Bal Harbour Shops 2025 Creative Challenge winning illustration by Bar Persi.
Bal Harbour Shops 2025 Creative Challenge winner Bar Persi.
Our sixth annual Bal Harbour Shops Creative Challenge, whose theme was a nod to the Shops’ 60th anniversary, proved to be the most challenging yet. The submissions were extraordinary—filled with imagination, emotion, and an authentic connection to Bal Harbour Shops’ 60-year story. Participants were asked to submit an original illustration inspired by six decades of style through the lens of Bal Harbour Shops. The judging panel—Nadia Ispwich, Massimo Casagrande, Manon Cardin, Chris Gambrell, Sarah Darby, and Audrey Schilt, all esteemed artists in their own right— led by Fida Worldwide’s founder, artist Patrick Morgan, were especially impressed by the way each entry captured the essence of Miami and the evolution of style.
Many artists’ works stood out for their remarkable technique, thoughtful storytelling, and distinctive perspective. “The level across the entries was impressively high, with so much attention to inclusion and composition,” said artist and guest judge Chris Gambrell, “with every element contributing pictorially to the whole.” But one stood out amongst them all, and that was Bar Persi’s magical interpretation of Bal Harbour Shops and its denizens.
“While drawing, I focused on finding balance between defined and undefined subjects, aiming to create a complete scene with multiple areas that together build a strong sense of storytelling,” says the 22-year-old Israeli fashion design student. “I used digital collage to explore the composition and visual balance of the piece. I thought it would be playful to incorporate a woman with her Lady Dior bag inside the koi pond, blending fashion and nature in a surreal way.”
In addition to Persi, three finalists—Tracy Guiteau, Viktoriya Kirilyuk, and Marina Tereshkina—were selected and awarded a cash prize for their inspired illustrations.
2025 Creative Challenge finalist Tracy Guiteau’s illustration.
2025 Creative Challenge finalist Viktoriya Kirilyuk’s illustration.
2025 Creative Challenge finalist Marina Tereshkina’s illustration.
“What I love about this challenge is how it creates real dialogue between artists and the fashion industry, making illustration feel relevant again,” says guest judge Nadia Ispwich. “I think the world needs a renewed appreciation for fine art across all creative disciplines, and fashion remains one of the most inspiring and joyful realms of artistic expression.”
