ACCENT/THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
FALL/WINTER 2011
Breguet, the innovator. Invention of the Breguet balance spring, 1795 The balance spring gives time rhythm and sets its rate – the key to a watch’s precision. With its many patented innovations, the Tradition 7047PT with fusee tourbillon pushes the limits of precision time-keeping by combining the accuracy of the Breguet balance-spring’s terminal curve, conceived in 1795, and the anti-magnetic properties of silicon. History is still being written ... www.breguet.com/inventions
Haute Joaillerie, place Vend么me since 1906
www.vancleef-arpels.com - 877-VAN-CLEEF
Fascinating Zip Necklace, transformable into a bracelet, coloured sapphires and diamonds.
WELCOME
Dear Valued Customers, It has now been 85 years since Charles London founded London Jewelers. It all started in 1926, with one small watch shop in Glen Cove, located on the North Shore of Long Island. Today London Jewelers includes 11 stores showcasing over 60 of the world’s premier luxury jewelry designers and fine timepieces. We represent the Maison de Cartier, Maison de Van Cleef & Arpels and iconic American designer David Yurman at our Americana Manhasset location. We have developed the most trusted and valued partnerships in the industry today with these brands—and many more.
This fall, London Jewelers is opening a Chanel Boutique. This marks Chanel’s first collaboration with an independent jeweler that includes both the Chanel fine jewelry and the watch collections. Mademoiselle Chanel’s Parisian apartment is the design inspiration behind the 650 sq. ft. boutique in London Jewelers Americana Manhasset. Read more about the new space on page 8 of this issue.
Always at the forefront of trends, our latest launch is TWO by LONDON: a trusted guide for modern-day romantics who are ready to carry on traditions or make new ones. TWO by LONDON offers a fresh, welcoming environment that puts customers preparing to take that next step in their relationship in the mood to enjoy the journey and explore the possibilities. This concept store will bring a truly new level of customization to the selection of an engagement ring, insuring it will always be one-of-a-kind.
Four generations of pride and commitment to getting it right! Four generations of delivering not just satisfaction, but true happiness. Four generations of rituals and occasions for thousands of families, all connected by London Jewelers. London Jewelers will be here—because we always have been and always will be.
The London Family
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Contents fall/winter 2011 4 Welcome Letter 8 New and Exciting: Welcome Chanel 12 Spotlight: Van Cleef & Arpels’ Signature Style
CEO MARK UDELL PRESIDENT CANDY UDELL VICE PRESIDENT RANDI UDELL-ALPER VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT UDELL
14 Since 1926: A Look at London Now 20 Designers: The Transformative Power of Ippolita
PUBLISHED BY T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
24 Red Carpet: Chopard at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards 26 History: Setting the Standard with Breguet
KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R HANS GSCHLIESSER MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN SPRAGUE PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA
28 Fashion: $2.5 Million Secret 30 Introducing TWO by London 44 Artisans: William Henry Studio 48 Haute Off the Runway 52 Interview: Irresistibly Ivanka 60 Profile: Hit the Links with TAG Heuer 70 Travel: Having it All
DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS HUGH K. STANTON 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
72 Perfect Gems
availability. Copyright 2011. Accent® is Published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT
76 The World of Aaron Basha
06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY,
84 A-List: 25 Park
NY 10018, 212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. The publishers accept no
88 Food: Culinary Class
responsibilities for advertisers claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No
90 Our Party for Paws
part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 9,
93 Giving Back: Animals in Need
Issue 2. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and
94 Lifestyle: Cigars & Cognac
Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.
NEW AND EXCITING
Welcome Chanel
NEW PARTNERSHIP BOUTIQUE OPENS THIS NOVEMBER
L
ondon Jewelers is proud to announce the opening of a new Chanel Boutique within the London Jewelers complex at Americana Manhasset. This venture marks Chanel’s first collaboration with an independent jeweler, and will include both the famous Chanel fine jewelry and watch collections. Among the spectacular jewelry available at the new Manhasset boutique are Chanel’s iconic Ultra, Ruban and Première collections, as well as an extensive assortment of elegant Chanel watches, including several Editions Exclusives of the iconic Chanel J12. The inspiration behind the new and intimate 650 square foot store within London Jewelers is Mademoiselle Chanel’s apartment at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris, situated above the renowned Chanel boutique and salon. This space became famous as the Chanel showroom where the designer entertained prospective buyers and employed models to show off her exclusive designs. Interestingly, the apartment did not have a
bedroom, as Mademoiselle Chanel retired each night to her private suite at the Ritz. However, it exuded the exquisite style and character of the designer herself. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was of course the founder of the world famous fashion house, innovator of the little black dress and designer of countless classics in couture women’s fashion, accessories and fragrances. In 1932 she introduced her first fine jewelry collections, and watches were introduced in 1987. The line has become most prized by women of taste all over the world. The partnership between Chanel and London Jewelers is the perfect representation of a common goal: to always strive for the ultimate in luxury. Look for the new boutique to open in mid-November. We are pleased to invite you into this unique and exciting space that combines the grandeur of Chanel with the exceptional customer service you will always receive from London Jewelers.
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©2011 CHANEL®, Inc. J 12®
Watch in titanium ceramic, a new highly scratch-resistant material. Its unique color and shine are obtained by the addition of titanium to ceramic and diamond powder polishing. Self-winding mechanical movement. 42-hour power reserve. Water resistant to 200 meters.
THE RALPH LAUREN AUTOMOTIVE WATCH STAINLESS STEEL 45MM MODEL. ELM BURLWOOD DIAL. SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL CASE BACK. MANUAL WINDING MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT.
156 COMPONENTS, 45-HOUR POWER RESERVE. SWISS MADE.
SPOTLIGHT
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS IS ALL ABOUT HERITAGE, HISTORY AND LOVE.
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PATRICK GRIES/VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Signature T Style
he average historian might trace the birth of Van Cleef & Arpels to the year 1906, when the Maison created its first jewelry. Those more familiar with the House know the year to be 1896, with the marriage of Estelle Arpels to Alfred Van Cleef. This story of love and union was the essential beginning to what has arguably become the most famous French jeweler in the world. It was in 1906 that Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-inlaw Charles Arpels registered their name and set up shop at 22 Place Vendôme, in the heart of Paris. To this day, all creations by Van Cleef & Arpels carry with them over a century’s worth of heritage, history and love. It is in this spirit that the legendary quatrefoil Alhambra, the contemporary symbol most widely synonymous with Van Cleef & Arpels, was born. The Vintage Alhambra clover first appeared in a design in 1968 and quickly led to the introduction of sautoirs, bracelets, rings and pendants still highly coveted today. Inspired by nature and the late 1960s movements celebrating femininity and flower children, the four petals of the Alhambra symbolize health, wealth, true love and luck to all who wear the jewels. The signature perlé beading on the edge of the design dually identifies Vintage Alhambra and pays subtle homage to the intricate detailing on High Jewelry created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the Maison’s infancy. The design has been worn and beloved by nearly three generations of women including Princess Grace of Monaco, First Lady of France Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Elizabeth Taylor, Reese Witherspoon and women all over the world with discerning and classic taste. This fall, Van Cleef & Arpels is proudly reintroducing its bestselling Vintage Alhambra collection in a beautiful and modern rose gold. Evoking a new and relevant femininity, the color exudes romance, intensity, mystery and subtle beauty. To achieve this unique color blend in the highest quality materials, Van Cleef & Arpels uses a special alloy of gold, copper and silver. It is the presence of copper that gives the precious metal subtle blush highlights, making the jewel glow with warm light. Vintage Alhambra’s heritage and adaptable nature has allowed for the collection’s longevity: its necklaces, rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings have become milestone markers in the lives of many women. The line inherently lends itself to personal style; its adaptability to layering is a driving force of inspiration for newer designs. This same concept of hallmarking day-to-evening personal jewelry at the most elegant level inspired the House’s next pillar collection, “Perlée”. The succession of petite gold pearls, distinctively characterizing Vintage Alhambra, is the epicenter of Perlée, whose beads align to perfectly form a ring, or the delicately refined edges of a wedding band or bracelet. The golden pearls have become a hallmark of the collection, taking on the form of earrings, bracelets and rings all meant to be stacked, mixed and matched with other pieces. Perlée is Van Cleef & Arpels’ first line in all rose gold. The carefully beaded edges of the designs typify their High Jewelry creations dating back to the ’20s, as well as the more recent Alhambra designs. Mixing Vintage Alhambra with Perlée and other collections creates infinite opportunities for personalization, happiness and luck.
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London establishes the premier jewelry store in East Hampton
Open third location at the Americana Manhasset
The Udells open London’s second location at Wheatley Plaza
Mayer Udell buys London Jewelers from his father-in-law
Charles London establishes London Jewelers in downtown Glen Cove
6,1&(
A LOOK AT LONDON NOW
“
Years back, I never imagined that we’d have all this,â€? says Mayer Udell, sitting in his small ofďŹ ce on a Saturday in the Glen Cove London Jewelers store. At 92, he still does all the company’s engraving and clock repair with his own hands. Many decades ago, Mayer sold his successful sweater manufacturing business so he and his wife Fran could purchase London Jewelers from its founder, and Fran’s father, Charles London. Now celebrating its 85th year in business, London Jewelers remains in the hands of the three generations of family members. With five stores, 60 brands, 200 employees, and an international reputation, it’s clear the whole family has followed in the path of both Mayer’s and Charles’ work ethics. A thriving family enterprise blazing toward its centennial is a rare thing, and one that must be handled with care. Mark Udell, Mayer and Fran’s son and London’s CEO, is grateful for the smooth family dynamic that keeps his company at its best. Each family member has his or her specialty.While Mark’s son Scott is a gemologist and diamond buyer, his daughter Randi is a designer, fashion jewelry buyer, as well as the managing director of London’s Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques. Scott’s wife Jessica is a brand specialist and Mark’s nephew Zach is the resident watch buyer and timepiece expert. The centrifugal force, the energy that makes this train move, is Candy Udell. Designer, merchandiser, administrator, animal activist, and chef, Candy is responsible for London’s aesthetic and brand personality. Mark, who is and always has been amazed by his wife, says, “Candy always has a sparkle in her eye. She ďŹ lls up a room with positive energy. How many people get up early to bake a cake for a meeting?
Charles London in his shop, which specialized in clocks
Left to Right: Scott Udell, Randi Udell-Alper, Fran Udell, and Mayer Udell
When people come to meet with us they are stunned that there has been food prepared in their honor. I don’t know how she does it.” At London the difference is in the details, and the most important detail is how they treat their customers and associates. “Nothing makes me more upset than when I hear that a customer has been snubbed by somebody at another jewelry store because they didn’t look important or didn’t look the part,” says Mark. “I learned from my dad to be humble. Be kind. Be fair. Be honest. Be ethical… It doesn’t make a difference the size of the sale.” Indeed, to hear the London Jewelers family talk about business is to hear them talk about customers. “When I started, the most important thing was to be friendly to the consumer,” recalls Mayer.“It was about service and trust and being a reliable person.” This ethos, echoed in Mark and the rest of the company, may be the secret ingredient to London’s unparalleled position in the world of fine, independent retail jewelers. At London,loyal customers are made on the smallest exchanges, such as the way the jeweler sets a necklace on your neck just right before you leave the store, or the way a simple watch service comes back perfectly polished, looking as if the watch has been replaced with a new one. “It’s about the whole experience for the customer, from beginning to end,” says Mark. A jewelry purchase is often a heartfelt celebration of a life event or an enduring symbol of love. To put it more accurately, fine jewelry is really inseparable from life. The London family has always honored this fact by making sure that the purity of intention that keeps their business going is realized on the other side. Currently, London contributes to over 100 charitable causes per
year.“We have tried to teach our children, as well as our employees, the meaning of giving back,” says Candy. Whether she’s hosting an event for the animal adoption charity she founded, The Rescue Paw Foundation, or marketing an exclusive piece of jewelry to benefit The Lustgarten Foundation to cure pancreatic cancer, Candy makes sure that as long as London is in business, they are also in the business of giving back. Not unlike Mayer himself, London Jewelers is an old tree with strong roots. At the modest Glen Cove store where it all began, Mayer reflects on his family business and what has made it so successful for 85 years going. “Many generations of family businesses tend to disagree on things. They want to do things differently from each other. But my son Mark and I never did have an argument. We worked well together for all these years. Mark would bring me a new idea and I would say ‘Go for it!’ I am ninety-three years old and still to this day we agree on everything… Harmony in the family is very important.” As for Mark, he is grateful for the opportunity Charles London afforded the family and the many lessons he learned from his parents. But he makes it a point to honor the loyal customers who made it possible to grow London into one of the world’s finest retail jewelry business. Those who know Mark can often catch him working behind the counter of the Glen Cove store, especially around the holidays, where he works every season serving many of the same customers who have been buying at London for the past 50 years—since Mark was just a boy. “When these longtime customers see me behind the counter they get such a kick out of it,” says Mark. “They ask, ‘why are you still here?’ And I say, ‘because of you. You helped me build the other stores.”
London Jewelers Vintage
T
he beauty of estate jewelry is that it’s utterly timeless and chic. Perfect examples are
jewels by David Webb and Van Cleef & Arpels that are as relevant today as they were fifty years ago. When shopping for fine collectable estate jewelry, rare pieces from the 1950s and 1960s -- two eras of glamour and femininity -- are exquisite, delicate, and, of course, in as pristine a condition as the day they were first purchased.
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DESIGNERS You’ve talked about jewelry as enhancing and empowering women; can you explain what you mean by that? For me, jewelry has always had a transformative quality—a great necklace or the perfect stack of bangles can really lift a mood, inspire confidence, make a woman feel more beautiful, more sexy, more herself. When you feel beautiful, you feel confident and that’s empowering. In general, what inspires your designs going into 2012? It seems I can never get enough color, or sparkle! So for 2012 you’ll see a big emphasis on gorgeous colors in bright and tonal hues across all three metals. And then there is the bling factor—expanding my diamond category in a sophisticated and somewhat unexpected way has been fun for me. I just spent two weeks traveling in Asia and India and was completely inspired by EVERYTHING: the cuisine, the language, the architecture, the diversity and the dichotomy—especially in India. You really have this interesting sense that while this is the oldest living civilization on earth, it is also incredibly modern in many ways. My design sensibility has remained pretty consistent. What constantly evolves is my desire to work with new and interesting materials. How do you account for your incredibly strong following? When I started out, I was designing the kind of jewelry I wanted to wear but couldn’t find. No one was crafting truly wearable fine jewelry that you could wear everyday, all day. As I continued to develop my collection, it became clear that this concept of creating fashion fine jewelry resonated with women—all kinds of women. They embraced the wearability, the versatility and the collectability—the idea of building a wardrobe. What’s really inspiring is the range of women who wear my jewelry, from young ingenues to established actors to musicians and artists. What are you personally wearing a lot of these days? I love the simplicity and versatility of a long link chain. It’s the perfect day to night piece: I wear it doubled at the office and when I go out in the evening I wear it long with a great pair of drop earrings. The 19 gold and diamond bangles I wear everyday have become my signature and are definitely my favorites. Other than design, what are you doing these days? One of my goals this year has been to make time for art— to see it, to create it, to appreciate it. Art rejuvenates and inspires me; it makes me a more creative designer.
Transformative Power IPPOLITA’S JEWELRY INSPIRES CONFIDENCE. AND JOY! BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN Ideally, I would love to travel less and spend more time with my family just enjoying the simple moments—cooking a great meal together or watching a favorite movie. What are you most proud of? What would you change? I am most proud of raising a confident and independent daughter and instilling in her the importance of pursuing your passions, working hard and being a good person. Of course I am immensely proud of the business I’ve created, but this is a team effort and I work with an incredible group of people. I think we are all constantly evolving into the people we are meant to be, so while I embrace change, I really just try to live in the moment and be who I am.
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THE SIMPLICITY OF INNOVATION. LUMINOR MARINA 1950 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC - 44mm P.9000 in-house calibre
www.panerai.com
RED CARPET
83rd Annual Academy Awards Ceremony CHOPARD IS LUCKY CHARM TO THE STARS FOR THE EIGHTH YEAR IN A ROW
F
or the eighth consecutive year, the winners of the acting awards presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences were adorned in jewelry and watches created by the prestigious Genevabased House. This is because, for the very first time at the Oscars, actors joined actresses in choosing Chopard to bring them luck! Colin Firth, winner of the Best Actor Oscar, followed in the glamorous footsteps of such luminaries as Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, Rachel Weisz, Helen Mirren, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz and Mo’Nique. Chopard, the watchmaker-jeweler of the movie world, has a decidedly golden touch. As always, the stars strode down the red carpet of the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood where the prestigious ceremony takes place, offering a spectacular parade of charm and elegance clothed in their stunning evening gowns and tuxedos and sparkling in Chopard jewelry and watches as the flashbulbs popped all around them. This year, the men almost stole the spotlight from the ladies, since they decided, just like their female colleagues, to wear some of the most remarkable creations from the Geneva-based brand. In an ultimate token of refinement, Chopard watches and cufflinks added a refined touch to their formal evening attire. Chopard creations met with universal approval, making it the only company to have consecutively adorned nine Academy Award winning actresses and actors. Could it be that the Swiss watchmaker-jeweler spells luck for movie stars? Chopard and film are engaged in a long-running love story studded with stellar events and promising encounters. Admired for its original and refined creations that are able to enhance a woman’s natural beauty or to subtly accentuate a man’s inherent elegance, Chopard is well accustomed to red carpets. As well as the Cannes Film Festival, with which it has been
an official partner for the past 14 years, it is also present at the most prestigious venues on the movie world calendar, including the Césars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Oscars. An ever increasing number of legendary stars and promising young hopefuls, actresses—and now actors too—choose to trust the jeweler to make them shine at premiere screenings and official ceremonies. Whether classical or avant-garde, the choices made by film stars reflect their affection for a given company. The ongoing relationship between Chopard and the world of cinema is based on a blend of boldness and loyalty. While the creations from the Genevese watchmaker-jeweler appeal to new celebrities each year, those who have once tasted the delights of Chopard Haute Joaillerie and Haute Horlogerie remain profoundly attached to them.
ACTRESSES AND ACTORS WHO WON WEARING CHOPARD: THE RETROSPECTIVE 2004 — Charlize Theron, Best Actress, Monster 2005 — Hilary Swank, Best Actress, Million Dollar Baby 2006 — Rachel Weisz, Best Supporting Actress, The Constant Gardener 2007 — Helen Mirren, Best Actress, The Queen 2008 — Marion Cotillard, Best Actress, La Vie en Rose 2009 — Kate Winslet, Best Actress, The Reader 2009 — Penelope Cruz, Best Supporting Actress, Vicky Cristina Barcelona 2010 — Mo’Nique, Best Supporting Actress, Precious 2011 — Colin Firth, Best Actor, The King’s Speech
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IMPERIALE COLLECTION
HISTORY
Setting the Standard BREGUET OFFERS FLAWLESS DESIGN AND HOROLOGICAL EXCELLENCE.
E
ver since its inception in 1775, Breguet has adhered to the essential values so prized by A.-L. Breguet: beauty, elegance, understated design and mastery of horology at its most complex. Today, more than ever, Breguet embodies the art and culture of Europe, the company possessing the finest historical treasures and the most illustrious corporate history of any watch maker in the world. Breguet was incorporated into Swatch Group in September 1999, benefiting since then from Nicolas G. Hayek’s personal guidance. Their new manufacturing facility in the Vallée de Joux—the Nouvelle Manufacture Breguet—represents a major investment in technology to maintain the company’s tradition of innovative watchmaking. Breguet holds a special place in our cultural heritage: its founder, A.-L. Breguet (1747-1823), set the standard by which all fine watchmaking has since been judged. Today, his heirs at Breguet still create each watch as a model of supreme horological art. A.-L. Breguet was born in Neuchâtel, but spent most of his productive life in Paris. His career started with a series of breakthroughs: the development of the successful self-winding perpétuelle watches, the introduction of gongs for repeating watches and the first shockprotection for balance pivots. Breguet’s power of invention completely changed the nature of watchmaking. The tourbillon was undoubtedly the ultimate measure of his genius. The founder received a patent from France’s ministry of the interior for this new regulating device on June 26, 1801. Breguet enthusiasts appreciate the brand’s unique qualities and attributes: Delicate engine-turned guilloché work, the famed blued-steel Breguet watch hands with hollowed-out “apple” tip (introduced in 1783), stylish fluting on the caseband—all unmistakable features found on most of the models. Among the various Breguet collections available today, the Classique wristwatches exemplify the watchmaking ideals of precision, clarity and elegant lines. Whether extra-thin models with manually wound or automatic movements or complicated watches, they are all true to the technical principles, the artistry and the traditional values of Breguet. Marine watches express the Breguet ideals in a robust leisure watch
designed for comfort, practicality and style. This collection exhibits all the qualities laid down by A.-L. Breguet as chronometer maker to the French navy. The Héritage models show that even in a curved tonneau case, a Breguet remains unmistakeably a Breguet. Adapting late 18th-century styling concepts to the shapes of the 21st century demands a great deal from design engineers, casemakers and dial-makers. The perfect arcs of the case and the fragile, engine-turned dial show the fluting of the caseband and curl of the lugs to their best advantage. Designed in the 1950s for the French naval air arm, the Type XX returns to the Breguet collection in a civilian version fitted with a selfwinding movement. Its chronograph, however, retains the fly-back function needed for flying search patterns. Its uncompromising look and strong build have made the Type XX popular among those seeking an original and technical sports watch. Throughout the ages, Breguet watches have enchanted some of the most prominent female figures of history—Queen Marie-Antoinette of France, the Marquise de Condorcet and Empress Josephine among them. Breguet’s Reine de Naples collection is inspired by an early bracelet watch A.Louis Breguet created for Bonaparte’s sister Caroline, Queen of Naples. With their customary care and precision, Breguet’s watchmakers have created a symbol of feminine refinement in a contemporary watch. The Tradition line offers a vibrant salute to the memory of Breguet. Inspired by the legendary Souscription watches of A.-L. Breguet, Tradition timepieces suggest both a return to the brand’s origins and a vision of its future. Merging established and avant-garde styling, the dial face accommodates horological complications in trim, aesthetically sweeping compositions. True to the rules of flawless craftsmanship instituted two centuries ago, even their most modest parts are painstakingly finished by hand. Masterly expressions of time’s elusive complexity, Tradition timepieces deftly capture its innermost spirit. So many choices, so many incredible watches, all with a history of flawless design and horological innovation.
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A M E R I CA NA M A N H A S S E T ©2011 CASTAGNA REALTY CO., INC.
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FASHION
$2.5 Million Secret VICTORIA’S SECRET FANTASY TREASURE BRA TO BE REVEALED IN NOVEMBER
A
stoundingly, throughout history the brassiere has been inextricably entangled with the social history and status of women. From causing faintness and biological concerns for the upper class women of the 19th century to being despised and burned by feminists of the 1960s, the brassiere has managed to become priceless— well, at least for the majority of the social order. Set to broadcast on November 29th on CBS, the highly anticipated Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will debut this year's Fantasy Treasure Bra designed by the world renowned London Jewelers of New York. "This year, we are very excited to partner with Victoria's Secret...gems, passion, romance and fantasy make us the perfect partners," said Candy Udell, president of London Jewelers. The Fantasy Treasure Bra is a one-of-a-kind customized gorgeous push-up bra, designed by Candy Udell and Randi Udell-Alper of London Jewelers exclusively for Victoria's Secret. Inspired by an underwater dreamland of luxury, exotic glamour and sexy, aquatic sirens, London Jewelers embellished the bra with nearly 3,400 precious gems: white and yellow diamonds, aquamarines, citrines and pearls, all set in 18 karat white and yellow gold. The tassel centerpiece is adorned with two exquisite white diamonds, over 8 carats each, and two rare radiant cut yellow diamonds, over 14 carats each. The bra has over 142 total carats of diamonds alone, making it the ultimate fantasy gift! Supermodel and fan favorite Miranda Kerr will debut the $3 million Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra by London Jewelers during the 17th annual runway show. The lavish event set to take place in NYC will feature special performances by leading entertainers and a bevy of Angels including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Doutzen Kroes, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, Lindsay Ellingson and more!
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For years now, Scott Udell has kept his eye on the bridal jewelry industry, looking for an opportunity to change the way a man or couple makes that big ring purchase. After all, buying an engagement ring is no small endeavor. The pursuit of acquiring the desired shape and style at the right price should be fun and rewarding. Clearly, it is the most important jewelry purchase in the lives of most people, and along with a house, possibly one of the most important purchases in modern life. Customers need to walk away from that experience feeling positive. This fall London Jewelers presents a new addition to the London brand, a boutique exclusively devoted to engagement rings and wedding bands. We are proud to introduce TWO By LONDON. “I’ve seen a lot of people buy engagement rings,” says Scott.“Sometimes it can be confusing, even stressful. I want people to leave TWO by LONDON telling their friends what a great experience it was to buy a ring.” TWO by LONDON aims to rewrite this experience for the modern generation, while also addressing the key factors that can make this process so difficult. To start, the store is designed to empower the customer in a way never before attempted in the retail jewelry industry. Instead of engaging a salesperson behind a case of rings, customers will navigate the store on their own, interacting with state-of-the-art touch screen LCD displays that utilize video and other content to provide a brief but comprehensive education about all the important aspects of bridal jewelry. From showing how diamonds are mined, to explaining the distinct differences between gold and platinum, this education makes for a fun way to become a part of the process rather than being a bystander to it. “I want people to know right from the start what they are actually buying. People should know why a diamond is so expensive, or how precious
gold really is, or the way a certain shape wears on the finger,” says Scott. “We have all this incredible knowledge of jewelry, some of the best experts in the world working with us, and I want to share it with the consumer so they feel less intimidated.” Even the interior design, which feels closer to an Apple Store than a traditional jewelry store, is meant to curb the intimidation factor. The merchandising of the store is arranged to be accessible for all customers. Whether it’s couples shopping for rings together, or the man shopping on his own, TWO by LONDON allows the customer to enter into the process where they feel comfortable. A man who is less knowledgeable can begin by educating himself and slowly working towards a style of ring that he feels confident about. Or a woman who knows
exactly the shape and style she wants can jump right into the design software and begin building a custom ring exactly to her specs. Turnaround on custom rings may be less than a week, but TWO by LONDON also carries an assortment of rings ready for purchase. Says Scott, “It is a mix of our trademark selective purchasing. Basically, it’s the most beautiful diamonds and settings we can find from all over the world at all the right price points.” Of course, the right price point is essential to helping people feel good about their experiences. Therefore, extra care has been taken to merchandise the store for every budget. “Whether you are just out of college or on your second marriage,” says Scott. “Whether you are working ‘as a banker or a bricklayer’ we will help you find the ring to fit your beloved and your budget.”
PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY. Carat Weight 1.53
Color Grade E
Clarity Grade VS1
Cut Grade
Excellent
Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621
Natural Diamond Not Synthetic
A GIA report is certainty from the source. As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System,™ GIA sets the standards for diamond assessment, worldwide. Unbiased. Scientific. A report from GIA gives you a clear understanding of your diamond’s quality. Look for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and the jewelers who offer them. www.4cs.gia.edu
THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD BY WHICH GEMS ARE JUDGED.
The Norman Silverman Bridal Collection
The Stimulus
The Response
I T ’ S
O F F I C I A L ,
E N G AG E D
B Y
L O N D O N !
LONDON JEWELERS CARRIES AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF DIAMONDS FROM 0.50 CARATS AND UP. OUR WEDDING BANDS START AT $500, WITH ENGAGEMENT RINGS FROM $1,500.
With its distinctive design featuring clean, architectural lines, the Hampton collection for both him and her embodies a natural elegance and expresses the art of living. www.baume-et-mercier.com
OCEANOGRAPHIC 4000 Diverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch able to withstand the pressure exerted at a depth of 4,000 metres.
Hublot TV on: www.hublot.com
AVIATION BR 03-92 Automatic V I N TA G E BR 126 Chronograph
Information: Bell & Ross Inc. +1.888.307.7887 . information@bellrossusa.com . e-Boutique: www.bellross.com
ARTISANS
William Henry Studio YOUR LIFE, YOUR LEGACY
W
illiam Henry is devoted to the vision of designing superlative functional art items, crafting collections that combine form and function into exquisite and unique pieces that belong to a category all their own. The seamless integration of classic natural materials, precious metals and gemstones, and state-of-the-art alloys is a hallmark of the company’s work. William Henry established its brand creating exclusive and awardwinning pocketknives, effectively transforming the archetype of practical tools into superb pieces of functional jewelry for men. Today’s collections include writing instruments, money clips and golf tools. William Henry has proudly grown to become one of the most admired and sought after brands in the world of luxury for men. The distinctive character, the artistry and personality of the materials make this brand’s every creation truly unique. No two pieces are ever exactly alike.
“I like the idea that William Henry’s creations strike a personal chord in many people,” says Matt Conable, founder and creative engine of the company. “Every now and then, it is important to invest in objects that are personal, immediately useful, yet timeless in their appeal and relevance— these rare pieces can become part of a living legacy.” Proudly American, William Henry designs and creates each item as a distinct piece of art, working with master artisans and select studios across the globe to let their artistry find new resonance on the canvas of a William Henry instrument. From gold inlays to chisel-carved silver to classic hand engraving, the craftmanship is exceptional. William Henry’s magic lies in building a whole that transcends its parts, each finished piece a unique and timeless testament to quality where jewelry, art and performance merge into one.
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Exclusively London Jewelers
ONE - OF - A - KIND
SANDALWOOD, HEMATITE, DIAMOND BEADS WITH LARGE PAVÉ AND JADE BUDDAH NECKLACE, $2,895. HEMATITE NECKLACE WITH DIAMOND PAVÉ, HEMATITE AND RUBY TASSEL, $2,995. BLACK SPINEL NECKLACE WITH DIAMOND PAVÉ BEAD AND VINTAGE SILVER BEADS TASSEL, $900. LAPIS NECKLACE WITH DIAMOND PAVÉ AND LAPIS TASSEL, $3,850. SANDALWOOD AND VINTAGE TURQUOISE NECKLACE WITH DIAMOND PAVÉ BEADS AND SILVER TASSEL, $2,750.
HAUTE
FROM LEFT: 18K PEAR-SHAPE TURQUOISE WITH LARGE PEAR-SHAPE RUBY EARRINGS FROM EXCLUSIVELY LONDON, $10,700. SILVER TURQUOISE BUDDHA WITH LEATHER AND SANDALWOOD BEAD NECKLACE FROM EXCLUSIVELY LONDON, $500. WOOD BUDDHA HEAD BY LOVE & LUCK, $750. 18K YELLOW GOLD YOWAH OPAL WITH LONG PEAR-SHAPE CHALCEDONY EARRINGS FROM EXCLUSIVELY LONDON, $13,500. 18K OVAL TURQUOISE, CABOCHON AND YOWAH OPAL EARRINGS FROM EXCLUSIVELY LONDON, $6,300.
Off The Runway
FROM LEFT: 14K YELLOW GOLD WHITE SAPPHIRE BEZEL 50” CHAIN WITH 18K LARGE OVAL BROWN SAPPHIRE AND MULTI-SAPPHIRE PENDANT FROM EXCLUSIVELY LONDON, $12,350. 18K ROSE GOLD DIAMOND PAVÉ AND CERAMIC BEAD BRACELET BY SHAMBALLA, $7,840. 18K YELLOW GOLD PAVÉ DIAMOND BALL WITH YELLOW GOLD AND CERAMIC BEAD BRACELET BY SHAMBALLA, $9,460. 18K ROSE GOLD BROWN CERAMIC BEAD BRACELET BY SHAMBALLA, $3,140 18K LARGE CHAMPAGNE DIAMOND PAVÉ END & XL BROWN MOONSTONE BRACELET BY JEMMA WYNNE, $4,935. LARGE XL ROUND FLINT WITH DIAMOND BRACELET BY JEMMA WYNNE, $4,470. 18K YELLOW GOLD BROWN PEAR-SHAPE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND EARRINGS FROM EXCLUSIVELY LONDON, $10,900. 18K YELLOW SAPPHIRE SLICE EARRINGS WITH DIAMOND SLICES FROM EXCLUSIVELY LONDON, $14,650.
maestro collection
A percentage of each sale of the automatic Maestro Collection will be donated to VH1 Save The Music Foundation. 20% of sales up to $30,000
INTERVIEW
Irresistibly Ivanka TALENTED, DRIVEN, AND VERY MUCH HER OWN PERSON, IVANKA TRUMP CONTINUES THE LEGACY. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
How and why did you get into the jewelry business? My mother’s Legacy jewelry collection always inspired me, and my love for the classic aesthetic helped propel my vision. I realized the luxury fine jewelry market was missing a fresh, young design approach. That’s where my vision of “Rock Tradition” plays a vital role—it’s a modern twist on jewelry’s most important classic. I’ve always had a passion for jewelry. I wanted to make women of my time feel comfortable buying fine jewelry. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your designs? My creative vision is Heirloom Chic, the youthful reinvention of important legacy jewelry. Heirloom Chic puts a modern twist on classic jewelry, capturing a sense of fine workmanship, tradition and offhand elegance. I’m influenced by everything around me, especially my travels. Tell us a little about your fall 2011 collection. My 2011 collection is named Noor, meaning “light” in Arabic. It’s an exquisite new line of Art Deco-style jewels inspired by the sensual transparency of vintage lace, the play of light through its delicate pattern, and the intricate ornamentation of Byzantine architecture with its mosaic and arabesque patterns. I drew inspiration for the Noor collection beginning in 2010 while traveling to Morocco, Turkey and Baku, Azerbaijan. Design elements from these rich cultures were incorporated into the interior of the Trump Soho lobby and spa while some references were transformed into sketches for the new jewelry collection. What is your personal favorite piece from your collection? It has to be the medium signature oval diamond earrings: they really make a statement but are classically understated at the same time. How would you describe your jewelry style at the office? I stick to chic, timeless items like delicate bangles, banded rings and elegant earrings. I have a pair of rose gold rock crystal bangles from my fine jewelry collection that are perfectly understated for the office. I love statement jewelry, but there’s a time and place for it. If you do choose to bring statement jewelry into the office, it‘s important to balance it with a more conservative outfit. What have you learned (about business/life) from your father? I love working with my father! I’ve learned a great deal from him over the years. He taught me that hard work never goes out of style and to always be prepared for interviews, meetings, discussions, everything. Work hard. Create a strong and consistent identity—your name and reputation are your best assets. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor. What advice would you give to a bride-to-be about her wedding? Enjoy every moment—it goes by too quickly! How do you think motherhood will change you? It’s hard to say until I know my daughter’s needs and personality, but I hope to do as much as possible, while trying to be flexible and accommodating.
Getting Personal Describe Self: Driven Favorite Vacation Spot: Trump Waikiki Favorite Restaurant: Quattro at Trump Soho—fantastic light Italian food Favorite Cocktail: Champagne Favorite Movie: Snow Flower & The Secret Fan. It was amazing! Favorite Book: Atlas Shrugged On your iPod: Katy Perry and Kanye West Hero or Mentor: My parents What few people know about you: I am an expert bowler!
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Rock Tradition.
NEW EBEL BRASILIA
©2011 Ebel - www.ebel.com - Ref 1216034-1216035
meditation bells
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B EA UTY: M A UR I C E TA N N EN B A UM
DECO DAY DIAMOND ROSE GOLD, BROWN DIAMOND DIAL
COBBLESTONES collection
2011 H.Stern速 | worldwide locations at www.hstern.net | 800 7HSTERN
0.0000000024 HP.
This is all the energy needed to power the completely newly developed Manufacture movement, CFB A1001, from Carl F. Bucherer. It features the first reliably functioning peripherally positioned rotor and associates perfect aesthetics and progressive technology. It was designed on the basis of the holistic “Evolution Technology” Manufacture Concept, by which Carl F. Bucherer goes its own way with the development of movements and mechanisms, challenging the existing and striving for more intelligent solutions. A mechanical microcosm which is housed in a perfect environment, thanks to the unmistakably distinctive design of the Patravi EvoTec DayDate. www.carl-f-bucherer.com
PROFILE
Hit the Links
DICK TRACY’S RADIO WATCH HAS NOTHING ON TAG HEUER’S NEW LINK LUXURY SMARTPHONES. BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON
I
t’s been a busy year for TAG Heuer, with new releases like the limited edition Monza Chronograph evoking (and updating) 1930s Italian race culture, the introduction of the Carrera Heritage Collection, which harkens back to the 1960s, and landing the official watch and eyewear partnership for the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix. With an eye to the 21st century, the company also released the ultra-high frequency Microtimer Flying 1000 concept chronograph, which it says is the first mechanical chronograph precise to 1,000th of a second. Perhaps the most intriguing innovation for the company this year is the recent introduction of the TAG Heuer Link, an Android-powered luxury smartphone. This marks the company’s second foray into high-tech electronics, following the 2008 launch of the Meridiist mobile phone. The Link, billed as “the first Swiss luxury touchscreen smartphone,” combines elements of TAG Heuer’s emphasis on watchmaking precision and design with avant-garde technological prowess. The hand-assembled phone features Android’s 2.2 OS, eight gigs of built-in memory, a five-megapixel camera with auto focus and flash, 480x800 pixel/16 million color screen resolution, MP3 player (with available apps for FM radio and DivX video, and eventually video conferencing), along with all the usual niceties like Bluetooth tech, WiFi/WAPI
connectability and 3.5G download speeds (where available). The entire Android library of apps is at your fingertips, but the phone also comes preloaded with a host of TAG Heuer-themed add-ons. This, however, is where the Link phone diverges from the average, minimalist smartphone. Luxury touches begin with the battery cover, available in calfskin, 3D carbon leather, alligator or white lizard. Watch elements—a beveled face, watchband-inspired leather covers, a Carrerainspired crown and an etched TAG Heuer logo—draw on TAG Heuer’s 150year heritage. A variety of models offer up unique stitching, trim and housing: The “3D Carbon Leather” (in red or brown) is as sleek as a security briefcase, with satin-brushed stainless steel housing and contrast stitching. “Prestige” (in black or brown) is wrapped in alligator leather and features rose gold highlights on the loudspeaker, earpiece and crown. The exclusive “White Lizard” model (just released in September 2011) is encased in white lizard skin, with polished stainless steel sides and rear cover, set with over 1,000 VS-1 clear diamonds (2.53 total carat weight). Like TAG Heuer’s watches, the Link smartphone is designed for the most up-to-date functionality, but also to impress. In both cases, it crosses the finish line far ahead of the competition.
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JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST PANCREATIC CANCER Purchase your limited edition Roberto Coin bracelet designed exclusively to beneďŹ t The Lustgarten Foundation. Available only at London Jewelers. Cablevisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support of The Lustgarten Foundation ensures that 100% of the donated proceeds go directly to pancreatic cancer research.
Woven sterling bangle bracelet with purple overlay, $275. Sterling silver with amethyst, $450. 18k yellow gold with amethyst, $1,600. Bracelets are available in all London Jewelers locations, at www.londonjewelers.com, or call 1.877.601.9924.
MIGNOT ST. BARTH
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel connected to the women who wear my jewelry and I am inspired by their individuality. My collections are always evolving, as are my customers.â&#x20AC;?
TRAVEL
Having It All WHY SACRIFICE INTIMACY FOR VARIETY WHEN YOU CAN HAVE BOTH? BY LENORE RICH
I
adore the warmth and sophistication of a small ship (why should I dine with thousands?) yet hate to forego the myriad activities of a large one. Wanting both options, and unsure if I’d be craving a burger bar or a sushi bar, a pomegranate martini or a double chocolate milkshake,
I set out to discover a “luxurious and healthful small ship experience” aboard a mega-ship. Just to be safe, I booked two one-week cruises aboard Celebrity’s award-winning Solstice Class ships, each easily housing 2,850 passengers
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and touted by Frommer’s as “the most fragrantly beautiful mega-ships ever built.” Venues include a spa (with treatments like bamboo massage, acupuncture, Botox, and 14K gold facials), a fitness center with spectacular water views, and state-of-the-art theaters (one equipped for “cirque-type” aerialists). Lounge options include a martini bar with frosted counters and a molecular bar tended by lab coat wearing mixologists who create tantalizing smoking concoctions with liquid nitrogen. Consider the “Lawn Club”, a half-acre of real grass on which you can play bocce, hone your putting skills, sunbathe, picnic or sip chardonnay under the stars. And—to satisfy the newly-emerging cruise demographic of 30 to 50 year olds—a fabulous nightclub! y mission was to have it all, but without the lines, crowds and 5,000-plus calories a day (despite my husband’s desire for all of this!). So here’s what I found: Booking one of 130 coveted “spa-inspired” AquaClass staterooms grants exclusive entry to “Blu”, a signature dining room that “puts a spin on spa cuisine.” Here, open-seating breakfasts (smoothies and frittatas included) and healthful dinners are available in a serene, intimate setting. Unlimited access to the relaxation room and “Persian Gardens” (a peaceful enclave within the spa), Frette robes, Hansgrohe shower panels, and a spa concierge are among the enhancements. If spa-inspired is not your thing but pampering is, consider Concierge Class or a Butler suite.
M
WOULD I CRAVE A POMEGRANATE MARTINI OR A CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE?
Don’t Leave Home Without It! • Pack sample sizes of suntan lotions, insect repellent and cosmetics. Consider ear plugs, chargers, a mini flashlight, crazy glue, baggies. • An over-the-door shoe caddy or organizer is a space saver in the cabin and a catch-all for small items. • Duct tape, now in an array of colors and patterns, can save the day. Repair a torn hem or handbag, secure rattling hangers or drawers in rocky seas, secure your favorite cap to the deck chair or personalize your black luggage for easy identification. Turquoise? Leopard? Go for it! • Copies of passports, credit cards, tickets and prescriptions (including eyeglasses) should be left with a contact and also carried with you. Or why not email them to yourself for easy access? • Cross pack with your travel companion. If one bag is lost or delayed you’ll each have something to wear! And seriously consider travel insurance for those unexpected problems. • Alert credit card companies, particularly if traveling out of the country, and find out which of them assess (hidden) foreign purchase fees, often 3%. • A current passport with an expiration date well beyond your travel return date is crucial. Check the expiration when booking your trip. Need a visa? Injections? Plan ahead!
Specialty restaurants were well worth the surcharge. In Murano, five (gorgeous!) servers treated our party of four royally, flambéing, deboning and tossing contemporary French cuisine tableside. Qsine, one of the most innovative restaurants on land or sea, was a culinary adventure. Forewarned that this venue is best experienced with others, our table of eight newfound friends perused menu offerings on iPads and Rubics-cube-likegizmos. The internationally-themed food was creative, delicious and outrageous, evoking much good cheer for the duration of our four-hour meal. (Although we missed the evening’s scheduled entertainment, we created our own.) To avoid the elaborate lunch buffet on sea days (a tough task since the aroma is hard to resist), we opted for lunch at the more sedate creperie, conveniently located near the gelateria! (Those in the know head here as soon as they board.) Celebrity has designed on-board programs categorized as Savour, Discover and Renew. I can hone the art of wine pairing or choose to detox for health and weight loss. I can learn a new language with Rosetta Stone or practice it in the iLounge. An urge to tango? Prepare a gourmet meal? How about a Smithsonian lecturer? The possibilities are overwhelming... so I head to the spa to de-stress! Clearly, there’s something for every taste on the high seas and I know I’ll be back to try it all! Or I can just sink into the closest cocoon chair with a pineapple caipirinha and do absolutely nothing!
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WITH LIMITED STORAGE AND NEW AIRLINE WEIGHT REGULATIONS, PACKING LIGHT IS KEY. • Create a wardrobe based on solid neutrals. (Yes— sage is a neutral!) Fabulous accessories are key. Will your tablemates remember that you wore the same “column of black” on multiple evenings, or will they remember your gorgeous leopard scarf, red belt, or statement necklace? • Men: Good time to come out of your comfort zone with great belts, ties and watches. Try that pink or lavender shirt you won’t wear at home and prepare for compliments. • Note: Several cruise lines have relaxed their dress code to Country Club Casual. Those who lament leaving their gown or tux at home, play up the accessories. Diamonds and gemstones spell instant black tie glamour. • Consider the purchase of a new camera or laptop on board. Celebrity, an authorized Apple reseller, gives lessons in the iLounge—you’ll have the entire cruise to get advice from the experts.
PerfectGems
EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON
PRIVATE VIEW Not far from Missoula, Montana a wide stretch of foothills and hay meadows surrounds The Ranch At Rock Creek, a new, very luxurious guest ranch. Along with comfortable rooms, an impressive selection of wines and excellent food, there’s a full spa on site; activities in the area range from fly-fishing to skiing. For the guest who wants to experience nature in private without sacrificing creature comforts, the ranch offers the Trapper Luxury Canvas Cabin. Sequestered in a wooded area next to the creek, two miles from the main buildings, this suite has a king bed, gas fireplace, wine cooler, kitchenette stocked to your specifications, and even a Jacuzzi on the front porch. Perfect for the greenhorn who wants to get back to nature.
VICTOR HUGO ATE HERE This autumn, the hottest souvenir in Paris is a copy of the newly released Les Contemplations Gourmandes by chef Florian V. Hugo. A direct descendant of the legendary writer Victor Hugo, Chef Hugo’s new book contains 55 traditional French recipes enjoyed by his ancestor, with rare pictures, drawings, documents and quotes from Victor Hugo, and from other writers about the Les Misérables author and the culinary aspects of life. Instead of photographs of yourself in front of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll dazzle your friends with boeuf bourguignon, soufflé au fromage, biszue de homard, and macaron à la rose.
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PerfectGems RÉPIT On any given evening during the “season” on the island of St. Barths, there are glamorous and very chic social events. Sometimes even the most indefatigable partygoer can use a break. During your vacation on this most perfect Caribbean island, get a reservation (you really will need one) at Bonito. This remarkable restaurant, where chef Laurent Cantineaux's French cuisine is influenced by his 10 years in Venezuela and has a decidedly South American flavor, is where all the island’s movers and shakers go for a delicious and stress-free evening. The ambiance is perfect with stunning views of the sea and a lovely French countrydecorated living room. The perfect place to recover from (or prepare for) a party.
THAT’S A GOOD LOOK FOR YOU
FROM THE TERRACE In the 17th century, a charming Byzantine church was built on the cliffs of the caldera above the Aegean on the lovely Greek island of Santorini. A very exclusive neighborhood of small houses grew up around the church. With terraces jutting out over the sea offering magnificent views of the legendary volcano, these were the residences of the wealthy for nearly three centuries. Now a Yades Historical Hotel, the Aigialos Luxury Traditional Settlement comprises 16 neoclassical houses, restored by master masons, retaining the original shapes and schemes. The comfortable rooms have marble floors and handsome furniture, there’s a restaurant and swimming pool…all the modern conveniences. But the sense of history remains, along with the views, which offer one of the most superb sunsets in the Mediterranean.
There’s a lot to see at the very fashionable Hotel Zaza in Houston, Texas. It’s often possible to spot visiting celebrities like Billy Idol, David and Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony (before the breakup they stayed in one of the Zaza’s “Magnificent Seven” suites: crystal chandeliers, gold bed covers, Persian rugs and terraces with soaking pools). Then there’s the extraordinary artwork. Owner Charles S. Givens regularly installs pieces from his private collection, by artists including Simon Procter, Isack Kousnsky and Helmet Newton, throughout the hotel. For guests who want to learn more about the art, the Zaza will arrange a private tour of the current exhibits with expert Steven Thompson. Sommelier Alex Aland opens a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to complete the artistic ambiance.
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Welcome to The Whimsical World of Aaron Basha. With magical visions of childhood innocence, Aaron Basha, the luxury jeweler known as the “Godfather of Charms,” introduces the latest members of beguiling characters. Dare to dazzle with Aaron Basha’s whimsical world of enamel and pave charmed creations. Designed through Aaron Basha’s eye for perfection and individually hand-crafted, this jewelry has become a coveted collectible among celebrities and royalty alike. Available in an endearing assortment of styles, featuring aliens with lovable expressions, adventurous, seafaring pirates, and eye-popping monsters, these fanciful characters incorporate your personality into your style. The world of Aaron Basha has charms to fit every lifestyle. From cheerful critters in rainbow colored enamel tones, to superheroes, treat yourself to some of the most delightful creations to date.
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A-LIST
25 Park A SERIOUS LOVE FOR FASHION
A
fter launching in New York only last year, 25 Park’s Alison Brettschneider is thrilled to celebrate the business’s continued expansion with the opening of their new Wheatley Plaza location in Greenvale, NY. The gorgeous and much acclaimed retail boutique opened its flagship store in December 2010 at 1296 3rd Avenue, between 74th and 75th Streets, and now has stores in Bridgehampton, NY, Greenwich, CT, and Deal, NJ, with another location soon to open in Englewood, NJ. The aesthetic fits the chic and of-the-moment boutique perfectly, embodying the fusion of modern glamour and sophistication. Founded on a serious love for fashion, 25 Park is truly like every trendsetter’s dream closet, as it provides a wide assortment of incredible designer labels in a chic and intimate setting. Brettschneider, the brain behind the 25 Park website (25Park.com) and fabulous boutiques is no stranger to the fashion world. Before opening her own showroom, she was a personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman and worked on the sales teams for Catherine Malandrino and Vince. Feeling that there was a serious void of creativity and a lack of space for fresh, small designers to be showcased, Brettschneider decided to take a leap and open her own boutique in the spring of 2010. Today, nothing excites Brettschneider more than discovering a fabulous new designer who has not yet landed on the map. 25 Park proudly showcases a plethora of designers and styles ranging from bohemian and feminine to classic and modern. Some of the well established and up-and-coming designers offered include Antik Batik, Elizabeth and James, Gryphon, Hanii Y, Haute Hippie, By Malene Birger, Brouchu Walker, Current Elliot, Day Birger Et Mikkelsen, Rachel Comey, Hache, Ter E Bantine, Robin Brouillette, and Vanessa Bruno. 25 Park’s stylish A-list shoppers include Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens, Selita Ebanks, Kate Winslet, Whitney Port, Jaime Pressly, Kelly Rutherford, Olivia Palermo, Olivia Munn, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tinsley Mortimer, Rachel Zoe and many more. To check out some of 25 Park’s fashion forward styles, please visit www.25Park.com.
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FOOD
Culinary Class
CHATEAU D'ANCY LE FRANC
IT’S A LOT MORE THAN COOKING... BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON
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n a quiet afternoon, an American tourist wandering around a shop in Rome struck up a conversation with the young woman behind the counter. After chatting for a few minutes, the saleswoman looked curiously at the customer, then leaned forward and confidentially asked why the visitor was shopping instead of sightseeing. “After all,” she whispered, “you have everything in the U.S.” It’s true that finding things to bring home is becoming increasingly difficult. Every fashion house in the world is represented in the U.S., and American jewelry shops not only have a full range of pieces created in America, but an elaborate and extensive collection of European designs as well. That leaves T-shirts, baseball caps and coffee mugs. Do you really need another one? There is one other thing, one aspect of a vacation that won’t shrink, fade, or crack over time: memories. Walking through the Piazza San Marco late at night, your first moments in the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, watching
the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London… while cooking dinner. For some people, the last thing they want to do during a holiday is see the inside of a kitchen. But there are many others who find the opportunity to learn a new dish to be a marvelous souvenir. Coming home with cooking knowledge has several advantages. It’s not something that needs to be declared at customs. An innovative dish can kick your confidence up a notch and make you feel like a real chef. And, of course, once a group of friends are gathered around your dining room table, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to tell your trapped guests all about your vacation. Cooking classes have in fact become a staple at leading restaurants and hotels all over the world. At the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, the hotel’s chefs, under the direction of executive chef Siegfried Eisenberger (1998 coach of the Apprentice Team and captain of the U.S. Culinary Olympic Team) guide novices to gourmets through topics such as Entertaining at Home, Summer Grilling, Hors d’oeuvres Made Easy and Dessert Specialties.
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island), where the chef teaches about Cretan food. Next, everyone adjourns to the kitchen for a practical lesson featuring local ingredients. Of course, all sit down together to share the meal and a bottle of the local wine. Chef Philippe Masseglia at the famous Le Bartolomeo restaurant at the Hotel Guanahani on St. Barths also takes a casual approach to cooking classes. Guests who dine at his restaurant and like a particular item on the menu can simply ask how it’s made. They’re invited into the chef’s kitchen where he greets them as friends, opens a bottle of wine, and teaches them how to prepare their favorite dish. Nearly everyone (except maybe Greeks and Italians) agrees that French cooking is the ultimate gastronomic experience. The French take both cooking and eating very seriously and the country abounds in cooking classes. These two are bound to whet the appetite. In the Loire Valley, the Château Hotel de la Bourdaisiere is a magnificent 15th-century castle owned by Prince Louis Albert de Broglie. In this sophisticated and majestic environment, the park and the gardens are cultivated in the big market garden tradition. To bring to light the simple beauty found in a vegetable, the master gardener sets flowers and aromatic herbs in original arrangements in crannies of chestnut trees around the property. There are also 80 acres of park and historic gardens including a grand vegetable garden, famous for its collection of 650 tomato varieties (the château hosts an annual tomato festival). Here, cooking classes are many and may include harvesting produce from the garden, preparing lunch or dinner under the guidance of the chef, and even tours of local vineyards. VILLA LE MASCHERE
To make you feel even more official, the Broadmoor will arrange for you to take your apron home with you. In the summer, guests at the Hasting House Country House Hotel on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia are invited to catch Dungeness crabs. You’ll board a boat, help pull up a crab trap, and learn how to clean and prepare your catch. Finally, the executive chef teaches guests how to cook crab specialties and everyone sits down to a communal dinner. Then there’s the Borgo Santo Pietro, a 13th-century villa surrounded by 13 acres of gardens in the Tuscan hillside not far from Florence. In this peaceful setting (800 years ago pilgrims rested here on their way to Rome) cooking classes are held in the kitchen, under the guidance of chefs Richard Gynn or Nicole Ianesi. Guests have the choice of cooking a pasta, bread, or dessert item. If you want to truly indulge in Tuscan cooking, each year in April and October Borgo Santo Pietro offers a three-night, two-day Tuscan cooking experience. This special package features a visit to the cheese production hub in the local village of Palazzetto and a tour of the herb and vegetable gardens at Borgo, guided by the veggie garden keeper, Davide. After gathering ingredients, cooking classes begin with traditional Tuscan specialties: breads, antipasti, pastas and sauces. Also in Tuscany is Villa Le Maschere. Built in the 16th-century by the Bettini family, this villa is situated in the hills of the Mugello region near Lake Bilancino. The stunning site is important not just for aesthetic reasons but because Mugello has the highest agricultural production rate in all of Tuscany. In its
COOKING CLASSES HAVE BECOME A STAPLE AT LEADING RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ALL OVER THE WORLD. panorama, white wild boar and sheep feed on chestnuts and porcini and the region’s famous cattle graze freely. Naturally, this location has a dramatic effect on the cooking classes. Master Chef Fabio Matteo Danzo begins his classes by selecting from the region’s (and the season’s) freshest ingredients. Students prepare a meal at the hotel’s Il Pioppo Nero restaurant. Once the cooking is completed it’s tutti a tavola overlooking the Tuscan countryside from which the wonderful meal emanated. The Greeks are famous for their hospitality, particularly around the dinner table; it’s not unusual for meals to go on for hours. One of the most famous areas for food is the island of Crete. Here, not only is the cuisine delicious, it’s also rumored to be one of the healthiest diets in the world. The Cretans eat primarily only what they grow or make. At the lovely Avli in Rethymnon, the cooking classes are relaxed events. Guests are invited to gather in the garden restaurant (one of the most beautiful locations on the
The Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, in Burgundy, is a Renaissance palace. It’s considered a work of art, by the famous Italian architect Sébastiano Serlio, master of symmetry and of 16th-century architecture, who was summoned to the French court by François I. The château sits on the lands of the Dukes of Burgundy and contains the largest collection of Renaissance murals in France. Cooking classes are taught by Parisian chef Judicael Ruch and take place in the old kitchens, which in the 17th century belonged to Louis XIV’s famous minister, the Marquess of Louvois, and once even hosted the king. Each course is paired with Laroche wines from the region. There’s more to gain than simply learning how to sauté or mix. Along with chefs and other students, you’ll meet sommeliers, gardeners and pastry experts. And once you arrive back at home, you can enthrall your guests with tales of kitchen adventures as you serve your latest accomplishment. As Julia Child said, “Dining with one’s friends and family is certainly one of life’s primal delights, both soul-satisfying and eternal.”
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OUR PARTY
FOR PAWS Animal Adoption in East Hampton
On August 19th East Hampton saw a new social event that is bound to become a perennial summertime sensation. On behalf of her self-started charity, The Rescue Paw Foundation, Candy Udell hosted nearly 400 guests at London Jewelers’ East Hampton store for an evening of proud pet-parading and fundraising. Rescue Paw is the latest of many animal activism efforts Candy has created in the past 15 years, since appearing as the face of the “Love Has No Pedigree” campaign for the North Shore Animal League. Rescue Paw’s mission is to help build and support model humane nokill shelters providing spay and neuter services. The event marked Rescue Paw’s first partnership with ARF (The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons), which brought along a cast of colorful dogs and cats in need of adoption. Adding to the festivities was a minimarketplace of pet art and pet-friendly products. The most desired items of the evening were London’s exclusive paw charm bracelets and dog tag jewelry, the Candy Udell with Rhonda Parker of AVRAL and Jaimie Berger of ARF
proceeds from which benefit the construction of a humane shelter in the poorest county in Alabama. While much of Candy’s activism efforts over the years have been New York-based, her focus on animal rights in the southern states began when her friends at AVRAL (Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation) made her aware of the high kill ratio at shelters in the south.With Rescue Paw, Candy aims to create a working model for a properly run shelter that will lead the charge towards awareness and changing the animal protection laws in states such as Alabama and Louisiana. Help support The Rescue Paw Foundation by purchasing a paw bracelet, or choose from an assortment of dog tag jewelry. Order at ourcauseforpaws.org or londonjewelers.com. To place a phone order call 877.601.9924. You may also order through oprah.com by searching “our cause for paws” at that website.
GIVING BACK
Animals in Need very day in the U.S., between 9 and 11 million animals die year to include gold and silver charms, necklaces and real dog in shelters, which frequently operate at or beyond tags. Proceeds from your purchase will go to support the capacity. More are abandoned by construction of humane no-kill shelters their owners without homes to welcome offering spay and neuter services and Don’t breed or buy while shelter pets them in. At London Jewelers, we’re advance companion welfare programs in die! Adopt a pet from one of the many passionate about pets and are committed Alabama. Our friends there at AVRAL shelters in our area, which include: to saving the lives of innocent animals and (Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Animal Lovers League promoting their adoption by loving Legislation) are helping to pass animalAnimal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons families. You can do your part locally by friendly legislation that improves adopting a pet from one of the many conditions for dogs, cats and other Bideawee humane shelters on Long Island. You can domestic animals. Individual Breed Rescues also show you care by purchasing one of Bracelets, necklaces and dog tags are Little Shelter our Paw Print bracelets that raise money to available in a variety of styles, all featuring North Shore Animal League change conditions in the South, where the distinctive dog paw charm, in all animal cruelty laws are weak and rarely London Jewelers locations and on our The Shelter Connection enforced. We’ve expanded the offering this website at www.londonjewelers.com.
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LIFESTYLE
Cigars & Cognac A RECIPE FOR COOL WEATHER BLISS
W
ith summer behind us, beers, frozen cocktails, and white liquors are being replaced by the more traditional brown liquors of the cooler weather months. Many cigar aficionados go into hibernation during the winter, lacking a room to comfortably enjoy a fine cigar when the temperatures drop. That said, if you are among the fortunate few with the opportunity to enjoy a fine cigar in the autumn or winter, why not enjoy your tobacco with perhaps the greatest of all libations: cognac. Most cognac purists agree that brandy is best enjoyed in a proper snifter. This glass allows for the aromas to be contained for the connoisseur’s enjoyment, while simultaneously allowing for the body temperature to appropriately heat the drink before it is consumed. The beverage should be held in the snifter for several minutes before indulging in the first sip, and each subsequent taste should be savored. Choosing the right cognac is equally as important as making the appropriate cigar selection. Please keep in mind that this is an entirely subjective process and individual tastes can differ immensely. Just as there are those who prefer filet mignon to rib-eye and chardonnay to cabernet, there are those who prefer mellow cigars to more flavorful, fuller bodied varieties and milder, more youthful cognacs to the more intense and robust versions. The three main categories of cognacs are VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Special Old and Pale), and XO (Extra Old). Cigars also fall into one of three categories when it comes to flavor and body: mild, medium and strong. With these distinctions in mind, here are some suggested pairings:
Davidoff Classic #2 and Courvoisier VS The Davidoff Classic #2 is known for its mellow and smooth flavor. The creaminess of the cigar coupled with the surprising richness of the aroma
makes this an excellent match for the wonderfully subtle fruitiness of the Courvoisier VS. Both the tobaccos and the cognac in this grouping are aged for a minimum of four years, and they will likely be particularly enjoyable to someone new to the pleasures of cigars and cognac.
Davidoff Millennium Blend Piramides and Remy Martin VSOP While Davidoff cigar offerings tend to be mild, the Millennium series offers more in the way of robust flavor while maintaining a remarkable smoothness. This combination of rich flavor and balance is particularly enjoyable when coupled with the equally consistent Remy Martin VSOP. Visually speaking, the rich gold color of the Remy marries well with the cigar’s Ecuadorian wrapper. A subtle sweetness to the Davidoff goes extremely well with the hints of vanilla and fruits in the Remy and the fullness to the cigar’s aroma holds up nicely to the rich fumes of the cognac.
Padron 1964 Anniversario Diplomatico Maduro and Martel XO Apart from the contraband cigars that are still illegal as part of the trade embargo between the United States and Cuba, the Padron 1964 Anniversario series is perhaps the most sought after premium cigar in the world. The Diplomatico Maduro in particular has a beautifully rich and oily wrapper, and the cigar offers an explosion of flavor from the time it is lit until it burns out. The Martel XO is the perfect companion to this fine cigar. The rich amber color of the cognac blends perfectly with the Padron’s Nicaraguon Maduro wrapper. The unmistakable element of fruitiness in the aroma of the Martel serves as the perfect segue into the complex woodiness and spices as the beverage is savored on the palate.
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Gift Basket IT’S THE PERFECT WAY TO SAY WELCOME TO A NEW ARRIVAL, GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW HOME, THANK YOU, HAPPY HOLIDAYS...WHATEVER THE OCCASION. A GIFT BASKET FROM LONDON JEWELERS – AN UNFORGETTABLE PRESENT. LONDON JEWELERS OFFERS A GIFTWARE AND BRIDAL REGISTRY.
Welcome in any setting.
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©2011 Steuben Glass LLC Steuben® is a Registered Trademark of Steuben Glass LLC
INTRODUCING TWO NEW COLORS TO OUR ACCLAIMED LUMINESCENCE COLLECTION
Honey and Earth
®
© D.YURMAN 2011
DY Signatures
LONDON JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
FALL/WINTER 2011