The Best of Art Basel Miami Beach: The Ultimate Look at the Art that Sold, the Celebrities Who Bought and the Parties That Rocked

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West at the Wall

Kim Kardashian and boyfriend Kanye West hung at the Dom Perignon party at the Wall at the W Hotel Dec. 6.

Barbara Kruger's "Big Shot"

Mary Boone Gallery reportedly this Barbara Kruger piece, "(Untitled) Big Shot", for $250,000 to one of the hundreds of bigshot collectors who descended on ABMB from New York, Los Angeles, Europe and South America. Many observers talked about the growing presence of Brazilian collectors at the fair.

The SoHo House/White Cube Gallery party

A view of the pool party scene at the Soho House/White Cube party, hosted by Soho House's Nick Jones and the gallery's Jay Jopling on Dec. 4.

Lenny Kravitz and Demi Moore at the Chanel/Artsy Party

Lenny Kravitz and Demi Moore partied at a beachside tent Dec. 5 at the Chanel/Artsy party at Soho House. The bash was preceded by a private dinner with a live auction that raised over $1 million for the Dash Show Initiative for the Henry Street Settlement. Moore cuddled and held a stray cat during the dinner that wandered into the affair.

Wendi Deng and Demi Moore at the Chanel/Artsy Party

Wendi Deng, who flew out of town the same evening when news came of the death of husband Rupert Murdoch's father, and Demi Moore at a Dec. 5 party on the beach thrown by Chanel and the arts website Artsy. The party was a mob scene with invited and uninvited guests stuck outside Soho House clamoring to get in, while a few hundred partiers ate paella and chocolate chips in a huge tent set up just yards from the water.

Jeff Koons' Buster Keaton statue at ABMB

Philanthropist Eli Broad, who is building his own art museum in downtown Los Angeles, picked up this near life-size sculpture of Buster Keaton by Jeff Koons at the Gagosian Gallery booth at Art Basel Miami Beach. The asking price was around $5.5 million. Ed Ruscha's painting "Honk" is at left.

Roxie Nafousi and Damien Hirst at the White Cube party

Artist Damien Hirst stepped out with twentysomething girlfriend Roxie Nafousi, who works for luxury spirits and wine company Diageo, at the Soho House/White Cube party Dec. 4

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Isabelle Bscher

Sean "Diddy" Combs with Isabelle Bscher at the Art Basel Miami Beach VIP preview Dec. 5. Combs was the most high-profile art buyer in Miami, purchasing pieces by Ivan Navarro and Brett Murray at ABMB, Andrew Schoultz at satellite fair Miami Project and Rirkrit Taravanija at the Nada art fair. Combs was overheard saying to his entourage: "This year, we're negotiating."

Brett Murray's "Manifesto" Bought by Sean "Diddy" Combs

This piece in metal, paint and gold leaf by Brett Murray was purchased by Sean "Diddy" Combs at this year's ABMB for $15,000 from South Africa's Goodman Gallery. The work, a comment on empty political promises, is part of a series that included a controversial piece that satirized Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa.

Andrew Schoultz's "Gold Dripping Flag Exposed"

Sean "Diddy" Combs' collection now includes this gold dripping American flag by Andrew Schoultz, who is represented by Marx & Zavattero, which showed at the Miami Project satellite fair.

Andrew Schoultz, Melting Gold Flag with Eyes (Big)

Sean "Diddy" Combs purchased a second piece by Andrew Schoultz titled "Melting Gold Flag With Eyes (Big)" who is represented by Marx & Zavattero, which showed at the Miami Project satellite fair.

Yet Another Diddy Purchase: ICI Editions' Rirkrit Tiravanija

This ICI Editions piece from Rirkrit Tiravanija, untitled (don’t stop do it), was also part of Combs' art haul. ICI showed at the NADA art fair.

Owen Wilson and Vera Wang at the Dutch

Owen Wilson -- who hobnobbed at ABMB with friend Peter Brant, the noted collector and publisher -- broke bread with designer Vera Wang at the Dutch restaurant at South Beach's W hotel; the dinner was thrown by collectors Aby Rosen and Samantha Boardman.

Chelsea Handler and Artist Marco Brambilla at Soho House

Chelsea Handler partied with video artist Marco Brambilla Dec. 4 at Soho House/White Cube gallery party, the unofficial kick-off event of Art Basel Miami Beach. She was seen all week with on-again boyfriend, hotelier Andre Balazs, owner of South Beach's Standard Hotel (known for its stellar spa that includes a Turkish hammam.) Brambilla most famously collaborated a couple years back with Kanye West, directing the singer's "Power" video.

Barbara Kruger's "Greedy Schmuck"

L & M Arts displayed Barbara Kruger's work "Greedy Schmuck" at its booth at ABMB. Observers found the piece's message especially apropros during this year's ABMB, where some decried the attention paid to big sales and the increasing onslaughter of celebrity attendees.

Jane and Michael Eisner

Michael and Jane Eisner arrived at the Dom Perignon party at the Wall Dec. 6, where the guests included the socialite Brant brothers, Harry and Peter II, co-host Stavros Niarchos and designer Vera Wang.

Kellan Lutz and Lacoste chairman Sophie Lacoste Dournel

Twilight actor Kellan Lutz with Lacoste chairman Sophie Lacoste Dournel at the brand's party at Soho House. Lutz is a supporter of Lacoste's initiative to raise funds to protect the Everglades and its crocodiles. Lacoste Dournel, who had just toured the Everglades, told THR: "I was very impressed with how passionate the people are who care for it. It's important for the diversity and for the city nearby that depends on it for pure water."

Lacoste's Collaboration with Campana

Lacoste's artistic collaborations with the Campana brothers represent the first time the brand has put more than one crocodile on its iconic polo shirts. Sales of the Campanas + Lacoste limited-edition t-shirts, which sell for $85, help benefit the Florida Everglades.

Russell Simmons and Hana Nitsche at Lacoste

Russell Simmons and model girlfriend Hana Nitsche attended the Lacoste event at Soho House Dec. 6 celebrating the brand's partnership with Brazilian artist brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana on a series of limited-edition t-shirts benefiting the Everglades.

Eric Eisner and Stacey Bendet at the Dutch

Fashion designer Stacey Bendet and husband and film exec Eric Eisner of L+E Pictures at Aby Rosen and Samantha Boardman's dinner at the Dutch at the W hotel.

Dita von Teese and Estee Lauder's John Demsey at amFAR

Dita Von Teese and Estee Lauder Companies group president John Demsey hung out at the amFAR Inspiration party at Soho House Dec. 6

Absolut's Guiro Art Bar at the Beach

Some luxury brands' attempts to connect with the art scene at Art Basel Miami Beach come off as forced, but the Guiro art bar installation, by the Cuban duo Los Carpinteros, was an exercise in subtle marketing. While there are Absolut drinks served inside, the word Absolut wasn't placed anywhere on the structure, which was partly inspired by the interior of a Cuban prison. The brand also threw instrumental concerts at the space. "We have done through out history more than 500 collaborations with artists," said Absolut Art Bureau head Vadim Grigorian. "With Guiro we wanted to create a multi-sensory experience."

Absolut Art Bureau's Guiro Installation

Guests drank cocktails at Absolut's "art bar" installation, called Guiro, on Dec. 6.

Diane von Furstenberg at the Art Basel Miami Beach VIP preview

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg toured the floor of Art Basel Miami Beach, which played host to more than 200 galleries this year, during the VIP preview Dec. 5. Other celebrities who hit the floor included Will Ferrell with wife Viveca Paulin-Ferrell (a board member of L.A.'s LACMA museum), Sean "Diddy" Combs, Chelsea Handler and Owen Wilson.

Roy Lichtenstein at the Gagosian Gallery booth

A Roy Lichtenstein at the Gagosian Gallery booth at Art Basel Miami Beach. Casino mogul Steve Wynn reportedly bought an 80s Lichtenstein painting from Gagosian that was priced at $900,000.

Demi Moore in Terry Richardson's Lens

Soiree-holic Demi Moore mugged for Terry Richardson at the book party for Terrywood, sponsored by OHWOW Gallery and HTC at the Standard Hotel on Dec. 7.

Terry Richardson and Pharrell Williams

The photographer Terry Richardson met up with music producer Pharrell Williams at the book party for Richardson's Terrywood, Dec. 7. Williams has his own new book, Pharrell: Places and Spaces I've Been, which he discussed in a talk at satellite fair Design Miami during the week. Williams wore a camouflage tuxedo jacket by designer Mark McNairy.

A Swing Piece by Andrea Bowers at Art Basel Miami Beach

At the Andrew Kreps Gallery booth, a pair of Art Basel Miami Beach visitors sat on one of artist Andrea Bowers' swing pieces, inspired by the contraptions used by tree-sitters to occupy trees. During the week, athlete Alex Rodriguez showed off his art collection during a private party at his Miami house, which includes its own indoor batting cage which doubles as an art gallery; among the pieces on view were two works by Bowers.

Artist Bernar Venet's Take on a Bugatti

One of the many luxury brand and art collaborations during Art Basel included the Dec. 3 unveiling of a Bugatti Grand Sport designed by artist Bernar Venet at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood.

Azealia Banks at the "Terrywood" Book Party

Singer Azealia Banks performed at photographer Terry Richardson's book party at the Standard Hotel Dec. 7.

Sean "Diddy" Combs at Rico Love's Birthday Party

Sean "Diddy" Combs, wearing a chain with a massive gold Mercedes logo element, feted record producer Rico Love at Love's 30th birthday party sponsored by Hublot at Katsuya restaurant at SLS Hotel. Love told THR that Usher got him into collecting art and says he's learning about the investment value of it, something he thinks is attracting music artists to collect. As for the event: "I love the creativity, the expression of art. It's passion, it's music, it's fusion, it's art, it's everything put together. It's the best way to cultivate ourselves."

Rico Love's New Hublot

Watchmaker Hublot presented Rico Love with this 305 Pave Hublot (retail price: $68,300) at the music producer's 30th birthday party at Katsuya at the SLS Hotel. Because of the plethora of high-net-worth individuals who arrive every year for Art Basel Miami Beach, the week has become a magnet for luxury goods companies looking to reach influencers. Pharrell Williams, who attended Love's party, has known him for quite a few years and has "watched him really climb the ladder in terms of his respect based on all the incredible work he's done," he says. Williams sees more artists starting to become collectors as "expanding their horizons which is incredibly great and important."

MOCA's Jeffrey Deitch and Maria Baibakova at her Setai Penthouse

Collector Maria Baibakova welcomed guests including Jeffrey Deitch, director of L.A.'s MOCA museum, to her penthouse atop the Setai residences in South Beach on Dec. 6. The event celebrated artist Matthew Brannon's commission for Lincoln Center as part of the Vera List Art Project.

Demi Moore at the Chanel Dinner

Demi Moore took to a cat that wandered into the Chanel dinner at Soho House on Dec. 5.

Geyer Kosinski and Barbara Herrera at the Chanel Dinner

Producer and manager Geyer Kosinski, chairman/CEO of Media Talent Group, with Barbara Herrera at the Chanel dinner at Soho House Dec. 5.

A Richard Prince at Gagosian Gallery

The Gagosian Gallery exhibited this work by Richard Prince. The Helly Nahmad Gallery sold a similar work entitled "Nurse on Horseback" sold to a European collector for near its asking price of $6.5 million, reported ArtInfo.com.

Owen Wilson and Peter Brant at the Dutch Restaurant

Owen Wilson, sitting with collector and publisher Peter Brant, made the rounds of Art Basel including an appearance at the dinner thrown at the Dutch restaurant at the W Hotel by collectors Aby Rosen and wife Samantha Boardman.

Moncler's Dinner at the Parking Garage

Down jacket luxury brand Moncler celebrated its 60th anniversary at the 1111 Lincoln Road building, also known as the Parking Garage, by Herzog & De Meuron on Dec. 6. The company threw easily the most beautiful party of the week, transforming the space with the use of lighting and fog, into a touch of winter wonderland to the point where guests even donned the white quilted ponchos the brand gave out.

Kathy Freston at the Moncler 60th Anniversary Party

Vegan author and Art Basel newbie Kathy Freston hit the party at 1111 Lincoln Road for the 60th anniversary of down jacket and sportswear company Moncler on Dec. 6.

The Brant Boys at the Moncler Dinner

Socialite brothers Harry Brant and Peter Brant II donned Moncler ponchos at the brand's 60th anniversary party Dec. 6.

Collector James Goldstein

Collector James Goldstein, owner of one of L.A.'s most iconic houses, the Sheats-Goldstein residence by architect John Lautner, was spotted at Moncler's 60th anniversary party at 1111 Lincoln Road, the Herzog & de Meuron building also known as the Parking Garage. Goldstein's cantilevered tennis court in the Hollywood Hills was photographed earlier this year by THR.

Jon Pylypchuk's Cigarette Butts Sculpture at ABMB

Sean "Diddy" Combs was seen checking out artist Jon Pylypchuk's sculptures of cigarettes butts at ABMB. The pieces were priced at $5,000 each.

Singer Lykke Li at the MOCA/Vanity Fair Party

Swedish singer Lykke Li performed with Miike Snow at the MOCA/Vanity Fair party at the Raleigh Hotel Dec. 5.

The New James Royal Palm Hotel in South Beach

Guests are undoubtedly already booking for next year at the luxe James Royal Palm Hotel in South Beach which recently opened its doors at 1545 Collins Avenue in a restored 1939 property.

Guest Room at the James Royal Palm Hotel

The new 393-room James Royal Palm Hotel, designed by Houston-based Lauren Rottet, features a full service spa, two swimming pools, cabanas and a 24-hour gym.

Andrew Lewicki's "Louis Vuitton Waffle Maker"

R&B singer Usher bought artist Andrew Lewicki's "Louis Vuitton Waffle Maker," made from Teflon coated aluminum and enamel in an edition of three, at the Miami Project satellite art fair from Charlie James Gallery. The gallery's Charlie James told THR that Usher purchased it for a music artist as a birthday present and had it delivered to the recording studio; he said he could not release the name of the receiver.

China Chow at ShopBAZAAR at the SLS

Actress and Work of Art: The Next Great Artist host China Chow attended the ShopBAZAAR pop-up in the Miami Design District at the famed Buena Vista Building.

Christian Louboutin's Art Exhibit

The Christian Louboutin boutique in Miami's up-and-coming Design District hosted the opening of an exhibition of works by artist Ye Hongxing on Dec. 7. 

Agnona Store Opening

Luxury brand Agnona opened a Miami store in the Design District, one of many companies that are making the neighborhood a hot fashion destination. Louis Vuitton just debuted a pop-up store with a bright graffiti'd facade by L.A. artist Retna, while Cartier and Prada have also opened there this year.

Kanye West and Collector Aby Rosen

Kanye West -- whose entourage Dec. 6 included girlfriend Kim Kardashian, plus Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick -- chatted with Aby Rosen at the collector's Dec. 6 dinner at the Dutch restaurant at the W Hotel. The dinner was followed by an after-party at the W's The Wall club.

The Exterior of the New SLS Hotel

The SLS Hotel in South Beach was originally built in 1940 by architect L. Murray Dixon as the Grossinger Beach Hotel. After World War II, it reopened as the Ritz Plaza. The hotel was purchased and renovated by SBE Entertainment Group and reopened in June.

Terrace Guest Room at the SLS Hotel

The SLS Hotel in South Beach at 1701 Collins Ave., opened earlier this year, features 140 luxury guest rooms designed by Philippe Starck, offering views of the city or ocean.

Artist Retna's Designs at the SLS Hotel

Michael Kohn Gallery threw a Dec. 7 bash for artist Retna, whose designs decorated columns by the pool at the SLS Hotel.

Amber Sakai, Marilyn Heston and Jennifer Tilly at the Retna Party

Fashion designer Amber Sakai, marketing whiz Marilyn Heston and actress Jennifer Tilly at the Michael Kohn Gallery's party for artist Retna by the pool at the SLS Hotel Dec. 6.

LACMA Talk with Michael Govan

Art in America editor Lindsay Pollock (left) led a talk with LACMA director Michael Govan and curator Stephanie Barron about the museum's current show of sculptures by Ken Price and upcoming exhibit spotlighting James Turrell.

Olga Rei, Richard Phillips and Valentine Rei

Artist Richard Phillips, with Olga and Valentine Rei, at the Soho House party Dec. 4. Phillips has recently produced video works and paintings featuring Lindsay Lohan and model Adriana Lima. He showed a painting of Lohan at the Gagosian Gallery booth at Art Basel Miami Beach that he had finished just before bringing it down.

Nada Pool Party at the Deauville Hotel

The satellite Nada Art Fair -- one of over twenty that have sprung up around the main fair Art Basel Miami Beach in recent years -- held at pool party featuring a mobile d-jay booth at the Deauville Hotel Dec. 8.

Mickalene Thomas and Racquel Chevremont at the Absolut Dinner

Artist Mickalene Thomas, with Racquel Chevremont, attended a private dinner thrown by the Absolut Art Bureau, at events space Temple House on Dec. 6. Absolut, known for its advertising collaborations with the likes of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat back in the day, has recently revived its art program, collaborating with Cuban art duo Los Carpinteros on an "art bar" installation by the beach near the W Hotel called Guiro.

Carey Mulligan's Tiffany & Co. Headpiece from The Great Gatsby

Rolls-Royce and Tiffany & Co. teamed to present creations in a press preview at the Moore Building in Miami's Design District on Dec. 7. This Tiffany & Co. diamond-and-cultured-pearl headpiece is part of the brand's The Great Gatsby Collection, inspired by director Baz Luhrmann's upcoming adaptation starring Carey Mulligan.

Art Deco Rolls Royce

A design detail dubbed the Spirit of Ecstasy on Rolls-Royce's new Art Deco car collection, which was shown for the first time in the U.S. during Art Basel Miami Beach at the Moore Building in Miami's Design District.

David Caruso's New Art Venture

Actor David Caruso, left, appeared at an exhibition of paintings by Cole Stenberg (middle, with Stephen Maguire, board member of L.A. public art nonprofit LAND), at the Carlyle on Ocean Drive. An installation by Sternberg will debut at the opening of Caruso Art in L.A. on Dec. 15.
 

Herve Van Der Straeten's Ice Bucket for Ruinart

Cult French furniture designer Herve Van Der Straeten designed a limited-edition, silver-plated champagne bucket for ABMB sponsor Ruinart. Limited to just 50, the "Miroir" bucket will sell at Christofle stores for $10,000.

Artist Tracey Emin

Artist Tracey Emin at Soho House Dec. 4. Last year, Sean "Diddy" Combs bought a neon work of hers for an estimated $95,000. During the week, Soho House played host to endless parties including bashes for Chloe, Chopard, Chanel and Artsy, Lacoste, LAXART and amFAR.