Celebrities Come Out to Support Hublot and Haute Living at Art Basel Zapata Installation

As we told you exclusively last week, Haute Time paired up with luxury watchmaker Hublot to unveil a new art installation by Domingo Zapata at Art Basel Miami Beach. On Friday, December 7, local tastemakers, art aficionados and VIP guests gathered at Hublot’s Bal Harbour boutique, where Zapata had installed his new work in the watchmaker’s storefront. Haute Time, Hublot and The Collection Ferrari joined Miami Heat owner Micky Arison as the installation, which will later be auctioned off to benefit the HEAT Foundation, was unveiled.

Following the grand unveiling at the Hublot boutique, guests flocked to after party at the newly-opened SLS Hotel in South Beach. The night’s events included hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by Hyde Beach, a large variety of Zapata’s works on display surrounding the outdoor dining and pool areas and the latest Ferrari FF, provided by The Collection. Guests included Heat president Pat Riley; Heat player Juwan Howard; NFL player Jeremy Shockey; artist Rico Love; actors Jeremy Piven, Adrian Grenier, Simon Rex and Jordi Molla; Lea Black, Karent Siera and Joe Francis from The Real Housewives of Miami; Jennifer Williams from VH1’s Basketball Wives; Jill Zarin from The Real Housewives of New York; former NSync member, Lance Bass; artist Damien Hirst; WNBA players Kelly Schumacher and Ruth Riley; entertainment promoter Kenny Burns, and many more.

Hublot’s distinct craftsmanship of timepieces, with their unusual lines, sharp angles, and uniquely-cut diamonds naturally led to a collaboration with Zapata, who is known for his abstract expressionist multimedia style and his incorporation of collage and graffiti. It was Hublot’s artful products and their “Art of Fusion” culture that inspired his works, which were on display at the boutique during Art Basel Miami Beach. Hublot’s prized Black Caviar piece, valued at $1M, was also displayed alongside Zapata’s pieces, reflecting the partnership’s deep synergy. Zapata has garnered praise from international press such as Vanity Fair Italia, Ocean Drive, People, New York Magazine and, most recently, The New York Post, who called Zapata the “new Andy Warhol”.

In December 2011, Hublot opened its first U.S. boutique in Bal Harbour, Florida. The luxury watchmaker has since partnered with a variety of celebrities, charities and sports teams, including signing as Official Watch and Official Timekeeper of the 2012 Champion Miami HEAT. More recently, Hublot celebrated its unique relationship with the city of Miami by creating and launching an exclusive, limited edition King Power “305” timepiece.

Check out our exclusive photo gallery of the night’s events!

Photo credit: Ben Thacker