It’s a fabulous wrap for Art Basel Miami and Miami Art Week and the events did not disappoint. The energy of Miami was back in full force like never before, energized by a global array of artists, designers, gallery owners, and anyone that has a passion for art, fashion, design, style and culture. And that was definitely the place to be for influencers and designer such as Matt Sarafa and Donna Leah.
While every moment of the week was a highlight – and if you asked ten people you would get ten different answers — for Donna Leah founder and designer of Donna Leah Designs, the highlight was walking the shows with Matt Sarafa.
An Influencer and a Designer at Art Basel Miami
Fashion designer, celebrity stylist and media personality, Matt Sarafa is best known for his appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Project Runway Junior. He is the youngest designer to have ever shown at New York, Paris, and LA Fashion Weeks and is a UCLA graduate who is running his own company and dressing some of the biggest names in Hollywood like Tyra Banks, Iggy Azalea, Doja Cat, Big Sean, and LisaRaye Mccoy.
Donna Leah is best known for her head turning red carpet ready evening wear. She has shown her collections at the Grammy Awards and Oscars, and numerous celebrities are fans of her brand including Tanya Tucker, Cindy Lauper, Aerosmith, Roots, Cheap Trick, and Sharon Osbourne. A graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Donna Leah chose to base her brand in Miami she is inspired by the energy, colors, and eclectic vibe of The Magic City.
This fashion duo walked the shows in search of inspiration for their next collections, all the while soaking in the colors and dynamics that are only possible when 269 world-class galleries from 29 countries who presented exceptional works and attracted an attendance of 77,000 across the five show days. Along the way they spoke to artists, finding out what was new and next, and discussing how those concepts could be parlayed into the next season’s fashion designs. For Donna Leah, it is all about color, glamour, shine and wearing something that makes a statement about who you are as a person. Donna Leah has always felt that fashion is a moving artform and her designs are focused on custom details.
Meeting established artists
There is no better way to enjoy Art Basel then to chat with an established artist on a sunny Miami afternoon. That’s exactly what Donna Leah and Matt Sarafa did with artist Bradley Theodore.
Raised in Miami and now living in New York City, Theodore is known for his colorful paintings and prints of fashion icons including Coco Chanel, Kate Moss, Tom Ford, Frida Kahlo, among others. If you read his impressive bio, you’ll also learn that he’s worked with brands Moët, Jordan Brand, RMK, Kent & Curwen, and Moleskine. He’s also was the official artist for the 2016 US Open, provided images for Sony and Universal Records, and created logos for camera manufacturer Leica Camera, and board game Monopoly.
Some fashion insiders have heard that a collaboration between Donna Leah Designs and Matt Sarafa are in the works, but no details have been shared. Everyone loves his colorful faux fur coats and jackets that are perfect for a night on the town over a chic evening gown from Donna Leah Designs. Or perhaps they will create something altogether new. One thing is for sure, is that it will be fun, fantastic, and fabulous!
