Devin Christopher
It’s no secret that Miami is hot. The peaceful southern city is one of the hottest markets in the United States. The city’s population is expected to grow from an estimated 2.4 million in 2005 to more than 3 million, according to the Miami-Dade government website. Much of the recent economic boom is due to migration caused by the coronavirus. , the climate and beach appeal, and of course, because Florida doesn’t collect state income taxes. It has become an increasingly important business center, with billionaires such as Carl Icahn and Orlando Bravo relocating there. But much of that development is thanks to reigning real estate mogul Craig Robbins. He was an integral part of the revitalization of South Beach from his late 1980s to his ’90s, but in 2005 he introduced his Design District in Miami, a sophisticated and upscale shopping hub. The focus shifted to the city’s downtown area. Luxury boutiques range from Louis Vuitton to Van Cleef & Arpels. Most recently, his real estate development company Dacra submitted plans for a swanky 20-story apartment building on the southern edge of the same area.
But when he’s not busy transforming Miami’s skyline, he’s traveling to off-the-beaten-path locations for kayaking or tending to his extensive art collection of over 1,000 pieces. This month Art His Basel His Miami Beach is in full swing, so expect him to attend many parties dotted around the city. Here, he gives us an inside look at what’s been making headlines these days.
What did you do for the first time recently?
Jumping from rock to rock in flip-flops in the Grand Canyon.
What apps do you use often?
Of course, this also includes Reminders, Audible, Kindle, Instagram, Voice Memos, and Komoot.
What advice do you wish you had followed?
When I first started my business, I was always anxious and nervous. His father said, “Calm down.” And I said: Doing this, this, and this will calm you down. “And when he has completed these three things, he will be able to do three more.” Eventually he complied, but it took time.
What do you wear most often in your wardrobe?
We have a collection of unique Urs Fischer T-shirts.
How can I calm down?
I read quite a lot. I also love camping and spending time in nature. I love being disconnected.
What is your favorite cocktail and how do you make it?
When I drink alcohol, I usually only drink beer. I don’t drink much. I really like natural coconut water from coconuts in my garden.
who is your guru?
There are many different people who have had important influences on me. My wife is my guru. She has amazing abilities to run a business, be a mother, be a wife, and lead her family. Adin Steinsaltz in terms of finding her sense of self. Business relationships: Father, Chris Blackwell, Tony Goldman. In art, Jack Tilton and Jeffrey Deitch.
What have you recently added to your collection?
I recently acquired a painting by German artist Jana Euler and a wonderful piece by Bisa Butler. Bisa creates stunning figurative works that are a tapestry of creativity. And Yana has great painting skills. The one I recently learned is like a cityscape upside down. I try to find artists that I want to collect thoroughly.
Who are your dealers? What do they source for you?
I worked with Jack Tilton for many years until he passed away.I’m working with Jeffrey now. [Deitch] About my art collection. For furniture design, we source from Design Miami. It’s a great moment when the world’s best collectible designs come together.
What does success look like to you?
When you have a truly deep connection, you feel that what you are doing has real meaning.
Where do you get your clothes?
I do all my shopping in the Miami Design District. This will probably surprise you. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tom Ford, etc., but I also like smaller, creative brands like Rick Owens. I’m really looking forward to seeing Pharrell’s new Louis Vuitton collection. I think this will be a transcendent moment in men’s fashion.
Where is your favorite hotel?
Cheval Blanc in Paris. When Farrell did his first Louis Vuitton show on the Pont Neuf, where the hotel is located, our room was on the corner. So for the last song Jay-Z played, I went into the room and waved to the kids who were still at the concert.
Who do you most admire and why?
The Albert Einsteins and Isaac Newtons of science are timeless figures. In terms of art, it was the modernist era of Picasso and Duchamp. Elon Musk and Steve Jobs in business. In general, people who really change the world.
What car are you most fond of?
I truly believe that the best car in the world right now is Tesla, its E vehicles. I bought his first Tesla in 2013. It was a model S. Six years later, I upgraded to a Model 3.
What is worth paying for?
peace.
Do you still write letters?
Not too long ago, I actually did something I hadn’t done in years. I wrote a five-page handwritten letter. I have a very close family and I wanted her to know how much I cared about her.
What music makes you happy?
Classic rock like the Rolling Stones. For a more modern band, I like U2.