CHANNELS-JANUARY-2001

Michael Capponi, ONE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE DRIVING CREATIVE force that initially spawned South Beach's nightlife renaissance, Michael Capponi, 32 got his start in his teens, passing out flyers for clubs in Miami Beach. He parlayed that gig into a successful career as a promoter, and went on to play an integral role in establishing the city's image as the world's hottest cosmopolitan playground. A life threatening illness, among other personal problems, prompted a two-year hiatus from the scene, which was broken in 1998 when Capponi helped put the now-defunct nightspot Bar Room, owned by Chris Paciello and Ingrid Casares, on the itinerary of the international A-list. His latest venture is 320, a haute spot that draws locals and stars alike to its Lincoln Road location. "Miami has a combination of what Ibiza and St Tropez have in the summer and what New York City lacks in the winter. It's got sun and a strong Latin influence," Capponi says. "When it's all combined, it creates an eclectic, great mix of people. This is my home and I wouldn't consider going anywhere else."