Although Art Basel Miami is less than 24 hours fresh (the three day art extravaganza began on December 6, with private events held all over town on the 5th), there is still plenty in the way of design. This year, Design Miami returns, and they’re ready to impress some of the art world’s biggest names with beautiful and impressive pieces sure to be coveted by all who attend one of Miami’s biggest events.
Design Miami’s focus on aesthetics fits perfectly with Art Basel’s mix of modern art and high society, and their display fit the mold perfectly. A unique coffee table, originally only available at Galerie Downtown in Paris; light installations that played with texture; ceramic roses that fit the larger image of art in sunny Miami; Design Miami’s triumphant return to Art Basel was a a highlight of Day 1.
Other first day highlights include a reception for New York-based artist Matthew Brannon’s commission for Lincoln Center, as well as design house Marni’s star-studded soirée, held in Miami’s stunning Design District. Fashion house Hermes celebrated their much-touted collaboration with Hiroshi Sugimoto with a party in downtown Miami; even famed Japanese artist Murakami featured an installation at the Rubell family collection. And closing out the night was the Richard Prince party, which featured such famous faces as Chez Andre and American fashion designer Cynthia Rowley.
Art Basel Miami is one of the hottest tickets of the year, on top of being one of the largest art events in the country. Although the three days that comprise the event go by far too swiftly, there never feels to be a shortage of events worth attending and designers worth celebrating. Some events even recognize the world that awaits beyond Miami’s shores: one of the hottest tickets this year is a Sandy Relief benefit, with guest DJs Deacon from Animal Collective and Chromeo. Day #1 may have come to a close, but Art Basel rages on into the Miami night.
– Rod Bastanmehr for The Untitled Magazine
