Cinematic Glamour Meets Miami Skyline: Pirajean Lees Brings Mimi Kakushi to the Historic Delano Hotel
Rooftop lounges have long defined the architectural skyline of Miami, functioning as elevated open-air sanctuaries that rise high above the vibrant, bustling streetscapes of South Florida. Building upon this storied tradition of rooftop hospitality, the acclaimed Japanese restaurant Mimi Kakushi has made its highly anticipated United States debut, selecting the iconic Delano Miami hotel as the home for its first American outpost. To translate the brand’s distinct identity for a new continent, London-based design studio Pirajean Lees was commissioned to orchestrate an interior architecture that bridges the tropical exuberance of Miami, the sophisticated glamour of 1920s Osaka, and the cinematic allure of classic Hollywood.
Main Facts and Architectural Concept
Perched on the fourth floor of the historic Delano Miami Beach, the newly unveiled indoor-outdoor venue represents a masterclass in narrative-driven interior design. Clémence Pirajean and James Lees, the creative minds behind Pirajean Lees who also conceptualized Mimi Kakushi’s celebrated flagship location in Dubai, approached the Miami project through a deeply imaginative lens. Rather than relying on standard contemporary hospitality tropes, the designers drew their primary inspiration from the legendary Japanese silent film actor Sessue Hayakawa.
The resulting spatial narrative imagines an alternate life for Hayakawa as a cosmopolitan world traveler whose personal residences and gathering spaces reflect the multifaceted dimensions of his personality. This conceptual framework materializes through a carefully curated blend of period-appropriate aesthetics and breezy, coastal architecture. The sprawling terrace seamlessly connects the indoor dining rooms to the warm, salt-kissed Miami atmosphere, offering a tiered hospitality experience tailored for both casual afternoon gatherings and intimate evening galas. Access to this exclusive rooftop expanse is thoughtfully restricted to registered hotel guests and members of the prestigious Delano Members Club, ensuring an atmosphere of privacy and refinement.
Chronology and Evolution of the Mimi Kakushi Brand
The journey of Mimi Kakushi to the American market marks a significant milestone in the brand’s international expansion. The concept originally gained critical acclaim and a devoted following in the United Arab Emirates with its debut in Dubai, where Pirajean Lees first established the restaurant’s signature aesthetic. That initial location successfully merged the golden age of Japanese art and dining with a high-end, cosmopolitan social club vibe.
Following the global success of the Dubai venue, ownership and design teams began evaluating expansion targets in late 2023, identifying the United States as the next logical frontier. Miami—specifically the revitalized and legendary Delano property—was selected in early 2024 for its cultural alignment with high-end culinary tourism and its historic appreciation for Art Deco and cinematic architecture. Over an intensive eighteen-month design and construction timeline, Pirajean Lees adapted the Osaka-meets-Hollywood narrative to fit the subtropical climate of South Florida, culminating in the official rooftop launch.
Culinary Integration and Immersive Design Details
At the heart of the culinary program is an open sushi counter that places food preparation at the absolute center of the guest experience. Diners seated along the counter enjoy unobstructed views of head chef Henry Park’s culinary team as they meticulously craft sashimi, tempura, and an array of sophisticated Japanese dishes. Complementing the culinary theater, a strategically positioned DJ station establishes a dynamic auditory rhythm that smoothly transitions from relaxed daytime ambiance to high-energy evening service.
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of the new venue is its unconventional approach to beverage presentation. Eschewing traditional printed cocktail menus, the bar program introduces a playful yet sophisticated nod to mid-century nostalgia: patrons are handed vintage View-Master stereoscopes. Guests click through physical reels showcasing vibrant images of bespoke cocktails infused with botanicals deeply rooted in East Asian flavor profiles.
Spatially, the fourth-floor layout utilizes lush, strategically placed tropical greenery and architectural screening to divide the expansive terrace into intimate, human-scale pockets while preserving panoramic ocean views. Seating arrangements are diverse, ranging from sleek counter perches to plush, upholstered banquettes designed to accommodate everything from a rapid business lunch to an unhurried, multi-course feast. Overhead, natural sunlight filters gracefully through timber bead curtains and stained-glass fixtures, casting dynamic, shifting geometric patterns across a sophisticated material palette defined by warm browns, creams, and rich textures. Hand-painted landscape murals and custom-built furnishings pay homage to traditional Asian craftsmanship, grounding the cinematic fantasy in authentic artisanal techniques.
Supporting Data and Industry Context
The arrival of Mimi Kakushi at the Delano aligns with broader economic and tourism trends within the Miami luxury hospitality sector. According to recent data from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, international and domestic luxury travelers continue to drive demand for experiential, design-forward dining concepts that offer more than just a standard meal. High-end rooftop venues in Miami Beach have seen an estimated 15% year-over-year increase in patron spending, fueled by a demographic that values immersive environments, Instagrammable touchpoints, and culinary authenticity.
Furthermore, the revitalization of the Delano Miami—a property historically celebrated for its Philippe Starck-designed surrealist aesthetic—serves as an ideal backdrop for a concept rooted in cinematic theatricality. By integrating a narrative inspired by early 20th-century Asian cinema into a property known for 1990s South Beach minimalist glamour, the development bridges distinct eras of global interior design history.
Official Responses and Creative Vision
While direct corporate statements from the founding restaurateurs emphasize a commitment to preserving the brand’s core DNA while respecting local contexts, the design partners have been vocal about the emotional resonance of the space. Speaking on their design philosophy for the American outpost, Clémence Pirajean and James Lees noted that the objective was to craft an environment that feels simultaneously transportive and deeply rooted in its geographic reality.
"We wanted to create a space that honors the theatricality of our cinematic inspiration without losing touch with the unique coastal energy of Miami Beach," the designers shared in a joint statement regarding the project’s completion. "Every material choice—from the stained glass to the timber bead curtains—was selected to ensure the atmosphere evolves organically from day to night, mirroring the natural rhythm of the sun and the city."
Broader Impact and Market Implications
The successful opening of Mimi Kakushi at the Delano is expected to exert a notable influence on the competitive landscape of Miami Beach upscale dining. By demonstrating that narrative-led, heavily conceptual interior design can successfully anchor a high-volume rooftop venue, the project sets a new benchmark for upcoming hospitality developments in the region.
Industry analysts suggest that the venue’s blend of experiential beverage programs—such as the View-Master cocktail menus—and immersive culinary counters will encourage rival establishments to elevate their own interactive offerings. As Miami solidifies its status as a permanent global capital for fine dining, sitting alongside established hubs like New York, London, and Tokyo, properties like the Delano are proving that architectural storytelling is just as vital to commercial success as the culinary menu itself. Through the lens of Pirajean Lees, Mimi Kakushi successfully translates an imagined cinematic history into a tangible, functioning reality, offering guests a rare escape suspended gracefully between the history of Old Hollywood, the charm of 1920s Osaka, and the sun-drenched vibrancy of the modern Miami skyline.
