The Webster Boutique Miami

In South Florida fashion isn't just another generic concept for locals, it has become a way of life. As one of the few regions in the world, where Europe, South America, and the United States come together to create a culmination of cultures and styles, South Florida is truly a place of fashion enlightenment -where designers, artists, and fashionistas get the chance to throw on some of the most daring pieces of a sensational collection, turning the sidewalks into their very own runway show.

In this new column, I will regularly explore the ever-evolving world of fashion in South and Central Florida, discovering the latest trends, disastrous looks, hottest shopping spots, and, of course, meet some of the most fascinating people behind all that glitters here in our multi-billion dollar land of glamour. Needless to say, I've got a lot of ground to cover and am very excited to showcase it all here in the pages of Hotspots each month.

For my very first column, I would like to pay homage to one of the most fashionable clothing boutiques in South Florida, The Webster. Located in the heart of South Beach, right behind The Palace on Collins and 12th, The Webster accentuates all that makes South Florida so incredibly unique.

The boutique is housed in a gorgeous three level Art Deco building, designed by famed architect Henry Hohauser in 1939, and regularly showcases the collections of some of the biggest names in fashion. One of my favorite aspects of shopping at The Webster is the opportunity to indulge in a delicious libation, while perusing the high-end fashion labels.

"Our first floor is dedicated to more contemporary designers with a more sportswear/fun aesthetic, including Lanvin sneakers, Acne jeans, Alex Wang T-shirts, Ice Cream shorts, Orlebar Brown and Robinsons les Bains bathing suits, and printed shirts by Rag and Techno Bohemian by John Malkovich, and scarves by Julien David," explains Laure Heriard Dubreuil, co-founder and buyer of The Webster.

"Our second floor is made to feel like a very comfortable living room with chocolate brown walls and carpet, BDDW furniture, big black velvet couches, and vintage wallpapers everywhere. You can choose from Tom Ford tuxedo jackets to Balmain motorcycle jeans, YSL suits to Margiela leather trenches... Fashion/art books and magazines are available while you have drinks in the lobby or on the roof, and the entire building smells like our own Webster Orange Blossom candle."

Sounds like quite an experience already! A place that can combine my two favorite pastimes of drinking and shopping is certainly a place I can easily call home!

And by speaking with Laure, it seems that I am not the only person who really appreciates the wonderful fashions and shopping experience available at The Webster. Jet setters and A-listers including Mary J. Blige, Rachel Zoe, Kanye West, Naomi Campbell, and Miami's own Gloria Estefan have become regulars of this trendy little boutique.

Now as we gear up for spring, I just had to get the inside scoop on the upcoming fashions, and without a second of hesitation, Laure filled me in:

"For men's spring, we noticed a lot of color and print and definitely a more adventuress man when it comes to fashion. The line is being blurred on the classics. Leopard worn with plaid and stripes. It's a very fun time for fashion and we're loving it!"

Laure also mentioned that she is seeing a lot of people shopping for almost anything coming out of the fashion house of Givenchy.

"Riccardo Tisci has really grown into his aesthetic at Givenchy and a lot of people have noticed that. We have requests daily for items from the shows, whether it be the sold out Rottweiler shirts from fall or the very opposite, a bird of paradise jacket from spring."

As for the Webster's gay clientele, Laure just adores her gay shoppers.

"Our gay clientele is definitely buying the more fashion-forward and daring/colorful pieces. It's very exciting to know that they'll own these pieces and wear them in a way that no one else will."

And with gay fashion icons the likes of Lady Gaga leading the pack, I could not agree more with Laure. As gay men, we don't just wear it better; we own the look!

Now if you'll please excuse me, my glass of Veuve Clicquot is getting warm, and there's a gorgeous new Tom Ford jacket screaming my name!

'Til next month!