An expertly curated, luxuriously produced compendium of all things Palm Beach, Palm Beach Illustrated brings to life personalities and takes you inside the exclusive homes, parties and interests of the world’s most affluent and influential people.
I’ve been in West Palm Beach long enough to remember the seeds of change being planted, first by the new urbanists who reimagined Clematis Street as a thriving district in the 1990s, and later by the developers who created a new retail, dining, and entertainment hub called CityPlace. The latter opened in 2000, and two of the people involved in the original project—Stephen Ross and Ken Himmel—are now shepherding its latest and arguably greatest reinvention. Since its inception, CityPlace’s popularity has ebbed and flowed, mainly because there wasn’t a core of downtown workers and, subsequently, a real urban neighborhood. Now Stephen Ross and his new company, Related Ross, have changed all that. With an influx of class-A office space in handsome high-rises, as well as luxe new apartments and local…
HAVING A BALL AT THE PINK PARTY WHO: The Palm Beaches WHAT: The Pink Retreat’s The Pink Party WHERE: Hilton West Palm Beach HIGHLIGHTS: More than 450 guests from across the country, and even from as far away as Scotland, Canada, and Brazil, attended the annual colorful girls’ weekend getaway to the Palm Beaches. The Pink Retreat concluded with The Pink Party at the Hilton West Palm Beach. CELEBRATING SUITS FOR SENIORS WHO: Suits for Seniors WHAT: Fourth Annual Scholarship and Awards Breakfast WHERE: Marriott West Palm Beach HIGHLIGHTS: Community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate the strength, promise, and leadership of Suits for Seniors graduates as they prepare to embark on their post-graduation journeys. MEMBERS ONLY WHO: Historical Society of Palm Beach County WHAT: Annual Membership Meeting WHERE: Richard…
Tequesta artist Katie Herman blends her fine-arts background with a flair for home decor in a product line that spans whimsical prints, textiles, wallpaper, candles, and assorted gifts. Each fall, her most anticipated drop is a collection of roughly 12 faux pumpkins, which she hand-paints with acrylic and seals with a clear protective varnish for longevity. She receives inquiries about the one-of-a-kind pieces year-round, so they tend to sell out quickly following their early October release on her website. Inspired by our colorful tropical surroundings, Herman says she often finds herself painting sea grapes, banana leaves, hydrangeas, and oranges. “I like to create pumpkins that match how I like to decorate my home,” she shares. “I’m always drawn to blue and white and my favorite color combination of pinks and…
Palm Beach County’s favorite founder hub has moved on up. 1909, the nonprofit entrepreneurial community co-founded in 2018 by Danielle Casey and led by executive director Shana Ostrovitz, outgrew its original digs and recently upgraded into a new 9,000-squarefoot home on the third floor of the historic Comeau Building on Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. “We hit capacity in 2021 and that meant we needed more space and more programming,” says Casey. “Our founders were outgrowing both our physical space and the education we were offering, so we set out with a new goal: expand by double the square footage and offer relevant programming for founders at all levels.” The new location features 24/7 access to a dog-friendly coworking space complete with a gym, a café, four conference…
Music has always been a tool to heal, connect, and empower—but at the Institute of Jewish Rock, it’s also being harnessed to strengthen identity, make meaning, and build community in a time of growing divisiveness and anti-Semitism. Recently launched in Palm Beach Gardens, the new program blends modern music education with Jewish values, combining creativity, music, and dynamic performances. The year-round lineup includes everything from monthly “Tot Rock” sessions to concerts, celebrations, and adult music sharing meetings. Educators can also participate in mentorship and professional training programs to energize their own classrooms and communities. Founded by Cantor Abbie Strauss, the Institute of Jewish Rock is open to all. “Music has always been my language for healing, connection, and self-expression,” says Strauss. “I founded the Institute of Jewish Rock because I…
Murals are back in vogue, says Juno Beach’s Devin Noel, a self-taught painter who has been creating custom murals for private clients since launching her business in 2020. “I love using my art to help people define the spaces where they live,” she notes. “Unlike wallpaper, which comes in standard dimensions, the possibilities with murals are limitless.” PBI visited with Noel to learn more. (devinnoel.com) PBI: Murals have been popular throughout time. What’s prompting their resurgence in residential design? Noel: People want to have more fun, color, and drama in the spaces where they live, especially here in South Florida where we are surrounded by such extraordinary beauty, talent, and inspiration that fuels the imagination. There’s a feast for our eyes everywhere. What trends or themes are you seeing? There…
