Price Upon Request: 🖼️ Art Basel, Birthday Wishes & Wearable Art
Art-inspired style: bold, quirky, and birthday-worthy.
I spent my birthday week immersed in the vibrant energy of Miami Art Week and Art Basel, surrounded by creativity, bold expression, and some seriously inspiring outfits.
The art community has this magic—less about fleeting trends, more about personal expression, which I champion in Price Upon Request. It’s a reminder that fashion and art are longtime lovers: part commerce, part storytelling, always cultural.
A few highlights:
✨ Disco + Design at The Standard: A creative ode to disco culture’s lasting influence, blending nostalgia with forward-thinking design.
✨ Derrick Adams x Google Shopping x The Edition: Performances by Tierra Whack (I stan) and En Vogue, plus DJ Va$htie. A chill party, chill attendees and collaboration was in the air.
✨ The OG Magazine x BAPE Brunch: Che Morales is redefining the art world with The OG (Online Gallery), breaking down exclusivity and creating accessibility. This weekend, The OG celebrated Miami native José Parlá’s Homecoming at PAMM with a brunch and mural, collaborating with artists like Jon Key to honor fearless expression.
If you’re in town, be sure to add these to your must-visit list:
✨ The LVMH Culture House Pop-Up and Cartier Trinity 100 Pop-Up.
✨ The Miami Shoe Museum: Yes, it’s real! Founded by Luis Valenzuela, the MSM highlights the cultural significance of footwear through exhibits, education, and research.
Unfortunately, I ate very little while in Miami, but I left full on inspiration, and community.
While soaking it in down there, Pantone announced its Color of the Year—Mousse. As a chocolate-shaded woman, my first thought was, “Pantone chose me!” (LOL).
But for real though, this warm, earthy brown feels like the next step after shades like wine and all the greens. Expect to see mousse everywhere—feeds, shelves, streets.
Quick color detour: what does Pantone actually do? Turns out, it’s not about paint.
Pantone standardizes colors across industries, ensuring that iconic hues (like McDonald’s yellow) look consistent everywhere, from signs to packaging. If you’re curious, check out The Wall Street Journal’s fascinating video on the business of color.
This week, I’m sharing my art-inspired birthday wishlist, influenced by what and who I saw — pieces with perspective, a message, or sometimes some humor:
Dreamy
Jason Wu Collection Tree-Print Organza Skirt: The nature-inspired print feels modern and timeless, with the organza material adding an ethereal, sculptural touch. This piece is more than a wardrobe choice—it’s a statement of creativity. I recommend wearing it with cozy knits, sweatshirts, or crop tops and loafers.
Brother Vellies: “Hand carved and hand painted in Mexico with love,” according to the site. These look so personalized like I could have etched them myself and will outlive any trend. (Beware of backorder.)
JW Anderson’s Loafer Bag is giving “put a loafer on it!” Jonathan Anderson, the genius behind Loewe, never misses with his amusing, artful designs. This cheeky nod to the ever-dominant loafer trend is both smart and classic—a must-have that’s officially at the top of my birthday wish list. 👞
Marni’s Multicolor Striped Wool-Mohair Two-in-One Jumper: Marni is art, and this sweater feels like preppy chaos in the best way possible. Pair it with wide-legged jeans or layer it over a crisp collared shirt for a perfectly offbeat look.
MM6 Key Cuff: A ring would’ve been too obvious—this cuff takes it to a whole new level of cool design. Wear with a monochromatic look.
Raul Lopez's Moose Knuckles x LUAR Long Tech Jacket: Winter warmth meets dimensional drama. The recent wave of fashion collabs means there’s no shortage of parkas and winter coats from big-name brands. But this emerging designer knows how to bring the panache and detail without sacrificing practicality. With removable sleeves, sleek leather piping, and adjustable waist tabs, it’s equal parts function and fashion.
Treat yo self
Andrea Iyamah's Turi Mesh Dress: This ruched beauty gathers in all the right places, turning you into a walking masterpiece. (I’m a huge fan of her bathing suits.)
Urlazah Black NYC Colorblock Wool Coat: This coat’s subway-inspired pocket text adds a playful NYC wink to its artistic design.
Sandro Dual-Material Denim Pleated Skirt: I love unexpected fabric mixings and this piece gives texture and movement—style it with a simple top, visible socks, and loafers or chunky sneakers.
Andrea Iyamah Escape Bag - Mini: The watercolor design feels so light and dreamy—it’s a little piece of paradise to carry with you.
Simon Miller Lennox Crepe Jacket: Go full-on walking canvas with the matching set or let this custom printed oversized blazer steal the moment.
Cynthia Rowley Hidden Gem Belt: A beautiful little oddity that feels like a treasure waiting to be discovered.
High style without the high price
Lacoste Reversible Sweatshirt: Two looks, one sweatshirt. The archival floral embroidery adds a quilted charm whether you’re feeling cozy in jersey or sleek in nylon.
Brandon Blackwood Nia Phone Case: A functional sculpture in olive green that keeps your phone stylishly snug.
Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen Gel Terrain Sneakers: You know I love a great collab. Asics' architectural sneaker design meets Cecilie Bahnsen’s cool, feminine, contoured touch, adding just the right amount of demure to the dad sneaker trend. It’s definitely worth checking out some of the other styles in this partnership.
Aelfric Eden Basic Tapered Baggy Jeans: Where skate culture meets high fashion, these jeans embody the beauty of imperfection and randomness. Perfect for those who love a little edge and a lot of character in their style. If you’re going with heels, go high and thick.
What I’m loving
I’m a longtime admirer of photographer and director, Joshua Kissi, and his recent campaign with Nike and Kids of Immigrants captures the essence and spirit of a generation navigating dual identities. A powerful tribute to heritage, resilience, and culture.
I love this because Carolina Herrera’s Resort 2025 collection beautifully blends her iconic style with Mexican craftsmanship, honoring the culture and artisans like Maestra María de los Ángeles Licona San Juan. A true celebration of heritage and artistry.
This 'Invisible Jumpers' series, blending custom sweaters with environments so seamlessly they nearly disappear. A striking exploration of camouflage and harmony.
In a recent Price Upon Request, I explored bag charms, and now Marie Claire highlights an even quirkier take: mini stuffed animals as emotional support accessories. Not everyone’s convinced, but the charm is undeniable. 🧸 Check out @halielesavage’s dive into the trend at the link in bio: here.
My friend and former NYT colleague, Leonor, has a witty newsletter packed with curated reads, watches, listens, and must-visit spots.
This week, she shared what she didn’t buy and did a Q&A with me about starting this newsletter, forever finds, and more. Check it out: here.
You can find me on Instagram, on my Tiktok, and LinkedIn, if you want to talk biz.
https://aelfricedenhoodie.org/