Monthly Archives: July 2025
Discovering the Hidden Gems of Puglia: Bari, Trani, Polignano a Mare, Margherita di Savoia, Vieste, and Peschici
Nestled in the sun-soaked heel of Italy’s boot, the region of Puglia (Apulia in English) is a captivating blend of crystal-clear seas, ancient architecture, and authentic Italian charm. Unlike the often-crowded cities of Rome, Venice, or Florence, Puglia offers travelers a more tranquil, yet equally enriching, escape. From historic port cities to dramatic cliffside towns and serene beach resorts, let’s explore some of the region’s most enchanting destinations: Bari, Trani, Polignano a Mare, Margherita di Savoia, Vieste, and Peschici.
Bari: A Historic Port with a Youthful Energy
Bari, the capital of Puglia, is often a starting point for many travelers. This thriving coastal city effortlessly combines the old with the new. The Old Town (Bari Vecchia) is a maze of narrow alleys, where locals sit outside rolling homemade orecchiette and churches stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history. At its heart is the Basilica di San Nicola, built to house the relics of Saint Nicholas — yes, the same figure who inspired Santa Claus.
Beyond its medieval center, Bari boasts a lively university scene, modern shopping districts, and a gorgeous promenade. The city’s seafront, Lungomare Nazario Sauro, is perfect for a sunset stroll with the Adriatic breeze on your face.
Vieste: Gateway to the Gargano
Heading north along the Gargano Peninsula, you’ll find Vieste, a charming seaside town that feels like a world apart. Known for its stunning beaches, white-washed historic center, and dramatic coastal cliffs, Vieste is a popular destination for Italian families in the summer — but it’s still relatively undiscovered by international tourists.
The Pizzomunno, a towering monolith on the town’s main beach, is steeped in legend. Local stories speak of a tragic love between the fisherman Pizzomunno and his beloved Cristalda, turning the rock into a symbol of eternal devotion. The nearby Foresta Umbra, a lush national park inland from Vieste, offers shaded hikes and a cool escape from the coastal heat.
Peschici: The White Jewel on the Cliffs
Just a short drive from Vieste is Peschici, a cliffside village with whitewashed houses and spectacular views of the Adriatic. Its Moorish-style old town is a labyrinth of alleys, artisan shops, and viewpoints. Peschici is less polished than some of Puglia’s other towns, but that’s part of its charm — it feels lived-in, real, and deeply rooted in tradition.
In the summer, the beaches below the cliffs are filled with locals enjoying the sun and sea. And as the sun sets, the view from Peschici’s belvedere is nothing short of magical.
Margherita di Savoia: Salt, Spas, and Serenity
To the northwest of Bari, Margherita di Savoia offers a more low-key experience. The town is famous for its salt pans, the largest in Europe, which have shaped both the landscape and the local economy for centuries. The surrounding wetlands attract hundreds of flamingos and other bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
Margherita is also known for its thermal spas. The naturally rich mineral waters are said to have therapeutic properties, and spa resorts offer everything from mud treatments to hydrotherapy. For travelers seeking relaxation and wellness by the sea, this is a hidden treasure.
Why Puglia Should Be Your Next Destination
Puglia offers a blend of culture, coastline, and cuisine that is hard to match. Whether you’re wandering the medieval streets of Bari, marveling at Trani’s cathedral, diving into the crystal waters of Polignano, relaxing in the thermal baths of Margherita di Savoia, or exploring the rugged Gargano coast from Vieste and Peschici — each town adds its own flavor to the journey.
Unlike some of Italy’s more touristic regions, Puglia still feels authentic, warm, and welcoming. It’s not just a place to visit — it’s a place to savor.
Berry Beachy & Papi Swim Set the Tone at Miami Swim Week with Sophisticated Take on Western Inspired Swimwear. #MiamiSwimWeek
Miami Swim Week opened with a confident stride into summer as Berry Beachy Swim debuted its latest collection, “Berry Beachy Gone Country,” at the Art Hearts Fashion runway shows at Eden Roc Miami Beach. The show marked a striking start to the week, offering a fresh and elevated interpretation of the season’s rising Western-inspired aesthetic.
Merging signature coastal glamor with Americana influences, the collection embraced cowgirl motifs through a modern lens. Thoughtful details — including lace trim, patchwork prints, and denim-inspired textures — brought dimension and depth to swim silhouettes designed to flatter and empower. From tailored high-waisted briefs to plunging one-pieces, each look channeled confidence, strength, and effortless charm.“The Western theme is having a major moment, but we wanted to approach it with intention,”said co-founders Rob & Mel Gonzalez. “For us, it was about capturing the spirit of independence and femininity, and translating that into swimwear that feels both bold and wearable.”Berry Beachy’s collection not only embraced the cowgirl-cool trend but helped define it for the season ahead — balancing playful flourishes with elevated craftsmanship and inclusive design.
Papi Swim made a powerful debut with its first solo runway show at this year’s Miami Swim Week, stepping out from the shadow of its sister brand to claim its place in the spotlight. The brand showcased a bold and cohesive menswear collection defined by dynamic tropical prints, sharp tailoring, and structured silhouettes that celebrated confidence and self-expression. Paired with the complementary designs of its sibling label, the presentation offered a vibrant dialogue between the two collections — highlighting a shared vision of individuality, connection, and fluid expressions of identity across the gender spectrum.
Berry Beachy Swimwear and Papi Swim are sister swimwear brands redefining what it means to feel confident and sexy in your own skin. Founded by Rob & Mel Gonzalez, the Miami-based labels celebrate bold self-expression, vibrant design, and unapologetic fun. Berry Beachy Swimwear delivers curve-loving silhouettes, playful prints, and empowering energy for women of all sizes. Papi Swim, its menswear counterpart, brings that same fearless flair to men and masc-presenting individuals with sleek cuts and tropical vibes. Whether you’re turning heads at the pool, lake, beach, or showing up strong at Swim Week, both brands live by one motto: just add water.
12th Annual Luxury Luncheon Is Coming Back To The Hamptons And Promises To Be Even Bigger And Better! Hosted By Jill Zarin, Brian Kelly & Sean Koski
TV personality Jill Zarin and Ticket2Events are thrilled to announce the return of Ticket2Events Presents: Jill Zarin’s Luxury Luncheon, an exclusive, invitation-only affair set to take place on Saturday, July 26th at 1 PM in Southampton, NY. Because the Luxe Lunch is private and by invitation only, the address will only be given out to confirmed attendees.
Produced by celebrity event planners Sean Koski and Brian Kelly, co-founders of Ticket2Events, this highly anticipated annual experience will once again welcome VIP guests to a red carpet entrance and a curated showcase of the best in fashion, spirits, home decor, beauty, technology, and travel—all in support of cancer research.
Guests will enjoy complimentary, on-site activations from top-tier brands at the celebrity luxury luncheon by Ticket2Events. The famed Beauty Bar will return with luxe offerings from upLift 5 (a premium skincare device targeting the five signs of aging), LUMIFY® Redness Reliever Eye Drops, Coola Suncare, Saint Jo Skincare, and more. Addyi, the only FDA-approved pill proven to increase a woman’s sex drive, will be featured, alongside celebrity injector Jennifer Anne Di Landro of Dolce Aesthetics NY and Rowe Plastic Surgery, providing on-demand wellness treatments. NUTRL Skin by Actor Jesse Metcalfe, will be onsite to launch his skincare to the Hamptons! Also on-site: Buff Medical Resort, a world-class longevity and wellness destination on Lake Constance in southern Germany.
Interactive fashion, tech, and home activations will feature acclaimed brands including MyQ by Chamberlain (smart‑home products). Print Fresh, Jill Zarin Rugs, Hulken, and Tommy Hilfiger. Guests can expect gifts from New Chapter science‑backed, whole‑food and herbal vitamins and supplements, Prime Prometics, No7, Hempz , LMNT, Makeup Eraser, Mizz Korea, (Plated) Skin Science and many more. To keep guests refreshed, a brand-new VIP Premier Lounge will debut, featuring beverages from Avaline Wine, Pinaq Cocktails, Tequila Pantalones, LaCroix, Boxed Water, and Cold Snap, the on-demand ice cream machine. A custom luxury menu by Hamptons Catered Affairs and a food truck by Shrimpy’s Burrito Bar will be served, along with treats from Levain Bakery.
And, of course, no Luxury Luncheon would be complete without the legendary gift bags—this year valued at up to $5,000. Featuring official bags from Hulken and Dagne Dover, and curated by Kelly and Koski, this summer’s “must-haves” include top products from Sunday Riley, Sol de Janeiro, Vacation Inc., Truvani, GrandeLASH, EltaMD, Cann, Sunday Riley, Athena Club, Lola Blankets, Akar Skin, Good Wipes, BeautyBio, Carbone, Unreal Snacks, NewBeauty’s Test Tubes, and many more. Roadway Moving will once again ensure seamless transportation.
Invited guests include (but are not limited to): Jill Zarin, Kristen Taekman, Ramona Singer, Luann de Lesseps (RHONY), Teresa Giudice (RHONJ), Jesse Metcalfe (Actor), Cynthia Bailey (RHOA) Marysol Patton (RHOM), Gizelle Bryant (RHOP), LeeAnne Locken (RHOD), Phaedra Parks (RHOA) Joey asso (The Circle), Hannah Berner (Comedian), Brian Kelly & Sean Koski (Ticket2Events), Foodgod, Dina Lohan, Wendell Holland (Survivor), Patti Stanger (Millionaire Matchmaker), Julia Haart, Paulie Calafiore (MTV’s The Challenge, Big Brother), Joe Amabile (The Bachelor), Jade Shenker (Netflix’s Owning Manhattan), Shannon St. Claire (Netflix’s Love Island), Elise Benson ( TLC) and more stars from Bravo, Netflix, Hulu, and beyond.
Miami Swimweek 2025: Runway Shows, Presentations, Pop-Ups, and Parties!
Miami Swim Week 2025 officially ran from May 28 to June 1, anchored by marquee events like PARAISO Miami Swim Week and Miami Swim Week – The Shows, showcasing over 40 runway shows and over 50 events across venues such as Collin’s Park, Eden Roc, Mondrian, and botanical gardens .
Runway Highlights & Top Trends
PARAISO Miami Beach
- This 21st annual event featured premium runway showcases, designer-hosted brunches, and a newly introduced Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame Gala .
- Top brands included SIGAL, Leslie Amon, Montce, Cupshe, Luli Fama, Oséree, VoLo Foundation, Oh Polly Swim, Shan, Maaji, Hot Girl Summer, Monday Swimwear, Salty Mermaid, Dippin’ Daisy’s, Oceanus X Sojos, and Spotlight Swim Collective. Standouts included alpaca beachwear and recycled-material eyewear.
- Megan Thee Stallion launched her first ever Swimwear Line, Hot Girl Summer for Walmart.
Art Hearts Fashion
- Held poolside at Eden Roc and Botanical Gardens, this segment fused fashion with live performances—for example, Jaden Smith and Ty Dolla $ign energized the afterparties .
- Runways came alive with eco-theatrics like live parrots, fire dancers, and upcycling narratives from designers like Love for Upcycling and Mister Triple X .
- Menswear rose to prominence too, with collections from Joseph Auren, Coyote Jocks, and Papi Swim .
Gifting Suites: Experiential Branding
- Clarins Gifting Suite furnished VIPs with high-end skincare and beach beauty essentials .
- Several brands curated immersive experiences—offering demos alongside premium product samplings
- Guess held a VIP only gifting suite and party titled The Guess Beach Club at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach.
- Newly launched Montage Swimwear gifting suite and party at the newly reopened Shelbourne Hotel
- Sports Illustrated Brunch and Gifting Suite made way to an all day Pool Party
- CLD Stylehouse Annual Miami Swimweek Gifting Suite and Poolside Party
- Berry Beach & Papi Swim Exclusive Influencer Gifting Suite at The Eden Roc Hotel
Parties & Social Hubs
- Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway on May 31 at W South Beach showcased A‑list talent: Jordan Chiles added a new tattoo for the show, and Bethenny Frankel, Love Island’s Grace Jackson, and Mary Bedford hit the runway .
- Art Hearts Fashion afterparties lit up LIV and E11EVEN, with musical sets by Ty Dolla $ign and Jaden Smith .
- Off-site events included branded beach clubs, rooftop bashes, and villa-style gatherings with fireworks, bottle service, and surprise performances .
Beauty & Swim Trends
Byrdie and InStyle highlight eight visual trends emerging during the week: sequins, fringe, gingham, neoprene, ombré, delicate draping, crochet cover-ups, and aquatic office-ready siren wear ().
Additionally, beauty highlights included bold bobs, shell-adorned braids, colorful waterline liners, stained lips, and sunset orange eyeshadow .
Sibling brands Berry Beachy (women’s swimwear) and Papi Swim (menswear), founded by Miami locals Rob & Mel Gonzalez, delivered standout shows at Eden Roc on May 29–30, fronting the Art Hearts Fashion runway with bold thematic synergy .
Berry Beachy – Gone Country
- Brought “coastal cowgirl couture” with lace-trimmed silhouettes, denim-inspired textiles, paisley patches, rhinestones, and miniature cowboy hats—merging Rodeo-chic with beach glam .
- Celebrated a message of inclusivity, featuring sizes from curve-loving cuts to daring minis, proclaiming empowerment through style .
Papi Swim – Tropical Masculinity
- Debuted Friday with a confident menswear lineup: sharp tailoring, faux-leather shorts, and vivid tropical prints designed for men and masc-presenting individuals embracing bold identity .
- Offered perfect partner pairings—each print from Papi matched to Berry Beachy pieces, reinforcing the brand’s unity message .
FashionsWeek: Beauty, Fashion, Travel, Tech & Dining By Maya Litovsky 