By Amanda Eberstein
Jessica Schuster in her New York City office. Portrait by Christian Harder.
Schuster designed the Matanza hotel in Miami Beach.
“From a young age, I was inspired by my parents’ and grandmother’s sense of style and interest in art and design,” says Jessica Schuster. “While other girls were getting their Vogue subscriptions, I was reading Architectural Digest and World of Interiors.” The Boston native founded her namesake interior design studio 11 years ago, after studying at NYU and Parson’s School of Design, and working for Kelly Wearstler and Tui Pranich. “Our work is traditionally grounded, painted with unexpected touches, and inspired by vintage form and design,” says the New York-based designer, whose projects span the Hamptons, Palm Beach, and LA. Recently, Schuster unveiled her first-ever hotel design, Esmé and Casa Matanza, a pair of neighboring boutique properties located in Miami Beach’s historic Española Way.
What is your go-to outfit for work?
When on the clock, my standard uniform is a cashmere sweater, Khaite jeans, and my Chanel loafers or The Row zipper boots. My mornings are always about business (that’s when I’m most creative), so I don’t have a ton of time to think about my outfit. Having a uniform is the easiest way to get out the door and to the office!
Go-to luggage?
I have long used Rimowa and have always loved it. My carry-on is a traveling scrapbook of sorts—I like to apply bumper stickers from each trip I take.
The Webster
Khaite jeans.
Rimowa
Essential cabin.
How would you describe your Miami style?
I like to mix vintage pieces with designers and in Miami, I love to shop for more playful and fun pieces with a little more pattern and color than normal. Some of my go-to spots are Etro, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Saint Laurent, Chanel and The Webster.
What is your favorite beach ensemble?
A fabulous pareo, coupled with a great bikini, hat, and Saint Laurent Tribute mules in ostrich-embossed leather.
The Webster
Paco Rabane hat.
Saint Laurent
Tribute mules.
What beauty items do you swear by?
I love the foam cleanser from MBR, which I use day and night, and Isdinceutics Melatonik oil, which I layer with the crème masque vernix from Biologique Recherche. For makeup, I wear Chantecaille’s Future Skin Cushion foundation—the formula is light and not fussy. I also love Christian Dior’s Dior show mascara in brown.
What jewelry do you never take off?
The go-to watch I never leave home without is a gold Bulgari Serpenti watch. I also wear thin gold hoops most days because they are sleek and effortless.
What are your go-to shoes for day?
For day, I wear Chanel slingbacks—I have them in many colors. They’re easy and dress up even the most casual look.
Bulgari
Serpenti Tubogas watch.
Chanel
Glitter and grosgrain slingback.
Makoto, located on Level 3 of Bal Harbour Shops.
What is your favorite Bal Harbour restaurant?
Makoto. I like the entire menu and could eat there every day!
