Designer Julian Chang has opened his flagship store in Miami, located in the MiMo district on 73^rdand Biscayne Blvd. Chang will be partnering up with long time friend and entrepreneur Valentina Gutchess, whose business acumen will consolidate the re-establishment of the Julian Chang brand in Miami. “It was the right time and we were ready to do something together,” said Chang about the new partnership.

Since graduating from The Art Institute of Miami, Chang has received honors including Miami International Fashion Week’s Pret-a-Porter Designer of the Year, Florida International’s Designer Star Winner, and received the Vogue En Español Designer’s Choice Award, the Ebenzer Award of Honor World Fashion in Korea, the Miami Fashion Week Humanitarian Award, and more. In 2010, Chang opened the Miami Fashion Week International, and has been a constant in the event since.

The flagship boutique presents an intimate setting where Chang is able to “interact directly with [his] clients and provide a greater opportunity to meet them personally.” This is Chang’s second store in Miami, a move motivated by an increase in demand that required a more expansive space in order to accommodate new clients and ample supply. The Peruvian designer’s US made globally inspired collections result in bold prints, bright colors,with striking silhouettes, and have been worn by several celebrities such as Gloria Estefan, Britney Spears, and the Kardashians.

When looking for a new location, Chang scouted spaces in Wynwood, the Design District, and Miami Beach, but circled back to MiMo: familiar with the growing and bustling area, Chang said “it just felt right to stay here.”

While Julian Chang pieces are available in over 800 independently owned boutiques worldwide, his flagship Miami store marks the first of many stores to open throughout the nation. The store carries Chang’s women’s ready-to-wear collection, a line of exclusive accessories and select menswear. Having received great feedback from clients and press alike after the grand opening last month, Julian Chang is sure to become a fixture of the MiMo district in years to come.