The momentum is building, the crowds are thickening, Super Bowl fans have vacated the premises and Frieze Los Angeles crowds have touched down. Among their numbers: artists, curators, collectors and all those in between. On February 16, a select group of them met for breakfast on Ardor’s verdant terrace at the West Hollywood Edition. Yes, there were mini croissants and the chocolates ones too but the gift bags boast full-sized products from co-host Dr. Barbara Sturm and there was plenty of goodness to go around. Cultured editor-in-chief Sarah Harrelson, Art Production Fund executive director Casey Fremont and Belén Hormaeche hosted friends from near far including artists like Genevieve Gaignard, Shinique Smith and Madeline Hollander; Gagosian’s Sarah Hoover; gallerist Esther Kim Varet; mega-collectors Michelle and Jason Rubell, art advisor Nazy Nazhand and Frieze U.S. Director Christine Messineo. 

Alia Williams and Afrodet Zuri.

Casey Fremont, Sarah Harrelson and Belén Hormaeche.

Aaron Casey, Aaron Thompson, Delilah Parillo and Harrison Vail.

Alison Cottrell and Deborah Martin.

Sophia Penske.

Esther Kim Varet and Christine Messineo.

Madeline Hollander.

Nazy Nazhand and Michelle Hellman.

Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz.

Jason and Michelle Rubell.

Sarah Harrelson and Andrea Franchini.

Eva Langret.

Sarah Hoover.

Topics of conversation ranged from table to table but the overall feeling was one of excitement for the return to the art fair frenzy. Some were headed to hours filled with gallery hopping. Others, to installation day in the tent, designed by wHY Architecture. The common thread was that things were busy and on the upswing. “If anyone is looking for a last-minute facial, find Belén,” Harrelson said with a smile as she welcomed guests. She didn’t know it would send a full sized stampede.