It's that time of year again where anyone interested in art, fashion and/or music find their way to Miami for one of the biggest art festivals in the world, Art Basel. I already mentioned it a few weeks back when I showed off some behind the scenes shots from my work for photographer Ben Coppelman's exhibition this very week but for all of you out of town-er's, or even you in town-er's that are confused about what exactly the Basel thing is let me give you a brief over view. Pretty much this festival called Art Basel comes into town at the convention center and at the same time a million other fairs come along with it. Then all of these fashion designers come and have fashion shows and throw parties that all of the biggest musicians perform at. This week long event is an overwhelming and terribly exciting non-stop art party. I will be working at SCOPE this year so my posting may be sparse but I will do my very best to upload a few photos and write a few words about my experiences every day. In the mean time if you're in town and looking to join in on the fun below are a few of the top events from Societe Perrier you should be sure to check out.
Tuesday, December 3
Brunch Before You Basel at Dolce (through Sunday, December 8)
Just steps from the action over at the Miami Beach Convention Center, this Italian gem is an ideal starting point to the art-themed festivities. With a DIY Bloody Mary bar and an impressive array of bubbly to choose from, is there any other place you’d rather kick off your day?
ShopBAZAAR at Soho Beach House (through Thursday, December 5)
In need of a shopping spree smack in the middle of Miami Art Week? Harper’s Bazaar returns with ShopBAZAAR, this time at Soho Beach House. They’re taking over the library and stocking it with special inventory from John Hardy, MCM, MICHELE Watches, Atelier Swarovski, Sandro and more. Lucky beauty buffs in search of a makeover can schedule a pit stop over at the “Day of Beauty,” a pop-up beauty bar — courtesy of Givenchy and Moroccan Oil — on Thursday from 1 to 6 pm.
Wednesday, December 4
RJD2 at Bardot
This Philly-based musical beatmaster is not to be missed. The vinyl prodigy is slated to deliver a slammin’ set of personal classics and creative samples, along with a special visual installation that will complement the vibe.
Kendrick Lamar at Mana Wynwood
Thanks to Flaunt Magazine and 3P Productions, you can throw down at one of the week’s biggest bashes, featuring the wildly talented rapper. Act soon: a limited number of spots are up for the taking right now.
Elle Decor at Sunset Island II
Top designers, lifestyle brands and magazine editors will join forces at a magnificent, private, 10,300-square-foot waterfront estate in Miami Beach, on Sunset Island II, where VIPs will come together for a benefit for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at UM’s Miller School of Medicine.
Robert Zuckerman’s PORTRAITS at Riviera South Beach (through Sunday, December 8)
Get up-close and personal with movie portrait photographer Robert G. Zuckerman at PORTRAITS, a featured collection of the acclaimed talent’s snapshots of actors, artists and cultural icons, on display throughout Miami Art Week.
Thursday, December 5
Darkside at Mana Wynwood
Miami Art Week welcomes back deep-house whiz Nicolas Jaar. He’s joined forces guitarist Dave Harrington for the act Darkside, an electro/psych-rock group.
Kult Bazaar in Wynwood (through Sunday, December 8)
Our favorite fierce fashionista, Pamela Wasabi of Wasabi Fashion Kult, is launching this unique outdoor fashion boutique and market in the heart of Wynwood. Here, a mix of local and indie designers will showcase their latest threads.
Vernissage at House of Art
Thanks to House of Art, on Thursday night from 7 pm to 11 pm, a handful of renowned artists will take center stage. They include: House of Art founder Henrique Souza, Jason Henthorne, Clecio Lira, TMNK/Nobody, Richard des Jarinds, Robert Figueroa, Cynosure Andrew-Lozano and Cecilia Moreno Yaghoubi. Schmooze and sip cocktails from TU-Be Branding, YaYa Wines and nosh on bites from Machiya Midtown Miami.
Del Toro Wynwood Block Party
Join Del Toro (who will also be hosting a pop-up shop on SoBe all week long) from 4 pm to 7 pm for the fliest shoes in all the Magic City. You’ll see hand-painted creations from 50 worldwide artists on display, along with mural reveals, a surprise live music performance and barbecue bites at this all-out Wynwood celebration.
Alexandria Hilfiger MELTING WATER Reception at Riviera South Beach
Noted as an “artist to watch” by As If magazine, Alexandria Hilfiger celebrates the debut of her two-day courtyard exhibit with a Perrier- and Peroni-sponsored shindig at this South Beach boutique hotel. Attendees can mingle, while Ace Talent Management provides the mood music from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Official VH1 + SCOPE Party
Back for another round of after-party antics, the folks at SCOPE are teaming up, once again, with VH1 to bring you a performance from Tegan and Sara, the pop-smart indie twin-sister duo. And there will be no shortage of music, thanks also to DJ Cassidy and Brendan Fallis — so if you can get yourself beyond the velvet rope, this one’s a must-see.
Paper Magazine & Tiki Disco Party at the Gale
Relish the rooftop breeze off the water and take in the view of South Beach, as two major forces unite to bring Australian rapper Iggy Azalea to the stage sometime between the hours of 7 pm to midnight.
Saturday, December 7
Shlohmo at Bardot
Trip-hop and sexy beats are the norm for this multifaceted producer, who hits the decks at our favorite post-midnight Midtown hang. Expect Shlohmo’s musical merry-go-round to feature a plethora of sensual beats laced with glitchy tricks .
Young Adults Showcase at The Electric Pickle
Join us as we thrown down at this all-nighter Young Adults label showcase, sponsored along with The Well and Electric Pickle Company. We’ll be boogying-down alongside Joakim, Jerome LOL, Silk Road and more. Check out The Well’s pop-up salon previewing The Third Dimension capsule collection, along with a unique installation by Juxtapoz’s Hannah Stouffer.
XIV Sessions: Art Basel at Hyde Beach at SLS Hotel South Beach
Get wet and wild at this art-themed pool party! Relax your back and elevate your feet under the warm sun. Or keep it going, since the music will be bumpin’ all day long. In true XIV Sessions fashion, the mantra “Save Water, Drink Champagne” should be in full effect, as local artist Alexander Mijares unveils a special rubber-ducky art piece for the occasion.
5th Annual Moksha Art Fair at Moska Gallery
An ocular treat for any open-minded, spiritual-art aficionado, the return of Moksha brings with it famed artists Alex and Allyson Grey. Showcasing “Return to the Dreamtime,” an homage to aboriginal mythology, the Greys will be joined by Mark Henson and also host a tribute to Terrence McKenna’s 20th Anniversary of “Alien Dreamtime.” Get liberated and enlightened among good company, thanks to 7th Circuit Productions. Eat, drink, shop, dance, peruse and get lost in this unique world of creative artistry and its whole-hearted following, along with a slew of progressive musical acts.
Basel Castle at Grand Central Park
Obviously, we can’t wait to return to this the Basel Castle, which is bigger and badder than ever before. This marriage of street art, visuals, progressive music and unique company is right up our alley. Get down to Brodinski, Gesaffelstein, SBTRKT, Chance the Rapper, Cusses, Heroes x Villains, Mystery Skulls, Travi$ Scott, Been Trill, Tamara Sky, Blkkmorris, Austin Paul and the Knocks on this stacked lineup!
Fool’s Gold Day Off Miami at Mana Wynwood
Close out another epic Miami Art Week with a few dudes who know how to groove. A-Trak and his friends are heading to Mana Wynwood (recent home of the inaugural III Points Fest), including Miami’s infamous Trick Daddy! Joining in on the fun: Dave 1 (Chromeo), Flosstradamus, Young Thug, Brenmar, Nick Catchdubs, Damaged Goods, Eskeerdo and other special guests.
Don’t Worry Baby at Riviera South Beach Hotel
We’re thrilled Skinny Kings is back with another rendition of this hip, intimate, invite-only soiree. Expect pop-up shops with lines from Wildfox, Fore Love and Lemons and La Belle Rebelle, along with beats by Perseus and Moon Boots and local favorite Pirate Stereo. A plethora of beverages are up for the slugging (Perrier, Peroni, Zonin Prosecco, Pampelonne, LIQS Cocktail Shots, Sailor Jerry), and be sure to grab some branded coconuts, thanks to The Coconut Cartel.