Alchemist — Mixing High Fashion and Concrete
Where else but in South Beach can you shop for high-end designer fashion in a parking lot that looks like a work of art?
Alchemist is a boutique enclosed within an 1,800 square-foot glass box on the fifth floor of the 1111 building on Lincoln Road, the parking garage created by famed Swedish architects Herzog and de Meuron.
Rene Gonzalez, a local architect, designed the interior which won an American Institute of Architects award. Made out of concrete, aluminum and glass, shoppers enter a soaring, minimalist white space replete with floor to ceiling glass panels that peer over Miami Beach’s skyline. The store’s reflective ceiling is lined with mirrored panels that cause a kaleidoscopic effect.
Yes, we haven’t even gotten to the clothes yet.
Alchemist’s architecture and design are meant to emphasize the cutting-edge clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry collections that are carefully curated by husband and wife owners Roma and Erika Cohen. Roma has fashion and retail in his blood with parents who own high-end boutiques in Bal Harbour and Coconut Grove, while Erika is a former magazine style editor.
The shop appeals to its clientele — many are New Yorkers and Europeans — with an array of Dior, Givenchy and Celine, alongside younger and more avant-garde labels such as Proenza Schouler, Rodarte and Rick Owens.
The jewelry is also eclectic. Vintage Chanel jewelry pieces make an appearance, as do those of Delfina Delettrez, a fourth generation Fendi heir, and Chrome Hearts, known for its gothic rock aesthetic.
Besides its famous address, Alchemist is renowned for its customer service. As a result, it has developed a loyal cult following that is more than willing to snap up those pricey, but, oh so chic, designer wares.
Alchemist is located at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida. For more information contact (305) 531-4653 or visit their website.
Image Credit: Michael Stavaridis
