Anselm Reyle for Dior
Any good sales rep knows the easiest way to get a customer hooked is with a really great sample. And that’s exactly what developer Craig Robins happens to excel at every year when Art Basel rolls into town. This year, he was able to convince Cartier, Dior, and Pringle of Scotland to plant pop-up shops throughout his beloved Design District neighborhood: The Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art presented commissioned work by artist Beatriz Milhazes; German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle debuted a new collection of handbags and accessories for Dior; and British artist Liam Gillick and Pringle of Scotland’s Alistair Carr created an accessories-and-knitwear capsule collection.
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To the less-than-obsessed this may come off as little more than quality southern hospitality. But in light of Robins’ recent real estate deal, which left him with 10 new properties in the area, we can’t help but wonder if these temporary stores might be the sign of a more committed relationship in the future.
“We are continuing to develop the Miami Design District, and it is a very attractive neighborhood for luxury brands looking to creatively express themselves and connect with diverse consumers,” admits Robbins. “Pop-up shops are a great way for brands to discover our neighborhood.”
While he did not comment on whether or not Cartier, Dior, and Pringle of Scotland were in the early stages of courtship or looking to cohabitate, Robins did confirm that both Louis Vuitton and Hermès will be Design District residents in the near future — and those two are fully committed. Ahh, young love.
Photo: Courtesy of Dior