Known for its perpetually tan residents, sunny beaches and nightlife, Miami Beach turns into an art lovers’ dream in the first week of December. Since its inauguration in 2002, Art Basel Miami has put the Art Deco capital on the map as host of the most prestigious art fair in the United States.  250 top galleries from around the world, 2,000 art collectors and innumerable curators, dealers and private collectors of the highest caliber flock to sunny Miami Beach in honor of the fine arts. Art Basel week is known as the Mecca of Art for art aficionados as Miami Beach is now home to more than 10 satellite art fairs that take place simultaneously.

Along with the art types come the parties, celebrities and hopefuls trying to gain access into the hottest events of the season. Art Basel week 2008 proved all the naysayers wrong; the economy couldn’t put a damper on the mood, as a whirlwind of parties ensued with frenzied enthusiasm. Last year’s famous faces included Andre Balazs, who threw the famed paintball bash at the Raleigh, Marc Jacobs with Lorenzo Martone in tow, Calvin Klein at the Vanity Fair party at the MOCA and more. While Balazs may no longer be proprietor of the Raleigh, not much else has changed. Expect more famous faces and iconic parties this season.

Major players making the art scene rounds include the likes of Jerry Speyer and Larry Gagosian. My Art Basel advice is to dress to the nines (dress code: don’t expect to see bedazzled tees; those on the party circuit are draped in Rick Owens, Wang and Margiela) and plan in advance! Those coveted spots on the guest list are by invitation only and clipboard wielding PR folks regard them as iron clad.