“I live in the sun and that puts so much pep in your step,” says Harriet Mays Powell, the editor of Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens, which is launching this winter. “You kind of wake up glass half-full,” she says. Born and raised in Greens Farms, Connecticut, she went on to New York and London, to work for prestigious fashion and lifestyle publications. Powell now resides on Biscayne Bay in Miami, with her husband, two college-age children, and a rescue dog named Darwin. Read on to learn more about the editor of our newest title.
Why is this the perfect time to bring Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens to South Florida?
South Florida is undergoing a dynamic transformation with Palm Beach at its epicenter. From Jupiter to Miami, the region is buzzing with new developments. It’s here where the essence of innovation and luxury come to life. The area is not just growing—it is becoming a hotbed for cutting-edge architecture, interior design, art, and real estate.
The influx of new residents and businesses has brought a vibrant, youthful energy into the Palm Beaches. As they grow, these communities are redefining their aesthetic with a blend of eclectic and international styles. It’s an exciting time for design aficionados and professionals who are a part of this evolution.
As I work on the first issue, it becomes apparent that Palm Beach is setting trends for Florida and the rest of the country, where the past and future merge seamlessly. I see a community eager to embrace new ideas in interior and garden design, while honoring its luxurious heritage.
You have been a contributing editor of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) for years, writing for our jewelry pages. What was your career path before that?
I started at Condé Nast on Glamour magazine. From there, I became one of the first editors of Elle magazine when it launched. I stayed for five years before going on to The New York Times Magazine. As well as stories throughout the year, I created their biannual fashion supplements. After that, I worked for Diane von Furstenberg. Next, I was the Fashion Director of Tatler magazine at Condé Nast in London. It was a really fun time. I made a bunch of fantastic friends, and our daughter was born there. But I was asked to be the Fashion Director of New York Magazine and it was too good an opportunity to pass up, so we headed back to the States. After six great years, I decided to start a video company. Video was taking over because you could publish fashion trends immediately, with none of the delays inherent in print. And I also created videos for companies like Barneys, Neiman Marcus, and Van Cleef & Arpels. But now I had two children, so I decided to go freelance as a luxury editor.
Do you see similarities in the fashion design and interior design worlds?
As I like to say half-jokingly, Prada stilettos are ‘kissing cousins’ to a Jean Prouvé bench, or a Bunny Williams’ lighting fixture. I think the two worlds are very related. A lot of times, what happens on the fashion runway gets translated into the interior design world.
Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens launches this winter. Will this title be different from CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens), NYC&G (New York Cottages & Gardens), and HC&G (Hamptons Cottages & Gardens)?
I want to take a slightly different approach. Because I grew up in the fashion magazine world, I think I can look at interior design with a fresh perspective. Of course, Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens is going be just as beautiful as the other magazines in the group, with the same large format and stunning visuals.
What areas do you plan to cover in the Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens?
Aside from Palm Beach itself, we’ll do homes to the north, from Jupiter to Lost Tree, and then south down to Boca Raton, Miami, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. And we’re going to do boats, as well!
What are some aspects unique to South Florida that are exciting you right now?
The restaurant scene is exploding. Thomas Keller is reopening the iconic Worth Avenue spot, Ta-Boo. And West Palm’s food scene is also very dynamic. Even more exciting, there’s going to be a puddle-jumper plane to take you from West Palm to Miami! Overall, I like that there’s a feeling of a new generation that’s coming in. There’s an influx of younger, slightly more arty people who are shaking things up.
What does your ideal day in Palm Beach look like?
I’d have breakfast at one of the diners, maybe Green’s Luncheonette, where Ralph Lauren’s older brother, Lenny, goes every morning with his friends. I might take a stroll to admire the architecture of maestros like Addison Mizner and John Volk. When Ta-Boo opens, I am definitely going there for lunch, but until then I’ll take-out a sandwich from Buccan or a have salad by the pool at The Colony. Afterwards, I’ll wander along Worth Ave to Yafa Signed Jewels, which has the most exquisite collection of David Webb, one of my favorites. I’ll check out the interior design shops, plus the fashion boutiques. Next, I’ll stop at the Royal Poinciana Plaza. There’s a dog accessory store, where you can buy the most wonderful dog bowls, leashes, and stuff like that. I might check out the Special Guest exhibit at the Norton Museum and then stroll through Mounts Botanical Garden. If I need a hostess gift for dinner that night, I’ll run into Hive. For cocktails, LoLa 41 at the White Elephant is really chic.
Favorite hidden South Florida gem?
Casa Gusto is a family-run shop in West Palm Beach that’s got my heart. It sells the chicest and most original selection of eclectic design objets, furniture, and art. In the Miami Design District, in the food hall, up the escalators, is an amazing Japanese restaurant, Sushi Yasu Tanaka. I think it’s the best sushi I’ve eaten since I’ve lived in Florida. Oh, and Blue Runner sells the best seafood in Miami. It’s a family-owned business with trucks in two locations. They have the best in-season stone crabs, fabulous shrimp, plus all sorts of locally caught fish.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
There’s a part of me that will forever be a girl who grew up in and raised her kids in Connecticut. You can take the girl out of Connecticut, but you can’t take Connecticut out of the girl. On July Fourth, I have to have a Maine Lobster!
