Davidoff Cigar Lounge at Art Basel Miami Beach 2012

A walk-in humidor, a master cigar roller, a VIP outdoor hospitality lounge, Ruinart Champagne, and a premium blend puff to accompany — these were the hallmarks of Davidoff's presence at Art Basel Miami Beach 2012, the most prestigious contemporary art fair held in Miami Beach, Florida.

Global brands like Davidoff are deeply invested in the arts, and they continue to add a certain level of prestige and glamour to art lovers and the fair alike. The cigar maker's philosophy is living the good life — a sensibility that pairs particularly well with the lifestyle of the art lovers who descend on Miami Beach each year for this cultural extravaganza. Discerning cigar smokers and patrons appreciate and share the brand's philosophy.

In the same way Davidoff seeks the best possible conditions to produce the richest and highest grade of tobacco, they too seek to blend their brand with art — forging a significant relationship with both Basel, Switzerland, and Art Basel Miami Beach, and announcing the birth of a new initiative.

Celebrating the inaugural partnership with ABMB, the prestigious Swiss cigar brand erected a glass structure representing a private walk-in humidor. Art patrons and members of the cigar fraternity had the opportunity to visit the humidor stocked with the most sought-after cigars and accessories in Davidoff's collection. The humidor was set up in a dedicated space inside the art collectors' lounge at the convention center. Also inside the lounge, enthusiastic admirers watched as Pablo Cruz, a master cigar roller from the Dominican Republic, delighted guests with freshly rolled cigars and a demonstration of his tight craftsmanship.

The new partnership between the arts and the luxury brand will continue to mature and strengthen in years to come — a commitment solidified by the launch of the Davidoff Residency Program, an art exchange initiative announced by Hans Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO of Davidoff, during the fair.

Ten artists will be selected to participate in the program, a move designed to encourage and promote art-making in the Dominican Republic, where Davidoff bears its roots, with the program extending to other Caribbean regions as well. Five Dominican Republic artists will be sent to major art hubs around the world, including New York City and Berlin, while five international artists will travel to the Dominican Republic. Each residency provides resources for two to three months, including travel funds. Among the institutions selected are the New York City International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) and Berlin's Künstlerhaus Bethanien.

This cultural and community engagement will position Davidoff among the pioneers of luxury goods brands that have formed meaningful unions with the art community.

Set up in a relaxed open-air environment across the street from the convention center at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Davidoff transformed the area into a temporary smoke lounge with comfortable furnishings — a space for guests to unwind, enjoy good conversation, and savor fine cigars. Among them was casino mogul Steve Wynn, who wore a special ribbon bracelet provided to identify Davidoff's elite members. To match the occasion, a glass of Ruinart Champagne accompanied a long, fine cigar. All sales from the products go directly to supporting the initiative.

So after a long day trekking the convention hall, the VIPs had a moment to retire with light smoking pleasures — confident that their art adventures and purchases did not go up in smoke.

Davidoff humidors are world-famous for their hand-crafted beauty, reliable performance, and remarkable longevity.