Perhaps it will increase its value or desirability, even if it’s a T-shirt.”

Dean’s first foray into the fashion world was modeling in the late ’80s. “I lived in Paris and worked with incredible photographers such as Mario Testino, Richard Avedon and Ellen von Unwerth, but always knew it was limited for me.” Back in New York in 1991, Visionaire was born. “Fashion can get cast off as superficial,” she explains. “I think the way people project themselves; how they use fashion to hide or show off, is very powerful. It is also accessible. While I’m interested in its social context, I do love fashion for fashion’s sake. I’m a huge fan of Givenchy and Chanel and always support young designers.”

While she’s known for her outlandish style at parties, such as one-off couture looks by Christian Lacroix and Comme des Garçons (“Designers create the most extraordinary things. When else do we have the opportunity to dress like that?”), Dean sticks to simple pieces for every day. “I’m quite boring with my work wardrobe, aside from Thursdays when we post my look of the week on vmagazine.com," she admits. “I can’t live without my ten-year-old

Balenciaga leather shorts. They work all year: in summer with bare legs and sandals or thigh-high boots and a turtleneck in cold weather. I love versatile clothes.”

With her busy schedule, Dean relies on clever outfit planning. “I live in Brooklyn and work in Manhattan, so chances are I won’t get home until midnight. I add a bracelet or switch my bag up for night. I’ll wear a sweater to work with a beautiful silk blouse underneath. It’s a modern, practical way of dressing. I also love dark red lips. They make me act differently and influence the way people treat me.”

So what will she be wearing this week in Miami? “It’ll be a surprise. I’ve been so cozy in my knits, I’ve not planned my Cruise looks yet.” Knowing Dean’s taste, they’ll be impeccable. Art Basel Miami Beach runs from December 6-9; miamibeach.artbasel.com