Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

ACCENT

THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/WINTER 2015

FROM THE

RUNWAY RICH TEXTURE

DESIGNERS: JOHN HARDY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

RAYMOND WEIL SALUTES FRANK SINATRA

DEAR FRIENDS

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hroughout our 37-year history, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has shared in celebrating memorable occasions in our customers’ lives by providing the finest gems, timepieces and giftware to commemorate those events. Providing the best selection and value is important, but we truly feel it is our associates that are our greatest asset and set us apart from the rest. Heartfelt customer service isn’t a job duty for our associates. It is a passion to provide an extraordinary experience for every person they encounter and create a memorable visit each and every time.

We recognize that you are the reason our business exists and our associates pride themselves on being responsive to your needs and wants. Whether it’s helping you design a one-of-a-kind creation, update your insurance valuations or take care of the service needs of your finest timepieces, Lee Michaels’ associates provide the kind of great customer service that we have been known for since opening our doors for the very first time.

We make certain our associates are up to date on the latest trends and styles. We ensure that they have the background and education to be well informed to assist you in selecting the perfect item for you or your loved one. Their level of expertise, service and genuine passion is evident in their commitment to exceed their client’s expectations every single time.

We welcome you to form a relationship with any of our associates to secure them as your personal consultant. They can remind you of special dates, alert you to the wishes of your loved ones, notify you of new arrivals and keep you informed on your repairs and special orders.

As always, our entire Lee Michaels’ family is honored to be of service to you in creating those special moments for your life’s celebrations. We hope to see you soon.

Best personal regards, Lee Michael Berg, Ryan Berg, Scott Berg and Chad Berg

OYSTER PERPETUAL L ADY-DATEJUST

rolex

oyster perpetual and datejust are trademarks.

CONTENTS

Fall/Winter 2015

B AT O N R O U G E 7560 CORPORATE BOULEVARD 225.926.4644 MALL OF LOUISIANA, 225.766.6000 NEW ORLEANS LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER, 504.832.0000 SHREVEPORT 6605 YOUREE DRIVE, 318.222.2929 L A F AY E T T E ACADIANA MALL, 337.981.8071

FEATURES 2 Welcome Letter 6 A Grand New Location 8 Red Box Insider 10 Trending at Lee Michaels 12 Scene: Haute Looks on the Red Carpet 14 From the Runways 18 Collections: John Hardy 20 Designers: Marco Bicego 22 Classic Diamonds 24 Upcoming LM Events 28 Pearls: Timeless & Trendy 30 Spotted: As Seen On… 32 Timepieces: Films to Watch 36 Profile: Shinola 38 Watch News

JACKSON, MS RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK, 601.957.6100 SAN ANTONIO, TX NORTHSTAR MALL, 210.541.9575 THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA, 210.699.9494 CEO LEE MICHAEL BERG C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R KENNETH S. GIKAS VICE PRESIDENT GREG JOHNSON VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER MALL OF LOUISIANA JOHNNY TATE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JANE HARRINGTON ADVERTISING MANAGER AMY GRAHAM HUGHES BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEE MICHAEL BERG BRENDA BERG CHAD BERG, GENERAL MANAGER RYAN BERG, MARKET PRESIDENT SCOTT BERG, MARKET PRESIDENT C R E AT I V E D E PA R T M E N T AMANDA THOMAS JAMES OSBORNE 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

42 Icons: The Test of Time

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R HANS GSCHLIESSER

60 Spirits: The Fame Game

INTERIM MANAGING EDITOR BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

68 End Page: All That Glitters

BRIDAL SECTION 44 It’s Only Just Begun 46 Jewelry: Symbol Pleasures 48 Planning: Modern Love 50 Flowers: Centerpieces of Attention 52 Interview: Family Affair

PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2015. Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-6866821; All Rights Reserved. The publishers 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 13, 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.

groundbreaking

A GRAND NEW LOCATION IN

Lafayette, Louisiana C

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uring the last 30 years, we have cherished and valued the friendship and patronage of the Lafayette community.

Due to their extraordinary support, they have made it possible for us to achieve our dream of building a freestanding location. In January 2016 we will proudly open the doors of our new home at Ambassador Crossing.

Lee Michaels’ fourth independently located store broke ground on February 20, 2015. The new 6,000-square-foot space promises to bring Lafayette a luxurious Rolex corner and one of the first David Yurman shop-in-shops in an independent jewelry store. The store will also feature beautiful cases made of American cherry wood and a hand-crafted, reverse-painted Ulla Darni chandelier. You will also see expanded selections from favorite designers including John Hardy, Penny Preville and Mikimoto. New designers to love, such as Marco Bicego and Gucci, also make the new store at Ambassador Crossing a must-see destination.

Our passion for providing each Lee Michaels customer with an extraordinary selection of jewelry and timepieces will be luxuriously expressed in this new location. We look forward to continuing to offer you the exceptional level of quality and service for which Lee Michaels has been known for almost 40 years.

“We are very excited that Lee Michaels Fine Jewelers is starting construction at Ambassador Crossing Shopping Center. Our vision for this project is to bring best-in-class retailers to the Lafayette market, and Lee Michaels certainly fits that description. We look forward eagerly to Lee Michaels’ opening in early 2016,” said Michael Ainbinder, Developer of Ambassador Crossing Shopping Center.

out and about

RED BOX

Insider

The Junior Leage of Baton Rouge Las Vegas Style Night Out

JDRF & Lee Michaels raffle table Baton Rouge

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ee Michaels was proud to partner with Mikimoto at the Washington D.C. Mardi Gras event in January. Mikimoto America CEO Meyer Hoffman was in attendance as was Johnny Tate, senior vice president of Lee Michaels. During the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Ball, every Louisiana Princess and Festival Queen was presented with a pair of Mikimoto pearl studs wrapped in our signature red and black packaging. It was an evening full of dancing and dining while everyone, as they say in South Louisiana, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”

JDRF Race For The Roses - Baton Rouge

DoSeum Grand Opening - San Antonio

MLB player David Delluci and Lee Michaels staff Baton Rouge

Jackson Symphony League Luncheon featuring David Yurman Fashion Show

The Junior League of Baton Rouge Las Vegas Style Night Out

7ұҤҭңҨҭҦ $ҳ LҤҤ 0ҨҢҧҠҤҫҲ Here’s a look at our top trends that are sure to be your must-haves this season.

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6$33+,5(6 There has been a resurgence of creativity in fashion jewelry in which the return of color has played a key part. The “classic blue” color of sapphires were seen on both the men’s and women’s wear runways in 2015, as well as in the cases at Lee Michaels. This classic hue allows sapphires to accent anything and everything in your wardrobe. It is truly a perfect “go-to” gem when pairing with your favorite pair of blue jeans or an elegant cocktail dress.

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1. 18K white gold and black rhodium bracelet featuring an open design of sapphires and diamonds, $29,500 2. 18K white gold and black rhodium necklace featuring round sapphires and diamonds, $7,000 3. 18K white gold ring featuring a tanzanite center stone accented by diamonds and sapphires, $26,500 4. 18K white gold and black rhodium ring featuring a cluster of sapphires in the center accented by sapphires and diamonds, $6,250 5. 18K white gold fashion band featuring sapphires set across the top accented by diamonds, $2,500 Images have been enlarged to show detail.

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3 23$/6 If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, the new jewelry trend that’s recently captured the hearts of trendsetters across the globe is the opal. Opals are loved for their beautiful play of color and light; their iridescence and luster in rainbow hues have mesmerized people for centuries. From brilliant blue to fiery red, opals come in almost every shade of the rainbow. The fact that most actually appear to be multicolored also makes them one of our favorite stones. There is no mistaking the return of color in the jewelry world with this beautiful stone.

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6 1. 14K white gold earrings featuring opal center stones surrounded by pavé diamonds, $525 2. 14K white gold earrings featuring oval opal doublets surrounded by pavé diamonds, $1,350 3. 14K yellow gold earrings featuring opal center stones surrounded by pavé diamonds, $525 4. 18K white and yellow gold necklace featuring opals, tsavorites, spessartite garnets, and diamonds, $40,500 5. 18K white gold ring featuring a black opal center stone surrounded by a pavé diamond halo and a pavé diamond shank, $4,950 6. 18K white gold ring featuring an opal center stone surrounded by a double pavé diamond halo and a pavé diamond shank, $5,500 Images have been enlarged to show detail.

Brittany Snow

Jennifer Lopez

IMAGE COURTESY OF SUTRA

IMAGE COURTESY OF SUTRA

IMAGE COURTESY OF JACK VARTANIAN

scene

HAUTE LOOKS

on the

Christina Hendricks

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TREND

Giuliana Rancic

IMAGE COURTESY OF HARRY KOTLAR

IMAGE COURTESY OF CASA REALE

Vanessa Hudgens

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

IMAGE COURTESY OF JACK VARTANIAN

RED CARPET

Earring clusters and climbers give new meaning to the phrase “star studded.”

Kate Bosworth

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RESERVE COLLECTION 18K yellow and white gold bracelet featuring an open link design with round diamonds, $18,500 ROBERTO COIN 18K yellow and white gold necklace featuring a braided design with round diamonds, $11,100 ROBERTO COIN 18K white gold bangle featuring a braided design with round diamonds, $4,750 ROBERTO COIN 18K yellow and white gold bangle featuring a braided design with round diamonds, $4,750 JACK KELÉGE Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring round yellow and white diamonds, $21, 000 ROBERTO COIN 18K yellow gold ring featuring a smooth exterior with three round diamonds set on the side and open cage design inside, $2,400 CHANEL RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE

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PLEVÉ 18K yellow gold earrings featuring an ombré design of tsavorites and white diamonds, $4,650 NOBLE COLLECTION 18K yellow gold bangle featuring a hexagon design with pavé diamonds on each end, $9,875 PLEVÉ 18K yellow gold necklace featuring an ombré design of tsavorites and white diamonds on a teardrop pendant, $5,150 PLEVÉ 18K yellow gold necklace featuring an ombré design of tsavorites and white diamonds on a marquise pendant, $4,650 CHANEL RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE

from the

RUNWAYS

BACK IN BLACK

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DAVID YURMAN Sterling silver dog tag neacklace featuring red dinosaur bone inlay, $725 DAVID YURMAN Sterling silver dog tag neacklace featuring black onyx inlay, $650 OMEGA Black ceramic Dark Side of the Moon Speedmaster chronograph timepiece, $12,000 Gents alternative metal bands from top to bottom: black Zirconium, $350; black Tungsten Carbide, $275; polished Zirconia and Ceramic, $80; black Zirconium with Carbon ďŹ ber inlay, $450 5. DAVID YURMAN Sterling silver and black leather bracelet featuring a cross set with black diamonds, $895

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ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE

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TAG HEUER CARRERA LADY DIAMONDS Cara Delevingne challenges rules. Being free-minded is her motto. Like TAG Heuer, she defies conventions and never cracks under pressure.

collections

Making 40

fabulous John Hardy unveils a special capsule collection for its 40th anniversary.

BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

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s any long-married couple could tell you, a 40th anniversary is a milestone that deserves a truly special gift. In the case of jewelry legend John Hardy, the Bali-based company is honoring its 40th anniversary with a remarkable gift meant for its customers: a new capsule collection that draws on its long history of artisanal craftsmanship (which is based on the traditions of the goldsmith of the ancient Balinese courts) as well as the company’s own archives.

The showpiece of this collection, of which only four were produced, is the Classic Chain 18K Gold Diamond Pavé Large Chain Bracelet, which features 634 hand-cut and hand-set diamonds.

“We used the Classic Chain for these new bracelets, which is our most iconic collection, because it symbolizes the human bond of togetherness by weaving time-honored hand craftsmanship and generations of know-how into timeless heirlooms,” says Eva JeanbortLorenzotti, the company’s creative advisor.

(A smaller version of this piece was also created with just 40 pieces available for sale.)

In order to create a more approachable twist on this rare piece, John Hardy created two other bracelets to mark this memorable occasion. It has produced 400 of the Classic Chain Large Chain Bracelet in silver, featuring hand-set stone clasps in

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blue, black, pink and red sapphire, as well as 4,000 Classic Chain Silver Lava Mini Chain bracelets using tsavorite, amethyst, black, blue, red and pink sapphire stones set in a lobster-style clasp.

“Our designs are always influenced by nature and the symbolic beauty we find around us, so the colored stones we chose for the Classic Chain Silver Lava Mini Bracelets are all reflective of the vibrant hues found throughout the island of Bali,” says Jeanbort-Lorenzotti. “It was important that, for this occasion, we design a new collection that would symbolize John Hardy’s dedication to creating the ultimate expression of artisan-crafted beauty.

Beauty that is powerful, dramatic and inspiring.”

designers

EXQUISITE

elegance Marco Bicego delivers Italian style and craftsmanship.

BY BARBARA WHEAT

Left: Marco Bicego Paradise collection and Diamond Lunaria collection

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here’s a reason that jewelry designer Marco Bicego embraces “Made in Italy” branding for his contemporary jewelry designs: his work is inspired by his Venetian origins and the area’s natural surroundings. Moreover, having grown up in his father’s atelier in Veneto, Italy, he understands the importance of old-world tradition and fine craftsmanship. No wonder Bicego is involved in every aspect of the production of his handmade creations.

At his state-of-the-art factory in Vicenza, the grated floor serves as a safety net for catching findings and other parts used in the making of his jewelry lines. (The grating is lifted twice a year in order to sweep the floor below, where all of the materials are reclaimed for use.) Inside the factory, the talented artisans who specialize in different areas of the production process carefully craft each component of Marco Bicego jewelry. Some fashion the intricate gold constructions, while others set the many colored stones and diamonds used in the designs. What they have in common is that they all feel the same passion for ensuring quality in every piece of jewelry.

In keeping with the designer’s passion for nature, the signature of his Goa collection is the use of swirling lines and curves combining 18K white or yellow gold with white diamonds. Bicego’s vision can also be seen in his latest collection of 18K gold jewelry and colored gemstones, aptly named Paradise: The New Color Explosion, which features fabulous styles in “sorbet colors.” Layered necklaces of gold chains and colored gemstone drops are the highlight of this grouping. Bracelets and earrings are similarly adorned and crafted with hand-engraved yellow gold elements.

Fanciers of Bicego’s work, notably those who are already familiar with his Lunaria collection of organically shaped gold leaves, will especially appreciate his newly launched Diamond Lunaria collection, featuring hand-set diamonds and bulino-technique hand-engraved links.

Many of these designs boast an exquisite texture, an effect that is achieved by extremely fine hand etching.

No matter which line you purchase, Marco Bicego brings exquisite elegance to every woman’s personal style.

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Accent your wardrobe with these stunning diamond pieces.

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1. Necklace with round diamond drops, $2,900 2. Necklace with single round diamond drop, $1,250 3. Necklace with pear-shaped diamond drops, $3,150 4. Double teardrop diamond fashion earrings, $3,475 5. Floral diamond stud earrings, $2,150 6. Single oval diamond fashion earrings, $3,475 All in 14K gold. Image has been enlarged to show detail.

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M E T E R S B E N E AT H T H E S U R FA C E

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PELAGOS® Self-winding mechanical Manufacture TUDOR MT5612 movement, officially certifi ed chronometer, non-magnetic silicon spring, approx. 70 hour power reserve. Waterproof to 500 m, 42 mm titanium and steel case. Visit tudorwatch.com and explore more. TUDOR Watch U.S.A., LLC. New York

save the date

Upcoming

LM EVENTS TM

Personal Appearance October 20, 2015 • Lakeside Shopping Center - New Orleans, Louisiana October 22, 2015 • Mall of Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Louisiana October 24, 2015 • 6605 Youree Dr. - Shreveport, Louisiana November 21, 2015 • North Star Mall - San Antonio, Texas

Personal Appearnace October 10, 2015 • The Shops at La Cantera - San Antonio, Texas

Fall Trunk Show October 8, 2015 • 6605 Youree Dr. - Shreveport, Louisiana October 14, 2015 • Renaissance at Colony Park - Jackson, Mississippi November 21, 2015 • Lakeside Shopping Center - New Orleans, Louisiana

Personal Appearance November 19, 2015 • 7560 Corporate Blvd. - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Fall Trunk Show November 20, 2015 • Mall of Acadiana - Lafayette, Louisiana

pearls

TIMELESS &

TRENDY

Today’s fashion-forward pearls can be mixed with traditional styles. BY RUTH J. KATZ

THE CULTURE OF MIKIMOTO

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The genius behind the cultured pearl was Kokichki Mikimoto. Prior to his determined experimentation over 100 years ago, pearls existed naturally, and only naturally. They are created when an “intruder” (something even as tiny as a grain of sand) enters a mollusk, and in an effort to protect itself against the invading irritant, the oyster coats it with calcium carbonate, or nacre.

Mikimoto developed a way to induce the oyster to create pearls “on demand” by introducing that irritant by hand, a laborintensive operation. Today, Mikimoto produces the world’s finest pearls in designs from classic to high-fashion.

According to Meyer Hoffman, chief operating officer, Mikimoto America, “Design and fine craftsmanship are the core principles of Mikimoto, and the classic cultured pearl strand is iconic to the brand.

Our new collection features an array of gemstones, vibrant colors, and new shapes, drawing inspiration from an imagined, magical world, exploring new and innovative ways to create jewelry that showcases the pearl, nature’s purest gem, in unexpected playful ways.”

he pearl is truly the world’s most timeless jewel. Cleopatra is said to have created a lavish repast by crushing pearls into nectar, while Coco Chanel was always awash in a sea of pearls (and is an excellent model to emulate by owning many strands, worn mix-and-match). So whatever pearls you buy today will become tomorrow’s heirlooms, as these gorgeous gems are always a solid investment.

For fall/holiday 2015, fashion-forward designers are making bold statements with pearls in fanciful ways, whether mixed with cascades of rainbow-hued gemstone briolettes, offset with semi-precious stones, like lapis or turquoise, or wrapped like a twisted rope

(a torsade) and set with staccato notes of coral or jade. Today, pearls are often accented with rondelles (bead-like “spacers”) of emeralds, rubies, sapphires or diamonds, which telegraph chic opulence alongside the snowy orb. At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve also seen pearls mixed with wood, ebony— even denim!

Still, the traditional look never feels dated.

The crowning jewel of a bride’s wedding-day finery—a single, luxe strand of pearls—remains the just-right accessory. And that same single strand—whether crafted with pearls of the same size or graduated—packs an equally strong fashion punch worn with a simple T-shirt or a red-carpet-worthy gown.

In the words of Peter Bazar, president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America (a non-profit association comprised of some 50 pearl manufacturers, wholesalers and dealers), “Pearls never go out of style and are the most appropriate jewelry for career women, socialites, politicians—any woman who wants to feel and look classy and sophisticated.”

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THE SCIENTIFIC DIFFERENCE.

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It’s the same with the perfect diamond. AGS Laboratories technology shows you the undeniable — true sparkle comes from within. Only a diamond with an AGS Laboratories Diamond Grading Report has a map that shows you how light travels through your diamond, giving you the most accurate, consistent, and trusted grade possible. Backed by science. Offered with integrity.

From AGS Laboratories.

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spotted

Dakota Johnson wore Forevermark at the 2015 Academy Awards.

Kristen Stewart wore Stephen Webster in the August 2015 issue of Marie Claire.

Our favorite stars share a love for our favorite brands!

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

IMAGE BY TESH, STYLING BY ALISON EDMOND

As Seen On...

James Marsden wore David Yurman at the Met Gala.

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Allison Janney wore Ippolita at the U.K. premiere of Spy.

Meghan Trainor wore David Yurman on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Marisa Tomei wore Ippolita at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Dascha Polanco wore Roberto Coin at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Kate Winslet wore Marco Bicego in the April 2015 issue of In Style.

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timepieces

FILMS TO

Watch Hollywood’s leading men have kept wristwatches in fashion.

BY BETH BERNSTEIN

most desirable male stars over the past 90 years.

The Son of The Sheik, 1926

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omen’s jewelry often helps define what we know about female film characters and creates a desire among viewers for similar pieces in real life. Unsurprisingly, watches worn by leading men have done the same. In the past few years alone, IWC has provided character-driven timepieces for Jeremy Renner in The Bourne Legacy and Michael Douglas in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps; Justin Timberlake wore a Breitling Chronomat 44 as he pursued Mila Kunis in Friends with Benefits; and Matthew McConaughey shared screen time with his Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Chronometer in the title role of the The Lincoln Lawyer. Many companies have even designed special-edition watches for films, such as the U.K.-based specialty brand Bremont, which created three chronometers for the 2014 action film Kingsman: The Secret Service, starring Colin Firth.

Cartier, Rolex and Omega take top honors in the Hollywood pantheon, having made a slew of memorable appearances on some of the film world’s

The first wristwatch ever to be shown on celluloid was the Cartier Tank worn by heartthrob Rudolph Valentino in 1926’s silent film The Son of the Sheik. It reportedly belonged to Valentino himself; indeed, the watch had nothing to do with the costumes and had no place in the story. Back then, men were still flipping open their pocket watches to tell time.

But once Valentino sported the Cartier Tank (which was inspired in name and design by World War I tanks) wristwatches began to replace the pocket watch in popularity. The sleek Tank is now available in approximately 250 variations.

Charismatic Cary Grant, himself a Tank fancier offscreen, wore one as beleaguered ad executive Roger Thornhill in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 thriller North by Northwest. The 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair starred Steve McQueen, one of Tinseltown’s most passionate watch lovers, as a stylishly bored millionaire-turned-jewel-thief who wears a variety of high-end watches, including a Cartier Tank. Strong-but-sometimes-silent Gary Cooper owned the Tank Basculante (the so-called “tipping” Tank), while screen icon Warren Beatty sported Cartier Tanks throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s.

ROLEX Clark Gable personified tough-guy sex appeal, but off the screen he also understood the value of refined luxury timepieces. His vast watch collection included a 14K gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6011, which he wore in the 1953 adventure film Mogambo. When that timepiece went up for auction at

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IMAGE COURTESY OF FEATURE PRODUCTIONS/ KOBAL

CARTIER

Fifty Shades of Grey, 2015

IMAGE COURTESY OF FEATURE PRODUCTIONS/ KOBAL

sport an Omega Seamaster Professional 300m.

Hunky Daniel Craig continues the tradition to this day: He wore two Omega models—a blue Omega Seamaster300m Chronometer and a Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial Chronometer—in his Bond debut, Casino Royale. He is expected to don an Omega or two in the upcoming 24th Bond film, Spectre.

Intriguingly, Omega watches are worn by another character who craves danger: sadomasochistic businessman Christian Grey, who has an Omega on his wrist in E.L. James’ steamy best-selling novel Fifty Shades of Grey.

Staying true to the book, Grey’s cinematic portrayer, Jamie Dornan, wears an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronograph and a black-faced Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph in the film version released in early 2015. Clearly, it’s a step up from handcuffs.

Bonhams’ “What Dreams Are Made Of” sale in November 2013, it sold for over $28,000.

The dream team of Robert Redford and Paul Newman shared the screen on numerous occasions (including in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), along with their love of Rolexes. Redford wore a Rolex Submariner, model 1680, in his private life and in at least two of his films: The Candidate and All the President’s Men. Meanwhile, Newman caused a stir when he sported a Rolex Daytona with a bi-color dial in the poster for the racing film Winning, which caused collectors around the world to begin referring to this model by the actor’s name.

Talk about dashingly handsome men and you can’t help but think of British MI6 agent James Bond. In the series’ 11th book, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, author Ian Fleming wrote that Bond sees a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual on a metal bracelet as he awakens in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, Sean Connery, the original actor to portray Agent 007, wore a Rolex Submariner in the first of the Bond films, 1962’s Dr. No, as well as in the next six Bond films in which he appeared.

Beth Bernstein is the author of If These Jewels Could Talk (ACC Art Books).

FILM FACT: Both Rolex and Omega have been the official watches of James Bond on screen.

IMAGE COURTESY OF WARNER BROS/KOBAL

All the President’s Men, 1976

OMEGA In 1995, Omega won the bid to become the new official 007 watch. In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan became the first Bond to

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PROMESSE STEEL, 34 MM, QUARTZ 69 DIAMONDS

profile

Love from Detroit with

Shinola sweeps the country with its American-made style. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

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ew companies have made a household name for themselves as quickly as Shinola, the Detroit-based maker of watches, leather goods and sports equipment that has become extremely popular since the brand was launched by Bedrock Manufacturing back in 2011.

(The name derives from a once-legendary brand of shoe polish.)

One reason for its spectacular growth is that the company’s devotion to using American parts and labor, including building an enormous factory in Detroit, is evident in everything it sells.

“Shinola was founded on the belief that American industrialism and craftsmanship can be combined to create beautiful, practical, and meticulously-detailed goods,” says worldrenowned architect David Rockwell, who designed the company’s flagship retail store in New York City.

For fall/holiday 2015, customers will see even more homegrown goods from Shinola than ever before, says creative director Daniel Caudill. “We have begun making our own watch straps in

Detroit, and started making our own dials here as well,” he says. “Eventually, the whole watch will be made completely in the U.S. Our goal is not to assemble a watch, but to build them completely here, which will also create long-term sustainability for our employees.”

Speaking of watches, Caudill says he’s excited about new straps that have the same texture as a football, and a new array of colors for both cases and dials, including oxblood, smoky topaz, and dark green.

“We’re using classic colors that we think look particularly beautiful, but mixing them in really modern ways,” he notes.

Shinola is also growing its women’s watch business, although he finds both genders often wear timepieces made for the opposite sex. “We have a really nice assortment of dial shapes, but we also see that some of the more fashion-centric guys are wearing smaller watches, even some made for women, while some of the ladies are wearing the larger ones, perhaps bought for their boyfriend or husband, as a fashion statement.”

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In some ways, the company’s biggest innovation is its expansion of leather goods, now that they have hired famed designers Richard Lambertson and John Truex to oversee the line.

“They have really taken our leather goods to a new level of quality,” says Caudill. “The amount of detail they brought to our brand is astounding.”

Their complete line of small leather goods, bags, and tech items will be available for spring 2016, although a smaller assortment is ready for fall. “There’s this one tote bag that I’ve been trying to steal the sample of ever since I saw it. In fact, everyone in Detroit wants it. It’s simple, clean, and with beautiful details,” he says. “But I will have to buy one like everybody else.”

Shinola is also debuting its newest sport ball (in oxblood), as well as a few outerwear pieces created in conjunction with San Francisco’s Golden Bear. And by the end of 2016, expect a line of audio products as part of a collaboration with White Stripes singer Jack White.

“Every day, there’s something new and exciting going on here,” says Caudill.

WATCHNEWS

BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

There’s always something new in the wide world of watches, from timepieces that commemorate special occasions in history to state-of-the-art technological innovations to books and blogs that let us know more about what we wear on our wrists.

THE WRITE STUFF Watch connoisseurs who are seeking the most up-todate information on what to wear on their wrists are turning more frequently to the internet to increase their knowledge. Among the most popular sites is hodinkee.com, an eight-year-old online magazine whose popular features include Hands On, which provides all the skinny on the newest watches. Another favorite is watchanish.com, a three-year-old blog that is known not only for its smart text, but also for its super-sharp photography taken all over the world.

Co-founder Anish Bratt gears the writing to both aspirational men and those who are already immersed in the wide world of watches. Meanwhile highly informational site watchreport.com keeps buyers and enthusiasts up on the latest news in the industry, while watchville.com aggregates content from all the relevant blogs and websites.

HISTORY LESSON Few books live up to their titles as accurately as Rolex: History, Icons and Record-Breaking Models, the lavishly illustrated new tome by Mara Cappelletti and Osvaldo Patrizzi. This stunning 152-page volume, published by the Antique Collectors Club, not only delves into the heritage of the beloved Geneva-based watch company, but also includes technical information on the brand, numerous pages devoted to such timeless timepieces as the Oyster Perpetual, the Explorer, the Submariner and the Daytona, and an entire section on vintage Rolexes that fetched jaw-dropping prices in the auction market. It’s the next best thing to actually owning a Rolex…or adding another one to your collection.

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THE MOON IS A LOT CLOSER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.

THE RUNWELL MOON PHASE IN PVD GOLD CASE, MOON PHASE COMPLICATION AND DATE WINDOW, WHITE DIAL, DETROIT-BUILT ARGONITE 708 MOVEMENT, AMERICAN-MADE ALLIGATOR LE ATHER STR AP. BUILT TO L AST A LIFE TIME OR LONGER UNDER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SHINOL A GUAR ANTEE.

RACE RELATIONS

OPEN AND SHUT CASE

Fifty years after automotive legend Carroll Shelby won the 1965 FIA International Championship of GT Manufacturers in his iconic A.C. Cobra, achieving a victory that would change the course of international racing forever, history is being made again.

Baume & Mercier, in association with the Carroll Shelby Company, is marking this milestone by releasing a limited edition of Capeland Shelby Cobra timepieces.

These special watches are inspired by the vintage 1948 mono-push-piece chronograph found in the Baume & Mercier museum, and feature retro accents, classic lines, chronograph and tachymeter functions, a polished and satin-finished case and specially crafted hands featuring the Cobra logo. On your mark, get set, buy!

There’s no question you know what you’re getting when you purchase Officine Panerai’s new specialedition watch, the Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Oro Rosso, because the back of the timepiece’s case is open, revealing the movement. The front of the watch is equally smart, thanks to a 47mm cushion case which is made entirely of 5Npt red gold, a brown dial treated with a satiné soleil finish which catches the light, and the characteristic Panerai “sandwich” dial, which is formed of two superimposed discs. Moreover, the arrow-shaped central hand of the main dial can be used to indicate a second time zone, for those wearers who are caught between two worlds.

RAISING THE FLAG There’s an old saying that suggests if you want something done right, you must do it yourself. Tudor Watch U.S.A. is taking that sentiment to heart by introducing in-house manufacture movements to two of its most popular models: the Tudor Pelagos, a chronometer-based timepiece, which also now features a blue colorway for the dial and bezel, and the Tudor North Flag, which features a selfwinding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor system, power reserve indicator, and a 70-hour power reserve. These up-to-the-second timepieces are definite must-haves for this year’s “in” crowd.

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icons

the test of On the 100th anniversary of his birth, Frank Sinatra is being celebrated worldwide, including by Raymond Weil with a limited-edition watch.

BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

Raymond Weil’s Maestro Frank Sinatra watch with its signature back and classic face; Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Band

1

IMAGE BY OTTO M. HESS MUSIC DIVISION, THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

I

n celebration of the centennial of Frank Sinatra’s birth, the world is focusing on everyone’s favorite cultural icon and his influence on American music, art and fashion.

Among the many events, concerts and lectures around the country commemorating this significant milestone was a recent exhibition at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, curated by the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles (where it will be seen beginning in late October). The exhibition features photos, family mementos, rare correspondence, personal items, art and music, much of which has never before been displayed in public.

The exhibition’s quintessential Sinatra quote was given by Bob Santelli, executive director of the Grammy Museum: “Everyone who ever heard him sing felt a little bit better about the world and themselves.”

And as contemporary crooner Michael Feinstein put it, Sinatra specialized in “songs meant to be experienced with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other.”

Because he was born on 12/12 (1915), Raymond Weil is issuing only 1,212 pieces of their gorgeous Maestro Frank Sinatra watch.

Featuring a classic design (white face, brown leather strap with brown stitching, thin profile) with stainless steel case, blue color numerals and dials (to reference Sinatra’s blue eyes), and open caseback with visible movement inscribed with his last name and signature top hat logo, this watch is a timeless treasure to pass down through the generations.

In fact, of the 1,212 watches, numbers 1, 2, and 3 will be gifts to Frank’s three children: Nancy, Christina and Frank Jr. That’s life!

Photo courtesy of Catherine Guidry Photography Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Evans (Catherine Van Horn) February 7, 2015 Boerne, TX

Mr. & Mrs. Angus Jenkins II (Angela Edwards) February 28, 2015 Lake Louise, CAN

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Cook (Lydia Gikas) May 23, 2015 Baton Rouge, LA

begun

It’s only just

Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Free (Kaitlyn Chustz) April 10, 2015 Baton Rouge, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Blankenship (Chelsey Laborde) April 11, 2015 Marksville, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Colby Nave (Wendy Wilson) May 30, 2015 Highland Haven, TX

Photo courtesy of Michelle Jones Photography - San Antonio

Mr. & Mrs. Lucas Caussade (Heather Ford) December 20, 2014 San Antonio, TX

Mr. & Mrs. Randy Balderas (Jacqueline Perez) March 14, 2015 San Antonio, TX

Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Caruso (Blair Daily) June 7, 2014 Denham Springs, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Thomas (Amanda Mayo) June 27, 2015 Baton Rouge, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Hatcher (Alexa Taron) December 20, 2014 Shreveport, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Chance (Chandler Clanton) November 22, 2014 Waynesboro, MS

JEWELRY

BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

2 8 0 0 B . C . E . : The Egyptians are the first to sport rings, which are made of hemp or reeds like their Neanderthal predecessors’. Over time, they move to iron, and then to gold or silver wire. These rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand, which is erroneously thought to contain the vena amoris: a “vein of love” that runs directly to the heart.

A N C I E N T R O M E : Wives are presented with two wedding rings: an iron piece meant to be worn at home while performing housework, and a gold version to show off wealth when visiting town. The rings are either attached to small keys or feature a key engraved into the band, meant to symbolize that the husband owns his wife.

14 7 7 : The inventive Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissions one of the first recorded diamond engagement rings for Mary of Burgundy, sparking a trend among European royals.

17 0 0 S : Sentimental Europeans are partial to “poesy” or “posy” rings, which are engraved with romantic rhyming verses to be presented to a lover. Meanwhile, in colonial New England, the demure Puritans opt for a humble betrothal thimble rather than a lavish piece of jewelry—but many women cut off the tops of the thimbles and wear them as rings anyway.

symbol pleasures WEDDING RINGS AND BANDS

18 0 0 S : The Victorian era brings the “dearest” ring, a stonestudded band with gems that “spell” out the endearment: Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz.

B R I D A L

46

18 8 8 : Cecil John Rhodes and his investors form De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd., which moves quickly to try to control the world’s growing diamond supply.

19 4 7 : De Beers launches the now-iconic “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, dreamed up by advertising agency N. W. Ayer.

(It was recently reinstated.)

19 6 5 : A whopping 80 percent of American engaged couples now choose a diamond ring to mark their betrothal.

2 0 1 5 : In recent years, ring trends have become more varied, says Gizzi, noting that more couples discuss the engagement ring before the betrothal, with women often choosing their own style, or shopping as a couple. Colorful stones like rubies and aquamarines are gaining in popularity, with or without diamonds.

S E C T I O N

ISTOCK

Wedding jewelry has changed immensely since Neanderthals painted cave glyphs, but the idea of an unbroken circle has continued to resonate with couples throughout the eras. As Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America, notes: “Traditions have evolved so much over time. But when you boil down what goes into a ceremony, a ring remains the ultimate symbol of union and never-ending love.”

But boy, has that simple symbol changed over time!

Ancient texts indicate that a caveman supposedly tied braided pieces of grass or reeds to his wife’s ankles, wrist or waist, possibly to keep her spirit from escaping her body.

Over the past 5,000 years, here’s what has happened to show how men and women remain “tied together” for all time.

the history of rings

HAVE COME FULL CIRCLE.

FOREVER CAPTIVATING

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014 KIRK KARA

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PLANNING

BY ELISE DIAMANTINI

modern love

WEDDING PLANNING APPS AND BLOGS ARE BECOMING A BRIDE’S BEST FRIEND.

depending on how you look at it, the fun or

TOP TIPS

the stress of planning the big day begins. Like

WeddingWire’s senior editorial

most other things, modern-day wedding

associate, Caitlin Zentgraf Krebs,

planning has gone online. In a survey

shares her secrets for staying

conducted by Mashable and theknot.com, 89

calm and organized while

Congratulations! You’re engaged. Now,

percent of people said they used wedding

planning your big day.

planning apps to make checklists, look for

Relax : Take a step back from the

gowns,

track

stress and remember to keep

countdowns. Of those respondents, 70

stay

organized

and

calm, cool and collected. We

percent started creating Pinterest boards

suggest regularly exercising,

before they even got engaged and 51 percent

eating healthy meals and

became “more realistic with their pins after

squeezing in the spa for a

they got engaged.” Clearly, the need for

mani/pedi. After all, you need your

online organization has become an essential

bling to shine!

part of the process for those planning their

Delegate: Your family and

upcoming nuptials.

friends are there to help. Feel free

There’s no shortage of online wedding

to give them a handful of tasks to

planning tools either. Sites like Pinterest,

conquer from your ever-growing

WeddingWire, Lover.ly and The Knot all offer

to-do list.

unique ways for couples to manage their to-

Have a Plan B : Resist the urge

do lists, keep track of inspirational images

to check the weather every hour

and ideas, host registries and create personal websites, among other things. WeddingWire even launched

on the hour for rain. It will simply

a WedSocial app to help guests stay informed of all the details regarding the couple’s special day. Pinterest has also

cause you more stress. However,

become an essential part of planning because it allows users to bookmark inspirational images, videos and ideas

that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t

on a personal page and/or share with others.

have a Plan B. Have Fun : The entire planning

And while online planning tools aren’t replacing traditional wedding planners, they are acting as

process allows you to get those

supplemental guides. These sites can help brides find

creative juices flowing. There’s no

local vendors, follow experts and be creative. It seems

judgment in having a Pinterest

like the ideas are endless online; the hardest part won’t

inspiration board! Your wedding is

be finding inspiration, but making decisions to narrow

supposed to be a reflection of

down what you really want.

your relationship, right?

Savor It : From the engagement

WeddingWire’s senior editorial associate, Caitlin Zentgraf Krebs, says current wedding trends include

party to the goodbye BBQ, you’ll

laser-cut

feel the love when surrounded by

invitations,

greenery

arrangements,

(especially seeded eucalyptus and succulents), rose

all your family and friends. Be

gold jewelry, temporary tattoos as favors and of

sure to take a moment to step

course, Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud song for the

back and soak it all in.

first dance.

B R I D A L

48

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BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

centerpieces of attention

“I BELIEVE IN USING FLOWERS IN AN ARTISTIC WAY.” — LUIS COLLAZO

B R I D A L

50

“What flowers did you have at your wedding?” I recently asked a long-married friend whose nuptials I hadn’t attended. “I don’t remember. Something white,” she casually replied. Yet, another friend, who wed over three decades ago, can still vividly recall how she thought her nuptial day was completely ruined because the florist forgot to put one of the blooms she had requested in the centerpieces. (Trust me, I was there, and the wedding was lovely regardless.)

While some wedding guests—and probably most grooms—may believe that flowers aren’t quite as important to the “big day” as the gown, the cake, or the music, there’s still no reason that centerpieces and table displays shouldn’t be everything that the bride wants them to be.

The key to making that happen, say experts, is two-way communication between the bride and her floral designer.

“The first thing I do, before making any decisions, is I really get to know the bride,” says Luis Collazo, owner of New York City’s Lotus 212.

Moreover, experts add, it can be really helpful if the bride can share her ideas with the florist she chooses, either verbally or by bringing pictures from magazines, websites or other people’s weddings, that exemplify the kind of arrangements she desires for her own wedding day.

Still, the smart bride will take advantage of her florist’s expertise. “A good centerpiece has to be suitable for the venue, as well as the formality of the occasion,” says Collazo, who has created everything from vases simply filled with branches to elaborate, multi-colored arrangements.

For example, as much as the bride might have her heart set on white roses, the florist may know of a species that she hadn’t even considered—or heard about. For example, Collazo often uses such lesser-known varieties as Sandersonias (an orange, bell-shaped flower from New Zealand), Rothschild lilies, as well as exotic orchids. “Whenever possible, I believe in using flowers in an artistic way,” he notes. “I love innovation and creativity, so I often look for flowers that are both unusual and interesting.”

Most importantly, certain practical matters can’t be overlooked. One friend recalls choosing a particular lily, unaware that her husband was allergic to its scent (thereby causing him to miss some of the reception). At one wedding at a swanky New York hotel, guests were literally removing the centerpieces from the table before the first course was served because they were too tall to see over. And choosing a flower with a too-short “shelf life” will result in the centerpieces having wilted before the last dance, or even before table photos have been taken.

Let’s face it: the bride should be blushing—not crying— throughout her special day!

S E C T I O N

IMAGES COURTESY OF LUIS COLLAZO

FLOWERS

INTERVIEW

BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

family affair

SYLVIA WEINSTOCK AND ELLEN WELDON ARE TRUE DESIGNING WOMEN.

Sylvia Weinstock (above) makes fabulous floral wedding cakes.

Before Sylvia Weinstock emerged 35 years ago, the wedding cake was simply a confection. Now, her fanciful dessert creations at Sylvia Weinstock Cakes are elaborate showpieces themselves worthy of celebration.

Meanwhile, Weinstock’s daughter, Ellen, has put her own spin on the family business with

Ellen Weldon Design, offering creative event invitations addressed with elegant calligraphy.

Accent recently caught up with this talented mother-daughter duo to talk personal taste, the differences between celebrities and “regular” clients, and why tradition will never go out of style.

B R I D A L

52

S E C T I O N

Sylvia Weinstock: I always say I came into Manhattan at the right time, with the right product and a lot of luck. I was the new kid on the block doing something no one else seemed to offer: a beautiful cake that was delicious too. It started with a birthday cake and it slowly became wedding cakes. In New York, it’s all about word of mouth: I worked with one hotel and they told people about me, then I worked with the next and so on. Our cakes have traveled all over the world: South Africa, Europe, India, Asia. It’s a wonderful business in a lot of ways, but it’s not without its angst.

Ellen Weldon: I got into calligraphy because in sixth grade, I failed handwriting class. It was my first “F,” and I couldn’t believe it! I took classes and it became an intense hobby. Later, my first job out of college was designing stationery for Cartier, and one of my big clients there was Estée Lauder. Later, I went to work for the company and then for Mrs. Lauder personally. After, I branched out and started my own company, doing work for L’Oréal,

HEAD SHOTS BY JUILIANNE PEPITONE

How did each of you get into your lines of work?

™ and A Diamond is Forever™ are Trade Marks of The De Beers Group of Companies. ™, © Forevermark Limited 2014-2015. Forevermark™,

I T ’ S A LO N G J O U R N E Y TO B ECO M E T H E O N E .

In our constant pursuit of absolute beauty, every Forevermark diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection.

This is why less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are worthy of the Forevermark inscription - our promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.

Forevermark is part of The De Beers Group of Companies.

Ellen Weldon can do everything from hand-calligraphy to digital printing for invitations.

Elizabeth Arden and other cosmetics companies. Now we do weddings, social events and a lot of corporate events. It’s wonderful.

There’s a sense that our culture is shifting to be less formal. Do you ever worry that wedding traditions may be lost over time?

Talk about how your personal aesthetic fits into the wedding experience.

SW: We passed City Hall in New York the other day, and there was a guy in a cart outside selling flowers. That’s something that isn’t fancy, but it’s a wedding tradition. Brides still want to walk down the aisle and have the ritual of the wedding. Some girls still wear the white wedding dress.

EW: One of the challenges we’re having right now is the desire for digital invitations. We’ve been doing more and more of them, but when you’re as passionate as we are about paper— about how important it is to feel the invitation in your hand—it’s hard to get excited. Still, we try to bend to what our clients want.

EW: When brides and grooms come to me, I’m often the first person they see after they book the venue. I try to listen very carefully to their dreams for the wedding day. I had one couple who flew 20 couples to the Dominican Republic and they hung out at the pool. Now, we’re working on a wedding that takes place in Marfa, Texas. It’s a very tiny town, but it’s filled with art galleries. So we made a suite in which each piece of the invitation had a lovely photograph on the back. We want people to feel inspired just by opening it. I want them to look at it and say, I can’t wait for this wedding!

SW: The cake is a showpiece at the wedding.

We’re not inexpensive, but we are worth every penny. The cake is a luxury item, but all wedding items are luxury. You could choose to go off to City Hall, get married and have a hot dog. The great thing is, we have a wonderful team that can carve animals, buildings or anything the couple wants, although florals are our specialty. The main thing is that it has to please both the eye and the palate.

Both of you have worked with major celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez.

How did those experiences differ from working with “regular”folks?

SW: Every bride who walks through our door is a princess. Sometimes this unknown person has been saving up for years to afford us, and her wedding means 10 times more to her than it does to a celebrity who’s been married B R I D A L

54

S E C T I O N

three or four times already!

EW: Do you remember that time some movie star came in and asked you to do a cake for free? Some of them do that! And my mother said, “Oh, sure, let me have everyone in my shop come in and work for free for a week.”

What’s your favorite part of your job?

EW: The people I work with, hands down.

Clients come and go. It’s the people I work with who make me want to come back every day. Oh, and vodka at five o’clock.

SW: It’s getting up in the morning and saying to myself:What wonderful thing is going to happen today? We teach the public to aspire to something that’s unique, perfect and deserving. We show them not to settle for just any old thing, or even for mediocrity. You are giving somebody else a great deal of pleasure and the best memories.

We’re not in the funeral business. We’re in the business of joy. That’s what we do for a living.

How would you sum up in one sentence why being in the wedding business is so important to you ?

EW: We make dreams come true.

SW: For the people who don’t know how to dream, we teach them how.

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spirits Coco Chanel There are two different cocktails named for the famous designer. The first is an unlikely, but delicious, blend of gin, cream and Kahlua. The second is a Lillet-driven libation, variations of which are served at Betony in New York, as well as the Beaufort Bar inside the Savoy Hotel in London (where Mme. Chanel often spent time), as one of their four Character Cocktails. * 1.5 oz vodka * .5 oz Lillet Blanc * .5 oz red wine and blackberry syrup reduction * Moët & Chandon 2004 Vintage Champagne In a mixing glass, add vodka, Lillet and red wine reduction. Add ice, stir well and strain into a flute glass. Top with Champagne.

Hemingway Daiquiri

The

Ernest Hemingway reportedly earned the moniker “Papa Doble” after downing 16 double daiquiris in one (very long) sitting. After being diagnosed, not surprisingly, with diabetes, he came up with his own version replacing some of the sweetener with grapefruit juice and reducing the alcohol. Consider visiting one of his Cuban haunts, still in business, like La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. * 1.75 oz Caña Brava Rum * .75 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur * 1 oz fresh lime juice * .75 oz fresh grapefruit juice * .25 oz simple syrup Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake very well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel and maraschino cherry. If you prefer daiquiris frozen, that’s okay: so did Papa.

F AME game

Delirium: AKA The Bill Murray In 1917, the Waldorf-Astoria honored comic genius Charlie Chaplin with an eponymous cocktail. In 2015, Sweetwater Social, a vintage-themed craft cocktail bar with a relaxed vibe in New York’s Greenwich Village, offers up a drink celebrating contemporary clown king Bill Murray. “Now don’t tell anyone you saw me.” * .75 oz Elijah Craig Bourbon * .75 oz Ron Zacapa Rum * .75 oz Laphroaig Scotch Single Malt * .33 oz Demerara Coffee Syrup (or .25 oz maple syrup) * 4 drops Bittermens Mole Bitters Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until wellchilled. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. Garnish with three coffee beans.

Celebrity-themed drinks go way beyond the Shirley Temple.

BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

Blood & Sand

C

elebrity-themed cocktails have been popular nearly as long as there have been cocktails. In the 1882 Bartender’s Manual by legendary barman Harry Johnson, historic punches are named after British notables who popularized them in the 18th and 19th centuries. Likewise, the Negroni is named after its alleged inventor Count Camille Negroni, and the Royal Highball—a signature blend of Champagne, cognac and strawberry juice created at the Ritz Hotel in Paris—was named in honor of Spain’s King Alfonso XII. Since the silent film era, however, the trend for naming drinks after entertainers has been something of a mainstay that continues to this day. Not every muse will inspire long-lived cocktails. (The “Taylor Swifte” at Jockey Hollow Bar in New Jersey, for example, may not be around by the time you read this.) Here, however, are a few libations still listed on select menus, along with a couple of new “classics,” that show promise for staying power.

60

This drink was named for the famed Rudolph Valentino film and first documented in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. Now, New York’s vintage-influenced Astor Room, situated in the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios, is the perfect spot to order it: Rudy shot several films here (and ate lunch in this same location). * 1 oz blended Scotch whisky * .75 oz sweet vermouth * .75 oz Cherry Heering Liqueur * .75 oz fresh orange juice Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake very well and strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

The Edison The Edison Downtown Bar in Los Angeles has long been one of the foremost craft cocktail lounges in the country. Located in a building that housed the city’s first private power-plant, the bar (and this drink) “celebrates an era of invention and imagination.” This drink effortlessly melds historic ingredients with contemporary technique. * 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon * .5 oz pear-infused cognac * .5 oz fresh lemon juice * .25 oz honey syrup In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Add ice, shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel or flamed lemon peel.

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ENDPAGE “We are a restless people and seeking beauty is part of our quest.”

© GOLD OF AFRICA MUSEUM, CAPETOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

— MATTHEW HART, AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST

Gold is a lens for viewing all of history.

BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

© RONALD DE HOMMEL

Clockwise from top left: Ashanti Queen Mother, Ghana; gold bars; artisanal gold miner in El Chocó, Colombia

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GOLD OF AFRICA MUSEUM, CAPETOWN SOUTH AFRICA; RONALD DE HOMMEL

glitters All That

t a recent seminar organized by Initiatives in Art and Culture, historian Matthew Hart described a memorable trip to a gold mine at the eastern extremity of Dakar. “It’s an ancient gold production area that’s been recently rediscovered,” he explains. Its history is indeed fascinating: Starting in about 800 A.D., the region supported a succession of empires with fabulous wealth, especially the Mali Empire in the Middle Ages. In fact, Mansa Musa, who was the biggest gold supplier in that part of the world, is said to have been the richest man who ever lived! When he made his pilgrimage out of the desert in 1324, it was a glittering caravan of 60,000 cavalry, 12,000 slaves and 80 camels. But when he got to Cairo, the market was unable to absorb the gifts he was distributing and the price of gold crashed for the next 10 years. Ultimately, the Mali Empire exhausted its gold, unable to maintain the level of production needed to sustain the empire, which morphed into a series of industrial mines.

Why is gold worth anything at all since, unlike copper or iron, it’s not supported by industrial use? Hart answers the question thoughtfully. “At different periods in history, as far back as 635 B.C.E., gold has been used as money.

But that’s not the answer: we should ignore the monetary aspect. More important is gold’s intrinsic beauty, its long history of decorating caves, decorating bodies, creating objects of desire. We are a restless people and seeking beauty is part of our quest. At the brink of civilization, gold was what made us human.”

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