Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Miami Art Week 2015, the encompassing moniker of Art Basel Miami Beach and its rampant area-wide event spawn, is upon us. Everyone from the culturally astute to the fleetingly boisterous is flocking into town, which includes some headlining celebrities and socialites.
We know where you're going to be, but where will the famous faces be during December's week-long, artistically excused indulgences? We've tallied up past Basel visits, recent celebrity sightings, and the "hush hush" rumor mill to give Racked readers a chance rub elbows with, party alongside, or just simply awe at a few notable names.
There are so many rumors circling the forthcoming Faena that we’re hoping at least one of them is true. For one, we know Faena will be installing a roller rink, which we’re sure some models and socialites will selfie the life out of. We’ve also had multiple sources tell us that Kanye West might take over the property at some point during Basel - be it as an “exhibitor” or for a performance. Similar sources claim the site will beckon a slew of A-list private parties. Keep eyes and ears on Faena, because there’s too little being confirmed for big things NOT to be happening here.
Last year, the Miami Beach Edition was arguably the place to be, as Ian Schrager and Marriott’s sleek hotel opened its doors to the Basel influx. Back then, Vera Wang and Rosario Dawson were spotted on property, and recently Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union dined at Matador Room. This year, Ellie Goulding will celebrate her collaboration with M.A.C. at the venue, putting on a live performance for invited guests.
Since opening earlier this year, 1 Hotel South Beach has been showered by accolades. Its eco-chic outfittings have lured guests like Cindy Crawford and Jessica Alba, who both took to Instagram to share pictures from within the buzzy property. For the first week of December, the 1 Hotel South Beach has a slew of onsite events, including an invite-only wellness retreat (with a SoulCycle pop-up), rooftop parties and activations, retail pop-ups, and public exhibitions. We’d recommend hanging at the Lobby’s Tom on Collins bar to watch the incoming foot traffic and then check out the public exhibitions. Having dinner at Beachcraft (with a seat at the bar) or the adjacent party-leaning STK might also lead to some spottings.
While the actual Art Basel Miami Beach fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center seems like an obvious choice for celebrity spotting, many A-listers come in and out unnoticed. After all, they have the big money to spend on seriously pricey art. Jay-Z and Beyonce reportedly spent $20,000 on Hebru Brantley’s Everyone’s Scared a few years back. Rick Ross and Sean Combs also snatched up some pieces during previous editions. Other years, Owen Wilson, Chelsea Handler, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones have all be spotted perusing the collections.
The new Nautilus Hotel is packing serious Basel week momentum this year, snagging two magazine parties - Flaunt and Interview - and the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale Party. Last year’s Bombay headliners Russell Simmons and Rosario Dawson return to do hosting duties, with R&B star Ciara set to make an appearance. Flaunt’s after party will reportedly feature a Pusha T performance and Martinez Brother set while Interview welcomes Art Department. To boot, Solange Knowles is reportedly hosting an invite-only lunch for TOME, which we are guessing will take place inside hotel’s Driftwood restaurant.
The infamously private Casa Tau is a social celebrity and millionaire’s enclave. Lenny Kravitz is a known regular, and he may stop by considering his ongoing photography exhibit. Eva Longoria tweeted from outside the venue in late November and is slated to host an exclusive event there for Ricardo Barroso Interiors. Longeria will also be in town to honor Jorge Pérez alongside pal and Miami regular, Ricky Martin at 1400 Biscayne on Thursday evening.
The Delano Hotel continually anchors itself as a Basel go-to, and this year is no different. The boutique haunt will host DuJour Magazine’s Art Basel kickoff party, and the roster of guests expected to attend is golden: Hilary Swank, Bruce Weber, Adrien Brody, Tinsley Mortimer, Olivia Culpo, Michael Bay, and so many more. The Delano’s MoMA Design Store and Skateroom exhibition and pop-up will be sure to draw in the indie crowd as it displays dozens of decks covered in Andy Warhol’s works.
If you know about the Montauk Surf Lodge, then you know it's THE place to summer in New York state. It returns to Art Basel this year with a lineup of private dinners and parties celebrating Jeremy Scott, Sheperd Fairey, and more. The guest list includes celebs like Rosario Dawson and Rocky Barnes, plus a performance by Mickey Madden of Maroon 5 on its closing night.
Casa Casuarina (a.k.a the Versace Mansion) has a colorful history of fashionably iconic guests (Madonna and Princess Diana once partied here). Given its legendary halls, it is no surprise that the venue is housing a retrospective of photographs by Karl Lagerfeld. A private dinner will nod the occasion (we’re guessing inside the recently opened Gianni’s at the Villa restaurant), hosted by Sylvester Stallone and curator Germano Celant. Even if Karl doesn’t make it, we’re hoping Choupette or one of his leggy model muses, does!
It does not matter what time of the year it is, there is always someone passing through Prime 112. Recent drop-ins include soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and pop star Austin Mahone. The restaurant is also popular among the Kardashian-Jenner clan and the Miami Heat roster. We’re expecting some paparazzi-worthy people to show face here during Basel for their signature steakhouse supper. Tip: Exemplify discretion. Diners at Prime 112 are used to be among the créme de la créme, so flashing a pic from a cell phone would be in bad (and amateur) taste.
Superstar producer Swizz Beatz continues to use his influence for artistry. He’ll be overseeing and presenting The No Comission Art Fair, where artists are showcasing and selling their works without overhead gallery commissions. At night, Swizz is calling upon his famous friends (and wife!) to perform at the Bacardi Untameable House Party. Alicia Keys, Pusha T, A-Trak, DMX, and Wiz Khalifa will all take the stage, however they haven't announced how to RSVP yet.
What celebrity won't be at Soho Beach House. This joint is strictly members only, so unless you have a friend who has the in at this star-studded Shangri-La, you don't even stand a chance.
There are so many rumors circling the forthcoming Faena that we’re hoping at least one of them is true. For one, we know Faena will be installing a roller rink, which we’re sure some models and socialites will selfie the life out of. We’ve also had multiple sources tell us that Kanye West might take over the property at some point during Basel - be it as an “exhibitor” or for a performance. Similar sources claim the site will beckon a slew of A-list private parties. Keep eyes and ears on Faena, because there’s too little being confirmed for big things NOT to be happening here.
Last year, the Miami Beach Edition was arguably the place to be, as Ian Schrager and Marriott’s sleek hotel opened its doors to the Basel influx. Back then, Vera Wang and Rosario Dawson were spotted on property, and recently Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union dined at Matador Room. This year, Ellie Goulding will celebrate her collaboration with M.A.C. at the venue, putting on a live performance for invited guests.
Since opening earlier this year, 1 Hotel South Beach has been showered by accolades. Its eco-chic outfittings have lured guests like Cindy Crawford and Jessica Alba, who both took to Instagram to share pictures from within the buzzy property. For the first week of December, the 1 Hotel South Beach has a slew of onsite events, including an invite-only wellness retreat (with a SoulCycle pop-up), rooftop parties and activations, retail pop-ups, and public exhibitions. We’d recommend hanging at the Lobby’s Tom on Collins bar to watch the incoming foot traffic and then check out the public exhibitions. Having dinner at Beachcraft (with a seat at the bar) or the adjacent party-leaning STK might also lead to some spottings.
While the actual Art Basel Miami Beach fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center seems like an obvious choice for celebrity spotting, many A-listers come in and out unnoticed. After all, they have the big money to spend on seriously pricey art. Jay-Z and Beyonce reportedly spent $20,000 on Hebru Brantley’s Everyone’s Scared a few years back. Rick Ross and Sean Combs also snatched up some pieces during previous editions. Other years, Owen Wilson, Chelsea Handler, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones have all be spotted perusing the collections.
The new Nautilus Hotel is packing serious Basel week momentum this year, snagging two magazine parties - Flaunt and Interview - and the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale Party. Last year’s Bombay headliners Russell Simmons and Rosario Dawson return to do hosting duties, with R&B star Ciara set to make an appearance. Flaunt’s after party will reportedly feature a Pusha T performance and Martinez Brother set while Interview welcomes Art Department. To boot, Solange Knowles is reportedly hosting an invite-only lunch for TOME, which we are guessing will take place inside hotel’s Driftwood restaurant.
The infamously private Casa Tau is a social celebrity and millionaire’s enclave. Lenny Kravitz is a known regular, and he may stop by considering his ongoing photography exhibit. Eva Longoria tweeted from outside the venue in late November and is slated to host an exclusive event there for Ricardo Barroso Interiors. Longeria will also be in town to honor Jorge Pérez alongside pal and Miami regular, Ricky Martin at 1400 Biscayne on Thursday evening.
The Delano Hotel continually anchors itself as a Basel go-to, and this year is no different. The boutique haunt will host DuJour Magazine’s Art Basel kickoff party, and the roster of guests expected to attend is golden: Hilary Swank, Bruce Weber, Adrien Brody, Tinsley Mortimer, Olivia Culpo, Michael Bay, and so many more. The Delano’s MoMA Design Store and Skateroom exhibition and pop-up will be sure to draw in the indie crowd as it displays dozens of decks covered in Andy Warhol’s works.
If you know about the Montauk Surf Lodge, then you know it's THE place to summer in New York state. It returns to Art Basel this year with a lineup of private dinners and parties celebrating Jeremy Scott, Sheperd Fairey, and more. The guest list includes celebs like Rosario Dawson and Rocky Barnes, plus a performance by Mickey Madden of Maroon 5 on its closing night.
Casa Casuarina (a.k.a the Versace Mansion) has a colorful history of fashionably iconic guests (Madonna and Princess Diana once partied here). Given its legendary halls, it is no surprise that the venue is housing a retrospective of photographs by Karl Lagerfeld. A private dinner will nod the occasion (we’re guessing inside the recently opened Gianni’s at the Villa restaurant), hosted by Sylvester Stallone and curator Germano Celant. Even if Karl doesn’t make it, we’re hoping Choupette or one of his leggy model muses, does!
It does not matter what time of the year it is, there is always someone passing through Prime 112. Recent drop-ins include soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and pop star Austin Mahone. The restaurant is also popular among the Kardashian-Jenner clan and the Miami Heat roster. We’re expecting some paparazzi-worthy people to show face here during Basel for their signature steakhouse supper. Tip: Exemplify discretion. Diners at Prime 112 are used to be among the créme de la créme, so flashing a pic from a cell phone would be in bad (and amateur) taste.
Superstar producer Swizz Beatz continues to use his influence for artistry. He’ll be overseeing and presenting The No Comission Art Fair, where artists are showcasing and selling their works without overhead gallery commissions. At night, Swizz is calling upon his famous friends (and wife!) to perform at the Bacardi Untameable House Party. Alicia Keys, Pusha T, A-Trak, DMX, and Wiz Khalifa will all take the stage, however they haven't announced how to RSVP yet.
What celebrity won't be at Soho Beach House. This joint is strictly members only, so unless you have a friend who has the in at this star-studded Shangri-La, you don't even stand a chance.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47774423/art-basel-celebrities.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483390/faena.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483391/miami-beach-edition.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483392/1-hotel.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483393/art-basel.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483394/nautilus.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483395/309856_558259074186710_1495873010_n.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71338511/OsakaInterior_HighRes_3.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70926986/photos_by_lanty_O38Id_cyV4M_unsplash.7.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483396/delano-south-beach.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63235288/Miami_hero2.0.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483397/12241351_1158235080860848_8091531406409172032_n.0.0.0.png)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483398/casa-casuarina.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483399/prime-112.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62483400/soho-beach-house.0.0.0.jpg)