P De Palma – A Latin Flair
P De Palma at the Shops at Merrick Park
In February 2021 P de Palma opened its doors in the Shops at Merrick Park, in the storefront that formerly housed Silvia Tcherassi. That may have been a difficult time in retail to pursue one’s dream, but owners and friends Arianna Da Gama and Daniella Rodriguez did just that, and I think Gables residents are happy about it.
The friends share the same passion for the styles of their Latin culture, a proud bond to their roots, and their love of fashion. They say the namesake of the store “is a connection with the tropical vibes of Miami and, being a name written in Spanish, it embraces our Latin culture here.” Arianna was born and raised in Venezuela and came to Miami to study journalism. She worked covering entertainment news and much of her work focused on fashion writing. Daniella was born in Mexico and came to Miami to study fashion merchandising. She had a strong eye for buying and styling and wanted to use it. “I’ve always felt proud of my Latin roots and I express this in the way I dress and live,” she says. Both are hard working moms with young kids, living their dream while teaching their kids that even in difficult times, you really can do anything you set your mind to.
The windows reflect perfectly what the customer will find inside the store: A mix of tropical, luxe, resort and beachwear, with a Latin, earthy-influenced vibe. The “girls” wanted to carry top Latin designers (some of whom are hard to find outside of their own countries) here in the Gables all under one roof. This is what makes P de Palma an experience for the shopper. Clients can try on pieces here they could otherwise not get their hands on, so it’s an introduction to some of the best Latin American creators, with mini curated and exclusive collections throughout the store.
Clients will find unique brands like Johanna Ortiz, Mónica Sordo, By Efrain Mogollon, Leal Dacarett, Andres Otalora, Juan de Dios and many others. Customers can also dress their Mini Me’s, girls and boys alike, with a small collection of children’s clothes.
Prices range from $200 to $600 for the adult choices. Clients will also find accessories to pair back to everything. Think resort type totes, straw and cane evening clutches, sandals, and earthy jewelry. Truly one stop shopping for that special outfit.
When asked why Coral Gables, Arianna says, “We opened in this mall because we felt the need for a store with Latin American designers. Many of the shoppers are locals and love to shop unique resort wear.” The brands and the interiors of the store speak volumes of the Latin influence in the Gables, so it’s appealing to locals as well as the Latin American consumer who travels here.
If you can’t make it to the store, they have a large selection of apparel and accessories online as well. Please visit them at www.pdepalmastore.com.
P De Palma
The Shops At Merrick Park,
Suite 2140
pdepalmastore.com
Kim Rodriguez is a Personal Stylist and Shopper whose clients include many Coral Gables residents. Krpersonalstyle.com
*Photos by Emily Fakhoury