Miami Art Week Attracts Stars and Collectors to Florida

The glittering world of art and celebrity converged in Florida for the much-anticipated Miami Art Week, drawing notable figures such as Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Foxx, and 50 Cent. The week kicked off with the opening of Art Miami, organized by Nick Korniloff and Pamela Cohen, which welcomed around 80,000 visitors eager to explore works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Salvador Dalí.

Among the standout pieces at Art Miami was a striking installation by Yayoi Kusama, featuring a giant yellow pumpkin adorned with black polka dots, captivating attendees with its mirrored surroundings. Another highlight was a series of portraits by photographer Martin Schoeller, showcasing icons like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama.

As the fair opened its doors, art collectors gathered at the Faena Hotel to experience Es Devlin‘s installation, “The Library of Us,” a stunning 20-foot-tall triangular bookcase elegantly floating in a pool of water. Notable New York personalities, including style icon Di Mondo and plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Berlet, were spotted enjoying the festivities.

Among the collectors was Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, who admired architect Peter Marino‘s collection of silver vases and decorative serving plates at Design Miami. The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the opening of Art Basel Miami, featuring significant pieces from artists like Edward Hopper and Yoko Ono. High-profile attendees included skincare mogul Peter Thomas Roth and wellness leader Meera Gandhi.

Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, fresh from purchasing a contemporary waterfront property in Manalapan, hosted an exhibition titled “Beyond the Velvet Rope: Nights at Studio 54.” This showcased captivating photographs by Sonia Moskowitz, capturing the vibrant nightlife of legendary figures such as Liza Minnelli and Diana Ross.

Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Beyoncé added glamour to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, reportedly earning $5 million for her appearance. Dressed in a custom racing-style Louis Vuitton jumpsuit, she was seen with Lewis Hamilton before joining her husband Jay-Z at the event. Other celebrities in attendance included Mark Wahlberg and Gordon Ramsay, cementing the event’s status as a high-profile spectacle.

The excitement didn’t end there. Supermodel Naomi Campbell entertained guests with a DJ set at the Bellagio Fountain Club, while John Mayer performed at the Wynn hotel during the afterparty. The Formula 1 organizers have extended their contract with Las Vegas through 2027, with discussions underway for an additional decade.

Amid these celebrations, actor Benicio del Toro showcased his martial arts skills during a promotional event for his upcoming film, “One Battle After Another.” During a Q&A session, he revealed his training in karate and jujutsu, humorously commenting on the practicality of his skills in crowded situations. Co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall joined him at the event, highlighting the film’s star-studded cast.

In a significant sale, an eight-foot-tall bar cart commissioned by Frank Sinatra in 1990 fetched a six-figure sum at the New Orleans-based gallery M.S. Rau. The striking brass-and-granite piece, which featured in Sinatra’s ANA Airlines ad campaign, reflects the timeless elegance of the Art Deco era.

In philanthropic news, Japanese rock star Yoshiki continued his tradition of charitable giving, contributing substantial sums to disaster relief efforts. He donated $500,000 after the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and another $100,000 for victims of a high-rise fire in Hong Kong. Yoshiki has provided over $3 million in aid through the Yoshiki Foundation America since its inception in 2010.

Artist Mark Kostabi celebrated a milestone birthday at his newly acquired Roman villa, inviting local creatives for a lavish gathering. The villa, which features historical elements like an 1,800-year-old sarcophagus, served as a stunning backdrop for the celebration.

As the festivities continued, designer Julie Karlitz launched a new line of festive bra straps, appealing to fans of reality television. The innovative designs allow wearers to customize their look for under $25, a timely offering for the holiday season.

Art and entertainment flourished during this vibrant week, uniting celebrities, collectors, and enthusiasts in a celebration of creativity and culture. The events solidified Miami and Las Vegas as premier destinations for art and glamour, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities.