Art Basel Miami - Where The Fashion Crowd Parties

Art Basel is Miami's annual celebration of all that is art. The top earning artists and galleries down to the up-and-coming sculptor displaying his work at McDonald's. The fashion crowd headed south this week to check out stylish parties in South Beach and boutiques in the Design District.

Art Hearts Fashion is a travelling collaboration showcasing young artists and designers for one of the sexiest parties in each city. After NY Fashion Week and Los Angeles, they held a party at Spectrum Art Fair along with runway shows of Mr. Triple Ex, Amato Couture and the House of Li Jon,

Valentino's 3-story emporium of high fashion opened in Miami's Design District this year. For Art Basel, the boutique hosted a celebration in honor of fellow Italian artist Pietro Ruffo.

Also in the Design District was biker chic jewelry designer Chrome Hearts hosted a cocktail party in collaboration with the Sean Kelly Gallery. They know the fashion crowd, treating them to cocktails and macarons from Laduree.

william mackrell art basel shot by BFA

The Gen Art organization came roaring back this year after a few years on hiatus. They helped launch runways shows for up and coming fashion designers during NYFW. Now in South Beach, they presented artist  William Mackrell in a performance art piece at the Mondrian Hotel.

With big international names, Art Basel seems like it might be an event that focuses on outside creatives. Worry not, local Miami knitwear fashion maven Karelle Levy is hosting an event with 3000+ local influencers on Friday at the Miami Hearts Design bash. If you didn't get an invite to the other parties, you can actually pick up a reasonable ticket for this party. It will feature an installation from artist and performances from hometown entertainers MILLIONYOUNG, Afrobeta and DJs Bedside. 

Stay cool, stay stylish and enjoy Miami's Art Basel everyone!

Read more >>

Sales Alert! Jimmy Choo Sample Sale, Dolce and Gabbana, Nanette Lepore, Valentino

In NYC:
Jimmy Choo Sample Sale:
Oh how we have missed you Jimmy!  Footwear's sexiest shoes have not had a big sale like this since 2009.  Back then, queues went around the block, fights broke out among fashion-mad shoppers, naive wannabe jammed their toes into too small stilettos...And you know you love it.  Shoes are 2 pairs for $400.  Gird your loins ladies...
When: Thursday, April 12 from 2pm—6pm and Friday, April 13 from 9am—6pm,
Where:  Met Pavilion (123 W. 18th Street.) Fourth Floor


Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale:
This is a big one for the Italian designer brand...Over 3500 dresses, jackets, tops, swimwear and more will be offered at huge discounts.  Look for dresses and outerwear at $129, tops at $59.
When: Thursday, April 12 - Sunday, April 15, 2012, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: 407 West 13th Street (between Washington Ave and 9th ave)


Nanette Lepore Sample Sale:
She is one of top crusaders of saving the Garment Center in New York.  She proudly produces her feminine chic collection locally.  Pick up her pieces as a big discount and support the NYC industry:
When: Tuesday, April 10 - Thursday, April 12, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: 261 West 36th street, (between 7th and 8th avenue) 2nd floor



Online:
Valentino Pret-a-porter 
Grab pretty spring blouses, dresses skirts with exquisite details at this online sample sale.
Register and shop here now!

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2012

 The iconic designer and head of CFDA, Diane Von Furstenburg presented one of the most talked about fashion shows so far.  She sent lots of brightly printed large florals down the runway. The designer also showed sold separates in beige, lemon yellow and pops of turquoise blue.  The prettiest pieces were the shimmering pastel day to evening looks.  There was a iridescent print used in 1960's silhouette dresses, embroidered sweaters, tops and sheaths.  The rolled neck on many looks were also quite retro.

The beauty styling was reminiscent of vintage Hitchcock leading ladies with elegant bouffant hair and ladylike pink lips.

Handbags were multiple variations of the envelope clutch.  Some were solid, some were color-blocked.  A few were produced to match the prints of the clothes. 

Fabulous four, Rachel Zoe, husband Rodger Berman, PR maven Lorenzo Martone, model

In a touching finale, Diane Von Furstenburg acknowledged the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by handing out American flags to guests along the runway.  I love the hug and kiss she gave designer Valentino when she saw him (below).

Read more >>