The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour is thrilled to announce, for the third year in a row, the property is one of the premier hotel partners for the Fleur de Villes luxury floral company’s new VOYAGE collection. The VOYAGE collection is a fresh floral exhibition celebrating the journey of discovery inspired by iconic global destinations. Mannequins donned in garments made of fresh buds and blossoms hand-crafted by local florists, honoring historical and cultural icons will commemorate the culture, people and heritage of exotic destinations around the world. This one-of-a-kind exhibition will be complimentary to the public and displayed in the beachfront resort’s lobby and in the nearby Bal Harbour Shops from March 3 - 12, 2023. Eloquently themed to align with the heritage of The-Ritz Carlton brand, two Hollywood icons known for their wanderlust and discovery will be honored at this year's VOYAGE exhibition: the iconic Casablanca duo Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. Ingrid Bergman showcased in the lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, and Humphrey Bogart, located at Bal Harbour Shops. These onscreen old flames embody the desire to explore exciting cultures, traditions and people through their collective journeys both on and off the big screen. The lush display at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour will be accompanied by additional offerings onsite, including Casablanca-inspired cocktails and botanical-themed dining options at Artisan Beach House. At the same time, Exhale Spa will incorporate Moroccan oil-based spa treatments and complimentary yoga classes featuring floral aromatherapy. In addition, new to this year's exhibition, luxury perfumery the House of Krigler brand's Voyage au Paradis 56 candle will envelope the space and contribute an olfactory sensation of journey and discovery to the Ingrid Bergman display. To learn more about the hotel’s offerings or to enquire about reservations, please call (305) 455-5400 or click here. The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour is located at 10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33139. @ritzcarltonbalharbour By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Of The Ritz-Carlton/Fleur de Villes

Miami Living caught up with Chris Kolbe, the co-founder of HyperNatural, the new eco-luxury brand that today makes its debut, introducing luxury men's polo shirts made from natural and recycled materials and designed for comfort. Co-founders Chris Kolbe and Christian Arkins spent over thirty years working in the fashion industry at major brands including Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Original Penguin, and Saks. Obsessive about materials, construction, and fit, they are committed to creating a more sustainable and scientific eco-luxury product made with innovative materials from natural, renewable, and biodegradable sources. What are your respective backstories and when did you each know you wanted to build a new eco-luxury menswear brand together? Christian and I have known each other for over 20 years when we started the Original Penguin fashion brand back in NYC. We always had this unique ability to innovate and incubate new ideas together. With a little downtime during Covid, we became obsessed with the possibilities of natural biomaterials. We discovered unexpected ways to repurpose natural material waste into a special blend with Supima® cotton, to create this new hybrid of luxury and performance. Hypernatural. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind HyperNatural and how it reflects your personal values? Most sustainable products are not that special beyond a well-placed desire to reduce our ecological impact. We wanted to change this by proving you can make innovative products Better by Nature. Sustainable but without you having to compromise quality, performance, or comfort in what you wear. We know the future of fashion is not plastics and polyester – it’s nature. What sets HyperNatural polos apart from others in the market, both in terms of design and functionality? The magic of HyperNatural is our special yarn blend of raw materials, like Jade stone, seafood waste, scrap cotton, and recycled spandex. The rest is Supima®, the best 1% cotton in the world. Our fabrics will keep your skin temp up to 5 degrees cooler and keeps you feeling fresh. This is natural performance. All while still being luxuriously soft and comfortable for just about anything - golf, work, or travel. HyperNatural also has a wide range of fresh colors, simple modern design details like a hidden glass cleaning pocket and no wasteful interior tags – just a QR code. Can you walk us through the development process of your luxurious proprietary fabric? How were you able to create a product made with innovative materials from natural, renewable, and biodegradable sources? First, we grind down Jade stone (mining waste) and Crabs shells (food waste), into a microscopic powder. Then blend them with scrap cotton yarns (waste) left over from our spinning mills. These regenerated materials are used in about 50% of the garment, instead of using virgin sources like farms or forests to produce new fibers. Hypernatural mixes the Jade Stone and Crab Shells powders through a viscose process to create our own Hyper-Cool Jade® yarn, which is then spun with Supima® cotton and recycled Creora® spandex, to create a whole new luxurious material. Tell us about how you chose your brand totem, the magpie. How does it relate to HyperNatural's brand message? I fell in love with Magpies after a ski trip we took to Banff in Canada. Magpies are beautiful, resourceful, and very disruptive. Turns out Magpie are one of the most intelligent creatures in the natural world. We have always been inspired by the genius of nature and our potential when we learn how to work with nature, and not against it. So, when I learned a flock of Magpies is called a ‘Mischief’ – our totem was born. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of HyperNatural

Also named the #1 Resort in the Florida Keys by Condé Nast Traveler this year, this is the 2nd year in a row that The Marker Resort has earned the prestigious Forbes accolade The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, a modern waterfront resort ideally located on the Key West Historic Seaport, managed by Highgate, has earned a Recommended Award in Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Awards for the second year in a row and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com. Forbes Travel Guide, the world-renowned authority on excellence in hospitality, is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. The resort was also recently named the “#1 Resort in the Florida Keys” by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Just steps from the lively Duval Street and Mallory Square, The Marker Key West Harbor Resort immerses guests in a tranquil hideaway among the Florida Keys’ world-famous attractions. The Marker offers a hidden sanctuary of lush tropical grounds, three saltwater pools, and an open-air restaurant and bar for alfresco dining. Each of its 96 spacious and luxurious guest rooms features a private balcony, perfectly appointed design elements and Key West-inspired touches. “We are thrilled to be honored by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide for the second year in a row,” said Yunior Rodriguez, general manager of The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. “This recognition is a testament to our staff’s dedication to providing every guest with excellent service and hospitality for an unforgettable experience.” “Travel is in an incredible position for continued growth, as people prioritize authentic, in-person experiences,” said Amanda Frasier, president of ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “The hotels, ocean cruises, restaurants and spas on our 2023 Star Rating list demonstrate an impressive commitment to creating memorable environments that nurture connection, joy and a sense of place as we experience the world to its fullest.” To view the 2023 Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. To view the review on The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, click here. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here. To learn more about The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, visit themarkerkeywest.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

In celebration of Women's History Month, Apple will be featuring a variety of powerful women as part of its “Women in Power" event series at Apple Aventura from March 9th – 15th. Latin Grammy Award winning artist paopao will kick off the events on March 9th at 7PM with a live performance from her solo EP, diamante$ + espina$. Following her performance, Christian Acosta, presenter, actor and face of Latin Award show red carpets, will lead an exclusive Q&A. Apple's “Women in Power" event series continues on Wednesday, March 15 at 5PM with: Readings from Arsimmer McCoy, author of “Leah from The Heights," a personal narrative about growing up, educating and raising children in Miami. Live art from Miami-based multi-disciplinary artist Chris Friday whose art and murals have been seen in Miami hotels and in Miami Beach Urbn Studios. Performances from Miami-based artist Muzelle, a classically trained improv violinist who also performs dance and visual art. Sign Up: March 9th w/ paopao performance & March 15th “Women in Power” event. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Of Apple Inc.

Miami is known for its vibrant LGBTQ community. The magic city is home to a number of organizations and support groups that work to promote acceptance, equality, and understanding for the LGBTQ community. Here are some of the most prominent LGBTQ support places in Miami: Pridelines Pridelines is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ youth. Their programs include counseling services, peer support groups, and educational workshops on topics such as HIV prevention and healthy relationships. To learn more about Pridelines, visit https://pridelines.org/. The LGBT Visitor Center The LGBT Visitor Center is a community center that provides information, resources, and support for LGBTQ residents and visitors to Miami. The center offers a variety of services, including social events, health and wellness programs, and referrals to local LGBTQ-friendly businesses. Visit https://www.gogaymiami.com/lgbt-visitor-center to learn more. SAVE SAVE is an organization that works to promote and protect LGBTQ rights through advocacy, education, and outreach. Their programs include community organizing, public policy advocacy, and legal services for LGBTQ individuals and families. To learn more about SAVE, visit https://www.savesfbay.org/. Unity Coalition Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is a non-profit organization that focuses on advancing equality and fairness for LGBTQ individuals and allies in South Florida. Their programs include cultural events, leadership development, and advocacy for LGBTQ rights. To learn more about Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, visit https://www.unitycoalition.org/. TransSOCIAL TransSOCIAL is a support group for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, providing a safe space for community and education. Their programs include peer support groups, educational workshops, and social events. To learn more about TransSOCIAL, visit https://www.facebook.com/transsocialmiami/. Aqua Foundation for Women Aqua Foundation for Women is an organization that focuses on advancing the lives of LGBTQ women and their families through community outreach, education, and leadership development. Their programs include mentorship, educational scholarships, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more about Aqua Foundation for Women, visit https://aquafoundation.org/. YES Institute YES Institute is an organization that works to prevent suicide and violence among LGBTQ youth through education and support. Their programs include workshops for educators, healthcare professionals, and community members to promote LGBTQ acceptance and inclusion. To learn more about YES Institute, visit https://www.yesinstitute.org/. Switchboard Miami Switchboard Miami is a hotline and referral service for LGBTQ individuals in need of support or resources. They provide crisis counseling, referrals to LGBTQ-friendly services, and assistance with navigating legal and social issues. To learn more about Switchboard Miami, visit https://switchboardmiami.org/. By ML Staff. Gif/flag-LGBTQ by NewFest for NYC pride, FontSelf . Commons Wiki. Flag picture by Cecilie Johnsen on Unsplash

The bold Albanian-born fashion influencer and LGBTQ+ activist Elton Ilirjani stole the show at New York Fashion Week on February 14, 2023, strutting down the runway for BESFXXK as part of the Concept Korea runway show at Spring Studios. Closing the show in a pink and black hybrid puffer coat dress, Ilirjani closed the show as the last model on the runway, as music by BAAWALA blared on the speakers, as guests were surrounded by towering skyscrapers of the Manhattan skyline outside the studio windows. As a fierce leader of the genderless model movement, Ilirjani's performance was praised and celebrated. Audience and critics alike were in awe of their poise, elegance, and commanding presence on the runway. “The piece I wore was wonderful,” recalls Ilirjani. “It was a dream come true. When I walk the runway, it isn’t just for myself, but an entire movement. Genderless models need to be seen on the runway—and heard, too.” “As a trailblazing piece in South Korean fashion, it was a cosmic experience. I call this outfit the ‘Rotation of Dreams,’ as I spun around on the catwalk while wearing it,” they said Ilirjani is breaking new boundaries in the fashion scene, as a genderless model. Since first becoming a fashion influencer when they arrived in the US in 2018, Ilirjani has taken New York by storm. Whether they are collaborating with South Korean brands, walking runway shows or hobnobbing with the city’s cultural elite at red carpet events, it’s all a part of Ilirjani’s everyday activism. Fashion activism, that is. Ilirjani is a rising star in the fashion scene, known for their fashion sense, striking features, and eccentric personality. They led a fashion protest that gripped Art Basel Miami Beach, several runway shows at New York Fashion Week, and was called “a fashion icon” by Forbes, and is noted for their inclusivity in V Magazine and LA Weekly. In fact, Elton has been known for breaking norms both on the runway, and off. As the CEO of the HeadHunter Group, a recruiting firm in 15 countries, they are also the founder of Dignity Global, a non-profit that aims to help minorities fight workplace discrimination. By walking the catwalk during New York Fashion Week, it helps further Ilirjani’s philanthropic goal of battling workplace discrimination for women and the LGBTQIIA+ communities. “I founded the Dignity Global Foundation for inclusion at the workplace and during the job interview; it was mainly focused on equal rights employment for the LGBTQIIA+ community and women,” they said. “Seven years ago, we also started two big protest movements, like the “Lipstick Movement” and “Nobody is Straight Movement,” both of which focus on equal rights for the Transgenders people of color in the US. This group of people is most discriminated against, and mainly violated and in some cases, murdered in some southern states in America.” Breaking gender normal is part of Elton’s fabulous every day. They are equal parts feminine and masculine, challenging the conventional binary gender roles in the fashion industry. With more and more fashion brands introducing genderless collections to their runway shows, why not include more non-binary models to the runway, too? It just makes sense. “I believe that genderless models stand outside the standardized “beauty” box, and are helping make the fashion industry more inclusive for women and the LGBTQIIA+ communities,” said Ilirjani. “Genderless models are the very first step into freedom in the fashion industry.” Their willingness to push boundaries and transcend gender stereotypes has been praised by many as a step towards inclusivity and diversity in fashion. When asked about being a genderless model on the runway, Ilirjani said: “This is the future of modeling. The fashion industry is no longer old-fashioned, discriminatory, or objectifying women. Genderless modeling represents everyone, it’s synonymous with the arts and creation, and is more easily absorbed by the general public.” Ilirjani's appearance at New York Fashion Week was a testament to their talent and skills as a model, as well as his outspoken passion for bringing awareness to the gender equality movement. His performance helped to elevate the visibility of Concept Korea and Korean fashion, cementing his status as a standout performer of the event. They are here to revolutionize the fashion industry and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future, too. Next up, Elton Ilirjani is walking in four runway shows for Seoul Fashion Week 2023 in March; on March 15 for MMAM, on March 16 for Seokwoon Yon, on March 17 for Greedilous, and on March 19 for Maison Nica. “I am excited to walk these runway shows because I will be walking wonderful outfits, and some of them are magical,” said Ilirjani. “The runway studios are huge and futuristic, I am going 14 hours ahead in time zone, and 100 years ahead in fashion; I will be stepping towards the future.” Ilirjani believes South Korean fashion designers are overlooked by the mainstream fashion industry. “They are creative, hard workers, talented, have dignity, and they love simplicity in fashion,” Ilirjani said. “They are also humble people, in contrast to the European spirit and pride who sometimes pre-judge. They make all models feel beautiful and handsome. In the end, this should be an industry of love and inclusion, and not of slavery and human cruelty.” By ML Staff. Images Courtesy OF Elton Ilirjani

This chic chocolate tart is a dessert to impress, and it’s much easier than it looks. This chic chocolate tart looks like it came from a fancy bakery, but don’t be intimidated by its elegant appearance! It’s actually super easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. It features three indulgent layers: a press-in shortbread crust (no rolling pin required), a truffle-like chocolate filling, and a glossy chocolate glaze. For best results, I recommend using high-quality chocolate, like Ghirardelli or Guittard, because the flavor really shines through. You can make this tart up to 2 days in advance (just hold off on the glaze until the day you’re serving it). To make it, you’ll need a 9.5-inch tart pan with a removable bottom; these pans are affordable and easy to find at any kitchen shop or online. Give this chocolate tart a try — I promise it’s much easier than it looks! CHOCOLATE TART INGREDIENTS STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Make the Crust In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula and add the flour. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, until the flour is incorporated. The mixture will look like wet, clumpy sand. Add the egg yolk. Mix on low speed until the yolk is evenly incorporated and the dough is clumpy, about 30 seconds. Using your hand, lightly knead the dough into a ball inside the bowl. Remove the dough from the bowl, press it into a 6-inch disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Lightly spray a 9.5-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with nonstick cooking spray. Pinch off pieces of dough and press them against the sides of the pan to reach between ⅛ and ¼ inch thick. Using the heel of your hand, press the rest of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. (It will look like a mess, and it may initially seem like you won’t have enough dough, but have faith, it will come together. If you run out of dough, you’ve made the crust too thick.) Be sure there are no seams in the dough and press it squarely along the corners where the bottom meets the sides of the pan to avoid extra-thick edges. Use a paring knife to trim the top edge of the dough so it is even with the rim of the pan. Press any scraps into the bottom crust. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Place the chilled crust on a baking sheet (for easy handling) and bake until dry and very lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack while you prepare the filling. Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling Place the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil and then pour over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then whisk until melted and smooth. Add the sugar and salt. Whisk until well incorporated, then add the eggs and vanilla. Whisk again until smooth. Pour the filling into the baked tart shell and pop any air bubbles with a toothpick. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is mostly set but still a bit wobbly in the center. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour. The tart can be refrigerated at this point for up to 2 days (but bring to room temperature before glazing). Step 3: Make the Chocolate Glaze On the day of serving, pour the cream and corn syrup into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until boiling, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the chocolate and let stand for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to soften. Whisk gently until the chocolate is melted and smooth, then whisk in the hot water. Working quickly so it doesn’t cool and thicken, pour the glaze onto the center of the tart. Carefully tilt the tart around to allow the glaze to run evenly to the edges. Let stand until the glaze is set, about 1 hour, and leave out at room temperature until serving. Remove the outer ring from the tart pan. Insert a metal spatula between the crust and pan bottom to loosen the tart and slide it onto a serving platter (or just leave the bottom in place). Cut into wedges, wiping the knife clean in between slices, and serve plain or with sweetened whipped cream. Leftovers will keep nicely in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (although the glaze will lose its sheen). Chocolate Tart By Jennifer Segal This chic chocolate tart is a dessert to impress, and it’s much easier than it looks. Servings: 10 to 12 INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUST 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off 1 large egg yolk FOR THE CHOCOLATE FILLING 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, best quality such as Ghiradelli or Guittard, chopped or broken into small pieces 1¼ cups heavy cream 2 tablespoons sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract FOR THE CHOCOLATE GLAZE 3 tablespoons heavy cream 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, best quality such as Ghiradelli or Guittard, chopped or broken into small pieces 1 tablespoon hot water INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CRUST In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, and salt on medium speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the flour and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, until the flour is incorporated. The mixture will look like wet, clumpy sand. Add the egg yolk and mix on low speed until the yolk is evenly incorporated and the dough is clumpy, about 30 seconds. Using your hand, lightly knead the dough into a ball inside the bowl. Remove the dough from the bowl, press it into a 6-inch disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Lightly spray a 9.5-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with nonstick cooking spray. Pinch off pieces of dough and press them against the sides of the pan to reach between ⅛ and ¼ inch thick. Using the heel of your hand, press the rest of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. (It will look like a mess, and it may initially seem like you won't have enough dough, but have faith, it will come together. If you run out of dough, you’ve made the crust too thick.) Be sure there are no seams in the dough and press it squarely along the corners where the bottom meets the sides of the pan to avoid extra-thick edges. Use a paring knife to trim the top edge of the dough so it is even with the rim of the pan. Press any scraps into the bottom crust. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Place the chilled crust on a baking sheet (for easy handling) and bake until dry and very lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack while you prepare the filling. FOR THE CHOCOLATE FILLING Place the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for a few minutes, then whisk until melted and smooth. Add the sugar and salt and whisk until well incorporated. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until completely smooth. Pour the filling into the baked tart shell and pop any air bubbles with a toothpick. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is mostly set but still a bit wobbly in the center. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour. The tart can be refrigerated at this point for up to 2 days (but bring to room temperature before glazing). FOR THE CHOCOLATE GLAZE On the day of serving, pour the cream and corn syrup into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until boiling, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the chocolate and let stand for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to soften. Whisk gently until the chocolate is melted and smooth, then whisk in the hot water. Working quickly so it doesn’t cool and thicken, pour the glaze onto the center of the tart, then carefully tilt the tart around to allow the glaze to run evenly to the edges. Let stand until the glaze is set, about 1 hour, and leave out at room temperature until serving. Remove the outer ring from the tart pan. Insert a metal spatula between the crust and pan bottom to loosen the tart and slide it onto a serving platter (or just leave the bottom in place). Cut into wedges, wiping the knife clean between slices, and serve plain or with sweetened whipped cream. Leftovers will keep nicely in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (although the glaze will lose its sheen). Make-Ahead Instructions: The tart can be made, without the glaze up to 2 days ahead of time, and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before glazing. NUTRITION INFORMATION Per serving (12 servings) Calories:382 Fat:27 g Saturated fat:16 g Carbohydrates:36 g Sugar:24 g Fiber:2 g Protein:4 g Sodium:125 mg Cholesterol:106 mg Special thanks to Jennifer Segal, for the recipe and images. You can support Jennifer by purchasing her cookbook, "Once Upon a Chef, the Cookbook," featuring over 100 delightful recipes.

The Miami Individual Artists (MIA) Grants Program provides non-matching awards to individual artists of all disciplines in Miami-Dade County on a competitive basis to support their artistic development and practice. In recognition of the contributions of Miami-Dade’s outstanding artists to the fundamental vitality and creativity of our cultural community, the MIA Grants Program strongly encourages applications from professional artists of the highest caliber with a recognized body of original artwork, and who are deeply rooted in Miami’s diverse cultural life. GUIDELINES & APPLICATON: visit here Awards of up to $10,000 will be made to selected artists APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday March 17, 11:59PM MORE ON MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL AFFAIRS The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, diversity, and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting equitable opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. The Department receives funding through the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Peacock Foundation, Inc., and The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation. Other support and services are provided by TicketWeb for the Culture Shock Miami program, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Florida Cultural Consortium, and the Tourist Development Council. For more information, please visit www.miamidadearts.org. By ML Staff. Images courtesy Of Miami Dade Art. Top image by Edgar

eMerge Americas is the premier technology conference transforming Miami into a global tech hub. Attracting venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and technology innovators from across the world to our vibrant shores, eMerge offers a unique tech event in one of the world’s most diverse locales. Catch Chamath Palihapitiya and Mayor Francis Suarez IRL as they talk all-things tech, the venture capital landscape, the macro economy, AI, entrepreneurship and much more. Seize this opportunity to hear them live on the Main Stage at eMerge Americas 2023. Attendees will experience the latest advancements in technology through interactive exhibits, live workshops and product demos at the state-of-art Miami Beach Convention Center on April 20+ 21, 2023. For more info and registration details visit: https://emergeamericas.com By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Of eMerge Americas

On March 11th & 12, 2023, the 16th Annual Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) Music Festival will showcase the depth and diversity of some of South Florida’s most talented artists with an exciting home-grown artist lineup just announced. Local acts performing on the 2nd stage include 2016 JITG alums April RaQuel and Lavie, along with 2018 JITG alum Ronnie, the VOP – produced and backed up by Miami’s most popular R&B band, Jody Hill and the Deep-Fried Funk Band. On Saturday, March 11th, April RaQuel, a multi-talented singer, songwriter, model and accomplished entertainer will bring her special brand of soul, funk and fierce fashion with her on stage artistry. Her powerful, captivating voice holds its own merit, lighting up the stage with her bold presence, commanding the attention of all. April displays an impressive range and depth, unmatched exuberance and a soulful voice and energy like no other. Among many accolades and accomplishments, April RaQuel was recently featured on the Ready to Love Miami TV show 2022. On Sunday, March 12th, jazz and soul songstress LaVie will tell her story through music. Raised by Haitian immigrant parents, LaVie discovered her love for music at a young age. In 2009, LaVie released her first inspired soul album titled “Life Music. In 2015, LaVie toured 10 major cities including New York City, Boston, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh, opening for the son of Bob Marley, KyMani Marley. In 2016, LaVie performed at the 11th Annual Jazz in the Gardens to thousands of enthusiastic jazz lovers. Additionally, Ronnie D. Smith Jr., an American singer, songwriter, also known as Ronnie The VOP, which stands for “Voice of Platinum”, will perform an exciting set of R&B and hip hop hits also on Sunday. Smith appeared as a contestant on season two of FOX’s hit music competition series, “The Four: Battle for Stardom” featuring a panel of industry experts including Sean “Diddy” Combs, DJ Khalid and Meghan Trainor. Smith also performed the National Anthem for President Barack Obama. JITG’s 2nd stage is produced by Jody Hill Live Entertainment. Backing up all artists on the alternate stage is Jody Hill and Deep-Fried Funk, South Florida’s own powerful, high energy R&B band who boasts wide popularity in the region, known for performing at a prime selection of high-profile events. DFF’s performances are characterized with a professional sound, performing an extensive musical repertoire and creating unstoppable grooves that always get audiences on their feet. “Jazz in the Gardens is not only a spectacular music festival, but it's also a celebration of our culture where we create all types of opportunities for our local community to get involved,” said City of Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris. “We are fortunate to have world-renowned artists perform at the event, but it's also important to get our local artists engaged. We are looking forward to the performances of our local artists, and we're excited to share the creativity and talents of these individuals from our community.” These local acts will open for an A-list artist lineup of award-winning R&B, neo-soul, reggae and gospel artists, including Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Sean Paul, Jodeci, Ari Lennox, El Debarge, Mike Phillips, the Adam Blackstone Experiece, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore and Pastor Mike, Jr. Tickets on sale now http://www.jazzinthegardens.com More About The City of Miami Gardens The City of Miami Gardens will celebrate its 20th anniversary of incorporation in 2023. With a population of approximately 113,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid professional community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African American municipality in Florida and boasts thousands of Caribbean and Hispanic residents. The City is the home of the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Dolphins football team, University of Miami Hurricanes football team, Orange Bowl football game, 2020 Super Bowl, Miami Tennis Open, the Miami Dolphins Training Facility and home of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix Race. The City has demonstrated steady growth in the areas of community and economic development and has gained a reputation for being a premier destination in South Florida. Miami Gardens is a 2020 All-America City, www.miamigardens-fl.gov. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of South Florida Local Artists

Multiple sclerosis is characterized by an immune system gone haywire. A patient’s immune system starts treating the protective coating of the nerves – called myelin – as dangerous. The subsequent nerve damage can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness, pain and vision loss. MS currently has no cure, and doctors still don’t completely understand what causes it. Multiple sclerosis involves the immune system attacking the protective myelin sheath of neurons. koto_feja/iStock via Getty Images Plus While there is a genetic component to MS, environmental factors also play a big role in determining whether someone will develop the disease. Recent evidence suggests that what’s in your digestive tract may also be a meaningful contributor to disease risk. My colleagues and I at the University of Virginia are working to understand the two-way communication between the human body and the bacteria that live in its digestive system. In our recently published research, we found that bile acid in the intestines could be harnessed to protect people at high risk of MS from developing the disease, offering a new avenue for drug development. Multiple sclerosis results when the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath of neurons.ttsz/iStock via Getty Images Plus The gut microbiome and autoimmunity Trillions of bacteria live in the human gut. They help the body with everything from digesting food to preventing the overgrowth of infectious and dangerous bacteria. They also “educate” the immune system to recognize what is dangerous and what is not. If this process is disturbed, the immune system may become overactive and start to treat natural parts of the body as dangerous. This is called autoimmunity. Scientists believe that one way bacteria and the immune system communicate with each other is through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, or AHR, which resides in most cells of the body. This protein acts like an emergency call center – when it encounters certain chemicals, it will identify the appropriate response and send a signal to the cell recommending what it should do. While researchers have shown that signals from AHR influence multiple sclerosis development, how it does so is unclear. To better understand what AHR is doing specifically in the guts of patients with MS, we genetically engineered mice that are missing AHR in some of their immune cells. By silencing AHR’s activity, we could understand what role it may be playing in autoimmunity. We expected to learn more from this experiment about the molecular communication of immune cells. Instead we found something surprising: The gut environment in these mice had changed. Specifically, the chemical composition of their guts had been altered, indicating that the metabolism of gut bacteria had shifted. This meant that AHR is not only sensing what’s going on in the gut, but the receptor is also actively shaping its environment. The gut contains the largest number of immune cells in the body. More importantly, we found that mice without AHR were able to recover from MS. In our mouse model of MS, we induced autoimmunity by immunizing mice against myelin, the protective layer surrounding neurons. This meant that the immune system of the mice was primed to attack myelin, leading to the poor muscle control and paralysis seen in MS. We wanted to test whether the gut microbiome played a role in why mice without AHR were able to recover. When we transplanted the gut bacteria from the digestive tracts of mice without AHR into mice with AHR, we found that the mice with AHR were also able to recover from paralysis. This meant that the gut microbiome was driving recovery from MS. We also found that the guts of mice without AHR had high levels of bile acids – chemicals produced in the liver and secreted into the intestines that help with digestion. Bile acids are often broken down by the resident bacteria in the gut. One bile acid in particular, called taurocholic acid, was especially concentrated in mice without AHR. To test whether taurocholic acid offered protection against MS, we fed this chemical to mice with AHR as they started to develop autoimmunity to myelin. While control mice that were fed saline became paralyzed from the waist down, the mice that were fed taurocholic acid just got a little wobbly before they recovered. With further investigation, we discovered that these mice were able to recover their motor control because their immune cells were not as strong. Exposing their immune cells to bile acids shortened the life span of the cells, thus preventing them from causing as much damage to myelin and motor neurons. While we still do not understand why bile acids weaken immune cells, we believe it may be a key step to understanding how to interrupt autoimmunity in MS and other autoimmune disorders. Better treatments for multiple sclerosis Current available therapies for autoimmune disorders like MS are immunosuppressant drugs that quiet the immune response. While these drugs can reduce relapse and delay disease progression, they can also put patients at high risk of infection and difficult side effects. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the danger of having a weakened immune system has become even more apparent. Finding other avenues to quiet an overactive immune system, such as through bile acids, could help researchers create safer drugs that could help prevent or treat disease. The body produces eight different bile acids that each have different chemical properties. Our team is working to identify whether taurocholic acid is truly the best option for treating MS or if another bile acid – or a combination of several – would be more effective. Bile acids are far from ready to be used as treatment in people. But we believe that the key to preventing multiple sclerosis may be inside us already. Words By Andrea Merchak Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience, University of Virginia. Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission.

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour is thrilled to announce, for the third year in a row, the property is one of the premier hotel partners for the Fleur de Villes luxury floral company’s new VOYAGE collection. The VOYAGE collection is a fresh floral exhibition celebrating the journey of discovery inspired by iconic global destinations. Mannequins donned in garments made of fresh buds and blossoms hand-crafted by local florists, honoring historical and cultural icons will commemorate the culture, people and heritage of exotic destinations around the world. This one-of-a-kind exhibition will be complementary to the public and displayed in the beachfront resort’s lobby and in the nearby Bal Harbour Shops from March 3 - 12, 2023. Eloquently themed to align with the heritage of The-Ritz Carlton brand, two Hollywood icons known for their wanderlust and discovery will be honored at this year's VOYAGE exhibition: the iconic Casablanca duo Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. Ingrid Bergman showcased in the lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, and Humphrey Bogart, located at Bal Harbour Shops. These onscreen old flames embody the desire to explore exciting cultures, traditions and people through their collective journeys both on and off the big screen. The lush display at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour will be accompanied by additional offerings onsite, including Casablanca-inspired cocktails and botanical-themed dining options at Artisan Beach House. At the same time, Exhale Spa will incorporate Moroccan oil-based spa treatments and complimentary yoga classes featuring floral aromatherapy. In addition, new to this year's exhibition, luxury perfumery the House of Krigler brand's Voyage au Paradis 56 candle will envelope the space and contribute an olfactory sensation of journey and discovery to the Ingrid Bergman display. MORE ON FLEURS DE VILLES Founded in 2015 by lifestyle and media experts Tina Barkley and Karen Marshall, Fleurs de Villes is a Vancouver-based luxury brand specializing in bespoke fresh-floral experiences and activations. Champions of experiential marketing in the form of large-scale floral installations, Fleurs de Villes is a floral storyteller, bringing to bloom brand legacies through flowers. Gardens, venues and shopping districts come to life through fresh-floral place-making and retail engagement, plus collaborations with some of the world’s biggest luxury brands and entertainment franchises. Fleurs de Villes has produced more than 60 luxury floral shows in major destinations across Canada, the United States, England, Scotland and Australia, with Fleurs de Villes Boston and Dallas debuting in 2023. Leveraging local floral talent in every city, Fleurs de Villes creates authentic, engaging 360-degree experiences with omni-channel touch points across digital, video, social, print and live platforms. For more information, please visit www.fleursdevilles.com By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Of Fleur De Villes