Argentinian fashion designer Carolina Kleinman, founder of the Carolina K boutique in the Miami Design District, moves through Miami with an eye for beauty, culture, and community. Her days unfold across the city’s creative landmarks—from energizing visits to Espacio 23 and Little River’s independent galleries to cherished meals in design-driven neighborhood favorites. Whether sourcing inspiration in contemporary art spaces or savoring Aegean flavors at Mandolin, Kleinman gravitates toward places where tradition, storytelling, and craftsmanship come alive. Her Miami reflects a seamless blend of discovery and intention. Kleinman generously took the time to speak to Whitewall about the soulful places that move her—Dot Fiftyone, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, and more.
Courtesy of Carolina Kleinman.
Courtesy of Carolina Kleinman.
WHITEWALL: FAVORITE PLACE TO FIND INSPIRATION?
CAROLINA KLEINMAN: Espacio 23, Rubell Museum, Pamm Museum.
WW: FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE ART?
CK: The smaller independent galleries in the Little River area, like Dot Fiftyone and Collective 62. Primary Projects, and Nina Johnson.
“Kleinman gravitates toward places where tradition, storytelling, and craftsmanship come alive,”
WW: BEST NEIGHBORHOOD VIBE?
CK: Little River and Design District.
WW: BEST-KEPT SECRET?
CK: One of my favorite hidden gems is the Antique Mall of Biscayne. It’s full of mid-century modern finds and unique European and American period pieces. Also driving up to West Palm Beach to do vintage store shopping.
WW: BEST MEAL IN MIAMI?
CK: Mandolin Aegean Bistro, right next to our Miami Design District store.
Carolina Kleinman’s 24 Hours in Miami
Morning: A walk along the boardwalk and a dip in the sea.
Noon: Lunch in Coconut Grove at Mr. C, on the rooftop at Bellini, then the Rubell Museum.
Night: Dinner at Pao in the Faena Hotel, followed by drinks at Dante’s.
The Best of Miami with Carolina Kleinman
1. El Espacio 23
Violeta Maya, “Mi versión de el origen del mundo I-III,” 2024, pigments and acrylic on canvas; triptych, courtesy of artist and El Espacio 23.
El Espacio 23 is a contemporary art space founded by collector and philanthropist Jorge M. Pérez. Located within a repurposed 28,000 square foot warehouse in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood, El Espacio 23 serves artists, curators and the general public with regular exhibitions, residencies and a variety of special projects drawn from the Pérez Collection. – El Espacio 23
2. Dot Fiftyone Gallery
Exhibition view of “UNFOLDING” by
Hernán Cédola (April 6, — May 31, 2025); Courtesy of the artist and Dot Fiftyone Gallery.
Dot Fiftyone is a Miami-based gallery with a focus on contemporary art. Founded in 2003 by Alfredo Guzman and Isaac Perelman, the gallery is dedicated to exhibiting emerging and established artists whose works encourage dynamic ideas and discourses. Representing several artists from the Global South, it has showcased artists for the first time in the USA who were emblematic in their countries but were still underrecognized in North America. Located in Little River, Dot Fiftyone Gallery is one of the city’s longest-standing contemporary art spaces. – Dot Fiftyone
3. Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Courtesy of Mandolin Aegean Bistro.
Founded by Anastasia Koutsioukis and Ahmet Erkaya, Mandolin Aegean Bistro opened its doors in December 2009. Located in a restored 1940’s home with one of the most notable gardens and outdoor patio spaces in Miami, every attention to detail matters. Bringing their combined culture and spirited hospitality to the forefront of Miami’s food scene, Mandolin’s culinary team has interpreted the traditional recipes and seasonality of Greek and Turkish coastal food. Mandolin is dedicated to using local ingredients while incorporating Aegean techniques. – Mandolin Aegean Bistro
4. Pao by Paul Qui
Courtesy of Pao by Paul Qui.
“Taste a series of audacious combinations brought to life by charcoal and smoke. Fusing Filipino, Spanish, Japanese, and French flavors, Pao creates a bold and visionary brand of contemporary Asian cuisine enhanced by captivating ocean views. Paul Qui takes a modernist approach toward food that’s equally playful and authentic, visionary and inspired by tradition. Born in Manila, trained in classic French and Japanese cuisine, Qui is a master at blurring lines between international flavors, fostering culinary innovation.” – Pao in the Faena Hotel
