One of the most fun parts of the post-Basel wind-down has been getting everyone's different perspectives on the jam packed week of partying, art viewing and the like. So with no further delay, we bring you the latest FOK take from Miami based blogger Amanda Del Duca, who acted as quite the tour guide/wingwoman this past week.
Here's what Amanda had to say about Basel:
I’ve lived in Miami for almost three years and I can firmly say the city never looks better than it does the first week of December. The weather is warm and cool at the same time, making for great fashion and the rare ability to layer in South Florida. Trendy artsy types fly in from New York, Scandinavia, London and Paris to all join the marathon of parties and installations that is Art Basel Miami Beach.
This year, David and I tagged along with Kanon Organic Vodka and joined in their Basel takeover with a sick lineup of events. The fun started on Tuesday and raged 'til Sunday; here are my highlights.
On Wednesday I met up with Kanon creative director, Harry Beee, on the rooftop of The Webster Miami. I unfortunately missed the Case Scenario + Refinery 29 + Pantone luncheon a few hours beforehand due to a scheduling mishap, but heard the event was very chic. Kind of bummed I missed Giovanna Bataglia - but alas it was only the first day.
I headed back to The Webster that night for the BLK DNM 11 Fragrance launch with the lovely Johan Lindeberg. David captured a really great photo of him with the fragrance - his eyes are so blue. I was early to the launch, so we were able to get some cool, artsy shots in front of the video installation without me causing too much of a ‘who is the girl posing’ scene. It took me a slightly embarrassing amount of time to realize it was the fragrance being spritzed in the video; very cool though.
On Thursday, I stopped by The Mondrian for the IAMSOUND/MOCA screening of James Franco’s Caput and was very entertained by the naked chicks on bicycles with machetes. The film was on repeat and I watched it at least 3 times.
Also a highlight of the evening - I discovered the joy of muddled cucumber. I always thought mint was the most refreshing, but the muddled cucumber and melon drink was so light, it was almost hydrating. The "Norwood Hit and Run" became my go-to drink for the rest of Basel and I look forward to preparing my own in the summer.
David and I started off the weekend at Casa Del Toro for the artist’s slipper collaboration co-hosted by Refinery 29. The party was a really nice break in pace from running around from hotel to hotel and waiting in valet lines. The Del Toro house is gorgeous, and I had a great time browsing the loafers and checking out the fantastic work space.
Later in the evening David and I headed over to The Standard with fellow Miami blogger, Ria Michelle, for some nail art. The Standard and Andre Balazs hosted the Dzine installation that was simply insane. I adore nail design and Dzine is truly a master. I was super happy to get myself a gold nail with a fleur-de-lis and a photo op with the man himself.
We ended the evening at Soho Beach House for a beach tent party. I met up with local Miami stylist Rachael Russell in a gorgeous ALC leather mini dress and the always chic Vogue writer Maya Claughton for laughs, drinks and lots of photos.
Saturday I became my own installation with an editorial shoot David and I shot at The Shore Club's poolside Mallick Williams Gallery. We headed there in the early afternoon to take photos against the background of artwork by Kate Pane, Skullphone and Curtis Kulig - along with a Kanon bar offering cocktails inspired by each artist. While shooting, we ran into fellow FOK Bronques filming a gorgeous model-type lounging by the pool...sick job...
After a quick change, I headed back to The Shore Club for the ‘Hit and Run’ Art Basel Mad Hatter themed installation from fashion photographer Douglas Freeman. As soon as I walked in I saw Ocean Drive editor-in-chief Suzy Buckley by the bar, a group of graffiti artists bouncing at the DJ booth and professional body builders on display behind one long table of desserts. Only in Miami. I also ran into FOK and Opening Ceremony buyer Kate Foley, but was too shy to say hello myself. I promptly pushed David toward her with the camera, “Pleassseeee.”
Just when I thought I couldn’t go on, the Art Basel Lazy Sunday BBQ with Kanon Organic Vodka + Le Baron brought me to life. I was exhausted and hungry upon arrival and was quickly re-energized with an amazing crowd, good food and drinks aplenty. I had nothing short of an amazing time over the busy week. Many new friends and happy times to look back on! xx
Photos by David Lundblad
