Esteban Cortázar Brings Endless Summer to The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
PetitePaulina – Fashion designer Esteban Cortázar is once again blending the warmth of his Colombian heritage with the energy of Miami’s lifestyle in a new creative chapter. This fall, he’s opening his first-ever pop-up store for his resortwear label, Donde Esteban, at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. For Cortázar, this collaboration represents far more than retail it’s deeply personal. “I was at The Standard Miami Beach the day it opened,” he recalled with emotion. “This pop-up feels like coming full circle.” The launch, which opens this Saturday, reflects the designer’s journey across the cities that shaped him: Bogotá, Miami, New York, Paris, and Ibiza. Each city left a mark on his artistry, and every piece from Donde Esteban carries that story, effortlessly combining cosmopolitan refinement with the soulful ease of Latin America.
The Meaning Behind ‘Donde Esteban’
The name Donde Esteban translated as “at Esteban’s” or “where’s Esteban’s?”holds deep cultural resonance. Cortázar drew inspiration from the small towns of Colombia, where local spots often carry names like Donde Maria or Donde Mario, evoking warmth and familiarity. “It’s an open invitation,” he explained. “I want people to feel as though they’re entering a space that welcomes them, where they instantly feel at home.” Through this concept, Cortázar seeks to connect fashion, culture, and emotion, transforming his brand into a community rather than a label. Ultimately, Donde Esteban tells stories through style. Each garment becomes a narrative, and every collection celebrates belonging, joy, and the universal language of creativity.
La Tiendita: A Celebration of Color and Culture
Running through December 7, the lively “La Tiendita Donde Esteban” pop-up is designed as a tribute to Colombian craftsmanship and Caribbean culture. The space bursts with tropical hues, artisanal textures, and nostalgic details that reflect Cortázar’s artistic vision. From handwoven hammocks to vibrant ceramics, every element has been thoughtfully curated to transport guests to a place where summer never ends. Moreover, the atmosphere echoes the effortless rhythm of Miami’s coastal charm bright, breezy, and endlessly inviting. Visitors will discover exclusive resortwear pieces featuring breezy fabrics, tropical prints, and fluid silhouettes perfect for sunny days. “I wanted people to walk in and immediately feel happiness,” Cortázar shared. “Even if it’s fall, the space should radiate warmth and energy.”
The Connection Between Miami and Colombia
For Cortázar, Miami and Colombia are intertwined muses that shaped his identity as a designer. Having spent his formative years in Miami after leaving Bogotá, he credits the city’s cultural fusion for shaping his worldview. “Miami taught me freedom,” he said proudly. “It’s where Latin passion meets global sophistication.” Through Donde Esteban, he captures that blend of worlds a harmonious dialogue between tradition and modernity, artistry and simplicity. Consequently, his pop-up at The Standard Spa becomes a bridge between Colombian soulfulness and Miami’s cosmopolitan flair. Each garment feels like a celebration of identity, weaving heritage into contemporary design while reminding us that fashion, at its core, is about storytelling and connection.
A Personal and Emotional Project
For Cortázar, Donde Esteban isn’t just a fashion label it’s a reflection of introspection and rediscovery. After years of designing for luxury houses like Emanuel Ungaro, he felt a calling to create something closer to his heart. “This project is about slowing down,” he revealed. “It’s about reconnecting with my roots, with the people and craftsmanship that define me.” Every piece in the collection reflects that philosophy. The use of natural materials, artisanal details, and human touch embodies a sense of mindfulness and emotion. Rather than chasing trends, Cortázar focuses on timeless design that tells a story. As he put it, “Fashion should feel like an embrace it should connect people, not separate them.”
The Standard Spa: A Perfect Creative Partner
Choosing The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, as the location for his first pop-up was both intentional and symbolic. The hotel has long served as a creative hub for artists, musicians, and dreamers, mirroring the same spirit of freedom and curiosity that fuels Donde Esteban. Therefore, the collaboration feels organic. The pop-up merges retail with experience, offering more than clothes it’s an emotional journey. Visitors can expect live music, art installations, and intimate gatherings celebrating Latin creativity and global connection. “The Standard has always been a place of inspiration for me,” Cortázar shared. “Bringing Donde Esteban here feels poetic. It embodies everything I love about Miami: openness, diversity, and joy.”
A New Chapter of Creative Freedom
As Donde Esteban continues to evolve, Esteban Cortázar remains committed to his mission: crafting fashion that celebrates authenticity, emotion, and heritage. The Miami pop-up marks not only a milestone for his brand but also a personal triumph a return to the roots that shaped his creative soul. “We live in a time when fashion must connect people again,” he said. “Through Donde Esteban, I want to remind everyone that beauty begins with authenticity.” With The Standard Spa pop-up, Cortázar creates an atmosphere of endless summer, where art, culture, and community intertwine. For every visitor who steps inside, it’s not just shopping it’s an experience of joy, belonging, and boundless creativity.
