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Introduction
UBS Adventures in Craft
The people and places shaping Miami
Set against a tropical backdrop with a thriving arts scene, Miami stands as one of North America’s most dynamic points of entry, where cultures and disciplines converge along palm-lined streets.
The city’s famous blend of Latin American heritage and modern design is just one expression of its innate experimentation and creativity. In neighbourhoods like the vibrant Design District, rich in galleries and boutiques, and Little Haiti, where music, food and art intersect, Miami embodies a distinctive cultural fusion.
There are examples across the city: coffee shops double as motorcycle workshops, fashion boutiques host art shows, and dining is accompanied by Cuban flair bartending and live music.
Our guide celebrates the makers whose fearless dedication to craft – marked by their thoughtful, deliberate actions and a deep appreciation for the journey of creation – is shaping Miami into an international cultural destination. This spirit of ambition and passion resonates with UBS, whose commitment to fostering visionaries spans more than 160 years. With their advisors on hand, you can confidently pursue your own bold ideas – just like the 10 individuals included throughout this special edition.
Discover the convergence of craft in Miami
Miami’s geography is as dynamic as its creative spirit. Nestled between the Everglades and the Atlantic, the city thrives on contrasts, where skyscrapers rise alongside mangroves and coral reefs. This unique environment – a blend of lush subtropics and expansive waterfronts – nurtures a creative energy and a sense that anything is possible.
The city attracts people from around the world to forge thriving, close-knit communities such as Miami Beach, Little Havana and Wynwood. Here, artists, designers and makers adapt to the constant influx of influences, reflecting Miami’s ever-evolving character.
While this map highlights where to find the 10 protagonists featured in this guide, the city’s creativity is waiting to be discovered around every corner.
This map includes a special selection of places we’d recommend visiting in Miami. Scroll to explore:
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From a community-minded curator to a celebrated Cuban bartender, these Miami locals are fusing the city’s many influences to create a cultural hub unlike any other.
1/10
An oasis of modern design
Stephan Weishaupt
Founder, Weishaupt Design Group
Avenue Road’s Miami Beach Villa is a treasure trove of exquisite modernist items from designers such as Oscar Niemeyer, David Weeks and Christophe Delcourt. Visit the immersive design hub by appointment only.
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2/10
Where culture becomes cuisine
Sebastián Vargas
Chef, Los Félix
Sebastián Vargas is the visionary chef behind the multisensory dining experience at Los Félix. Here, he honours indigenous ingredients and flavours in a laid back atmosphere.
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3/10
Luxury with a tropical twist
Laure Hériard Dubreuil
Founder, The Webster and LHD
Miami’s shopping mecca serves up an eclectic mix of luxury designers and fashion-forward labels, curated by Paris-born founder Laure Hériard Dubreuil and displayed in an iconic Art Deco building.
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4/10
Curating for the community
Franklin Sirmans
Director, Pérez Art Museum Miami
Under Franklin Sirmans, the Pérez Art Museum Miami has become a dynamic hub for Caribbean and Latin American art, showcasing diverse contemporary voices in a striking waterfront setting.
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5/10
Ride, roast, repeat
Matt McKenna
Founder, Imperial Moto Café
Imperial Moto Café merges motorcycle culture and artisanal coffee in an industrial-chic atmosphere for those who appreciate craftsmanship in any form.
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6/10
From bean to bar and beyond
Carolina Quijano
Founder, Exquisito Chocolates
At her newly opened café and shop, Carolina Quijano crafts bean-to-bar products from cacao and unrefined cane sugar to highlight the chocolate’s terroir.
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7/10
Spirits in style
Julio Cabrera
Founder and master bartender, Cafe La Trova
At this Little Havana hotpot Julio Cabrera has become a celebrated ambassador for Cuban culture by bringing its cantinero style of bartending to America.
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8/10
A way with words
Mitchell Kaplan
Founder, Books & Books
A beloved hub for Miami’s literary scene, this flagship shop regularly hosts visiting international authors and local literary salons.
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9/10
World-class waters
Rachel Silverstein
CEO, Miami Waterkeeper
Working to protect Miami’s famed beaches, this organisation advocates for clean water practices to safeguard the city’s waterways for future generations.
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10/10
A modern communion
Gabriella Zamora & Aubrey Russell
Founders, Sobremesa
Gabriella Zamora and Aubrey Russell bring unique, producer-forward wines to Miami at their wine shop, which also hosts tasting nights for the community.
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