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Boca In Vogue

A Look At How Boca Raton’s Rich History, Vibrant Fashion And Wellness Culture Continue To Shape Its Signature Lifestyle

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Let’s start with some local history.

The region of Boca Raton has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including those now referred to as the Glades cultures.

In more modern times, the founding father of Boca Raton is considered to be Thomas Moore Rickards, an Ohio-born farmer and surveyor who first settled in Boca in 1892 in search of a warmer climate to grow crops. More importantly, he was later hired by developer Henry Flagler — a Standard Oil multimillionaire — to survey the land for the extension of Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway from West Palm Beach to Miami. Rickards carved Boca Raton’s city lines and established its first official map, which opened up Florida’s southeastern coast — also known as the Gold Coast region — for development. It led to a land boom, according to Susan Gillis, curator of the Boca Raton Historical Society.

“Everybody wanted to buy land in a state that had beaches,” Gillis says.

At the height of the boom in 1925, the area was officially incorporated as Boca Raton. The surge in development also attracted Addison Mizner, an architect who had studied and traveled extensively in Europe and was designing grand summer homes in Long Island, New York, when he was tapped by Paris Singer, the wealthy heir of industrialist Isaac Singer, to build a private club, which today is known as the Everglades Club. To accommodate an influx of guests, Mizner was then commissioned to create a hotel, the Cloister Inn, which is now The Boca Raton.

The homes and buildings Mizner went on to build were inspired by his travels to Spain and Italy. The style, dubbed Mediterranean Revival, included stucco exteriors and tile roofs in warm colors, arched doors, wrought iron accents and, often, front yard fountains.

As the years passed and styles evolved, Tropical Modernism — featuring open floor plans and cross-ventilation to offset humidity, and the increased use of sustainable and environmentally friendly elements like solar panels — became more popular.

Without sacrificing style, most of today’s newer structures are built to withstand hurricanes through the use of sloped roofs, stronger materials like concrete and reinforced doors and windows. To preserve Mizner’s architectural legacy, the Boca Raton Historical Society offers an exhibit showcasing his contributions.

And as the city celebrates its centennial, Boca Raton is one of South Florida’s most sought-after destinations, offering luxury living and a thriving business market.

Fashion & Style

Mizner’s Mediterranean influence was not limited to architecture but extended to Boca Raton’s signature palette of coral and turquoise fashion.

While couture resort and cruise collections may only debut once a year on the runway, in Boca Raton, resort chic is worn year-round. It embodies casual effortlessness, often including billowy maxi dresses, large designer handbags and, of course, sunglasses of all shapes and sizes.

The brands are undeniably high-end but don’t reflect their expensive price tags. Lilly Pulitzer is a longtime South Florida favorite. Other popular names known for their vibrant designs include Pucci, Versace and Missoni. A local fashion fixture for more than four decades, Evelyn & Arthur has earned a loyal following with its polished easy-to-wear pieces and impeccable service — a go-to for women who value comfort and style.

You’ll find serious shoppers and upscale retailers at the Town Center at Boca Raton, home to Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Gucci among others. Overall, it’s safe to say the shopping in Boca Raton rivals New York’s Fifth Avenue and Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive.

Warm-weather passions, like yachting and golf, are reflected in off-the-clock fashion, specifically leisurewear. Historically, private clubs adhered to a preppy, more formal dress code; however, today the looks you’ll see on the dock or out on the greens are tasteful yet more functional and relaxed. You’ll also spot stylish athleisure wear not just at the gym but worn for everyday activities.

On the other end of the fashion spectrum, Boca Raton boasts a year-round circuit of charity galas. While raising money for worthy causes, these high-profile, invite-only parties also serve as an opportunity to show off personal style.

The calendar kicks off with January’s Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball. There’s also the Boca Raton Museum of Art Gala, an elite event whose themes, like the Met Gala, reflect the lead exhibition on display. Junior League of Boca Raton’s Women Volunteer of the Year Luncheon and The Place of Hope Angel Moms Brunch are occasions for daytime couture, the latter of which featured an exclusive Oscar de la Renta fashion show this year.

Interior Design

In Boca Raton, a home’s interior reflects its owner as much as its exterior, which is where top interior designers known for their bespoke work and stunning taste come in. Susan LaChance, a prominent interior designer whose firm is 50 years old, recounts the design trends of the past four decades.

“In the 1970s, trends leaned toward natural materials like sisal and earth tones like olive green and harvest gold,” LaChance explains. “High ceilings evolved in the 1980s; vertical blinds were introduced, along with lighter color palettes like peach and seafoam. We also started using more mirrors and glass to make homes feel airy.”

In the 1990s, shag and wall-to-wall carpets were introduced, as well as open floor plans — combining the living area, family room and breakfast room — which today are known as Great Rooms.

The 2000s were marked by a return to retro styles and the comeback of vibrant hues like blues, hot pink and bright green.

Stainless steel appliances became big in 2010, and today, “furniture has become more contemporary and streamlined,” LaChance says. “Contemporary millwork such as slat walls is a trend right now. And all shades of blue have become among the most popular with my clients.”

She notes that the evolving tastes of homeowners continue to push creativity and innovation in her designs.

“There’s nothing more exciting than being part of emerging styles, architecture and interior design.”

Beauty & Wellness

Boca Raton residents and out-of-town visitors love a good pampering, which is why the city is among the top destinations for luxury spas.

One of the most renowned is the award-winning Spa Palmera at The Boca Raton, a flagship example of the city’s luxury spa culture, where treatments include a tailored selection of facials, massages, scrubs, sensory experiences and more. Its design was inspired by Spain’s lush, tranquil Alhambra Palace, the ideal surroundings to unplug, indulge and rejuvenate. The historic palace, located in Granada, is famed for its intricate architecture, serene courtyards and lush gardens.

Beautiluxe Salon offers bejeweled custom nail designs with complimentary cocktails while your hands and feet are treated and polished.

There’s no shortage of world-class hair salons, like Dapper & Divine and Martin De Leon Salons. Boca Raton’s affluent community attracts some of the nation’s top cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists and longevity doctors specializing in anti-aging. For discreet recoveries, specialized centers provide everything from medical care to curated meal plans.

Of course, beauty is more than skin deep, which is why Boca Raton offers a range of places to boost wellness. Boutique fitness studios offer everything from tranquil yoga classes and Pilates to intense strength training.

And because fresh air and locally grown produce are essential to wellness, Boca Raton residents can visit several farmers markets, including the Boca Raton Green Market and the Farmer’s Market at Royal Palm Place.