you ensure the collections feel globally relevant while still honoring the brand’s Canadian roots? A: For us, honoring our Canadian roots isn’t just about geography—it’s a way of thinking and designing that reflects thoughtfulness, humility, and genuine care. Our founder, Joseph Ribkoff, often said, “I like fashion, but I like people more,”  and that philosophy shaped the brand from the start. It guided the creation of a wide wholesale network built on trust and personal connection, and it continues to influence how we approach design today. Modernizing Joseph Ribkoff means taking that same people-first ethos and combining it with design that’s globally relevant: silhouettes, fabrics, and styling that feel contemporary, versatile, and effortlessly elegant. Every collection is rooted in our heritage and values, yet speaks to women from Montreal to New York, Paris, London, and Milan. For us, modernization isn’t just about looking current, it’s about showing up in a way that’s authentic, connected, and meaningful to our customers worldwide. Q: Lastly, what are your favourite things to see/stay/eat/do in Miami? A: I love the Miami vibe—the energy, the weather, and the way the city feels alive year-round. I’m drawn to the design scene, especially the Miami Design District, which is full of creativity and inspiration. And of course, the food is incredible! My favorites include Nobu, Jaya at the Setai, Joe’s Stone Crab, and Cote. For me, Miami is a city that combines style, culture, and great experiences, and it’s a place that always inspires me both personally and professionally. By ML Staff. Photos/Joseph Ribkoff