One of the added visual pleasures of Art Week is taking in the scene, including how people dress. The majority of attendees come in normal attire, maybe a little more fancy than their everyday attire. Footwear, of course, is a concern because of the many, many hours spent circling on unforgiving concrete floors or walking to your car.

Others, however, seem to take advantage of this very special week to pull out their finery, to assemble outfits that do not work elsewhere, to express themselves through their dress. To tell the truth, I’m one of them! For me, what I wear during Art Week (and other times) is all in how you put together an ensemble. And then there’s the jewelry with which you accessorize to create the whole.

This year, weather was of no assistance. We had a slight cold front (certainly nothing like our friends in the Northeast). The drop in temperatures (even the smallest bit creates complaints) sent us scurrying through our limited cold weather wardrobes. I don’t know how the visitors who came down just for the fairs made their wardrobe choices.

Like my observations of art yesterday, here’s a selection of what I saw, stand out outfits that caught my eye. Some of these images were snapped in secret. I’d aim at an artwork, then hopefully, calmly move my focus to a human target. One or two of the intended victims got away for lack of focus, oh boo. After a while, I got bold and asked permission to capture the attire! These individuals were pleased to be included, very nice.

And, oh, there’s some art in the backgrounds!

Note: Despite the fact that I have a prevalence of black dresses in my closet, I’ve often been told that I am “colorful.” While at Art Basel a former colleague, included in these images, commented several times about how “colorful” I was. In the past, many of my clothes reflected my interest in other cultures. These days at the art fairs ethnic seems to be a trend. I This dress is reminiscent of a kilim carpet.

My path crossed with these two men several times. I thought they looked like monk’s gone wild.

Likewise with this gentleman. Here he is alone with his teapot patterned pants. His entourage was equally interesting.

African fabrics seemed to be trending. I am glad to see this because they are amazing prints (see post August 6 for my use of African fabrics).

I loved the color palette assembled by this lady, from top to toe.

Another ensemble in matching colors. It’s difficult to see the long, red hanging tassel earrings above the red of the jacket. Completed with the red shoes. Did she go dancing that evening?

This gentleman brought the gardens inside. Green was a color that appeared in a number of artworks this year.

More gardens, including a nod to Warhol.

The simplicity of the embroidery on this dress is simply beautiful. It’s difficult to see, but seed beads are incorporated in some of the stitches. This dress is from the company, mare di latte, in Corsica.

At total ease with himself, Mr. Man from NYC!

And least we forget, it’s really about the art. One of the components at Art Basel Miami Beach are the so-called Kabinetts, small exhibits often focusing on one artist. Yesterday, I wrote about the Purvis Young Kabinett. Two others stood out to me. I am not familiar with either of these artists; the aesthetics of both pieces attracted me to them.

The first was an installation created by South African artist, Mary Sibande, The Dombo Dance.

The other included a sculpture by American artist, Lee Bontecou. This presentation also included drawings by the artist.

In the past, a small catalog of the Kabinetts was produced. I have a nice collection in my library. This year, additional information can be accessed through qr codes on the accompanying labels. I miss the catalog.

A note in closing. I’ve not yet run across the lady who I captured a number of years ago at a brunch during Art Week. She favors flowers, so like a Duane Hansen sculpture!

And we’re off on the penultimate day. What will we do when ourselves when the art fairs leave?