aria Isabel Perez is a ravishing banged brunette with a tan that would make Donatella jealous. It is this sumptuous woman who helms the first ever retail boutique in Miami to carry hot young designs from Spain only. Her inspiration in opening the store stemmed from the simple fact that there weren’t any shops in North America focusing soley on Spanish fashion. Maria found a vacant niche and filled it to the brim.

Not just any random bloke can manage to make a private retail venture get off the ground though Maria made hers fly. Her success could be a testament to her striking good looks, but, more probably, it is a result of her wisdom and background. Maria used to work the public relations end of the Paris fashion house A.P.C. when she moved on to run the international side of Estee Lauder’s P.R. sector. From her impressive track record to the birth of Guapa, Maria is an inspiration and proof that through hard work dreams can be made into reality. Needless to say, she hasn’t got an ounce of compassion for lazy people who expect too much from others and not enough from themselves. No kidding.

All the garments and accessories available at Guapa are hand-picked by Maria on her frequent trips to Madrid and Barcelona. Look for the funky prints of La Casita de Wendy as worn by Bjork, sexy baby dolls with modern lines by Miriam Ocariz and colorful wide lace collars with silk ribbons and bows. Hey, if Bjork’s into it, it must be worth its weight in gold. –J.T.

Guapa
1665 Michigan Avenue
Miami, FL
786-220-9201