Friday, December 7, 2012

Design District or Madison Avenue?

VH1/Scope Party

Wow! Last night the Design District looked like Madison Avenue. The sidewalks were overflowing with people on their way to or from Prada, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Y-3, Celine, or Marni. We were primed for Art Basel events but were tempted by the many parties in the shops in The District so we stopped in Marni, a designer boutique offering fashions bearing the label Marni. While the ladies with me were fashionistas and lovers of fashion the $1,500 price tag for a simple halter dress sent us running out the door. More window shopping. The Design District is the home of many high end shops, not all fashion, including design boutiques like Arbitare, Armani/Casa, Holly Hunt, Jonathan Adler, Luminare Lab, Ornare, and Oggetta, and many were hosting parties featuring artists and DJs, all with VIP guest lists. The De la Cruz Collection, listed by Sotheby's as one of three must-see collections in Miami during Basel, was having their party last night so there was a bit of buzz about their party. While we were seduced by the many parties in The District we continued to our destination, The VH1/Scope party. Held in the giant tent next to Scope, this party was all about the music. Five up and coming performing artists were being showcased and the crowd was mostly a music industry crowd. The Vietnamese cuisine was tasty, I think I would have eaten anything with peanut sauce on it at that point. Walking by designer shops makes me hungry.

Wandering through the Design District we saw parties with lavish food buffets and a variety of music. The film crews were out in full force and we had trouble staying on course. We stopped into The Stage, a great music venue, for a moment to see what was happening. Music, of course. Outside a group of muralists were spray painting a new mural or series of murals on the side of The Stage's building. It's amazing what they can do with spray paint.
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens were beautiful as ever. This party was a welcome escape from the Art Basel madness. Classical music played in the garden as champagne and lite-bites were served. The conversation was music, particularly Beethoven, even though this was a VIP Art Basel event. A film was screened "The Light Club" about a secret room at Vizcaya. Afterwards we toured the Vizcaya home and for the first time I saw where the owner James Deering slept. My favorite room was the ornately decorated music room with a gorgeous grand piano and harp. What opulence! Could I live in a place like that? Only in my dreams. Another beautiful night in Miami. 

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