Art Basel, Rain Boots, and Hermes Ties

Art Basel All of Miami turns into the world’s most deluxe souk the first week of December, as leading art and design galleries display their most provocative, beautiful, and arresting wares. Most of the works at Art Basel in Miami Beach and the attendant satellite fairs are for sale, but if you’re not buying you can simply consider it an over-the-top, never-ending exhibition. Because no one person can see it all, here is Vogue.com’s guide to the fifteen pieces, shows, and objects not to miss this week. Brazil Art Brazilians flock to Miami no matter the season, and they are considered major movers of the art market there. This year, their influence is reflected in a brand-new satellite event, the Brazil ArtFair (brazilartfair.com). On hand near the Wynwood district will be over 100 artists showing with fifteen art and design galleries, and the fair is being positioned as an introduction to the country’s culture at large. Pictured: (clockwise from left) Elizabeth Dorazio, Panta Rhei; Nazareno, Alguns conseguem; Claudia Jaguaribe, Serie Quando eu vi/ Bibliotecas Thomas Houseago The Los Angeles–based sculptor Thomas Houseago has been gaining more and more attention for his monumental figural works—their primitive roughness grabs your attention, and their timeless artistry holds it. His Striding Figure (Rome I), 2013, is on display at Art Basel in Miami Beach’s Art Public. Seeing Double Tastemaker and New York–based dealer Dominique Lévy is hosting a mini-exhibition called “Seeing Double” at the main fair this week, matching up two living masters: John Baldessari and Jeff Koons. Both men have a way of presenting the kitschiest parts of our culture and forcing us to look at them with fresh eyes. Lévy will be presenting major works by each. Pictured: Jeff Koons, Pail, 1986 Jeffrey Deitch's Wynwood Walls This year art-dealing legend Jeffrey Deitch, late of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, is back curating Wynwood Walls, the outdoor street art gallery that he cofounded with real estate entrepreneur Tony Goldman in 2009. This round the focus is on women graffiti artists from all over the world. Aiko, Miss Van, Fafi, Maya Hayuk, and Lady Pink may not be household names yet, but Deitch and his cocurator Jessica Goldman Srebnick want to make sure visitors get an appreciation of their ground-breaking painting. Mid-Century French Design Mid-century French design is a reliable source of inspiration for collectors, and dealers oblige them this year by showing some choice examples at Design Miami/. The great Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999) is represented by a 1966 bookcase that is almost like a Mondrian grid come to life at the Galerie Downtown François Laffanour, and Jean Royère (1902 –1981) by an ash sideboard with blue opaline glass (revealed by a fanciful curving cut in the wood) at the Galerie Jacques Lacoste. Both offer solid proof of why we’re still beguiled by this period. Pictured: (clockwise from left) Charlotte Perriand, Bookcase, 1966; Jean Royère, Ondulation Sideboard, circa 1950 Rain Boots In the past, rain boots used to be considered heavy, ugly, rubber footwear sported by farmers when working in the rice fields or cattle ranches, or mostly for children’s wear. But not anymore! They have recently emerged as the new hot, trendy, “must-have” fashion item among celebrities and fashionistas. EVeryone from Rachel Bilson to Hillary Duff love a good pair of rainboots. Especially, rain boots from Scottish brand “Hunter” and French brand “Aigle” have become the latest fad as numerous celebrities started sporting them in various occasions. Well, if you can't afford either a nice pair of Hunter's or Aigle rain boots, check out two of these gems on catalogue classics for at least 50% the price: Wellies You'll stride confidently through rainy days in these bad boys. Colorful cowboy--style boots are waterproof from pointed toe to pull tabs (those handy loops at the top). Boots have rubber uppers, soft fabric linings, cushioning insoles, lightweight midsoles, traction outsoles, 2" rubber heels, and 8 1/2" shafts. Whole sizes 6--10. (Half sizes, order up.) Imported. $45 catalogue classics.com, Leopard Animal Print -$22.98 catalogueclassics.com Realistic animal print boots will take you for a walk on the wild side. Rain boots have a rubber upper with contrast buckle accent; soft fabric lining, cushioned insoles and non-skid tread. 1/2" heel. Imported. Women's 6-10; half sizes order next size. 5 Christmas Items, You'll Want to Keep Around All Year Long! Decorating the house for the holidays is something we look forward to all year long—so why not invest in pieces we can use for more than one month of the year? These 5 holiday décor must-haves are festive, pretty, and—unlike those bridesmaid dresses in your closet&#