J Balvin Hosts Cocktail for ‘Pa La Cultura’ Joopiter Auction in Miami’s Design District

J Balvin met Mattias Gollin, his partner in newly launched design studio Vita Veloce Team, as one does these days: on the Internet.

“I found his pieces; he’s a great creator,” said J Balvin on Tuesday night in Miami’s Design District, gesturing toward the ground toward his bedazzled Timberland boots. “He did these boots. That’s the way I found him.” The musician was also wearing a full camo Vita Veloce Team outfit, but stressed that their studio’s projects won’t just be limited to clothing.

More from WWD

• Pucci Fun Fair Keeps the Art Basel Crowd in Limbo

• Eiza González, Venus Williams Help Gucci Bring a Festive Flair to Miami's Design District

• Janelle Monáe Gets the Cartier Trinity 100 Crowd Dancing in Miami's Design District

“We were talking about creativity, and then we found that we have a really strong connection,” he added. “So we decided to open a creative studio where we can touch everything. It’s not a clothing brand, it’s our own universe. Which everybody is welcome to.”

VIPs like Design Miami founder Craig Robins were introduced to the duo’s universe through a cocktail party celebrating the two-part “Pa La Cultura” auction, hosted on Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter auction platform. On one side of the Design District boutique space, pieces from J Balvin’s personal collection were on display, including several rare Louis Vuitton pieces designed by Virgil Abloh, who J Balvin cites as an inspiration for VVT. “I don’t have any material attachments, so it was just easy to pick cool stuff,” he said of the personal selection.

On the other side of the room, camo-forward Vita Veloce Team pieces were also up for grabs, with the online auction open through Dec. 12. There was also an NFT on prominent display created in collaboration with an artist using AI.

“AI explains very well the entire concept of VVT, because it means fast life. AI is a tool that everybody is using to make all things faster, in a quicker way,” said Gollin of the art piece. “So that’s our intention.”

Asked about his Art Basel plans, J Balvin lamented. “I don’t think I’m going to have the time to be around. I have a lot of work to do,” he said. “But I love Art Basel.”

Launch Gallery: Inside Art Basel 2024 at the J Balvin & JOOPITER Auction Cocktail

Best of WWD

• A Look Back at LACMA Art + Film Gala Best Dressed Red Carpet Stars

• The Best Dressed Stars in LACMA Art + Film Gala History

• What Is Revolve Festival? Coachella Weekend's Star-studded Party, Explained

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.