Italian elegance and Miami’s glamour intertwined at Sotto le Stelle (“Under the Stars”), a celebrated soirée during Miami Art Basel. Held on December 4, 2024, the event marked the grand opening of the Elisabetta Franchi boutique at Bal Harbour Shops, an exciting milestone as the brand expands into the Americas.
Hosted by Elisabetta Franchi and Marco Bizzarri at the Sky Penthouse of 1 Hotel South Beach, the gathering offered panoramic ocean views and the sparkling city skyline as a stunning backdrop. Guests, including notable names such as Gabriele Maggio, CEO; models Alessandra Ambrosio, Maria Borges, Cindy Prado, and Devon Windsor; actress Claire Holt; tastemaker Adriana Paniagua; and artist Brooke Wise, were dressed in pieces from the Spring/Summer 2025 Femme Paradox collection.
Other attendees included entrepreneurs Brittany Peltz, Elizabeth Minett, and Eva Hughes; influencers Farah Vargas, Katarina Zarutskie, Monroe Steele, and Paige Lorenze; model Lea Rose; athlete Olivia Elliott; and philanthropist Rachael Russell Saiger. Known for its red-carpet glamour, the Femme Paradox collection showcased contrasts between strength and femininity, embodying the brand’s signature sophistication.
Providing the soundtrack for the evening, internationally acclaimed DJ BLOND:ISH delivered a seamless live set, blending rhythmic beats with the energy of Miami’s nightlife. The evening was a perfect fusion of fashion, music, and luxury, cementing the brand’s presence in the Americas.
Elisabetta Franchi’s designs go beyond aesthetics, championing cruelty-free practices by eliminating fur, down, and angora from all collections. This ethical approach has garnered her international recognition, including honors such as Cavaliere dell’Ordine “al Merito della Repubblica Italiana” and Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur of the Year award for Italy.
Marco Bizzarri, a seasoned leader in the luxury fashion industry, played a pivotal role in supporting the brand’s global expansion. His strategic insight has helped elevate the boutique’s opening in Bal Harbour to an event that embodies both innovation and timeless Italian elegance.
With the opening of the Bal Harbour boutique, Franchi’s vision and Bizzarri’s expertise take on a new dimension, blending timeless Italian craftsmanship with the cosmopolitan energy of Miami. As art, fashion, and culture converged under the stars, Sotto le Stelle wasn’t just an event—it was a statement of elegance, innovation, and bold ambition.
Photo Gallery : IMAGES Courtesy of Tiffany Sage for BFA
