The Miami-born and -based jewelry designer Jordan Danieli, founder of Di Volpe, moves through the city with an appreciation for its character, creativity, and contradictions. For him, inspiration begins on the Miami Beach boardwalk, where bold personalities and everyday surprises spark new ideas. His art itinerary ranges from the refined programming of Nina Johnson and La Cometa to the unexpected playfulness of the Museum of Sex in Allapattah. He’s drawn to the evolving energy of MiMo, captivated by its bakeries, cafés, and tucked-away neighborhood favorites, and his go-to meals span from Portovino’s spaghetti langoustine to classics at The Gourmet Diner.
Danieli generously took the time to speak to Whitewall about his favorite places, daily rituals, and the pulse of Miami that keeps him inspired.
La Volpina, La Borsa, Stare Zitto, Dinamismo Vite di Volpe on Aida Diop shot by Oste Ossa Films; Courtesy of Jordan Danieli.
WHITEWALL: FAVORITE PLACE TO FIND INSPIRATION?
JORDAN DANIELI: I love the Miami Beach boardwalk — you see every kind of character there. There’s something about Miami that gives people confidence and brings out their most authentic selves. You don’t just see beautiful things; you see interesting things. The Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive, the vibrant lifeguard stands, and the constant energy of the beach are endless sources of inspiration. I’m especially inspired by the jewelry people wear out and about. It’s like a moving gallery of personal style. Miami’s multicultural mix adds another layer of creativity to everything.
But most of my inspiration comes from my family. I’m lucky to come from a family of tastemakers. My grandparents and parents have always surrounded themselves with art, objects, and jewelry. We share a distinctive aesthetic, a red thread that connects us beyond blood. My aunt, in particular, has carried that legacy forward as a collector and curator.
In my opinion, she has the most inspiring collection of art, sculptures, and jewelry in Miami. Maybe it’s because I was raised to share her sensibilities, but watching her collection evolve since childhood has been transformative. Each new piece subtly shifts the environment shaped by the originals, changing how I see them and deepening my appreciation for how art redefines a space over time. When it comes to jewelry, our taste aligns completely. She’s now one of my best clients and wears Di Volpe pieces every day. She’s become a walking reflection of the shared aesthetic we both cherish.
“There’s something about Miami that gives people confidence and brings out their most authentic selves,”
Jordan Danieli
WW: FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE ART?
JD: Miami has seen incredible growth in the arts over the past decade. As a kid, we didn’t have resources like the ICA, Wynwood Walls, or the Pérez Art Museum—each now showcasing world-class collections and exhibitions. The Pérez is a masterpiece in itself, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and set on Biscayne Bay. You can spend an entire day there: lunch on Verde’s terrace overlooking the port, shop its beautifully curated store, and lose yourself in its galleries.
Still, what I love most, what truly gives Miami its character, is the tropical Art Deco architecture of Miami Beach. It’s a style born here, part of the city’s visual DNA. In my opinion, every modern building in Miami draws some inspiration from it. I always recommend the Miami Design Preservation League’s walking tour; it’s fascinating and gives real context to the city’s evolution, visually and culturally.
Other must-sees: Nina Johnson Gallery, La Cometa (an amazing Colombian gallery), and the Rubell Museum, which has some of the most impressive installation art in the country. And for something unexpected, check out the Museum of Sex in Allapattah—playful, interactive, and totally different.
WW: BEST NEIGHBORHOOD VIBE?
JD: I’m really into MiMo lately—the stretch along Biscayne from about 78th to 64th Street. It has such a distinct neighborhood energy, defined by its nostalgic mid-century modern architecture and relaxed, creative vibe. You’ll find favorites like Caracas Bakery, Luna Pasta e Dolce, O’Munacello (which has the best pizza), El Bagel, and MiMo Garden Center. It’s also home to my gym, Sweat 440, and the Legion Park Farmers Market on weekends, which is always buzzing with locals and great food.
WW: BEST-KEPT SECRET?
JD: Zey Zey Miami—amazing live music and the best vibe—and Peel Ice Cream. It’s made with bananas and is pretty incredible.
WW: BEST MEAL IN MIAMI?
JD: Porto Vino on 163rd Street. Order the eggplant Porto Vino and the spaghetti langoustine. It’s a ten-table restaurant, and the chef rarely lets every table fill. He’s a true master of Italian cuisine, and as someone who prides himself on knowing Italian language, culture, and food, I can say it’s the most authentic Italian dining experience in Miami.
I also have to mention The Gourmet Diner in North Miami. I was raised on their chicken fingers, and now my comfort order is the cold steamed artichoke with mustard vinaigrette, mussels, and crispy duck with plum sauce—my ultimate soul food. If you go, tell Eric the maître d’ you’re a friend of Jordan’s. He’ll know exactly who you mean. I’m probably the youngest regular there by 50 years.
WW: For your best 24 hours in Miami, where would we find you morning, noon, and night?
JD: Morning: A run or bike along the beach, a boxing session with my trainer, or a class at Sweat 440 MiMo—I’m practically their mascot. Most people who know me would say my ideal day definitely starts outdoors. Then a coffee or smoothie at Sazón or Pura Vida.
Noon: I’d wander the Design District, visit the ICA and Nader Sculpture Park, both incredible spots where art lives right among the shops and restaurants. Lunch at the sushi counter at Nami Nori. I love the X.O. scallop and Aka ebi.
Night: A padel match at Reserve or Ultra, then dinner with my wife at Walrus Rodeo. After that, drinks with friends, Mad Radio, and—if we’re really doing a full 24 hours—a sunrise set at Club Space to finish the day right.
The Best of Miami with Jordan Danieli
1. La Cometa Gallery
Courtesy of La Cometa Miami.
On November 30, 2023, Galería La Cometa opened its doors in Miami, after several years of strong presence in the city. Since then, its programming has been the most accurate way to capture its own essence: a space where contemporary and modern art interact to bridge different artistic periods. The goal is to achieve a deeper understanding of the shifting contexts and ideas that have shaped the region’s art. Thus, the aim of the entire team and the project as a whole is to serve Miami’s artistic community, providing a valuable resource for reflection and dialogue between the North and the South. – La Cometa Gallery
2. Nina Johnson Gallery
Katie Stout, “Griselda,” 2023, Glazed and lustered ceramic, 21 x 17 x 22 inches; courtesy of the artist and Nina Johnson Gallery.
Nina Johnson is a contemporary art gallery committed to elevating exceptional artists and their work. Founded by Nina Johnson in 2007, the gallery is both a pillar of Miami’s contemporary art community and an internationally recognized voice known for its wide-ranging and intuitive program. In the spring of 2024 Johnson was welcomed as a member of the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA). – Nina Johnson Gallery
3. Nader Sculpture Park
Cubo Azul by Rachel Valdés at Nader Sculpture Park. Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Nader Sculpture Park, situated in Miami’s Design District, serves as a dynamic outdoor gallery space showcasing modern and contemporary sculptural works by internationally recognized artists. As an extension of the Gary Nader Art Centre, the park has established itself as a cultural destination that reflects Miami’s evolving position in the global art landscape. The carefully curated collection creates an accessible environment where visitors can experience large-scale artwork in an open-air setting. – Nader Sculpture Park
4. Nami Nori
Courtesy of Courtesy of Nami Nori.
Originating in New York City, Nami Nori is a casual temaki bar specializing in open-style sushi hand rolls. Our menu features signature temaki, including crunchy varieties, as well as takes on the classics and a special vegan section. The open-style temaki allows guests to enjoy a wide variety of flavors, in each fun-to-eat, visually tempting bite. – Nami Nori
