Pharrell Performs at the American Express Art Basel Platinum House

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images North America

From December 6-8, for the second year, American Express Platinum members were lucky enough to celebrate Miami Art Week at the Platinum House. Platinum cardholder members had access to an array of exclusive activities.

Some big names involved in the three-day event were Pharrell Williams as the Creative Director of American Express Platinum, Julia Kaganskiy the curator and Platinum Collective Member and Michael Solomonov who is a chef at Zahav and also a member of the American Express Global Dining Collection.

Expanding its footprint beyond Platinum House, American Express also brought premium late-night food trucks throughout Miami. Card Members received special dining perks as they explored Miami’s artistic hotspots by night, serving tasty bites curated by Global Dining Collection chef José Andrés. The proceeds benefited Chef José Andrés’ non-profit, World Central Kitchen. 

The day began with morning workouts by Equinox. They were conducted outdoors just by the beach outside Platinum House.

MIAMI BEACH, FL - DECEMBER 08: Rocky Barnes enjoys complimentary Equinox classes at the American Express Platinum House At The 1 Hotel South Beach on December 6, 2018 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for American Express)

“Miami Art Mavens” hosted by Kimberly Drew, a writer, and curator. The session was a conversation and discussion about the significance of women in Miami’s creative scene.

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 07: (L-R) Panelists Kimberly Drew, Becca McCharen-Tran, Jamilah Sabur and Jillian Mayer speak at the American Express Platinum House at 1 Hotel South Beach on December 6, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for American Express)

On Saturday, the pinnacle of the three-day event ended with a grand performance from Platinum’s Creative Director, Pharrell Williams and spins by DJ duo, WATCH THE DUCK. His performance began at about 9:30 PM and was an intimate music experience, taking his fans back to the N.E.R.D days with an appearance from original N.E.R.D member Shay Haley. He then finished off the night with more recent songs such as Get Lucky and Happy. The musical experience was performed under iridescent lights on the stage at the 1 Hotel’s private beach club on Miami Beach.

From 7 PM Michael Solomonov dished out creative dishes to American Express Platinum members. The theme for dinner was an Israeli-inspired menu. It featured dishes like tehina and cabbage, chicken shashlik, and branzino with cucumber.

Pharrell remarked that he was delighted to be in Miami his second home. He added that there was no better time or place to converge in support of the arts. He asserted that the American Express Platinum event proceeds with go towards a good cause. To benefit Young Audiences Arts for Learning.

Notable attendees: Venus Williams, Jonboy, Joan Smalls, DJ Ruckus, Ally Hilfiger, Hannah Bronfman, Flaviana Matata, Tash Oakley.