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Beach Chic: Babalu Opens in South Beach
Babalu, Miami's latest hotspot, aims to redefine the concept of beach chic with a "luxury convenience store" in the heart of South Beach. Inspired by the allure, power and beauty of beach culture in destinations from Bali to St. Barth's, Babalu offers a fresh interpretation of elegant, unisex beach jewelry in semi-precious stones and 18K gold and silver, in harmony with nature and very personal, individual style statements."Our travels absolutely inspire us!," says Greg Melvin, owner and designer. "The collection instantly invokes the beach mind-set...whether one is lapping up the ocean vibe or navigating the urban grid, the collection pieces remind one of the beach's soothing and powerful energy."
"As designers living the quintessential beach life on Bali for a combined 25 years, and a life of travel to exotic beaches and cities worldwide, we know how the nomadic urbanites express their connection with the beach and style," relates Paolo Ambu, owner and designer.
Miami-based, Ambu and Melvin are known for consistently delivering freshly designed Asian-sourced products for US retail consumer markets. Greg Melvin's product development and export experience includes the creation of Palanquin Bali, named "the hottest shopping destination in Bali," according to the Asian Wall Street Journal. Paolo Ambu, Creative Director, was trained in Milan and London, and is an internationally renowned Product Designer and artist.
The store's signature jewelery collection masterfully mixes sculpted sea motif and talismanic symbol charms with hand-knotted semi-precious stone bead cords with stones including black onyx, fossilized ivory, African turquoise, white, brown and blue agates, blue Hemimorphite, Labradorite and Amazonite beads.
The urbanite will be drawn to the Babalu peace symbol and dog tag, each of which dances from artful arrangements of semi-precious bead strands. Bamboo-shaped wooden bracelets accented by gold or silver sections. For pure fun and ideal for layering, casual beaded bracelets come in four sun-saturated color combinations: Reef, Ocean, Deco Drive and Delano, all white The iconic yet simple pieces complement many personal styles.
The flagship location's building was designed by acclaimed firm Herzog + de Meuron (interior by John Rawlins and Devinn Bruce). The store also carries perfume, candles, home accessories and travel goods, with prices from $24 and up.
The store is now open at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami, and most goods are available online at www.babalumiami.com.
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