A cluster of nearly nude baby-faced models holding one of twelve artist-designed pop-up books greeted guests entering the Krug champagne/Visionaire 55: Surprise party at the Raleigh Hotel. The celebrated boxed set of hardcover books includes designs by photog legends Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, and Steven Klein. I couldn’t help but marvel at Testino’s subject focus on male models -- how incredibly fitting.

Once I tore myself away from the initial eye candy distractions, I laid my eyes upon the unofficial hedonist icon of Art Basel, a perfect picture of extravagance: a towering pyramid fountain of oversized, overflowing champagne flutes. It was a stunning sight, and I almost shed a glistening tear, until I realized that the liquid was not, indeed, a surplus of Krug champagne. It was all for aesthetic appeal. Should have known better.

Marilyn Manson, Bruce Weber, Marc Jacobs, Pharrell Williams, and Rachel Zoe were among the attendees at the open-air beach event. And no party in Miami is worthy of talk unless it includes a throng of drag queens.

The after party for the Byron Theatre screening of Che was taking place in close vicinity -- the Raleigh ballroom -- where Benicio del Toro and Steven Soderbergh sat outside surrounded by overwhelming praise for the film (running time: over four hours). I know of quite a few who opted out of the screening for this reason specifically ... time is money, after all.

Post-Pharrell appearance, the party buzz back at Visionaire confirmed that he would perform at the Florida Room with surprise guests (some heard Timbaland, others Kanye). Those in the know hustled over to the Delano and vied for a place inside. Turns out the rumor was a fabrication; Pharrell would not wow us with his talent. His business manager claims that there were issues involving his fee; we’re in a recession, remember? Much of the New York clubby set left to hit Mokai nightclub, where the party continued, Pharrell or no Pharrell.