The Ultimate VIP Roundup from Miami Art Basel's Extravagant Week
By Daniela Uribe
Miami Art Week transformed the city into a dazzling epicenter of art, luxury, and celebrity culture. With every corner hosting VIPs, celebrities, and the who's who of the art, fashion, and music worlds, the city buzzed with excitement. This wasn't just a series of events but a lavish spectacle where spotting celebrities became an everyday occurrence. From opulent gallery openings to exclusive yacht soirées and vibrant parties, the week was a whirlwind of high society and artistic glamour. In this article, we'll guide you through the most exclusive and unforgettable events that defined this extravagant week in Miami.
Dior Lady Art #8
The 8th edition of Dior Lady Art took center stage at Miami Art Week, showcasing the iconic Lady Dior handbag in a new light. Held at the Dior boutique in Miami’s Design District, this exhibition featured the handbag, first made famous by Lady Diana in 1995, reimagined by a diverse group of global artists. Among them, Korean-Canadian artist Zadie Xa stood out with her traditional collage style and Korean handicraft techniques, transforming three Lady Dior bags into vibrant narratives inspired by animal characters and mystical landscapes. Japanese artist Mariko Mori infused her signature light work into the design, elegantly capturing the Maison’s essence of femininity. The exhibition also highlighted unique interpretations by artists like Mircea Cantor, Jeffrey Gibson, Ha Chong-Hyun, and more, each bringing their distinct vision to the timeless elegance of the Lady Dior bag. This event not only celebrated artistic innovation but also paid homage to the enduring legacy of Dior’s craftmanship and reinvention.
Barneys New York
The Barneys New York 100th Anniversary celebration, held at the prestigious Nobu Hotel, epitomized luxury and exclusivity, attracting a host of influential guests and celebrities. Esteemed attendees like fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger with Dee Hilfiger, supermodel Cindy Crawford, and Gene Pressman, former CEO and Creative Director of Barneys New York, graced the event, adding to its star-studded allure. Sponsored by Ketel One Vodka, the event was a fitting tribute to the century-long journey of Barneys, a beacon of high fashion and luxury retail. It not only showcased the brand's glamorous heritage but also highlighted its significant impact on the fashion world. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the spirit of celebration, as guests toasted to the enduring legacy of Barneys New York, marking a century of style, elegance, and unparalleled retail experience.
Hublot at Queen Miami Beach
During Miami's Art and Design Week, luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot unveiled its new Miami exclusive, the Big Bang Unico Magic City. This event on December 8th, 2023, celebrated the essence of Miami's vibrant culture and Art Deco history, embodied in the watch's design. The exclusive launch dinner, followed by a celebration at Queen Miami Beach, saw guests like Nifemi Marcus-Bello and Carlos Fuente III in attendance. Limited to just 35 pieces, the Big Bang Unico Magic City, capturing the spirit of Miami, is available exclusively at Hublot's Miami boutiques and on their US ecommerce site.
Farfetch x Dolce & Gabbana
During Miami Art Basel, the luxurious Faena Hotel played host to the much-anticipated Farfetch and Dolce & Gabbana celebration, marking a collaboration between the leading destination for modern luxury and the iconic fashion house. The party was a vibrant homage to the exclusive early access of Dolce & Gabbana's Flower Power Pre-Spring 2024 women’s collection available on Farfetch.com.The collection, inspired by the free-spirited energy of the 1960s, is a fusion of past and present. It captures the essence of this iconic era with a contemporary twist, featuring bright roses, delicate anemones, and wild bouquets that embellish everything from sleek stretch satin sheath dresses to billowing full-length gowns crafted from printed silk chiffon. This graphic opulence is a tribute to the cosmopolitan woman of the '60s, making each piece in the collection perfectly suited for both daywear and elegant evening events.The event at the Faena Hotel mirrored the collection's flair, with its opulent setting providing a fitting backdrop for celebrating this unique fashion collaboration.
Kfir Moyal
Jennifer Nicole Lee, Kfir Moyal, Damian Perrone
Miami's art scene shone brightly with the fifth-anniversary celebration of Kfir Moyal's gallery during Art Basel. Known for his crystallized art, Moyal showcased his most iconic works, now enhanced with a unique crystallization touch. The event, in collaboration with Nonpareil Agency founded by Travon Ridley-Evans, became a focal point for art lovers and collectors. The evening was further enriched with a fashion show from Akimota of Ukraine and LePremiere Miami, complementing the artistic atmosphere. Additionally, the launch of "Fashion Wow" magazine marked a fusion of art and fashion, with looks sponsored by Kiko Milano and The Spot Barber Shop. The night was an elegant black tie evening with the most opulent and lavish art pieces Art Basel has seen.
Patron
PATRÓN Tequila, the renowned party catalyst, was at the heart of Miami Art Week 2023, where art, music, and culture converged in a spectacular fashion. Elevating the most buzzworthy parties of the weekend, PATRÓN partnered with NYLON House, SOHO House, Gallery Media Group, Vintage Frames, and Lori Harvey × YEVRAH Swim, ensuring its presence was felt at every major event. Known for creating unforgettable experiences and serving the perfect drinks for iconic celebrations, PATRÓN Tequila was more than just a beverage; it was a symbol of extraordinary moments.
Adding to its vibrant participation, PATRÓN also hosted an exclusive tequila tasting aboard the GMG Yacht. This special event featured a sampling of their prestigious portfolio, including PATRÓN EL ALTO and PATRÓN EL CIELO. Influencers like Meredith Duxbury and Patrick Ta were among the guests who enjoyed these exquisite sips during the golden hour. Set against the stunning backdrop of Biscayne Bay aboard the Gallery Art House Yacht, this tasting event offered a unique and luxurious experience, blending the refined taste of PATRÓN with the beauty of Miami's waterscape.
Babor
At The Wynwood Building during Miami's Art Basel, the skincare brand BABOR, in collaboration with German abstract artist Cevin Parker, hosted a star-studded event, 'Welcome to Dreamland.' The event celebrated the launch of BABOR's new 'The Art of Beauty Collection,' a 14-day limited edition Ampoule Serum Concentrates set adorned with Parker's signature artwork.
The gathering attracted a glamorous crowd, including supermodel Elsa Hosk, Karolina Kurkova, Brooks Nader, Lisa Hochstein, Jen Selter, Kelley Flanagan, Camila Coelho, and influencers like Cass DiMicco, Martha Graeff, Lena Gercke, and others. Guests enjoyed crafted cocktails, mini-customized skin revitalization experiences, IV drips, makeup touch-up stations, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
BABOR BEAUTY GROUP owners Dr. Martin Grabowitz and Isabel Bonacker, Co-CEO Tim Waller, and BABOR Americas CEO Tim Saunier, along with Cevin Parker, mingled with guests, showcasing the ampoule set designed for all skin types to hydrate, revitalize, and rejuvenate. Parker's vibrant artworks, featuring his unique spray technique and augmented reality, captivated both art enthusiasts and influencers. The event epitomized the fusion of beauty, art, and influence, making it an unforgettable night at Art Basel.
MOON.PARTY
Now off to the party scene. Last week's MOOON.PARTY Music and Art Festival at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel was an electrifying event that blended art, music, fashion, and space exploration. Celebrating the upcoming launch of the first lunar art museum into space in 2024, the festival featured an "out of this world" lineup including the global premiere of Brayden Pierce's "Capture the Moon (MOOON.PARTY Mix)" and performances by top DJs like Knoll Doll, Matt Caines, Dude Skywalker, and DJ UZO. Collaborating with NRVLD, the festival offered more than just pulsating beats; it was an immersive experience with soothing sound baths, live paintings, and other unique art experiences, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next cosmic journey.
SSENSE X Marni
The SSENSE x Marni party at the Soho Pool House in Miami was a fashionable and memorable celebration, marking the launch of their new collection, "Once Upon a Time at Marni." This unique event set the stage for a cinematic unveiling of the collection, characterized by its whimsical storytelling approach. The capsule collection, which premiered exclusively on ssense.com on December 11, dazzled guests with its array of vibrant hues, bold prints, and luxurious faux fur, all crafted into versatile unisex styles. This trendy party perfectly encapsulated the imaginative and vivid world of Marni, making it a collection launch that will be talked about for times to come.
Sommsation
At Miami's Art Basel, Sommsation, the innovative wine experience platform, shone as the official Wine Experience sponsor of SCOPE Art Show 2023. Set against the backdrop of Miami Beach, the event attracted VIPs like Danielle Diliberti, Scott Evans, Sofia Resing, Maria Borges, and Katya Tolstova. Sommsation showcased its "Liquid Art" concept, elegantly blending the worlds of art and wine. Guests indulged in an exclusive wine tasting experience, highlighting the artistry of winemaking and the sophisticated pleasure of wine appreciation, all within the vibrant atmosphere of Art Basel.