Site Visit: BASE Miami

PSFK recently stopped by one of our favorite stores in Miami, BASE. The shop, located on Lincoln Road in South Beach is one of those rare places where time slows down once you step through the door. This has nothing to do with slow service but rather so much cool stuff that you can’t help cashing in at least an hour of your life to look around. If curated retailing needs a benchmark, BASE surely deserves a top spot.

Wanting to create change, co-founders Bruce Cannella and Steven Giles first launched the brand back in 1989 on the West Indian island of Antigua following their relocation from NYC. The original tiny wood framed store opened in spite of the islands bureaucratic corruption, hurricane pummeling, and near financial ruin. But opening day, everything in the shop sold.

BASE developed a cult following in the Caribbean, eventually growing to a chain of stores on the islands. At this point clothing was being manufactured for the brand and sold in the stores. Eventually expansion brought the brand to Miami in 1994. Coincidently another hurricane hits the Carribbean and wipes out their production facility and several of their stores. The two opted to focus on Miami.

Now firmly established on South Beach retail mecca Lincoln Road, BASE is Miami’s equivalent of Moss in NYC. Both shops are helmed by owners who seek out innovative and interesting items they are passionate about and provide a place for appreciation and purchase. The main shop is designed to encourage browsing. Large sphere lanterns give the space a bright glow. There is a music bar adjacent to the entry door that is staffed to provide recommendations. Apparel lines the perimeter with furniture and accessories occupying the middle of the space. Large metal and wood tables contain an extensive book collection with titles ranging from design and architecture to fashion and culture. Located in the back of the space is a full service salon lined in a bamboo forest wallcover. (you may need a trim after spending so much time browsing)

BASE expanded again recently with the launch of BASE Annex. The new shop located around the corner contains company’s women’s clothing collection and also features individually designed rooms – each a small store in their own right – within a larger space. Delineated by color and content, each room at BASE Annex has a personality all its own, and showcases furniture and objects with a global context. The Annex has frequent events, so check in to their site if you are planning to be in the area.