Hautest Art Basel Collaboration: Colette Paris et the Alchemist Miami Beach

Who would thought that global competitors in the fashion industry would essentially collaborate? Well, it has happened, and it just happens to be during Art Basel Miami Beach 2013.

In 1997, way ahead of it’s time, the genius concept store of Colette in Paris, France, opened its doors, starting a global trend. A multi-faceted boutique with edge, taking risks, full of designer, unattainable and select items, well, this is what made Colette a destination. I was a customer when I was fifteen, and ‘till this day, I still see people waiting in line to enter. In 2007 on Miami Beach, newlyweds Erica and Roma Cohen opened the Alchemist; a Miami version of Colette, carrying top labels with a very curated selection of merchandise for that jet-set, well dressed woman and man. What do Sarah, Roma and Erika have in common? Style is the blue-blood that runs through their veins.

So what happens when you put two creative minds together? Magic!

This Art Basel at 1111 Lincoln Road on the fifth floor of the garage, there will be a ‘drive-thru’ experience, where you can purchase items ‘to-go.’

Sarah Lerfel Andelman, founder of Colette, tells me “we always love to come to Miami. During Art Basel, it’s even more special. When we visited 1111 Lincoln Road, we fell in love with this location. And suddenly, after the drive-in at the Grand Palais in Paris last June, we had this idea of the drive-thru and so, to us it’s a real dream come true, especially to be able to do it with Alchemist in Miami. Roma and Erika Cohen are the best possible partners. They’re passionate about what they’re doing and that’s our rule! We’ll have an incredible selection of art items, we’re super proud to bring them to Miami in exclusivity… ”

Now let me walk you through this. You will arrive to the garage at 1111 Lincoln Road (if you are not a Miami native, this address serves many functions including retail, food and parking that encompass one block) and downstairs when you pull in to the “Colette Art Drive Thru at Alchemist.” There will be a window where you order from a virtual menu of specially chosen items. Then you will continue around the drive-thru and wait for a “carhop” (girls on roller skates) to bring out your order. But rather than malts, burgers, and fries, shoppers will access only exclusive items developed by Colette’s Sarah and Alchemist’s Roma and Erika Cohen for the concept. Participants include some of the most compelling names in art, fashion, and culture working today, such as Kehinde Wiley, Zaha Hadid, Daniel Arsham, Julia Chiang, Pharrell x Moncler, José Parla, Kenzo x Toilet Paper, Kitsuné, Chrome Hearts, Luis Morais, and Thom Browne. The window will also be stocked with Colette and Alchemist shop picks (graffiti artist André for Orangina, Jean-Michel Basquiat x Nuit Blanche, “Happy Meals” featuring a limited edition Keith Haring coloring book from the 80’s once belonging to Richard Prince). In addition, specially co-branded drive-thru items designed by Yorgo & Co. will be available for purchase during the Art Basel installation and at Colette. Alchemist, which has a longstanding Miami Art Basel affiliation with New York’s Sean Kelly Gallery, is also pleased to showcase the work of Kehinde Wiley in the Level 5 space for the 2013 fair.

Now, Here is a Preview of What is Available at the Drive Thru……