Bruce G. Weber by Accent Magazine

FA L L / H O L I D AY S 2 0 1 3 A C C E N T/ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S

TIME TO SHINE!

FASHIONS TO

FALL FOR

SOMETHING SPARKLY: GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

PLUS SPECIAL

BRIDAL SECTION

Christopher Designs

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WELCOME! Welcome to our latest issue of Accent magazine. I hope it gives you an excuse to pause for a moment during this busy pre-holiday season to discover the latest in jewelry, watch and bridal fashions. In addition to some fantastic designer proﬁles, this issue features a special Bridal Section that includes some wonderful photos provided by our customers. And once again we’ve put together a Fall Fashion Section with four trends you can wear casual or dressy. Plus you’ll ﬁnd stories on travel, food and the arts. We’d love to hear from you with suggestions for future articles. And we wish you a happy, healthy fall and holiday season. It will be here before we know it!

SAVE THE DATE!

HOLIDAY PARTY

DECEMBER 13-14

SPECIAL

FALL FASHION

BRIDAL SECTION

PAGE 33

PAGE 23

EVENTS

PAGE 4

CONTENTS FALL/HOLIDAYS 2013

1700 UTICA SQUARE 918-749-1700 800-749-1771 BRUCEGWEBER.COM

P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR

HANS GSCHLIESSER MANAGING EDITOR

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER

FEATURES

PEG EADIE

1 Welcome Letter

PRESIDENT AND CEO

4 Events

BRITTON JONES

8 Caring for the Community

CHAIRMAN AND COO

10 Collections: Willow by David Yurman

MAC BRIGHTON

12 Red Carpet: Dreamy in Black & White

Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary

14 Trend Report: Confident Chic

Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550,

18 Profile: Marco Bicego

BRIDAL SECTION

20 New Jewelry Collections

34 The Advice

Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-

23 Fall Fashion

36 The Dress

46 Perfect Gems

38 Bruce G. Weber Weddings

48 Food: Gulf Gourmet

40 The Diamonds

52 Fitness: Letting Go

43 The Ring

54 Wine: Opus One

44 The Memories

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ers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 11, Issue 2. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

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BRUGE G. WEBER EVENTS

TULSA JEWELRY FANS PARTY WITH PENNY! Bruce G. Weber customers gathered at The Tulsa Garden Center in May to welcome renowned jewelry designer Penny Preville as she presented her new collection of 2013 designs.

This is the box

THAT, FOR OVER FORTY YEARS,

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AND FOR GENERATION AFTER

GENERATION OF CUSTOMERS, IT’S STILL THE ONE

1700 Utica Square, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114

918-749-1700

they look for.

800-749-1771

www.brucegweber.com

Event Winners 2013

The winners of our Spring ReFresh event, Amanda Boyaci, Stephanie Knight, and Karen Dosser recieved a hair and spa treatment from SpaMax, an outfit from Little Black Dress, and a piece of jewelry from our participating jewelers. A percentage of the sales made from this event were donated to The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of Saint Francis.

Pois Moi Collection

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION The world leader in the search for a cure for CF, a fatal genetic disease that affects 30,000 children and adults in the United States, and 70,000 people worldwide.

Cystic fibrosis is primarily a lung disease, caused by a defective gene that makes the body produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections. This mucus also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. People with CF can literally starve to death if they don’t take supplemental pancreatic enzymes. About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year, with more than 70 percent of patients diagnosed by age two. The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is their late-30s. Ten million people in the U.S. — or one in 30 — carry the defective CF gene. And because CF only affects a small portion of the population, it is considered an ‘orphan’ disease. This means there is no government research funding available, so every dollar raised to find a cure comes through donations. CF patients endure multiple treatments each day just to be able to breathe. The average patient takes between 60 and 80 pills a day. They also undergo several breathing treatments, and wear a vest (twice a day for 30 minutes) that vibrates to help break up the mucus in their lungs. CF patients do not always look sick on the outside, but inside is a completely different story. The Foundation’s mission is to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for people living with the disease. It accomplishes this by funding lifesaving research and working to provide access to quality care and effective therapies for people with CF. Nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of the Foundation’s support and its ongoing work with researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to find a cure. The most recent example of the success of the Foundation’s venture philanthropy model is Kalydeco, the first drug to treat the

underlying cause of CF, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals with the support of CF Foundation funding. The Foundation also provides much-needed support for patients and their families as they manage the difficult consequences of the disease. The Foundation supports and accredits a nationwide network of more than 110 CF care centers, which diagnose and treat nearly all CF patients. The Foundation’s care center network is widely recognized as a national model for specialized treatment of a disease. New CF treatments have added years to the lives of those with the disease. However, these treatments are expensive and can place a heavy burden on patients and their families. To help patients obtain essential treatments and information, the Foundation provides a variety of resources ranging from legal help to help accessing treatments. Today, for the first time in the history of the disease, there are therapies in the Foundation’s drug development pipeline that address the underlying cause of CF and hold the promise of significantly improving quality of life and life expectancy. More important, these therapies are unlocking the door to new research paths that could eventually lead to a cure for CF. Because the Foundation receives no federal funding, it depends on the generosity of individual donors, corporations and foundations. Even with the extraordinary progress that has been made, young people are still dying from cystic fibrosis. The public’s continued support of its mission is critical to finding a cure and improving the lives of those with CF. Donors can feel confident in contributing to the Foundation because it is one of the most efficient and effective organizations of its kind. To get involved, contact Christy Rife at crife@cff.org or 918-744-6354. Donations can be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 2642 E 21st Street #100, Tulsa, OK 74114.

COLLECTIONS

ORGANIC HARMONY

David Yurman’s new Willow collection is all about energy, enchantment and enduring magic.

“Like everything in nature, it’s perfectly asymmetric.” —David Yurman

t David Yurman’s country home is a pond, a peaceful place where willows arch over the water. An early evening walk to this spot inspired Willow, a new jewelry collection he created with his wife, Sybil. The graceful designs interpret David Yurman’s iconic cable motif in a feminine way, and effortlessly layer with his existing collections. Like fronds dancing on a light breeze, there is a kinetic energy in Willow. Each strand of cable is carefully placed to create a natural effect, with pavé diamonds shimmering like evening light on velvety, soft buds. “There’s a bit of

organic harmony,” says Yurman. “Like everything in nature, it’s perfectly asymmetric.” Willow also takes a cue from the classics. As with all David Yurman collections, ancient art and symbolism shape each design. In mythology, the willow is the tree of enchantment. Now, in precious metal and sparkling diamonds, you can also be captivated by the Willow collection’s enduring magic. The range of styles includes bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings in sterling silver and 18 karat gold with pavé diamonds.

Three Exceptional Jewelers and a Collection of the World’s Best Brands, All Under One Umbrella.

The Woodlands, Texas www.donohos.com

Columbus, Ohio www.diamondcellar.com

Tulsa, Oklahoma www.brucegweber.com DIAMOND CELLAR HOLDINGS is a family of three of the finest jewelers in the United States. Each store has its own unique heritage, but together they represent almost 150 years of history in the jewelry business. We’ve built our reputation on excellent service, fine craftsmanship and unwavering integrity. That’s why the world’s top jewelry and watch brands trust us. And so can you. A. Jaffe Aaron Basha Adolpho Courrier Alex Woo Baume & Mercier Bell & Ross Breitling Carla Amorim Cartier Charles Krypell Christian Bauer Christine Cooper Hill Christopher Designs Corum

Collegiate Jewels David Yurman Denise Roberge Di Modolo Elizabeth Locke Forevermark Goldman Diana Girard Perregaux Graf von Faber-Castell Gregg Ruth Harry Kotlar Hermes Ippolita Ivanka Trump

Jaeger-LeCoultre Jay Strongwater JB Star John Hardy Kwiat Lagos Marco Bicego Memoire Michael Beaudry Michael Bondanza Michele Mikimoto Patek Philippe Penny Preville

Precision Set Raymond Weil Robert Procop Roberto Coin Roberto Coin Cento Rolex Scott Kay Sterling & Bridal Stephen Webster Soho SUWA Swiss Army TAG Heuer TW Steel William Henry Studio

Red Carpet

DAVE M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGES

BRAD PITT at the London premiere of World War Z

PIAGET

BRIT MARLING at the New York premiere of The East

DREAMY IN BLACK &WHITE Bling shines bright against fashion’s timeless palette.

STUART C. WILSON/GETTY IMAGES FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

CHARRIOL

ZOE SALDANA at the London premiere of Star Trek: Into Darkness

AMBER VALLETTA at an EIF Women’s Cancer Research Fund event

PIAGET

NORMAN SILVERMAN/KATERINA MAXINE

LUCIAN CAPELLARO/GETTY IMAGES FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES

MIREILLE ENOS at the London premiere of World War Z

PATRICIA CLARKSON at the New York Premiere of The East

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

JANELLE MONAE at the BET Awards

CLIVE OWEN at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival

CARRIE PRESTON at the True Blood Season 6 premiere 13

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

STATE ROOM

LIZA MINELLI at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center

TREND REPORT

CONFIDENT

CHIC

Daring designs make this a season to celebrate! LORRAINE DEPASQUE

n jewelry and fashion, the attitude this season is all about self-assured style. As the year has unfolded, designers of both have been showing us collections that focus on strong silhouettes, sculptural shapes and bold color. “In fashion, we’re seeing a new, highly polished adult elegance — finally!” says David Wolfe, creative director of international fabric, color and style forecasting agency The Doneger Group in New York City. “Pantsuits are practical and polished, dresses have simple and sophisticated lines, and accessories have strong shapes with refined detailing,” he explains. And the jewelry? “It’s classy, not flashy!” This fresh, confident chic style frequently channels the Fabulous Forties: lots of cinched waists, full circular skirts, and good-taste glamour like you see on film stars in all those postwar era films, where

everyone was dressed to the nines. For us this season, that 1940s spirit lives side-by-side with style evoked by the two decades that preceded it, too. Says Cindy Edelstein, president of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, marketing and trends specialist in contemporary fine designer luxury brands, “Often it takes more than one cultural wave to create a major trend tsunami, and this year we had the Downton Abbey craze crash into The Great Gatsby. The romanticism of flappers and moonshine speakeasies inspired many goldsmiths to create geometric-shaped jewels that borrowed from the silhouettes and symmetry of Art Deco.” Given the new Forties flair that’s recently entered the scene, there are many jewelry collections being done in bold yellow or rose gold. Cocktail rings are one

From top: Ivanka Trump pink opal and diamond pendant in 18K gold from the Toulouse collection, inspired by Art Deco, Ivanka Trump aquamarine and 18K white gold layering necklace from the Patras collection, Stephen Webster Fly by Night collection stacking rings with black and white diamonds

A little color can make a big splash

The colored stone jewelry collection, exclusively at Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels.

Clockwise from top left: Roberto Coin bangles and rings in high-polished 18K rose gold from the Pois Moi collection, Charles Krypell sterling silver lariat necklace with black sapphires, Charles Krypell sterling silver and black sapphire bracelet with toggle clasp, Ivanka Trump bold gold ring in 18K yellow gold from the Metropolis collection, Roberto Coin rings in 18K rose gold from the Black Jade collection, featuring green chalcedony and black jade, Stephen Webster hexagonal silhouette earrings of green agate and the designer’s signature faceted quartz crystal, from the 1920s-inspired Deco Haze collection

key to Forties fab; as you may recall, the mammoth rings came into fashion in the Thirties but grew in popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. Some of the best new cocktail rings — also known as ‘dinner rings’ back then — are rose gold. “It’s great to see rose gold back in the spotlight again,” says Edelstein. “Gold in general is coming on strong, warming up the big ‘white out’ that we saw in metals for the past few years.”

incidentally, comes in a spectrum of shades — black, pink, pale green — and that’s part of the excitement of new contemporary opal designs. October girls may claim opal as their birthstone, but it’s a gem so mesmerizing that every woman should have something special in opal.

Fashionable Shades In the coming months, as you add to your colored gemstone jewelry wardrobe, consider blue, pink, green and black. Some of the best blues in the new collections are aquamarine, lapis, tanzanite, blue sapphire and blue topaz. There’s a great deal more lapis and tanzanite fashion jewelry this year than last, so definitely ask us to show you some new pieces in these stunning gems. In pink, some of the hottest looks come in tone-on-tone, rose gold jewelry set with one or more of these pink-hued gems: pink opal, pink sapphire, rose quartz, pink tourmaline, or pink-hued mandarin garnet. With Emerald being the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year, finding something with emeralds that’s exactly to your taste is easy this year. But because of Pantone’s brilliant choice, luxury brands have some other great greens in their new collections too, especially opal, green chalcedony, chrysoberyl and green agate. Vivid green gems were popular during the Art Deco period, so again, with jewelry designers beautifully obsessed with the retro aesthetic, you’ll find some dazzling greens in new jewelry that echoes that glamorous era in particular. Finally, rounding out our fab four of important gem colors this season... black is back. Of course, as David Wolfe says, “Black never, ever really goes away.” Not in clothes, and certainly not in jewelry. What tends to trend, however, are the different varieties of black stones; this year, be sure to look at new noir statements in black jade, black sapphire, black diamond and black onyx.

Stacking for Style Dramatic ring looks can also be created through the art of stacking. For holiday 2013, being in vogue — for daywear and evening — often means stacking on rings and bangles and layering in pendants with necklaces. “With all the clean lines and pure shapes in fashion — sans the details of seasons past — fall/winter readyto-wear and couture is perfect for layering on jewelry,” says Wolfe. Especially with gifting season coming up, jewelry that stacks and layers should definitely be a part of your wish list. No woman can ever have too many bands, bracelets, necklaces or pendants! “While stacking has been popular for awhile,” says Edelstein, “a new added trend this year is putting on multiples of tiny bands, ultra-thin bangles, and wispy chains for a more delicate, yet still very interesting, layered look.” Many of the newest uber-long chains have stations of gem slices that impart pops of color. Because light passes through the twodimensional sliced gems, much like when sunlight shines through a stained glass window, the jewels always have a liveliness to them. On-trend Gems

Without a doubt, both emeralds and opals continue to shine as some of the most ‘in’ gems this season. Both stones began propelling back into fashion popularity in early 2012, but now you’ll see many innovative looks with these special gems. Opal, not

grande Colore

Nobody does big color like Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels

1700 Utica Square, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114

918-749-1700

800-749-1771

www.brucegweber.com

PROFILE How has your design sensibility changed over the years? M y jewelry is always something of an evolution: every season I add new elements. For example, in my new M urano Link collection, an extension of my M urano collection launched last year, I mix my signature hand-engraved links with polish-finished elements. The balance of these two textures is the collection’s hallmark. Are your designs still focused on gold? Yes. We will always design using 1 8K yellow gold since it’s intrinsic to our brand DNA and my personal goldsmithing heritage. But I like to balance my offerings by adding in pops of color: semi-precious stones or sometimes sapphires. I strive to combine rich color with hand-crafted 1 8K yellow gold so the pieces remain timeless, classic and true to the brand heritage. How are American women different from Italian women in their jewelry preferences? American women have perfected the art of layering, of interpreting my jewelry in a way that’s more personal. Italian women are more traditional, less trendconscious. They’d never go into a store asking about the newest collection; instead, they buy jewelry for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries… How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you? I consider myself the classic Italian man. I married my beautiful high school sweetheart. I love to cook for my family and one of my favorite ingredients is mushrooms; I go hunting for them during truffle season in the mountains by my home in Asiago, Italy. I also play on a soccer team every week (midfield position). Then after the game or practice, I enjoy dinner and a few beers with my friends. It keeps me young! Who are your heroes? M y father. I grew up working in his goldsmithing factory, where I would watch the artisans at work and try my hand at making pieces of my own. In 2000 I ventured out on my own and started M arco Bicego. But my father remains a tremendous inspiration. . What in your life are you most proud of? Thirteen years ago when I started my company, my dream was to create something unique and expand the brand internationally. Today, we are present in more than 500 of the best stores around the world. M y designs are recognizable, yet discreet enough to be worn on many occasions by many types of stylish women. So I am most proud that my dream has become a reality!

BALANCING ACT Marco Bicego’s design philosophy matches his life philosophy: find your passion and run with it! KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

How do you manage to balance your passion for work with your passion for living? M y family is and will always be my top priority. Lucky for me that my family is a huge part of my business. I feel so fortunate that I have the best of both worlds… and there’s always time for Franciacorta, my favorite wine! What life lesson do you most want to teach your children? I always tell my three kids that the secret to happiness is to do what you love, so you can wake up in the morning and be excited about the day. So my wish for them is that they discover their passion. (And if it happens to be jewelry, I’d be really happy!)

NEW COLLECTIONS

POIS MOI BY ROBERTO COIN

fter the huge success of his Appassionata collection, Roberto Coin was looking for something with an innovative design that was able to become an evergreen for its style, just as Appassionata did. The new Pois Moi collection has an ultra-modern design with a touch of vintage taste and is able to ﬁt any woman perfectly. Its pattern comes from mixing different texture ideas, from the world of golf, from the recent shiny return of gold and from the ‘pois trend’ in the most famous fashion shows. Furthermore the soft square shape ﬁnds its inspiration in the Italian vintage trend called ‘television shape,’ recalling the old monitors of the 1950s.

CARLA AMORIM

he abundance of nature in Brazil coupled with the stunning modern architectural work of Oscar Niemeyer are brought together in Carla Amorim's jewelry creations. These contemporary, fresh and feminine designs make exquisite use of the remarkable variety of precious Brazilian stones, gold and diamonds.

DENISE ROBERGÉ

eatured here is Denise Robergé’s new gold and gunmetal collection. She is known for her old-world, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each piece is designed, cast and ﬁnished in her workshop using 22K yellow gold, South Sea pearls, semi-precious and precious stones. Robergé’s designs are very distinctive, reminiscent of years gone by, and available exclusively at Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels and at her own shop in Palm Desert.

BELL & ROSS

ach Bell & Ross watch is an exceptional piece built around a highly complex and precise mechanism, which day after day takes part in the conquest of the sky, land and sea. Designed for professionals who demand optimal reliability, Bell & Ross watches meet four fundamental principles: readability, performance, precision and water-resistance.

Celebrate.

The three-stone anniversary ring from Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels.

1700 Utica Square, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114

(918) 749-1700

www.brucegweber.com

FALL FASHION Fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorites for 2013 range from futuristic prints to an unexpected mix of textures and luxurious fabrics.Whether you are dressing up for a night out or dressing down for a day of play, we have you covered with four of our favorite trends. Clothing by Rowe Boutique

This page: Denise RobergĂŠ Leather and 22K Yellow Gold Coin Bracelet $6,220, Charles Krypell Sterling Silver and Black and White Sapphire Saddle Ring $2,596, Cord Bracelet with Black Onyx Beads $710, Cord Bracelet with Sterling Silver and Diamond Beads $1,545, Rolex Stainless Steel and 18K Yellow Gold Datejust with Diamond Bezel $16,150, Elizabeth Locke 19K Yellow Gold Dragon Pendant $3,800, David Yurman Potpourri Bead Necklace $3,300 Opposite page: Ippolita Pyrite Gelato Necklace $9,500, Rolex 18K Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Datejust $10,900, Scott Kay Olive Sapphire Ring $1,095, Stephen Webster Envy Eye Pendant $695, 18K Yellow Gold Stardust Bangle $12,000, Yellow Gold Remount Ring Prices Vary, Ippolita Pyrite Lollipop Ring with Diamonds $2,395

THE GILDED AGE Gold has always added a certain alluring element to any garment. The opulent shine of the hue creates a look of luxury that is ubiquitous this season.

DON’T SWEAT IT

Sweatshirts are no longer just for casual wear. Fashion ‘It Girls’ are wearing theirs in less sporty ways. Try pairing your sweatshirt with leather trousers, fitted blazers and jewels this season for a chic yet oh-so-comfortable look.

This page: Stephen Webster African ButterďŹ&#x201A;y Earrings $14,500, Stephen Webster African ButterďŹ&#x201A;y Ring $11,500, Rolex Datejust with Diamond Bezel $19,500, Scott Kay Sterling Silver Heart Pendant $425, David Yurman Cable Coil Necklace $1,750 Opposite page: Scott Kay Black Spinel and Tsavorite Garnet Alligator Ring $595, David Yurman Classic Watch $2,900, Scott Kay Bangles starting at $115, Stephen Webster Silver Superstud Necklace $695, Stephen Webster RhodiumPlated Silver Superstud Necklace $795, Scott Kay Sterling Silver and Black Spinel Drop Earrings $395

This page: Rolex Stainless Steel and 18K White Gold Daisy Datejust $10,700, David Yurman Sterling Silver Midnight Melange Bracelet with Diamonds $2,700, David Yurman Sterling Silver Midnight Melange Bracelet with Diamonds $2,400, Rhodium-Plated 14K White Gold and Diamonds Ring $990, Ippolita 18K Yellow Gold Stardust Dome Ring $9,500, Sterling Silver and 14K Yellow Gold Teardrop Pendant with Diamonds $11,748 Opposite page: Ippolita Hematite Stella Ring with Diamonds $1,995, 18K White Gold Agate, Sapphire, and Diamond Earrings $2,385, Roberto Coin Sterling Silver Stingray Necklace $836, David Yurman Black Ceramic and Sterling Silver Classic $3,700, Penny Preville Sapphire and Diamond Ring $2,995

OUT OF THIS WORLD

In a galaxy far far away, there lived a fashion trend that has just landed on this planet. Galactic prints, glittering fabrics and moon-like jewels are creating a fashion universe that is totally out of this world.

This page: John Hardy Hematite Naga Batu Square Ring $895, Rolex 18K White Gold Daytona with Diamond Bezel $53,400, Black Mother-of-Pearl and Rhodium Flower Ring with Diamonds $1,320, Stephen Webster Sterling Silver Superstud Earrings with Black Diamonds $1,195, Stephen Webster Sterling Silver Cats Eye Crystal Haze Necklace $1,295, Stephen Webster Sterling Silver Stud and Diamond Chain $850, John Hardy Batu Bedeg Tassel $1,495, Stephen Webster Sterling Silver and Rhodium-Plated Forget-Me-Knot Bangles $795 Opposite page: Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Necklaces, Price Upon Request, Ippolita Mother-of-Pearl Lollipop Ring $3,295, 18K White Gold Diamond Halo Ring $29,925, Rolex Stainless Steel and 18K Rose Gold Datejust with Diamond Accented Bezel $14,250

LUXE LEATHER

Leather is the chameleon of the season, taking on many shapes and forms from rocker chic to feminine flair. No matter what your style, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no going wrong when adding a touch of leather to your wardrobe.

DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS FROM BRUCE G. WEBER PRECIOUS JEWELS.

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THE ADVICE

Rethink your setting, refresh your ring! metals. Add diamond eternity bands (prong set or channel set), or try more colorful gemstones for a change. Mix modern with vintage. Whatever combination you choose, creating an outline on either side of your original rings will often enhance their importance.

Re-setting your diamond will give your rings a brand new look while holding on to the sentiment of your original commitment. One caveat: If it’s an old family heirloom, we will need to have our jewelers carefully inspect your gemstone to be sure there are no imperfections or flaws that could affect remounting. Assuming it’s fine, you have several options: adding baguette side stones, creating a halo of smaller diamonds around the center stone (a popular option these days), or working with our experts to custom design a unique and original setting. If you don’t want to re-set your stone, a current trend is to stack on additional bands for a layered effect. Add as many as you like: the only limitation is the length of your finger! Mix

Platinum is known for being the strongest metal; is that my best choice for bridal jewelry? Platinum is definitely a great choice because of its strength; white gold has also been popular for the past few decades. But yellow gold is making a big fashion comeback and there’s no reason it can’t also be used for bridal jewelry. In fact, stylish celebrities from Jennifer Aniston to Miley Cyrus have recently chosen yellow gold for their rocks! The perception that yellow gold is soft is true only in its purest form: 24 karat. The most popular form is 14 karat, a blend of pure gold with an alloy

B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

that actually makes it extremely durable and a great choice for bridal jewelry.

Nothing gets my diamond rings clean like a visit to the store for a professional polish. But how can I get the same sparkle between cleanings? Google “how to clean a diamond” and you’ll read about home steam cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, toothpaste, baking soda solutions, denture-cleaning tablets, ammonia and warm soapy water. Bottom line: it’s always best to visit us for a complimentary inspection and cleaning whenever you think it’s needed. We also carry some excellent cleansers and ultrasonics that can be safely used at home between professional cleanings if you so desire. Your diamond is precious: why mess around with home remedies?

IMAGE COURTESY PRECISION SET

I love my wedding and engagement rings, but I’m ready for a change. Any suggestions for an easy update?

I S

M Y

E V E RY T H I N G

THE CENTER OF MY UNIVERSE™ FROM FOREVERMARK

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THE DRESS

FALL 2013 STYLES Clockwise: Papillon, Madeline and Creme Brulee designed by Monique Lhuillier

SPRING 2014 STYLES Clockwise: Paris, Intrigue and Jolie designed by Monique Lhuillier

GownEnvy

DROP-DEAD-GORGEOUS DRESSES FOR THE DISCERNING BRIDE. Disappointed by the lack of options during her own search for a wedding gown, Monique Lhuillier decided to take matters into her own hands. Driven by a lifelong love of fashion and a natural inclination towards bridal and evening dresses, she set out to present a collection of modern and fashion-forward wedding gowns. Lhuillier and husband Tom Bugbee established the brand in 1996, and she showed her first collection that same year to acclaim from buyers, press and consumers.Today, Monique Lhuillier is recognized as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost bridal and evening gown designers. Based on the success of her couture gowns, Lhuillier has expanded her offerings to a complete readyto-wear collection, bridesmaids dresses and gowns for special events. A red carpet favorite, stars from Jessica Chastain to BeyoncĂŠ regularly show off Monique Lhuillier designs at awards shows and events. Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Underwood and Vanessa Lachey all recently wed in gowns by the designer. Despite the limiting parameters of wedding gown design (of which color is the most obvious), Lhuillier manages to present fresh and inspired designs season after season. This year, look for lots of tulle and texture, overlays and lace. Necklines are tasteful, and sleeves are surprisingly sheer and sexy. Threedimensional embellishments, including delicate butterflies and flowers, add just the right finishing touch. Monique Lhuillier has become synonymous with refined design, meticulous construction and unparalleled glamour. What more could you ask for in your once-in-a-lifetime dress? B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

ENGAGEMENTS

& WEDDINGS

B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

BLAKE LEILA REDWINE Married June 15, 2013

BRYAN LAUREN COHEN Married April 28, 2013

STEVE CASSANDRA CIGLAR Married July 10, 2013

ROSS SMITH BRITELLE CHANDLER Engaged to be Married May 24, 2014

SETH LAUREN LEONARD Married June 29, 2013 Ace Cuervo Photography

Tracey Mootry Photography

CHRIS KATHY FIELDS Married November 17, 2012

ZACH CRANE KATIE GANT

Engaged to be Married June 14, 2014

JOEY RACHEL BRUNS Married August 11, 2012

GEORGE ALISON RAPTOU Married June 22, 2013

CHASE SARAH COATES Married November 17, 2012

ERIC DAVIS KAITLIN HAESLOOP Engaged to be Married October 26, 2013

B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

THE DIAMONDS

AJourney Gems Your search for the perfect diamond engagement ring can be overwhelming enough without having to worry that the stones you choose were mined safely and ethically. Luckily, as part of the De Beers group of companies, the world’s foremost diamond experts for over 120 years, Forevermark can guarantee the conflict-free origins and unsurpassed quality of each of its stones. Forevermark diamonds only come from sources that are committed to the highest business, social and environmental standards. Not only are they conflict-free, but they actively benefit the people, communities and countries from which they originate. Each and every partner must meet the Forevermark Integrity Requirements, a groundbreaking set of rigorous standards for the diamond industry. The world’s leading independent auditor, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), continually inspects and monitors every Forevermark partner to ensure compliance with these standards. This ongoing process ensures that the supply chain is deemed responsible at every stage. Once the responsibly mined stones arrive at The Forevermark Diamond Institute in Antwerp, Belgium, expert gemologists assess each one according to the most rigorous criteria in the industry. The diamonds are then beautifully cut and crafted, using skill and artistry passed down through generations by a select group of master craftsmen called Forevermark Diamantaires. After a polished stone is deemed worthy of B R I D A L

the designation, the Forevermark icon and a unique identification number are inscribed on its table facet. Ultimately, less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to bear this inscription. Invisible to the naked eye, the actual size of the Forevermark inscription is only 1/20th of a micron deep and can only be seen using a special viewer available at authorized jewelers. It is confirmed by leading gemological institutes that the Forevermark inscription does not affect the internal quality of a diamond in any way. The Forevermark icon inscribed on each diamond is simply a promise that the diamond has been carefully selected to meet Forevermark’s standards of beauty, rarity and responsibility. The expert gemologists then personally approve each exclusive Forevermark Diamond Grading Report — about the shape and size of a passport — with meticulous attention to detail. The cut, color, clarity and caratage of each diamond are clearly identified, along with the unique identification number inscribed on the diamond and a specifically designed security hologram, providing reassurance that the Forevermark Diamond Grading Report is valid and genuine. As you select your perfect Forevermark diamond, your authorized jeweler will present you with this Forevermark Diamond Grading Report, an accurate blueprint of the one diamond you’ll want to spend the rest of your life with. S E C T I O N

PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY. Weight Carat 1.53

ColorE Grade Grade Clarity VS1

Grade CutExcellent

Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621 Natural Diamond Not Synthetic

For over 80 years, GIA has brought clarity and global standards to gem evaluation. A GIA report means expert, independent veriﬁcation from the creator of the 4Cs and the world’s most widely recognized gem authority.

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BY LORRAINE D E PASQUE

THE RING

SomethingBold SomethingYou! TODAY’S BRIDAL JEWELRY OFFERS DAZZLING DETAILS TO EMPHASIZE PERSONAL TASTE.

“Don’t settle for a relationship that won’t let you be yourself” is one of Oprah Winfrey’s most famous and repeated quotes about the bond between two people in love. In the same way, no bride-to-be should settle for wedding rings that won’t let her be herself. How fortunate then that there are so many choices today. White,Yellow, Rose... or Maybe Two-toned? Be open to the possibilities, because the new rule is that there are no rules! White gold or platinum, yellow gold or rose gold — it’s up to you. In an Accent exclusive interview with Colin Cowie, renowned wedding and event planner/design consultant/television personality/author of 11 books and a spokesman for Platinum Guild International, Cowie reminds brides that “just like looking at pictures of your wedding day hairstyle, you never want to look at your wedding rings in 20 years and ask, ‘What was I thinking?’” So whatever your personal style, be sure to choose something that you love now and can see yourself loving for years to come.

Diamond Cuts with Cachet The important thing to remember about diamond cuts is the better the cut, the more brilliant the stone. A strong trend has been rings that evoke past eras, so by extension, the diamonds used in those rings — especially cushion cuts, rose cuts and emerald cuts — are vintage in feel. Cushions, particularly, have had incredible renewed popularity. Another beautiful choice is a ring designed with a halo of small stones around the cushion-cut center stone, giving the center diamond an even bigger look.

IMAGES COURTESY CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS, PRECISION SET, CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS

Engaging Colors Beyond White Diamonds Whatever setting and stone you decide on, remember that white diamonds aren’t the only option. You may want to look at blue sapphire (thanks to Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, more brides than ever are selecting this option as a center stone). Even more popular are natural color diamonds: yellow, pink, blue, green... the full spectrum. And did you know that natural color diamonds are actually rarer than white diamonds? So while a diamond engagement ring is, obviously, special unto itself, choosing fancy color diamonds can actually make your ring even more unique. While there are certainly many choices today, if you think a custom design might be more what you’re looking for, discuss the options with your jeweler. Bring in a magazine, tear sheets of ads you’ve seen — the more examples you can show, the better. As Colin Cowie says, “These are your bridal rings, so buy whatever you want. The important thing is this: There’s no such thing as a wedding without a ring!”

B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

THE MEMORIES

BY ELISE DIAMANTINI

Capturing theMoment A VINTAGE FEEL Super 8 Films creates vintage-looking videos using super 8 film and retro video cameras. “I like the look and feel of older formats,” explains owner Megan Hill. “The final aesthetic is similar to what people like about Instagram filters. You can choose the pretty, soft look, a retro look with color reversal, or traditional black and white.” The goal is not to create long, boring movies that show every detail of the day, but to capture the overall feeling and emotion. Hill tries to “catch the natural moments: nothing is posed, we don’t ask anyone to do anything over. And we’re not ‘wedding paparazzi.’ Our style is to use minimal equipment.” Super 8 is a silent format, so added music plays an important role. (As a former DJ, she has a large selection of options.) The final edit will range from eight to 20 minutes, and prices average around $5,000. SAME-DAY EDITS Imagine your wedding dinner is just coming to a close. The lights go down, a screen goes up and your wedding video begins to play. Same-day edits are becoming increasingly popular, says B R I D A L

Zugelter. “They’re even better when you surprise your guests. I’ve seen couples surprise their parents; once a bride even surprised the groom. He was speechless!” Couples are encouraged to be introduced, cut the cake and have their first dance before the last edit, in order to include it all in the final version. Zugelter and his team record sound, so vows and speeches can be included in the film if you wish. Studio Z’s same-day edits are about four to five minutes long; prices average around $5,500. POPPING THE QUESTION Proposal films are another recent trend. Justin says they’re lots of fun because they tend to be very creative. “They take a lot of planning and attention to detail, and it’s a collaborative effort between me and the person proposing. The videos are usually more public, but they can also be private and intimate. For example, Luck was a video I filmed about a guy who felt unlucky until he met his wife. The film opens with him talking about his unlucky life, and then cuts to when he met his now-wife. He had filmed a lot of the special moments throughout their relationship, so we use some of his footage and end with him proposing and her reaction; it’s very emotional.” Proposal films can range from two to 10 minutes depending on how elaborate the plan. SAVE THE DATE Save the date videos are an innovative way to get the word out to your loved ones. Couples typically send a postcard or a magnet, but now they’re including a URL directing guests to a website to watch a short film. Justin remembers one couple planning to get married on October 19th: they filmed in NYC on 10th and 19th Streets; they took a cab ride and stopped the meter at $10.19. It’s a cute way to get guests excited, and it will be just as much fun to watch as it was to make. S E C T I O N

IMAGE COURTESY STUDIO Z FILMS

Those tacky, lengthy wedding videos that you may (or may not) have watched before are long gone! Taking their place are artsy, beautifully edited short films that capture the essence of your wedding. “My goal is for people who may not know the bride and groom to walk away feeling like they do,” says Steve Zugelter of Studio Z Films. “When future generations of the family watch the film, they can see how she walked, how she smiled, who she was…” To tell your unique story, “We discuss story points in a preliminary meeting,” explains Michael Justin of Michael Justin Films. “We want to know about the most meaningful people and moments so we’re sure to highlight them.” Here, we explore several of the new cinematic styles.

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PERFECTGEMS EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

For over 60 years the Italians have kept Franciacorta pretty much to themselves. This lively and sophisticated sparkling wine from the Lombardy region is not only considered the best in Italy, but many connoisseurs regard it as one of the finest sparkling wines in the world. The most prestigious Franciacorta is produced by award-winning oenologist Mattia Vezzola at Bellavista, a nearly 500-acre vineyard owned by the Moretti family. To help celebrate the season, Bellavista Franciacorta is now available at chic shops across America. (Impress your guests with the top marque, Vittorio Moretti Millesimato Extra Brut 2004.) If you want to experience Franciacorta at the source, visit L’Albereta, the Morettis’ beautiful Relais & Chateaux villa overlooking the vineyards and Lake Iseo, to taste the wines and wander the picturesque Lombardy countryside.

PRIVACY ON THE HIGH SEAS

With just one cabin, ideal for an amorous couple, the sleek, 100-foot Alexa is the ultimate in romance on the sea, cruising the Indian Ocean and catering to the tender twosome’s every whim. The quarters feature antique and contemporary art, silk rugs, a white ensuite bedroom surrounded by windows, and a balcony for private breakfasts or late-night stargazing. Seven crewmembers include the captain, the cruise directors (who are also dive masters), the chef (who prepares gourmet food paired with excellent wines), and because the Alexa is co-owned by Talika, the innovative French cosmetic brand, a resident skin therapist. The ardent duo decides the schedule, activities and itinerary: dive to untouched coral reefs, explore uninhabited islands, have a massage or a full program of personalized beauty treatments, swim naked with manta rays... or just make love all day.

CREATURES AND COMFORTS

JOHN ALDERSON/CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the heart of the 75,000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, the Molori Safari Lodge is a captivating combination of stylish interior design and fascinating wildlife. The five suites’ interiors are by Fendi, Kenneth Cobonpue and Philipp Plein. There are wooden decks, private infinity pools and fully retractable floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Molori’s cuisine is under the direction of gourmet chefs, who prepare meals from local ingredients and serve them alongside South African wines. Outside, there’s fishing in the Groot Marico River or golf at nearby courses. The view from the swimming pool includes a watering hole that attracts black and white rhino and zebras. And there are elephants, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, brown hyenas, hippopotami and more than 340 bird species, most of which can be seen during one of the customized game drives.

CELEBRATING STYLE

YOUR VERY OWN CHOCOLATE

The Chicago History Museum is currently presenting Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair. Beginning in 1958 and continuing for 50 years, the Ebony Fashion Fair traveling fashion show blossomed into an American institution that raised millions for charity. The Chicago History Museum presentation, one of the largest special exhibitions in the museum’s history, introduces visitors to Eunice Walker Johnson, who became Ebony Fashion Fair’s producer and director in 1963 and brought the pinnacle of European fashion to communities that were eager to see new images of black America. The 7,000-square-foot display, with over 60 magnificent garments from designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Givenchy, Christian LaCroix and Patrick Kelly, will be running through the winter.

Tache Artisan Chocolate on New York City’s Lower East Side is the creation of Aditi Malhotra, a graduate of the Glion Institute in Switzerland and the French Culinary Institute. Her handcrafted confections, made from Peruvian, Venezuelan, Brazilian and Belgian chocolate (no artificial colorings, flavorings or additives) include gold dusted Champagne truffles, chocolates with imported orange and lemon peel, and the remarkable tequila bonbon, a dark chocolate shell filled with tequila ganache and topped off with fleur de sel and lime. Malhotra also makes and ships personalized chocolates, filled or mixed with just about anything: an abundance of fruit… nuts and spices… a favorite vintage wine or liqueur... maybe even blue cheese. The sky (or at least the Milky Way) is the limit.

FOOD

GULF GOURMET

The food’s haute in Low Country. SHIRA LEVINE

CHEF STEVE ZUCKER

Some of the best chefs start very young: you were 17. Because I was extremely young and raw, I was able to fall in love with cooking and really go for it. But I had to learn the old-school way, first by watching and then working my way up. I did that before I went to culinary school and it has benefited me my whole career. I learned to have eyes in the back of my head and multitask. You’ve cooked all around the world, yet you still live in a small beach town along the Gulf of Alabama. I’ve traveled all over: South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, France. I’ve worked in Maui, Las Vegas. I went to Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island. But honestly, there is nowhere I’d rather be than here in Alabama, working with Big Bob on our good food and good hospitality. We’re running 12 different kitchens. We have some restaurants that were destroyed by hurricanes. But the reality is, everywhere I’ve lived there has been [the threat that] something devastating can happen. Down here we have tough people who love life. They appreciate every day. Why is the South such a special place for food? A gumbo can change from town to town. (Our gumbo made the Guinness Book of World Records!) Everyone has their own unique style; I love that and I love traveling through these states learning about the history of our food. We have the best blue crabs, better than the Chesapeake’s, and the most incredible oysters. Our red snapper, grouper, mahi and flounder are killer good. Then we have great dirt for vegetables and fruit, and plenty of game: deer, alligator, rabbit. What has influenced you as a chef? I’m influenced by Louisiana, where I’m from, but Lower Alabama is my home now. We have great people making great sauces using the greatest ingredients. Jean Louis Palladin and John Besh are chefs that have inspired me. Michel Richard changed my outlook on food. He put on a meal with texture as well as flavor, textures I’d never experienced before. I ate with him at Citrus in L.A. on my way to Taipei, and he used a lot of crazy savory stuff. What are your favorite dishes? I love something as simple as a Gulf oyster or a simply prepared fish. And there is nothing better than a good gumbo. What about non-southern food? Likes or dislikes? I love me some kimchee. I’m not a huge fan of tripe.

outhern kitchens have long produced some of the best chefs (and most delicious dishes) in America. The post-colonial influences of Creole, African, Cajun, French and Native American cultures have infused powerful, exotic flavors into what can now be considered not just southern food, but southern cuisine. Cooking pros and restaurant reviewers with a focus on this epicurean niche know that all the good grub can no longer be lumped into the ‘greasy spoon and fried’ category. Rather, they recognize the Low Country for its unique ingredients and ability to infuse traditional classics with cutting-edge innovation. Historically, agriculture has thrived down in the five Gulf States — Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida — due to rich, fertile soil and the Gulf of Mexico’s warm, seafood-filled waters. But despite the wealth of fresh ingredients, southern living hasn’t always been easy living. The last seven years have pummeled the region with deadly hurricanes and record-breaking flooding of the Mississippi River system, not to mention one of the worst oil spills in recorded history. But business is back: docks have been rebuilt, boats restored and cleaned. Ecosystems and estuaries are returning to their former splendor. We spoke with top chefs from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi about their home-cooked chow and the love and passion they deliver onto our plates.

IMAGE TOP LEFT GETTY 1

Corporate chef for Aloha Hospitality based in Orange Beach, Alabama

ONE OF A KIND, ONE PIECE AT A TIME, EACH BY HAND

CHEF ROB STINSON Owner of Salute Italian Seafood, Lookout Seafood & Steaks, and Back Bay Seafood Tell us about what inspired you to become a chef. I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 15 working as a busboy. I moved to New Orleans at a young age to start my culinary career with Cordon Bleu Chef Gerald Thabuis at Broussard’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. I furthered my education in Italy working with Master Italian Chef Ciro Cuomo, and eventually moved to Long Beach, Mississippi, where I opened my first self-owned restaurant, Long Beach Lookout. Italy in general is my true inspiration for great food and wine. (I could retire there tomorrow and be content.) I really love Long Beach and Gulfport because it’s where restaurants have prospered. I’m proud to call those areas home now. I have opened 31 restaurants, six of my own; I love the thrill and excitement of opening restaurants. What makes Mississippi so special for you? We have the best seafood in the world. Back in the late-1800s, Biloxi was the seafood capital of the country and had already started shipping seafood all over the country by railroad. The flavors of the South are truly different than anywhere else: spicy, flavorful, with a unique blend of immigrant influences. You’ve gone to great lengths to share how healthy your food can be. What’s the trick? The trick is to package healthy in a way that makes customers feel as if they’re not sacrificing taste. Great spicy, sweet and sour flavors add contrast in the dishes; texture and color give the diner the experience of eating with their eyes and taste buds, to bring about satisfaction while still eating healthy. Fresh local produce, seafood and proteins help. I find that crisp, colorful veggies as additions to our fresh-seared entrees make the diner feel he’s gotten his money’s worth. My new show, Fit to Eat, which airs on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, has allowed me to showcase some of my favorite local ingredients prepared in a healthy manner. Where do you like to eat when you’re not busy cooking? My favorite restaurant is Bayona in New Orleans. Chef and owner Susan Spicer is truly the ultimate creative talent. My favorite restaurant in Mississippi is Jordan River Steamer owned by Hank Plauche. Unfortunately, Isaac destroyed his great location, but he’s in the process of rebuilding. What are your personal comfort foods? Shrimp, chicken and veggies prepared Asian style.

CHEFS NEALY CRAWFORD AND KEITH FRENTZ Married chef duo and owners of Lola in Covington, Louisiana Do you like working together as a couple? It’s great, there’s no question about it. We’re a package. Of course we have ups and downs depending on our moods, but we know what each other needs to get the job done. There isn’t a lot of talking in our kitchen. We can be at each other’s throats, but 99 percent of the time we’re good. We always end with a smile and a quiet ride home. As young chefs starting to garner buzz, why did you opt to open a restaurant outside of the New Orleans-proper food scene? We left the city because of Hurricane Katrina; we opened the January after it hit. Our restaurant is in Covington, where I’m from. The first year we opened we were voted Best Chefs of the North Shore of Louisiana. We got Chefs to Watch in Louisiana Cooking magazine; we were two of the five. This year we were named the King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood and we got second place in the Great American Seafood Cook-off. We do a lot of community work as well, so people have really gotten to know Lola and us. How do you describe Louisiana food, and what makes it so special? We are comfort food. We’re Sunday family dinner with a fancy twist. We take those old southern recipes and use newer ingredients. We’ll use different types of rice blends in our jambalaya to make a different flavor; we put mascarpone in our grits and collard greens. We can walk to the corner fish market and buy fish and shrimp that, just hours before, were swimming in the salty water of the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. Simple food has developed over the years from farmers’ tables. It’s food that was always seasonally influenced and home grown. What should people know about southern food that they might not already know? You have to take your time to research a city and be food-aware of the area. Southern food doesn’t have to be the tourist crap with cream sauce. At Lola, we grill, roast and braise to get away from that stigma of being fried, greasy and buttery. We let our fresh crab and shrimp speak for themselves. What’s your favorite restaurant other than your own? We like Patois in uptown New Orleans, and also Dominica. Those are our local favorites. With our second child on the way, we haven’t been traveling much! But there is this little yellow, open-air restaurant in Cozumel, Mexico that we love. It’s so authentic and cool, with fresh fish and killer salsa. We are Mexican food freaks.

Exclusively at

FITNESS

LETTING GO

erial yoga is a new form of yoga practice, but it’s quickly gaining traction across the world. As a support prop, students use a silk or nylon hammock anchored to the ceiling to assist in performing zero-compression inversions. Most classes are 60 to 90 minutes long and allow for around 12 students, depending on the number of hammocks a particular studio has installed. The support allows students to get into the full expression of postures without overstretching or straining, so it’s the perfect complement to any yoga practice. It’s no wonder celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Katie Couric and Mariah Carey are fans. Michelle Dortignac, creator of Unnata Aerial Yoga, came up with her style while she was teaching Vinyasa yoga and taking aerial acrobatics classes. She realized that the acrobatics worked her core in a completely different way, and she also recognized that getting into backbends was easier and less painful. So she created a style of yoga that utilizes a hammock suspended in the air, to bring the best of both worlds into one practice. Harmony Hofner, owner of Flying Fitness, was trained by Dortignac and now offers Unnata Aerial Yoga at her studio in Costa Rica. She explains that “practitioners are guided to discover a deeper awareness of self through an accessible and playful yoga practice. In each of our aerial classes, one trains in flexibility, strength, mobility and agility while experiencing joy. I enjoy setting people free from their normal routines and helping them deepen their yoga practices.” Christopher Harrison, who developed suspension fitness and AntiGravity Aerial Yoga, says some people are scared to try it. ”But if they

can do three sit-ups, one push-up and can hold plank position for 10 seconds, then they can do it,” he asserts. “We even offer AntiGravity restorative yoga, where the hammock is only eight inches off the ground. The hammock allows you to open space in the body and decompress the spine. It’s also a low-impact cardio workout for your whole body… and it’s fun! We swing, we spin, we flip, we play.” In addition, aerial yoga helps alleviate chronic tension and pain. “You can injure yourself by overstretching, or by not having enough strength or stability for certain postures,” says Dortignac. “The suspension helps alleviate this. Holding constant tension will affect your brain, breathing and emotions, so we’re teaching people how to let go of it. I think of my classes as therapeutic and restorative. We do challenging movements, but always with the ultimate goal of finding fuller breath and alignment.” And as Hofner points out, “This kind of conditioning is a great cross-training technique for other sports, guaranteed to give athletes a competitive edge while restoring bodies to reach their maximum potential.” Catalina Segura Rojas, an aerial yoga student, says that this style of yoga has helped relieve her back pain and stress. “I’m in med school, which can be stressful! I sit for long periods of time, which isn’t good for my back, and I was always tired. However, since I started yoga, I haven’t had any of these problems!” Students should wear clothing that covers the backs of their knees, and because some of the poses are upside down, it’s best not to come on a full stomach. Most important, says Harrison, is that first-timers approach the practice with an open mind. “Our motto is ‘Open up, be free.’ You’re only as young as your spine is flexible and your mind is open.”

IMAGES COURTESY SACRED SOUNDS

Aerial yoga is a high-flying workout for body and mind. ELISE DIAMANTINI

“Socially Speaking” We’re in all the right places. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, or Share your experience with us on Wedding Wire or Yelp to JOIN THE CONVERSATION TODAY!

WINE

OPUS ONE

Chatting with the maker of one of the world's most iconic blends. ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci

around. But as you taste the vintages, you find there's a consistency, a mouth feel and texture that helps define Opus One each year." Silacci also isn't afraid to continue to explore the potential of the wine, whether through scientific means (he introduced nighttime harvesting to catch the grapes at their plumpest, and added parfumist/scientist Alexander Schmidt to the roster of people who analyze the blend each vintage), through management (vine workers are specifically trained and dedicated to harvesting grapes for Opus One, and everyone from harvesters to accountants have a hand in finalizing each vintage) or through sheer gut instinct, as in 2006 when "two beautiful lots of Petit Verdot" inspired him to risk co-fermenting the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. "My gut feeling was that it would work." Silacci is also adamant that, while Opus One is a top-tier wine, it displays an aura of welcomeness. The winery recently opened its doors to visitors (by appointment online, though you can often secure an appointment when you drop in), and though the wine is crafted to age well for 20 years or more, it's also plenty tasty upon bottling (unlike some of the stuffier Bordeaux). "When you taste a newly released Opus One, it's not masked by oak, since we age in new French oak. That tells me that the wine has substance and the oak is just one component. It also tells me the wine is going to age."

IMAGES COURTESY OPUS ONE WINES

mong serious wine fans and collectors, a handful of truly iconic wines stand out, revered for their longevity (like the Premier Cru houses in Bordeaux), their innovation (as when the Super Tuscans dared to introduce French grapes to Italian wine culture), or the sheer quality of their product. Like Latour, Ornellaia and Stag's Leap, Oakville-based Opus One wows connoissuers and collectors alike with its product. Unlike the other labels, however, Opus One is dedicated to producing only one expression each vintage: a Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend with a Bordeaux influence and a decidedly Californian approach. "Everything about Opus One, from the buildings to the vineyards to the principles of viticulutre, was made by consensus," says winemaker Michael Silacci. The winery was created in 1980 by two giants in the wine world: Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The idea was that a serious, Premier Cru Bordeaux-style wine could be created in California's Napa Valley, which was only just establishing its claim as a serious wine region. Silacci joined the group in 2001 as a DOVE (director of viticulture and oenology) before being appointed winemaker in 2004. "The entire focus is on creating a single red wine," says Silacci. "To keep that sense of purpose, you need to have a very deep understanding about what you're doing." He also stresses that they're not making the same wine each year, but adjusting the blend (using Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec) as growing conditions require. "Malbec (introduced to the blend in 1994) adds spice and character; Petit Verdot (first introduced in 1997) adds structure. "It may seem, if you look at the varietal composition, that we're bouncing all

BRUCE G. WEBER ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/HOLIDAYS 2013