This mall Santa is a former runway model and really fit. Here’s how to meet him, Miami
You’ve heard of Bad Santa. Well, Coral Gables’ upscale retail destination The Shops at Merrick Park has Fashion Santa.
He’s actually a silver fox model named Paul Mason, who’s on a tour visiting places around the U.S. and Canada, where he’s originally from, to pose for some haute holiday pics with anyone who wants a more fashion forward shoot with Santa.
OK, so the runway vet has a white beard and wears red, but that’s pretty much where the similarities with St. Nick end.
While you shop for everyone on your list, be sure to stop by and see him, snag some style tips and maybe even sit on his lap. He’s not anything like the jolly rotund fella in a red suit from the North Pole you see in other malls.
“Think less ‘ho-ho-ho’ and more haute couture,” reads the cheeky release on the local appearance. “Mason is giving Bad Bunny-meets-runway realness, proving Santa can be both naughty and nice – in the most fashionable way possible.”
Read more: Shopping at the mall for the holidays? See events, deals, hours in Miami and Broward
Mason has been such a viral sensation since he started this gig in 2015, he’s even the subject of a few memes, including one of him striking a pose. The text: “When Santa goes on a Keto diet and creates a Tinder profile after his divorce.”
The best part of the experience? You won’t walk away with any mom guilt. Mason doesn’t channel Santa to fill his own stocking. As per the personality’s bio, he’s “on a mission to help those that need it most during a time of giving,” with each event tied to a charitable initiative.
To get your moment with Fashion Santa you’ll need to bring a gift for the patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
FASHION SANTA APPEARANCE
When: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Shops at Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables; first floor’s center garden next to the tree.
Info: www.shopsatmerrickpark.com
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 4:59 PM.
