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Around Town: Art Basel Miami Happenings

CURIO at Faena Bazaar hosts private "who's who" Art Basel fashion event

Photo Credit: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

CURIO at Faena Bazaar, Miami's premier shopping destination for men and women, hosted a private "who's who" Art Basel fashion event, featuring a MARNI X CURIO pop-up. Guests enjoyed an evening of curated cocktails and engaging live customizations by artist Victor Valverde, with whom Marni collaborates to create designs on products such as leather goods, jackets, and more!

Trendsetting celebs such as Rich the Kid, Nicky Jam, Skillibeng, and SiiickBrain were all in attendance. Particularly, Rich the Kid and Nicky Jam stole the spotlight, making exclusive purchases on-site. 

CURIO at Faena Bazaar, located at the heart of the vibrant Faena District in Miami, recently unveiled its renovated men's store setting a new standard for high-end fashion in the city. The redesigned 1900 square foot space features a blend of exquisite carpets, sophisticated lighting, verdant plants, and thoughtfully curated merchandise displays, creating an environment that invites discerning shoppers to explore the latest in men's fashion.

CURIO at Faena Bazaar has long been a mainstay of luxury retail, featuring distinguished brands for men such as Balenciaga, Dior, Celine, Bottega Veneta, Jacques Marie Mage, and Tom Ford. The store also offers an impeccable selection of ready-to-wear fashions, including Aspesi, Barena Venezia, Boglioli, Frescobal Carioca, Marrakshi Life, Sunspel, United Rivers, and Vilebrequin.

FIRST and i.am/Angel Foundation Host Fundraising Gala to Celebrate Robotics Students and Promote STEM Literacy

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Youth-serving nonprofits FIRST® and i.am/Angel foundation collaborated to host the 2023 FIRST Inspire Gala in Miami, celebrating the vital role that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education plays in developing today’s youth, and how FIRST uniquely prepares students to be creative thinkers and problems solvers capable of solving society’s greatest challenges. The event took place at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel on December 6, coinciding with the renowned Art Basel Miami, and was chaired by leaders in STEM education and industry:

  • Dean Kamen: Founder, FIRST, President, DEKA Research & Development Corporation

  • will.i.am: musician, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist

Event highlights included a star-studded red carpet, robot demonstrations by local students, and an inspiring program that put a spotlight on the many ways that FIRST supports students as they build critical skills, explore career possibilities, and carve out their paths in life.

“FIRST is a transformative experience for students. They are building the skills that will power their careers and enrich their lives. They are finding community and feel inspired to make an impact. They’re taking risks, making mistakes, and learning about the far reaches of their own potential,” said Kamen. “Kids who participate in FIRST are gaining the knowledge, innovative spirit, and confidence to solve big problems and turn long-held dreams into reality.”

The event also featured a fireside chat with Dean Kamen and will.i.am, whose i.am/Angel foundation administers charitable activities and programs targeted towards providing college scholarships, college preparation, and opportunities in STEAM education. They spoke about the current state of STEAM education for young people and its impact on our future.

“FIRST gives kids opportunities to learn career and life skills, work together in teams, and meet new friends. Students participating in FIRST also become part of a global community, empowered to design a better world,” said will.i.am, founder of the i.am/Angel Foundation.

In a special tribute, Ursula Burns was recognized for her unwavering commitment to FIRST. Burns has served as a member of the FIRST Board of Directors since 2000. Beyond her board service, she has graciously shared her time with students at FIRST events and as a mentor to FIRST alumni in their careers. From 2009 to 2016, she served as the CEO of Xerox Corporation, where she also held the position of Chairman of the Board from 2010 to 2017. Under her leadership, Xerox evolved from a global leader in document technology into the world's most diversified business services company. 

The Gala raised funding to support the FIRST mission and the inspiration of young minds. Proceeds go toward making FIRST programs more widely available to students all over the world, especially underserved and underrepresented populations. Funds raised by the FIRST Inspire Gala will be shared between the i.am/Angel foundation and FIRST headquarters initiatives. If you are interested in learning more, or donating to FIRST, please visit firstinspires.org/give.

Givenchy x Bentley Residences private Art Basel party 

Photo Credit: BFA

The Givenchy x Bentley Residences private Art Basel party, set against the beachfront backdrop, was full of the glamorous decadence Miami is famous for.

Guests including Real Housewives of Miami star Kiki Barth, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City's Meredith Marks, New England Patriots' Davon Godchaux, and WAGS Miami alum Ashley Nicole Robert perused the Givenchy Spring 2024 collection and toured the over-the-top model unit of Bentley Residences -- the world's first Bentley Motors-branded tower.

Moments included a quartet of gleaming Bentleys sitting pretty inside the "Dezervator" -- developer Gil Dezer's patented car elevator-cum-garage.

Units at the tony tower, located in Sunny Isles Beach and scheduled for completion in 2026, start at a cool $5.6 million.