Everywhere you in turned at Miami Art Week 2023, PATRΓN was at the forefront of energy-filled activations.
Max was the one to Watch at Miami Art Week with “The Art of Drag” Pop-Up Truck Tour.
At Art Basel Miami Swizz Beats and The LEGO Group created an incredible adults-only, custom-building experience in the recently renovated ballroom of the chic W South Beach hotel.
Sicilian painter Alessandro Florio was the artist of honor at Gitano Miami Beach during Art Week Miami.
Neude., a luxury shapewear underwear line for men, launched at The Webster during Miami Art Basel, their exclusive retailer.
Just in time for the holiday season, The Knockturnal kicked off their holiday season with Modeloβs Holiday Happy Hour. It was a fun-filled evening at Cantinaβs Rooftop exploring a variety of products, from their classic Modelo Especial to their upcoming launch Modelo Aguas Frescas, it was impossible to not savor every sip that met your lips. Attendees of the event were welcomed with cocktails upon arrival. We had the pleasure of going from station to station where there was a different Modelo product at each station and a Modelo infused appetizer. There was no doubt that if you were at their Happy Hour, you were leaving on an empty stomach!Β
As someone who has never been a beer girl, I went into the event not knowing what to expect, but of course with their warm welcome and delicious drink and food menu, my expectations were far exceeded. Although I went into the event not a fan of beer, with the help of Modeloβs team I got to explore every product available and found a newfound appreciation for the diverse and rich flavors within Modelo’s range. From the classic beer like Modelo Especial to the innovative and refreshing Modelo Aguas Frescas (this will be the drink of summer 2024 might I add!), the guidance of Modelo’s team allowed me to discover a world of taste I had never considered before. The event transformed my palate, and by the end, I found myself enjoying and savoring each unique offering in a way I never thought possible. What made the event so special was learning the rich history that goes into Modeloβs products.Β It wasn’t just about the flavors; it was about understanding the heritage and craftsmanship that contributed to the excellence of Modelo’s products, making the event a memorable experience. It was those small details of each cocktail that made the drinks so special and allowed me to connect to their craft. Every year on New Years my family welcomes the New Year by eating grapes, itβs a Spanish tradition and of course to my surprise Modelo incorporated that into their welcoming cocktail. All in all, what started as an unfamiliar venture into the world of beer became a remarkable journey of discovery and appreciation, thanks to Modelo’s warm hospitality, diverse product range, and a commitment to blending tradition with innovation.Β
If you find yourself looking for a new way to spice up the Holiday season with your loved ones and expand your horizons, check out Modeloβs Food and Drink Recipe Menu on their site https://www.modelousa.com/blogs/recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or someone looking to embark on a flavorful journey, Modelo offers a diverse selection that goes beyond the ordinary.
Celebrating the holidays is always better with a little tequila
Vintage Frames Company Partnered with Gallery Artist Trevor βTroubleβ Andrew for Art Basel Miami
Vintage Frames Company & Artist Trevor βTroubleβ Andrew (Photo Credit: Ben Droz)
Art Basel brought the shade with the creation of a limited-edition prints from Vintage Frames Company and artist Trevor βTroubleβ Andrew.
I am not going to downplay it: I am a massive fan of the original Netflix series Squid Game, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The series is absolutely brilliant in its portrayal of modern capitalist struggles, and the lengths that struggling people will go to, sacrificing everything that they have, just for some money. When I heard that Netflix was making a spin-off gameshow called Squid Game: The Challenge, I was immediately excited; this is exactly what I had been waiting for. Taking the existing show and turning into something real and tangible, with the largest cast and the largest cash prize in reality TV history. I eagerly watched the episodes when they released, in
The claw machine from the show
anticipation of the next while each episode became more and more tense. This is when I received an invite to attend a premiere for the final episode, and I knew I had to attend.
The venue itself was situated along the west side of Manhattan, and was absolutely beautiful. As I entered, I saw many contestants from the show arrive as well, with their player number imprinted on the vehicle.
Squid Game Workers
Seeing favorites from the show was surreal, and I even saw contestants from the final three, such as Sam and Mai. Inside, the whole venue had been decorated with stunning Squid Game imagery, with quotes from the show on the walls and the red-clad workers with the iconic shapes on their helmets standing guard as exciting picture opportunities. Also available were several activities and treats: I saw a claw machine and a giant game of battleship, both pulled straight from the show. There was a food stand offering pretzels, and a bar offering themed cocktails, such as one called Red Light, Green Light after the show’s first game.
I played a quick game of battlefield, and attempted to sink my opponents ships using oversized pegs and ship pieces. I came close, but unfortunately he got the better of me in the end. It was crazy to think that I was playing this game so casually, and losing with no consequences, while losing the same game in the show meant an immediate reduction of your chances of winning millions of dollars to zero.
Jumbo Battleship
I went around to take some pictures with the Squid Game workers (they were thankfully peaceful here), and before I knew it, the premiere was about to begin. I took my seat, and the final three contestants, Sam, Mai, and Phil came up to the stage to give a short introduction. I watched them introduce themselves and the premise of the show, and I knew that they knew which one of them had won: they were already aware of this cherished secret. After final remarks, the episode began.
THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS SPOILERS ABOUT THE FINAL EPISODE OF SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE
The final episode was enthralling. I was on the edge of my seat trying to decide who would come out on top. Sam, Phil, and Mai were all at a feast, which concluded with them being given the next task: randomly choosing one button out of three to pick. If the button went green, they and one other of their choice could proceed; if the button went gray, nothing would happen; if the button went red, they would be eliminated. It was an interesting concept that kept the outcomes random, but also allowed for a hint of decision making in who would be selected to come to the next stage. Surprisingly enough, the person I thought would win immediately lost: Sam. I was gutted, but excited to see what would happen next.
The final contestants on stage
We also received some backstories to the characters, where I learned what Mai, Phil, and Sam had to go through. Each had had a tough life, and I still could not decide who I was rooting for.
The final game was again a random one that could have a little bit of strategy to it: rock, paper, scissors. The two remaining contestants would throw their selection again and again, and each winner would be able to select a key to unlock a safe. The first to find the correct key would win the game. After what seemed like hours, and with Mai clearly overpowering Phil in her critical thinking and strategy, she found the correct key and won. The whole room burst into applause, and confetti was shot into the air over the crowd. I was astonished at the winner, but simultaneously extremely happy for Mai. She seemed like she really needed the money, and she had had nothing but hardships throughout her life, including a teenage pregnancy and being kicked out of her family. She absolutely deserved it.
Confetti for the winner
THIS MARKS THE END OF THE SPOILERS SECTION
I had an amazing time at the premiere of the final episode, and although I had already been watching the show, it was something different to be able to watch it in the same room as hundreds of other fans. If you have not already watched the show on Netflix, I wholeheartedly recommended it. The show tackles the human spirit, and the importances of friendships and enemies likewise in achieving one’s goals. It is one of the best shows that I have watched in 2023, and is a must-see.
Thank you to Netflix and the Squid Game team for the amazing opportunity.
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Big Boy, the Voice of Los Angeles and the charismatic host of Big Boyβs Neighborhood, recently orchestrated a spectacular reunion of comedic talent at the Yaamavaβ Theater.