Lifestyle
No scene is complete without scene-stealers. This is especially true at Art Basel Miami Beach, where the parties are as newsworthy as the art. Be it day or night, gallery-hopping and cocktail-sipping will be a cinch with these art world-worthy clothes and accessories that Blouin Lifestyle has selected, for both women and men.
The breeziest day-to-night ensemble comes in the form of Stella McCartney’s “Monia” floral-print silk-crepe jumpsuit, in a green and white Warholian poppy print. Crafted from lightweight silk-crepe, its ruched cuffs make it perfect to pair with flat sandals for day; throw on a pair of heels to take it straight to cocktail hour.
Another artsy piece is Dolce & Gabbana’s printed silk-satin midi skirt, which can be paired with a white shirt for day, and a cropped black tank for night. Part of the Italian label’s Fall ’15 collection that celebrated the family, the print on this full skirt is based on drawings by the designers’ nieces and nephews, making it a veritable wearable canvas.
Meanwhile, Roksanda Ilincic’s “Amias” color-block silk-blend maxi dress will put you right at home with Miami’s Art Deco architecture, with its Cubist-inspired shapes and pastel hues of papaya, lavender, and turquoise. As the Serbian-born, London-based designer says: “I always say my favorite color is rainbow. I just love rainbows.”
Good shoes are a must, of course, as you traipse around the fairs. For a casual, beachy, resort vibe, Castener’s canvas espadrilles are just the ticket. Crafted in Spain from durable canvas, these are laced with eye-catching red, yellow, green, and blue ribbons.
Wedge-heel footwear is best suited to navigating the terrain at night. Gianvito Rossi’s patchwork suede sandals, in wine-red and black, boast a practical 85mm height, while ankle ties are designed for flexibility and comfort.
Keep your hands free for champagne sipping with this Moschino shoulder bag, shaped like a traditional “Stop” sign but playfully altered to read “Shop.” This red-white-and-black leather piece comes with a satin-lined interior and has just enough room for your phone, cards, and keys.
A sure conversation starter is Charlotte Olympia’s black perspex clutch, inspired by Salvador Dalí and adorned with ivory lips, replete with a gold nose as a clasp.
Another fan of Surrealism is jewelry designer Delfina Delettrez, and a stunning example of her oeuvre is a yellow and rose gold earring with a pearl stud that depicts an eye, nose, and lips, accented with red, white, and blue enamel.
A favorite of artists and curators, Marni creates jewelry that transcends trends with its colorful and graphic approach. Show off your chic side with an oversized green brooch from the Italian label, crafted from horn and resin to resemble a sculptural flower.
Sometimes, simplicity is key. A go-to accessory that matches any outfit is a statement cuff, and Lanvin’s burnished and polished piece, adorned with a large faceted rock crystal, is as reliable an option as a, well, rock.
For men, a smart soirée wardrobe is key. Thom Sweeney’s “Weighhouse” suit, named after the London street where the company’s business is based, will be a welcome guest at any do. With its light structure over the shoulders and slim fit in the trouser leg, dress it up with a shirt or dress it down by pairing the blazer with dark blue jeans.
For a casual day look, keep it simple with one of Givenchy’s printed T-shirts, which have a cult following thanks to their bold and artistic digital-collage designs. Stay effortlessly cool by pairing this simply with skinny jeans and high-top sneakers.
If it gets chilly by the beach, Alexander Wang’s dégradé barcode sweater will sort you out. As an artsy bonus, you’ll resemble an Ellsworth Kelly color spectrum piece. Complete the look with black jeans.
Speaking of black jeans, keep it classic and handsome with a pair from Levi’s Vintage Clothing, namely, the 1960 605. Slim-fit, garment-dyed, and made in the USA, these remain true to the original all-American design, and go with literally everything.
If you’re craving more of a Renaissance scene, create one — with Rubinacci’s silk-twill pocket square, ornately printed with a scene of the Palace of Capodimonte, a famed royal residence and museum in Naples, Italy. Its deep green and ochre hues will class up any fete.
Add a light accent to neutral ensembles on cooler evenings with Etro’s gingham scarf. Made of a wool and silk blend, its pastel hues are a subtly eye-catching accessory.
As for footwear, stay comfy in Christopher Kane’s neoprene, leather and rubber high-top sneakers. Exclusive to Mr Porter, these futuristic kicks, in light grey and neon green, are contemporary, sporty, and still sleek.
For the evening, Alexander McQueen’s polka-dot loafers, arranged in the house’s signature skull motif, will add a shot of punk to elegant ensembles. Pair with dark trousers. Swagger optional.
