The grand opening party for the Italian, multi-brand concept, The Hub Stores, was a wild success with close to 500 VIP guests at the high-energy bash in the historic Franklin Hotel on South Beach, (re-branded as the JetSet Franklin). You know it’s off-the-chart-fabulous when a couple hundred more people try to get in! #NotOnTheList #HelloSecurity
I had the honor of co-hosting the opening with European star, Rita Rusic. The Croatian-born beauty is an actress, singer and film producer from Italy who currently lives in Miami. She’s also co-owner of Violet & Grace, a divine fashion jewelry boutique within The Hub Stores.
 Michelle Halfon & Chef Wendi from Villa Emilia restaurant.jpg "Guests with (far right) Michelle Halfon & Chef Wendi from Via Emilia 9 restaurant")
The crowd at the exclusive event was a very chic, international mix of socials from various fields including media, politics, fashion, the arts, business, entertainment and sports. The talented Chef Wendi from Via Emilia 9 restaurant on South Beach, created the delish authentic Italian cuisine that kept coming all night, along with Italian wines and bubbly. That is how you throw a party.
Much like the concept store, Colette Paris, The Hub Stores is an intimate shopping paradise for fashionable luxury goods from a dozen Italian brands, located on the ground floor of the JetSet Franklin hotel (built in 1934). The stores include unique items from beaded bikinis to paintings and photography, to fashion jewelry, modern home accessories, vintage luxury watches and custom crocodile or python sneakers. There is also a charming Café Bar with a wide variety of coffees and teas.
The Hub Stores was the brainchild of real estate investor Eleonora Todaro, and real estate agent Michelle Halfon, who partnered up to form JetSet Management, a company specializing in property management. At The Hub Stores, anyone can set up their own retail space quickly by bringing their own displays and products. The spaces are about 200 square feet with unheard of short-term leases that can be a one-day pop up store during an event, to flexible month-to-month leases inside the JetSet Franklin hotel at 860 Collins Avenue.
The Italian brands featured at The Hub Stores opening:
Photographer Gianluca Bucci; Guja de Vere, hand-crafted bronze jewelry; Hausammann Gallery, one of the oldest art galleries based in Cortina; Ishikawa, 100% Italian Sneakers; Mad in Italy, modern interior design items; Miss Bikini, luxury swimwear; photographer, cinematographer Roberta de Paoli; Take Your Time vintage watches; LXR & Co Luxury bazaar, vintage handbags and accessories; Violet & Grace, unique fashion jewelry and The Hub Café, an Italian café bar.
PHOTOS: BENJAMIN THACKER
Daisy Olivera
