A painting by Picasso at Art Basel Miami Beach 2012
They say that switching up your normal routine is a great way to meet guys. You know, go somewhere different for happy hour or take up a new hobby. Well, Miami does the work for you every year during the first week of December when Art Basel Miami Beach washes ashore an international import of men you’ve never met before. While I, for one, have sworn off long distance love affairs (at least until the next really tempting one comes along), there’s no harm in getting out there this week and flirting with a new and interesting batch of bachelors. Who knows? Maybe sparks will fly or maybe you’ll just have some good stories to tell. Here are a few things I’ve learned over the course of the last three Basels.
A riff on Lichtenstein at Scope 2012
1. Go to the fairs solo. There’s something about riding solo that opens you up to serendipitous moments, and, well, talking to strangers. Let your interests be your guide as you meander through the booths. Take off your usual blinders, make eye contact and smile at the cute guys that you see. You might be surprised at how many of them are smiling back at you. Strike up a conversation with a handsome gallery owner from Paris or learn something new about an artist by chatting with a local guy in line at the cafe.
Monica gives love the thumbs up at Art Miami 2012
2. Dress in your artistic best. While everyone has their own personal style, Art Basel calls for more sophisticated dressing. I prefer a chic, minimalist approach or to take a risk with bright, bold colors. Don’t forget that Art Basel is here for extremely wealthy people to buy extremely expensive art. At Basel Private View last year, I’d never seen so many Birkin bags under one 500,000 square-foot roof at one time. If you’ve got ’em, now’s the time to break out your designer pieces. It’s fun to at least look like you might buy art–and who knows, maybe one day you will.
It’s also about endurance and covering a lot of ground. For me, that means comfortable footwear. Think, Chanel ballet flats. Of course, in the evening, it’s hard for any Miami girl to forgo her heels, but stash a pair of flats or sandals in your car. You never know what after-after-party you’ll get invited to, and you don’t want achy feet to be the reason you can’t go.
The Broken Shaker said turn on your love lights at an Art Basel party in 2012
3. Be out and about. It’s simple enough, but just get out of the house. The city turns into a magical place during Art Basel. Take a stroll through South Beach and check out the Public Sector installation at The Bass Museum of Art. Linger in the Botanical Gardens over a glass of Champagne while you take a breather from Design Miami/. Stop to view the installations in Midtown across the street from Art Miami. Take it all in and live in the moment. You don’t ned a VIP invite to anything to have a great time during Art Basel.
A sweet guy from New York might stop and propose to you on the sidewalk as you’re walking to the Convention Center. A couple of British blokes might ask your advice on where to go to lunch and invite you to an event later that evening. A sexy Aussie might notice you in Midtown in the afternoon, and then again in South Beach out on the town before he manages to introduce himself. You might meet a comedian from New York at a bar or a pretty boy from Beverly Hills at a French pop-up club. You just never know, but you’ve gotta get out there!
A playful piece at Pulse 2012
4. But don’t wear yourself out. It’s a long, action-packed week and there’s more to do than anyone is humanly capable of. Pace yourself. Take a night off when you need to, and don’t try to fit too much into one day. When you’re fresh-faced and bright eyed, you’ll feel better–and others will take notice (you know, like cute international guys excited to be in Miami!).
