10 November 2025 |
South Florida’s legendary shopping destination hosted guests for a night of champagne, caviar, and surprise performances.
Last week, Bal Harbour Shops marked six decades as Miami’s preeminent luxury destination with a celebration befitting its status. Founded in 1965 by Stanley Whitman, the family-owned destination has evolved from a former World War II barracks site into a global standard-bearer for high-end retail.
More than 1,000 guests, including Karolina Kurkova and Chanel Iman, gathered among the shops’ signature koi ponds and palm trees for an evening that transformed the space. Upon arrival, guests encountered a hotel-inspired check-in desk and a gallery of archival advertisements before entering the reimagined corridors lined with champagne bars, oyster stations, preview tastings from China Grill and Slim’s, and even a Prada hot chocolate cart.
The Collins Club took over part of the first floor, complete with a stage, dance floor, and velvet curtains. DJ Isaac Likes kept the energy high before surprise performances by Chaka Khan and Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes had the entire room on its feet.
Karolina Kurkova; event ambiance. Photographer Richard Alvarez
Balmain marked the occasion with an exhibition celebrating its own 80th anniversary, showcasing heritage pieces—some displayed publicly for the first time—alongside contemporary designs, archival sketches, and vintage photographs. Yafa Signed Jewels presented four vitrines of museum-quality vintage pieces, while Braman Miami displayed its newest Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles.
“As we celebrate six decades of excellence, we honor not only the legacy built by my grandfather but also the community of brands, guests, and partners who have shaped our story,” said Matthew Whitman Lazenby, the shops’ President and CEO. “Bal Harbour Shops has always been more than a destination—it’s a timeless reflection of what makes luxury truly enduring.”
