“Clean, classic, mellow, groovy!…inspired by the dream of glamorous travel and immersing one’s self in a new and exotic environment.” So says the opening statement of the Tracy Reese Spring 2011 runway show program. Since 1998, Tracy Reese has been the go-to designer for the modern woman, known specifically for her timeless, printed dresses. Even First Lady, Michelle Obama has been seen in public (several times!) wearing Tracy Reese.

In the early ’80s, two Spaniards, Custo and David Dalmau, returned from a motorcycle trip around the world. Little did they know that this adventure would be the beginning of a new life. They originally set out to design men’s T-shirts that were inspired by the laid-back surfer style of SoCal and the psychedelic style of NorCal, neither of which were seen in Spain at the time. Thirty years later, their signature line, Custo Barcelona, has evolved into the expressive, risk-taking couture that we know today.

Rebecca Taylor is one of the more familiar designers to present during this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. She’s notorious for creating timeless styles, elegant floral prints and flowing bohemian silhouettes. During today’s show, Taylor stayed true to her old roots while combining sleek and edgy with flirty and feminine.

Catherine Malandrino must have been thanking her lucky stars that the rain subsided just long enough for her to debut her Spring/Summer 2011 collection at the Paul Milstein Pool and Terrace at Lincoln Center. Guests were surprised that the presentation took place outside. Models posed on the blocks surrounding the pool in a simple yet aesthetically alluring display of Malandrino couture.

On Friday afternoon, evening gowns were put into a class of their own during the Edition by Georges Chakra’s Spring/Summer 2011 runway show. Chakra’s Edition line launched in February 2009 as a “line for modern, elegant and self-confident women.” This seasons’ ready-to-wear collection was summed up in three words: “modern, elegant and glamorous.”

Forget the runway and the catwalk. The Binetti show this morning was instead an elegant presentation that previewed 22 different looks from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. It was a living art gallery, each piece telling its own story.

If any designer has mastered the art of menswear, it’s Andrew Buckler. What started out as a jeans-only line back in 2001 has evolved into a complete identity of its own. Over the past decade, Buckler has made a name for himself as a pioneer for the modern-day casual-chic male. His collections effortlessly blend the styles of laid-back Americans with polished Brits into a class of their own. When asked about how he would describe his line, he told askmen.com, “If you put Urban Outfitters and Gucci into a blender, you’ll get a bit of Buckler.” A fashion archetype of Ashton Kutcher meets George Clooney, if you will.

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami hosted a VIP preview of the new Bombay Sapphire Lounge. The new hot spot is Bacardi U.S.A. Inc.’s first stand-alone themed venue dedicated to Bombay Sapphire gin. The Lounge, which is located in the 1929 Art Deco Carnival Tower, will open to the public during scheduled performances during the center’s Fall for the Arts Festival on Sept. 12. The official grand opening of the lounge will take place on Oct. 19 during the center’s run of “Dreamgirls.” The lounge will cater to downtown residents and visitors every Tuesday through Saturday (and Sundays when performances are held).

On Saturday, Aug. 7, public relations executive Lara Shriftman of Harrison & Shriftman PR hosted her second annual day of beauty at an invitation-only event in The Penthouse at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa.