Perhaps it was the nearly naked model just outside the front door. There she was, perched atop the horse lamp, singing opera for the design-savvy guests—and wearing a gold clown nose. It made perfect sense: This was, after all, the opening of Moooi Miami, Marcel Wanders' avant-garde furniture and accessories showroom—the first in the United States. In fact, performers provided by CircX were meant to bring the "Moooi branding campaign to life," according to store manager Kathleen Klock, who helped plan the event, sponsored by Florida InsideOut magazine. The campaign is based on Erwin Olaf's provocative photographs of nudes posing with various pieces from the collection, and several framed shots were displayed throughout the store. Wanders—an original member of the Droog design collective, which formed in the Netherlands during the 1990s, and arguably the design world's hottest star (he was the 2006 Elle Décor Designer of the Year)—was on hand to celebrate and chat about his current projects, one of which is overseeing the design of the Mondrian South Beach hotel and condo project in South Beach (think "Sleeping Beauty's castle").
Inside, the attendees chatted and lounged about several rooms that featured Moooi's unique mix of style: sensual and baroque meets clean and modern. Borrow a Bartender set up an inspired bar—it was padded and covered in black faux ostrich—and served cocktails sponsored by Idol Vodka and Peroni beer in a side room off the main entrance. Catering was provided by Diane Cooks Inc. and included appetizers like chicken-cilantro meatball skewers, gremolata shrimp on wontons, and artichoke mousse in spoons, served at a compact display in the back room, where a musical group performed. Throughout, CircX's models and contortionists flirted and flitted about, a playful addition to a memorable evening.
Inside, the attendees chatted and lounged about several rooms that featured Moooi's unique mix of style: sensual and baroque meets clean and modern. Borrow a Bartender set up an inspired bar—it was padded and covered in black faux ostrich—and served cocktails sponsored by Idol Vodka and Peroni beer in a side room off the main entrance. Catering was provided by Diane Cooks Inc. and included appetizers like chicken-cilantro meatball skewers, gremolata shrimp on wontons, and artichoke mousse in spoons, served at a compact display in the back room, where a musical group performed. Throughout, CircX's models and contortionists flirted and flitted about, a playful addition to a memorable evening.
The horse lamp, one of the many pieces from the Moooi Miami collection, was placed just outside the store's entrance.
Live music contributed to the spirited, casual vibe.
Muse Photography
The performers—along with Marcel Wanders—were the stars of the evening.
Catering was provided by Diane Cooks Inc.
Diane Cooks
A nearly naked opera-singing model greeted arriving guests.
Several framed images from the Moooi campaign were positioned throughout the store, including this one by the food station.
Two additional bars were set up outside, under a lighted tent provided by EventStar.
The event was sponsored by Florida InsideOut magazine.
