The Basel Edition

© djdroga

The white tents are up on Miami Avenue, new murals are popping up everywhere, and there’s a distinct energy in the air. Could it be…Basel? Seems like yesterday we were drinking absinthe punch and crashing secret Peaches shows during Basel 2010, but another year has come to pass, and we can’t wait to do it all over again. Get your fair fix in the daytime by checking out the convention center, or better yet, one of the many satellite fairs on the mainland. Then, come out to play at night at some of the year’s best parties.

Thursday: How Refined 

© Kain, Leifsdottir, Guiseppe Zanotti, Claudine London, Lana Jewelry, Joy OWhat: Refinery29 Launches Miami Edition
Where: Cafeina
When: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Refinery29 is bringing their fashion-meets-life-meets-funny schtick to Miami, and have rightly chosen Art Basel as the time to celebrate. They’ve teamed up with artist Justin Belmont to transform Cafeina into a Warhol-style “Factory Fun House” for the night, drawing parallels between the pop artist’s lifestyle aesthetics and the Basel mayhem. Art aside, they’ve got photo booths, beauty treatments, music and free drinks.

Go cool in monochrome and team a basic black Kain Tank with fancy pants, like Leifsdottir's super swingy Satin Palazzos for contrast. Sculptural shoes and bag are a must for Basel-week events; pop-art Giuseppe Zanotti Block Color Patent-leather Sandals set off the minimal Peony Clutch from Claudine London. These sleek Bar Earrings by Lana Jewelry look great with an artfully-undone topknot and bold lipstick. Finish with a slim gold bracelet like Joy O's Kyler Hammered Cuff.

Friday: Go Green

© Marni, By Marlene Birger, Kara Ross, Ecoist, Marc Jacobs, Nina RicciWhat: Eco Art Fashion Week
Where: Albion Hotel + Adrienne Arsht Center
When: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Fashion and art meet, mingle, and marry at Eco Art Fashion Week. Not your average fashion shows, these designers forego traditional textiles and methods of construction in favor of sartorial re-invention via recycled materials. Friday’s shows kick off at the Albion Hotel, first with “Up-Cycled” at 7 featuring re-purposed designs by students from Design and Architecture Senior High; then it’s “Iconic Women” at 9:30 with recycled ready-to-wear inspired by some of the boldest women in history. 

Be bold yourself in a shocking pink Nina Ricci Neon Mini, patterned “Fusing Forms” Marni Tank, and a borrowed-from-the-boys Azemina Tuxedo Blazer from By Malene Birger. Roll up the sleeves for an effortless look, and to show off a chunky Kara Ross Pyramid Cuff. Stash your stuff in an eco-chic Coke Zero Pochette from Ecoist, made from 100% recycled soda cans. Go for an understated shoe, like the ASOS Sabrina High Vamp.

© ASOS, Eddie Borgo, Mango, Sergio RossiSaturday: Fantasty Land

What: Basel Castle
Where: 41 NW 20th Street
When: 5:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.

Of all the dazzling Basel parties, we choose Overthrow’s Basel Castle extravaganza as our must-do. Get yourself to the infamous Wynwood “castle” for live performances from Yela Wolf, The Rapture and more – interactive art installations with the San Francisco-based TOTT collective, including female street art heroine Claw Money, and basically an all-out wild party that’s going to see the sun rise.

Polish up an ASOS Textured Metallic Midi Dress with a waist-cinching Obi Belt from Mango for a fuss-free party look. Add Sergio Rossi Cutout Zip Ankle Booties instead of bland pumps, and choose an unusual accessory, like this Gunmetal-plated Turquoise Spike Necklace by Eddie Borgo, and festive Citrine by the Stones Slinky Bangles for a full-on metallic effect.