With Miami Art Week 2018 fast approaching, I have to say that the single most asked question in my life is ‘What is Art Basel, and why are you going again?’
It is hard to explain what exactly Art Basel is, as it is honestly a mix of everything. However my best attempt to sum it up is that its ALOT of art (in fact over 22 art fairs), tons of parties, dinners, brunches, music, book signings, fashion shows, panels, and pretty much anything else you could imagine that has to do with the creative aspects.
“Art Basel? lets just go ahead and call it a pop up adult playground…”
— Noelle Lynne
Audemars Piguet held a panel to discuss their innovative lounge during Art Basel 2017, that was followed by a cocktail party that included music, champagne, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
We Are Here. was an alternative non commercial art fair. It was intended to make a statement and I believe that it really made one, as it was carefully curated to create a strong impact on the imbalance in the art world.Immersive art is always some of my favorite art.Less than 4% of the artists in the Modern Art sections are women, but 76% of the nudes are female.Because I stopped by during the opening reception I had the chance to not only see the fair, however I also got to see a special performance by the artist PoorGrrrl (Check her out on Soundcloud by clicking HERE)The second performance was by FutureVirgo who was equally as talented and dressed with a strong statement. I absolutely adored her outfit and actually asked to take her photo before finding out she was an artist. Check her out on HERE
One of my favorite aspects of Art Basel is coming across artists who merge their art and style into something unique. As every time you get dressed in the morning, you send a message to your friends, family, and the world of how you want others to perceive you, as well as a clear message of how you may have decided to tackle the day ahead. When I put on a killer pair of 6 inch heels, I wont lie, I feel like I can conquer anything.
Going from art fairs to launches and events, literally left me with so much inspiration for future looks and outfits. I published some of my favorite outfits and ensembles from the Scope Art Fair Platinum VIP view last year HERE.
“Style is a simple way of saying complicated things. ”
— Jean Cocteau
One look that I adored at Scope Art Fair Platinum VIP viewing, was on artist and activist Alessandra Mondolfi. The accessories that she designed and was wearing, held a powerful message, each piece of the earrings and necklaces showed both the negative and fearful aspects that have become so common, with the reverse side in the positive.
“Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment. ”
— Alexander McQueen
Dinner and Cocktails
One of my absolute favorite events of 2017 was the Islay Dry Gin #BeTheBotanist event, where guests got to create everything from homemade bitters, to gin cocktails. A three course dinner and gin pairing followed the creativity, needless to say by the time we walked out of dinner event I was fully converted to a gin fan.The first course was not only vegetarian but also dairy free.Root vegetable terrine, almond milk soubise, upland cress sallet with local La Bourbon vinegar & pumpkin seed oilThe strawberry basil gin drinks that paired with the first course were seriously heavenly to taste and oh so perfect for Miami.The Botanist Islay Dry Gin by Bruichladdich created such an ambiance and immersive experience throughout the evening, that I must say that I really did feel like a botanist after the dinner and workshop.The second drink we were served once sitting down, asked for our creativity, as we had the chance to create our own savory cocktail to pair with the main course.My cocktail included a whole fig, which I happily ate once the drink gone.My second course was a little bit different than everyone else’s because I am both vegetarian and dairy free (I call myself almost vegan). My dish consisted of tofu braised in The Botanist Gin, fermented greens, strawberries, farrota atop swank farms buckwheat.The ingredients for creating your own bitters.After creating the bitters, they stored them for a few weeks to create flavor before their surprise arrival a month later.While the dessert looked delectable, I resisted since I do have a dairy allergy however my friend Iva who attended the event with me really loved it. The third course was olive oil cake, mole negro custard, Florida shiitake brittle, The Native Guy Brazilian Pepper, topped with honey and cardamom & orange.The dessert drink was 100% the most unique drink of the evening. Because I do not eat dairy, I choose to focus on this and it really was like a sweet treat that perfectly ended the evening of Botanist Islay Dry gin and locally made food.Following dinner and cocktails, the smile on Iva and I’s faces showed just how we have been converted to artisanal gin cocktail lovers.I am wearing a black jumpsuit from one of my favorite San Francisco designers Temple Ro. Iva is wearing some amazing sustainable vegan heels, that are actually created from apple leather by responsible brand Veerah.
The Parties
Faith Connexion X The Miami Beach Edition
One of my favorite parties of the week was the Faith Connexion party at the Miami Beach Edition (please do yourself a favor by adding this hotel and venue it to your list of places to visit in Miami). The Basement of the Miami Beach Edition has three things I love; a nightclub, bowling alley, and an ice skating rink.Faith Connexion is a brand from France that is known for its collective that builds up organically through layered encounters, unafraid to integrate diverse aesthetic perspectives. This label is very much street meets glamour, with graffiti artists spray painting jackets, jeans and sweatshirts, inspiration born from the walls of vacant lots. The authentic luxury of a graffiti painted-to- measure.I wore a one piece bathing suit that was made of recycled polyester swimsuits and a beautiful hand dyed silk cover up to the party (hey it’s Art Basel, anything goes right?) from Miami based sustainable designer Seajasper.Such a fun party favor was the Happy Socks that were offered for both the ice skates and bowling shoes.By the way, if you are thinking that sharp metal and drinks do not mix, fear not as The Basement does not allow drinks on the ice rink.
Nightlife with Perrier-Jouet
Maison Perrier-Jouet hosted a lovely nightlife experience at ORA in South Beach, where both the Perrier-Jouet champagne and beats flowed all night long.I wore a another stunning dress from sustainable Miami designer Seajasper, with a Rebecca Minkoff clutch that I purchased off the Real Real secondhand.
Philipp Plein X Alec Monopoly Miami Pop Up Store Inauguration
Fashion is art, and the pop up for the Alec Monopoly x Philipp Plein event at the Fontainebleau was a wonderful little cocktail & dessert party that gave you a sneak peek at the capsule collection between the two artists.I didn’t have the patience to stand in a small crowded area for a photo with Alec Monopoly & Philipp Plein, so this snapshot was my alternative.
Chelsea Art Group
A must stop by event for me every year is the Chelsea Art Group cocktail party, not only do you get a chance to mingle with some amazing and talented artists. However your also able to talk with some amazing individuals on exactly how to invest in your own personal art collection.The girls and I hanging out with two dear friends Art Curator Paco Barragán and Swedish Artist Johan Wahlstrom.
Film
Posturing directed by Coco Captain was a short film that was presented, with a short panel following on the process and concept of the creation.The fact the film was held in a parking garage only added to the uniqueness of the event,. There was just something about sipping on a glass of Perrier-Jouët in a parking garage, with views of Lincoln Rd and South Beach that was pretty incredible.The popcorn during the movie was all labeled with the concept behind the short film. ‘Learning to transcend the physical barrier that owning a body implies’
