If there is a top spot in South Beach to set up a one-of-a-kind shop, it is surely in the prestigious environs of the Sterling Building, a landmark property at the center of Lincoln Road Mall where the cognoscenti can find Books & Books (shop & cafe), the home furnishings resource Design Within Reach, and BASE—the place to go for unique gifts, edgy new music and collectible action figures. At the front of the store, a popular listening bar helps keep your iTunes library up to date and offers a well-edited selection of glossy design and shelter magazines.
At the heart of Paris’ elite shopping district, a boutique called Colette once rose to great prominence through the meticulous efforts of the buying team who combed the globe in search of unique, limited edition, quirky merchandise which they mixed and matched to craft a sort of trend-setter’s bazaar. Soon fashionistas flocked to the storefront, vying to be first to decipher the upcoming signals in fashion, home furnishings and music by snapping photos and populating blogs, magazines and columns with their finds. Visitors to South Beach’s BASE boutique share that same enthusiasm as they scour the racks of curator Steven Giles’ treasures hoping to find that certain something that will set their pulses to a quicker beat.
One side of the simple railing system features elegantly casual menswear and the other women’s clothing. No brand seems too familiar nor brandishes any kind of status logo.
The BASE customer, it seems, is a confident sort who knows what looks good and speaks to an understated elegance that requires no bling or brashness. The color palette is largely neutral, the accessory cases bear simple tribal embellishments hanging from weathered leather cords and everything captures a sort of urbane flair. Within minutes it is possible to adapt a new look, a signature scent, an edgy pair of sneakers and a slouchy carry all in which to stash your old clothing before hitting Lincoln Road in perfectly crafted style. If all this sounds too good to be true – stop in to discover all BASE has to offer. 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 531-4982