The "InFashion Photo" exhibit-part of Art Photo Expo-first made a name for itself as the largest gallery of fashion photography in the world at its debut, during Art Basel Miami Beach in 2007, in a 60-foot, 30,000-square-foot, pool-spanning structure at the Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel. Continuing to break new ground, creator Francois Trabelsi moved the second annual event to a 30,000-square-foot space in municipal parking lot 54 under the midtown bridge in Miami's design district.
"This is a new kind of exhibition, and I wanted to change and transform a space, so the bridge in the design district seemed like a good idea," Trabelsi said. "Everyone told me I was crazy when I told them my idea, but [designer] Stephane Dupoux is a good friend of mine, and when I told him, I knew he knew how to do it."
Designed by Dupoux, the mind behind properties such as Nikki Beach and Buddha Bar in New York City, the parking-lot location was transformed with natural grass-both underfoot and on the walls of the central showcase-winding walkways, tropical plants, and ambient lighting-all of which was executed by Susie Belanger of Art Photo Expo Productions in conjunction with the Design Group of Miami.
At the center of space is the "Naomi Campbell Retrospective," a collection of 50 photographs by 25 fashion photographers who have captured the iconic model throughout her career, displayed in a winding grass-walled maze. The collection was curated by Jean-Luc Brunel, and the model herself was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the show.
Nearly 2,000 models, V.I.P.s, photographers, artists, and curators from around the world-many from Trabelsi's home country of France-stepped out for InFashion Photo's exclusive opening celebration last night. Aaron's Catering provided a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres including cranberry duck confit, oregano-marinated olives with flatbread, and tarragon tomato-stuffed lobster.
Following the on-location celebration, a select 200 photographers, V.I.P.s, and art curators attended a private dinner at Vita Restaurant and Lounge hosted by Trabelsi before heading to Set nightclub for the official after-party.
InFashion will be open to the public through December 7.
Correction: This story was amended to more accurately credit Art Photo Expo Production's role in the design and execution of the event.
