Refined | Summer 2024

Enduring Elegance

PUBLISHER

Wayne T. Lewis

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Lindsay Press

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Megan Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jen Brown

Shiann Banks

Ben Callahan

Leonardo Carrizo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura Hennigan

Sharon Weiss

Molly Hammond

Canaan Lendell

Jaelani Turner-Williams

Shelby Metzger

John M. Clark

Christine Bryant

Megan Smith

Sav McKee

Jack McLaughlin

CREATIVE DESIGNERS

Bryce Patterson

Tori Smith

Atlas Biro

VIDEO PRODUCER/ EDITOR

Austin Black

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Zoe King

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Emma Mortellaro

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Meggin Weimerskirch

SALES MANAGER

Paul VanHorn

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Mindy Wilhite

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Anna Gerhard

Wyatt Krupp

BRAND MANAGER, 614 LAGER

Lizzy Saunders

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Lizzy Saunders

Created by

LETTER from the EDITOR

As I put together this issue, diving into the fashion scene in Columbus, I couldn't help but think back to my first experiences with shopping as a kid. Besides hunting for blue light specials at the Reynoldsburg Kmart down the street, it was Lazarus that left the most indelible mark on me growing up.

For many of us, Lazarus wasn't just a department store but a cornerstone of our upbringing. A place where shopping trips became cherished memories. The department store continues to resonate with thousands of people, as evidenced by the thriving community in the Facebook group, “Lazarus Department Stores - Remembering The Past,” where over 20,000 members gather to share nostalgic anecdotes, memorabilia and even recipes from the likes of The Chintz Room, Waldo's Bake Shop, and The Colonial Room.

Reflecting on my own experiences, eating fancy meals with my mom at Lazarus' restaurant on the second floor of Eastland Mall, The Cafe on 2, were some of the best memories. I felt like royalty as we dined above the hustle and bustle of the mall goers below, eagerly hoping for a table by the glass, imagining that each passerby would glance up and admire us.

In this issue, we celebrate not just the fashion of yesteryears but also the vibrant pulse of style that courses through Columbus today and the promising trends on the horizon. A testament to our city's enduring ingenuity and evolving identity.

P.S. Have a story idea for us? I’d love to hear about it ~ megan@614mediagroup.com

@nostalgicallymegan

On the cover: Photograph by Leonardo Carrizo. Modeling by Clara Cecile. Wardrobe provided by Julie Mango (@juliemangostyle). Special thanks to Midwest Photo (mpex.com) for use of their photography studio for this cover shoot.

CONTRIBUTORS

Shiann Banks is a passionate photographer who was born and raised in Columbus Ohio. With a keen eye for detail and a love for capturing moments. Shiann specializes in portrait, fashion, and documentary photography. Her work has been featured in several exhibitions and publications, showcasing her unique perspective and storytelling abilities through images.

State University. During the summers,

also a National Geographic Student Expeditions photography trip leader.

Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Canaan Lendell works at a design firm by day and develops recipes by night. When not testing experimental kombuchas, you can find him plotting his next trip to Tokyo.

Atlas Biro is a designer and storyteller with experience spanning from print design to augmented reality. Currently working as a Creative Designer at (614) Media Group, their work covers communities ranging from blue collar America to the nation’s elite.

Originally from New York, Jen Brown is a commercial, brand and lifestyle photographer. She is the owner of Flat 51, a photo studio and event space in Columbus. Jen also curates the German Village Makers Market. Find her at jenbrownphotos.com

John M. Clark is a writer, author, tour guide, video producer and former magazine editor. His two books, Columbus Uncovered and German Village: Behind the Bricks, recount fascinating, yet littleknown stories about the people and places that have made Central Ohio what it is today. He and his wife, Jan, operate German Village Tours.

Shelby Metzger is a freelance journalist by day and bartender by night. A graduate from The Ohio State University and a Columbus native, when she’s not whittling words or crafting cocktails, she can be found caring for her horse, Bella.

Tori Smith is an ADDY awardwinning graphic designer. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2o22, she moved to Columbus to work as a Creative Designer at (614) Media Group. She specializes in typography & layout, with experience in many mediums.

Christine Bryant began her writing career as a newspaper reporter, and now creates content for local and national publications, non-profit organizations and businesses. A graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and a Columbus native, Christine enjoys giving a voice to people’s stories through feature writing. In her free time, she is engrossed in true crime documentaries.

Molly Hammond is a marketing and PR professional who is passionate about hospitality, restaurant and nonprofit spaces. She is an Ohio State University graduate and writes in her free time, covering some of Ohio’s coolest companies. When she’s not typing away on her laptop, she’s hosting dinner parties or sipping away on the city’s local brews.

Sharon Weiss was born and reared in Columbus. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of three. An art collector for fifty years, she is the owner of Sharon Weiss Gallery, 24 Lincoln Street Studios, and 12 Lincoln in the Short North. She is the creator of “Artful Living in Ohio” home tours.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Bryce Patterson is a graphic designer with 5+ years of professional experience. Since the summer of 2021, he has been working at (614) Media Group as a Creative Designer.

Ben Callahan is a writer, photographer, and entrepreneur, among other things. His motto is, “stay in learning mode,” which helps him remember that every interaction is an opportunity to grow. Find him at bencallahan.com.

Laura Hennigan is a Columbusbased freelance writer who believes there is nothing better than a welltold story. When she's not crafting content, you can find her exploring, tasting and researching as much local flavor as possible.

Jaelani Turner-Williams is a culture writer, book enthusiast, and graduate of The Ohio State University. She specializes in digital and print media, with bylines in Billboard, Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, VMP, and more.

Sav McKee has been writing for a decade, but she officially started her editing and writing career with (614) Media Group in the summer of 2023 after teaching English for the past 7 years.

Leonardo Carrizo is a multimedia photojournalist for an array of outlets. He also teaches at The Ohio

he’s

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Alyssa Matt Photography

Words by Laura Hennigan

Photography by Jen Brown

Layout by Bryce Patterson

On a prominent wall in the Dress for Success offices is a quote from Estée Lauder: “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” That powerful sentiment echoes through every room in the Short North space, from the boutique at the front to the donation sorting stations in the back. It is even clearer when talking with Executive Director Habiba Bankston, who clearly understands the value of working hard for your success and strives to share the Dress mission with more people.

Born to parents who immigrated from Ghana, West Africa, Bankston spent her childhood in Brooklyn, where she and her siblings were raised by a single mother. They moved to Columbus when she was 14, and Bankston graduated from Independence High School before attending OSU on a full academic scholarship. There, she began to make connections and discover what drives her, namely

being a champion for women. “I became involved with many initiatives that allowed me to hone my skills and encourage others to get involved,” shares Bankston. “I met some incredible people at OSU, including Congressman Joyce Beatty, who worked there then. Meeting her completely changed my life. She saw a leader in me before I saw it in myself and became a mentor to me. She’s one of many women across this community who have poured into me and given me incredible support.”

OSU was so impressed with Bankston’s work as an undergrad that she was offered a position in the Office of Student Life immediately upon graduation. This led her down a path into development and stewardship, where she spent several years before accepting a role with L Brands on the Community Relations Team. It was there that she was first introduced to Dress for Success.

“What we are doing is providing a holistic empowerment experience...We are helping her recognize that she has the power and potential to do anything she dreams of”

In 2021, after five years with L Brands, the forced slow-down of the pandemic prompted Bankston to take a closer look at what she wanted to do next.

“Although I absolutely loved what I was doing and my connection to the community through the work, I wanted to be a part of direct service,” she says.

“I wanted to experience what it felt like to be on the other side of the table. It’s one thing to be on a team supporting organizations financially, but I was ready to be more ingrained in the work. I think it changes your perspective and provides a better understanding of why these dollars are important and why these organizations need funding to help them grow and serve more people.”

Now two and a half years into her role as Executive Director, Bankston is fully immersed in growing the organization and committed to helping it evolve to meet the changing needs of women throughout Columbus. Dress for Success is a worldwide organization with over 141 affiliates in 23 countries, and the Columbus affiliate is ranked in the top 10 thanks to its extensive programming. “When people first hear about Dress for Success, they typically think of shoes, clothes, and accessories,” says Bankston. “But what we are doing is providing a holistic empowerment experience. It’s not just about giving a woman the clothes she needs to succeed, but how we dress her from the inside out. We are helping her recognize that she has the power and potential to do anything she dreams of.”

Dress for Success offers styling sessions in their boutique, where clients who are unemployed and seeking work or under-employed and wanting to advance can schedule an appointment to be outfitted in professional attire. In addition, the organization provides mentoring, a success coaching program, and a professional women’s group, all designed to help women build a network of support and provide career development tools.

“Dress for Success is a workforce development organization,” emphasizes Bankston. “We are committed to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career tools and resources, and a support network. We are a sisterhood that is rooting women on as they try to thrive in work and life.”

Dress for Success always needs more support. Donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories can be dropped off at their offices, 1204 North High Street, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Financial donations can be made on their website: dfscmh.org/. In addition, there are many volunteer opportunities available.

Draped in EMOTION

Words by Sharon Weiss

Layout by Bryce Patterson

As a collector, I have wondered over the years how artists choose their subject matter to place on blank canvas and ultimately share with us.

Columbus artist Debra Joyce Dawson has shed light on my question. She shares that her interest in fashion goes back to her great grandmother, Emma. Emma made fashionable clothes for her family and clients as a professional seamstress. Debra Joyce herself began sewing in the 7th grade (I also remember those home economic sewing classes in junior high) and credits her Singer sewing machine purchased as a newlywed as her loyal helpmate.

As a founding member and twice president of the Ohio Plein Air Society, she recalls seeing a wedding dress in the window of a dress shop on High Street in the Short North. That wedding dress became the inspiration for her next painting. Debra Joyce placed her easel on the sidewalk (plein air) and began painting. That painting, “White Wedding” won a competition that ultimately took Debra Joyce to Ireland.

“I feel this unleashing of excitement inside me when I see the vision clearly, that’s when the subject cries out to me to be painted. It's then that I can guarantee myself a good painting even before I start”

I quote Debra Joyce when she shares about her love of fashion and painting. “Give me a gorgeous dress in a well dressed window display and I yearn to paint it.”

Such was the tease of a storefront featuring a Stephanie James cocktail length wedding dress. The dress was draped over a chair, exposing a blue crinoline that would be otherwise hidden. Next to the stunning dress was a pair of high heels perfectly placed. “It was an exciting sight to behold” shares Debra.

“I feel this unleashing of excitement inside me when I see the vision clearly, that’s when the subject cries out to me to be painted. It's then that I can guarantee myself a good painting even before I start.”

I think an artist is filled with curiosity, passion, and a longing to create what she or he sees that unleashes excitement in them.

I, for one, am grateful for the art and the artists creating their vision of art.

Debra Joyce Dawson is represented by Sharon Weiss Gallery in the Short North of Columbus.

GAME CHANGER

How a Buckeye Captain Revolutionized Streetwear in Columbus

Words by Canaan Lendell

Photography by Shiann Banks

Layout by Atlas Biro

Dionte Johnson’s story of persistence and success in the face of hardship can hardly be called new, but his career-long commitment to community is wholly singular. In the midst of his second decade running the streetwear boutique, Sole Classics, I was able to pick Dionte’s brain on the past, present and future of streetwear culture.

Canaan: What was your journey to starting Sole Classics?

Dionte: Born and raised in Columbus, former Buckeye, football captain of 2007. I had this elaborate plan that I was gonna go play for 20 years in the NFL, retire, open up a store, and live happily ever after. Naturally, I got hurt 20 days into the NFL and ended up back here. After rehabbing and getting myself together, I found out that they were selling Sole Classics. So I decided to go get a loan. Every bank told me no - I had nothing to my name. It was actually my former teammates who gave me loans. I wrote up a business plan, told them how I was gonna get them their money back, and that’s how I got my start with Sole Classics, at 23. I knew nothing. Looking back today, I’ve owned and operated Sole Classics since 2010, and we’re still figuring it out on a day to day basis.

C: So having started in 2010, you saw the whole arc of streetwear in the mainstream with Life of Pablo, Off-White…

D: Oh yea, I’ve seen everything transition. Back in high school there was a store off of Summit called Big Daddy’s, where I would sweep and clean windows for a few hours here and there. Coming from Big Daddy’s, that was urban. I’m the reason we brought in Platinum FUBU, Evisu - it was the height of Sean John and urban culture. Then I found The Hundreds blog, which at that time was one of the early cool kids of streetwear. I got put on to it by Steve Breaston of the Cardinals while I was there, and it was like diving into a whole other world. Through that I learned so much about LA streetwear culture. I’ve seen the entire transition, and it’s been very interesting to watch. Back when everything was very bright and colorful, ASAP Rocky came into the store. He was dressed all black head to toe, said that fashion was going dark, and I was like no it’s not, we’re selling tie-dye shirts. Next year everything was black and white. So you just learn the game, how cyclical it is, how certain people are pushing it forward and everyone else is following along. Diamond Supply, Crooks and Castles, Stussy’s reemergence, it’s been a fun journey.

C: Virgil said that he killed off streetwear, and there’s definitely been a fracturing; now there are well-defined subcultures within streetwear. You can be into the Kith/Bode/ALD aesthetic, or have a more hypebeast Supreme/LV/Nike bent, is there a particular niche that you’re trying to fit into?

D: If we’re being honest, streetwear is more age, because it’s counterculture. What we’re seeing right now is that everyone that was into streetwear is growing up. So, with continuing to mature you age into higher end, you can afford Bode. But in my opinion we’re going to see a reemergence when the youth create counterculture again. Right now people are telling you that you need to wear XYZ Brand, fly to Paris to be part of the cool crowd, but there are going to be young people who grab hold of something and say “no, this is what we can afford and this is what we’re into.” I think you’re going to start seeing a lot more countercultural brands reemerge, which is really what streetwear is. It’s dope because it really just used to be t-shirts. Now people are doing cut-and-sew, innovating. It’s the same as music. Once you have something established and you age into a certain audience, there’s going to be a disruption from someone way younger just because they don’t want to be told what to do. And I think we’re in that transition where there are going to be some young cats that really change the game.

C: Do you think that will come out of LA, where you’re expanding? Do you have a pulse on the hotspots right now?

D: I think with the way the world is now it doesn’t have to be LA. Before, it emerged out of LA because it was the blog era - you create a blog in Columbus and you just don’t have as much to talk about as Fairfax. Now I think the Internet is at a point where it has leveled the playing field, it could come out of somewhere like Austin where there’s so much culture and growth going on right now. I don’t think it has to come from a traditional place.

C: Columbus to LA is a pretty big transition, how did you choose Inglewood specifically?

D: We chose Inglewood primarily because there’s so much community and history. It’s Los Angeles county, but they still gravitate towards their own. LA is very pocketed; unless you’re a tourist you’re not going from the Dodgers game to the beach, you know what I’m saying? This presents the

opportunity to do something bigger than ourselves. Ever since I fell in love with The Hundreds blog I’ve had an affinity for the city. We did a pop-up there in 2017, and we have a big Vans following and presence, so there were already a lot of people that love us over there. This is a platform. There have been plenty of conversations where people go, “this is amazing, but you’re in Columbus.” This gives us a springboard to innovate and cross paths with the right people so that we can amplify our story. Columbus is still home base, I’m not moving to LA myself, but we needed that platform, and why not do it in a place that we love to be.

C: Can you share any specifics of what you’re hoping to do in LA?

D: Yea, it’s already opened up projects. With our space, we’re blessed that we bought the building, a great spot in historic Market Street. The original mecca of Inglewood, back when the Lakers were at the Forum it was like Beverly Hills. We’re still early to the party, but you see a lot of historic buildings; it reminds you of how Short North was before the art galleries started popping up. So, we believe in the area, and as far as opportunities it’s things that you just don’t run into in Columbus. In 2026 FIFA World Cup is there, All Stars is there, ’27 Super Bowl is back and ’28 the Olympics are there. You have to be where you can shine, whether that’s in your backyard or elsewhere.

C: You’ve had an ongoing collaboration with Vans, how did that come about?

D: Those are our people! They’re like family. They were the first people to care about us, they didn’t care that we were a small market and gave us a shot. We’ve been working with Vans since 2013. I went to New York, I had just opened the store, and I start talking collaborations. I didn’t know any better. So I’m talking with the guy from Vans and he’s like “Yea, yea, yea, just shoot me something”. That was on Friday, by Monday I had drawn together a whole proposal. He called me like, “You did this? Over the weekend?” And he was so impressed that I put so much into it that he ran it up, and that ended up being our first shoe, the Carmen. We got 200 pairs, and I was shook because we had never had more than 16, and they sold out in 30 seconds. We’ve dropped 12 shoes with them so far - it’s a testimony of someone taking a shot and believing in us, and I love those people. They help fund our youth program, it’s a great relationship.

C: Where would you like to see streetwear go?

D: I have to preface by saying I like where it is currently. Even if it isn’t exactly where I imagined it would be, I think this is the first time where you can wear anything that you want and be accepted. Anything from Big Red Boots, Nikes, Asics - seeing people really express themselves through fashion and tell their own story is amazing. So I can’t say that I’m upset where it is currently, even though it’s not what I’m used to. And I think that we do that often, we put things in boxes based on what we’re used to or grew up with. I would just like to see innovation, different people push the bigger brands. There are a lot of people making shoes right now, which is ridiculous, because before you had no access to factories. Now you have people who instead of getting a job at Reebok just do it themselves. So I’d be interested to see where we are as that becomes more and more prevalent.

C: Especially with 3D printing, it really democratizes design.

D: It’s an equalizer. You can compete with the big dogs, and I think we’re going to be in for a treat to see how that guides the trends. Who’s going to move us into the next era, into the future?

C: You seem to place a lot of emphasis on community involvement.

D: To understand my mentality - every day I’m asking you to come in and buy some shoes. I owe it back to you to provide some type of support to the community. It shouldn’t just be all take, take, take. That’s never been my style. It’s always been a perspective of what can we do to make the world

a better place than we received it. Why aren’t we doing things to give back to the same people that we’re asking money from? It’s been a blessing to have partners like Adidas that will help fund the neighborhood give back. We’re trying to use our platform as best as possible to bridge as many gaps and support as many people as we can, bring a smile on people’s faces. We have a nonprofit, Look Ma No Hands, and the objective is to expose teens to careers. I started the nonprofit even before the store, in ’08. It’s designed around leadership - my theory is that there are a lot of good people we see go wayward, because they don’t have hope of what they can become, because they’ve never been exposed to it. When you’re in Kindergarten, you talk about being a teacher, lawyer, firefighter, but when did that change? By fourth grade they’ve lost those dreams because they haven’t been exposed to new possibilities, they haven’t been told they can do things like be a sales director at Vans. If you give them something to aspire to be, and keep them out of harms way, you show them that they can make money without rapping or playing football. There’s a journey that took me here, that took you here, and young people need to see that because it gives them hope. If I could just do that, I would do that 100x over selling shoes. That’s my life’s purpose, is figuring out how I can pour more into that pot.

C: Lightning round! Fashion icons?

D: I can’t not start with Pharrell. As cliché as that is, there’s no other #1. Talking strictly entertainment, I respect Kanye more because he’s pioneered so much that we don’t fully give him credit for - I mean he’s the reason retros are what they are now, but Pharrell is my guy. He doesn’t miss *laughs*. Ralph Lauren. The ability to mix and match, the longevity of what he’s been able to do. There are so many people right now currently establishing names, and I love that there are so many women in the space, but Pharrell is my guy.

C: Top 3 sneakers?

D: Patent leather Jordan 11, black and red. I don’t even wear it that much anymore, but that was the first shoe where it was like, “this is what sneakers should be about.” Air Force 1. So timeless. It may not sell out overnight, but it will always have relevance and a storied history. Vans style 36. It’s how we started our journey, it’s a classic.

Sole Classics is located at 846 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Strategic Style

Najjar's PR Prowess

Words by Jaelani Turner-Williams

Photography by Shiann Banks

Layout

by Atlas Biro

Lubna Najjar, founder of Columbus-based PR and brand strategy consultant IL Moda Brand Development, knows that clear-cut execution precedes her company’s strong reputation. Beginning as a fashion designer while also having a master’s degree in business, it was Najjar’s fashion company, Lubna Designs, which houses HER Denim, and her business background that drew interest from those that witnessed her ascension.

Local designers soon tapped Najjar on the shoulder to inquire how her designs made publications like Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar, along with asking how her vision came to be. “So they're asking me all these questions, and I thought, Why am I giving out just random advice when I can put a formula behind some of the advice that I'm giving some of these local brands that really needed the help?” Najjar recalled.

She continues, “I wanted to put a business formula behind a lot of advice and the help I was giving other up-and-coming brands. It really was just me holding myself accountable to the advice and the consult I was giving others. And then I wanted to kind of formalize it.”

Thus, IL Moda was born, now a national business that spans the industries of fashion and retail to provide consultation with master tools, branding workshops and innovative methods of advising.

“There's really a formula behind a lot of the advice that we give, it's not just, ‘Oh, this is just what I know,” says Najjar. “This is proven practice, [these are] the best practices within the industry, and we have a lot of really great, amazing people [that] we've worked with over the years that have helped build that consult forward.”

Najjar notes that some brands approach IL Moda when they’re pre-market, meaning they’re still in the phase of ideation, while others are wellestablished but still seek the expertise of Najjar and IL Moda consultants for needed refining.

“So that business side of fashion, ultimately, is what drives a lot of the decision-making that brands can make, and they ultimately have to decide what category,” she says. “They have to decide their journey, and so many times they don't know what questions to ask. So our initial work with them will say, ‘Let's make sure you're asking the right questions based [on] what your brand needs.’”

Now invested in work that focuses on sustainability, small batch production, and environmentally friendly production, Najjar is goal-oriented no matter the intention of the brand that pursues IL Moda. Adapting to the ever-changing fashion landscape, Najjar’s aim for IL Moda is to steer away from transactionality to craft a natural partnership with clients and show that proof of concept goes hand-in-hand with successful results.

“It's essentially taking the time to examine where the brand is, what it needs, and what we believe is the best path forward. A lot of times we give them multiple solutions and they choose the one that makes more sense for them,” she says. “Should they choose to keep us on to help them ride that journey, then we do. Otherwise, we kind of equip them with the initial tools that it takes to get up and running or to kind of move in that direction.”

Find Lubna Najjar’s work at herdenim.com and ilmodabrands.com

Lubna

HIDDEN GEM

Opulent yet welcoming, sophisticated yet casual, local luxury jewelry company D.C. Johnson Ltd is a diamond in the rough

By Sav McKee

Humans have been adorning themselves with jewelry for centuries. Celebrating milestones with gemstones is, of course, nothing new. However, nestled in the heart of Upper Arlington, there exists an intimate boutique that’s bringing back the art of connecting with your jewelry and jeweler.

D.C. Johnson Ltd, a fine jewelry store located at 1700 W. Lane Ave. is a true hidden gem, offering clients a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Here, a carefully curated selection of designer pieces and an in-house team of skilled goldsmiths await, alongside exceptional service and hospitality.

Climbing the dark wooden stairs into the store to the melody of swanky jazz music, and opening the blue velvet, tufted doors – which are an ode to the owner’s childhood memories of his family members’ jewelry box linings – it feels as if you’re entering a local speakeasy that just happens to sell some of the most high quality diamond necklaces around.

Upon entering, you’ll discover built-in display cases chiseled into fine marble, showcasing all-natural and vintage diamonds, inviting guests to look and linger. Throughout the rest of the store, mahogany vitrines sparkle with rings, necklaces and bracelets, all made by renowned global designers like Melissa Kaye, Silvia Furmanovich, and Nikos Koulis, with each piece carefully hand-picked for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and story behind it.

“Our selection of the designers we carry is one of the most heavily curated in the industry,” emphasized Johnson. “We’re very selective, and they’re also careful about who they partner with, too. They want their story to be told the right way, by the right person.”

From the Marla Aaron Lock Necklace exquisitely made from pebbles scooped up on the streets of New York City by Marla herself, to the Single Stone, 5 carat ‘Moval’ Ring fashioned with an antique diamond dating back to the 1800s, or even the Carolina Bucci Lucky Bracelet, intricately woven with silk and gold, that Sarah Jessica Parker famously wore in the show Sex and the City –there’s anything, and everything, for any and every type of woman.

And men, too. The jewelry store is accessorized with vintage coffee table books, some about Rolex watches. If a guest finds inspiration while flipping through the pages, Johnson offers custom luxury timepiece sourcing. If their interest expands to the barware on display, D.C. Johnson’s collection for purchase also includes glasses crafted by Asprey, a prestigious luxury glassware brand with roots dating back to the English Crown.

He continued, “Everyone can have a good day here.”

Photos Courtesy of D.C. Johnson Ltd

Layout by Tori Smith

Clients also have the option to create custom pieces, whether from their own vision of what makes the perfect engagement ring, or cherished family heirlooms they want reimagined. For instance, one client transformed her father’s pocket watch and coins into a unique necklace, while another sought a modernized engagement ring made from elements of a vintage family cocktail ring passed down to her. As Johnson said, “We let the client choose the way they want it to look, but by still keeping tradition and honoring the family.”

A full, in-house staff of tenured goldsmith experts at D.C. Johnson Ltd focuses on quality as opposed to pushing out a high quantity of jewelry, ensuring the most carefully crafted, time honored, and beautiful pieces around.

The skilled in-house goldsmiths revel in the intricate craftsmanship of their trade, with each piece of jewelry they create approaching excellence, and meticulously shaping and refining the details that contribute to the beauty of a high-quality

piece of fine jewelry, even those elements not immediately visible to the eye.

“Our attention to the inside of the piece, the underneath, everything that actually touches the diamond that you may not notice at first – that’s what sets our jewelry apart,” explained Johnson and his team. “This is what makes us the experts, and having a full shop and on-site team of goldsmiths gives us the flexibility with the customer to really allow them to do anything they dream of doing.”

Rather than cutting corners, D.C. Johnson is polishing them to perfection. Whether you’re seeking to turn your own ideas or sentimental treasures into exquisite, bespoke works of art, or simply wish to indulge in the masterful designs of renowned jewelry designers, Johnson and his team are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.

Private appointments are encouraged. They’re open Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm, and you can shop on-line at dcjltd.com.

A Wealth of Summer Adventure

Iterhic Wealth Advisors highlights six local, family-friendly adventures for summer in central Ohio

Words

by Jack McLaughlin

Layout by Atlas Biro

In the same way that Matt Terwilliger and Iterhic Wealth Advisors are looking out for your financial future—they are the first to acknowledge the importance of doing things you enjoy in the present.

Summer usually means more time witht the kids and grandkids, which leaves us all on the hunt for new activities. Iterhic has put together a list of Columbus-area adventures for you and your family this season.

Whether it’s a picturesque trek through sandstone caves, an adventurous afternoon on an outdoor obstacle course, or a casual day at the beach, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun that’s just far enough from Columbus to feel like an adventure, but close enough to stay convenient.

Hocking Hills (Logan)

Consider a quick overnight to get out in nature, hike, and spend time together as a family. The area is rife with unique rental properties and stunning natural features, including plenty of massive sandstone caves. Check out our personal favorite, bookhocking.com, for beautiful and unique experiences with a more modern vibe.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm (Canal Winchester)

Show your kiddos how it was to work on a farm “back in the old days!”. An extension of Slate Run Metro Park, admission to the historical farm is free. Kids can pet animals, try their hand at farm chores, and immerse themselves in an array of period buildings, including a barn, full home, smokehouse and more.

Iterhic Wealth founder, Matt Terwilliger J

Glacier Run Challenge Course (Plain City)

Known locally as the ‘ninja course,’ this Glacier Ridge Metro Park attraction offers kids a novel way to take a hike. The three-acre obstacle course features 12 unique, challenging stations surrounded by a half-mile paved trail. Visitors can crawl through tunnels, climb poles and ropes, find their way over logs and more. Everyone should sleep well after a day at Glacier Ridge!

Veterans Park Spray and Play (Delaware)

Just in case spending a few hours at a quality splash pad isn’t enough, Veterans Park in Delaware also offers a dinosaur-themed playground adjacent to the splash pad (check out the slide that goes through the open mouth of a t-rex skull), in addition to a perfectly placed ice cream stand.

Alum Creek State Park Beach (Lewis Center)

For when only a sandcastle will do. This hidden gem of a beach, located at the southern end of Alum Creek Lake, offers fishing, swimming, and other water sports of all varieties. Visitors can rent boats, jet skis, kayaks and more to get the full lakefront experience.

Iterhic Wealth Family Fun Event (Upper Arlington)

Our summer celebration event, which will take place June 15th at 1 p.m., features a free, private screening of “Inside Out 2” (which premiers June 14th). Interested in attending? Email Meghan.terwilliger@iterhicwealth.com to reserve your seats!

Left: Cabin at Hocking Hills State Park

Right: Children playing at a splash pad

Kayaking in Alum Creek

FASHIONING NOSTALGIA

Vivian Edoja's Signature

Vintage Touch

Words by Molly Hammond

Photography by Jen Brown

Layout by Tori Smith

In 2020, Vivian Edoja, owner of Julie Mango Style, was offered the chance to split a studio space with a friend to store and sell her unique collection of second-hand, vintage clothing, accessories, and furniture. What started as a small studio space just a block from Franklin Park turned into a unique shopping experience for those looking for unique, sustainable fashion choices.

While reselling is a large part of the business, Edoja offers more than the average vintage resale store does to its customers. Vivian's expertise lies in styling, where she provides closet consultations, wardrobe planning for travel, and clothing rental services for stylists working on special projects.

Working with Vivian as a personal stylist or a private shopper adds an extra touch of exclusivity to the overall shopping experience and has brought extensive opportunities, taking her as far as Berlin, Germany. Many of Vivian's pieces are sourced from her travel journeys, where she visits smaller, unknown shops in cities that she's visiting or attends estate sales.

Beyond the business, Vivian has a rich personal history that inspired the name "Julie Mango." The name pays homage to her maternal grandparents' Nigerian estate, where a Julie Mango tree stood. Her most cherished memories are of eating mangoes with her cousins, which often evoke a sense of nostalgia for the vintage store owner.

Vivian has decades of experience with upcycling, as she has been doing it since she was just a little girl. "My parents came to this country as firstgeneration immigrants in the 70s, and a large majority of our home furnishings and clothing were second-hand," said Edoja. "Thrifting is something I did often with my mother, who has always been a collector. To this day, I still visit her

and wander around her house for things I want to take home — my form of thrifting."

The Columbus community is vital to Julie Mango Vintage's success. The local support allows Vivian to continue pursuing her passion for sustainable fashion and styling.

A portion of Vivian's sales proceeds go towards organizations like Star House Columbus or CRIS Ohio, reflecting her overwhelming commitment to giving back to the community.

Julie Mango Style is a one-woman show, with Vivian running the business single-handedly. While currently in between studio spaces, Vivian continues to serve her clients through Instagram sales (@juliemangostyle) and traveling for styling appointments. She is actively seeking a new studio location to allow for more face-to-face interactions and a more curated shopping experience.

In addition to her work at the studio, Vivian is a single mother of two children, balancing her business endeavors with her role as a parent. She also holds a corporate job and is dedicated to making Julie Mango Vintage her full-time career in the near future. As a stylist and model herself, Vivian's love for fashion shines through in every aspect of her life. The store reflects Edoja's passion for sustainable fashion and is a genuinely unforgettable gem in the Columbus fashion scene.

Heart THE Style OF

Rowe Boutique's Resilient 17-Year Reign in Columbus

Words by Shelby Metzger / Photography by Jen Brown Layout by Tori Smith

You walk into a department store. 40 identical blouses are hung haphazardly on plastic hangers, jeans strewn across a dingy tile floor. Disinterested employees meander about the mustyscented enclosure. You are immediately overcome with the desire to leave.

This is not Rowe Boutique.

“It's the human connection for me. It's like, my absolute favorite part of the business is being on the floor, selling and talking to people.”

The Short North staple, bearing its name for over 17 years, boasts a carefully curated collection of designer garments and accessories. The handselected pieces are modern and sophisticated headturners at any event.

“We want you to feel welcome,” Maren Roth, owner and founder of Rowe, explained. “We want you to feel like it's your friend's closet that you're in.”

Roth began executing her vision as a pop-up shop in 2006 before officially opening the doors of her North High Street location just a year later.

“It was such a gritty time down here. Like, there was the Coffee Table across the street, a lot of vacant storefronts. It really felt like I kind of got in pretty early and got to help grow it in a meaningful way and really got to be a part,” she reminisced. “I really dove into the neighborhood.”

Over the years, Rowe and the Short North have evolved together. In 2022, the boutique moved just half a block south to a larger storefront.

“I think the move was good for us because that kind of gave us a little bit of a refresh in people's minds,” Roth said. “It gave us a bigger space, a new space for people to experience and just try to keep evolving.”

Through opportunities and obstacles, Roth has embraced the ebb and flow of the area. “I chose the Short North because I felt like it was such an independent spirit and I'm an only child, as silly as that sounds,” she chuckled. “I've never really wanted to conform to other people's timelines. So the idea of being at a mall just never felt [right] for me.”

And if Rowe has anything, it’s an independent spirit. Stepping foot past the sanguine storefront, more often than not, it’s Roth herself who greets you. But those human interactions, she says, are waning.

“I would say, really over the last year or so, there's been a huge shift to online shopping, and I think that's our biggest battle right now,” Roth elaborated.

The tactical experience, it seems, has given way to convenience.

I asked Roth if she thought consumers were missing out on the experience that she has so carefully crafted into the core of Rowe. “I do. When people come in, they're like, ‘Oh, I love coming in, I love being here.’ You hear it, they say it, I just think sometimes when you're not, you're removed from it, you don't think about that. I'm hoping that that lack of connection will start to grate on people and they'll want to get in the store.”

Seeing the clothes, touching them, even smelling them. It’s an intimate experience an image on a phone cannot replace. "People used to say, 'Oh, I love getting my stuff home because it smells like Rowe,' and I love that compliment," she said. I want them to feel that connection, even when they're not here."

Technology evolution triggers changes in consumer habits. But Roth hopes people return to having a hankering for the hands-on. “It's the human connection for me. It's like, my absolute favorite part of the business is being on the floor, selling and talking to people – talking to them first,” Roth professed. “The selling part is a bonus.”

Rowe Boutique is located at 688 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

July 12

Field of Dreams 1989 PG

July 13 & 14

Dial M for Murder 1954 PG 70TH ANNIVERSARY

July 17

Viva Las Vegas 1964

60TH ANNIVERSARY

July 18

Mutiny on the Bounty 1935

July 19

The Third Man 1949

75TH ANNIVERSARY

July 20

Cartoon Capers

July 20

Meet Me in St. Louis 1944

80TH ANNIVERSARY

July 21

Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure 1985 PG SERIES PREMIERE

July 24

Thelma & Louise 1991 R SERIES PREMIERE

July 25

Adam’s Rib 1949

75TH ANNIVERSARY

FRIGHT NITE FRIDAY WITH FRITZ!

July 26

RoboCop 1987 R SERIES PREMIERE

July 31

The Color Purple 1985 PG-13

August 1

Double Indemnity 1944

80TH ANNIVERSARY COMEDY DOUBLE FEATURE

August 2

Duck Soup 1933

She Done Him Wrong 1933

August 3

Bye Bye Birdie 1963 G

August 4

The Towering Inferno 1974 PG SERIES PREMIERE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

August 7

The Big Lebowski 1998 R SERIES PREMIERE

August 8 & 9 SILENT FILM

The Mark of Zorro 1920 SERIES PREMIERE

August 10 & 11

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi 1983 PG SERIES PREMIERE

August 14

Chinatown 1974 R 50TH ANNIVERSARY

August 15

Mildred Pierce 1945 SCI-FI DOUBLE FEATURE

August 16

I Married a Monster from Outer Space 1958 SERIES PREMIERE

Little Shop of Horrors 1960 SERIES PREMIERE

August 17 & 18

The Wizard of Oz 1939 G 85TH ANNIVERSARY

August 21

Mrs. Doubtfire 1993 PG-13 SERIES PREMIERE

August 22

Niagara 1953 SERIES PREMIERE

August 23

The Lady Vanishes 1938

August 24

Cartoon Capers

August 24 & 25

The Sting 1973 PG

The Wizard of Oz

ENDURING

Elegance

Lazarus' Legacy in Central Ohio's Fashion History

Words by John M. Clark

It’s been 20 years since the giant “LAZARUS” sign was removed from the department store chain’s flagship building in downtown Columbus. That dismantling marked not only the end of Central Ohio’s largest-ever retail dynasty, but also closed the book on a century of fashionable and affordable, ready-to-wear clothing for women across the region.

In 1961, alone, just 40 years after starting to market mass-produced dresses, blouses and skirts to ladies, the retail behemoth sold more than six times the amount of clothing as its closest competitor. And Lazarus’ marketing prowess continued to grow. By the 1980s, the company employed 100 buyers, who traveled to all corners of the fashion world to find the hottest trends and make them affordable to women here.

Susan Sutherland, of Columbus, was a fashion buyer from the late 1970s to 1986. “At that time, fashion trends usually developed in Europe and filtered to both coasts, but primarily New York,” she said. “We would shop markets in New York and other cities and make judgments on what would sell at all of the Lazarus stores. Then, we would travel to the Far East to have those same looks mass-produced. That’s how we strived to be both competitive and at the forefront.”

In the beginning, German immigrant Simon Lazarus opened a tiny menswear store on the east side of High Street, at Town. The year was 1851. And he did

well, expanding into neighboring storefronts as they became available. Simon died 16 years later, leaving the business to his widow, Amelia, and two of his sons, Fred and Ralph. All three proved to be adept at running the company, continuing to grow what would eventually become known as F. & R. Lazarus & Company.

The original Lazarus store sold tailored and readymade clothing for men and boys and, eventually, shoes and a few accessories for women. The invention of the sewing machine and the need for thousands of Civil War uniforms in the 1860s drove the men’s clothing market toward standardized sizing – especially when the government shared its database of soldiers’ clothing sizes with the country’s retailers. Women, who were represented by far more body types than men, continued to depend on tailor-made clothing from dressmakers.

The turn of the century witnessed a ladies’ fashion shift toward looser-fitting blouses with skirts. Waists, for a time, remained tight. This trend toward separates made it possible for retailers to market ready-to-wear clothing for the “fairer” sex. And when brothers Fred and Ralph took a giant leap of faith in building a six-story Lazarus department store across the street from their original retail concern, ready-made women’s clothing took center stage (though the top three floors remained empty for the first few years).

Layout by Atlas Biro

“Mr. Charles taught us to understand our customers...I went to New York markets with that in mind, and I was successful, just as he had said.”

On Sunday, August 15th, 1909, a large ad in Columbus newspapers heralded the coming of the largest store the city had ever seen. A drawing of “Lady Lazarus” towered over an image of the new building, with the word, “WELCOME,” emblazoned behind her. The next morning, Fred and Ralph opened the doors on a retail love affair with women that lasted until those doors closed for good, 95 years later.

Immediately, women were drawn by the promise of 20 new departments created just for them, including not only the expected clothing departments, but also ones for leather goods, gloves, perfume, stationery, costume jewelry and more. A soda fountain, whose idea was borrowed from the older store, gave ladies a place to relax and refresh, as did the huge restrooms and a mezzanine filled with “singing canaries.”

One convenience that did not catch on immediately was the region’s first escalator, designed to carry customers between the first and second floors. It was described as “rickety” and a little “frightening”

and was removed in 1914, not to be replaced until 1948, when all six floors and basement were open for shopping.

Women also appreciated the store owners’ policy of “strictly one price” selling. For much of the 19th century, retail clothing had not carried price tags. Merchants and customers were expected to settle on prices by haggling with one another – a decidedly “un-ladylike” custom.

Several examples of women’s clothing from Lazarus’ earlier days can be found in an online exhibition headed by The Ohio State University. Gayle Strege, a leading authority on Lazarus fashions, curates these and other clothing samples in the school’s Historic Costume & Textiles Collection. “’Costume’ in the early 20th century sense of the word,” she said, “is a term few people today are familiar with. ‘Costume’ meant everything a woman wore, from head to toe.” So it is that one of Lazarus’ most popular departments was the third-floor “Costume Room.”

As styles changed, Lazarus changed, as well. The Roaring Twenties introduced comfortable dresses, shorter skirts, cardigan jackets and even the “little black dress.” About this time, a new fashion trend for younger women emerged, emphasizing straight lines and fewer curves. Thus, the creation of the store’s Collegienne Shop and even fashion shows –both in-store and at OSU’s sorority houses. All of these events were in high demand.

The Post-Depression era of the late 1930s heralded the “99-cent dress” – a shift with a fabric belt that tied and short, loose-fitting sleeves. Housewives snapped them up, as they did a growing selection of separates, designed to give women greater options when choosing an outfit to wear.

By this time, a new generation of Lazari (as the family liked to be called) was running the family business. Fred Lazarus, Junior, whom Strege called “one of the great merchants in U.S. fashion history,” became the person in charge.

It was Fred (known to the associates as “Mr. Fred”), who had the idea in the 1920s to consolidate several of the nation’s largest clothing retailers under one name, Federated, to increase their buying power.

Strege told of the time Fred visited a high-end fashion store in Paris in the 1930s and was surprised to see clothing items grouped by size instead of price. “So, he brought this change to his store, back in Columbus,” she said, adding, “It was a controversial move at the time, but it was very well received.” And it became an industry standard.

And it was Fred who, in the 1940s, led lobbying efforts in Washington to establish Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November, as opposed to the previously recognized last Thursday in November. This more-or-less standardized the length of the Christmas shopping season.

Throughout the 20th century, Lazarus marched on, leading the retail industry with innovations that kept them on top throughout the region – especially with women.

Fred Junior’s nephew, Charles Y. Lazarus was the last family member to head the store. He continued to show that a large business could be run with an emphasis on pleasing customers and respecting associates. “’Mr. Charles,’” Sutherland said, “taught us to understand our customers. You had to know your customer to be successful. I went to New York markets with that in mind, and I was successful, just as he had said.”

“Know your customer” was a Lazarus store philosophy – and policy – that spanned the generations. It was one of the first department stores to introduce air conditioning, for the comfort of customers and associates alike. The company ran “Self-Improvement Clinics” for teen girls, teaching them, among other things, confidence and how to apply make-up. A variety of restaurants opened, making Lazarus even more of a ladies’ “destination” experience.

Columbus residents began filling the newly created suburbs in the ‘60s and ‘70s. But Lazarus, which had been convinced customers would continue to flock to their downtown store, was one of the last major retailers to embrace shopping malls and strip shopping centers. At first, the move proved successful. But in the end, not even the construction of a shopping mall (and skywalk) across the street from the flagship store could save the greatest retail enterprise this area had ever seen. Facing dwindling profits, Lazarus was forced to merge with another Federated member, Macy’s, in 2003. A year later, the “Lazarus” name was dropped altogether.

Today, when Central Ohio residents of a certain age remember Lazarus, they recall the magnificent Christmas holiday window displays and “Mr. Tree,” the “Chintz Room” and other restaurants, the bargain basement and maybe even one of the “Lazabaloos” live music and teen fashion events from the late 1960s.

But history may well remember this dearly departed department store for its personal relationship with women and young female customers. Generations of Lazari made a comfortable living that allowed them to give back to the community by offering these shoppers fashions and experiences they could find nowhere else. In return, hundreds of thousands of female customers looked to Lazarus for the clothing and accessories that allowed them to dress for the lifestyles they desired.

For more information, visit The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection in the College of Education and Human Ecology at fashion2fiber.osu.edu

CREATIVE CONVERGENCE

The Upcoming Collaboration of Five Designers, DACO & Gay Fad Studios

Words by Christine Bryant

Layout by Tori Smith

Behind every designer and creation lies a story yearning to be unveiled, woven with passion, creativity and purpose.

For designer Casey Immel-Brown, clothing began as a way to protect his identity and sense of self as he navigated a challenging childhood and eventually a career in IT that he could never love.

Channeling his passion and creativity for design, Immel-Brown seized his purpose - graduating from CCAD for fashion design and embarking upon a new career that felt as natural as the leather he uses today to create couture womenswear that he admits rides the line between subversion and elegance. “It tends to show a fair amount of skin, but in ways that utilize the negative space of cutouts and deep necklines, along with complex curved seams, as part of visual flow of the garment,” Immel-Brown said. “I also use a lot of heavy saddlery leather in my work, both for accessories and within garments. My current collection uses molded leather orchids as a recurring motif.”

Columbus has solidified its status as a fashion and arts epicenter, with designers and artists whose talent rivals that found in New York, Milan and Paris. Immel-Brown is one of these designers at the forefront of the dynamic fashion scene in Central Ohio, showcasing his ingenuity and mastery with each stitch, textile choice and meticulously crafted detail.

Yet he’s not alone. In June, Immel-Brown will be joined by four designers during the 2024 Decorative Arts Center of Ohio Gala in Lancaster on June 22, which will include a runway fashion show featuring the diverse work of Ohio-based designers ImmelBrown, Esther Sands, Logan Baldauf, Chawis Saelim and Mya Staten.

A Ghanaian American designer, Sands creates ornate evening and formal wear using heavy stone, lace and applique embellishments while incorporating traditional West African textiles.

Sketch by Logan Baldauf

“…when we talk about Columbus fashion, we’re talking about designers of equal caliber to anywhere in the world.”

Originally from West Virginia, Baldauf contrasts the hardness of corsets with soft, intricate draping, while utilizing custom painting and fabric dyeing to create dramatic looks that are visually stunning.

Born and raised in Bangkok, Saelim creates avant garde and minimalist pieces heavily influenced by Japanese and Belgian fashion designers, while Lancaster-born Staten uses distressed and manipulated denim in ways not traditionally associated with the material to create luxury pieces. Her interest in beading transcends decorative elements and is incorporated into the structure of the garments as well.

The runway fashion show is one of the latest examples of collaborative convergence, this time bringing together fashion artists with diverse backgrounds and expert techniques to Southeast Ohio. Yet in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, artistic excellence knows no bounds. Head just 30 miles down U.S. 33, and you’ll find fusions of styles and perspectives that ignite a vibrant tapestry of creativity.

Known as the “Glass City,” Lancaster is also home to Gay Fad Studios, a glassware company that incorporates vibrant midcentury character in its design. Owners Jason and David Annecy are designing collectible glassware pieces that are inspired by midcentury design and the artistry of the fashion designers featured in the gala’s runway show. The pieces will be available exclusively at the event.

The collaboration among the five designers, DACO and Gay Fad Studios highlights a small sample of the high quality craftsmanship found in the region, says Immel-Brown, headlining designer for the gala’s fashion show. “It’s about reframing people’s ideas of what designers are here,” he said. “We’re allowing people to really get the sense that when we talk about Columbus fashion, we’re talking about designers of equal caliber to anywhere in the world.”

Visit www.decartsohio.org/daco-gala.html to purchase tickets to this year’s DACO Gala on June 22

Photo by Celeste Malvar-Stewart

Locally, we found these wines at Lawbird Supply House (1306 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212) and Hausfrau Haven (769 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206)

Raise a Glass TO GLOU-GLOU WINES!

Words by Canaan Lendell / Photography by Ben Callahan Layout by Tori Smith

For a summer that looks bound to be anything but predictable, we’ve curated 4 ultra-quaffable bottles to accessorize any occasion. Surprisingly fresh reds and underrepresented whites to encourage you to think beyond Rosé for your backyard cookouts and picnics.

01 DUFAITRE ‘PREMICES’ BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2022

Husband and wife Rémi and Laurence Dufaitre cultivate a cluster of vineyards in the Beaujolais region following organic and biodynamic principles. Producing their own wines since 2010 under the tutelage of low-intervention pioneers like Jean Foillard, they’ve acquired a sizable following in Paris and abroad. For their floral ‘Premices’, 100% Gamay grapes are fermented and aged in concrete tanks before being quickly macerated and matured 6-9 months. A nostalgic wave of strawberry soda gives way to a smooth minerality that makes this almost compulsively drinkable. Equally at home alongside both grilled meats and a cheese board, serve lightly chilled.

02 BROADBENT ‘VINHO VERDE’

A perennial favorite, this Portuguese table wine is low in both ABV and price, making it an ideal candidate for low-key dinner parties and backyard bashes alike. An off-dry white blend with a light effervescence, notes of pear and citrus make this a perfect pairing for seafood and light brunches, though a poor pairing is difficult to imagine. Serve well chilled.

03 DOMAINE LABBE ‘ABYMES’ VIN DE SAVOIE 2022

This delightfully crisp white hails from the Savoy region on the eastern edge of France, bordering the Alps. Founded in 1975 by brothers Roger and Mark Labbe, the estate is still run by their children, cousins Alexandra and Jerome. In this bottle the hardly-discussed Jacquere varietal is the showcase, highlighting its aromatic yet earthy qualities. Bone dry, but packed with acidic florals of green apple, citrus and woody herbs give the impression of a slight sweetness. An obvious pairing for shellfish, also just at home with a summery risotto or pesto. Serve well chilled.

04 COMTESSE MARION ‘PINOT NOIR’ LANGUEDOCROUSSILLON 2022

The fifth generation Vic family are known for their command and knowledge of varietals. Using neither herbicides or pesticides, the rocky, volcanic soil of their vineyards produce compelling and rich bottles. This medium-bodied red evokes a bouquet of fruit, plums, cherries and strawberries all present. Light spice makes this a more robust option, but the silky finish still firmly plants this in summery territory. Excellent paired with smoked meats, pastas, or a rich picnic.

Coming Together:

Staycation at The Junto

At first glance, The Junto may seem like any other hotel in the heart of Ohio's capital. But stepping through the doors, directly into what they named The Trade Room, reveals a world brimming with social connectivity, sophistication, creativity, and excitement. It's a take on hospitality into a realm where ideas flow freely, and boundaries between home, office, social club, and hotel blur beautifully.

Built in Franklinton and inspired by the original "club for mutual improvement" founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1727, The Junto openly welcomes not only overnight guests but a community of thinkers, creators, and visionaries to come and sink into the jewel-toned couches surrounded by books, lounge by the fireplaces and outdoor greenspaces, and savor the slower pace that conversation brings. "The Junto is pioneering an experience-driven approach to hospitality in

Columbus," shares Jason Delcamp, Managing Director at The Junto. "The hotel aims to give people from all backgrounds – visitors, locals, entrepreneurs, and artists alike – a place to come together, exchange ideas, and inspire one another."

During my most recent stay, Delcamp gave me an exclusive tour of the property and its amenities. After years of having the good fortune of staying at top luxury resorts around the globe, I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer attention to detail, care, and luxury The Junto is giving its guests right here in our backyard.

Want a record player for your room? The Junto can provide it. Want a skateboard or bike to see the city? They have that, too. Want a cooler to pack for a picnic? Kayak? Hiking gear? An expansive library of books? The Junto has thought of it all.

Words by Megan Smith

Photography by The Junto

Layout by Bryce Patterson

Placing second in the Best New Hotel category of the prestigious 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice awards, The Junto offers a variety of lounging areas for victuals, from Maudine's for coffee and pastries to Brass Eye for rooftop cocktails and Little West Tavern for a wood-hearth dining experience. Most exciting to me is the poutine window - providing night owls a proper french fry and cheese curd satiation.

As the sun sets over the verdant yard of Dorrian Green, The Junto, in an age marked by restlessness and uncertainty, gives those who walk through its doors a chance to learn, grow, and connect as a community. And for those seeking a little staycation here in the city, a long soak in one of their many inroom deep soak tubs will do just the trick.

The garden is a breath of fresh air peeking through a landscape of car-crowded roads, underinvested infrastructure, and a community recovering from decades of deindustrialization and segregation. It is an all too rare space designed for people in a city crammed with highways, parking lots, and nonplaces. "I think the biggest thing for other people to know, especially working in the greater hilltop area, is that it's a huge service that is needed in the community," Kayla Davis said. "Right now, we have to go to the garden to get your fresh fruits and veggies all throughout the week, so it's a very much utilized resource in the community."

To book a stay, visit thejuntohotel.com

CONNECT with us

(614) Refined is a quarterly magazine dedicated to the places and people we love in our city, living a life of refined sophistication. It's a collection of images and thoughts that we share with you, our like-minded readers who, like us, seek inspiration from both the familiar and the new.

Join us as we explore the quiet luxury our city has to offer. Have a story idea for us? We'd love to hear about it ~

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