You don’t have to check-in to the swanky Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami to gain access to their newest, lavish amenity. The ritzy resort just launched the Couture Concierge program, and just like a hotel concierge can tell you where to eat or what to see, their in-house concierge will guide you on where to shop and what to wear. They found the perfect person for the elite job in stylist-to-the-stars Elysze Held, who says she can’t wait to hand out her decades of fashion wisdom.
“Instead of having clients wander aimlessly in and out of stores, I can target what stores fit their needs, style and budget,” she says.
Held, known for her Bergdorf bob and trademark dark glasses, has dressed many of South Florida’s socialites and CEOs since the late 1980’s, and she is a staple at New York Fashion Week. For years, the sought-after stylist has refused to work exclusively with one hotel, but when the Ritz came calling for her personal shopping services, she admits she jumped at the chance.
“It’s the Ritz-Carlton, which symbolizes style and luxury, so it was a no-brainer.”
Shopping In Style
The new perk isn’t just for jetsetters staying at the hotel. Held will assist anyone who dines, drinks or has a spa appointment at the resort. And her clients aren’t just the “ladies who lunch”.
“Men make up a big percentage of my clientele. I usually get their sizes, likes and dislikes, and then bring the clothes to them (at their homes or at the Ritz). Quite frequently, I show up with my tailor”, she excitedly explains.
She is on-call 24/7, and the respected stylist has enough pull with stores to arrange for them to open up early or stay late. She’ll meet you for a one-on-one wardrobe consultation, or she’ll have the resort’s private car service whisk you away on a shopping expedition. While the hotel is conveniently close to the high-end Bal Harbour shops, Held is quick to point out that she will take clients anywhere from the Design District in Miami to Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.
“I can help you find an impossible-to-find artistic piece, a vintage treasure or score a great bargain,” she promises.
Held claims that she doesn’t favor any particular store or brand, and she refuses to take any kickbacks or gifts from stores, so it’s all about what’s best for the client.
Haute Happy Hour
After you’re done lunching and shopping with Held, drop your bags at the Bistro Bal Harbour at the Ritz for their Haute Happy Hour. From 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., guests can sip on ten-dollar cocktails inspired by the latest trends from the runway. Held and the Bistro staff curated a cocktail collection of five drinks, like the BB&H mojito inspired by Dolce & Gabbana’s white and beige collection, and the bright Masculine is Feminine cocktail, made to match Viktor & Rolf’s green collection. Like fashion, drinks will change with the seasons.
Just as fabulous as the fashionable libations, are the coveted views of the Intracoastal Waterway from Bistro. After returning from a few hours of shopping with a client at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour, Held leans back and takes in the turquoise scenery from the terrace.
“You can’t possibly feel like you’ve had a frenzied shopping day, when you end up here with this breathtaking view,” she says.
Cheers to being fashion forward!
Fashion Facts about Held:
Held’s trademark glasses: “I saw an older woman wearing dark glasses with a blue tint in Paris in the 80’s, and I thought that was so special. I started wearing them about ten years ago; it’s not a fashion statement, I really need them to see perfectly, which is a big benefit to my clients.”
Her closet: “I have a story about every, single piece of clothing I own. My friend warns people not to ask me about what I’m wearing, unless they have a lot of time for my answer!
Bragging rights: “My services are often given as a Mother’s Day gift.”
Best shopping advice: “If you are investing in a piece, know why you have it. If I’m going to spend several thousand dollars on something, I’m going to wear it a lot and mix it with many other items.”
Held’s services start at $175 per hour.
To book the Couture Concierge call 305-455-5400.
