The transformation of the Miami Design District continues into what is to become an ultimate destination for cutting-edge fashion, art, design and culture. The aspirations of the district were made clear during Miami Design’s District cocktail last week. The Miami Art Week pop up of Silencio, David Lynch’s notorious Parisian club, even chose its location in the district this year with featured performances by artist such as Michèle Lamy and DJ sets by A$AP Rocky and others.
Among the attendees to the cocktail were entrepreneur and pioneer district developer Craig Robins of DACRA, Miami Symphony Orchestra composer Eduardo Marturet, designer Philippe Malouin, and jewelry designer Sevan Bicakci, who just opened his boutique in the district.
at Miami Design District Cocktail
Construction on Phase III of development will be completed by 2017. Among the highlights is the extension of the pedestrian Paseo Ponti north to 41st Street, anchored by Paradise Plaza. The new art-filled plaza will feature retail buildings designed by Daly Genik, Freeland Buck, Tolila+Gilliland, Johnston Marklee and MOS. This year London-based designer Malouin debuted his latest installation, The Speed of Light, commissioned by Robins. The kinetic installation will illuminate the neighborhood for the holiday season, transforming humble urban design fixtures into a playful roller-coaster of light coursing from Palm Court down the Paseo Ponti.
In addition the gathering of fashion luxury brands making there way to the district—Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Alexander Wang, Eres, Warby Parker, Cos, and footwear icon Christian Louboutin expanding his presence with a flagship store to open next Spring—a multitude of restaurants are also on their way. Soon, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, along with popular NYC concept, OTL, a new concept from the team behind popular NYC spot The Smile and Dave Grutman, and also Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s new, high-end Cuban concept—Estefan Kitchen—will be setting foot in the Design District’s Palm Court.
Courtesy of Becca PR
But perhaps more important than nightlife, luxury retail, or fare options is the area’s art institutions, which are truly setting the standard for Miami’s global position as a cultural epicenter beyond the ephemerality of Miami Art Week. The Design District already did a coup de maître this year with the new Perez Art Museum premiering last week the first US show of Julio Le Parc, “Form Into Action.” Then there is also the new Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA) building by Spanish architects Aranguren & Gallegos to be located on 41st Street and joining the de la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space.
During the cocktail Robins gave guests a look at the new exhibition “One Day on Success Street” by renowned German artist Thomas Bayrle, and Jeffrey Deitch and Diana Picasso invited the group of VIPS to preview “Desire,” their exhibition with Larry Gagosian at The Moore Building, which was another big hit last week.
Miami Art Week 2016
However, Design will continue to be the cornerstone of the neighborhood with new showrooms scheduled to join a notable design community that already includes Armani Casa, Fendi Casa, Holly Hunt, Lladró, Luminaire, The Rug Company and Vitra, among others.
Miami Design District Cocktail 2016
