Fink's Jewelers by Accent Magazine

ACCENT The Magazine of Life’s Celebrations • Spring /Summer 2017

2017 TRENDS

WHAT’S NEW&NEXT INTRODUCING

THE SABEL COLLECTION

INSPIRIED BY MARCIA SABEL FINK

CELEBRITY STYLES

Sparkle ADD SOME

FOR SPRING!

THE COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA Rooted in the history of motor sports and watchmaking, the legendary chronograph that was born to race. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just tell time. It tells history.

rolex

oyster perpetual, cosmograph and daytona are ÂŽ trademarks.

OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGR APH DAY TONA

35 F I N K S .C O M

CHAIRMAN & CEO MARC FINK EVP & CFO WALT GAYNOR V P O P E R AT I O N S MARK BAIR V P I N F O R M AT I O N T E C H N O LO G I E S TODD STAFFORD VICE PRESIDENT MATTHEW FINK D I R EC TO R O F M A R K E T I N G LINDSEY SINOZICH PUBLISHED BY T H E U B M FA S H I O N G RO U P PUBLISHER STUART NIFOUSSI E D I TO R- I N - C H I E F KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN M A N AG I N G E D I TO R JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

D E S I G N D I R EC TO R HANS GSCHLIESSER P R OJ EC T M A N AG E R LISA MENGHI A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R MICHELLE BROWN

8 Fink’s Family Profile: Keisha Nakhle 10 Fink’s Family Profile: Charles Shouse

36 Inspiration: Designer Muses 38 New & Noteworthy

DESIGNER JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI D I R EC TO R O F P RO DU C T I O N PEG EADIE

11 Fink’s Family Profile: Vincent Cowen

40 Spirits: Cheers and All the Best

12 Here We Grow Again

42 Top 10: Interior Design Trends

14 Fink’s Events: See & Be Seen

44 Wheels: The Need for Speed

16 Introducing the Sabel Collection

46 Men’s Style: Sartorial Luxury

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the

18 Gift Guide: Spring Sparkle

48 Travel: Simply Cuba

prices are subject to change without notice and may

26 Love Stories

50 Fashion: Attainable Chic

28 Bridal: Nearly Nude

52 Perfect Gems

30 Trends: Add More Color to Your Life!

54 Culture: What’s Old is New

32 From the Runways

56 End Page: The Language of Jewelry

34 Spotted: As Seen On…

D I R EC TO R O F P R E P R E S S JOHN FRASCONE

fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum,

vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. Accent® Magazine is a UBM® publication. All rights reserved. UBM Americas, 2 Penn Plaza, Floor 15, New York, NY 10121. The publishers accept no responsibility for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without

O N T H E C O V E R : M A R C I A S A B E L F I N K M O D E L S T H E H O P E D I A M O N D. R E A D A B O U T H O W S H E I N S P I R E D O U R S A B E L CO L L E C T I O N O N PAG E 1 6 .

VIRGINIA

NORTH CAROLINA

Roanoke

Greensboro

419 at Colonial Avenue ................................... 540.342.2991

1951 Battleground Avenue ............... 336.292.8355

Valley View Mall .................................................540.362.3779 Charlotte Lynchburg

SouthPark ...............................................704.366.3120

16960 Forest Road ............................................ 434.237.6301

Charlottesville

Birkdale Village .................................... 704.927.4888

Raleigh

Barracks Road Shopping Center ............... 434.284.4060

Richmond

North Hills ................................................ 919.881.8247

Durham

Chesterﬁeld Towne Center .............................. 804.379.7171

The Streets at Southpoint..................919.281.8407

Short Pump Town Center...............................804.377.8589

MARYLAND

Fredericksburg The Village at Spotsylvania

Coming soon to the MGM National Harbor

Towne Centre ......................................................540.736.1290

Dulles Dulles Town Center .......................................... 571.434.6540

Norfolk MacArthur Center ................................................757.640.1132

www.ﬁnks.com

Ç Ř ½ P O LY VORE

The Artisan Handcrafted Classic Chain Collection

John Hardy and Classic Chain Collection are Registered Trademarks.

The O riginator of Cult ure d Pe arls.

S i n c e 18 9 3 .

ink’s has been lucky to call Keisha Allen Nakhle part of the family since 2004, when she started as a part-time sales associate at Valley View Mall in Roanoke, VA. “When my children were

younger, the hours worked out perfectly for my family,” she shares. Keisha is now the assistant manager at our 419 location in Roanoke, Virginia, where she loves the fact that every day brings the unexpected. “The most exciting part of my job is meeting new people. You never know who’s going to walk through that front door,” she says. “I love listening to a boyfriend that is describing the woman he plans to propose to. Or a young man buying a ‘push present’ for his wife, because their ﬁrst child was just born days ago. You can see the love and excitement in their eyes. It’s so rewarding being a part of something much bigger than me.” Because of the deep connections she develops with her clients, some are now her closest friends. “In fact, one of my clients and I have been going on vacation together for seven years straight!” When talking to Keisha about the job, her passion is immediately evident. “My success comes from the fact that I love what I’m selling,” she explains. She refers to herself as “a kid in a candy store” on days when new merchandise arrives at Fink’s. “I think clients can feel that excitement I have for our jewelry. The best advice I’ve ever heard is very simple: smiles are contagious.” Keisha has her own favorite jewelry, each piece triggering a special memory and one of her contagious smiles. “I bought my ﬁrst David Yurman in 2001: a 7mm Classic Cable cuff bracelet with gold ends. I wear it almost every day, and almost 16 years later it still looks brand new.

Keisha Allen Nakhle ASSISTANT MANAGER 419 AT COLONIAL ROANOKE, VA

It can go from jeans and a T-shirt to black tie; it’s classic elegance.” She also adores the Fink’s diamond ring her husband bought for their 10year wedding anniversary. “I am so proud to wear it,” she gushes. “Daily, clients will comment on how lovely it is.” How she styles these pieces depends on her mood, Keisha

“I think clients can feel that excitement I have for our jewelry. The best advice I’ve ever heard is very simple: smiles are contagious.”

explains. “Sometimes I like to wear three David Yurman cuff bracelets stacked up with a statement ring and large John Hardy hoops. And other times I like to just wear one ring and nothing else. It depends on my mood. When I treat myself to a new piece of jewelry I will plan my whole outﬁt around that piece. I get so much joy when I get something new. Again, like a kid in a candy store!” Keisha’s other passions in life include her husband of 18 years, Mike, and two teenage sons, Dylan, 17 and Jakob, 15. They love taking tropical vacations together and recently returned from an eight-day cruise around the Eastern Caribbean with extended family. The Nakhles are also huge football fans. “Both my boys play high school football, and I am so very proud of them. We even have a family fantasy team! Plus my husband and I are both Virginia Tech alumni, so we are huge Hokie fans. We take the boys to at least one game each year; they love it!”

The World’s Most Breathtaking Diamond Exclusively at Fink’s Jewelers

VIRGINIA ࠮ NORTH CAROLINA ࠮ www.finks.com ASHOKA® and the ASHOKA CUT CONFIGURATION

™

are trademarks of William Goldberg, Inc. The diamond cut is covered by U.S. Design Patent #D418444.

hat began as a temporary position during the holiday season of 1999 quickly became a lifelong passion for Fink’s Greensboro assistant manager Charles Shouse. He found that the jewelry

industry afforded the rare opportunity to be part of the most special moments in people’s lives—and to turn customers into friends. “I worked for a few large jewelry chains before finally finding my home at Fink’s in 2012,” he shares, explaining that he loves being part of the Fink’s family and selling the greatest watches and jewelry in the world. He admits that it’s too difficult to choose just one favorite designer since Fink’s offers so many diverse brands, but he does call attention to the limitless imagination and rich gold of Roberto Coin. “He truly makes wearable art out of precious metals and gemstones,” Charles says with obvious admiration. “I really like John Hardy because of the intricate handmade designs,” he adds, “and the amazing stories that each collection has to share. I also admire their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of the people in Bali, where their jewelry is made.” In fact, Charles was a sales associate specializing in John Hardy until he accepted the assistant manager position in October 2016. The best part of his job is still interacting with clients, helping them find the perfect piece of jewelry “that helps express their creativity and generates a feeling of excitement every time they wear it.” Timepieces are his favorite to sell, since a watch is an especially personal choice and can say a

Charles Shouse

lot about the individual wearing it. “I ﬁnd that you learn the most

ASSISTANT MANAGER

about people when helping them

1951 BATTLEGROUND AVENUE GREENSBORO, NC

lifestyle,” he explains.

select the perfect one to ﬁt their

“If you simply make sure that every client’s experience lives up to your own expectations, you will be successful and you will feel great doing it.”

Personally, his current favorite is a TAG Heuer Aquaracer with ceramic bezel, which he likes to wear with a classic David Yurman black diamond cross or dog tag necklace and his extralarge dragon head bracelet from the John Hardy Naga collection. “I love the bold statement it makes and oftentimes people will stop me in public to ask about it. That conversation always leads right back to Fink’s!” he says. So what does Charles tell people who ask what makes Fink’s special? “There are millions of opportunities to exceed people’s expectations. I often ﬁnd myself discouraged with the lack of genuine customer service out there. I have been given a lot of advice over the years, but the single best piece is to treat others as you want to be treated. If you simply make sure that every client’s experience lives up to your own expectations, you will be successful and you will feel great doing it.” He’s also quick to mention all those who’ve helped him in his career, crediting his success to “hard work, lots of prayer and grace. God has placed me alongside Ike (pictured left), who has openly shared his wealth of knowledge from over 30 years of experience in the luxury jewelry industry. I must also recognize the fantastic group of people that work so hard to contribute to the success of our stores: from Charlene Hudson, who guides you from the start in your training, to Clif and his team of buyers who are always ready to answer questions and deliver the merchandise we need to serve our clients.”

udging from his rise to success in the jewelry business, one might think that Vincent Cowen has had years of experience. In fact, he began as a sales associate at Fink’s only four years ago, and was

offered an assistant manager position at Birkdale Village after only a year. “I’ve been a teacher, a hotel sales manager, a New York City nightclub manager, a restaurant owner and a not-for-proﬁt retail manager. I have enjoyed each one of these careers and often didn’t know what would be next. I never feel stagnant and always enjoy learning something new.” The best part of (what we hope will be!) his favorite and ﬁnal career are

the people at Birkdale. “We work as a team with respect for each other,” Vincent shares. “The staff is very considerate and will often help out another sales associate’s customer with no expectation of reward for doing so. Our office staff is always helpful and makes our jobs on the sales floor immensely easier.” Fink’s customers are pretty great too, Vincent points out: “We have terrific customers who feel like family here when they come in to visit.” His aim is to give the kind of service that he would hope for if roles were reversed. “I like to put the customer at ease and let them know they’re not walking into a high-pressure sales pitch. We are there to help them decide, not force them into a decision. I also find that knowing when to employ a sense of humor with a customer makes for a quick connection.” Speaking of his sense of humor… When we interview members of our Fink’s team for a profile in Accent magazine, we ask them about their favorite jewelry—for everyday wear, a

Vincent Cowen ASSISTANT MANAGER BIRKDALE VILLAGE HUNTERSVILLE, NC

casual night out or a glamorous evening as Cinderella at the ball. Vincent’s response? “If I were dressed as Cinderella, I am quite sure that would be the showstopper!” Kidding aside, favorites from his own collection include his David Yurman pietersite

“My career has spanned so many different incarnations. I never feel stagnant and always enjoy learning something new.”

signet ring, John Hardy Naga leather bracelet and David Yurman red tiger’s eye spiritual beads. When it comes to the designers he likes to sell, he explains that each of our jewelry lines offers something special in its design and appeal. But, he continues, “Since expanding our diamond fashion selection with the introduction of the Sabel Collection, I enjoy bringing customers to those cases to show them beautiful pieces not offered by our other brands. If he’s not in the store, Vincent’s perfect day off would be one spent with his partner and his dog. “An at-work perfect day is one where we have customers coming in all day long and the day just speeds by unnoticed… A couple of nice luxury timepiece sales helps too!” His trademark humor shines through again, reminding us of just one reason we’re glad to have Vincent as part of the Fink’s family.

A New Look in SOUTHPARK

t Fink’s, we never stop striving to exceed your expectations. In addition to offering the world’s best watch and jewelry brands presented by the most knowledgeable associates in the industry, we want the

look and feel of our stores to be modern and inviting. With this in mind, we are excited to highlight the newly remodeled Fink’s at SouthPark. It’s fresher, more open and better than ever! The modern design features a cool black and gray color scheme with luxurious marble ﬁnishes, sleek new cases and state-of-the-art lighting to highlight the brilliance of our offering. We’ve changed the layout to bring our amazing selection of Fink’s Diamonds to focus, and we’ve also dedicated more space to our expanded Sabel Collection, specially curated with your desires in mind. You’ll also ﬁnd a beautiful space dedicated to Rolex, and special areas to showcase our timepiece selections from Breitling, Cartier and Omega. Please visit us at SouthPark and let us know if we have we have provided the world-class customer experience you have come to expect from our

fourth-generation family-owned business. See you soon!

See & Be Seen Pictured left to right: Lillian Sigrist, Rosemary Martino, Peter Webster, Toni Tillman and Dawn Ferrone.

Golf by Day, Gems by Night Marc Fink, along with Roberto Coin’s cofounder and president, Peter Webster, hosted a daytime golf event that turned into a nighttime cocktail party featuring beautiful designs by the famous Italian gold jewelry brand.

Pictured left to right: Fink’s customers Wanda Myers and Mable Taylor, with Hollie from John Hardy.

Up Close and Personal With John Hardy Fink’s Jewelers in Richmond, Virginia gave John Hardy enthusiasts a ﬁrsthand look at the Balinese artisans practicing their craft and the opportunity to meet creative director Hollie Bonneville Barden.

Wax Tree

Master Casting

Silver Tree

Greensboro Big Hair Ball

MacArthur Holiday Party

The hair was big, but the fun was even bigger! Family Service of the Piedmont hosted a fun event to support Greensboro programs of Family Service.

After a great event at Fink’s MacArthur Center, customers enjoyed dinner with Fink’s associates and David Yurman’s Rebecca Jarman.

Pictured left to right: Laura Scott and Lindsey Sinozich from Fink’s Jewelers.

Roanoke Pink Promise Lunch Fink’s Jewelers presented Unlock the Cure at the Pink Promise luncheon, where 100% of the proceeds beneﬁted Susan G. Komen of Virginia Blue Ridge.

Roanoke Team Building

Part of the Fink’s management team hit the lanes!

Pictured left to right: Benedicte Mengel, Cindy Savvas and Chi Phuong Le.

Fink’s Jewelers At Mgm National Harbor

Greensboro Heart Ball

The Fink Family, along with a personal friend, outside the future Fink’s Jewelers location at the new MGM National Harbor Resort and Casino, slated to open summer 2017.

The Greensboro staff enjoyed a lovely evening in red to support the American Heart Association.

Pictured left to right: Jacques Bothelin from the Breitling Jet Team and Neil LaGarde.

Flying High (And Fast) With Breitling Fink’s North Hills store manager Neil LaGarde, with Fink’s customer Chip Williams, enjoyed a day with the Breitling Jet Team.

Neil LaGarde in a L-39C Albatros. Pictured left to right: Neil LaGarde and Chip Williams.

t is with great pride and pleasure that we introduce the Fink’s Sabel Collection, our exclusive curated offering of ﬁne jewelry celebrating the uniqueness of every woman. Pieces in the collection range from black diamond feather earrings and modern

crossover rings for fashion-forward ladies to classic heirloom pieces like tennis bracelets and diamond studs that perfectly mark life’s milestones. A wide selection of semi-precious and precious gems rounds out the timeless collection. As the maiden name of Marcia Sabel Fink, mother to third-generation Fink’s owner Marc Fink, the Sabel Collection pays homage to this extraordinary woman. As Marc recalls, when Marcia was in her early 20s shortly after the end of WWII, she moved to New York and got work as an assistant lingerie sales clerk at Bergdorf Goodman. On her second day, she was chosen by Mr. Goodman himself to appear as a full-time ﬂoor model. But she possessed more than just physical beauty, exuding elegance, grace and sweetness. She also had “a funny wit and was a literary junkie—the most well-read person I’ve ever known,” remembers Marc. A few years later, Marcia married Alvin Fink, Marc’s father and the second-generation owner of Fink’s. After Marcia and Alvin wed, they moved back to Virginia so Alvin could join the family jewelry business. Marcia lent her skills, helping to set up new stores, merchandise and, of course, model the jewels. She could also work the room at any cocktail party, which served her well as she attended Jewelers of America events with her husband, who was president of the prestigious industry association. In fact, “I like to say my dad overmarried,” Marc jokes. “My parents wanted to keep the name alive as our family grew, and I was named Marc Sabel Fink. Continuing the tradition, my wife and I proudly named our ﬁrstborn daughter Sabel Rebecca Fink.” The name serves as a constant reminder of the importance of history and commitment in both family and business, Marc explains. The hope is that, like the Sabel name itself, the exquisite designs in the Sabel Collection will be enjoyed by a woman at each stage of her life and then passed down to the next generation. “You can be assured that every unique, high-quality piece from the Sabel Collection exudes exceptional value,” Marc insists, “and is a gift that will last.”

A Tradition of Elegance, Exclusively at Fink’s Jewelers

=09.050( ࠮ 569;/ *(96305( www.finks.com Ç Ř ½ P O LY VORE

Spring

SPARKLE*

Fink’s Diamonds Rings shown are available in a variety of carat weights and prices. Let our diamond specialists help you ﬁ nd the perfect one for her today!

Mikimoto 8mm Akoya cultured pearl earrings with diamonds, set in white gold, $2,700 White gold and diamond pendant featuring a 7 – 7.5mm Akoya cultured pearl, $710 White gold earrings with 7 – 7.5mm Akoya cultured pearls, $420

All in settings of 18K gold

Cartier Men’s TANK SOLO watch in steel and leather, $2,550 Ladies’ TANK FRANÇAISE watch in steel, $3,250

Heather Moore Heather Moore Jewelry uses recycled precious metals and vintage tooling to create the ﬁ nest personalized collection. Each piece is handcrafted in Moore’s hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and is made to the customer’s speciﬁ cations. As you experience life and grow, so can your personal collection of hand-stamped charms. Let one of our sales professionals help you custom design your very own Heather Moore piece today!

Marco Bicego Masai two-row pavé diamond ring in yellow and white gold, $1,930 Masai single-station diamond bracelet in white gold, $2,280 Masai small three-station diamond bracelet in yellow gold, $1,740 Masai yellow gold hoop earrings with diamonds, $2,230 Masai single-station diamond necklace in yellow gold, $4,380

All in settings of 18K gold

Breitling Breitling SUPER AVENGER II BLACKSTEEL on an Ocean Racer rubber strap with Blacksteel deployment buckle, $6,395

Omega Men’s SEAMASTER PLANET OCEAN watch with black ceramic dial and black leather strap with orange rubber underside, $6,450 Ladies’ DEVILLE PRESTIGE watch in stainless steel featuring a white dial and polished bracelet, $2,400

David Yurman Continuance small pendant necklace with diamonds in 18K gold, $1,350 Continuance triple-drop earrings, $550 Continuance hoop earrings, $450 Continuance wide ring, $450 Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Albion Watch with diamonds, $1,850 Continuance pendant necklace with diamonds in 18K gold, $5,500 Continuance center twist bracelet, $650

All in settings of sterling silver, except where noted

Roberto Coin Petite Diamond Flower Princess pendant, $1,400 Princess Flower 18K white gold diamond ﬂ ower pendant, $870 Large Diamond Flower Princess pendant, $4,700 Petite Diamond Flower Princess studs with white diamonds, $2,100 Small white gold 1cttw diamond hoop earrings, $3,100

All in settings of 18K gold

TAG Heuer Men’s AQUARACER CHRONOGRAPH black dial watch with polished steel 43mm bracelet strap, $2,150 Ladies’ LINK quartz movement gray mother-of-pearl dial watch, $1,600

Shinola Men’s RUNWELL watch with stainless steel case and dark nut brown natural leather strap, $550 Ladies’ CANFIELD SUBSECOND watch featuring nude pink alligator strap, $850

Sabel Collection Round sapphire and diamond alternating hoop earrings, $1,350 White gold three-stone ring featuring three round sapphires and white diamond halo and shank accents, $1,895 Three-row ring featuring bezel-set round diamonds, $3,250 White gold cuff bangle featuring 1cttw in round diamonds, $2,450 White gold necklace with round diamonds and an adjustable 16-18" chain, $2,895 Necklace with bezel-set diamonds on white gold chain, $1,095 Diamond hoop earrings in white gold. Round diamonds are prong-set inside and outside of hoop, price varies according to carat weight.

All in settings of 14K gold

Fink’s Diamonds Rings shown are available in a variety of carat weights and prices. Let our diamond specialists help you ﬁ nd the perfect one for her today!

Citizen Men’s ECO-DRIVE watch with dark blue dial and date in yellow gold and stainless steel, $206.25 Ladies’ ECO-DRIVE PALADION watch featuring stainless steel case and mother-of-pearl dial, $187.50

Longines Men’s CONQUEST watch with 39mm bracelet and blue automatic dial, $1,225 Ladies’ DOLCEVITA watch in stainless steel with mother-of-pearl dial set with diamond indexes, $1,575

Ippolita Slim ﬂ at bangle from the Classico Collection, $295 Skinny bangle from the Classico Collection, $250 Rock Candy® mixed stone Flirt bangle, $595 Rock Candy® clear quartz Lollipop mini station necklace, $695 Classico Jet Set hammered circle dangle earrings, $295

All in settings of sterling silver

William Henry Pawn bracelet featuring sterling links inlaid with woven carbon ﬁ ber and a spinel gemstone, $1,250 Nassau bracelet featuring African turquoise beads and frosted onyx accents, $425 M3 Talon money clip featuring hand-carved sterling silver, inlaid with zinc-matrix Kingman turquoise and a white topaz gemstone, $650 Kestrel Tempe knife featuring hand-carved sterling silver, inlaid with zinc-matric Kingman turquoise and a hand-forged ‘Raindrop’ damascus blade, $1,750

John Hardy Bamboo small hoop earrings, $195 Bamboo silver dangling pendant on box chain necklace, $995 Bamboo silver large curved cuff with brushed ďŹ nish, $1,395 Bamboo silver small kick cuff with gray enamel, $1,100 Bamboo silver small kick cuff with off-white enamel, $1,100 Classic Chain silver and blue rubber bracelet, $295 Classic Chain silver and black rubber bracelet, $295 Classic Chain silver and orange rubber bracelet, $295

All sterling silver unless noted

Sabel Collection Floral inspired station necklace featuring round white diamonds, $1,995 Cross pendant featuring round white diamonds on an 18â&#x20AC;? chain, $1,250 Diamond bar necklace featuring white diamonds, $995 Open diamond-shaped necklace with round white diamonds, $495 V-shaped bar necklace with white diamonds. Includes an adjustable chain. Available in yellow or white gold, $750 Gold ring with round diamonds and textured metal, $1,350 Gold ring with diamonds and marquise-shaped accents, $750 Gold ring with round white diamonds, $850

All in settings of 14K gold

LÂ?ve Stories Christy Sparks & Brian Wangerien Raleigh, NC: Engaged November 21, 2016

Jackson Freeman & Anne Hazelgrove Richmond, VA: Engaged December 3, 2016

Trevin Whitehead & Miranda Martin Roanoke, VA: Engaged December 23, 2016

Derek & Ashley Wall Apex, NC: Married September 26, 2015

Tyler Emory & Natalie Moore Fredericksburg, VA: Engaged March 26, 2016

Robert Barrett & Amy Buckmaster Roanoke, VA: Engaged June 11, 2016

Caitlin McAllister & Shaun Eskamani Raleigh, NC: Engaged December 10, 2016

bridal

Nearly

NUDE Looking for a unique engagement ring?

Lay your love bare with diamond shades from champagne to carnation.

ho could forget the 2015 Met Gala, when Beyoncé stepped out in a nude-colored sheer ensemble that perfectly complemented (and barely covered) her skin. The only thing preventing her trendsetting, jaw-dropping style achievement from falling to the depths of a risqué faux pas were a few very strategically placed warm-colored gemstones. While the focus wasn’t necessarily on her jewelry that evening, one could argue that her entire ensemble was jewelry in and of itself. Nevertheless, from that point forward, diamonds in warm, beige-ish tones (known as “nude” diamonds) started popping up on scores of other celebrities—and on ring fingers—all around the world. Of course, the color diamond trend is nothing new. For years, fancy color yellows have been popular alternative choices for future brides, while “chocolate” and black diamonds have made their presence known in fashion jewelry for well over a decade. While classic white remains the spectrum’s supreme ruler in terms of popularity, in reality diamonds are available in a whole host of hues. According to the American Gem Society, color in a diamond is actually caused by a flaw in the stone, with the value of that color varying based upon its rarity. (In case you’re wondering, red is the most uncommon and valuable of all diamond colors.) Right now, nude diamonds that range from the faintest beige all the way to warm blush are the most fashion-forward choices. And if a scroll through any stylish young woman’s Instagram or Pinterest feed isn’t enough evidence of this, then consider the fact that Beyoncé not only wore them to the Met Gala in 2015, but again in 2016. For everyday fashionistas, nude diamonds can provide an additional option for creating a unique, customized look, as no two beige stones are quite the same. In addition, these warmer tones often conjure an impression of vintage or heirloom-quality jewelry, making the pieces seem all the more special and differentiated. It’s no coincidence that these warmer colors often appear in marquise or pear cuts—shapes associated with antique jewelry—adding to their vintage feel. In addition, nude diamonds are often set in yellow or rose gold, which helps bring out their warm glow and highlights their traditional appeal. It’s certain this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. From the runways of Paris and New York to the aisles of a wedding near you, nude diamonds are enjoying a moment of exposure. —BY ADAM GEBHARDT

it’s the spark that lit a fire.

VIRGINIA ࠮ NORTH CAROLINA ࠮ www.finks.com

trends

Add more

COLOR TOYOUR LIFE!

hink about how certain colors can “take you away” to a special place. Give you a feeling, a sense of calm and serenity, or of excitement. That’s what colored gemstones do for me—and I’m not alone. For the lady who usually defers to diamonds, adding color to your collection can seem daunting. Will I have enough opportunities to wear it? Should I get my birthstone? Should I buy a stone to go with a specific outfit? Should I purchase one that represents my anniversary? My advice: you only live once, so take the risk! Own the color that has you entranced and gives you a special feeling inside. Consider your hair shade and complexion, as well as the jewelry you already have in your collection. When a jewel is able to pair well with your existing pieces, like a fine wine paired with a cheese, you’ll know you found the perfect match. If you choose the right gemstone, it can help your personality shine through. Having one in an uncommon cut, such as a checkerboard, can add extra sparkle and shimmer to your look. Or consider the ancient (and now popular again) cabochon cut, which acts like a mirror to reflect different shades and tones of the gem being worn.

Whenever I’m looking at a cut, dimension is the first thing I check for. The ability to catch the eye and make others want to look deeper into the stone is one reason gems are so unique and special. Layering and stacking new colored gem pieces with your existing look can be easier than you think. You don’t always have to be so matchy-matchy; in fact, it’s much more fashion forward not to be! Buy bangles with blue gemstones like aquamarine and blue topaz to stack with your sapphire tennis bracelet. Layer on a necklace in green (the year’s hottest shade) to bring new life to your amethyst pendant. I also find that yellow and orange gemstones can add a splash of freshness to almost any palette popular today. They will play off the light whether day or night, and they look different every time they’re worn. Sapphire, topaz, garnet, citrine, quartz, tourmaline and spinel all come in these bold warming shades. With our favorite designers turning more and more to colored gemstones, it’s easier than ever to add a pop of natural color to your jewelry wardrobe. Start standing out. —BY BENJAMIN GUTTERY

Marco Bicego Mini Jaipur necklace in hand-engraved 18K yellow gold with mixed gemstones.

Â®ROBERTOCOIN

PRINCESS FLOWER COLLECTION

FROM THE RUNWAYS

Vacation INSPIRATION MARCO BICEGO Paradise 18K yellow gold twostrand necklace featuring mixed stones, $2,310

ROBERTO COIN Princess drop earrings available in 14K yellow or white gold with diamonds, $2,200

FROM LEFT: MICHAEL KORS, ZAC POSEN, TIBI, TIBI, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM / FIRSTVIEW

SABEL COLLECTION 14K yellow gold three-row ring featuring .50cttw round bezel set diamonds, $1,395

IPPOLITA Rock Candy single medium teardrop ring in 18K yellow gold and turquoise doublet, $1,995

FROM THE RUNWAYS

Dark TEXTURES

IPPOLITA Lollipop sterling silver Y necklace featuring pear-shape hematite doublet and .21cttw round white diamonds, $1,095

MARCO MOORE 14K white gold mosaic pavÃ© ring with 1.65cttw blue sapphire, $1,450

JOHN HARDY Naga sterling silver chandelier scale earrings featuring black sapphire, $895

FROM LEFT: VERA WANG, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM, ZAC POSEN, VERA WANG / FIRSTVIEW

JOHN HARDY Legends Naga sterling silver link bracelet featuring a dragon engraved onyx charm, from $1,195

LONGINES La Grande watch featuring a 24mm round case in stainless steel with sapphire crystal and black alligator strap, $1,100

spotted

AS SEEN ON â&#x20AC;Ś

Our favorite stars share a love for our favorite brands! BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

Freida Pinto in John Hardy at the Greenwich Film Festival.

Sara Bareilles in Marco Bicego at the Oscars.

Janelle Monae in Forevermark at the Golden Globes. 34

Abbey Lee in John Hardy at the premiere of The Neon Demon.

Octavia Spencer in Forevermark at the Oscars. Governors Awards. S A P M A e th at n oi C Helen Mirren in Roberto 35

inspiration

MARCO BICEGO “Although I like to draw inspiration for my work from my travels, architecture and the environment around me, my muse is always and forever my wife Valentina. One of my favorite styles I’ve ever created was her wedding band. Valentina is my biggest supporter, so when I asked her to marry me, I wanted to create something that would reflect how much she means to me. In honor of this sentiment, I’ve designed more non-conventional wedding bands for the bride-to-be who is unique and would want something a bit different.”

Valentina Bicego

Designer

MUSES “I always say that I have no muses, as every woman is a potential muse for my jewels. But if I have to think about those women who are icons of style in my mind, I can give you three names. There is Audrey Hepburn for her unforgettable elegance; she would be the perfect woman for my Black Jade XL version pieces, so classic and glamorous as she was. Then there is Maria Callas, an icon of passion besides talent. I would give her my New Barocco biggest pieces; they are just as spectacular as she was. The last one is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a symbol of chameleon femininity. She would have been the perfect woman for my Cento diamond, the only one able to represent all the different facets of her character and beauty.”

Maria Callas

GETTY/DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY

ROBERTO COIN

NEW

& NOTEWORTHY

BREITLING A specialist in technical watches since 1884, Breitling has played a crucial role in the development of the wrist chronograph and remains a leader in this complication. The company is also renowned for its strong following among aviators and those who adore aviation; these enthusiasts will be excited by the new Breitling Avenger Hurricane. This special timepiece, which flaunts a standout 50mm diameter, revolutionizes 21st-century watchmaking with its ultra-sturdy and ultra-light case made of a futuristic, high-tech material called Breitlight. The watch’s sturdy construction features lateral protective reinforcements, while its all-black façade is enhanced by yellow accents and aviation-inspired numerals. Typical of Breitling’s world-class timepieces, the Avenger Hurricane is also extremely reliable thanks to the new Manufacture Breitling Caliber B12.

CARTIER

From such classic watch styles as the Tank and the Santos to more modern designs like the Drive de Cartier and Cle de Cartier, France’s premier jewelry maison has long been a leader in crafting elegant and innovative timepieces. And no exception to that rule is the breathtakingly beautiful Hypnose. Black and white contrasting tones almost literally make the head spin and exert a hypnotic fascination on the wearer. Its aesthetic appeal lies in the form and power of illusion inspired by its lines. Indeed, in one stylish yet disciplined stroke, Cartier has created a major new classic watch.

NEW

& NOTEWORTHY

JOHN HARDY

Launched just last year, John Hardy’s Modern Chain Collection has been embraced by both women and men. This spring sees the introduction of many new styles and the use of rose gold. Inspired by a men’s bracelet from the 1990s, the Modern Chain Collection is a contemporary evolution of the brand’s woven chain bracelets. Handmade in Bali and inspired by Balinese chain-weaving, the minimalist collection creates a new pattern designed with comfort in mind. A modern take on a classic icon, the styles in the collection are smoothed and flattened, creating a new pattern with a fresh, minimal aesthetic. Designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind, the bracelets and necklaces feature flat and slim modular chains. The redesigned chain honors its treasured technique and unique symbolism. Each and every piece is created by five or more artisans and takes upwards of 15 hours to come to life.

spirits

CHEERS! and all the best Liquor brand anniversaries are a good reason to celebrate in style.

hen my wife and I married, we foolishly chose a year ending in “9.” The math on anniversaries has been challenging ever since. It seems we’re not alone: rather than launch a brand in a “0” or “5” year, a number of hard spirits are celebrating milestones in these off-kilter years. The benefit to drinkers? Special releases, parties and more. Naturally some of the biggest-number anniversaries hail from Europe, where distilled spirits have been a thing for 1,000 years or so. On Scotland’s tiny island of Islay, there are eight extant distilleries, almost all boasting a legacy. Laphroaig, that smoky, peaty Scotch whisky, celebrated 200 years in 2015 (with the release of a special 15year). Lagavulin, another Islay single malt, hit its bicentennial in 2016, but you can still find the celebratory 8-year, 12-year and the unicorn 25-year, which comes in at $1,200. For 2017, look forward to possible special releases from Ardmore and Teaninich. Scotch isn’t the only old booze in Europe. Most of the major Cognac houses have also celebrated “booze-aversaries” recently. Hennessy turned 250 in 2015, celebrating with the insanely sculptural Hennessy-8 bottling: 250 bottles selling for a cool $40,000 each. While Hine Cognac celebrated its 250th in

2013 (releasing Hine 250 at $15,000), the house was given its current name 200 years ago this year; expect another special edition. Meanwhile, Brennivin will release unusual, limited oak-aged Aquavit for its 80th, and Nolet, a gin family best known these days for Ketel One vodka, turned 325 last year, offering a particularly ornate bottle. While American brands are much younger—Jack Daniel’s, billed as “America’s First Registered Distillery” turned 150 in 2016—it’s still a good time for parties. The modern craft/boutique distillery movement is finally old enough to enjoy significant markers: San Francisco’s Anchor distilling celebrates the 20th anniversary of its unusual (and delicious) Junipero Gin (celebrating by revealing the 12 “secret” botanicals in its recipe); Templeton Rye (made in Indiana, bottled in Iowa) unveils a special 10-year “Collector’s Edition” expression of its rye, and Woodford Reserve, a small-batch subsidiary of Bourbon giant Brown-Forman, kicked off its 20th celebrations last October with a very limited single-barrel release of a special 10-year expression. What does all this mean for fans and collectors? The chance to acquire one-offs, to enjoy unusual expressions and to party with the distillers. It’s worth learning when your favorite brands were founded (The Glenlivet turns 200 in 2023, Macallan in 2024) so you can be ahead of the game when the party starts. If you’ve got your own anniversary coming up, consider Taylor Fladgate’s 1967 Single Harvest 50-Year Port ($250): Rich and bold, it’s a perfect birthday or wedding anniversary gift (even if its label does insultingly claim that 50 is “very old”). —BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

Know Your Diamond CARAT WEIGHT

COLOR GRADE

CLARITY GRADE

CUT GRADE

Look for diamonds graded by GIA, the creator of the 4Cs. Learn more at 4Cs.GIA.edu

CARLSBAD

ANTWERP

BANGKOK

DUBAI

GABORONE

HONG KONG

JOHANNESBURG

LONDON

MUMBAI

NEW YORK

RAMAT GAN

SEOUL

TAIPEI

TOKYO

Think green!

3. ECLECTIC AND BOLDER EXPRESSION A selective but rich mix of references is flourishing. Classically traditional meets simply modern. New mingles with vintage. Eye-catching cultures, decades and ethnicities all come together. The attitude should be relaxed and “collected,” not overdone. 4. ROUNDED EDGES Comfort will overrule edginess. Soft will outweigh hard. The Milan Furniture Fair saw an influence of Mid-century curved furniture. People are gravitating to spaces of comfortable expression that can serve as an oasis in a time of chaos. 5. MUTED COLOR

1. PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR GREENERY “A life-affirming shade,” Greenery provides the refreshment and revitalization today’s world needs. In fact, all shades of green are trending. Vogue suggests accents, so try emerald green glassware with your white dinner set.

By Laurie Schechter

INTERIOR DESIGN

trends

2. PROFESSIONAL HELP Where DIY was once in favor, the current direction is toward higher skill-level executions. Think glass blown by hand or specialized woodwork. Especially in furniture, this expert craftsmanship results in well-made investment pieces.

Splendor in the glass.

Plants (faux or real ) are must-haves for 2017.

New neutrals, warming and calming, can complement other neutrals as well as strong color. Chalk and bone, organic looking with imperfections, replace sterile white. Beige, pale gray and camel, as well as terra-cotta, rust and ochre, are on trend. And navy is the new black; its versatility works with almost any décor from modern to traditional.

6. TEXTURE Inviting connection and touch, texture comes in pleats, folds, yarn stitches and velvet finishes. Continuing trends mohair, faux fur and other luxuriously soft materials suit this look. Terrazzo flooring puts texture underfoot.

7. MIXED AND MUTED METALS Polished brass has reigned for some time, but change is in the air. Subtlety is in fashion. Antique finishes like bronze and copper, oxidized details and glazed finishes are coming to the fore. Mixing metals and metal accents is now the look. 8. FAUX Faux in all manner of speaking is in for 2017. Faux wood finishes are wrapped around ceiling beams. Engineered quartz and even faux leather are replacing marble on countertops. Faux wood or tile stands in for the real thing on floors. 9. MIXED PATTERNS Taking inspiration from the fashion runways, mismatched patterns—tropicals, geometrics and ethnic prints among them—are in vogue. Adding throws and pillows to a solid piece of furniture you already own is a quick and easy update. 10. QUIRKY LIGHTING Bare hanging bulbs were once interesting enough, but it’s time to step up your game. Look for mismatched or retro-inspired fixtures to bring character to your dining room and bedside tables.

PERHAPS IT’S A REACTION TO THE WORLD’S UPHEAVAL OF LATE: 2017’S INTERIORS ARE SOFTENING, TRENDING TO MORE WORLDLY SPACES THAT NOURISH US. A COMPLETE MAKEOVER IS NOT REQUIRED. LIKE A NEW PAIR OF EARRINGS ENHANCES AN OUTFIT, A NEW DESIGN ELEMENT CAN IMMEDIATELY UPDATE A ROOM. 42

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILLIAM WALDRON. VERO BEACH HOUSE BY DECORATOR AND ARCHITECT ROBERT COUTURIER, NYC, ROBERTCOUTURIER.COM. GREENERY COURTESY OF PANTONE®. HANDBLOWN GLASS PETAL VASE BY ROSETREE BLOWN GLASS, NEW ORLEANS, ROSETREEGALLERY.COM.

top 10

OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER

Conquest

wheels

SPEED

THE NEED FOR

e live in extraordinary times, when the unimaginable has become almost commonplace. Man has always been fascinated with speed, and just a century ago the goal was to achieve one mile per minute in an automobile. Once that was achieved, the goal became 100 MPH. The desire to exceed record speeds continues to inspire to this day. Rolex has been associated with speed trials for over 90 years. When British race car driver Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the land speed record nine times between 1924 and 1936 in his famous “Bluebird” cars, he was always wearing his Rolex. The same was true of Chuck Yeager, who wore his Rolex Oyster as he broke the sound barrier in the experimental Bell-X on October 14, 1947. When William Knight flew the hypersonic X-15 at Mach 6.7 in 1967, he too was wearing a Rolex. Rolex will once again sponsor a British record-breaking project in the form of the Bloodhound SSC. This ultra-aerodynamic vehicle is powered by jet, rocket and internal combustion engines that produce more than 135,000 horsepower. Their goal is to achieve an inconceivable 1,000 MPH. Flight Commander Andy Green of the RAF will pilot this remarkable machine, which looks more like a fighter jet than a car. He’s no newcomer to setting records. In 1997 he drove the Thrust SSC to set the current land speed record while also breaking the sound barrier at 763 MPH—the first and only supersonic speed ever set on land. After several delays, the Bloodhound SSC land speed record attempt is currently scheduled for October 2017. It will take place at Hakskeen Pan in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Richard Noble, Bloodhound project director and a former land speed record holder (who achieved 633 MPH in 1983 piloting Thrust 2), says, “The project is achieving its primary goal even without the car running yet: we’re turning kids on to science.” The Bloodhound is an educational tool designed to inspire future generations to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More than 100,000 children took part in Bloodhound-related lessons or events in the UK last year, and universities involved with the project have reported significant increases in the number of students applying to study engineering. —BY DAVID A. ROSE

ROLEX and the

Bloodhound SSC.

STEFAN M.

IN DETROIT, WE DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T NEED TO LOOK AT OUR WATCHES TO KNOW THIS IS OUR TIME.

TIARA T.

JEREMY W.

men’s style

Sartorial

LUXURY T

here are very few American clothing companies with the heritage and reputation of Hickey Freeman. Founded in Rochester, New York in 1899 and still made in Rochester today, this luxury brand (that has dressed nearly every US president) stays true to time-honored tailoring techniques and the world’s finest fabrics while evolving to modern design. For the past few years, Arnold Silverstone has been Hickey Freeman’s creative director, changing its image from conservative to cool. A third-generation clothing designer, Silverstone’s passion for tailored clothing is immediately apparent as we discuss suit trends for the current spring season. “The fastest-growing segment of the clothing business is made-to-measure,” he explains. “For not much more money, a guy can customize the fit, fabrics and details (buttons, linings, stitching) to create his own signature look. It’s like buying a car: you can buy right off the lot or you can order your own options. Made-to-measure has grown to about a third of our business and is available in most upscale menswear stores.” For guys who just want to walk out with a beautiful new suit this season, what should they buy? “The must-have color for spring ’17 is a brighter, softer blue. Most guys already own navy or gray. This new shade is fresh, contemporary and flattering. (Other good choices are silver or platinum.) As for styling, the runways are full of double-breasted jackets for fashion-forward types, but a slim-fit two-button model is most popular. Go for a slightly shorter jacket and shorter pant (the hem should brush the top of the shoe for fashion guys; traditionalists can opt for a slight break). As for pleats versus no pleats, the rules are reversing: flat-fronts are now considered classic but advanced customers are opting for pleats.” Silverstone emphasizes the importance of fit. “The suit has gradually gotten slimmer in recent years, with higher armholes, a shorter coat, a lower-rise pant with less drape through the thigh and knee. But ironically, due to our unique construction (extra room under armholes, using the best canvases and chest pieces) and performance fabrics, even slim suits are more comfortable than ever. The biggest mistake guys make is assuming that they’re too heavy, or too old, for slim-fit clothing. Our Hickey Freeman suits trace the body but move with you. Try one and be transformed.” —BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

HICKEY FREEMAN combines

artisanal craftsmanship, American production and modern styling for the perfect suit.

G-SHOCK Connected

GPW2000-1A

3 Way Time Sync BluetoothÂŽ-equipped GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor - Automatic time adjustment* - World Time for over 300 cities* - Flight Log function * Updating of internal data to reflect the latest time zone / daylight saving time information

travel

S I M P LY

CUBA

ue to decades of economic embargo and tense political relations, it’s natural for Americans to feel daunted by the thought of traveling to Cuba. That’s why so many opt for the ease of guided tours, in which one price (typically $3,000 and up) covers most everything. Those options range from being herded around in massive blue, red and white coaches—which are ubiquitous at every tourist stop—to traveling with more intimate groups in minivans led by knowledgeable guides. But you needn’t go that route if you prefer to arrange your own itinerary. The reality is that the paperwork required for entry is minimal, the Cuban people are extremely welcoming of all tourists, and, with proper planning, it’s quite easy Clockwise from top left: Hotel Inglaterra and the Gran Teatro on Havana's Paseo de Martí; a mojito at La Terraza in Cojimar; street scene outside of Casayami in Havana Centro; an old American convertible on the streets of Cojimar.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT KETTMANN

Getting there just got a whole lot easier.

to enjoy Havana and beyond with the same sort of make-your-ownschedule freedom you enjoy elsewhere. Here’s how.

HOW TO GET THERE Many US airlines fly straight to Cuba now, and the ticket price usually includes the additional medical insurance required by the communist country (though no one ever asks about such insurance once there). For instance, the hour-long American Airlines flight from Miami to Havana is just $120, and AA also flies straight from Los Angeles for about $500. There are also plenty of flights into other Cuban cities as well. Most people are concerned about the visa process, but it’s ridiculously easy. Just buy one for $85 from Cuba Visa Services (cubavisaservices.com). Make sure to fill it out carefully, otherwise you may have to buy a new one at the airport, usually for about double the price. Also, make sure to get it stamped before hopping on your flight to Cuba; the airlines will usually remind you. Much ado is made about the official reasons that Americans are allowed to visit Cuba, which range from religious and family reasons to business research and “support of the Cuban people,” also known as the people-to-people visa. The only time anyone asks about your reasons for travel is in the American airport as you check in for your flight. No one seems to care which one you pick, though people-to-people is the most broad and therefore popular category.

WHERE TO EAT For decades, most of the restaurants in Havana were government-owned, and many remain that way. But changes in the law a few years ago allowed private citizens to start serving food in their homes, and there’s been a culinary revolution exploding ever since. The leader of the pack is La Guarida (laguarida.com), whose rooftop bars and historic dining rooms were made famous in the film Strawberry and Chocolate. There’s also creative farm-to-table cuisine at Ivan Chef Justo (no website, but his Al Carbon is around the corner if you can’t get a reservation); the Swedishmeets-Latin American style of Casa Miglis (casamiglis.com), which has a sweet bar; and 304 O’Reilly (whose name is also its address in the heart of old town). Make reservations before you leave for Cuba: they’re required at most spots, and since a working internet or phone connection is hard to come by for tourists, you’ll need to get your dining ducks in a row before landing in Havana.

WHERE TO STAY

EASY ESCAPES Once you’ve seen a show at the Cabaret Tropicana, sipped on daiquiris with Ernest Hemingway’s statue at El Floridita, and ridden around town in a convertible 1950s Chevy, escape Havana to explore the countryside. An easy half-day is to Cojimar, the fishing village east of Havana where Hemingway used to dock his boat, Pilar. There’s a quaint fort there, numerous shops with cheaper prices than Havana, and the famous author’s favorite table at La Terraza, where a trio will sing your favorite songs as you sip on mojitos and eat escabeche. If you’re hungry, try Café Ajiaco (ajiacocafe.com), one of the country’s best restaurants, home to an amazing taro soup. For a full-day experience, hire a car and guide from taxivinalescuba.com and head west to the UNESCO-protected tobaccogrowing region of Vinales, a quaint town of pastel-colored stucco where amazing limestone mogotes rise steeply from the dark red soil. Explore caves, dine on farmfresh food at Ecologica, get a cigar rolled for you, and grab a Cristal Cerveza while taking in the view from Hotel Los Jazmines. Feel free to doze off on the three-hour ride back to the constant hum of Havana.

There are a number of luxury hotels in Havana with most of the accoutrements — and $500 price tags—you expect at similar properties around the world. Located along the Prado that separates the old town (Habana Vieja) from downtown (Centro), and quite near many of the city’s cultural attractions, are the Hotel Plaza Havana (hotelplazacuba.com) the Hotel Inglaterra (hotelinglaterra-cuba.com), and the Hotel Saratoga, which was rebuilt in 2005 with a rooftop pool overlooking the Capitol Building. Located a bit further away but closer to the waves-splattered Malecón are the famous Hotel Nacional (hotelnacionaldecuba.com)—worth a visit for drinks and music whether you stay From top: Farm-to-table fare at Ecologica in Vinales; there or not—and the Melia Cohiba AND IF YOU DO A Rainier hand-rolls a cigar at his tobacco estate in Vinales. (melia.com), a full resort experience. GUIDED TOUR…. For travelers who are more adventurous, or frugal, or simply want a Don’t hop on one of those huge coaches. Instead, opt for a smaller, more more up-close taste of what Havana has to offer, search out casa focused tour, like the ones offered by Access Trips (accesstrips.com). Its particulares, which are rooms or entire homes that owners are allowed to seven-day experience encompasses the culinary scene of Havana and rent out to guests. The easiest way to book one is through Havana’s massive beyond. And among the cocktail lessons and sustainable farm tours, Airbnb community. A recent four-night stay at the two-bedroom Casayami, you’ll learn all you need to know about Cuba’s economy, how the African for instance, was just $83 a night, and came with homemade breakfast each religion of Santeria is intertwined with Catholicism, and why most Cubans morning (though it didn’t come with tons of privacy). have much hope for a more prosperous future. —BY MATT KETTMANN

fashion

veteran of the women’s wear industry, Emily Brickel Edelson spent five years as a fashion illustrator, hanging out at trunk shows, boutique openings and backstage at fashion week sketching models. Today, she’s busy giving everyday fashionistas the illustration treatment. Brickel Edelson co-founded Chic Sketch, an app that invites users to upload a photo of their look and receive a custom sketch by a real fashion illustrator. Each drawing is personalized so no two are alike. Chic Sketch users can also watch a feed of the latest sketches as they roll in, view time-lapse videos of the illustrators at work, and check out trending fashions. The point, Brickel Edelson says, is to make a high-fashion experience more accessible. “People loved watching me draw these sketches at shows, but the average person wasn’t able to get it done unless they wanted to spend a few hundred dollars,” she says. Chic Sketch illustrations cost $10. The service is a joint effort between Brickel Edelson and her now-husband Jordan Edelson, an app developer. (“We married technology and fashion, literally,” she jokes.) The pair launched Chic Sketch at New York Fashion Week 2015, and Brickel Edelson says her team of illustrators has since delivered “tens of thousands of sketches.” “It brings the fun back to fashion,” she adds. “For me, fashion is about inspiration. I love inspiring people to feel good about themselves no matter what they look like. People will come in and say, ‘Oh, don’t sketch me—I didn’t wash my hair, I’m wearing all black.’ But everyone looks fabulous in a sketch, which is just fun.” It’s fun on the other side of the sketch, too, and Brickel Edelson fields so many questions about how to illustrate that she decided to write a book. The recently released Sketch and Go: 5Minute Fashion Illustration offers 500 templates and techniques for aspiring artists. What might her readers and illustrators-in-training be sketching throughout the rest of 2017? Brickel expects to see two hot but opposing looks on the runway: details like embellishments and lace appliques, as well as sleek, strong, utilitarian shapes. —BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

Reaching high-style heights has never been easier.

Attainable

CHIC 50

#myfinksstyle Wear it. Share it.

We want to see how fashion forward you are with your favorite pieces from Fink’s Jewelers! Send us your photos using the hashtag O[Ƃ PMUUV[NG on Instagram À >ViL À i > Ì i Ì ÕÃ >Ì w ÃJw Ã°V

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Ç Ř ½ P O LY VORE

Perfect GEMS

Explore the little luxuries the world has to offer.

about FACE

It’s no secret that staying active helps you reach your fitness goals faster than diet alone. So if toners, masks and serums are nutrition for your face, think of the NuFace Trinity as its corresponding workout. No matter how rigorous your skincare regimen, facial muscles still need stimulation to get lifted and toned, explains Tera Peterson, whose mother Carol Cole helped bring microcurrent technology to the US in the early ’80s. Originally developed for her Hollywood clients to use between professional treatments, the third-generation device couldn’t be easier or more comfortable to use. Apply a cooling gel primer (to transmit the microcurrent into the muscles), then gently roll the Trinity over your face to target fine lines, droopy eyelids and loss of definition. While results will vary, our testers reported firmed, brightened skin within days, and more dramatic improvements over a 60-day period. The device has been FDA-tested for effectiveness as well as safety, but like any workout, you only get out of it what you put in. In this case, it’s all gain with zero pain. —JL

Cinema does more than provide escape and entertainment; it’s often a perfect snapshot of the time in which a movie was filmed, from which cars we drove to which clothes we wore. And independent films are often among the most accurate chroniclers of a period, just one more reason to consider staying in the ultra-luxe Autograph Collection hotels this year. This high-end assemblage of more than 100 properties is partnering with Film Buff to provide a dedicated guest entertainment channel that broadcasts a wide range of award-winning films and documentaries for you to enjoy from the comfort of your well-appointed suite. The offerings focus primarily on art, design, food and music. Some locations will also host Premieres by Film Buff, much-anticipated screenings preceded by fabulous cocktail receptions and followed by film-festival-style Q&As with the films’ directors. —BSL

SHUTTERSTOCK

in the BUFF

BEE mine

“Every honeybee fills with jealousy,” wrote legendary songsmith Fats Waller. But your friends will be the envious ones if they learn you’re escaping to the swanky Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Not just because of the five-star amenities that can be found at Atlanta’s most haute hotel, but because you’ll have the rare chance to see its honeybees in action at a special apiary constructed last year. It’s one of five RitzCarlton Hotel Company locations that now houses honeybees as part of the Community Footprints program and its commitment to environmental sustainability. If you want to see what all the buzz is about, don’t worry about being stung—you’ll be watching from a very safe observation deck. Better still, you can taste these bees’ superb honey in the hotel café. It’s used by chef Michelle Wick and pastry chef Troman Felizmenoin in such delectable creations as seasonal honey yogurt, pear salad with a honeylavender gelée and a spiced orange-honey bar. You can even drink to the bees’ health in the Lobby Lounge, sipping a signature cocktail called “The Legend,” which features house-infused bourbon limoncello and local honey syrup. How sweet it is! —BSL

REI of light (and dark)

If you’ve ever seen a garment by Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (of fashion house Comme des Garçons), the memory of its inventiveness and audacity has probably stayed with you. Her work is not about being pretty in any conventional sense, but about challenging accepted notions of beauty, good taste, and ultimately, even fashion. Beginning on May 4th, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute will pay tribute to this iconoclastic woman with Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between, a thematic retrospective of her work featuring approximately 120 pieces of women’s wear that will engage both the eye and the mind. Equally fascinating will be to witness how some of the world’s biggest celebrities pay tribute to Kawakubo with their outfits for the Met’s legendary Costume Institute Benefit (aka the Met Gala). The designer herself will serve as the evening’s honorary chair. —BSL

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW…

Again. Not all of today’s passions reside on your smartphone.

e live in an era of incredible technological advancements, with smartphones and smart houses, self-driving cars and an increasingly automated workforce. But sometimes “old ways is good ways” (to quote Stanley Kubrick), and not every innovation means tossing out the old tech for the new. Some of the classics are enjoying renewed interest among fans of quality and style.

VINYL:

With the popularity of the artisanal craft food and steampunk movements over the past decade, there’s been a resurgence in all things old-timey and handcrafted among young hipsters, from fancy facial hair to pre-Prohibition cocktails and 19th-century bicycles. But vinyl has transcended niche collecting in a big way.

Despite record stores closing left and right, vinyl sales (for both new and classic musicians) are up significantly, with LPs and 45s outselling digital and streaming music in the UK in December, according to Digital Music News. Unlikely retailers including Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble have jumped on the pressed album train. It’s not just audiophiles embracing the trend: At the exclusive Distillery—a new gin-themed hotel in London—three bespoke guest rooms feature minibars stocked with Portobello Road gin crafted downstairs and a vinyl playlist curated by Rough Trade Records. Chao Chao, a cool new Vietnamese restaurant in Manhattan, hosts “Vinyl Tuesdays” when you can bring your own records in for diners to enjoy. And the Goodland in Santa Barbara offers a Record Concierge to help you curate a playlist from its library to play on your inroom Crosley. Meanwhile, last summer, electronic music DJs Richard Vission and Bad Boy Bill hosted a multi-city “Back to Vinyl” tour, where they “pressed pause on all sync buttons and instead played all their music on vinyl,” both new and old. Radical! Instagram is also getting into it in a big, big way. Sonja is a young Finnish collector who goes by the handle VinylWife and boasts over 32,000 followers for her daily pics: playful, sometimes sensual poses of her with examples from her extensive collection. “I think the appeal for vinyl represents people’s longing for something real and concrete in this digital world,” she explains. Sonja launched her channel after seeing other Instagram pages dedicated to passions as obscure as wax. “I’ve always been a very visual person and I enjoy photography.” Hints for collectors new to the game (or those of us revisiting it after many decades)? “Every record has a story,” says Sonja. “Remember to handle them with love, and the stories will live forever.” We wish that was true of our latest failed iTunes update.

Above: Hotels like the Goodland in California and the Roxy in NYC (pictured) now offer in-room turntables and curated playlists by the likes of DJ/Instagram star Alix Brown.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ROXY NEW YORK CITY

culture

IMAGES FROM TOP: BEN FERRARI FOR KOBRICK COFFEE CO.; COURTESY OF PIPER-HEIDSIECK CHAMPAGNE; SAMWHITEOUT.COM; AGATHE POUPENEY FOR OPÉRA NATIONAL DE PARIS

OLD-FASHIONED COFFEE:

It’s easy enough to use a Nespresso or Keurig machine for your morning Joe, or drive through Starbucks and order a double-whatever-accino. But a new generation of coffee aficionados has discovered there’s a wide range of hidden flavors, aromas and experiences that you simply can’t get from a pod. While some methods approach mad scientist levels—like the painstakingly slow Japanese drip—others are surprisingly old school. Two of the latest crazes for coffee connoisseurs are “cold press” or “cold brew” and “pourover.” OXO, Yama and other stylish brands make special cold brew containers, or you can simply let 3/4 cup of coarse-ground coffee steep in 4 cups of cold water in your French Press for 12 hours. Press or strain the coffee, et voila! Pourover coffee is equally simple: Stick a coffee filter over a cup, fill it with grounds and very slowly pour hot water over it. Chemex is king here, and pourover drinkers are almost religious about their cone-and-decanter equipment. Naturally there are special filters and grinders when you start getting really serious. Pros say there are myriad advantages (especially with cold brew coffee), including lower acidity and a richer, more caffeinated cup. “Sometimes greatness is found in the simplest methods, and with the art of brewing coffee, this is the case,” says Niki Kobrick of New York’s Kobrick Coffee Co. “Sometimes when we adjust for speed and convenience, it adds detrimental layers to the process, like coffee oil residues, water temperature issues or hot plates that burn the brew. The advancements that have been made to the simplest methods—like Japanese cones that come with the perfect filter to match—offer brewers the attention to detail that creates a holistic, pure experience like no other.” Are percolators and cowboy coffee next to show up at the trendy shops?

CHAMPAGNE:

Sure, fat cats and moguls have never abandoned sparkling wine or fish eggs. But these days, the audience for both is much larger. In addition to French Champagne, prosecco from Italy and Spanish cava have witnessed spikes in popularity. This time around, it’s not simply reserved for wedding receptions and deal closures. Younger drinkers (especially) are finding any time is Champagne Time. “A couple of years ago, traditional brands started to cater to cutting-edge, modern audiences,” says Blaine Ashley, who hosts the annual New York Champagne Week. (She was honored last fall by Wine Enthusiast in its 40 Under 40 cover article.) In lieu of stuffy pairing dinners, NYCW hosts events bearing quirky names like “Let’s Get Fizzacle” and “Back That Glass Up” at trendy bars and wine shops around the city. There’s also an annual cocktail contest where some of the city’s best bartenders compete for cash and prizes with original mixed drinks featuring bubbly.

“The contest takes Champagne even further into everyday consumption, demonstrating its approachability and diversity,” says Ashley. Want further proof Champagne isn’t just for special events? Try pairing it with Indian food or Mexican fish tacos. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

OPERA: Attending the opera, symphony and theater were once a given for the aspiring coming-of-age crowd. Today, while Broadway thrives, other public performance spectacles have experienced something of a decline. The Metropolitan Opera, however, has hosted very successful movie theater and streaming performances over the past few years, a modern update to live radio broadcasts the Met has hosted since 1910, and it continues to innovate. This, along with special attention and benefits for younger members, is proving the Fat Lady hasn’t sung yet. Nadine Sierra, 28, is an opera singer (who’s had major roles at the Met and Milan’s La Scala, and is performing this year in Paris, New York and Venice), so she’s arguably biased. But the Fort Lauderdale native also has her finger on the pulse of young America. “I’m of the generation brought up into social media,” she says. “Communication has become so important, it’s almost an obsession. Peter Gelb [GM for the Met] got it right with the HD theater broadcasts.” Arguably social media is another stepping stone for the opera company that hosted Live at the Met on radio and PBS for decades, but Sierra points out that the interaction performers can now have thanks to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook takes things even further. “To get people interested in the artistry, they first have to become interested in the artists themselves. Lady Gaga and Adele do that: communicate very personally with their fans. I have people come and greet me that I’ve only met through social media. They want to know the person behind the art.” The tactic seems to be working: At the most recent season opening and the New Year’s Eve gala (sponsored by Louis Roederer Champagne), a healthy dose of stylish under-30s brought a 21st-century vibe to the dance floor.

ANALOG WATCHES: We don’t have to tell you that mechanical watches—with their crystals and complications and detailed workmanship— are cool. You’re reading this magazine. But with the rise of the smart watch over the past two years, it looked as if digital watches might be moving to the fore again. However, demand has quickly leveled off as many people continue to relish the style and character of a classic timepiece, from fashion to luxury. “Watches are inherently cool exactly because they’ve ‘lost’ some of their functionality, with everyone having a cell phone,” says fashion influencer and Instagram sensation Sam White (260,000 followers). “It’s now a deliberate decision to wear a watch.” What’s more, as many hip-hop fans will attest, luxury watches can pair perfectly well with more casual garb. “I really like wearing a nicer watch with joggers and a hoodie, because the contrast can be unexpected, but not too flashy,” says White. “What’s also dope about watches is that there are a million-and-one different styles, bands, face sizes. With the smart watches and fitness bands, they all look very similar.” We’ll take standing out any day. —BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

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JEWELRY S

ince the beginning of humankind, jewelry has been worn to convey social status, often communicating power, prominence, or authority. For example, Caroline Astor, a formidable New York City Gilded Age doyenne, wore abundant diamond jewels to declare her social influence. Credited with establishing society’s “in and out” list, Mrs. Astor needed these jewels to validate her arbitration. And then there’s my friend Lenore, who always wears her best jewelry when checking in for flights and hotels. Why? To improve the odds of an upgrade. (And she usually gets them: now that’s truly magical!) Today, jewelry still symbolizes strength and status. Take, for example, congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, whose trademark pearls seem to reflect the classic style of Barbara Bush and Jackie Kennedy. But unlike her predecessors, Pelosi sports the real thing: South Sea pearls in a signature statement necklace. (I’m not sure it’s helped her politically, but she sure looks powerful…) In addition to strength, jewelry is very much about sentiment. Some stones and talismans are even perceived to have magical properties. During her campaign, Hillary Clinton wore various personal pieces notable for their meaning, not their monetary value: a charm bracelet with her granddaughter Charlotte’s baby picture, a 40th wedding anniversary necklace. She recounts numerous people giving her “all kinds of charms, mementos that are important to them and I do keep them with me...I get so much love and support from my constituency...I want to remember that always.” Certain style icons are memorable for jewelry choices that proclaim their personalities. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and artistic director of Condé Nast, wears Georgian rivière necklaces, often in multiples. The significance? Rare air. Instead of the more common Georgian-style chatelaine, Wintour favors the exclusive, harder to find, authentic antiques. This year, as Chanel celebrates its famous founder Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, the company is commemorating her spirit as “rebel at heart” with a new Gabrielle watch and jewelry collection. I have my own talismans. A pendant with a Kazuko rose quartz heart wrapped in gold wire, for example, was a gift from the designer after we’d only just met. Sadly, she passed away not long after, so this piece is forever special to me. My favorites, however, are two gold bracelets from my maternal and paternal grandmothers. I always wear them together, for special occasions and family gatherings. And when I want good luck for important client meetings or job interviews, I bring my grandmas with me. Like Hillary, I’m enriched and inspired by the love and support that these wise women continue to offer me through their jewelry. —BY LAURIE SCHECHTER

FROM LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK. LG ELECTRONICS; MRS. WILLIAM ASTOR OIL ON CANVAS BY CAROLUS-DURAN, PARIS, 1890, COURTESY THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART. GAGE SKIDMORE.

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FINK’S JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

SPRING/SUMMER 2017