Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

ACCENT

THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

JEWELRY TRENDS

HOT OFF THE RUNWAY

ICONS IN TIME PLUS:

SPECIAL

BRIDAL

SECTION

FALL/WINTER 2013

oys ter perpe tual d ate jus t ii

rolex

oyster perpetual and datejust are trademarks.

Dear Friends A

s we celebrate our 35th year of family business, we reflect on the many incredible experiences we’ve had as a result of our decision in 1978 to begin realizing our dreams. Of all the stories we treasure from more than three decades, our friendships with you and the intimate occasions in your life that you have invited us to share are those we value and appreciate most.

Although Brenda and I began our family business simply — with one store in Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana — we had big expectations and even bigger dreams. We knew we wanted our customers to see, touch, wear and enjoy owning the finest jewelry and timepieces. We knew that only the most expert and attentive service would do for the lasting friends we hoped to make. We knew we could be successful by staying true to our name, the one you have come to trust on our iconic red box.

As our business has grown, so has our family’s personal involvement. Our three sons — Ryan, Scott and Chad — are now executives actively engaged in directing our business in our eight markets in three states. It is affirming to our family, our company associates, our communities, and our customers like you that the core values and principles on which we created our business are unchanged today and for the future. Our next generation is as committed to you and your next generations as we were and are as founders. That is a family business tradition we find worth celebrating.

We have traveled the world for more than three decades making First Choices in exquisite jewelry, singular timepieces and memorable giftware, all to be your First Choice personal jeweler. We hope we have succeeded not once, but every time, for every reason, for every occasion of your own. Thank you for giving us 35 years of celebration.

Best personal regards,

Lee Michael Berg CEO

CONTENTS FALL/WINTER 2013 BATON ROUGE 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 LAFAYETTE ACADIANA MALL, 337.981.8071 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 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRENDA BERG CHAD BERG RYAN BERG, MARKET PRESIDENT SCOTT BERG, MARKET PRESIDENT

FEATURES

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT AMANDA MAYO JAMES OSBOURNE

1 Welcome Letter 4 Celebrating a Grand New Location

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

6 Lladro: Inspiration Taking Shape

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

8 From the Runways

CREATIVE DIRECTOR HANS GSCHLIESSER

16 Profile: Marco Bicego

MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

19 Pantone Fashion Color Report

PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA

24 Watches: Icons in Time

PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE

28 Collections: Willow by David Yurman 30 Trend Report: Confident Chic 46 Spotlight: Mikimoto’s 120th Anniversary

PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES

BRIDAL SECTION 35 The Advice

52 The Estate Collection

36 The Ring

54 Food: Gulf Gourmet

38 Wedding Bells

62 Travel: Take a Drink-cation

40 The Dress

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CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2013. 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 11, Issue 2.

Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

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

GROUND BREAKING

Allison Keever and event guest browsing the latest collection from Ippolita

Rafael Semmes and Andrew Mattiace

Guests enjoy the new David Yurman shop-in-shop

CELEBRATING A GRAND NEW LOCATION Chad Berg and Janet Lambert

Dusty Womack, Cheri Hunter and Sharon Garner

T

he night of April 19th was a special one for Lee Michaels as we celebrated the grand opening of our new freestanding location at the entrance of Renaissance at Colony Park, in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Guests were treated to the sounds of The Rafael Semmes Band while they viewed the beautiful and extraordinary new setting, complete with a Rolex corner and David Yurman shop-in-shop, as well as extended collections from their favorite designers. New designers now carried at the store such as Roberto Coin, Ippolita, Bell & Ross and Ebel were very well received by the guests. Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano catered the grand affair, providing a great selection of wine and hors d’oeuvres served throughout the store and outside under the beautiful pergola. Lee Michaels was honored to have Jim Barksdale, H.C. Bailey, Andrew Mattiace and Mayor of Ridgeland, Gene McGee, help with the ribbon cutting, along with the Lee Michael Berg family. It was a beautiful night to mark the special occasion of opening a new store.

Mary Hill with Joe and M.L. Harris

David and Jill Landrum with Dwayne Rainer of Biaggi’s

Dr. Joandrea Dockins and Naquilla Johnson

Greg Johnson, Ken Gikas, Jane Harrington, Mary Hill, Andrew Mattice, Chad Berg, Mayor Gene McGee, Scott Berg, Ryan Berg, Lee Berg, Brenda Berg, Jim Barksdale and H.C. Bailey

INSPIRATION TAKING SHAPE

O

n Sunday, April 21, 2013 Lladró admirers were able to experience the creation process of a Lladró sculpture at our Lakeside Mall location.

The special event consisted of a live demonstration by Alfredo Llorens, an experienced sculptor from The City of Porcelain in Valencia, Spain, where all the Lladró pieces are created. Lee Michaels was one of seven retailers nationwide chosen to host this event. The afternoon was highlighted by the presentation of Alfredo Llorens’ limited-edition creation, A True Friend, a poetic and sculptural creation portraying the delicate beauty of a young lady and her elegant horse.

The event recreated the work environment of the sculptor. He was available to answer questions regarding his process, technical challenges, creativity and inspiration.

All Lladró pieces are the fruit of a painstaking handmade process of creation, still carried out entirely in the workshops of The City of Porcelain, in Valencia.

from the

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RUNWAYS

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NATURAL INSTINCTS Rich textures and organic shapes feel autumn appropriate in an earth-inspired palette.

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1. 14k white gold, opal and diamond necklace, $1,650. 2. Ippolita Rock Candy Gelato collection, 18k yellow gold and black shell ring, $2,595. 3. Di Massima 18k yellow gold, amazonite, quartz and pavé diamond necklace, $3,650. 4. Sterling silver, 18k yellow gold, opaque sapphire and diamond earrings, $2,500. 5. 18k yellow gold, sliced diamond and pavé diamond bracelet, $36,500.

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RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

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from the

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BAROQUE BEAUTY Gilded golds accent lush jewel tones in this season’s most romantic styles.

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1. Sterling silver and 18k yellow gold, gray pearl and diamond necklace, $11,500. 2. Konstantino sterling silver and 18k yellow gold multi-row carved bracelet, $3,220. 3. 18k yellow gold pear shaped earrings, $3,500. 4. David Yurman sterling silver and pavé diamond Starburst ring, $1,600.

RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

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M etropolis collec tion 18 K B r u s h e d Ye ll o w G o l d 路 D iamo n ds

i va nk a trump

from the

RUNWAYS

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POWER PENDANTS

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1. Sterling silver and garnet necklace, $750. 2. David Yurman sterling silver “DY” necklace, $395 and sterling silver, pavé diamond and prasiolite enhancer, $1,800. 3. Konstantino sterling silver, 18k yellow gold and cognac topaz necklace, $995 and enhancer, $2,030. 4. John Hardy Dot collection, sterling silver station necklace, $895 and sterling silver, 18k yellow gold and mother of pearl geometric enhancer, $1,195.

RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

Let it all hang loose in a statement-making necklace.

from the

RUNWAYS

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2 SLEEK & CHIC

Whether from the future or borrowed from the boys, modern shapes call for minimalist jewelry.

4 1. Gurhan 24k yellow gold Willow Leaf necklace, $12,700. 2. Ippolita sterling silver hammered-finish hoop earrings, $395. 3. John Hardy sterling silver and 18k yellow gold chain link cuff bracelet, $1,795. 4. Ippolita Rock Candy collection sterling silver and black onyx hammered-finish ring, $495.

RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

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Pois Moi Collection

PROFILE How has your design sensibility changed over the years?

My jewelry is always something of an evolution: every season I add new elements. For example, in my new Murano Link collection, an extension of my Murano collection launched last year, I mix my signature hand-engraved links with polish-finished elements. The balance of these two textures is the collection’s hallmark.

Are your designs still focused on gold?

Yes. We will always design using 18K yellow gold since it’s intrinsic to our brand DNA and my personal goldsmithing heritage. But I like to balance my offerings by adding in pops of color: semi-precious stones or sometimes sapphires. I strive to combine rich color with hand-crafted 18K yellow gold so the pieces remain timeless, classic and true to the brand heritage.

How are American women different from Italian women in their jewelry preferences?

American women have perfected the art of layering, of interpreting my jewelry in a way that’s more personal. Italian women are more traditional, less trend-conscious. They’d never go into a store asking about the newest collection; instead, they buy jewelry for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries…

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?

I consider myself the classic Italian man. I married my beautiful high school sweetheart. I love to cook for my family and one of my favorite ingredients is mushrooms; I go hunting for them during truffle season in the mountains by my home in Asiago, Italy.

I also play on a soccer team every week (midfield position). Then after the game or practice, I enjoy dinner and a few beers with my friends. It keeps me young!

BALANCING ACT

Who are your heroes?

My father. I grew up working in his goldsmithing factory, where I would watch the artisans at work and try my hand at making pieces of my own.

In 2000 I ventured out on my own and started Marco Bicego. But my father remains a tremendous inspiration. .

What in your life are you most proud of?

Thirteen years ago when I started my company, my dream was to create something unique and expand the brand internationally. Today, we are present in more than 500 of the best stores around the world. My designs are recognizable, yet discreet enough to be worn on many occasions by many types of stylish women. So I am most proud that my dream has become a reality!

Marco Bicego’s design philosophy matches his life philosophy: find your passion and run with it!

KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

How do you manage to balance your passion for work with your passion for living?

My family is and will always be my top priority. Lucky for me that my family is a huge part of my business. I feel so fortunate that I have the best of both worlds… and there’s always time for Franciacorta, my favorite wine!

What life lesson do you most want to teach your children?

I always tell my three kids that the secret to happiness is to do what you love, so you can wake up in the morning and be excited about the day. So my wish for them is that they discover their passion. (And if it happens to be jewelry, I’d be really happy!)

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The Pantone Fashion Color Report is the foremost international authority on colors and trends for the upcoming fashion season.

It was created nearly 50 years ago with the purpose of simplifying decision-making and buying processes for fashion designers, industry leaders and enthusiasts. The report showcases the latest fashion trends and predictions —

MYKONOS BLUE

KOI

ACAI

BEAUJOLAIS

all in the name of style.

V I VAC I O U S

SAMBA

DEEP LICHEN GREEN

LINDEN GREEN

EMERALD

CARAFE

TURBULENCE

As a new season of style debuted during Fall 2013 Fashion Week, so did a new palette of fall colors, compliments of Pantone.

For the brisk days ahead, there are several bright hues to enhance and enliven as colder months set in, such as red Samba and orange-based Koi, while all-time favorites such as Emerald and Carafe step onto the scene. From dark gray Turbulence to brilliant magenta-toned Vivacious, the options are endless. From serious fashionistas to those just looking to update their wardrobes, jewelry will complement the refreshingly refined styles and the classics. There’s a gemstone to invigorate any outfit and set the stage for individual style and character.

make a

STATEMENT

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BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT THE LATEST: • TRENDS • NEW PRODUCTS • UPCOMING EVENTS

WATCHES

ICONS IN TIME ROBERTA NAAS

THE CALATRAVA Just over 80 years old, the Patek Philippe Calatrava has remained committed to its original design philosophy for eight decades. First unveiled to the world in 1932, the sleek round watch with its elegant case and immediately identifiable hobnail pattern was, at the time, an avant-garde design. Created in the pursuit of perfection, the Calatrava fast became an iconic timepiece, embodying everything a pure dress watch should be.

The Calatrava collection predominantly consists of simple three-hand and time/date pieces. This newest Calatrava Ref. 5227G in 18K white gold houses a mechanical self-winding movement and offers a sweep seconds hand and date aperture. Classically elegant, with an invisible hinge dust cover, it is water resistant to 30 meters.

THE DAYTONA Rolex has been an auto racing sponsor since it first became involved with the Daytona International Speedway races in 1959. It wasn’t until several years later, around 1963, that the brand unveiled its now much-coveted Daytona watch, a favorite of the legendary Paul Newman and many others. Over the past 50 years, the muchclamored-for Rolex Daytona has naturally evolved, as has Rolex’s involvement with auto sports. The brand continues to sponsor the Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance race, as well as other events. It also continues to unveil auto-inspired Daytona pieces, like this Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18K Everrose gold, with a fixed engraved black ceramic bezel and gold Oysterlock clasp.

THE CARRERA This year marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary TAG Heuer Carrera. The first was introduced in 1963, and it has since been worn by legendary drivers and celebrities. Jack Heuer, who conceived of the watch, was inspired by the Carrera de Pan American races. “That was the most dangerous race. Drivers would travel at speeds of about 160 miles per hour over rough terrain. In five years, 35 people were killed; they had to stop the races,” explains Heuer. “But that was the first I had heard the name Carrera — I knew I had to use it for a watch.

It was sexy. It meant something. It was a perfect name.” The first Carrera was an incredibly legible chronograph, and while the line has evolved, it has remained true to that creed of legibility. This 50th Anniversary Jack Heuer Carrera, in stores this October, features the house-made 1887 caliber and is stopwatch inspired, with crown at 12:00. It also offers pulsometer and tachymeter scale.

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FOR ME.

©2012 EBEL – REF 1216097

Onde, new from EBEL. Steel, 18K rose gold & diamonds.

COLLECTIONS

ORGANIC HARMONY

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

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

—David Yurman

A

t David Yurman’s country home is a pond, a peaceful place where willows arch over the water.

An early evening walk to this spot inspired Willow, a new jewelry collection he created with his wife, Sybil. The graceful designs interpret David Yurman’s iconic cable motif in a feminine way, and effortlessly layer with his existing collections.

Like fronds dancing on a light breeze, there is a kinetic energy in Willow. Each strand of cable is carefully placed to create a natural effect, with pavé diamonds shimmering like evening light on velvety, soft buds. “There’s a bit of

organic harmony,” says Yurman. “Like everything in nature, it’s perfectly asymmetric.”

Willow also takes a cue from the classics. As with all David Yurman collections, ancient art and symbolism shape each design. In mythology, the willow is the tree of enchantment.

Now, in precious metal and sparkling diamonds, you can also be captivated by the Willow collection’s enduring magic.

The range of styles includes bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings in sterling silver and 18 karat gold with pavé diamonds.

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The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge in collaboration with the River City Jazz Coalition presents

2013-2014 SEASON Cuban jazz pianist

Roberto Fonseca THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013 7PM & 9PM

Multiple Grammy® nominated singer and pianist

Karrin Allyson THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 7PM & 9PM

Grammy® nominated jazz vocalist

Gregory Porter

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 7PM & 9PM

An Evening with

Branford Marsalis

Grammy Award®-winning saxophonist and Tony Award® nominee composer WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2014 7PM & 9PM This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts.

TICKETS: $25 & $45 — 225-344-0334 OR MANSHIPTHEATRE.ORG The River City Jazz Masters Series was co-founded by Derek E. Gordon and the River City Jazz Coalition.

Members of the River City Jazz Coalition include: Verge and Cheri Ausberry, C.J. Blache and Sherri McConnell, Maria and Brian Despinasse II, Leo and Gwendolyn Hamilton, Tim and Stacia Hardy, Darrell Hunt, Dr. Antoine Keller and Allison Chauvin, Cornelius and Karen Lewis, Drs. Jamel and Nicolette Martin, Ronald and Belinda Mason, The John and Virginia Noland Fund, Albert and Roberta Sam and The Josef Sternberg Memorial Fund.

Performances take place at SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

presented by

TREND REPORT

CONFIDENT

CHIC

Daring designs make this a season to celebrate!

LORRAINE DEPASQUE

I

n jewelry and fashion, the attitude this season is all about self-assured style. As the year has unfolded, designers of both have been showing us collections that focus on strong silhouettes, sculptural shapes and bold color. “In fashion, we’re seeing a new, highly polished adult elegance — finally!” says David Wolfe, creative director of international fabric, color and style forecasting agency The Doneger Group in New York City.

“Pantsuits are practical and polished, dresses have simple and sophisticated lines, and accessories have strong shapes with refined detailing,” he explains. And the jewelry? “It’s classy, not flashy!”

This fresh, confident chic style frequently channels the Fabulous Forties: lots of cinched waists, full circular skirts, and good-taste glamour like you see on film stars in all those postwar era films, where

everyone was dressed to the nines.

For us this season, that 1940s spirit lives side-by-side with style evoked by the two decades that preceded it, too. Says Cindy Edelstein, president of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, marketing and trends specialist in contemporary fine designer luxury brands, “Often it takes more than one cultural wave to create a major trend tsunami, and this year we had the Downton Abbey craze crash into The Great Gatsby. The romanticism of flappers and moonshine speakeasies inspired many goldsmiths to create geometric-shaped jewels that borrowed from the silhouettes and symmetry of Art Deco.”

Given the new Forties flair that’s recently entered the scene, there are many jewelry collections being done in bold yellow or rose gold.

Cocktail rings are one

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

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

key to Forties fab; as you may recall, the mammoth rings came into fashion in the Thirties but grew in popularity in the 1940s and 1950s.

Some of the best new cocktail rings — also known as ‘dinner rings’ back then — are rose gold. “It’s great to see rose gold back in the spotlight again,” says Edelstein. “Gold in general is coming on strong, warming up the big ‘white out’ that we saw in metals for the past few years.”

Stacking for Style Dramatic ring looks can also be created through the art of stacking. For holiday 2013, being in vogue — for daywear and evening — often means stacking on rings and bangles and layering in pendants with necklaces. “With all the clean lines and pure shapes in fashion — sans the details of seasons past — fall/winter readyto-wear and couture is perfect for layering on jewelry,” says Wolfe.

Especially with gifting season coming up, jewelry that stacks and layers should definitely be a part of your wish list. No woman can ever have too many bands, bracelets, necklaces or pendants! “While stacking has been popular for awhile,” says Edelstein, “a new added trend this year is putting on multiples of tiny bands, ultra-thin bangles, and wispy chains for a more delicate, yet still very interesting, layered look.”

Many of the newest uber-long chains have stations of gem slices that impart pops of color. Because light passes through the twodimensional sliced gems, much like when sunlight shines through a stained glass window, the jewels always have a liveliness to them.

On-trend Gems

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

incidentally, comes in a spectrum of shades — black, pink, pale green — and that’s part of the excitement of new contemporary opal designs.

October girls may claim opal as their birthstone, but it’s a gem so mesmerizing that every woman should have something special in opal.

Fashionable Shades In the coming months, as you add to your colored gemstone jewelry wardrobe, consider blue, pink, green and black. Some of the best blues in the new collections are aquamarine, lapis, tanzanite, blue sapphire and blue topaz. There’s a great deal more lapis and tanzanite fashion jewelry this year than last, so definitely ask us to show you some new pieces in these stunning gems.

In pink, some of the hottest looks come in tone-on-tone, rose gold jewelry set with one or more of these pink-hued gems: pink opal, pink sapphire, rose quartz, pink tourmaline, or pink-hued mandarin garnet.

With Emerald being the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year, finding something with emeralds that’s exactly to your taste is easy this year.

But because of Pantone’s brilliant choice, luxury brands have some other great greens in their new collections too, especially opal, green chalcedony, chrysoberyl and green agate. Vivid green gems were popular during the Art Deco period, so again, with jewelry designers beautifully obsessed with the retro aesthetic, you’ll find some dazzling greens in new jewelry that echoes that glamorous era in particular.

Finally, rounding out our fab four of important gem colors this season... black is back. Of course, as David Wolfe says, “Black never, ever really goes away.” Not in clothes, and certainly not in jewelry. What tends to trend, however, are the different varieties of black stones; this year, be sure to look at new noir statements in black jade, black sapphire, black diamond and black onyx.

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SEREIN DIAMOND MOON PHASE ON BLACK ALLIGATOR

THE ADVICE

IMAGE COURTESY PRECISION SET

Rethink your setting, refresh your ring!

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

metals. Add diamond eternity bands (prong set or channel set), or try more colorful gemstones for a change. Mix modern with vintage.

Whatever combination you choose, creating an outline on either side of your original rings will often enhance their importance.

Re-setting your diamond will give your rings a brand new look while holding on to the sentiment of your original commitment. One caveat: If it’s an old family heirloom, we will need to have our jewelers carefully inspect your gemstone to be sure there are no imperfections or flaws that could affect remounting. Assuming it’s fine, you have several options: adding baguette side stones, creating a halo of smaller diamonds around the center stone (a popular option these days), or working with our experts to custom design a unique and original setting.

If you don’t want to re-set your stone, a current trend is to stack on additional bands for a layered effect. Add as many as you like: the only limitation is the length of your finger! Mix

Platinum is known for being the strongest metal; is that my best choice for bridal jewelry?

Platinum is definitely a great choice because of its strength; white gold has also been popular for the past few decades. But yellow gold is making a big fashion comeback and there’s no reason it can’t also be used for bridal jewelry.

In fact, stylish celebrities from Jennifer Aniston to Miley Cyrus have recently chosen yellow gold for their rocks! The perception that yellow gold is soft is true only in its purest form: 24 karat. The most popular form is 14 karat, a blend of pure gold with an alloy

B R I D A L

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S E C T I O N

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

Nothing gets my diamond rings clean like a visit to the store for a professional polish. But how can I get the same sparkle between cleanings?

Google “how to clean a diamond” and you’ll read about home steam cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, toothpaste, baking soda solutions, denture-cleaning tablets, ammonia and warm soapy water. Bottom line: it’s always best to visit us for a complimentary inspection and cleaning whenever you think it’s needed. We also carry some excellent cleansers and ultrasonics that can be safely used at home between professional cleanings if you so desire. Your diamond is precious: why mess around with home remedies?

THE RING

BY LORRAINE D E PASQUE

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

“Don’t settle for a relationship that won’t let you be yourself ” is one of Oprah Winfrey’s most famous and repeated quotes about the bond between two people in love. In the same way, no bride-to-be should settle for wedding rings that won’t let her be herself. How fortunate then that there are so many choices today.

White, Yellow, Rose... or Maybe Two-toned?

Be open to the possibilities, because the new rule is that there are no rules! White gold or platinum, yellow gold or rose gold — it’s up to you. In an Accent exclusive interview with Colin Cowie, renowned wedding and event planner/design consultant/television personality/author of 11 books and a spokesman for Platinum Guild International, Cowie reminds brides that “just like looking at pictures of your wedding day hairstyle, you never want to look at your wedding rings in 20 years and ask, ‘What was I thinking?’” So whatever your personal style, be sure to choose something that you love now and can see yourself loving for years to come.

Diamond Cuts with Cachet The important thing to remember about diamond cuts is the better the cut, the more brilliant the stone.

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

Whatever setting and stone you decide on, remember that white diamonds aren’t the only option. You may want to look at blue sapphire (thanks to Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, more brides than ever are selecting this option as a center stone). Even more popular are natural color diamonds: yellow, pink, blue, green... the full spectrum.

And did you know that natural color diamonds are actually rarer than white diamonds? So while a diamond engagement ring is, obviously, special unto itself, choosing fancy color diamonds can actually make your ring even more unique.

While there are certainly many choices today, if you think a custom design might be more what you’re looking for, discuss the options with your jeweler. Bring in a magazine, tear sheets of ads you’ve seen — the more examples you can show, the better.

As Colin Cowie says, “These are your bridal rings, so buy whatever you want. The important thing is this: There’s no such thing as a wedding without a ring!”

B R I D A L

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IMAGES COURTESY CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS, PRECISION SET, CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS

Engaging Colors Beyond White Diamonds

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Troutman (Kelli Bondy) December 7, 2012 • New Roads, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Belgard (Melanie Blucas) March 9, 2013 • Baton Rouge, LA

WEDDING

bells

Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Giannino IV (Julie Ioppolo) December 8, 2012 • San Antonio, TX

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Arbour (Jessica Toca) March 9, 2013 • Lafayette, LA

There is something indescribable about the moment you discover the diamond meant for the person you love. Part of the thrill is anticipating that feelings will be reflected in the emotions of the person who accepts it. When we open our doors every day, we anticipate a similar excitement for celebrating love, romance and relationships. It’s why we have planned an Extraordinary Experience for you in choosing the diamond for the most important person in your life. We invite you to visit any of our stores to discover your diamond and your moment.

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Anderson (Ellen Mauldin) September 28, 2012 • Baton Rouge, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Domecq (Edvinna Veskler) February 14, 2013 • San Antonio, TX

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Larkin (Kaleigh Burt) March 23, 2013 • Maui, HI

Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Smith (Ashley Brown) April 28, 2012 • Baton Rouge, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Guerin (Lindsay Chustz) November 16, 2012 • Baton Rouge, LA

Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Snyder (Brandi Dill) May 12, 2012 • Albany, TX

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Love (Kelly Blackstone) September 22, 2012 • Baton Rouge, LA

THE DRESS

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

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

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DROP-DEAD-GORGEOUS DRESSES FOR THE DISCERNING BRIDE. Disappointed by the lack of options during her own search for a wedding gown, Monique Lhuillier decided to take matters into her own hands. Driven by a lifelong love of fashion and a natural inclination towards bridal and evening dresses, she set out to present a collection of modern and fashion-forward wedding gowns. Lhuillier and husband Tom Bugbee established the brand in 1996, and she showed her first collection that same year to acclaim from buyers, press and consumers.Today, Monique Lhuillier is recognized as one of the world’s foremost bridal and evening gown designers.

Based on the success of her couture gowns, Lhuillier has expanded her offerings to a complete readyto-wear collection, bridesmaids dresses and gowns for special events. A red carpet favorite, stars from Jessica Chastain to BeyoncĂŠ regularly show off Monique Lhuillier designs at awards shows and events.

Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Underwood and Vanessa Lachey all recently wed in gowns by the designer.

Despite the limiting parameters of wedding gown design (of which color is the most obvious), Lhuillier manages to present fresh and inspired designs season after season. This year, look for lots of tulle and texture, overlays and lace. Necklines are tasteful, and sleeves are surprisingly sheer and sexy. Threedimensional embellishments, including delicate butterflies and flowers, add just the right finishing touch.

Monique Lhuillier has become synonymous with refined design, meticulous construction and unparalleled glamour. What more could you ask for in your once-in-a-lifetime dress?

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FOOD

GULF GOURMET

The food’s haute in Low Country. SHIRA LEVINE

CHEF STEVE ZUCKER

Some of the best chefs start very young: you were 17.

Because I was extremely young and raw, I was able to fall in love with cooking and really go for it. But I had to learn the old-school way, first by watching and then working my way up. I did that before I went to culinary school and it has benefited me my whole career. I learned to have eyes in the back of my head and multitask.

You’ve cooked all around the world, yet you still live in a small beach town along the Gulf of Alabama.

I’ve traveled all over: South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, France. I’ve worked in Maui, Las Vegas. I went to Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island. But honestly, there is nowhere I’d rather be than here in Alabama, working with Big Bob on our good food and good hospitality. We’re running 12 different kitchens. We have some restaurants that were destroyed by hurricanes. But the reality is, everywhere I’ve lived there has been [the threat that] something devastating can happen. Down here we have tough people who love life. They appreciate every day.

Why is the South such a special place for food?

A gumbo can change from town to town. (Our gumbo made the Guinness Book of World Records!) Everyone has their own unique style; I love that and I love traveling through these states learning about the history of our food. We have the best blue crabs, better than the Chesapeake’s, and the most incredible oysters. Our red snapper, grouper, mahi and flounder are killer good. Then we have great dirt for vegetables and fruit, and plenty of game: deer, alligator, rabbit.

What has influenced you as a chef?

I’m influenced by Louisiana, where I’m from, but Lower Alabama is my home now. We have great people making great sauces using the greatest ingredients. Jean Louis Palladin and John Besh are chefs that have inspired me. Michel Richard changed my outlook on food. He put on a meal with texture as well as flavor, textures I’d never experienced before. I ate with him at Citrus in L.A. on my way to Taipei, and he used a lot of crazy savory stuff.

What are your favorite dishes?

I love something as simple as a Gulf oyster or a simply prepared fish.

And there is nothing better than a good gumbo.

What about non-southern food? Likes or dislikes?

I love me some kimchee. I’m not a huge fan of tripe.

S

outhern kitchens have long produced some of the best chefs (and most delicious dishes) in America. The post-colonial influences of Creole, African, Cajun, French and Native American cultures have infused powerful, exotic flavors into what can now be considered not just southern food, but southern cuisine. Cooking pros and restaurant reviewers with a focus on this epicurean niche know that all the good grub can no longer be lumped into the ‘greasy spoon and fried’ category. Rather, they recognize the Low Country for its unique ingredients and ability to infuse traditional classics with cutting-edge innovation.

Historically, agriculture has thrived down in the five Gulf States — Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida — due to rich, fertile soil and the Gulf of Mexico’s warm, seafood-filled waters. But despite the wealth of fresh ingredients, southern living hasn’t always been easy living.

The last seven years have pummeled the region with deadly hurricanes and record-breaking flooding of the Mississippi River system, not to mention one of the worst oil spills in recorded history. But business is back: docks have been rebuilt, boats restored and cleaned. Ecosystems and estuaries are returning to their former splendor.

We spoke with top chefs from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi about their home-cooked chow and the love and passion they deliver onto our plates.

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IMAGE TOP LEFT GETTY 1

Corporate chef for Aloha Hospitality based in Orange Beach, Alabama

CHEF ROB STINSON Owner of Salute Italian Seafood, Lookout Seafood & Steaks, and Back Bay Seafood Tell us about what inspired you to become a chef.

I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 15 working as a busboy. I moved to New Orleans at a young age to start my culinary career with Cordon Bleu Chef Gerald Thabuis at Broussard’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. I furthered my education in Italy working with Master Italian Chef Ciro Cuomo, and eventually moved to Long Beach, Mississippi, where I opened my first self-owned restaurant, Long Beach Lookout.

Italy in general is my true inspiration for great food and wine. (I could retire there tomorrow and be content.) I really love Long Beach and Gulfport because it’s where restaurants have prospered. I’m proud to call those areas home now. I have opened 31 restaurants, six of my own; I love the thrill and excitement of opening restaurants.

What makes Mississippi so special for you?

We have the best seafood in the world. Back in the late-1800s, Biloxi was the seafood capital of the country and had already started shipping seafood all over the country by railroad. The flavors of the South are truly different than anywhere else: spicy, flavorful, with a unique blend of immigrant influences.

You’ve gone to great lengths to share how healthy your food can be. What’s the trick?

The trick is to package healthy in a way that makes customers feel as if they’re not sacrificing taste. Great spicy, sweet and sour flavors add contrast in the dishes; texture and color give the diner the experience of eating with their eyes and taste buds, to bring about satisfaction while still eating healthy.

Fresh local produce, seafood and proteins help. I find that crisp, colorful veggies as additions to our fresh-seared entrees make the diner feel he’s gotten his money’s worth. My new show, Fit to Eat, which airs on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, has allowed me to showcase some of my favorite local ingredients prepared in a healthy manner.

Where do you like to eat when you’re not busy cooking?

My favorite restaurant is Bayona in New Orleans. Chef and owner Susan Spicer is truly the ultimate creative talent. My favorite restaurant in Mississippi is Jordan River Steamer owned by Hank Plauche. Unfortunately, Isaac destroyed his great location, but he’s in the process of rebuilding.

What are your personal comfort foods?

Shrimp, chicken and veggies prepared Asian style.

CHEFS NEALY CRAWFORD AND KEITH FRENTZ Married chef duo and owners of Lola in Covington, Louisiana Do you like working together as a couple?

It’s great, there’s no question about it. We’re a package. Of course we have ups and downs depending on our moods, but we know what each other needs to get the job done. There isn’t a lot of talking in our kitchen. We can be at each other’s throats, but 99 percent of the time we’re good. We always end with a smile and a quiet ride home.

As young chefs starting to garner buzz, why did you opt to open a restaurant outside of the New Orleans-proper food scene?

We left the city because of Hurricane Katrina; we opened the January after it hit. Our restaurant is in Covington, where I’m from. The first year we opened we were voted Best Chefs of the North Shore of Louisiana. We got Chefs to Watch in Louisiana Cooking magazine; we were two of the five. This year we were named the King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood and we got second place in the Great American Seafood Cook-off. We do a lot of community work as well, so people have really gotten to know Lola and us.

How do you describe Louisiana food, and what makes it so special?

We are comfort food. We’re Sunday family dinner with a fancy twist. We take those old southern recipes and use newer ingredients. We’ll use different types of rice blends in our jambalaya to make a different flavor; we put mascarpone in our grits and collard greens.

We can walk to the corner fish market and buy fish and shrimp that, just hours before, were swimming in the salty water of the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. Simple food has developed over the years from farmers’ tables. It’s food that was always seasonally influenced and home grown.

What should people know about southern food that they might not already know?

You have to take your time to research a city and be food-aware of the area.

Southern food doesn’t have to be the tourist crap with cream sauce. At Lola, we grill, roast and braise to get away from that stigma of being fried, greasy and buttery. We let our fresh crab and shrimp speak for themselves.

What’s your favorite restaurant other than your own?

We like Patois in uptown New Orleans, and also Dominica. Those are our local favorites. With our second child on the way, we haven’t been traveling much! But there is this little yellow, open-air restaurant in Cozumel, Mexico that we love. It’s so authentic and cool, with fresh fish and killer salsa. We are Mexican food freaks.

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TAKE A DRINK-CATION Wineries and distilleries offer up luxe accomodations. ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

W

ines, spirits, beers and even cocktails can evoke a specific sense of place: Tuscan Brunello, Scottish whisky and Mexican tequila all taste better at their places of origin, and when experienced later, can take you back to that remarkable journey in an instant. Whether you're traveling with the sole purpose of visiting a boozy hotspot (your favorite winery, perhaps, or a local whisky festival), planning a destination wedding, or you're in the area by happenstance, an increasing number of wineries, breweries and distilleries are providing posh accomodations that embed you in the action.

While many wineries around the world boast charming cottages or extra on-site rooms, a few locations take things up a notch (or three!) with elegant hotels, resorts and private bungalows. Castello Banfi, located in the Brunello region of Tuscany, is at the heart of Italy's Banfi wine estate. The family-owned winery began as the dream of Italian-American John Mariani, Sr. (inspired by his great-aunt Teodolinda Banfi, the head-of-household for Pope Pius XI). Helmed now by his daughter Cristina Mariani-May, the brand aims for a blend of classic and state-of-the-art techniques for modern, natural wines. A holistic approach to winemaking extends to the lodgings.

Known as Poggio alle Mura in the 13th century, the fully renovated castle sits atop a hill overlooking 7,100 acres of Banfi's vineyards and the surrounding fields and forests. Visit the castle to enjoy tours, top-tier restaurants, an

Above: The Castello Banfi castle and vineyards.

enoteca-style tasting room and the Museum of Glass and Wine, with exquisite examples of glassmaking dating from ancient Egypt, through Rome and Venice, to modern day. Il Borgo — a small stone hamlet alongside the castle — houses the handful of elegant rooms for a longer stay. Modern amenities (full WiFi, a new wine shop, interior design by Federico Forquet) and shaded, private entries blend perfectly with 18th-century architecture.

Stay in the royal Poginello suite and score a complimentary bottle of vintage Brunello (1978 at the moment). You can walk the grounds, take tours, even take in the Tuscan countryside from a balloon ride that launches right outside your room. (€1,560 to €3,000 per person for a three-night package, based on double occupancy. Includes a guided tour and wine pairing Tuscan dinner, children under 12 free. Visit castellobanfi.com. ) Also in Tuscany, L'Andana is everything a luxurious Tuscan villa should be. The Mediterranean-themed resort rests amid 1,200 acres of expansive vineland. The brainchild of Italy's Moretti family (Gruppo Terra Moretti), it’s now a joint effort with famed chef/restaurateur Alain Ducasse. In addition to Ducasse’s La Villa restaurant, the resort features a spa, a driving range and an interior ‘winter garden.’ A cyprus-lined lane leads to the impressive ‘summer home’ plastered in warm ochres and salmons with a grassy lawn and outdoor pool. Junior suites feature incredible views of the grounds,

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Below: Gordon Castle room and exterior.

rustic modern French/Italian-influenced design and free WiFi. The larger Superior and Prestige suites include fireplaces for plenty of late-night wine tasting, and a romantic terra cotta chapel is ideal for weddings. The Terra Moretti Group is behind a number of respected Italian wineries, including Bellavista, Petra and Tenuta La Badiola. Founded by Vittorio Moretti in 1967 and overseen by his three daughters, Terra Moretti has been actively expanding into partnerships with luxury hotels and yachts... because wine tastes great in those venues, of course! (€550 to €1,400. Visit andana.it.)

Perhaps wine isn't your thing. If it's a glass of single malt for which you yearn, and your favorite way to drink involves having a dram handed to you by your butler, then get thee to Gordon Castle in north-central Scotland.

Located near Gight, in the Speyside whisky making region (think The Macallan, Cragganmore, The Glenlivet), Gordon Castle has a long, intricate history with Scotch whisky. Built by George Gordon in the 1470s, it was once one of the largest country homes in Scotland. It was here that the 4th Duke of Gordon — who was ‘harboring’ tenant George Smith's illegal distillery — helped push to make Scotch malted whiskies legal, and on the Duke's land where Smith's The Glenlivet distillery first set up house in 1824.

Today the castle-turned-hunting lodge is a full-fledged, fully refurbished hospitality site with immaculate grounds, lush furniture, original paintings and yes, Findley the butler. Whether you arrange a wedding, come for the world-class salmon fishing on the grounds, or set up a tour of the brand new Glenlivet distillery and visitor center (perhaps during the biannual Speyside Whisky Festival), a week here will spoil you for anywhere else. If you ask extra nice, perhaps they can help track down a bottle of the new, mysterious Glenlivet Alpha, of which only 3,500 bottles were released.

(Exclusive booking, fully catered, £3,000 per night for up to 10 people, minimum three nights. A seven-day stay is £16,000 for up to 10 people.

Extra guests £100 per night. Visit gordoncastle.co.uk.) t's my baby, I designed it," says Adrian Bridge, CEO of The Fladgate Partnership of the new Yeatman Wine Hotel in Oporto, Portugal. "I thought, I only really get to do a hotel once in my life, so it ought to be the best one." Located in the heart of port wine production, the hotel overlooks red-roofed houses and the Duoro River, a river that defines much of the wine culture in Spain and Portugal.

The Relais & Chateaux hotel wows on entry with elaborate marble staircases, classic statuary and a perfectly poised outdoor pool (and sultry indoor version). Rooms feature innovative design including beds and hot tubs in some rooms crafted to look like wine barrels. "I thought it would be too much fun to put a bed in a wine barrel," says the charismatic young Bridge. "And every room has a view."

Following a treatment and Roman bath at the Vinotherapie Spa by Caudalie or a sommelier-guided tour of the wine cellar, head to dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant and sample wine director Beatriz Machado's 1,200-bottle list, including ports from The Fladgate Partnership (Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca). The vintage Fonseca 2008 made from old vine grapes is particularly warm and rich, yet understated. If you're going all out, the Bacchus Suite (named for the Roman god of wine and fun) features a freestanding fireplace, copper soaking tub and 1,600 square feet of open design, fine wood floors and a private terrace. A Bacchus Wedding Night package is also available. (€249 to €1,100 per night based on double occupancy. Visit the-yeatman-hotel.com/en.)

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Left: The Bacchus Suite at the Yeatman Wine Hotel. Right: The library at L’Andana.

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LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/WINTER 2013