Planning your agenda for Miami Art Week? With so much happening—from world-class art fairs to vibrant cultural events—it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. To help you make the most of your time, we’ve curated our annual guide to the must-see exhibits, top dining and nightlife spots, and the can't-miss events that are defining 2024's art scene.
Half ball vases by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia at Design Miami. 2024 (Image courtesy of Meritalia)
Design Miami/
For its milestone 20th edition, Design Miami/ is embracing a theme of boundless creativity with ‘Blue Sky’, curated by Glenn Adamson. This year’s fair spotlights visionary design through collectible galleries, curios, special projects, and collaborations that embody optimism and daring ideas.
Be sure to experience the debut of Solsea, a hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht designed for sustainable and silent ocean exploration. The visionary concept will premiere with a panel featuring Federico Rossi, Yves Béhar, and Glenn Adamson, diving into the intersection of design and innovation.
Also, rediscover Le Edizioni del Pesce, an iconic collection of handcrafted vases, lamps, mirrors, and candelabras originally created by Gaetano Pesce in his New York studio. Presented by Italian brand Meritalia, this revival showcases Pesce’s inimitable creative legacy.
Marking its debut, Merida Studio transforms its Curio space into a meditative Tokonoma—a Japanese-inspired alcove for displaying objets d’art. Featuring earth-toned walls, intricate textile designs led by Sylvie Johnson, and a Nakashima bench with a rotating Ikebana floral arrangement, the booth offers a serene corner for reflection amidst the fair’s energy.
Untitled Art, Miami Beach
Founded in 2012, Untitled Art has become one of Miami’s premier contemporary art fairs, held annually on the iconic sands of Miami Beach. With a mission to foster collaboration across the art world, Untitled Art provides a dynamic platform for discovering cutting-edge contemporary art. The 2024 edition will feature exciting new artist projects, live performances, panel discussions, and the return of the Untitled Art Podcast—offering fresh perspectives and engaging content throughout the fair.
Art Basel Miami Beach 2024
Art Basel Miami Beach returns in 2024, showcasing significant works from masters of Modern and contemporary art, alongside emerging talents from around the world.
At the fair, Michael Kohn Gallery (Booth B4) will present a curated collection of works by West Coast artists, reflecting the gallery’s nearly 40-year legacy in Los Angeles’ contemporary art scene. Featured artists include Lita Albuquerque, Martha Alf, Joe Goode, Wallace Berman, Bruce Conner, Mark Innerst, and Larry Bell.
2024 Miami Design District Design Commission: Pearl Jam by Nicole Nomsa Moyo
The Miami Design District and Design Miami Curatorial Lab present Nicole Nomsa Moyo’s Pearl Jam, the 2024 Annual Design Commission. Inspired by South Africa’s Ndebele tribe, the installation features giant pearls, jewelry-themed sculptures, and over 1,000 handcrafted 'earrings' made by indigenous Ndebele women, suspended from the neighborhood’s trees.
Craig Robins Collection 2024-2025 Exhibition ‘The Sleep of Reason’
The Craig Robins Collection in Miami’s Design District presents The Sleep of Reason, a 2024-2025 rehang inspired by Goya’s El sueño de la razón produce monstruos. Featured artists Kai Althoff and Jana Euler explore complex emotional landscapes through abject imagery, alongside recent works by Jill Mulleady, Mario Ayala, Karon Davis, Bony Ramirez, and Alteronce Gumby.
Living the Dream Permanent Mural by Alteronce Gumby
Alteronce Gumby’s first outdoor public mural, Living the Dream, debuts this December in Miami’s Design District. Located in Jade Alley, the mural blends stained glass, gemstones, fossils, and mosaic tiles in vibrant Fauvist-inspired colors, incorporating materials like jade and turquoise. The work continues Gumby’s exploration of color and cosmic themes.
Alcova Miami at River Inn
Alcova Miami returns for its second international edition at River Inn, Miami’s oldest hotel, located in Little Havana. With over 40 exhibitors, including Objects of Common Interest and Suchi Reddy, this dynamic event transforms the historic venue into a platform for innovative contemporary design. Situated just steps from the Miami River in the vibrant South River Drive Historic District, Alcova continues to showcase cutting-edge works within a space rich in history.
Lyra Drake's "Infinite Faith in a Finite World" at Faena Art
Faena Art presents the debut of multidisciplinary artist Lyra Drake's "Infinite Faith in a Finite World" during 2024 Miami Art Week. This interactive artwork explores human belief through Drake’s custom AI consciousness, inviting visitors to engage in real-time dialogue with a feminine oracle.
Private Events
Zeitz MOCAA in Miami
On Sunday, December 1st, Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), will be in Miami ahead of Art Basel Miami Beach and is available for select appointments.
Salone del Mobile Cocktail Party
On Wednesday, December 4th, Salone del Mobile.Milano is hosting a party at Soho Beach House’s Ocho Rooftop Terrace to celebrate design and what's to come in 2025.
Opening Reception: Art Week Installation by Peter Studl
Mr. C Miami-Coconut Grove hosts an exclusive reception on December 4th for a new art installation by renowned Austrian/American abstract artist Peter Studl. The interactive exhibition will feature new works displayed across multiple spaces at the hotel.
Sexy Fish Miami x Judith Leiber Couture
On December 4th, Sexy Fish Miami will host a chic luncheon to celebrate their dazzling collaboration with Judith Leiber Couture, featuring renowned artist Ashley Longshore. The event will mark the debut of the stunning Bust Bag collection, all within Sexy Fish’s luxurious, art-inspired dining room—perfect for an exclusive, high-fashion moment during Miami Art Week.
The Cultivist’s Miami Artist Lunch with Hugo McCloud
On December 5th, The Cultivist will host their highly anticipated Miami Artist Lunch at The Grove, W Hotel South Beach, to celebrate renowned artist Hugo McCloud.
Dinner with Pearl Lam and Artist Michal Korman
Michal Korman
On December 5th, guests will join Pearl Lam and artist Michal Korman for a seated dinner at LPM Restaurant & Bar, Miami, in collaboration with Pearl Lam Galleries. Korman’s vibrant abstract works, inspired by nature and movement, will be showcased throughout the restaurant, blending art and fine dining in a unique experience.
Open to the public
Cartier Trinity 100 Pop-Up
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its iconic Trinity collection, Cartier is hosting an immersive pop-up experience in Miami from December 4-8. This dynamic exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time, starting with Louis Cartier’s original 1924 design. The experience features five distinct spaces, and includes a showcase of iconic jewelry and objects from the Cartier Collection, with opportunities for visitors to try on pieces from the legendary collection.
Gucci Snow Globe Installation
Gucci celebrates the festive season with a striking snow globe installation at Sweet Bird North Plaza in Miami’s Design District, running from November 27 to January 7. Inspired by Gucci’s travel heritage, the display features iconic GG-monogrammed luggage and miniature buildings from the brand’s history, complemented by three murals from artist Corydon Cowansage.
LVMH Culture House Pop-Up
LVMH Culture House presents a five-day immersive art experience in Miami’s Design District, from December 4-8. The exhibition highlights emerging and established artists, with a focus on artists of color, women, LGBTQ+ artists, and artists with disabilities. Panel discussions and events with LVMH brand presidents, artists, and cultural figures will take place throughout the week.
4 Hands Omakase Collaboration at Queen Omakase
On December 5th, 6th, and 7th, Queen Omakase Miami will host a unique, multi-sensory dining experience with Michelin-starred Chef Freddy Money, Culinary Director of Atlas in Atlanta. In collaboration with Queen’s own Chef Max Kamakura, this exclusive, artful, multi-course tasting journey redefines the traditional omakase experience in an intimate setting.
Denver’s Yacht Club Bar Takeover at Sweet Liberty
On December 5th at 9pm, Sweet Liberty Drinks and Supply Co. will welcome Denver’s award-winning Yacht Club Bar for a one-night pop-up, with a curated selection of cocktails blending the best of both venues.
Habibi Live Art Showcase with Mr. Drip
Visit Habibi, Miami’s latest hotspot, on December 6th for a live art event featuring self-taught artist Mr. Drip. Known for his striking celebrity portraits and unique dripping technique, Mr. Drip will create a masterpiece in real-time. The night will also feature a DJ set by Sounds of Rituals, renowned for performances alongside Black Coffee.
Dirty French Steakhouse
Located in Brickell, Dirty French Steakhouse is a high-energy hotspot from Major Food Group, combining classic steakhouse fare with French influences and bold flavors. This glamorous venue serves up the finest meats and fish, sourced from the world’s best purveyors, all within a chic, buzzing atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out during Miami Art Week.
Japón at The Setai Miami Beach
Recently opened Japón at The Setai offers an elevated dining experience that blends the elegance of traditional Japanese cuisine with Miami’s vibrant scene. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating options, the restaurant is nestled within the award-winning hotel and provides a luxurious, immersive setting perfect for those seeking a culinary escape.
The word “luxury” is frequently used in the design industry, but what does it truly mean—and how do brands effectively position themselves in this elusive space? Daniela Furtado, founder of Findable Digital Marketing, shares her expertise as she breaks down the evolving definition of luxury, the behaviors of affluent consumers online, and how design-build firms can craft a marketing strategy that reflects their unique take on luxury.
On the first day of my creative writing class, our teacher introduced a rule: no one is allowed to use the word “nice”. It’s vague and imprecise.
The same is true about “luxury” – a word I hear all too often in the interior design field. An overused word, “luxury” carries a slew of misconceptions, contradictions and confusion.
For years, I’ve specialized in marketing interior designers and architects. Many firms want to position themselves as a luxury brand but many come to us unsure of how to do it.
Turns out, luxury marketing is mysterious. There are few resources out there on how to do it right. In this piece, I’ll share both the research and my experience.
Let’s explore what luxury means, who the modern luxury consumer is and what it means to market yourself as a luxury brand.
How do you define luxury? Our clients’ answers to this question were nuanced.
Sansa Interiors defines luxury through high-quality materials, while Lorla Studio emphasizes highly personalized services and custom designs.
Luxury is hard to define because it constantly evolves with consumer values. But we can try to approach it in four stages:
Luxury consumers are no longer only older, white, and male.
For example, Pew Research found that upper-class households in the U.S. are increasingly diverse, with the affluent population now including more Millennials and Gen Xers and an increase in Asian and non-white households.1
The middle class is shrinking while the lower and upper classes are growing. This means that affluent consumers will continue evolving, and so should your understanding of your target customer.2
As the affluent consumer changes, so do their values and desires. I call this the “flavour of luxury.”
Based on our clients, here are some common interpretations:
Accessibility and sustainability are also emerging luxury values, especially with Gen Z, which is expected to account for 25% of luxury market purchases by 2030.
The takeaway? The right consumers won’t connect with you if you’re not speaking their language.
There’s a misconception that luxury consumers aren’t online, but data proves otherwise.
Google Trends shows a steady increase in searches for terms like “interior designer near me” or “architect near me” from 2017 to now. The same goes for “luxury interior design.”5
In the USA, terms like “luxury interior designer” see up to 1,900 monthly searches.
Today, 70% of luxury purchases are influenced by online interactions6. This doesn’t mean consumers will hire you after a single Google search, but it does mean that your online presence matters.
Take Studio McGee, for example. They leveraged social media and online content to land large-scale projects without a network of affluent connections, building a portfolio that led to more high-end opportunities.8.
The modern-day buyer journey is multi-faceted. Even more so when it’s luxury.
So, are affluent consumers online? Yes. But online isn’t the only way they learn about you and buy from you. If you want to get your name out there, you’ve got to be where they are.
Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, defines luxury as a blend of quality and creativity. Creativity, he argues, cannot be traditionally marketed9.
Traditional marketing analyzes what a consumer wants and creates a product accordingly. LVMH does the opposite. They make a product first and market it afterward.
Arnault’s approach is a powerful reminder. In luxury, marketing should cultivate a desire beyond meeting consumer demand.
While you may not have physical stores like LVMH, you do have your body of work.
It’s easy to say you’re a luxury designer, but are you walking the walk? Define what luxury means to you, then ensure it’s reflected in every aspect of your business.
Luxury isn’t a label. It’s something you embody. Once you’ve defined your unique flavour, demonstrate it in how you:
As you go through this exercise, you might realize that “luxury” isn’t the best descriptor. You may value other factors like profitability, peer respect, or creative freedom. These aren’t mutually exclusive to luxury but may shape a different business identity.
Kristen Weber, Marketing Director for Chervin Kitchen & Bath, describes their approach as “premium” instead of “luxury.” For Chervin, premium reflects craftsmanship rather than status, influencing everything from their website to employee interactions.
Luxury is a title you earn and maintain, shaping every interaction, project, and presentation. Since there’s no universal definition for luxury, it’s up to you to define and consistently embody what it looks like for your brand.
Thinking about luxury this way also clarifies the gap between where you are now, how you’re perceived, and where you aspire to be.
References
Author
Daniela Furtado is a consultant, writer and speaker on how to make businesses easy to find online. She runs the agency Findable Digital Marketing and her team specializes in the design-build industry. She is based in Toronto, Canada. Sign up for their newsletter here.
