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Editor’s Choice

Designing Women

Fabulous new designers from the Sunshine State

By Carla Canedo Cartier

Florida is filled with shopping meccas throughout the state that rival favorite locales of even the savviest New York and Vegas shoppers. And now with sites like Gilt Groupe, Rue La La and Gilt Fuse, Floridians can even take part in the once envied New York Sample salestyle shopping. But where does the true fashionista seek the unique and non-mainstream fabulous finds that become her favorite pieces? No further than her own Florida backyard, of course.

Our state is filled with exciting designers—not just for fashion, but accessories and jewelry. After all, our state is known to be home to many successful designers, including Michael Volbracht, Rafael Cennamo, Rene Ruiz, Alfred Fiandaca and many more. Stylish accessory and jewelry designers also boast Florida zip codes, including celebrity-favorite jewelry designer and Palm Beach resident Adria de Haume and accessory designer and West Palm Beach native Stephanie Johnson. When it comes to mastering the Florida style, who better to interpret it than one of our own? Here are just a few of our favorite up-and-coming designers that call the Sunshine State home. V

Bonnie’s Vintage Rocks

Who doesn’t long for handmade one-of-a-kind designs? With BVR Bonnie’s Vintage Rocks, that’s just what you get—with one added bonus: instant vintage flair. The Boca Raton resident’s pieces feature amazing varieties of vintage pearls, beads and brooches. Bonnie Koch’s pieces are wearable art at amazing price points. Featured here is a Vive favorite. “Getting Pinned” does dual action as an interesting necklace, or a double-pin embellishment that can be worn on the bib of your favorite top or the back of a low-cut dress. Find it and the entire unique collection at bonniesvintagerocks.com.

Stephie Rockwell

Stephie Rockwell is a West Palm Beach native who knows Florida style. Her custom line of jewelry and handbags has now paved the way for her fashions, too. Her items are a staple among Palm Beach’s social set and her take on Florida dressing is comfortably chic day dresses, stylish separates, colorful jackets and more. Find your fashion fix at stephierockwell.com.

Axi Mines

For the playful fashion lover, Delray Beach designer Axi Mines’ handbags are a true find. The up-and-coming 20- something handbag designer is making her mark this season with clutches that are one part rocker, one part whimsical. Look for heavy hardware accents and unique designs and skins. View the entire collection at Aximines.com or find your favorite at Next, Palm Beach.