Fairytale Chairs (20 wooden Quing Dynasty Chairs) by Ai Weiwei  

The Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Arts Foundation has announced plans to feature a bevy of emerging contemporary Chinese artists during its 2013 Art Basel thematic exhibit. Titled "Year of the Artist," the exhibit will be unveiled on December 4 and will remain inside the museum through August 1, 2014. 

The Rubell Family Collection founders, husband and wife Donald and Mera Rubell, recently spoke to Bloomberg.com about their decision to invest in and exhibit Chinese artists. “There’s a new generation of Chinese artists that [are] interesting to us,” explained Mera. “They have the world view, and they are also dealing with the transformation of China itself."

The article went on to reveal that the couple has been collecting Chinese art for over 20 years and visited the country as recently as the fall of last year. The Rubells also confirmed that works by Ai Weiwei, Zhang Huan, and about 25 other artists will fill the Wynwood museum come December. 

The subject of the recent documentary Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, Ai Weiwei is known in and out of the art world for his criticisms of Chinese human rights and democracy policies, criticisms which Chinese authorities thought enough to detain him for three months without charges at the time that the documentary was filming, in 2011. (Upon release, he was charged with tax evasion.) Currently prohibited from leaving China, Ai Weiwei, unlike many of the other artists selected for the December exhibit, will not be in Miami for the unveiling. However, Bloomberg reports that at least two of his works, Ton of Tea and Fairytale Chairs, will be featured. 95 NW 29th St., Miami, 305-573-6090 

With the launch of Louis Vuitton's new limited-edition Travel Books, four of the world's most colorful destinations are your oyster. But these are no ordinary city guides: The French fashion house commissioned four artists to explore and interpret each city included in the travel guide meets sketch book series. As such, Congolese artist Chéri Samba discovers Paris, France; American Daniel Arsham unravels the mysteries of Easter Island, Polynesia; French fashion illustrator Jean-Philippe Delhomme tackles New York City; and Japanese illustrator Natsko Seki promenades through London, England. The artists' unfamiliarity with the cities offers a fresh perspective on each locale's pace and culture. Each book is priced at $56, and limited-edition artist-signed copies (leather-bound and numbered 1 to 50) are also available (price upon request).

The Louis Vuitton Travel Books will be available at select retailers as well as online beginning this month. However, the story doesn't end there: in 2014, manga artist Jiro Taniguchi's travels through Venice and comic book author Lorenzo Mattotti's vision of Vietnam will join the collection. New destinations will continue to be added annually. 9575 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, Space 2029, 305-866-4470; 170 N.E. 40th St., Miami, 305-573-1366

1920s Art Deco beaded handbag with filigree framing and necklace, both available at C. Madeleine's

C. Madeleine's
This North Miami Beach shop is an enclave for designer finds and decades-old outfits. Owner Madeleine Kirsh's pieces date as far back as the Edwardian era and carry through to today. Gatsby fans will delight in stunning Art Deco accessories, a classic drop-waist dress, and an iconic knit wool swimsuit. Labels run the luxury gamut: Chanel, Halston, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen. 13702 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach, 305-945-7770

Vintage Revenge Couture
Located in Miami's historic MiMo District, Vintage Revenge Couture carries men's and women's items from the 1920s through the 1980s. Owner Denise Goldhagen's collection is nearly 20 years in the making and includes a slew of timeless treasures. Her 1920s pieces are so beloved they can only be viewed by appointment. Sample items include original flapper necklaces, dazzling hairpins, and breezy day dresses. Items are preserved with the utmost care and organic dry-cleaning. 6301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-953-6046

Vintaj Mahal
You’ll find more than just decades spanning garb in this local pop-up. Stock ranges from collector's items to home décor to exotic trinkets gathered during owner Saira Coobar Jacobs' travels through India, Africa, and Europe. When the shop isn't popping up around South Florida, Jacobs' private collection can be purchased by appointment only. Sift through a bevy of Gatsby-esque cocktail accessories, 1970s maxi dresses, hand-painted scarves, Italian leather clutches, and even a rare handmade Zandra Rhodes dress. Email vintajmahal@yahoo.com for appointments. 

Gloria Swanson and Cecil B. DeMille on the set of Sunset Boulevard

This Wednesday, May 8, the Miami Beach Cinematheque (MBC) will kick off its yearlong 20th anniversary celebration with a screening of 1950s classic Sunset Boulevard on New World Symphony's Soundscape wall. MBC first screened the film on the side of The Marlin Hotel, back in 1993. In honor of the event, the City of Miami Beach will rename Washington Avenue as “Sunset Boulevard” for one-night-only during this Wednesday’s screening. 

Then, on Thursday night, MBC will begin a month-long “Best Of” screening series in honor of the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. The series will feature award-winning films from both the Cannes and Toronto International Film Festivals. First up on Thursday at 7 p.m. is a screening of 2012 Cannes Jury Prize winner The Angels' Share, a feel-good comedy set in a Scottish whiskey distillery. Attendees of this screening can head to the neighboring Waxy O'Connor's pub for a gratis class of Glenlivet or Chivas Regal 12-year after the film. The Best Of series will continue through June 5, ending with a screening of Post Tenebras Lux. Tickets are $8 for members and $10 for adult non-members. Historic City Hall, 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-4567

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A look around at Dena Marino's Mercato, now open in the Design District. 4141 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, 786-332-3772

 

 

A look around at Dena Marino's Mercato, now open in the Design District. 4141 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, 786-332-3772

 

 

A look around at Dena Marino's Mercato, now open in the Design District. 4141 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, 786-332-3772

 

 

A look around at Dena Marino's Mercato, now open in the Design District. 4141 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, 786-332-3772

 

 

A look around at Dena Marino's Mercato, now open in the Design District. 4141 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, 786-332-3772

 

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The opening of Dena Marino’s new Italian-style gourmet marketplace, Mercato, brings a wealth of new breakfast and lunch possibilities to the Design District. “There are a growing number of businesses and young professionals in the Design District, and we wanted to cater to their busy lifestyles by providing fast and fresh food,” says Marino of the market located adjacent to her celebrated MC Kitchen.

Those stopping in for breakfast can linger over a cup of Lavazza coffee and fresh baked pastries. Lunchtime brings Marino's twist on the Cuban sandwich (with porchetta and a ciabatta roll), a green salad with pears and pecans, and a savory rosemary ham and provolone croissant sandwich. Ingredients borrow from the line at MC Kitchen, and the venue sells an array of Marino's favorite products, including the restaurant's house olive oil. Other artisanal edibles include Brooklyn Brine Company Pickles and chocolate treats. Mercato is open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 

Area 31 terrace

Area 31 debuts a facelift to its outdoor lounge, new menu items, and a “Veuve on the Clock” Champagne happy hour today. [Eater]

Baseball’s Mike Piazza practices his “fish dive” with local ballerina Patricia Delgado. Piazza will perform in the Miami City Ballet's Program IV tonight. [Miami Herald]

Miami’s public transportation system leaves plenty to be desired. But this week brought good news: The City of Miami announced that the Miami Trolley will extend to Midtown and the Design District, with two overlapping routes serving as far south as Mercy Hospital. [Miami New Times]

Archaeologists near the Miami River recently dug up remnants of Henry Flagler’s grand Royal Palm Hotel alongside ancient postholes. The postholes are believed to belong to the native Tequesta Indians. [WLRN]

A voyeuristic new luxury condo building will soon rise in the South of Fifth neighborhood. The 18-story, ten-unit project is being called “Glass,” which is fitting, considering that every square of inch of its exterior is completely transparent. How much to live in this glass house? Eight to nine million per unit is the average. [Miami Herald]

Speaking of housing, Miami's resurgent condo sales are making headlines. Prices are up, and construction is everywhere, greatly due to an influx of Latin American investors. [The New York Times]

After 20 years in the fashion business, Nigel Barker has worn many hats. The handsome model-turned-photographer-turned-TV-personality is currently the host of Oxygen’s The Face. However, that’s not to say he’s put down his camera. Case in point: his new exhibition, “RAW: Presented by Rock Paper Studio,” part of this weekend’s In the Now fashion show event at the Village of Merrick Park. Comprised of black-and-white photographs conveying “raw” emotion, the exhibit’s list of subjects reads like a who’s who of the fashion world: Coco Rocha, Betsey Johnson, and Cynthia Rowley, to name a few. Other well known faces like Alan Cumming, singer Estelle, and Barker’s wife, Cristen, also appear in the show, which he hopes to translate into a book. And making us love the photos, and their creator, even more is the fact that ten percent of exhibit sales at this weekend’s event will benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

This exhibit is all about pure, unfiltered emotion. How did you extract that from your subjects?
NIGEL BARKER: The whole process was very interesting, it was a therapeutic, psychological process. A big part of it was the conversation we had while photographing. I would talk to every subject. We'd have a chat over a cup of tea or a cup of coffee or over a glass of Champagne and people would let their guard down. During the conversation, the photograph would happen.

Was that difficult, getting them to let their guard down?
NB: I took a lot of [inspiration] from Richard Avedon, an expert in portraits. He disarmed his subjects by catching them off guard and surprising them in many respects. That was a big part of it.

Why is everyone wearing denim in the photographs?
NB: Denim and jeans are what most people have as a comfort clothing; it's something that we go to on the weekends. I wanted people to wear items like that. It helped the whole process, getting them in the mood and in the right place.

Tell us about how you chose the subjects.
NB: It really sort of formed itself. It started off with personal friends. It is always easier to start with friends because they will potentially be more comfortable in front of a camera with you because they know you . . . Then it moved on to people we didn't really know. Everyone from A-list celebrities to people I found on Facebook are a part of this collection.

You entered the world of TV as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, and now your hosting your own show, The Face. How do the two experiences differ?
NB: One of the wonderful things about The Face is that there are no judges—the ‘judges’ are clients and the clients determine the decision. It was nice for me to have a different role and relax a little bit. It also allowed me to get closer to the contestants. As a judge, you had to be held away and separate from everyone. Here, I was able to let my guard down more.

What’s next for you?
NB: I feel very lucky to do something I love. I'm in the process of writing a screenplay about the life of human rights activist David Mixner. I'm hoping and planning to direct it as my first feature film. 

Dress your dandiest for Kentucky Derby Day at Swine Southern Table & Bar

Fashion 1st Fridays
Friday, May 3, 6-10 p.m.
Showroom 305 and the Jeffrey Lubin Group are throwing a New York-style sample sale at the Whitelaw Hotel. Refresh your wardrobe with jewelry by Nugaard, Guria Beachwear, and more while sipping complimentary cocktails. 808 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; RSVP rsvp@itmarketingconcepts.com or fashion1stfridays.com

Kentucky Derby Day at Swine
Saturday, May 4
Slide into Swine Southern Table & Bar this Saturday for a celebration of all things Churchill Downs. The full day festivities include a live race broadcast (post time 6:24 p.m.) and a special Derby menu—think hot brown casserole, smoked and spiced pecans, and peach juleps. Those wearing a Derby hat will be entered to win Maker's 46 prizes. 2415 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 786-360-6433

The Art of the Party Book Signing
Saturday, May 4, 3 p.m.
Event designer David Stark will host a signing and discussion on his latest book, The Art of the Party (out May 7), at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA). The book is chock-full of hostess tips for aspiring event planners, as well as advice on themes, color palettes, and embellishments for a memorable fête. 770 N.E. 125th St., North Miami, 305-893-6211 

Cinco de Mayo Brunch
Sunday, May 5, 11:30 a.m.
Mercadito Midtown is rolling out a Mexican brunch buffet and live mariachi music this Cinco de Mayo. For $35 per person, guests can enjoy unlimited servings of enchiladas, carnitas hash, and more, all coupled with a complimentary cocktail. 3252 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami, 786-369-0430

Marek Janowski will conduct this weekend's NWS season finale programming

The New World Symphony will wrap a dazzling 25th anniversary season this weekend with a three-prong celebration. First, on Friday, May 3, comes a Wallcast presentation of "Richard Strauss: Revelry and Romance," conducted by Marek Janowski with Orion Weiss on piano. The program, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will journey through the German composer's orchestral masterpieces, Don Juan and Burleske. Then on Saturday, the New World duo heads to the Adrienne Arsht Center to perform the same Strauss program, as well as Symphony No. 5 for “Beethoven's Fifth: Storm and Passion” at 8 p.m. An ’80s-themed bash put on by Friends of NWS (the organization's young cultural patrons group) will follow the performance at Grand Central at 10 p.m. Expect cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose and music by DJ Affect. Admission to the party is free for members, $40 for non-members in advance, and $60 for non-members at the door. New World Symphony, 500 17th St., Miami Beach