Jessica Schuster

Interior Designer

“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.

—AMANDA EBERSTEIN

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 Diorshow mascara in brown.

What is your favorite beach ensemble?

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!

How would you describe your Miami style?

would you describe

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.

A fabulous pareo, coupled with a great bikini, hat, and Saint Laurent Tribute mules in ostrich-embossed leather.

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 Spring trends are you most excited about?

I love denim, so I am excited to see all of the fabulous new creations from lace-up to patchwork to fabulous ruched-denim jackets. Etro and Chloé have some great looks.

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.

What is your favorite Bal Harbour restaurant?

Makoto. I like the entire menu and could eat there every day!

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.

PORTRAIT BY CHRISTIAN HARDER