Art Basel, the renowned international modern and contemporary art fair, is heading to Paris once again with its second edition called “Paris+ by Art Basel”. Scheduled to take place from October 20 to 22 at the Grand Palais Ephémère in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, this event is set to attract not only art enthusiasts but also fashion followers. The fair, with the support and involvement of high-profile partners such as Louis Vuitton and Audemars Piguet, promises an exciting fusion of art and fashion.
Coinciding with the Art Basel calendar, the Wonderland exhibition adds to the artistic buzz in Paris. Curated by art critic and curator Nikita Dmitriev, Wonderland features the works of twenty artists, many of whom have direct ties to the fashion industry. Notable among them is Nine d’Urso, daughter of French supermodel Inès de La Fressange, who made her gallery debut with a collection of small, potion-like bottles. Each bottle represents a secret entrusted to d’Urso by her entourage, transformed into allegorical drawings.
Xavier de Vilmorin, the younger brother of Charles de Vilmorin, former creative director of Rochas, is one of the standout artists at the Wonderland exhibition. Xavier, who is both a trendy stylist and painter, showcases a series of vibrant acrylic portraits inspired by expressionist and cubist movements. Each painting features symbolic elements of onirism, such as a fragmented, cloud-shaped ear or a flower resembling a nipple. Rachel Cunningham, known for her whimsical, Byronesque paintings, is another noteworthy artist included in the exhibition, along with French socialite sisters Mélanie and Sissy de Pourtalès and fashion designer Charles Anastase.
Another collaboration blurring the lines between fashion and art is The Imaginary Museumx TATRAS. Described as a “museum without walls”, this immersive exhibition draws inspiration from André Malraux’s book “Le Musée Imaginaire” and offers guests a unique virtual art experience through the use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Sponsored by Japanese luxury brand Tatras, the exhibition also showcases the brand’s latest minimalist puffer jackets designed for fashion-forward individuals who appreciate utilitarian outerwear. Digital artist Geoffrey Lillemon created two digital puffer jacket artworks, one of which comes alive onscreen, while the other takes the form of a long, hooded puffer jacket against the backdrop of twirling tornadoes.
Louis Vuitton, another major fashion brand, has teamed up with Paris+ Art Basel to present a curated collection of collaborative works with artists throughout the years. The brand also showcases specially commissioned trunks by masters such as Henri Matisse and Francis Picabia. At the Grand Palais Ephémère, guests can explore the Louis Vuitton booth, where the complete Artycapucines Collection is on display for the first time. This collection features the iconic Louis Vuitton bag reimagined by contemporary artists including Daniel Buren, Alex Israel, Paola Pivi, and Urs Fischer. Additionally, the exhibition also features stunning art pieces by renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Takashi Murakami.
To add to the excitement, fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier has partnered with Paris+ Art Basel to host a party at their headquarters in Paris’ creative district. The historic building, covering an impressive 5,500 square meters, transformed into a massive dancefloor for an unforgettable night. Attendees, including fashion and art industry insiders, enjoyed techno sets by DJs $aritaaa and Broodo Ramses, as well as a special performance by rapper Jeleel.
Paris+ Art Basel 2023 promises to be an extraordinary event that blurs the boundaries between art, fashion, and culture. With its impressive lineup of artists, collaborations, and parties, this fair solidifies Paris’ position as a hub for creativity and innovation. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant intersection of art and fashion, experiencing firsthand the power of collaboration and the limitless possibilities it brings.
Useful Links:
1. Art Basel Official Website
2. Louis Vuitton Official Website
