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The One Atelier Insider: The Elle Residences

By August 12, 2024September 2nd, 2024No Comments

Dear readers,
In this edition of our monthly newsletter, we delve into the exciting development of Elle Residences Miami—the first-ever residential project by the iconic lifestyle brand, Elle and we are pleased to present this special feature through the eyes of our own design team.

The talents behind this unique development include Ana Lazovic, Senior Architect; Manuel Zangirolami, Architect; Anna Masello, Real Estate Branding and Marketing Director; and Cristina Belfanti, Real Estate Branding and Marketing Specialist. Their combined expertise in architecture and branding has brought a fresh and innovative approach to this residential project, seamlessly blending the chic Parisian essence of Elle with the dynamic spirit of Miami’s Design District.

The One Atelier is known for working with many notorious luxury fashion brands, why did you choose Elle for this specific project?
Elle is a global fashion and lifestyle brand and is one of the most influential brands in the world but what makes it really special is its great inclusivity.
Distributed in over 80 countries, Elle employs a “glocal” approach, adapting its global concept to each country’s culture, editorial style, and local marketing objectives, thereby enhancing the unique characteristics of each market.
The Parisian brand also covers the concept of lifestyle comprehensively with casually clever, inquisitive and refined tone.
Additionally, we sought a brand that connected with both fashion and design, since the project’s location in Miami’s Design District. Given the fact that the area is heavily influenced by both arts and design, we chose Elle, which encompasses both themes.
By partnering with Elle, developers can offer a unique, enriched living experience that goes beyond luxury, providing a lifestyle that is stylish, cultured, and intellectually stimulating.

What advantages does a publishing brand offer to the residences compared to a fashion brand?
Attributing a publishing brand to the residences means the final product must embody the brand’s aesthetics and stay on-trend while also considering its broader cultural and intellectual influence.
Elle has a global audience that is highly diverse in terms of culture, taste, and lifestyle. This diversity makes creating a representative residence challenging but also opens up a wider spectrum of storytelling and style interpretation. A publishing brand offers many creative possibilities in style.
Additionally, when considering distribution, we must account for the extensive brand awareness that Elle commands, as Elle magazine possesses significant communication power.

What added value do you think The One Atelier has given to Elle Residences?
As real estate consultants, we were instrumental in understanding the developer’s needs and identifying a suitable brand. Additionally, with the help of Arquinaut – Elle’s Partner for Branded Real Estate, we pioneered a new business branch for the brand, which had never ventured into the residential real estate sector before.
From a design perspective, The One Atelier’s extensive experience has enabled us to blend innovative approach and different style influences.
We have created a unique living space that perfectly reflects the sophisticated and refined identity of the Parisian brand with Miami’s eclectic, art deco style.

The building will be close to Miami’s design district, did this somehow influence the development?
Yes, the proximity to Miami’s design district greatly influenced the development of Elle Residences.
As a comprehensive lifestyle brand, Elle fits well in an area known for its dynamic turnover and as a hub where design, art, and fashion converge—topics that are central to Elle magazine.
The Design District’s vibrant and ever-evolving nature mirrors Elle’s commitment to staying at the forefront of cultural and aesthetic trends. This synergy allows Elle Residences to tap into the rich, creative energy of the district, offering residents an environment that is not only luxurious but also deeply connected to the worlds of high fashion, contemporary art, and innovative design. Elle’s inclusive approach to lifestyle, which embraces a diverse range of topics and appeals to a broad audience, aligns perfectly with the eclectic and cosmopolitan spirit of the Design District. This alignment ensures that the residences are more than just living spaces—they become part of a larger narrative that celebrates creativity, diversity, and modern sophistication.

Did it help that Elle magazine also has a division dedicated to decor? If so, how?
As architects, we regularly read magazines like Elle Décor to stay updated on the latest trends, explore various approaches, and find inspiration to innovate our designs.
The existence of a dedicated Elle decor division helped by providing a wide range of resources and inspirations for the interior design of the project. It also offered us a clear framework for translating the brand’s style into interior spaces and we incorporated stunning furniture from designers featured in the magazine, enhancing the residence’s aesthetic appeal with pieces that reflect Elle’s renowned design sensibility.

What are the distinctive features of Elle in interior design?
Elle is not defined by a single style; rather, it offers a dynamic blend of the latest trends with a touch of Parisian elegance, creating a harmonious fusion of influences. Nevertheless, there are distinctive features in Elle’s interior design that frequently appear. These include a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, characterized by a neutral color palette accented with pops of color that add warmth and make the space more vibrant and multidimensional. This minimalistic approach is often complemented by iconic pieces that capture the viewer’s attention.
Patterns are another hallmark of Elle’s interior design style, an example could be the association of black and white in flooring\wall décor\textiles.
There is a keen attention to detail, with art pieces and décor items that create a graceful, chic, and welcoming environment.
Elle’s design philosophy often includes the use of high-quality materials, bespoke furnishings, and art pieces that reflect cultural and artistic trends.

How did you combine the Parisian soul of the brand with the American style, culture and environment? How have you translated the concept of publishing into the design of the residences?
We used the Parisian influence of the brand as a common thread in designing the spaces. Classic French design elements—such as parquet flooring, elegant lines, sophisticated color palettes, and luxurious materials—were seamlessly integrated with Miami’s vibrant and dynamic character. Our approach varied between the amenities and common areas (both inside and outside the building) and the individual units. The amenities feature a distinctly Parisian style, a rare sight in Miami, which we anticipate will stand out against the architecture of other local buildings, offering a unique and exceptional experience. In contrast, for the units, we aimed to create an ideal blend of Parisian elegance and Miami’s predominantly Art Deco aesthetic, resulting in harmonious spaces that celebrate the best of both worlds.
We also aimed to infuse the concept of “editorial” into the residences, reflecting the brand’s origins as a magazine. This was achieved by incorporating narrative and thematic elements reminiscent of high-fashion articles and photo shoots. The interiors feature bookshelves, reading areas, and spaces designed to foster creativity and intellectual engagement, resulting in an eclectic and stimulating environment. Additionally, some areas are designated for hosting literary and cultural events.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team for their insights and contributions to this project and to our clients: Vertical Developments and UNCG, with a special mention to Joanna Dávila, CMO of this project.
The Elle Residences Miami represent a unique fusion of Parisian elegance and Miami’s eclectic character setting a new standard of residential excellence through the renewed lifestyle trendsetting expertise of the brand.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into how a storied brand’s vision is translated into a captivating new living experience.
Thank you for joining us in exploring this exciting new chapter of The One Atelier’s newsletter.