It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

© Lauren Doyle / MFb

Forget about Christmas - tis Basel season! The suspense has been thick in the air for some time now, but the most eagerly-awaited week of the year has finally arrived here in Miami. For five special days Miami's art scene really brings its game- there’s galleries, fairs, performances, parties and installations for artists, curators, critics, art-lovers and party-goers alike. 

Friday: Fountain Art Fair

© Christopher Kane, Michael Kors, Allen Schwartz, Trouve, Foot TrafficWhat: Fountain Art Fair Opening Reception/ Matt & Kim DJ Set @ Bardot
Where:  Fountain Art Fair: 2505 North Miami Ave; Bardot: 3456 North Miami Ave
When:  7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.

Fountain Art Fair takes its name from the title of Marcel Duchamp’s infamous urinal “ready-made.” Poof! Conceptual art is born! Expect avant-garde installations, discussion, and live music and entertainment.  What more could a Basel-bound gal ask for? After the party, check out another party happening at nearby Bardot, where hipster duo Matt & Kim will be spinning a DJ set.

Why not wear a piece of art so long as you’re going to be looking at it? The Outer Space Motif Dress by Christopher Kane boasts a glorious screen printed cosmos that looks as avant-garde as the art itself. Pair it with a Black Cotton Tights from Foot Traffic and chunky black suede Trouvé Alliance Wedge Booties. The all-black line from tights-to-toe is sleek, and doesn’t distract from the dress. The Friday forecast calls for a slight chill, so throw on the Michael Kors Wool Tuxedo Jacket for extra warmth and sexy style. Accessorize with simple ABS by Allen Schwartz Beaded Stretch Bracelets- each shiny silver globe looks like an orb from outer space.

Saturday: Hit the Mainland

What: Mainland Gallery Crawl
Where: Galleries all over Wynwood and the Design District + Art Miami, Pulse, and Scope Fairs
When: Fairs open at 11, most galleries open at 7

© Dion Lee, Armand Basi, Eighty Six, J. Crew, YSL, Sigerson MorrisonTrek back on over to the mainland on Saturday (or maybe you never left?) for a marathon session of galleries, fairs, booths, and more art than you can handle. Don’t spread yourself too thin though- go explore, see what you like, avoid what you don’t, and take a good look. Basel has somewhat of a reputation for being more party-driven than art-world-serious, so take the day to appreciate the amazing opportunity that has presented itself to Miami.

But after a long day of looking, pondering, and careful conceptual consideration, you’re sure to stumble upon some party somewhere- so make sure your outfit is casually chic for day time, and also nighttime ready. Try out a new silhouette with Eighty Six Baggy Pants, belted with the black Superskinny Patent Belt from J. Crew. Tuck in the beautifully printed Dion Lee Rorschach Silk-Crepe Tank, and layer on a shockingly silver lightweight jacket like the Tumpi Metallic Linen Jacket from Armand Basi- the rounded collar is so chic. For the kind of walking you’ll be doing, flats are the way to go- Sigerson Morrison Suede T-strap Flats have awesome stud-detailing, and look great with a rolled-cuff pant. You’ll want to carry a minimal amount of things with you, so keep your bag small but bold with the YSL Belle du Jour Crossbody Mini Bag in purple patent leather.

Sunday: The Main Event

What: Art Basel
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center: 1901 Convention Center Drive
When: Noon – 6:00 p.m.

© All Saints, Joseph, Theory, Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo, IppolitaOn Sunday, head over to South Beach to check out Art Basel proper and see where it all began. Featuring over 250 international galleries, it can be a lot to take in, so get there early because the fair closes early on its last day. Afterwards, if you’ve still got the energy, check out some of the other fairs happening on the beach, like NADA, ZOOM, and VERGE. Also happening close-by at Lincoln Road boutique Alchemist is the Luis Morais Pop-Up Shop, where you can find his signature line of gilded anatomical jewelry for Basel-week only.

No need to dress-up too much for this daytime affair, so stick with sophisticated cropped jeans in a dark wash, like the Marcey Jeans from Theory. Wear them with a cool artist-designed graphic Death of a Romance Tee from All Saints and a classy SoBe-white Joseph Emmanuelle Twill Double Breasted Jacket, worn open over the tee. Elegant Jimmy Choo Glitter Covered Leather Sandy Flats dress it up just enough, as does a structured, tomato-red Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Lucy handbag. Adorn your fingers with the sculptural Turquoise Lollipop Ring by Ippolita and there you have it- if you aren’t part of the international art elite, we didn’t notice.