Art

Yes, I said “submerged” hotels-as in hotels with rooms that are actually beneath the surface of water!  So without further ado, let’s dive right into the top 5 underwater hotels:

1.    Jules Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Florida
2.    Utter Inn, Vasteras, Sweden
3.    Hydropolis, Dubai
4.    Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji
5.    Underwater Hotel, Istanbul

The late, great French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent left more then a high fashion label behind. Yves Saint Laurent left behind one of the most valuable private art collections in the world. Paris Christie's auctioned off 95 percent of the Collections Yves Saint Laurent et Pierre Bergé, for a record $484 million and that's not even the shocking part. The shock heard 'round the world came from an ugly, circa 1917 armchair.

The "Dragons" chair was made by Irish designer Eileen Gray and belonged to a Paris-based art dealer before making its way into the Collections Yves Saint Laurent et Pierre Bergé. The chair was estimated to go for $3.8 million but auctioned for seven times more, $28.3 million. Which makes the "Dragons" chair the most expensive chair ever sold at auction. "It was a remarkably strong piece, but what it went for was beyond our wildest imagination," said Christie's VP and decorative-design expert Carina Villinger. The chair had to be made from real dragon; have a secret space filled with diamonds and gold; or we don't even know. Robert and Cheska Vallois put up the $28.3 million for a third party. The three things that come to mind are shock, horror and why? To which Cheska Vallois answered, "It's the price of desire!" Desire and dragon chairs don't come to mind at $28 million, then again there is no accounting for taste.

Donald Trump claims “now” is the time to buy property, if only it were that easy.  Many who still have the money to buy “now” can’t find financing. If financing isn’t stopping you, consider yourself lucky and look to South Beach. Right now in South Beach properties are being sold for way less than asking price.  Take, for instance, luxury building Murano at Portofino, located at 1000 S Pointe Drive in the South Beach area of Miami Beach. Where a penthouse unit with an asking price of $12,000,000 just sold for $7,600,000. The spacious three bedrooms, five and a half bath unit is just one example of what’s going on in South Beach, there are lots more just like this. The question is, when will the real estate market finally hit bottom? The question is tough to answer but it seems like buyers are moving towards the beach. Activity is gradually picking up, more inquiries, and more viewings, will sooner or later translate into more sales.

Miami Fashion week is going on as we speak but nobody cares. That would be because there isn't somebody like Dani Michelle in Miami. Just who is Dani Michelle? If you don't know, now you will because she's the girl who is saving Los Angeles Fashion Week. In the absence of Mercedes-Benz it seemed that pseudo-celebrity lines and bland swimwear labels would take over Los Angeles fashion. Then on the brink of would-be disaster, Dani Michelle founded CoLA. CoLA, which is an abbreviation for the "City of Los Angeles" Fashion Week, is the rage. The small fashion production company has decided to go acronym-only so as not to be confused whatsoever with the Official City of Los Angeles, which is like the mayor's office or something. CoLA Fashion Week kicks-off this weekend and, with no apologies, is invitation only. This weekend the penthouse at the Lady Liberty Building downtown will feature runway shows by local designers Brian Lichtenberg, Fremont, B.Son, Eksempel, COA and Joyrich. CoLA which announced existence via press release less than a month ago, already has some legit backing by Ford Models, Coca-Cola, Stella Artois, and Monster Energy. We love the hustle and aren't the only ones seeking longevity, CoLA is already looking to next season's fashion runway. The fashion production company is aiming "to set the bar for Los Angeles Fashion Week."  You know, make a high industry mark and put some fizz back on the runway. Enjoy freshness ya'll!

 

Last Saturday night began at the Museum of Contemporary Art Bollywood themed, annual Pop Gala. Complete with red carpet, photogs and Indian garb dressed greeters. To the right of the entrance was the private Cartier sponsored Ruby Room, entrance fee: $10,000 for four tickets. When it comes to art, some people can still afford to spend. Upon walking into the museum, the walls were lined with silent auction items rather than art, big disappointment. Nothing caught our eye in the auction but it was all in the name of art preservation which is always a good cause. The crowd moved out to the back tent, a massive tent equipped with a separate beer bar, wine bar and vodka bar plus a fourth bar for good measure.  H'ors deurves circled the floor and two long tables held Indian cuisine buffets, plus a massive dessert display. A dance floor in the middle and throngs of wealthy Miamians mingling about. The award winning song from Slumdog Millionaire came on and Indian dancers took to the floor. The acknowledgements for the Gala were made and then the DJ started spinning M.I.A, the older crowd cleared out and the younger socialites took over, the party began.

We left the MOCA Gala shortly after and headed for dinner at Nobu in the Shoreclub. After dinner rather then do one of the bigger clubs on the beach like LIV in the Fountainebleau or Louis in the Gansevoort South Hotel, we headed for Bella Rose. A local bar off the beaten path and hipster cult favorite. Bella has been making waves all the way into the New York Times by pushing the party envelope. Thanks to fresh ideas and an effort not to sell out, Bella keeps the high energy vibe where everyone knows anything goes. We weren't sure if Saturday's new "Bella Donna" party could match Sunday's, Alexis Mincolla hosted "Black Sunday," it did. The fact that celebrity designer Calvin Klein ventured into party with the cool kids says enough. Klein kept composed, watching the Bella mayhem with a smile. Calvin Klein is by no means the first A-lister to make his way into Bella Rose. Klein is just a newby on Miami Beach, the 65 year old semi-retired fashion designer recently bought a 1920's style Spanish Villa in Miami. Mr. Klein said he wants his new home to have a Mediterranean feel, as if it were “in Greece or something.” And just in case the Mediterranean home is too far away after a night partying on South Beach, Calvin can shack up in his apartment on Collins Avenue. As Klein knows how to live luxuriously and has an avid love of exotic cars, we are sure there will be more conversations between us to follow. After the last five New York winters, Calvin Klein felt he needed two South Florida residencies just to keep warm. As for us we danced like maniacs for the rest of the night, oh, and MOCA raised $60,000 just from the auction!

 

Finding a home in New York City is hard without money. On the flip side if you are, still, a million or billionaire then we have the place. A three bedroom space in the City's legendary Plaza Hotel. Location, location, location is a big deal in New York City and this apartment affords that, located on Fifth Avenue at Central Park. The ceilings are ultra high and natural light floods through the space. The soft white walls are evocative of heaven on Fifth Avenue. The apartment has a foyer, kitchen, library and baths with custom tile-inlays modeled after the Plaza lobbies.

 

What's more, if you believe there could even be more, is a chic collection of contemporary art and furniture. In this Plaza Hotel apartment you will find a Kate Moss portrait by Chuck Close and Philippe Starck Ghost chairs. Where words don't do justice, do a walk through and you will find a mesmerizing modern art collection. The full-on collection really puts the gorge in goregeous.  

The apartment that we could die for is listed at $13.75 million and with all included, that's a serious steal. Take advantage of one perk in a bad market, a way low listing price for this Plaza Hotel palace. Call the Plaza Hotel your home sweet home.

Art is an expression of life, especially political life these days. This year Art Basel Miami captured one of our most historic moments in political history through the visage of President-elect Barack Obama.  Barack Obama appeared in different ways and different works of art, last week all over Miami beach. Even as the financial crisis curbed many art transactions, there was still an overwhelming feeling of hope.  Collective hope in the potential of our new President-elect Barack Obama and finally a newfound pride in America. It seems a picture really does say a thousand words.

Prolific contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami had a good time at Art Basel Miami. We like to see an artist take his work seriously but at the same time be lighthearted too. Murakami did just that when he dressed himself up in a queer flowery suit of characters, green tights and flower covered kicks. Murakami is well know for blurring the lines between fine art and digital and commercial media. He takes pop culture motifs and turns them into thirty-foot sculptures, "Superflat" paintings, or marketable commercial goods such as figurines or phone caddies. In Miami he caught our attention by taking a walk outside the box and getting us to laugh along with him. Thanks for some silly-ness man.

Art in all its forms has been the theme of the week. Whether film, sculpture, light installation, music or fashion, art is art and finding that piece that makes you say "oh wow," is pretty cool. We have come across a relatively new fashion designer that is worth mentioning because, well, we thought "oh wow." Barbara í Gongini turns her inspirations into art and functional fashion pieces.  The Danish designer has gone avant-garde with black wedding dresses and knits that seem so simple yet brilliant. Like a bug attracted to the light, it is hard to look away from the collection.

Barbara is fascinated with graphic forms and primitive silhouettes, but she is forward thinking. The nouveau designer uses eco-friendly jersey and has a strong belief in helping the environment through sustainable products. Barbara is not in the business of mass production but rather a high level of quality and innovation. She divides her collection into two extreme pointsof view. I-rEguLar is the inventive side, where Barbara plays around with sundry themes of art and design. REguLar is the more basic side of I-rEguLar, both ahering to Barbara's personal expression on form.

Her take on fashion, and life is elitist, bold, daring and eloquent. Barbara í Gongini should make no apologies but rather continue to design because this is what high society is all about. Stylists, keep Barbara i Gongini's line in mind for the next Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you are unclear as to what the Gala at the MET is then we don't know who you are, but you're probably nobody. The Costume Institute Gala is only the most elite fashion gathering, in New York City, of A-list celebrities and designers on the globe. Celebrities wear avant-garde and futuristic fashions ever pushing the artistic envelope and we respect it all. Barbara i Gongini is looking to expand her collection into high end bags, jewelry and shoes, you go girl!

Art Basel Miami Beach kicks off this Thursday, December 4th but in a fitting fashion, there is, of course the pre-pre-openings, pre-parties, and pre-events. Last night was Tuesday, December 2nd and the unofficial beginning of Art Basel this year. It was also the coldest night in Miami yet, it wasn't pleasant. Aside from the weather, all in all it was a fantastic kick-off.

We first were driven downtown to the Galerie Bertin-Toublanc, 2534 North Miami Avenue. The Parisian gallery has come to light in Miami triumphantly. The Galeri Bertin-Toublanc was a perfect first glimpse into Art Basel, classy, hip and sophisticated. Moneyed suits and fashionable woman wandered throughout the gallery rooms sipping on Champagne. There were photographers and film crew to capture the contemporary scene. Artists from around the world were in attendance to show off their avant-garde works. Plus, newcomer, Miami scene-local Alexis Mincolla debuted a few intriguing pieces. Our presence was felt and we slipped out quietly to move on.

Our driver took us a few minutes away to the next gallery, Our House West of Wynwood. O.H.W.O.W had an expansive collections of artists, musicians and weirdos brought by gallery owners Aaron Bondaroff and Al Moran. What the gallery calls "It Aint's Fair," will feature Deitch Projects, peres Projects, Nueva Galeria De La Barra, A.S.S Gallery, AMP, Picturebox and TV Books curators Tim Barber, Kathy Grayson, Terence Koh, Andreas Melas and others this week. "It Ain't Fair" had a very downtown New York vibe with a special musical performance by A.R.E Weapons. Open bar was stocked by Campari and Grolsch and although it was a wood table in the middle of a parking lot outside of the gallery, it was entertaining. In fact, it was a totally different seen than the first gallery, O.H.W.O.W was ultra-layed back, featuring art for arts sake. Waiting on the bathroom line for 30 minutes, wet paint and graffitied walls brought us back to our keg stand, college frat partying days. With that we left downtown to head back to Miami Beach.

We went straight for the Florida Room which is the best Tuesday night pre-party, the Big Bounce was performing and sensational. The DJ started spinning at midnight and it was Miami Beach with Art Basel energy, pretty fantastic. Around 1 a.m we headed to Mokai as is our usual Tuesday night tradition. The music was blase but the real problem was that the door guy let the whole world in. Mokai was sweaty, way overcrowded to the point of nausea and smelled funny in a bad way. We stuck around for a few horrible minutes and then peaced to Bella Rose. The little rock bar that could was taken over by bohemian New Yorkers and the lower East side came back to us. Around 3 a.m little Mary-Kate Olsen walked in with boyfriend and bodyguard in tote. She was wearing what looked like crocs or flat clogs so she was three heads shorter than anyone in the bar. She had on an oversized, black monstrosity and a huge black hat with a white feather pulled down over her face. We know she is all about being fashion forward but that was tragic, you wouldn't have been able to pick her out on a street of bums. She was very sweet ,though, and we spoke about her new fashion book "Influence" with twin sister Ashley. The book would look great on a coffee table and for the fashion darlings out there, it is a must buy. Bella Rose began to die down around 5 a.m, we could believe how another night had just flown by. Most of us went home to bed to get prepared for Art Basel day 2.  

This week some 50,000 plus people will show up for the sixth annual Art Basel event in Miami. If you're not sure which hotels to frequent, parties to hit up or people to see, let us guide you towards your scene.

For the next-generation art amassers and John Currins of the world, hole-up downtown at the Four Seasons Hotel. You will be in good art collecting company with the likes of Jerry Speyer, Asher Edelman, Michael Lynne, Eli Broad, Beth Rudin De Woody, Steve Cohen, and Peter Brant. Go to the New Art Dealers Alliance fair, which opens this Friday through the weekend. The NADA fair will have stellar exhibits from hot young galleries like New York’s Rivington Arms and Daniel Reich. The fair will host a mega-benefit for the New Museum on New York’s Bowery, which will include a performance by San Fran- rockers Deerhoof. Art collector's should be seen at the after-party for the private screening of the Lou Reed film Berlin, directed by Julian Schnabel.

The actual artists will headquarter at the Raleigh Hotel which is party central. Don't look shocked if you see epic names of the art world like Damien Hirst, David LaChapelle, Jack Pierson, Aaron Young, Kehinde Wiley, Terence Koh, and Doug Aitken partying impromtu throughout the hotel. Paper Magazine is hosting the party at Raleigh Oasis on Decemeber 4th and the next night, Deitch Projects will kick off at the Raleigh with a concert by CoCo Rosie. The same night D.J Spooky will perform during the Rubell Family Collection dinner which commences the SCOPE fair film and lecture series. SCOPE celebrates the as-yet-uncelebrated and provocative artists, the fair has discounted exhibition space for new galleries in its ‘Breeders’ section. On December 6th, the Raleigh will hold the book launch party for Bob Colacello's OUT. Then on the 7th,Tamara Mellon will host a dinner at the Raleigh Ballroom to toast the limited edition handbags designed by Jimmy Choo and artist Richard Phillips.

If you're more into star gazing then gazing at art then join celebrities at the Setai Hotel, up the street from the Raleigh. Rumored to be in Miami this week is Dennis Hopper, David Byrne, Steve Martin, Lou Reed, maybe Keanu Reeves and Russell Simmons. We bumped into Russell Simmons and girlfriend/ model Porschia Coleman last Wednesday at Nobu. Russell told us he loves the Setai and is staying in town for his December 8th soiree with Allison Weiss Brady at Intermix. The party benefits Simmons' charity Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. A tip to the paparazzi, be at the Sotheby's dinner made by French chef Pierre Gagnaire which will honor contemporary Asian art.  Celebrities will also hide away in Lenny Kravitz's underground, speakeasy the Florida Room in the Delano Hotel.

The Fashionistas will takeover the Ritz-Carlton. Fashion people like Donna Karan, Laudomia Pucci, Vivienne Tam, Kenzo, Calvin Klein, Nadia Swarovski, and Tamara Mellon should be seen at the Cartier crystal Dome. The Cartier Dôme features the brand's most celebrated jewelry collection and rarest time pieces. Sip champagne and gawk at the gems from Wednesday to Sunday, 2-8pm and Thursday, 2-4pm. Spot fashion people frequenting Prime One Twelve, South of Fifth Street and Blade restaurant in the Fontainebleau Hotel.

Members of the suits like UBS’s Karl Schweizer; Citicorp’s Mary Hoeveler; execs of Campari, Cartier, and BMW will be working over the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Biscayne. Look for these high profile people at the UBS banquet where there will be tons of free food and drinks ya'll. You will be able to pick the suits out by the looks on their sad little facing saying, "can I afford this art and will I even be able to afford food next year?"

As for the locals, this is your domain so spread out and suck it in.  Over 200 galleries will be here personifying the biggest names in contemporary art.  The Art Positions section will features 20 art projects exhibited in shipping containers on the beach at Collins Park. Do not miss the Cartier Art Guest Lounge and Dome, designed by architecht Jean Nouvel. Definitely don't miss the Visionaire SOUND lounge at the Raleigh Hotel Thursday night, it will be one of the biggest parties of the week. You will be able to listen to audio works done by David Byrne, Robert Wilson, Cat Power, Cindy Sherman, U2, and Courtney Love. If your head is spinning that sucks, but get it together because there is much more than this going on. Like we said it's an epic week in Miami so we will say it again, get it together and get out there, explore the wonderment of Art Basel. Oh and drink up, liquor companies sponsor most events and it's on the house. 

Art and alcohol work in tandem on Miami Beach, particularly during Art Basel. If you are an art or liquor aficionado, or both, check out the Maison Ruinart Champagne lounge. In case you are ignorant, Ruinart is the historic Chanpagne house founded by Nicolas Ruinart in the Champagne region of Reims, France. Ruinart has been exclusively bottling champagne since 1729 making it the oldest champagne house in the world. Ruinart is now owned by parent company Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA  or LVMH.

Now we can get back to the Art Basel, Miami Beach part. The Maison Ruinart Champagne lounge at Art Basel will feature Internationally renowned Dutch furniture designer and artist Maarten Baas. The lounge will be selling his latest work, an evanescent chandelier. The Salvador Dali-esque centerpiece was made from Murano glass, silver and bottles of Ruinart Chamoagne. The piece "Bouquet de Champagne de Dom Ruinart," was influenced by an 18th century Venetian chandelier that has fallen. What we mean is the piece sits on the table, rather than hanging above, and gives the illusion of a chandelier that has fallen and is melting with bottles of Dom Ruinart.

The extraordinary piece will be going for $100,000 during Art Basel and is just one of many pieces we have found so far. In the spirit of art and, well, spirits we cannot wait for Art Basel to begin on December 4th!

High season in Miami Beach means important people, parties, Joe's stone crabs and Art Basel. Affluent Americans and international jetsetters flock to Miami Beach for gorgeous weather and beyond gorgeous art. We put emphasis on Art Basel because it is the most prestigious art show in America, most likely the Western hemisphere. Art Basel Miami Beach is protege to Switzerland's Art Basel, which for the last 39 years has been the best international art show on the globe. Art Basel Miami Beach has big shoes to fill and so far, so good. Each year Art Basel grows bigger, badder and better and this year is no exception.

The art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts of the world will be ushered in, in droves. If you don't fit into one of those groups but have a serious cash flow or serious culture, then you are invited too. Top galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa are selected each year to hold special exhibitions, parties, plus crossover events that feature music, film, architecture and design. Taking cue from the contemporary art, the parties are out of this world glorious. Each gallery is essentially a party with mesmerizing backdrops. At the same time the exhibiting galleries are respected world class art dealers, that will exhibit notorious museum-calibre art and newbie art. Special exhibition sections will have young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art. Art Basel Miami is a glamorous, adept and debaucherous week where millions upon millions of dollars of art are on the table. This is hands down a top five favorite week of ours in Miami Beach. We will happily keep you posted and updated on the parties, galleries to hit and art you must see!

Art Basel Miami Beach begins on December 4th through the 7th. Exhibition sites will spread throughout Miami's ultra famous Art Deco District. The entirety of Miami Beach will be transformed into a preeminent watering hole for over 2,000 celebrated artists of the 20th and 21st century. Art Basel Miami Beach is history in the making, for the love of art.