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Top psychic medium Matt Fraser has been receiving communication from spirit since early childhood. Some of his earliest memories are of seeing, hearing and sensing messages from the Other Side the way other youngsters recall learning to ride a bike. Confiding in his mother, he discovered “the family gift,” with psychic phenomena being passed down from his grandmother and his mother and down the line to him. Growing up in a Catholic family, it took generations and a cultural turning of the tide for Matt to lean into his gift for communicating with spirit. It was during a reading with another medium when his late grandmother came through and encouraged Matt to do what she couldn’t in life; to embrace and share his gift with the world. After a decade of bringing healing through private readings and events, in January of 2020, E! premiered a ten episode run of Meet The Frasers, a docuseries introducing Matt’s work and his family to a much wider audience and making his latest book, We Never Die: Secrets of the Afterlife an instant New York Times bestseller on the day of its release. Matt Fraser now tours the U.S., appearing before sold out crowds eager to learn about the parts of our world that exist far beyond our five senses. I had a chance to sit down with Matt Fraser to ask him what comes after this life, what our departed loved ones look and sound like in spirit, and how to overcome what holds us back here on earth. Allison Kugel: What is the most profound piece of wisdom you have received from spirit? Matt Fraser: Here in this world we have limiting beliefs. We have anxieties, phobias and fears. We all have these things. So many times we say to ourselves, “I’m not going to be able to do that. I’m too old to do that. I’m not good enough.” We place fears and doubts in our own minds and it stops us from living our best life. It stops us from achieving milestones, and it stops us from achieving our dreams. What I’ve learned is, on the Other Side spirits do magnificent things. They realize their God-given gifts that maybe they didn’t see in this world, and they also realize how their life could have been different if they didn’t focus on the negative; if they didn’t focus on so much stressing, worry and placing those self-doubts on themselves, because in heaven it doesn’t exist. Allison Kugel: What does spirit have to say about what causes human fears and phobias, and why do we all have different fears and phobias? Matt Fraser: If you look at a baby or a little kid, they don’t have phobias or fears when they are younger. [My son] Royce is only nine months old and he’s not afraid of anything. But, the other day he was playing around and he took a little tumble off the bed. Luckily it wasn’t high up, but now he knows not to go to the edge. This is how we learn, but our phobias, fears and worries come from traumatic past experiences. It might not be a traumatic experience that you personally went through, but it might be a traumatic experience that you watched somebody else go through. Allison Kugel: Are we supposed to allow that to inform future decisions, or should be dust ourselves off and dive right back in? Matt Fraser: It’s about lessons and being more cautious. For example, I can tell you from my experience as a medium, I have seen people die in so many different ways. I have seen people go through terrible things in their life. In the beginning it used to sit with me. I used to be so fearful and all I thought, “Oh, I can’t do this because this happened to one of my clients,” or “I can’t trust this person, because this happened with this person I was reading for.” I talked to the spirit world and what the spirits told me is, “We all have our own destiny, and we all have our own life that we are meant to go through, and these are all life lessons that we learn.” We are put here on this earth to make mistakes. We are here to trip, fall and stumble, but it’s all how we pick ourselves up and it’s about becoming your own success story. That is what the spirits share with me. Allison Kugel: Do you as a psychic medium have the ability to tap into your son’s spirit guide or his soul mission, or are you blocked from seeing that type of information? Matt Fraser: I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know all there is to know about death and dying, because I never died. I will only know when I get to the Other Side. Through the readings I do, and through the souls that I communicate with, I am able to piece [some] things together. I’m able to get little glimpses into heaven. Being a medium is like learning a new language, but what I will tell you is this, we don’t know our life’s mission or what our gifts are until we transition on to the Other Side. That is when everything is placed in front of us. Our journey here in life is all about discovering ourselves; our true self, our potential, discovering our gifts… all of those things. I think I know what my life mission is. I think my life’s purpose is being a psychic medium, helping people connect with their loved ones and showing people there is more to life, but I won’t truly know until I die. When we pass on is when our whole life is shown in front of us and we than think, “Okay, this is why we were put here on this earth, and this is why this happened in our life.” Allison Kugel: That is frustrating (laugh). Matt Fraser: I don’t think it is frustrating. I think it’s amazing, because we are not meant to know everything. Life wouldn’t be fun if we did. When you’re driving on the highway at night you can only see where your headlights show you. You know where the destination is. You know where you are going, along the way you can only see so far ahead of you. It is the same thing with our lives. Even when I’m doing a reading, I don’t know everyone’s life from start to finish. When I’m giving a reading for someone, a lot of times when souls come through they will only give me little bits of information to help that person along their way. Spirits are not there to help us cheat life. I can't just get the lottery numbers or know who's going to win in the horse race. They want us to do the work here in this world. That's why we are here. Allison Kugel: Everything that I've studied about the spirit realm has led me to believe that our soul does reincarnate over and over again, and we bring certain gifts and knowledge from previous lives into this life. But in your book (We Never Die: Secrets of the Afterlife/Gallery Books), you say that has not been your experience in terms of what you've learned. Matt Fraser: I've never researched any of this. I have never picked up a book. I've never read about the Other Side. I trust the information I get from the spirit world, and everything I write and teach is off of my own personal belief system from what I've learned during all these years giving readings. I can’t back something just because I read it in a book. I have to know and hear it firsthand from the spirit world. I've, personally, never met a soul that was reincarnated, that lived many years ago and came through to me. That's never happened. So, until that happens, I can't teach it because no one told it to me and I’d be lying to you. I’ve asked the Other Side many questions when they come through. “What is your experience with dying? How do you know this information? How do you know this or that?” I've started over these years to put the pieces together, and that's how I've been writing my books, including the one I am writing now. With my last book, We Never Die: Secrets of The Afterlife becoming a New York Times bestseller on the same day of its release, I feel like it's because so many people were searching for this information. Allison Kugel: Yes. Matt Fraser: Since that book came out about two years ago, and I wrote it during the pandemic, I’ve learned so much more since that book was even published. It's a never-ending source of knowledge for me. I’m not going to knock anything or knock anyone’s belief system. I can only talk about my own experiences. Allison Kugel: What has been shared with you… Matt Fraser: Exactly. Allison Kugel: When you tell someone that their grandmother or their grandfather, for example, is standing right beside them or in back of them, please explain to me what exactly you are seeing. Are you literally seeing them as clearly as you're seeing me right now? Matt Fraser: I don’t see them as clearly as I see you, but I do see shadows and figures, kind of like a silhouette. I see a figure and I'll know right away that it’s the person's father. Every medium is different and has a different way of connecting with the Other Side. My grandmother used to get omens and premonitions. My mom is a card reader and she's a life reader. She can tell who you are going to marry and what's going to happen five years from now. How it works for me is that I will see shadows or a figure, and right away when I connect with that soul I’ll hear, “Okay, I’m this person's father, or I’m this person's mother.” They'll start to tell me quick bits of information. That's how it works when I'm out at a live event, and what's really cool is that for me it's almost like the audience disappears and all I see are figures out there in the audience. I’ll see a figure and I'll be like, “Okay, that's this person’s father.” If I see the figure of a child, I’ll see that this person lost a son or a daughter, and it's really like going and piecing it together and using all of your senses. I’ll see them, sense them, feel them and hear them. Depending on how that soul communicates, when they come through, the information is always different. Allison Kugel: So, you are getting this silhouette, plus they are telling you telepathically who they are to that person? Matt Fraser: I’m glad you said that, because what a lot of people don’t realize, and I try to teach people how it is, because people are like, “How the hell is this guy talking to the Other Side when he talks so damn fast? How can he be talking to the spirit world when he doesn’t shut the f*ck up?” If spirits talked to me the way you and I are talking right now it would take forever for them to describe what is happening. They come to me really quickly. When I see that shadow or silhouette, I will know the spirit is ready to communicate. The more I connect with them, I will ask questions in my head, like, “Who are you?” and they’ll let me know, “I’m the father.” “How did you die?” Then I will start to feel things. If I feel things in my head, I will know they had a stroke or aneurism. If I feel things in my stomach, I will know they had abdomen issues. If my heart starts to flutter, I will know they had a heart attack. If I see an image of an urn, I will know that person was cremated. This is all within a couple of seconds that they can tell me a lot about their life all at once. Allison Kugel: A departed soul’s connection to their recent life, do they have human emotions connected to their life on earth, or is it more detached? Matt Fraser: It’s not detached, because they are with you every day. They still love and care about you, but they know things. You have to understand that in heaven the universal knowledge goes far beyond doing a Google search. Universal knowledge means that your loved ones actually know what you are thinking. I know that sounds traumatizing and you’re thinking, “I don’t want my dad or my mom to know my thoughts.” Really, it’s that your loved ones feel closer to you and know why you made certain decisions. Here in this world, we have a disconnect. We have the detachment. The souls on the Other Side don’t. For example, you and your mom might get into an issue because your mom might say to you, “Why are you dating that guy? What do you see in him? Why would you keep going back to that relationship?” On the Other Side, your mother in spirit would say, “I know why you keep going back.” Allison Kugel: They see the whole picture. Matt Fraser: Exactly. That is why they don’t judge. Allison Kugel: Why do some of us, like you, come in with this open channel to the spirit world? Matt Fraser: Actually, the way the spirits describe it to me is that we are all born with an open channel. All children can sense, feel and hear the spirit world. It’s funny because people ask me about my son all the time. He is only nine months and people ask, “Does he have the gift?” I always tell people, “It’s too early to tell,” because all children have the gift. So, do I know he is talking to spirits? Absolutely. I know he sees these people. I know he has these little conversations in his head or however he connects to the Other Side, because all children do. All children before the age of three will have a spirit encounter, but some children will hold onto that connection and those encounters. They’ll remember it, hold onto it and keep that connection strong, and some children won’t. A lot of children outgrow it and they lose that connection, or they think they lose that connection. In my experience it is always there. We just have to learn how to tune back into it. With the majority of children, it won’t stay with them. The ones who do and it follows them, that is where we get psychic kids from. Allison Kugel: In addition to small children, animals seem to be very tuned into the spirit world. Matt Fraser: Yes, another tell-tale way to know if a spirit is with you are your pets. I can’t tell you how many times I will be doing a group reading, or even an online reading and everyone is always apologizing because the minute I start the reading somebody’s cat or dog starts going crazy. They will say, “I don’t know why the dog is doing this.” And I’ll say, “No, no, no. It’s okay. They are seeing spirit.” Animals have a different filter and a different lens. What’s really cool is that animals don’t fear death and dying, and the reason is because they know the Other Side exists. Animals can actually see spirits, which is so cool because we as humans, unless you are gifted or have some mediumship ability, can’t see them with the naked eye. Even those spirits that come to me, I know my pets can see them clearer than I can. Animals see spirits walking with us every day. Allison Kugel: You have celebrity clients who are, obviously, very Google-able. There is a lot of information about them in the public domain. Is that more challenging for you? Matt Fraser: I think it is more challenging for the general public to believe that it’s the celebrity’s loved one coming through. That is why I don’t publish a lot of the celebrity readings. Anyone who is high profile like Mariah Carey or Britney Spears, or someone like that, you can Google pretty much anything about them. The thing is, when I do a reading for a celebrity there are things that come through that are able to be Googled. There are things that are secret, that oftentimes come up in a reading. I find that with celebrities, they often have two personas. They have what they show in the public eye, and then what actually happens behind closed doors. When I do a celebrity reading, I don’t want to know anything about that celebrity. Luckily, I’m so busy every single day between the dead and the living, that I have no time to watch television. A lot of times I will get celebrity calls and everyone around me will freak out. I’ll be told, “So and so wants to talk to you.” And I’m asking, “Who the hell is that?,” because I don’t watch television. My wife gets more excited than I do with certain celebrities. I’ll ask her, “Do you know this person?” And she’ll say, “Of course I know that person!” She’s into pop culture and I’m just not, because of what I do. Allison Kugel: Is there any skepticism on the part of the celebrity sitter you are reading? Matt Fraser: Not at all. The skepticism is more from the general public, about those readings. The minute you start to do a reading for a celebrity you are automatically set up to fail by the skeptics, because no matter what you say, even if you can’t find it online they are going to say, “Well, he could have Googled that.” My response is, “Try to Google it and see if you can find it.” You can’t. Celebrities know what is out there and what is not. My own life is public. I’m on television and everything is out there, but if there are certain things my loved one’s told me, certain things that happened behind closed doors, I would be able to know if it was my mom, my dad or whoever it is that passed away. Allison Kugel: Speaking of television, how did you wind up getting your own show, Meet the Frasers, on the E! Network? Matt Fraser: I don’t know how this all began, and I don’t know how my book became a New York Times bestseller. I’m still trying to figure it out to this day. I’m so honored and so amazed about this journey that the spirits have led me on. I started my career as an EMT (emergency medical technician). I had an amazing job. I loved the staff, and I loved working there. I started doing readings on the side. I was coming back into my gifts and I decided I’m not going to keep this hidden anymore. When I sense something or I feel something, I’m going to talk about it. I started doing readings for my friends and getting referrals. All of a sudden people would call and say, “Hey, I heard you do readings. I heard you were a medium.” People started finding out about me and the next thing you know I’m being asked to be on television shows, on radio shows and then I got a call from E! and they said, “Matt, we want to do a show about you and your life.” Then Simon & Schuster contacted me and asked, “Did you ever think of writing a book?” Allison Kugel: The story of how you found out you made the New York Times bestseller list is funny. Matt Fraser: I remember I only had one week to make the New York Times bestseller list, and I thought there is no way we are going to make this list. You have to sell thousands and thousands of copies in just one day. I remember that day coming, and I was preoccupied. It was the week that our son Royce was born, and I didn’t really have time to focus on anything else. I told my fans, “I have this book coming out. If you really want to support me, go out and buy it.” All of a sudden my grandmother calls me up from Maine and says, “I went to two bookstores and I can’t buy your book. It came out today, right?” She asked and both bookstores said the copies that were there were already sold out. My sister calls me up and says, “Hey, I went to go buy your book today and the store told me they already sold out.” Everybody started calling me telling me that the book was sold out. I remember saying to myself, “Something is wrong. Something is off.” I called Simon & Schuster and asked them, “Did my book actually come out today?” They said, “Yes it did.” I said, “I don’t know if this is right, but everyone is telling me that it’s sold out.” Next thing you know I got an email saying, “Matt, congratulations! You made the New York Times bestseller list.” I remember I looked at [my wife] Alexa and started crying. To this day, it gives me goosebumps. Allison Kugel: You were raised a Catholic. Are you still a practicing Catholic? The reason I ask is because I know that the Catholic Church does not believe in connecting with the Other Side. Have you experienced any religious discrimination because of your career? Matt Fraser: I think it depends on the person, to be honest with you. I’ll be honest with you, I’ve had priests come to me, and I’ve had nuns come to me. I won’t tell you who they are, but I’ve had them come to me and get readings. I remember the first time two nuns came to my event. I was so nervous, because I thought they were going to judge me and the work I was doing, even though I do everything with God. I’m very strong in my religion. I believe in Jesus. I believe in the Archangels. I pray to them every single night. So, when I saw two nuns show up at my event I thought, “Oh my God, here we go. It’s going to be all over.” They came up to me and I said to them, “I’m surprised you’re here. Do you know what event you are coming to?” They said, “We love the work that you are doing and we had to come.” That was refreshing to me, because I realized that it wasn’t a whole group. It depends on the person. That was something I needed to hear in the beginning of my journey as a medium. Allison Kugel: Why do you think over the last two decades, and definitely over the last decade, there is an avalanche of interest in connecting with the Other Side and learning about where we go from here? Why now? Matt Fraser: A couple of different reasons. Back in the day we weren’t allowed to talk about it. Decades ago, I would never be talking to you right now. It just wouldn’t happen. We had amazing pioneers like John Edward and James Van Praagh who really paved the way for me to speak about my gifts. They also paved the way for other people to talk about their experiences. We now have social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube where you can go and be your own voice. You can tell your story. People don’t have to be quiet anymore. They can share their experiences. My grandmother couldn’t talk about this. My grandmother was a medium, but she kept it hidden for years and years. My own grandfather didn’t even know she was a medium, because she was afraid of being ostracized back then. People would call you crazy. Now, with the help of social media and the Internet people can talk about it. I also noticed that when the world changed during the pandemic everybody started talking about this. When you go through something like that and everyone is passing around you, immediately there is fear and uncertainty. We all know somebody that passed from [Covid]. It brought up questions of What if? Is there another life after this? Is my [deceased] loved one okay? During the pandemic, I cannot tell you the thousands of people who reached out to me for answers, and that is why I started writing my book, We Never Die. So many people write to me and say, “Your book has helped me in so many different ways, and I’m so thankful for that.” Allison Kugel: Explain the book’s title, We Never Die. Matt Fraser: When we lose a loved one, we see death as permanent. What I really want to show people is that it’s not. It’s just a transition. There are two versions of us. There is a physical version that you see every single day, and deep inside of us there is another version of us, and it is called our soul. It is the energy version of us, and that is really important because your soul is the second version of you. You might be missing a finger or missing a toe. You might have issues with your hair or your teeth or whatever, but your soul remains intact. When we pass on we leave our physical body here, but our soul transitions on and we don’t lose ourself. When we pass on, we still have an appearance. We look like we do, just without illness, without any of the challenges that we had throughout life. For example, if you lost a finger or a toe, you are put back together in heaven. Allison Kugel: Have you, yourself, ever had an NDE (near death experience)? Matt Fraser: No, I have not. Everyone always thinks that I have had one, being a medium, but no. I’ve talked to people that have had a near death experience, but I’ve never had one myself. I don’t think I want to. I’m so connected to the Other Side, I don’t need any more experiences (laugh). Allison Kugel: Do you think time travel is possible on this earth? And do you think that every human passes at their divine time, or can a person pass prematurely? Matt Fraser: I think people can definitely pass prematurely. I think in certain circumstances, like when someone takes their own life, it’s premature. I have had souls come through to me and say they regretted it. I have had those readings where souls will come through, who have taken their own life and they realized, “Oh my God, I shouldn’t have done this, because I could have done this, this, and this.” They saw that there was so much to their life that they could have had, but they ended it early. What spirit tries to show us is that when we are here in this world and going through a challenge like a divorce, a health struggle, a mental struggle or whatever, you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel and that is what is so hard. Your loved ones in spirit don’t worry because they know that you will be okay. As humans, we need to do a better job of not stressing so much and knowing that this too shall pass. Allison Kugel: Being that time is not linear outside of this 3D physical world here on earth, do you think time travel is possible? Matt Fraser: I believe in everything and nothing. I think anything is possible. I’m sure there has to be a way. I can tell you this; souls can absolutely travel back in time to see things. I remember being a little kid and watching those futuristic movies on Disney where they would use the tablets to talk to one another. I used to say to myself, “That would be so cool. Imagine if you can do that.” I thought it was the shit when the first color flip phone came out, never did I ever think that video chatting would be possible. When that first came out it blew our minds, and now it is part of our everyday lives. So, do I think it could happen? Absolutely. Allison Kugel: Is Meet the Frasers resuming? Matt Fraser: Meet the Frasers ended during the pandemic, sadly, because we couldn’t film. We were all getting ready for Season 2 and then the pandemic hit. But what we did do is have a continuation of our story, because everyone was asking what happened since the pandemic? We were very lucky to partner with Studio 71 and do a Facebook special called The Frasers Plus One, which takes you through the pandemic up until the birth of our son Royce. Allison Kugel: Any new television projects for you? Matt Fraser: There are always TV projects in the works, luckily. Between touring and the book writing, and filming for different TV projects, it’s been a journey. I took some time away for a little while because I wanted to spend time with my family and with our son, Royce, and I think the pandemic was something I personally needed for a little bit just to go and relax and get back into the zone. I’m now ready to get back out there. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Of Allison Kugel

PARAISO Miami Swim Week, the world’s largest event for the swimwear and resort wear industry, hosted its highly anticipated new season welcoming over 10,000 guests through the course of the week. Celebrating innovative design, inclusivity, diversity and sustainability, PARAISO Miami Swim Week, hosted a fueling schedule of runway shows including 18 new and veteran labels, in addition to exciting experiences, pop ups, activations, parties, and an industry-focused conference, Summer Fashion Summit. This season PARAISO Miami Swim Week welcomed back: Azulu, debuted a resort wear collection inspired by the vibrant city of Porto. Beach Bunny, the Orange County based, global brand showed signature, sexy suits that celebrated their 20 year anniversary on the runways. Kittenish Swim by Jessie James Decker, Decker and her design team debuted a collection inspired by European Aesthetics and Southern Charm with subtle Mediterranean prints, animal inspired prints, and textured, eco-friendly fabrics. LainSnow, from North Carolina showed 'Coastal Cowboy' Luli Fama, Miami -based designer unveiled her Puerto Luli collection Matte Collection, debuted a collection designed ‘for women, by women,’ beachside with an audience dressed entirely in white and a live choir performance. Neena Swim by Oh Polly, showed all-new pieces curated from the brand’s most recent collection, Printed Swim, and three upcoming collections: Embellished Swim, Signature Swim and Sporty Swim. OneOne, the 100% Colombian brand showed #TBT. Sinesia Karol, the Miami-based designer debuted a collection inspired by Japanese Gardens featuring a floral print and new, velvety textures. Natasha Tonic, pioneering plant-based organic hemp swimwear brand unveiled “Coral City” with proceeds from the collection benefitting Coral Morphologic and Ocean Gardener. New to the schedule this season were: SHAN, the Canadian resort wear brand with a boutique in Sunset Harbour showcased Cruise 2024 and Spring-Summer 2024 collections. Curve Collective, the intimates and apparel trade show organizer hosted a multi-brand show. Sigal, the Miami-based brand showed resort wear with tropical vacation vibes. Axil Swim, showed looks inspired by themes of Earth Wonder, Flower Power, Retrograde, Up to Par, and Dreamland. Club L London debuted their latest resort collection, Destination Daze & Tequila Sunset. A show-stopping highlight for this season was New York Fashion Week’s staple The Blonds, who closed out the PARAISO Miami Swim Week tent with bold colors, bejeweled looks, and the Teletubbies to celebrate their signature DNA of self-expression, belonging and kindness. After bumping up the event dates for the first time in almost two decades, in response to a market shift, PARAISO Miami Swim Week gathered industry professionals, fashion editors, buyers and social media influencers from June 8th to 11th at its re-designed, luxurious tent at Collins Park, right on Miami Beach. PARAISO Miami Swim Week also hosted various pop ups and auxiliary experiences across multiple venues including W South Beach, Soho Beach House, The Plymouth South Beach, Esme Hotel, Queen Miami Beach, Sofia, The Miami Beach EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Hyde Beach and The Miami Design District. SUMMER FASHION SUMMIT This year for the first time, PARAISO Miami Swim Week, partnered with Summer Fashion Summit, the inaugural two-day conference celebrated innovative ideas and brought together top national industry players from the field of swimwear, resort wear fashion, and driving forces in sustainability solutions. This intimate summit, held on June 8-9 at W South Beach, consisted of three sessions of panel discussion and masterclasses on each day, exploring current trends across summer fashion, sustainability, marketing and communications, with a lineup of visionary leaders spanning the fields of design, business, publishing, technology, media, and PR. St. Thomas University joined the summit as the official education partner, and confirmed participants included the Head of Marketing of Showfields, Frannie Shellman; Swimwear & Activewear Strategist at WGSN, Rebecca Saygi; EVP Director of Hilldun Corporation, Tim Moore; CEO of Comexposium US and President of Curve, Raphael Camp; Sr. Buyer of Anthropologie, Ivy Heilman; Senior VP of Marketing of A.L.C., Hallie Shaw; Founder of Mavn Creators, Olivia Ormos; and country singer, songwriter, TV personality, fashion designer, beauty and lifestyle entrepreneur, and a New York Times bestselling author, Jessie James Decker, among others. EXCITING OFF-SITE EXPERIENCES PARAISO Miami Swim Week party in collaboration with SELECT Models at Sopra Club in Forte dei Marmi kicked off swim week events on Wednesday 8th, followed by four days of thrilling events. The Blonds hosted their pre-show cocktail at QUEEN Miami Beach with House of Suntory, Saturday June 10th. Planet Fashion runway shows at the SLS South Beach presented multiple brands throughout a two-day program including Chloe Rose, Keva J, Tinye Swim, Beau Swim, Origins Of Oceans, Veve Swim, and a group of sustainable swimwear brands. Miami Design District and their retailers hosted several exciting activations throughout the week, including: · A Stitch Lab pop up, featuring a curated list of top Latin American designers · A kick off brunch, and an in-store activation at the luxury multi-brand boutique Elle’s, which housed a trunk show in partnership with sustainable swimwear label Hunza G. · Bossa Concept offered exclusive designs by Latin American designers in a Summer House pop-up at W South Beach. · Ganni hosted an in-store cocktail event · A.L.C. Fashion hosted a private bruch at Sofia. · alo “The Next Step” launched a unisex sneaker, the Alo x 01 Classic at Reserve Padel. To further the fun, Sun Bum hosted a private VIP brunch. Nike led a Nike Run Club originating at Nike Lincoln Road followed by a Nike Swim fashion presented at Esme Rooftop, Strangers Only threw a pool party at Soho Beach House Miami, Beach Bunny x NEXT Models hosted party at Baoli Miami, Rielli threw a pop up and pool party at The Plymouth South Beach, Seafolly held a poolside brunch and fashion presentation, Goretta Medina x Stitch Lab brunched, Wilhelmina x Smile Train toasted to Swim Week at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Poolside by Frederic Pinet exhibited at Soho Beach House, Luli Fama x Front Models threw an afterparty, The Blonds cocktailed at QUEEN Miami Beach. The official closing party of PARAISO Miami Swim Week was hosted in partnership with The Blonds at The Miami Beach EDITION, where the Teletubbies were also in attendance. SUPPORTING NEW TALENT For fourth year in a row, PARAISO launched its Upcycle Challenge in collaboration with Istituto Marangoni Miami, a design competition where a selected group of students were paired with design mentors, who this year were Tropic of C, Vitamin A, Riot Swim, VDM The Label, and PQ Swim. On Friday, June 9th, during Day 2 of PARAISO Miami Beach, the designers presented two looks each to an industry jury consisting of Sierra Mayhew, Fashion Editor of Who What Wear; Senior Buyer of Intimates, Swim and Active at Anthropologie, Ivy Heilman; and the founder of J Rosen Showroom, Torey Schulof. The winning designer will be chosen based on ability to create two swimwear looks using only upcycled materials, overall wearability, creativity, and construction. The Miami International University of Art & Design (MIUAD) also presented their annual swim show on Thursday, June 8th to empower the creativity of the fashion industry leaders of the future. GAME-CHANGER PARTNERS Along with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, this season PARAISO Miami Beach official partners included: Alto, Evian, Kevin Murphy, Sun Bum, Sally Hansen, alo, NY Makeup Academy, La Croix, Frederic Pinet, Gente Beauty, Motives, and Dibs. SI Tickets by Sports Illustrated served as the Official Ticketing Partner for all PARAISO Miami Swim Week experiences. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Of PARAISO

In booming Aventura, a highly anticipated boutique residential building is splashing onto the scene–and its developers are poised to redefine luxury living when it opens. Matthew Rosenblatt and Efrem Gerszberg Set Out to Redefine Luxury Living Located waterside in the heart of the city, Tal Aventura will deliver an exquisite collection of 86 residences ranging from two to five bedrooms, plus a selection of customizable lanai and penthouse residences, with unobstructed views of Maule Lake. Imagined by real estate veterans Matthew Rosenblatt and Efrem Gerszberg, Tal Aventura is the byproduct of their combined vision and expertise. Rosenblatt brings more than $500 million of executed real estate ventures throughout Florida and the Northeast over the past decade, while Gerszberg’s firm holds $2 billion of projects across various asset classes. The duo’s decades of background led to meticulously planning and designing Tal Aventura to their exacting standards, catering to a need in the highly sought-after area for luxury residences created with families in mind. Left to right: Efrem Gerszberg, Matthew Rosenblatt “We envisioned condo residences that feel like a single-family home, with ample space in an incredible location–while delivering active amenities that cater to a lifestyle rooted in community and convenience,” said Rosenblatt, founder of 2151 Development Group. “The result is a residential offering that addresses the area’s needs and transcends expectations.” Sophisticated architecture and interiors, imagined by internationally acclaimed IDEA Architects and IDDI, blend timeless elegance with elevated, functional design throughout the tower’s 26 stories. Spanning from 1,245 to 6,200 square feet, residences showcase outdoor living space and feature private elevator entry, resembling a home in the sky. “Our goal was to meld attainable luxury living with the offerings of a resort to present Aventura families with an unparalleled residential and community experience,” said Gerszberg, principal and president of 2020 Acquisitions. “Tal Aventura is setting the standard for family-focused development.” Spanning over 50,000 square feet, the enviable host of amenities are designed to cater to both parents and kids, with a resort-style pool, children’s splash pad, playground, outdoor theater, basketball/pickleball court, miniature golf, and indoor playroom. Adults can enjoy the bevy of additional amenities, which include a spa, sauna, treatment rooms, and state-of-the-art fitness center, entertainment lounge, yoga studio, golf simulator, private dining room with a terrace and custom wine wall, co-working lounge and conference room. There is even a dedicated pet spa for furry family members. The endless amenities, wellness options, and white-glove service are sure to make residents never want to leave, but if they do need to venture out, everything is within walking distance–top-rated schools, fine dining with kosher options, houses of worship and boutique shopping experiences. Rosenblatt and Gerszberg have thought of it all, curating the best of refined living, lifestyle perks, and convenience to create an unrivaled community tailored to discerning families. Located at 2785 NE 183rd Street east of Biscayne Blvd, Tal Aventura sales and marketing is managed exclusively by Compass Development Marketing Group. For more information, visit: talaventura.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Tal Aventura

Tom Ford’s Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection intertwines power and elegance, celebrating confident women who exude charisma and sophistication. Opulent fabrics, rich jewel tones, and structured silhouettes accentuate curves and command attention. Layering is an art, with sumptuous outerwear elevating each ensemble. Statement belts, elongated gloves, and exquisite jewelry complete the look, exuding confidence and allure. Ford’s collection empowers women, radiating strength, beauty, and timeless style. To learn more visit www.tomford.com Click below to launch slideshow > ML Staff | Images courtesy of Tom Ford

Lefferts, a real estate development firm specializing in high-quality residential and commercial properties in Miami and New York City, has announced market brokerage leader Cervera Real Estate as the exclusive sales and marketing partner for its new condominium, 72 Park, in Miami Beach. Just south of Surfside, the luxury development is slated for completion in early 2024 and will be the first new luxury tower on Miami Beach to permit vacation (or short-term) rentals. 72 Park's 206 units will range from 470 to 1,177 square feet, with prices starting from the $700,000s. Located at 580 72nd St., the stunning 22-story project by national architecture firm Built Form is centrally located within a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood where residents and guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful, charming beachside community and the exciting nightlife and culture Miami Beach is known for. The luxury condominium is conveniently situated on the park, just steps away from the beach, and allows residents easy access to Miami Beach’s premier athletic and recreational facilities like the Miami Beach Tennis Academy, North Shore Park, Normandy Shores Golf Club and the new Miami Beach Aquatic Center and Park, which will house an Olympic-size pool, a community library, a fitness center, a three-acre park and 10,000 square feet of retail. Residents can also take full advantage of the complimentary beach service provided by the building, including transportation and recreational equipment such as Boogie Boards, paddle boards and more. “Where coastline meets culture, 72 Park embraces the spirit of the existing beachside community while introducing state-of-the-art amenities and exciting new retail and restaurant brands to the thriving neighborhood,” said Jim Hedden, chief development officer of Lefferts. “This spectacular property is the genesis of Lefferts’ commitment to further enhancing the local Miami Beach community, and we are eager for its completion in early 2024.” The property also features 64,000 square feet of luxurious amenities for residents, including an expansive 35,000-square-foot amenity deck with nearly an acre of lush, tropical landscaping; a 150-foot-long resort-style pool with cabanas; a bar and lounge with indoor-outdoor seating; a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga lounge; 24/7 coworking lounge with private “pods”; kids playroom; private outdoor barbecue area; a private rooftop featuring a sun deck with dining areas and grills; and an outdoor screening area for movie nights and sporting events. The project at 72 Park is one of four residential developments Lefferts is spearheading as part of its long-term commitment to revitalizing this Miami Beach neighborhood and ushering in a new era of investment and growth for one of the most desirable oceanfront communities. Lefferts, whose impressive portfolio includes luxury apartment buildings, mixed-use developments and high-end retail spaces, prides itself on creating vibrant, dynamic properties that enhance communities and contribute to their economic growth and development. The firm is applying its more than 20 years of residential and commercial real estate expertise to revitalize the heart of Miami Beach, located just south of Bal Harbour and Surfside and north of the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is within walking distance of the beach and features Miami Modernist (MiMo) architecture and ample green space, including North Shore Open Space Park, the largest park in Miami Beach, which recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation. For more information, visit 72Park.com. By ML Staff. Photo Credits: Elephant Skin

The latest addition to the Poliform dining collection attains complete harmony in a sophisticated and contemporary space: designed by Emmanuel Gallina, Curve is a collection of light and elegant pieces that, behind their apparent simplicity, hide an intricate crafting of solid wood. Classic yet fresh, the Curve chair interprets the latest living trends, between design and comfort to create a versatile piece. Set apart by its refined details, the Curve table ties the ensemble together by bringing a central element to the arrangement. Poliform partners with some of the most well-known and exciting designers on the international scene, including Emmanuel Gallina who shared ideas and inspirations in developing products capable of interpreting the firm’s style and design culture. In creating the Curve collection, an exploration of the trends and a meticulous selection of materials and finishes, following an idea of the style that expresses its character and uniqueness resulted in the harmony of the tones, the elegance of the combinations, and the finest quality of the tactile experience. The design process of the Curve line produced a focus on the materiality of the pieces, centered around solid wood. A special processing technology allowed to highlight the quality of the material by carefully refining joints and details to preserve the solid structure of the wood. To achieve a piece that is striking in its simplicity and elegance, the intuition of the designer was to lighten its frame and strip it down to its essence. The Curve table is clean and elegant, where gentle lines meet visually remarkable details, such as the wooden crosspiece. To complement the wooden base structure in deep Spessart Oak, known for its very fine tight-grained texture, or captivating Black Elm, the crosspiece, a greatly expressive element, can be covered in different finishes of hide like olive-colored leather. Emmanuel Gallina conceived dramatic marble or wood with a delicately crafted edge as the perfect match for the rich color and texture of the table’s bottom frame. All these carefully selected details come together into a complete balance of shape and materials that culminate in a table that functions as a real centerpiece of the dining area. Ideally combined with the table are the Curve chairs, characterized by soft curves and tapering slender lines that are inspired by modern design and result in classic yet contemporary pieces. To create a comfortable and at the same time refined product, the designer selected padding in a variety of soft fabric or luscious leather finishes. Providing a warm dining experience that meets the style of a sophisticated and contemporary home, the Curve chairs take exquisite design to the highest level of enjoyment. Translating the Poliform polished lifestyle and latest design trends into actualized pieces, Emmanuel Gallina created the Curve collection. The classic clean lines of the dining set easily adapt to any space bringing out an air of refinement to the home. And the exquisite crafting of the wood in the pieces together with marble, upholstery, or leather imparts a lasting impression on the senses. Poliform Miami showroom address and phone number: Poliform Miami 4100 NE 2nd Avenue Suite 101 - 102 Miami, FL 33137 (305) 573-9950 Connect Online: Email: info@poliformusa.com Website: www.poliform.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/PoliformUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/PoliformSpa Instagram: www.instagram.com/Poliform_official

Miami Living had an insightful conversation with Nick Perez, the President of Related Group's condominium development division. During this exclusive interview, we delved into various topics, including South Florida's real estate market, sustainability initiatives in condominium developments, emerging investment opportunities, community engagement, and much more. Perez, a seasoned professional who previously held the position of Senior Vice President at Related Group since 2018, is responsible for managing a remarkable portfolio worth over $15 billion. He has successfully led various prestigious projects, such as the St. Regis Residences, Miami, Solemar Residences, Pompano Beach, Ritz-Carlton Residences, and several others. Nick Perez ML: How do you see the current real estate market in South Florida, and what opportunities or challenges do you anticipate in the near future? Nick Perez: South Florida is the most desirable real estate market in the world. While other areas of the country start to cool off, demand across our region continues to heat up with people from all over the globe flocking to make South Florida home. While we are no longer seeing the stratospheric sales pace of 2021 and 2022, we continue to make progress across all developments. In fact, Baccarat Residences, Miami and Casamar Pompano Beach are both quickly approaching sell-out, with other developments like Casa Bella by B&B Italia, NoMad Residences Wynwood and others closely behind. From our vantage point, we see the biggest opportunity in smaller-scale, more intimate properties. We’re taking this more boutique approach in projects like the St. Regis Residences Miami and Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach. These properties include fewer, but much larger units, providing a much more exclusive experience that more closely resembles single-family living. Overall, I think South Florida is only in the second inning. With a portfolio worth over $15 billion in condominium developments, how do you plan to navigate the competitive real estate market in South Florida and maintain Related Group's industry dominance? Related Group has been at the peak of our industry for more than 40 years, and has no intention of leaving this spot. And while our condo portfolio is worth around $15 billion, our company is actually working on closer to $26 billion in real estate development. Through all of the ups and downs, Related Group has been able to shine in such competitive markets due to our thoughtful approach. Whether it is architecture and design, construction and engineering or even amenities - no detail is too small or insignificant to us. We always take the time to deliver properties that exceed buyers’ expectations and bring benefits to surrounding communities. How do you prioritize sustainability and resilience in your condominium developments in South Florida, given the region's vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise? Building a Miami that can be enjoyed for generations to come is critical to us. And while the issues facing Miami are larger than any single company, Related strives to do its part. One way we’re doing this is by working with Miami-Dade County and other local governments to adapt current zoning and construction regulations to meet future needs. This includes raising minimum construction heights, upgrading water systems and more. Related also recently partnered with the Aspen Institute to bring the group’s “Ideas” Summit to Miami Beach. We just celebrated the second annual summit and it was incredible to see leaders from various disciplines come together to discuss real-world solutions to pressing sustainability challenges. We will continue to find ways to innovate and create reliable, sustainable projects that provide quality housing for future South Floridians. What strategies do you have in place to identify new investment opportunities and expand into new markets in South Florida for future developments? In order to sustain South Florida’s growth and continue to support our region blossoming into a global metropolis, it’s important that developers look beyond the big three (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach) and focus on new markets like Tampa, Pompano, Hillsboro Beach and many others. These areas offer the same incredible natural beauty of more established neighborhoods but at much more competitive pricing. It is an approach that’s been working very well for us. With the recent trends of remote work and changing consumer preferences, how do you envision the future of luxury condominium developments in South Florida and their appeal to potential buyers? The pandemic brought about changes to daily behavior that continue to influence our designs and amenity packages to this day. Top of mind for me at the moment is the emphasis on larger units, with easy access to ample outdoor areas. With more people than ever working remotely and enjoying outdoor activities and amenities, we adapted to this new way of living with our condos like Casamar, located in Pompano Beach. Built from the ground up to prioritize the well-being of residents, Casamar comes equipped with open-air lounges, a pickleball court, outdoor summer kitchens, and open layouts that give each home an airy feel and space for remote work. We are employing a similar approach at our St. Regis Residences in Brickell. Originally, we’d envisioned that property as a two-tower development, but we quickly saw that buyers were actually looking for less density and a more tight-knight community. We addressed this feedback in real-time and downsized the project to better address our buyer preferences. Ultimately, that’s the name of the game - listen to your buyers and deliver on their needs and wants. What role do you see technology playing in the future of real estate development in South Florida, and how do you plan to leverage it to enhance your projects? Technology plays a huge role in our business, with recent innovations drastically changing the ways we design, build, market and manage our properties. As a firm, we’re always looking for the latest tech that will make our processes more efficient. In fact, we’ve invested in several companies looking to disrupt the property management and resident experiences. Through these platforms, we now allow buyers and renters to put in maintenance requests, pay bills, book concierge services and more, all through their smartphones. Not too long ago, this type of thing was a luxury, now, it is an expectation. We’re also experimenting with new virtual reality/rendering technology that will allow our buyer prospects to more easily experience their future home. This includes “walking” the unit in real-time, switching out finishes in real-time and even seeing their views at various times of day or year. It is incredible how far this tech has come. We look forward to sharing more on this very soon. How do you approach community engagement and partnerships with local stakeholders in South Florida to ensure that your developments positively contribute to the neighborhoods and cities where they are located? Any time we build a new product, whether it is an affordable redevelopment like Liberty Square or a five-star luxury condo-like Rosewood, we work with elected officials, community leaders, and nearby residents at every stage of development. We try to listen to the community, often holding town hall meetings with local leaders to develop a project that the residents, and the City, can be proud of. To learn more visit Related Group: https://relatedgroup.com/about Interview by Markin Abras. Images courtesy of Related Group

Nadjea Swimwear is excited to announce the Art Deco Fashion Show for Miami Swim Week. The event brings together the most innovative and cutting-edge swimwear designs from NADJEA; elegantly showcased at the Gabriel Hotel South Beach, an art deco masterpiece. Including music, tapas, along with goods from a curated list of Miami based vendors. The 2023 Nadjea Swimwear Collection is a tribute to the classic styles of the 1960s and 1970s, updated for the modern woman. The collection features NADJEA’s signature of daring cuts, body hugging ribbons, and vibrant splashes of color for a chic and modern look, sleek silhouettes that accentuate the female form. From high-waisted bikinis to one-piece swimsuits, each piece in the collection is designed to make women feel confident and beautiful. "Our 2023 collection is all about celebrating the beauty of women and empowering them to feel confident and sexy," says Nadjea Swimwear founder and CEO, Nadjhla Gracia. "We've taken inspiration from the iconic swimwear styles of the past and reimagined them for the present, creating pieces that are both timeless and on-trend." The Art Deco Swim Week Fashion Show will take place on July 8th, 2023, at the Gabriel Hotel South Beach from 4:00 Pm to 7:00 pm. Nadjea Swimwear will be showcasing its collection on the runway at 6:00 pm. Featuring Dominika Maziarz as Showstopper! "We're thrilled to host this exciting event and to share our latest collection with the world," says Nadjhla. "We believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful, and we're proud to be creating swimwear that empowers women to do just that." Nadjea Swimwear founder and CEO, Nadjhla Gracia The Gabriel Hotel South Beach, Miami, FL To learn more about Nadjea Swimwear and to shop the 2023 collection, visit www.nadjea.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/NadjeaOnline Contact: JR. Director of Operations NADJEA Swimwear Nadjeaonline@gmail.com (305) 901 7149 By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Nadjea Swimwear

Forté Development celebrated the groundbreaking of its Forté Luxe, a luxury boutique waterfront community in Jupiter, Florida, consisting of just 15 multi-level residences surrounded on three sides by sparkling Intracoastal Waterway views. It is located at 12450 Crystal Cove Place, Jupiter, FL 33469. In attendance at the event were Marius Fortelni, founder and CEO of Forté Development; Caprice Weber, executive vice president and managing director at Douglas Elliman Development Marketing; Village of Tequesta Council Members Laurie Brandon and Rick Sartory; Martin County Assistant County Administrator Matthew Graham and other local dignitaries. With pricing from $4.35 million to over $8 million, Forté Luxe is slated to be complete in March 2025. Refreshments and light bites were served, and VIP guests spoke before the ceremonial shovels took their first dig into the ground for the commemorative groundbreaking. “Situated in a prime waterfront location, Forté Luxe is a unique luxury development in beautiful Jupiter, Florida,” said Fortelni. “Forté Luxe presents a wonderful opportunity for the luxury buyer to enjoy the laid-back yet elegant Jupiter lifestyle, just minutes from the arts, golf, culture, dining and shopping of the Palm Beaches.” With architecture by Alfonso Jurado and interior design by The Decorators Unlimited, Forté Luxe is located on a stunning peninsula of land directly on the Intracoastal Waterway in Jupiter. KAST Construction is the general contractor for the project, and Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is the exclusive sales team. Sporting contemporary, modern architecture and interior design aesthetic, the pet-friendly community will offer 13 private boat docks for up to 60-foot vessels (residents can purchase dockage), and a private resort-style swimming pool and sun deck with entertainment areas. Residences will range from 3,550 to over 5,000 square feet of living area. Features will include: Expansive great room interiors showcasing captivating views through full-height glass doors and windows Private garage with grand entry featuring unrestricted views of the beach line and water Private interior elevators Voluminous ceilings and full-height sliding glass windows and doors Waterfront covered terrace with built-in outdoor gas grills for al fresco dining Spacious elevated balconies with spectacular Intracoastal views Engineered hardwood or large format porcelain flooring throughout the residence Designer kitchens featuring sleek European-inspired cabinetry, Quartz countertops with a waterfall island, and top-of-the-line appliances and plumbing fixtures Separate laundry room with full-size washer and dryer on same level as Owner's Suite Expansive walk-in closets and luxurious spa-like bath retreats Designer-appointed bathrooms include European cabinetry, premium Quartz countertops, soaking tubs, designer fixtures and glass enclosed walk-in showers Exquisitely appointed interiors with a premium lighting package, including recessed lighting and signature fixtures at entry and dining room The Forté Luxe Sales Center is open by appointment only at 11911 N US 1 #102, North Palm Beach, FL 33408. For more information, call 561-800-4622 or visit forte-luxe.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Forté Luxe

The city of Plantation is welcoming some new whiskey to its world. Whiskey Neat, the urban cocktail lounge with one of South Florida’s largest whiskey selections, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new Plantation location, marking its second destination in Broward County for whiskey aficionados to indulge in one of the most extensive menus around. Featuring over 230 rare whiskeys, the expansion of the cocktail lounge brings a unique experience to whiskey enthusiasts in the area. The new establishment is conveniently located across from Sawgrass Mills next to Quarterdeck; both locations are owned by the family-operated Old School Hospitality. The 2,500-square-foot space provides a welcoming atmosphere with 50 seats for guests to relax and enjoy their favorite whiskeys. Connected to Quarterdeck, Whiskey Neat shares the same concept as its existing location on Southeast 17th Street. The bar showcases a stunning multicolored liquor wall stocked with hundreds of rare and sought-after whiskeys. Whiskey Neat patrons can also indulge in a delectable menu of culinary delights from the adjacent kitchen, including American comfort fare, specialty sushi, custom-blend burgers, build-your-own poke bowls, tacos and more. Whiskey Neat’s expansion in Plantation marks the first of several remarkable projects planned by Old School Hospitality. In 2024, the group is set to unveil Hula Kai Tiki Bar, a two-story tiki-inspired culinary concept on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, further enhancing the area’s dining and entertainment offerings. “Whiskey Neat’s expansion into Plantation is a significant milestone for us,” said Old School Hospitality CEO James Flanigan. “Thanks to the incredible response from our beloved guests, it was a natural step to bring the exceptional Whiskey Neat experience to this area. We are thrilled to offer whiskey enthusiasts in Plantation and beyond an unforgettable journey through over 230 rare whiskeys. Our prime location just across from the Sawgrass Mills mall provides the perfect backdrop for whiskey lovers to savor their passion in a vibrant and dynamic setting.” Adding to the allure of Whiskey Neat Plantation is a carefully crafted selection of signature cocktails that beautifully complement the extraordinary whiskey collection. The talented mixologists have designed innovative libations, each a masterpiece in its own right. Among the standout creations are the Chai Me Up ($16), made with Maker’s Mark, lemon juice, house-made chai syrup and egg white; Midnight in Manhattan ($16), made with Woodford Rye, Foro Amaro, Bitter Truth bitters and Filthy Cherry; and Eastside Fizz ($13), a refreshing and effervescent libation made with Nolet’s Gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, fresh mint and egg white. For the full whiskey experience, guests can imbibe in a menu of signature Old Fashioned favorites ($16 each), such as the Jack D. Armstrong, Filthy Cherry smoked with Old Forester 100-proof rye, Bitter Truth chocolate bitters and a brown sugar cube; Dark Side of the Moon, crafted with Basil Hayden Dark Rye, Bitter Truth aromatic bitters, a brown sugar cube and Filthy Cherry; Misunderstood Love, made with Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey, simple syrup, fresh raspberries and candied ginger; Sunset in Jalisco, made with Herradura Reposado and orange bitters smoked with a caramelized orange, Filthy Cherry and a brown sugar cube; and Up All Night, made with Evan Williams 1783, Swami Juice, cold brew, Mr. Black Cold Brew coffee liqueur, Bitter Truth aromatic bitters and a brown sugar cube. Whiskey Neat also offers local beers, wines and mocktails while maintaining its artisanal whiskey and cocktail menu. A selection of expertly curated whiskey flights is also available, which includes the Bourbon Flight ($26), with Four Roses Small Batch, Widow Jane 10 Year and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked; Rye Flight ($30), with Rabbit Hole Boxergrail, High West Double Rye and Russell’s 6 Year Rye; Single Malt Scotch Flight ($35), with Glenmorangie 10 Year, Balvenie 14 Year and Lagavulin 16 Year; Irish Flight ($28), with Proper Twelve, Green Spot and Redbreast 12 Year; and Japanese Flight ($25), with Kikori, Nikka Days and Shibui Pure Grain. Whiskey Neat Plantation is located at 12310 W. Sunrise Blvd. in Plantation. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Guests can take advantage of the special promotion on Whiskey Wednesdays, where the whiskey wall is available at half price from 5-9 p.m. For more information, visit whiskeyneatbar.com or call 954.423.4197. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Whiskey Neat Plantation.

Super Lawyers has named Michael Elkins, Esq., founder and partner of Fort Lauderdale-based MLE Law, to its 2023 Florida Super Lawyers List. This year’s designation marks Elkins’ fifth consecutive year being selected as a Super Lawyer (2019–2023). Previously, he was selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for five consecutive years (2011–2015). Elkins is a nationally quoted employment, business and sports attorney representing businesses, municipalities and individuals in labor and employment, business and sports matters as well as providing outside General Counsel services (daily corporate advice, preparation and review of corporate documents, creation of corporate entities, merger and acquisition representation). MLE Law is a full-service labor and employment, business and sports law firm in Fort Lauderdale. Elkins, a 20+ year litigation attorney, continues to disrupt how lawyers attract and retain business. As the creator and host of the “Quarter Four” podcast, which he founded in 2018, he is using modern media to not only promote MLE Law, but his overall brand. The podcast covers the intersection between business and sports, providing listeners an inside look into the psychology of what makes individuals successful on and off the field. “It is a great honor to once again be selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list, especially because I was selected by my peers in the legal field,” said Elkins. “I’m proud to continue to be a changemaker in today’s legal industry, as I utilize technology to make the business of law more efficient and beneficial for clients.” Each year, no more than 5 percent of lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the Super Lawyers distinction. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the Rising Stars honor. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com. My ML Staff. Image courtesy of MLE Law

Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida – will host “Wine and Bourbon Experience” at the Feeding South Florida® Pembroke Park Warehouse. The tasting event will raise awareness, funds and glasses for families facing hunger. Each ticket will include four tastings and appetizers. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction. Currently in South Florida, there are over 1.1 million food insecure individuals, and 1 in 9 individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal. When: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Where: Feeding South Florida® Warehouse 2501 SW 32 Terrace Pembroke Park, FL 3023 Cost: Tickets are available for $75. How: For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ About Feeding South Florida® Feeding South Florida is the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Providing support for 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population, its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger, and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida served more than *1.1 million individuals through direct-service programs and a local network of more than 350 nonprofit and community partners. Visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954.518.1818. *FY July 2021–June 2022 My ML Staff. Image by Feeding South Florida