If you’ve been pouring over the holiday gift guides in The New York Times, you might have spotted goodies from Miami’s own Gretel. The Times loved the Bulky Tea Set and the Crushed Glass Cup. Now you have the opportunity to personally peruse Gretel’s design-centric array of items (and cross some names off your list) thanks to its one-night pop-up shop this Thursday, December 8, in Wynwwod. Guests can shop from 50 gifts for under $50 and take advantage of giveaways, drink specials and even some treats for those with a sweet tooth. Gretel's Shopping Event, Lester's Miami, 2519 NW Second Ave,, Miami

Down vest by Emilio Pucci ($1,350)

Versatile clothing is always a good fit, but Pucci’s reversible, sleeveless, hooded down puffer vest adds a layer of fun. Solid black on one side with a blue-hued Pucci print on the other, it is ideal for this winter’s travel. Ida and Harry, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4550 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 800-548-8886

Pat Mahoney and James Murphy

Art Basel goers had many entertainment options on Thursday evening. Though YACHT, Salem and Neon Indian all have strong followings, the DJ stylings of former LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy at Grand Central won our vote. When he took to the stage with former LCD drummer/synth player Pat Mahoney for their DJ project Special Disco Version (SDV), the crowd was transported to dance heaven. With Toyota and Sailor Jerry sponsoring the evening, guests enjoyed an open bar, custom-printed show T-shirts, posters, and hologram photos.

The energetic band Black Lips went on before Murphy and Mahoney, who hit the stage a little after 1 AM. They spun disco and worked their way through what seemed like every dance song ever recorded. We spotted celebrity musicians like TV on the Radio in the crowd, and former LCD Soundsystem member Nancy Whang joined the duo on stage to tease viewers into thinking a one-off LCD reunion was in the works. An hour into the three-and-a-half-hour set, SDV decided heavy bass was the way to keep the crowd jumping along with dance, acid house, and custom remixes of tracks by Robyn, Gloria Gaynor and the Talking Heads.

Russell Simmons

Miami Art Week keeps getting bigger and better. What are you most excited about?
Other than the weather, I’d say the 2 events we’re throwing for Rush Philanthropic—one at the Mondrian and the other with Bombay Sapphire to celebrate a program called the Artisan Series, which is a nationwide search for the next big names in visual arts. The Artisan Series gives up-and-coming artists from all over the country the opportunity to show their work at Art Basel, which is quite an accomplishment in and of itself.

	Simmons, visiting Occupy Wall Street's former New York encampent

Creative types need constant stimulation and inspiration. What’s inspiring you these days?
The kids at Occupy Wall Street inspire me every day. I've been down to Zucotti Park many times now but also showed my support at the movement in Boston, L.A. and around the country, and what they've done is incredible. The infrastructure they've been able to create is amazing.

It’s been said that great style is a form of art. What would you like to be photographed wearing this week?
Prayer beads and I always wear my Adidas. My brother was the one who made them famous, but I guess I'm known for them now, too.

Where do you like to visit when you’re in Miami?
SoHo House.

The Standard Miami now has a monthly playlist party with music curated by guest hosts. If you were putting together this week’s playlist what song would need to include?
I'm not sure what song but it would have to have something by Don Trip. I just heard him for the first time recently and he was great.

When you reflect on 2011 and look ahead to the coming trends of 2012, what do you predict will be that next big thing?
It's not new but the growth of Occupy Wall Street and the start of a real change in the way our government operates. You'll start to see less power in the corporations and more power with the people.

Miami Art Week keeps getting bigger and better. What are you most excited about?
LAURE HERIARD DUBREUIL: The crowd that comes to Miami Art Week is extremely influential and it’s great to see people that I’ve looked up to and been fans of from both the art and fashion community.

If you could only attend one event—other than yours, of course—what would it be?
LH: The “It Ain’t Fair: Materialism” at the OHWOW Gallery.

Creative types need constant stimulation and inspiration. What’s inspiring you these days?
LH: I’ve always been inspired by Miami and the way the sun in the Caribbean brings out the stronger colors in everything. This inspires me to channel this into some of the collaborations we work with at The Webster [and] the way I dress.

It’s been said that great style is a form of art. What would you like to be photographed wearing this week?
LH: My must-have piece this season has to be the Celine [Resort 2012] printed motorcycle jacket. It’s such a strong piece and resembles some of the wallpaper we have at The Webster.

Where do you recommend out-of-towners here for ABMB visit during their stay?
LH: South Pointe—especially during sunset—Tap, MOCA, Fairchild Botanical Garden, Mandolin, The Standard Spa. 

The Standard Miami now has a monthly playlist party with music curated by guest hosts. If you were putting together this week’s playlist what song would need to include?
LH: "Purple Rain" by Prince, "Good Woman" by Cat Power, "All I Ever Wanted" by The Black Keys, "Because the Night" by Patti Smith, "A Song for You" by Gram Parsons, "I Would for You" by Jane's Addiction, "Five Years" by David Bowie, "The Man Who Sold the World" unplugged version by Nirvana, "Dollars and Cents" and "Everything in its Right Place" By Radiohead, "Lay Lady Lay" By Bob Dylan, "Jolene" by The White Stripes.

When you reflect on 2011 and look ahead to the coming trends of 2012, what do you predict will be that next big thing?
LH: Color was so huge for Spring 2012 runway—fuschia, deep blues; yellow was a very big color. And the little white dress is replacing the little black dress. I’m very excited to see people embrace this in other cities.

Santigold will perform at LIV tonight

Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB) 2011 has yet to officially commence, but there are plenty of pre-gaming possibilities to keep festivalgoers busy. Start working up those “I can’t make it into work” stories now.    

What: Incubation
Why: Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day and the 11th annual breakfast by Jennifer Rubell addresses the creation of life, art and nourishes inquiring minds with yogurt and honey.
Where: Rubell Family Connection, 95 NW 29th St., Miami
When: Daily through Sunday, 9 AM–NOON
How: Free and open to the public

What: Case Scenario Pantone Luncheon
Why: The Webster and Case Scenario are launching a limited edition iPhone case by Pantone Universe.
Where: The Webster, 1220 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
When: 12–3 PM
How: By invitation only

What: Art Basel Miami Beach Vernissage
Why: A private preview of the fair
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach
When: 6–9 PM
How: By invitation only

What: BallyLove#2 Cocktail Party
Why: Bally celebrates its new capsule collection, BallyLove#2, created by Olaf Breuning in collaboration with Bally creative directors Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz.
Where: W South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
When: 6–8:30 PM
How: By invitation only

What: BLK DNM and Perfume 11
Why: The Webster hosts the launch of its new capsule collection by Perfume 11 and BLK DNM.
Where: The Webster, 1220 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
When: 7–9 PM
How: By invitation only

What: Art Public Opening Night
Why: Art Basel Miami Beach and Bass Museum bring public art works and performances by Theaster Gates and The Black Monks of Mississippi, Sanford Biggers, Moon Medicine, and Alalaô presenting Ronald Duarte to Collins Park.
Where: Collins Park, 21st and Collins
When: 8–10 PM
How: Free and open to the public

What: Art Video Nights
Why: David Gryn, director of Artprojx, has selected videos from all over the globe, including Dancer, the latest film by Miami-based artist Dara Friedman
Where: Soundscape Park, 400 17th St., Miami Beach
When: Nightly through December 3, 8–10 PM
How: Free and open to the public

What: Vogue Lounge Opening Night
Why: We've already told you about this one.
Where: Sagamore Hotel, 1671 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
When:  9–11 PM
How: By invitation only

What: M.O.C.A. Beach Party
Why: The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and Jeffrey Deitch host one of the best events of the year featuring sets by DJ 2MANYDJS and a performance by SOULWAX.
Where: The Raleigh, 1775 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
When: 9 PM–MIDNIGHT
How: By invitation only

What: Art of Night
Why: Ocean Drive's own Seth Browarnik's photography exhibit chronicles fifteen years Miami’s social scene. 
Where: Shelborne, 1801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
When: 9 PM–MIDNIGHT
How: By invitation only

What: Paris Paris Cabaret
Why: Artist André Saraiva brings Paris to Miami with cabaret and karaoke.
Where: Shelborne, 1801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
When: Nightly through December 4, 10 PM–6 AM
How: Velvet rope  

What: Santigold and Wale
Why: The eclectic Santigold and rapper Wale promise an unforgettable night.
Where: LIV, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
When: 11 PM–5 AM, performance times to be determined.  
How: Tickets are $60

What: Cirque du Mansion
Why: London's Cirque du Soir takes over Mansion and provides a night filled with seductive carnival-worthy performances.
Where: Mansion Miami, 1235 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
When: MIDNIGHT
How: Free entry before 1 AM

FROM LEFT: Rafael Miyar, Gail Meyers, Aida Levitan, and Thom Collins

Miami Art Week keeps getting bigger and better every year. What are you most excited about?
THOM COLLINS: This fair is my biggest chance to be a flâneur in the global art market, and I love abandoning myself to unexpected encounters with new art and new people.

If you could only attend one event—other than yours, of course—what would it be?
TC: My goal is to see and experience as much as possible, so I’d consider having only attended one or two events—even one or two great events—a kind of failure.

Creative types need constant stimulation and inspiration. What’s inspiring you these days? 
TC: In my free time I read a lot of social theory. It suggests progressive ways to understand art, artists, and audiences. Right now I’m very inspired by a re-reading of Mikhail Bakhtin’s work on carnival culture. It has much to say about the power of transgressive art to transform our world.

It’s been said that great style is a form of art. If you were going to be photographed this week, what would you like to be captured wearing? 
TC: Anything age-appropriate by Martin Margiela.

Where do you like to visit when you’re in Miami?
TC: The design stores on 125th Street in North Miami.

The Standard Miami now has a monthly playlist party with music curated by guest hosts. If you were putting together this week’s playlist what song would need to include? 
TC: It isn’t a party until someone hands you a tambourine and plays Sylvester’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”.

When you reflect on 2011 and look ahead to the coming trends of 2012, what do you predict will be that next big thing?
TC: I won’t predict, but I hope “the next big thing” is a broad critical reassessment of the post-war canon and institutional and market re-valuations of the important artists and movements that are still, lamentably, underrepresented or excluded.

A towl from the "Works on Whatever" series
 
The Vogue Lounge at Sagamore, The Art Hotel will have fashion and art aficionados alike marking their calendars. Think of the two-day shopping experience—held December 1 through December 2 (NOON–7 PM) in honor of Art Basel Miami Beach—as a union of never-before-seen contemporary art and cutting-edge fashion. Find brands such as Keds at Opening Ceremony, Bond No. 9, Lexus, and Dee & Ricky. On the art front the Art Production Fund will introduce its presentation of “Works on Whatever,” a 2012 towel series by artists Barbara Kruger and Rirkrit Tiravanija. 1671 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
 

Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw once said, “I like my money right where I can see it… hanging in my closet.” By the looks of the new extravagant shoe from Sergio Rossi, the luxury brand agrees with that statement. This classic Cachet peep-toe, platform crocodile pump is coated in 22-carat gold or silver leaf ($9,825). The handcrafted shoe is sold exclusively upon request and steps into the Bal Harbour store December 1—just in time for Art Basel. We can’t think of a better occasion to wear a shoe so perfectly designed for cheering on the good life. Sergio Rossi, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-864-3643

rAndom International’s "You Fade To Light" to be presented at Design Miami/2011 by Carpenters Workshop Gallery

If you haven’t sorted out your schedule for Art Basel Miami Beach—the week-long spectacle of art, design, music, and fashion—we can help. There are plenty of private, invitation-only events that we’ll be reporting from, and here are some of our favorite Basel itinerary items. 

November 28

Fifth Ornare Tastemakers Showcase
WHY: About 800 artists, architects, and designers from around the globe gather to celebrate the start of the Art Basel week.
WHEN: 8–11 PM
WHERE: Ornare’s Design District Showroom (3930 NE 2nd Ave., Ste. 102/103, Miami)
HOW: Invitation only

Dior x Anselm Reyle Boutique
WHY: The house of Dior collaborates with German artist Anselm Reyle for a fun new look.
WHEN: Continues through December 10
WHERE: 191 NE 40 St., Miami

Pringle of Scotland partners with The Webster for a pop-up shop in the Design District
WHY: This fall we saw the influence of Pringle of Scotland’s new design director Alistair Carr and the collaboration and influence of designer Liam Gillick. Now comes the debut of a fresh new capsule collection called LiamGillickForPringleOfScotland
WHEN: Continues through December 28
WHERE: Mosaic Building (161 NE 40th St., Miami)

November 29

Pampaloni Brunch
WHY: A preview brunch for “Paradiso Perfetto,” an exhibit showcasing oil on canvas and silver art.
WHEN: 11 AM
WHERE: 91 NE 40th St.
HOW: Invitation only

Scope Miami VIP and Press Preview
WHY: This year Scope Miami is housed in Midtown’s art tent village and promises an even more visually stunning experience, including a performance by Chokra.
WHEN: 4–8 PM
WHERE: NE 1st Ave. (Midtown Blvd.) at NE 30th St.
HOW: For VIP and press (or $100 donation at door)

Dewar’s MOCA/Vanity Fair Party 
WHY: This is the un-official kick-off party of the week. Expect an intellectual crowd, flowing Dewar’s cocktails, and a celebration of 10 years of Art Basel and 15 years of MOCA, plus two new exhibits.
WHEN: 7–9 PM
WHERE: MOCA (770 NE 125th St., North Miami)
HOW: Purchase tickets here

Maison Martin Margiela “LOVE, etc.” Exhibition Opening
WHY: The exhibit “LOVE, etc.” will feature Margiela’s Line 13, which is dedicated to objects and publications. It also includes a limited-edition nightlight produced exclusively for Art Basel Miami Beach 2011.
WHEN: Continuing through December 3 (11 AM–7 PM)
WHERE: 4141 NE 2nd Ave., Miami
HOW: Open to the public

Opening Event at the Wynwood Walls 
WHY: An unveiling of The Pop-Up Shop and release of The Wynwood Walls and Doors book, plus nightly DJs, musical performances, and videos.
WHEN: 9–11 AM and nightly continuing through December 4
WHERE: NW 2nd Ave. (between 25th and 26th Streets), Miami
HOW: Open to the public

Design Miami Vernissage
WHY: A fair focused on high-end and cutting-edge design hosts its opening night. This is one of the few with roots in Miami—among them the visionary Craig Robins.
WHEN: 6–10 PM
WHERE: Meridian Ave. and 19th St., Miami Beach
HOW: Invitation only

Scope 150
WHY: A strictly invite-only affair with the guest list closely curated to include only tastemakers, game-changers, and other influencers.
WHEN: 8 PM–MIDNIGHT
WHERE: Mondrian Hotel (1100 W. Ave.)
HOW: Invitation only

Urban Zen Pop-Up Shop
WHY: Donna Karan’s Urban Zen opens for a limited time at MOCA and partners with local designer Nektar De Stagni. The store will feature artwork, jewelry, and home accessories produced by Haitian artisans.
WHEN: MOCA Galleries and the shop will be open during Art Basel Miami Beach November 30 (9 AM–9 PM) and December 1–December 5 (9 AM–5 PM)
WHERE: MOCA (770 NE 125th St., North Miami)