SocialMiami Driver: Jaguar Electrifies
Featuring Valentina Shah
Clothing designer Valentina Shah – like many of us – has a bank of childhood memories. Growing up in Italy, with parents running a factory manufacturing for the likes of Gucci and Prada, her mom would pick her up in a Jaguar she remembers as “British green,” while her dad drove the family around in the same model but in a color of soothing blue.
“To me, Jaguar is a brand that resembles old world luxury,” says Shah. “It’s the classic car, the classic brand.”
Now that the luxury maker is unveiling its electric model, the Jaguar I-PACE electrical model, Shah says she couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel. The mom of two children — ages 2 years old and 4 years old — two years ago began designing her own brand of blazers that are now carried by some 50 specialty retailers. Both of those jobs — parenting and product creation — make the space of an SUV appealing. And concern for the planet on which she’ll raise her children means, to Shah, that cutting out gasoline consumption is a true bonus.
“I am big sponsor of sustainability,” says Shah. “I produce my blazers in a sustainable fashion and I am happy that jaguar is thinking forward with an electric vehicle. It’s great that you can have luxury, functionality and sustainability.”
We caught up with Shah at the Mana Convention Center Wynwood after she checked out all of the luxury car makers latest models — including the sporty convertibles — but test drove the I-PACE at the Jaguar Electrifies. Running until Sunday November 11th, Shah, as many guests will, experienced the electric ride on a timed and scored, closed-circuit SmartCone drive, which offers countless possible routes in one drive. In addition to an array of car models, the luxury car-maker proves it’s a master of taste when it comes to culinary matters. Michelle Bernstein Cantering, The Salty Donut, 222 Taco, and Crumb on Parchment will all be there with their own delicious offerings.
“The Electric Lounge,” meanwhile, is an attraction on its own. This area will feature cutting-edge products, such as robots and virtual reality experiences and digital picture frames. The 360 degree photo technology experience in a mirrored infinity room will have us leaving with electronic photos we can share on social media, and also a sperate spot for what promises to be the ultimate selfie.
Mana Wynwood Convention Center
318 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
Thursday, November 8, 10:00am-5:30pm
Friday, November 9, 9:00am-5:30pm
Saturday, November 10, 9:00am-5:30pm Late Night Lounge, 5:30pm-9:00pm (no drives offered during this time)
Sunday, November 11, 8:30am-4:30pm
For a test drive register here.
Photography by Aixa Holt
