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Miami’s Rich Culture Collides With Music, Wine and Food

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Interview with Chrissy Wittmann, Director of Winemaking for The Prisoner Wine Company and Latin Grammy-Nominated Star, Deborah de Corral, as she cooks up an exciting evening along One Island Park during The Prisoner’s Miami Makery.

June 18th, 2018

Where did the idea for the event come about?
Chrissy-
As Director of Winemaking for The Prisoner Wine Company, I strive to make untraditional wine blends that intrigue and excite people, and the Makery Experience series is a way for us to toast local creators who bring the same surprise and delight to their respective crafts. By hosting these pop-up gatherings, we’re able to visit cultural hubs and communities we don’t typically engage with and handpick local artisans, or Makers, to help bring their art of creation to life through an exclusive event (with plenty of wine, of course!)

How long have you been creating wine?
Chrissy- My first peek into the wine industry came when I was working at an environmental chemistry lab after college and was asked to fill in for a vacationing co-worker in the lab’s wine division. That experience piqued my interest – I became a wine chemist and, later, a laboratory enologist at Meridian Vineyards, before returning to California Polytechnic to further my education in agriculture and food science. I’ve been the Director of Winemaking here at The Prisoner Wine Company since 2016 but have been making wine since landing my first assistant winemaking job in 2005.

What’s it about the infusion of food and wine that just works?
Chrissy- A well-thought-out pairing of food and wine can really elevate a meal. For example, our Merlot, Thorn, is one of our most food-friendly wines in the portfolio, and its rich fruit flavors complement savory dishes while its bright acidity and supple tannins help it stand up to rich foods. Two pairings that I love and feel illustrate perfect complements are Thorn with short ribs or pasta Bolognese.

What’s it about the infusion of both cooking and music that just works?
Deborah- I think that cooking and music are similar in the way that they’re both constantly evolving and have the unbelievable ability to bring people together.

How long have you been singing? Cooking?
Deborah- I’ve been cooking since I can remember, but I’ve been doing so professionally since 2012, when I was offered to host my own TV show on El Gourmet Channel (Latam). During that time, I started getting invited to cook at different restaurants and festivals around South America and I haven’t stopped since! Over the past couple of years, I’ve been hosting my own pop-up events both in BA and Miami, where I host a monthly night at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach (be on the lookout for our next date!). In October, I’ll be opening my first restaurant, TIGRE, in Miami.

I started my career as a singer and songwriter around 2010 and recorded two solo albums. I was then nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2012, while I was touring around Latin America for the majority of 2011 through 2015. Although, my second album came out less than two years ago, I’m mostly focusing on my career as a chef, so I’ve stopped touring altogether… but you might catch me jamming with friends at my new restaurant some nights!

Does the culture of Miami dictate changes to the Makery experience?
Chrissy- Yes, for this edition of the Makery Experience series, we tapped into the culture of Miami tobring together a group of stellar local artisans, creatives and craftsmen to celebrate the city and its connection to water. Miami, as a huge port, is a city of immigrants whose personal stories often began overseas, and water shapes every resident’s life in some way. We gathered together a group of Makers whose lives and work reflect this, and I think their artwork, cuisine and performances wove together a story of the city’s heritage in a really inspiring way at the event.

Deborah- Water is a symbol of change; as a port city, Miami constantly welcomes new arrivals who bring their own personalities to the community, and in turn leave their own unique marks on the city. We tried to channel and celebrate this magical transformation in the artwork portrayed, wines enjoyed, and food eaten.

What do you see as the evolution with this event and the ultimate takeaway you’re hoping for people to experience?
Deborah- The great thing about the Makery experience is the diversity of artists that are joined together for a night of celebration of culture. I hope those who came enjoyed my menu, which I feel reflected my own background with influences from other cultures found throughout the city, and which I paired specifically with the equally diverse and complex wines of The Prisoner Wine Company.

Chrissy- We aim to offer each community with which we engage a completely new, authentic experience, brought to life by its local Makers. We ultimately hope that our guests leave with an appreciation for their local craftspeople, a sense of community and (hopefully) an affinity for wine!

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

  • The Prisoner's Miami Makery

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

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Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.

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