Carolyn DiPaoloBal Harbour Shops and CityPickle pop ups fill in the blanks this season.
As CityPlace remakes itself, two on-trend pop-ups are filling in the gaps.
Why it matters: The attractions fill a hole in the heart of CityPlace left by the demolition of shops and the AMC movie theaters to make way for two office towers.
- Construction of the first tower is expected to begin after the pop-ups pop out.
The Bal Harbour Pop-up is an open-air collection of expensive clothing, shoes and jewelry a shopper would see at the historic fashion center in Miami-Dade County or even on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.
- The mall was among the first to offer European designers in the United States when it opened in 1965, long before luxury brands and their knockoffs could be found across America and online.
Context: The traveling show typically sets up shop in smaller towns without, say, a Tiffany’s in driving distance. The last two stops were Greenville, S.C., and Miramar Beach, in the Florida panhandle.
Stet visited the pop-up, which is open through Jan. 15, as part of a preview for supporters of the YMCA.
What we found: Inviting storefronts peek out of white shipping containers arranged around a palm-shaded courtyard.
- Instead of the stereotypical cool reception from the luxury sellers inside, we met engaging, down-to-earth staff members.
Don’t miss: Take in the heavenly scents at the outpost of Italian fragrance maker Santa Maria Novella. The boutique traces its origin to a 13th century apothecary in Florence.
- Try not to spill anything on the frothy couture dresses a few doors down at children’s designer Monnalisa.
The other pop-up brands are Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Etro, Lanvin and Elisabetta Franchi fashion houses; sneaker designer Golden Goose; sneaker seller Addict; New York jeweler Tiffany & Co.; and Parisian publisher Assouline.
The shops will be open through mid-January. The pickleball courts will run through March.
