A turquoise Lamborghini in my peripheral was all the confirmation needed that I was no longer in Kansas. Waiting for my rideshare at the entrance of Bal Harbour Shops was equivalent to attending an automotive trade show.

After capturing Bally’s new brick-and-mortar, I emphatically toured this luxury shopping complex to get a sense of my surroundings. To get a whiff of the artificial affluence and condescension in the air. Jo Malone, meet Tory Burch.

Bentley. Benz. Bugatti. As I observed valet contemplating which supercars to display out front, the atmosphere affirmed how relative value is. Million dollar cars next to thousand dollar shoes with net margins as filthy as my syntax.

Bally, a Swiss luxury fashion house. Since 1851. Now at Bal Harbour.

Product photography with interior design. The symmetry, so yummy.

10 layers of color grading provide these orange and brown tones.

Hanger divots within recessed nooks provide equal attire spacing.

Smoking Out the Window

Hello Nicola Diana. How did you and the crew make this place look so spotless overnight? The bizarre transformation reminds me of how raunchy Miami Beach Convention Center appears the day before Art Basel opens its doors.

And the countdown progresses toward that outrageous milestone of Story 100. Lauren Mikulski, we on a dance floor. Grooving like Anderson and Bruno. Hmm, what Story to showcase first in the upcoming brick-and-mortar gallery?

XT is now known colloquially as The Creative House. The brand has familiarity and flavor. Because, value is relative. Especially in luxury real estate, hospitality, and fashion. My goodness, that new office in New York. Bougie.