There’s more than just beach bags and bathing suits in Miami Beach. Long stretches of famous boulevards like Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue threaten to max out credits cards. Independent boutiques mesh with design giants like Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, Armani Exchange, BCBG, Atrium and Club Monaco, allowing shoppers to snag hard-to-find designers or high-fashion couture. Shopping in Miami is a unique experience: oceanfront retail beckons beach-goers to shop in a bikini by day, and late hours tempt splurges at night. 

From the boardwalk to the catwalk, Miami Beach is well represented at New York Fashion Week. Red Carter, known for his signature red button and flirty swimwear, says Miami Beach’s historic days and hot sexy nights are his inspiration. And “Project Runway’s” finalist Uli Hernzer captured the judges’ attention with her SoBe-inspired flowing dresses and colorful frocks.

Highlighting style along the shore is Miami Fashion Week, the largest showcase of Latin American design talent in the U.S. In addition, Miami Fashion Week features new and established designers from Europe, U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Middle East and Asia.