Q&A: A New Era of Saxony Bar at Faena

Photography by Alejandro Chavarria on December 28th, 2023 in Celebrity, Editorials, Lifestyle

Alisha Talbot & Richard Filippi

Miami Beach, FL – December 28, 2023- The Saxy nights are back at Faena’s alluring Saxony Bar! Magic City’s most coveted luxury lounge pays homage to Miami’s golden age of glamour, where exclusivity and opulence meet the ultimate speakeasy experience. Faena’s original nightlife curators, Alisha Talbot and Richard Filippi reunite to helm Saxony’s exclusive VIP Preview as the masters of ceremonies, orchestrating an evening filled with dancing to old-school hip-hop, funk, jazz, and classics.

WRE: As the original nightlife curators at Faena, what inspired the decision to return to Saxony Bar, and how do you plan to capture Miami’s golden age of glamour in the new era?

Alisha Talbot: Alan Faena created magic within Faena Miami Beach. From the moment you walk in, the unique fusion of art, scents, sounds, and atmosphere—you’re transported into an orbit of glamour and opulence. Faena is a place like no other, and tucked within this realm is Saxony Bar– our jewel. Nothing is more inspiring than this. The lavish art decor design enveloping the sexy, intimate allure of the room suggests you might just be stepping into a private party in Jay Gatsby’s mansion. When arriving you are truly entering the heart of something special. When such a space exists—capturing the magic is second nature.

WRE: The Saxony Bar promises a speakeasy experience with old-school hip-hop, funk, jazz, and classics. Can you share some insights into how you both curated the music selection?

AT: The musical direction was a natural decision and seamlessly fit with what we wanted to accomplish. Our music is nostalgic, you’re going to dance and even when it’s time to go, you’ll want to stay to hear just one more song.

Alisha Talbot & Richard Filippi

Richard Filippi

Alisha Talbot wearing a red silk robe by Grace Faena

When such a space exists—capturing the magic is second nature.

Alisha Talbot

Alisha Talbot

WRE: Can you provide a glimpse into the regular talent and style of performances planned for Saxony?

RF: We dedicated months to the search for the right DJs who could bring our vision to life. Finally, we discovered DJ Tillery James and his amazing arsenal of talent. There are two types of DJs out there: those who simply play for the room and those who take the room on a journey. Our one rule is that the music must consist of classic throwbacks; beyond that, they are given the freedom to express themselves however they see fit. Recognizing them as true artists who thrive on unbridled creative freedom, we strategically moved the DJ booth to the center of the room behind the bar. In true Faena fashion, the artist is the star of the show.

Richard Filippi

I think my style comes from how I was raised. My mother used to dress us up to the nines always. Just getting on a plane required a suit.

Richard Filippi

WRE: Acknowledging your impeccable style, could you share insights into your current favorite designers and how your personal fashion is influenced by the overall vibe and design of Saxony Bar?

RF: I think my style comes from how I was raised. My mother used to dress us up to the nines always. Just getting on a plane required a suit. Everything was an opportunity to get dressed. She believed that the way you present yourself to the world said something about who you are and where you come from. I am an old-school soul who has spent most of his life in nightlife. So, my style is traditional, hence the suits, with a bit of flash in the form of hats and scarves, etc. My mother also used to say, “It’s not the clothes, it’s the hanger”. So rather than worry about who made what I’m wearing, I worry more about how I come across in what I wear.

WRE: Talk about what patrons can anticipate in terms of the visual and sensory experience when they step into this revitalized lounge?

Richard Filippi: Nightlife in Miami has become too impersonal, inundated with loud music, light shows, bottle parades, sparklers, and the list goes on. It’s an attack on the senses. Saxony embodies classic elegance, emphasizing genuine hospitality through great music, attentive service, and admission based on good energy. It is a space designed for people to relish each other’s company—a return to a traditional experience in an industry that is perpetually evolving.