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.
Neude., a luxury shapewear underwear line for men, launched at The Webster during Miami Art Basel, their exclusive retailer.
Everyone grows up rooting for the underdog. It’s what makes us human. It’s what gives us hope. And it’s what inspired the true story behind ‘The Boys In The Boat’ originally written by Daniel James Brown. The film adaptation was co-produced and directed by George Clooney, with screenplay by Mark L. Smith.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Wil Coban, Callum Turner, Sam Strike, Joel Phillimore and Jack Mulhern attend the Amazon MGM Studios Los Angeles Premiere of “The Boys In The Boat” at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for MGM)
The true story of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team whom competed in the Berlin Summer Olympics. The Los Angeles Premiere featured the cast and crew which created the sports drama. You saw each of the eight rowers, eye’s grow larger whenever they were asked about their time training for their position on the team. Clooney made it clear, he only wanted athletes to play the part. The boys trained for 2-3 months to get into rowing shape. Thomas Elms, who plays “Chuck Day,” also mentioned that Clooney shared athleticism was more important than their acting skills for this film.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Director/Producer George Clooney attends the Amazon MGM Studios Los Angeles Premiere of “The Boys In The Boat” at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for MGM)
During our chat with Clooney, I asked him which of his previous roles had him training as much as The Boys In The Boat had to train for their role. Clooney joked, “Ocean’s Eleven. I professionally had to learn how to drink and not throw up… You gotta stretch your liver and kidney.” He finished with, “These guys had a much harder time, we killed them.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) George Clooney, Joel Edgerton and Callum Turner attend the Amazon MGM Studios Los Angeles Premiere After Party of “The Boys In The Boat” at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for MGM)
The boys are led by Coach Al Ulbrickson who is played by Joel Edgerton. Ulbrickson’s job is at risk if the team doesn’t perform well. So the teammates and coach are all in a make it or break it situation. During our time speaking with Edgerton, he mentioned how everyone has been in an underdog mindset before. Which makes the movie not just easy to watch, but easy to identify with.
You can watch The Boys In The Boat in theaters on December 25, 2023.
Vintage Frames Company & Artist Trevor “Trouble” 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 “Trouble” Andrew.
A world of pure imagination can be found anywhere, even within something as simple as a sidewalk on a Sunday afternoon, if you’re willing to see it that way. As Timothée Chalamet sings in his latest film Wonka, all one needs to do is simply look around and view it! But this Sunday, Los Angeles based Chalamet fans (and, not naming names, but one particular New-York-based Chalamet fan who caught a flight to be there) didn’t have to do much imagining, as the star immediately made his way over to eager admirers waiting across the street from the film’s red carpet premiere.
Excited screams could be heard from any vantage point as a titular star-carrying black SUV made its way down the blocked off street surrounded by fans and barricades, with Chalamet waving at fans through an open window in the backseat. Anyone who knows the first few things about the actor would have been able to guess his next move: exiting the car on the opposite side of the carpet to greet fans first and foremost. This is not new for Chalamet, a self described “fan,” himself. The star often makes a point to meet as many supporters as time will allow at his public appearances. This comes as a delight to the aforementioned fans who can then come to the realization that the phrase never meet your heroes simply does not apply to them.
Chalamet, clad in what Vogue described as a “bar of chocolate cosplay,” is no stranger to style. Many of his looks from the ongoing Wonka press tour have been bold and chic, a few even featuring a very popular detail- the lack of a shirt. While that wasn’t the case for his US leg of the tour, his custom Tom Ford suit was certainly all of the above, bold, chic and stylish.
After appearing in as many selfies as one man possibly could, Chalamet hit the carpet to, you guessed it, appear in even more. The carpet, where Chalamet greeted even more fans, was absolutely decked out in more candy paraphernalia than originally imaginable. And it wouldn’t be resemblant of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory if you couldn’t eat some of that candy, so the walls were lined with edible Wonka bars for carpet-goers to enjoy.
Wonka tells the story of a young Willy Wonka, pursuing his dream of being a world famous chocolatier. However, this dream doesn’t come easy, and after many unfortunate run-ins with the chief of police (Keegan Michael-Key) as well as some particularly frustrating encounters with a certain “little orange man,” (Hugh Grant) as he describes, Willy teams up with the exuberant Noodle, (Calah Lane), an orphan who has never tasted chocolate before, to overcome his powerful competition: the chocolate cartel. The movie is a delightfully fun film for all ages, and the premiere’s festivities perfectly encapsulated the dream world that the trilogy has illustrated on screen throughout its three films.
On the candy-lined carpet, in addition to Chalamet, was Paterson Joseph, Calah Lane, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, director Paul King and more, as well as other special guests like John Stamos and Kelly Rowland, who both brought along their kids to enjoy the heartfelt film.
Once the red carpet festivities had concluded and my fellow attendees and I had taken our seats inside of the Regency Village Theatre, Chalamet, joined by the cast, took to the front of the room to kick off the screening. “A big thank you to Paul King,” he started, before quickly being interrupted by a crying baby somewhere in the audience. “Oh no, is it that bad?” he joked.
“Easy for me to say, but these are the kind of movies we need right now,” he continued. “I think this one will leave you with a smile on your face. I don’t want to speak too soon. But this is definitely the sweetest project I’ve ever been a part of.”
It is utterly impossible to leave the theater after seeing the film *without* Pure Imagination stuck in your head, and Chalamet’s rendition did not disappoint. The undoubtedly ear-wormed attendees, myself included, were invited to walk along the dazzling red carpet to get from the screening to the after-party, where the entryway was lined with umbrellas mimicking one of the grandiose dancing scenes in the film, in which Chalamet was front and center.
In the number, Willy is penalized for daydreaming and charged a fine, but that couldn’t be further from the case at this party. Though there was no fine for daydreaming, it was not at all necessary, as it was decked out with festive crafting stations, numerous hot chocolate bars, video games, and of course, a massive candy bar complete with just about every type of candy imaginable. It truly was an evening of pure imagination.
The party featured a handful of interactive features that does the exact same job as the film: making anyone who steps into the Wonka world feel like a kid again. Earlier this year, Warner Bros Pictures teamed up with Xbox to roll out an array of Wonka-inspired gaming paraphernalia that aimed to transcend the boundaries of traditional gaming merchandise. The centerpiece of the collaboration was the debut of the Xbox Wonka Console, a rendition of the Xbox Series X that mirrors the aesthetic of the infamous Wonka bar. At the glistening Xbox station, party guests had the opportunity to take the console for a spin and enjoy a variety of games and features.
The fun didn’t stop there. At one of the craft stations, guests could make their very own holiday snow globes (which, for reference, I learned the hard way that you are not allowed to bring through airport security, and any pleas that it is very important to you because it came from the Wonka premiere will not be taken into consideration) and create a scene that is beautifully reminiscent of the colorful atmosphere of Willy’s chocolate shop. Even more fun (and take-back-to-New-York-friendly) was Noodle’s very own candy bracelet making station, where guests were treated to colorful (and candy shaped!) beads to create their own friendship bracelets. All of these activities will most likely work up an appetite, and luckily, the party featured a delightful selection of themed bites, including Slugworth’s Sliders and Classic Brit With A Twist, fish and chips with chicken tenders.
There was no shortage of joy at the Wonka Premiere and after party, but the night was made even sweeter by reuniting with my favorite actor, and the man who kickstarted my very own journalism career. That’s a story for another day, but just as Willy’s mom tells him in the film, it’s not about the chocolate, it’s about the people that we share it with.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach celebrated two significant anniversaries in style when it unveiled “Morris Lapidus My Home,” an enthralling exhibition that highlighted the creative abilities of the renowned architect Morris Lapidus. The event took place on Monday, December 4th, during the esteemed Art Basel|Miami Beach, Miami Art Week, and Design Miami 2023, the occasion paid tribute to Lapidus, the driving force behind the hotel’s renowned MiMo (Miami Modern) aesthetic.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, which was first created by Morris Lapidus and opened as the DiLido Hotel in 1953, is a monument to the architect’s lasting impact that has endured for seven decades. A wide range of artists, creators, musicians, media, and influencers attended the anniversary celebration, which served as a memorial to the creative genius who made a lasting impression on the architecture of Miami Beach. The Ben-Josef, Kanavos, and Lowenstein families played host to the event, featuring notable appearances from Dayssi Kanavos, Frederik Eklund, Rohan Marley, Maffio, Ronit Ben-Josef, Dede Bandaid, Maria Buccelatti, Rick Sykes, George Clinton, and a host of other distinguished guests.
The exhibition, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Bass Museum, was the highlight of the evening. It was unmatched. The museum kindly loaned artwork and decor from Lapidus’ private collection to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, for the first time. This exclusive exhibition offered guests a peek into the private life of the architect, showcasing his artistic talents via paintings, recycled items, and never-before-seen designs.
The bold and theatrical elements of Lapidus’ MiMo style have played a significant role in shaping Miami Beach’s architectural identity. The exhibition explored Morris Lapidus’s significant influence on the region’s cultural and artistic landscape in addition to honoring the hotel’s two-decade legacy.
Visitors were taken on a journey through time as they looked through the organized exhibition, learning about the creative development of one of Miami’s most significant architects. The celebration held at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, developed into a hub of artistic activity, encouraging discussion between the past and present while honoring Morris Lapidus, a real master who still influences and shapes Miami Beach’s aesthetic story.
Last week, we had the pleasure of joining director William Brent Bell for the premiere of his upcoming horror film Lord of Misrule.
The Museum of Graffiti in Miami played host to an Art Basel installation celebrating the intertwined cultures of hip hop, art and fashion.
A night of eating, drinking, and music
Los Angeles, CA – On Wednesday, December 6th, the illustrious David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures played host to an enchanting spectacle as the red carpet transformed into a regal “purple” carpet for the premiere of “The Color Purple.” The adaptation of Alice Walker’s timeless novel and Broadway musical promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, set to hit theaters on December 25th, 2023.
The ambiance outside the David Geffen Theater was nothing short of magical, as Hollywood’s elite descended upon the venue to celebrate the highly anticipated film directed by Blitz Bazawule. The “purple” carpet, a thematic nod to the movie’s title, set the stage for an evening of glamour and grandeur.
The star-studded cast of “The Color Purple” graced the event, with luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and H.E.R. stepping onto the vibrant carpet, creating an electrifying atmosphere that mirrored the film’s emotional intensity.
Oprah Winfrey, a powerhouse both on and off the screen, brought her signature grace and charm to the carpet, captivating photographers and fans alike. Fantasia Barrino, known for her dynamic stage presence, lit up the night with her radiant smile, while Taraji P. Henson exuded elegance in a dazzling ensemble, reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.
The event drew the attendance of Hollywood A-listers, adding to the allure of the evening. As cameras flashed and fans cheered, the air buzzed with excitement, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the film’s release later this month.
“The Color Purple,” with its alluring adaptation directed by Blitz Bazawule, promises to be a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of its source material. The “purple carpet” premiere served as a fitting prelude to what is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the holiday season.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion. The museum, dedicated to celebrating the art and history of cinema, became a temporary haven for the stars and creatives who have brought “The Color Purple” to life on the big screen.
As the countdown to December 25th begins, the enchantment of the “purple” carpet premiere lingers in the air, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the arrival of this cinematic gem.
“The Color Purple” is poised to not only captivate hearts but also carve its place as an unforgettable contribution to the rich tapestry of film history.
“The Color Purple” premiere became an even more exclusive affair as we had the privilege of securing coveted interviews with the stars on the resplendent purple carpet. From Oprah Winfrey’s reflections on the film’s enduring impact to Colman Domingo’s insights into her transformative role, and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi musings within sisterhood in the film – “The Knockturnal” provided an intimate glimpse into the minds of the luminaries who brought this cinematic masterpiece to life.
These exclusive interviews offered a behind-the-scenes perspective, revealing the dedication and passion that fueled the creation of “The Color Purple.”
You can check out our on-carpet interviews linked down below.
Click the link to watch the night of the purple carpet unfold!
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