ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Your Stylish Art Basel Itinerary: 20 Things You Can’t Miss

Before you proceed any further, please be aware that this post is dangerous. There could be side effects. We're going off of personal experience, folks. Yes, Art Basel Miami Beach always requires a lot of recovery time, whether it's from a hangover, shopaholism, or art fatigue. But, no matter the repercussions, we're advocating having your fun, consequences be darned. To help you maximize your Art Basel experience, we've put together the ultimate guide to all the hot happs in town — and, guys, it's comprehensive. From designer pop-ups for one-of-a-kind gifts to day-long pool parties, plus brain-numbing exhibitions and the VVIP velvet ropes you'll want to get past, this list has everything except the three Advil you'll need the next day. And, hey, since this is really not about the art fair, check out the official Art Basel site here. Or, you know, don't.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Our Damn Good Day Pass
Moving The Still
What: We all know the impact GIFs have had on cyber culture, so come celebrate your favorite mode of cyber-expression with an exhibition— at a must-see 35,000-square-foot warehouse — hosted by Tumblr and Paddle8, all part of a new arts and culture initiative from Milk Studios/MADE. The GIFs on offer aren't your regular Internet time-sucker fare — each bitmap image was hand-selected by a committee that includes Michael Stipe, the Rodarte sisters, Ryan Trecartin, Nicola Formichetti, James Frey, and Richard Phillips, among others.
When: Wednesday, December 5 through Saturday, December 8, from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: 318 NW 23rd Street (between Northwest 3rd and 4th); no phone.
HAVAIANAS Luna Park
What: Who ever said that art nerds weren’t athletic? Come watch four teams of artists, collectors, curators, art critics, and gallerists play soccer…on a lunar field. Plus, show up early and you’ll get a pair of traditional Havaianas flip-flops.
When: Thursday, December 6 through Saturday, December 8, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Miami Collins Park (between 21st and 22nd streets); no phone.
AD Oasis @ The Raleigh
What: In the middle of the frenzy that is Art Basel, design enthusiasts can take a breather, VIP style, at the AD Oasis, hosted by Architectural Digest. Kick back in style with mini facials, manicures, DJ sets, and cocktails.
When: Thursday, December 6 through Saturday, December 8, from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: The Raleigh, 1775 Collins Avenue (near 18th Street); appointment only — we suggest looking for the nearest Acne-jeans wearing architect.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
NADA Pool Party
What: What would a festival in Miami be without a pool party? Join the coolest kids of Art Basel — namely Taavo Somer and his crew at creative agency Friends & Family — at The Deauville for art installations, performances, DJ sets, and even some nail art.
When: Saturday, December 8, 2 to 7 p.m.
Where: 6701 Collins Avenue (near 67th Street); 305-865-7373.
Couleurs de l’Ombre
What: Few things are more covetable than the silk square of the Hermès scarf, right? So, get up close and personal with contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto’s interpretation of the iconic accessory— inspired by the scientific experiments of Newton and Goethe — for Hermès’ third annual Art Basel pop-up exhibition.
When: Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 175 Northeast 40th Street (between Northeast 1st and 2nd avenues); no phone.
Perrier Presents: The Black Lords
What: Artist Desi Santiago has transformed Lords South Beach into a giant, ravenous black dog named Gypsy. The installation, made from low-fi materials, can also tell your fortune via laser eyes, smoke, and dog sounds. We’re seeing an unforgettable experience in your future…
When: Now through Sunday, December 9, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Lords South Beach, 1120 Collins Ave (between 11th and 12th streets); 305-674-7800.

Art Of The Surreal & Impressionist & Modern Art
What: Sneak a peek at artwork due to be auctioned off at Christie’s (yes, that Christie’s) at the JW Marriott. The exhibit will include paintings by Modigliani, Magritte, and Ernst, along with other artwork valued up to £22 million. We’ll start the bidding with a free entrance.
When: Wednesday, December 5 through Friday, December 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: JW Marriott Marquis Miami, 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way (between Southeast 2nd and 3rd avenues); 305-329-3500.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Chopard & W Present An Exclusive Preview Of Marilyn Forever
What: W's editor-in-chief, Stefano Tonchi, is teaming up with Chopard to present an exclusive preview of "Marilyn Forever," a breathtaking collection of Milton Greene's unpublished photos of the blonde bombshell. The best part? The snaps will be accompanied by a blinged-out selection of Chopard's extremely rare haute jewelry pieces. Get ready to be dazzled.

When: December 6, 2 p.m.

Where: Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Avenue (near West 44th Street); 786-507-7900.

Above, from left: GIF: Courtesy of Paddle8; Photo: Courtesy of Hermès.

visionairefreestuff
Where To Shop In Style
PK Pop-Up Shop
What: Swing by the PK pop-up shop at The Standard to pick up art-inspired creations curated by Paul Kasmin Gallery and Edition01. Items on your next credit card statement might include the Deborah Kass OY/YO T-shirt for Ashley and Mary Kate-Olsen's Stylemint, Newbark Pouchettes featuring designs by Elliott Puckette and House of Waris, or OY/YO Smoking Slippers made by Del Toro. Art and fashion? Lead the way.
When: Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Standard Hotel Miami, Lido Lounge, 40 Island Avenue (between Century and Farrey lanes); 305-673-1717.
Dior Homme Boutique Opening
What: Envelop yourself in Dior’s glamorous guy aesthetic during the opening of Dior Homme’s flagship store in the Miami Design district. The boutique will be screening Bruce Weber’s new film, Can I Make The Music Fly. We're not sure, but pretty much everything on the shelves will make you supa fly.
When: Opening Wednesday, December 5
Where: 161 Northeast 40th Street (between Northeast 1st and 2nd avenues); 305-571-3576.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Louis Vuitton x Objets Nomades
What: Sneak a peek at Louis Vuitton’s latest luxe project, Objets Nomades. The new pop-up shop in the design district plays temporary haute host to LV’s 15 travel-inspired pieces, including foldable furniture and accessories imagined by the likes of Umberto Campana and Christian Liaigre.
Where: 170 Northeast 40th Street (between Northeast 2nd and North Miami avenues); no phone.

Del Toro Opening Party
What: Celebrate the grand opening of Del Toro’s Miami boutique with an art installation, bubbly, and beats. Of course, designer Matthew Chevallard's complete collection of signature smoking slippers for men and women will on be display, too, including must-haves like the limited-edition collabs with Theophilus London and The Man Repeller. Cheers to that!
When: Wednesday, December 5, from 5 to 11 p.m.
Where: The Wynwood Building, 2740 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Suite 22 (between Northwest 27th Court and Northwest 27th Avenue); no phone.
Reservations accepted by emailing deltoroevents@gmail.com

Maison de Mode/Ethical Pop-Up
What: Pop (get it) into this pop-up, from Miami It Guy Hassan Pierre, for a selection of unique clothes, jewelry, and accessories from some of the most ethical brands in the world — all curated by Amanda Hearst. Think: LemLem's beach-perfect kaftans, a capsule collection of Pierre's own line, WISB*(WAY IT SHOULD BE), and one-of-a-kind buffalo horn frames by luxe optical maker, Morgenthal Frederics. With items this innovative and good for the world, you don't have to feel guilty if you go a little overboard.
When: Thursday, December 6 through Saturday, December 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Soho Beach House, Floor 2, 4385 Collins Avenue (near West 44th Street); 786-507-7900.
Reservations accepted by emailing RSVP@MaisondeModePopUp.com.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Photo: Courtesy Of Visionaire.
freehand
Nightlife Done Right
Silencio at Delano
What: David Lynch’s exclusive and trippy Parisian nightclub transplants to Miami for a weeklong Art Basel blip. Once you get in (we suggest wearing your most Mulholland Drive-inspired outfit), dance the night away with all the other glam revelers at what's guaranteed to be la plus belle boite in town.
When: Tuesday, December 4 through Saturday, December 8, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Where: FDR at Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue (between 17th Street and Lincoln Road); 305-924-4071.
Westway at RedRoom
What: Westway, the former strip-club-turned-dark-dance-club favored by the Mary Kate Olsen and Kirsten Dunsts of the world, pops up for a second late-night run at Art Basel. Access is exclusive, but if you’re lucky enough to get in (smoke some Gitanes while you're waiting in line to impress the doorman), expect performances from Jake Shears of The Scissor Sisters, LE1F, and Brooke Candy.
When: Thursday, December 6 through Saturday, December 8, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Where: Shore Club, 1901 Collins Avenue (between 19th and 18th streets); 305-695-3100.
Soho Beach House
What: Our advice to you: Befriend a member of the Soho Beach House. ASAP. All week long, the perennial Art Basel hot spot will play hostess-with-the-mostess to A-list BBQs, lunches, and late-night designer ragers put on by the likes of Chloe, DVF, Chopard, and Interview magazine. Plus, out on the sand, the club has set up The Tent at Soho Beach House for the second year in a row, featuring live performances by Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe, and a DJ set from Neon Indian.
Where: 4385 Collins Avenue (near West 44th Street); 786-507-7900.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Galore Mag Launch After-Party
What: Too much art-y and not enough party makes for a dull time at Basel. Come dance the night away and celebrate the launch of Galore at Miami's buzziest new resto and bar, The Garage at Cooper Avenue, (co-hosted by R29!) with music by Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe, Kesh, and DJ Monique.
When: Friday, December 7, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: The Garage at Cooper Avenue, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue (between Lincoln Lane North and Lincoln Lane South); no phone.
RSVP by emailing RSVP@galoremag.com

Freehand Miami Presents: The Impossible Cool x Sonic Editions Pool Slide; Local Collaborating Artists
What: Can a youth hostel be cool? Apparently, yes. Backpackers in Balenciaga are sure to haunt Freehand Miami, in its soft opening this week. Billed as the first upscale hostel in the US, we're thinking the new property's claim is legit — after all, it shares the same owners as The NoMad in NYC, as well as interiors by Roman & Williams, and a specialty cocktail bar, Broken Shaker, by the mixology geniuses over at Bar Lab. Stop by this h-o-t hostelry after 2 p.m. on Saturday for a barbeque, drinks, and showcases by several different artists, followed by a performance by Mia Morelli & Caitlin Moe. Basically, you’ll never have to leave.
When: Saturday, December 8, 2 to 9 p.m.
Where: Freehand Miami, 2727 Indian Creek Drive (between 27th and 28th streets); 305-531-2727
Reservations accepted by emailing events.miami@thefreehand.com

Where is Le Baron?
What: Le Baron, the eternal hot OMG-I-have-to-get-in designer disco of Art Basel, is moving from its usual Delano digs and popping up all over town this year. Download Le Baron’s app to find out the location every night and get ready to play the coolest, grown-up version of Where’s Waldo, like ever.
When: Tonight through Sunday, December 9, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Where: ???

Above, from left: Image: Courtesy of Le Baron; Photo: Adrian Gaut/Courtesy of Freeman Miami.

More from Travel

R29 Original Series

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT