Yigal Azrouël looks more like the male models he dresses than someone who makes the clothes.

The Israeli-born designer (for women, too) is even at the heart of a juicy rumor that he's the reason that Billy and Katie Lee Joel split up.

A rumor he denies.

``Katie and I have been friends a very long time,'' he says from New York, where he is based. ``I'm single.''

Azrouël, 37, will be the first to tell you -- he just likes women. Which is why he makes sure his elegant-meets-hip line is super female-friendly: ``I always am thinking about how a woman can look her best,'' he says. ``I'm not really someone who follows trends.''

It's also why he likes to do personal appearances across the country -- to get feedback from fans.

``In New York we live in a bubble so I think it's important to get reactions,'' says the celeb magnet, who counts Jessica Alba and Eva Mendes among his devotees. ``I learn a lot from my customers.''

Azrouël will present his Spring 2010 collection and give tips on looking hot in the heat at Saks Bal Harbour on Thursday.

``Miami is sexy -- you can definitely show more of your body,'' says Azrouël, whose first stop when he came to the States 13 years ago was SoBe. ``You have to wear less layers and keep the fabrics super light.''

Plans for the quick trip include chilling at the pool at his hotel (The Mondrian), shopping along Washington Avenue (Recycled Blues) and dining out with friends (Asia de Cuba).

``In a way, I feel like Miami is home for me.''

-- MADELEINE MARR

• See Azrouël at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour noon-3 p.m. Thursday in The Fifth Avenue Club.

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