From the March issue: Alan Faena is known for his artsy taste, for always wearing white and for creating the Faena District in Miami Beach. Faena was born in Argentina, and his life has taken several turns, including modeling, owning a major fashion company and developing the Faena District in Buenos Aires — all before founding his namesake district in Miami Beach with partner Len Blavatnik. Like some other notable people in powerful positions, Faena appears to enjoy putting his name on buildings. He’s developed the Faena Hotel, the ultra-luxury Faena House condo tower and the new arts and cultural center Faena Forum, all part of the Faena District that runs on both sides of Collins Avenue from 32nd Street to 35th Street. He works out of a design trailer facing the beach that’s filled with drawings of his hotel, photographs and fabric and marble samples.
What was your childhood like? It was a childhood full of love. We were in the city, in Buenos Aires, and I grew up with the love of my parents. My father used to have a big textile company and he produced wool. [more]