A C C E N T/ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S ♦ S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
BOLD& BEAUTIFUL! THE NEW GEMSTONES
Special Watch Section:
IT’S ABOUT TIME
PLUS: Celebrity Spotlight Impeccable Pearls Gorgeous Gifts!
“WHEW”
IT’S FINALLY APRIL It’s gratifying to tell our friends from other areas of the country about how we love Connecticut and Massachusetts and live for our four seasons. We marvel at the warmth of the summer with the coolness of the Atlantic Ocean, the incredible beauty of our fall with the spectacular foliage, fruits and vegetables, the tranquility of our Currier HUK 0]LZ ^PU[LYZ ^P[O NLU[SL ZUV^MHSSZ HUK JYHJRSPUN Ä YLZ HUK VM JV\YZL [OL ZLHZVU ^L HYL UV^ PU·[OL YLIPY[O VM springtime. Well, well, well...we had quite a winter, didn’t we, in fact one that we are glad to put behind us. We had record snowfalls in January, wind-chill temperatures that we would like to forget, day after day of subfreezing cold, icicles galore and we don’t even live in Vermont or New Hampshire. We learned about shortages of roof rakes, fender benders and sump pumps coming into fashion. We had muscles being used that we hadn’t felt in years. On Valentine’s Day we had record warmth only to be erased the following day by more bone chilling cold. Yes, these are the New England winters when we wish we lived in more temperate climates. We enjoy telling the larger than life stories year after year; the winter of 2011 is as memorable as the blizzard of 1978, a season where the stories get told time and time again. That was yesterday’s news and now it’s April and the birds are chirping, the trees and bushes are smiling and we have new spirit as everything outside is beginning to “GREEN” up (the pun is intended). Our staff and stores are Ä SSLK ^P[O NYLH[ PKLHZ MVY HSS `V\Y \WJVTPUN OVSPKH`Z HUK L]LU[Z >L OH]L ILLU [YH]LSPUN HUK ULNV[PH[PUN [V Ä UK [OL ILZ[ VM [OL ILZ[ -YHURS` V\Y KPHTVUKZ HYL PUJYLKPISL MYVT Å H^SLZZ [V UH[\YHS JVSVYZ HZ ^L VMMLY [OL Ä ULZ[ ]HS\LZ from our cutters around the world. Jewelry designers are creating new collections that we have invested in with you in mind. Watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Panerai, Tag Heuer, Movado, Mont Blanc, Baume & Mercier, Breitling and Swiss Army are all superbly represented in our stores. Our giftware department brings springtime into focus featuring our newest collections from Simon Pearce, Julia Knight, Steuben and Juliska to name a few. We have expanded our services with custom design, watch and jewelry restoration and buying, selling and trading your unwanted jewelry. We invite you to have your jewelry cleaned and checked for free. Spring is here at Lux Bond & Green and we look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks. Cheers!
The Green Family
Contents spring/summer 2011 WEST HARTFORD
46 LaSalle Road, (860) 521-3015 GLASTONBURY
Somerset Square, (860) 659-8510 GREENWICH
169 Greenwich Ave., (203) 629-0900
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WESTPORT
136 Main Street, (203) 227-1300 BOSTON T H E S H O P S AT M O H E G A N S U N
Uncasville, (860) 862-9900 W E L L E S L E Y, M A
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Evergreen Walk, (860) 644-0789 1- 8 0 0 - L B G R E E N ( 1- 8 0 0 - 524 - 7336 )
www.LBGreen.com CHAIRMAN
Robert E. Green P R E S I D E N T/ C E O
John A. Green VICE CHAIRMAN
Marc A. Green CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
David Bonney ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Michail K. Shaw PUBLISHED BY THE BUSINESS JOURNALS FA S H I O N G R O U P PUBLISHER
Stu Nifoussi EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Karen Alberg Grossman C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
Hans Gschliesser MANAGING EDITOR
FEATURES 1 Welcome Letter 4 Our Favorite Jewelry 8 Our Favorite Watches
64 Speed: Grand Sport 68 Perfect Gems 72 His Side: Romancing the Stone
Jillian Sprague PROJECT MANAGER
Lisa Montemorra CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Beth Bernstein DESIGNERS
10 What’s Happening
WATCH SECTION
Cynthia Lucero Jean-Nicole Venditti
12 Our Favorite Giftware
50 Watch Advisor
PRODUCTION MANAGER
14 Lux Bond & Green Brides
54 Celebrity Ambassadors: Beautiful Women, Beautiful Watches
16 Core Values Excellence Awards 20 Accent Advisor 24 Red Carpet: Shining Stars 28 Trends: The Joy of Jewelry 34 Profile: Mikimoto
58 First Person: Hand-Me-Downs Welcome 60 What’s New: Fashionably on Time
40 Fashion: From the Runways 46 Proposals: Gloves at the Shoe
2
Peg Eadie DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS
Hugh K. Stanton PRESIDENT AND CEO
Britton Jones CHAIRMAN AND COO
Mac Brighton Copyright 2011. 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: 212-686-6821; ALL R IGHTS R ESERVED. 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 9, Issue 1. Printed In The U.S.A.
ON THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: PETER SAKAS; MODEL: ANGELA MARTINI – ELITE MODEL MANAGEMENT; HAIR AND MAKEUP: KIM BAKER; STYLIST: SHARON ELLIOT; WARDROBE: MARC BOWER; JEWELRY: DAVID YURMAN, IPPOLITA, ROBERTO COIN, ROLEX.
416 Boylston Street, (617) 266-4747
MODERN ROCK CANDY® IN 18K GOLD WITH GEMSTONES. ©2011 IPPOLITA®. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WATCH out for some of our
FAVORITE
things
RAYMOND WEIL From the Noemia Ladies Collection. 32mm case in stainless steel with diamond case and markers on a stainless steel bracelet, $2,395 Men’s Automatic Chronograph from the Parsifal Collection. 41mm in 18K and stainless steel case on a black alligator strap, $3,895
BREITLING
CHRONOMAT 01 in Onyx Black, with silver sub dials and markers on a steel Pilot bracelet, $8,300
TAG HEUER
The newly designed chronograph Carrera Calibre 1887, $4,300
VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY
Lady Maverick GS. Swiss-made movement, stainless steel JHZL HU[P YLĂ… LJ[P]L ZHWWOPYL JY`Z[HS
2011 JOHN HARDY LIMITED
NAGA COLLECTION
^OH[»Z OHWWLUPUN H[
LUX BOND & GREEN
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SCAN. EXPLORE.
FIND YOUR TAG HEUER
Invented in 1887 by Edouard Heuer and reengineered for our new in-house Calibre 1887 movement, the oscillating pinion enables our CARRERA chronograph to start in less than 2/1000th of a second.
1.866.675.2080 www.tagheuer.com
ACCENTADVISOR
HOW DO I MIX FINE AND FASHION JEWELRY?
I’VE BEEN SEEING A LOT OF BLACK USED IN FINE JEWELRY. WHAT ARE THE KEY
Use a pretty black dress or a simple top as the backdrop for mixing pieces. Wear a gold medallion
STONES AND METALS, AND HOW CAN I WEAR THEM?
pendant along with multiple chains in blackened and tonal antiqued base metal. Or you can mix in real baroque pearls with a large colored pendant in crystal rather than a precious gem. A low-risk way to mix real and faux is on the wrist; you have more room to be playful as it’s further from your face. Here, mix leather or suede wrap styles with pavé charms, or Bakelite and wood with precious stones. Throw in some high karat gold thin bangles to create a truly eclectic look. This season, designers are even mixing these materials into one piece to offer a statement at an affordable price. But if you prefer simplicity, stick to a pair of cuffs in wood with center gemstones, and a mesh necklace with chains of matte gold. The combination will be different and dramatic, and take you through the season in style.
The trend started with designers adding a black rhodium finish to white gold and mixing it with high karat yellow gold for a richer look. As the darker metal began to sell and the prices for gold went up, the next step was to use blackened or highly oxidized silver. (Some designers still use black rhodium plated 18K white gold, which can mean a slightly higher price tag.) These metals look great with the of-the-moment diamonds—also black—which are spectacular in rose, brilliant and polished rough cuts. Black can be done in styles from gothic to feminine, such as pavé leaves and flowers with a black diamond center. If you want to add color to your black jewelry look, try a hint of rough cut fancy sapphires, the pretty watercolor shades of moonstones and aquamarines, or the
IMAGES COURTESY OF JOHN HARDY
more saturated orange hues of citrines.
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LUX BOND & GREEN
Wedding&Gift Registry www.LBGreen.com
WHEN IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE 3L[ 3\_ )VUK .YLLU OLSW `V\ KLZPNU [OL YPUN VM `V\Y KYLHTZ
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Could you use some Sun? SHOPPING
DINING
Bare Escentuals Tiffany & Co. Coach Citizen Watch Brookstone Caché Cascade Electronics Scentsations Chico’s Clay Pipe Lalo Treasures Godiva Chocolatier Landau Lush Spin Street Sun Shoes America’s Memories Lux Bond & Green Trailblazer PUMA
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Todd English’s Tuscany Johnny Rockets Jasper White’s Summer Shack SolToro Tequila Grill Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe Big Bubba’s BBQ Michael Jordan’s Steak House Imus Ranch Coffee Sunrise Square Food Court Geno’s Fast Break Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bobby’s Burger Palace
Oriental Fine Arts & Crafts Galina’s European Boutique Everything Under The Sun The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store Swarovski Sunglasses USA Brewster’s Trading Post Trading Cove Yankee Candle Tommy Bahama Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold
HOTEL, SPA & GOLF 34-story glass hotel tower with 1,200 rooms and 175 suites 27,500 square-foot sun terrace and indoor swimming pool 22,000 square-foot Elemis Spa and fitness center 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a 38,000 square-foot ballroom 18-Hole Championship Golf Course
GAMING
SM
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana Fidelia’s Market Chief’s Deli Starbucks Coffee Bar Americain Dunkin’ Donuts The Dubliner Ben & Jerry’s Birches Bar & Grill Lucky’s Lounge Sunburst Buffet
Three world-class, spectacularly themed casinos, Casino of the Earth, Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Wind, with over 300 table games, over 6,400 slot machines and a 42-table poker room.
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE Mohegan Sun Arena Taughannick Falls Bar The Cabaret Theatre The Brew Pub Wolf Den Lucky’s Lounge Sunset Bar Harvest Moon Bar Star Bar East Wind Bar The Cove Bar Ultra 88 Night Club The Dubliner Bow & Arrow Leffingwells Martini Bar The Lodge Geno’s Pub
Conveniently located in southeastern Connecticut in Mystic Country
mohegansun.com 1.888.226.7711
RED CARPET
Shining Stars AWARDS SEASON PROVIDES A PLETHORA OF CELEBRITY EYE CANDY BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE
Amy Adams
Kim Kardashian
W
ith a smile like that, who needs jewelry? Halle Berry and her earrings were radiant at the 13th Annual Costume Designer Guild Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Take your spring style cue from her and try a piece that mixes different stone colors and metal tones. Here, white and champagne diamonds set in black and yellow gold are subtle, but so-right-now. At the Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood 2011 Kick-off with Chrysler, Amy Adams chose a classic earring shape with a modern twist. Her textured hoops in blackened gold were an unexpected surprise peeking out from underneath those perfectly tousled waves. Reality star Kim Kardashian rocked a bold yellow gold choker and simple studs at the People’s Choice Awards in L.A.’s Nokia Theater. While her show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, won the award for TV’s Guiltiest Pleasure, her Art Nouveau-inspired necklace was our pick for eye-catching accessory.
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JEWELRY THIS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT: AMRAPALI, HELLMUTH, RINA LIMOR
Halle Berry
© 2011 Carelle All Rights Reserved
Meticulously handcrafted fine diamond and color gemstone jewelry
www.carelle.com 800.225.7782
RED CARPET
LeAnn Rimes
Nicky Hilton
She plays the love interest of a devilish serial killer on Showtime’s Dexter, but Julia Stiles looked heavenly in star-shaped stud earrings at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards. A dramatic ruffle and bold fuchsia lips—both huge trends this spring—made for stellar red carpet style. LeAnn Rimes sparkled in sequins at the Grammys. Head-to-toe metallic can be hard to accessorize, but her stacked gold bangles and mother of pearl earrings complemented instead of competed with her beautifully draped gown. It’s tough to contend with angel wings covered in peacock feathers, but at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Nicky Hilton’s diamond necklace and earrings were almost as jaw-dropping as the models. Almost.
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JEWELRY THIS PAGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: H. STERN, AMRAPALI, MOUAWAD
Julia Stiles
TRENDS
The Joy of Jewelry COLORFUL GEMS FIT FASHION’S BRIGHT OUTLOOK BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE
THE GEMS Adam Graham, marketing director of The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), agrees that bright blues and greens, as well as shades of purple, are leading trends in colored gemstone jewelry this year. Among the azures, he points to traditional blue sapphire, aquamarine and blue topaz, but emphasizes that lesser-known stones like labradorite, turquoise, blue moonstone, chalcedony, tanzanite and blue shaded black onyx are extremely significant as well. With dramatically-sized jewelry in vogue, it helps that many of the latter gemstones can be purchased in high quality at affordable prices.
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IMAGES COURTESY OF DAVID YURMAN, STEPHEN WEBSTER, ROBERTO COIN
T
his season, there’s one simple rule on the road to great jewelry style: Don’t get stuck in neutral! Get into gear and follow the direction of spring 2011 fashion, which is all about color. Does this mean that neutrals like black—so strong these past few years—are no longer fashionable? Is it time to abandon your Little Black Dress? “Absolutely not,” says Meredith Smith, designer and cultural trend analyst at The Doneger Group in New York City. “Even though fashion’s biggest names flooded the spring runways with bright-colored clothes, you can still wear your classic LBD. However, the perennial cocktail classic and other neutral-toned attire needs to be popped with colorful jewelry and accessories. Right now, our culture is all about finding joy; adorning ourselves in happy, escapist colors (like bright blues and greens) is one way to do that.”
LAYERING NECKLACES While models strutted down
“This year, you’re also going to see more engagement ring center stones in blues and greens,” notes Graham. “Kate Middleton’s blue sapphire from Prince William has re-ignited the trend that his mother, Princess Diana, started back in 1981, when she received the engagement ring from Prince Charles. Blue sapphire is a great option for women who don’t want to be too ‘bling,’ and at the same time, it’s a high-end gem of great color.” At the AGTA’s annual Spectrum jewelry design awards for 2011, Graham tells us, “One of the winning pieces was a platinum ring with a neongreen tsavorite center stone. Our panel of judges, all in the fashion or jewelry industries, said it represents a definite style direction.” In fact, many of the best jewelry designers are also premiering dazzling fashion collections with great green gems, especially green tourmalines, peridots, green diamonds, emeralds, green agates, green sapphires and tsavorites. “And for the past year,” says Graham, “celebrity stylists have been requesting to borrow green gemstone jewelry for their A-list clients to wear to awards shows.” The green jewelry they’ve been borrowing will coordinate with many red carpet fashion styles according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute, which named ‘Peapod’ green as one of its top fashion colors for spring/summer. “We’ve learned that green really works well as a neutral and we see people more inclined to wear it on a regular basis,” she says. This past fall, Pantone chose ‘Purple Orchid’ as its number-one fashion color and, for spring/summer, the passion for purple continues, with ‘Lavender’ in its top ten selection. Jewelry designers are showing violet gem creations in everything from deep amethysts and fancy purple sapphires to pastel pinky-purple sugilites and quartzes.
the runways wearing mega-necklaces, in this case you have another option. Instead of investing in one massive neck piece, a more practical purchase might be to buy several long chains and links that can each be doubled or tripled. With layering necklaces, you can experiment and create many different looks, for both daywear and evening. Play with the necklaces, graduating the lengths differently to accommodate the neckline of whatever you’re wearing. To complete the look, add a 16-inch chain with a pendant or enhancer. In this season of bold color, choose one with a bright gemstone center. EPIC RINGS Typically, you ladies buy these supersized and super stylish rings for yourself. (Well, why not—you deserve it!) They’re statement pieces that reflect your personality and personal style, so be sure to select gemstones you really like—plus, since it’s on your hand, you’ll be looking at it all day. Should you invest a lot of money in this epic ring? That depends, to some degree, on whether you’ll be wearing it every day or if you’ll want to buy several and switch—much like some people do with watches. Unlike the big cocktail rings of eras past, the epic ring is no longer a dress-up-only accessory. GUMDROP EARRINGS And you thought gumdrops were just those chewy sugar-coated candies you shouldn’t be eating! Think again: It’s the season’s strongest earring silhouette. More medium-large than ultra-large in size, this drop-style earring focuses on one prominent colored gem that hangs to about mid-neck. It’s classic, yet, at the same time, fashion. Ask your jeweler about the earrings’ stone shape and cut. Some gumdrops have slices of color with a flat bottom, allowing light to pass through the gemstone, much in the way natural light shines through a stained glass window. MORE THAN ONE METAL COLOR No, you can’t be a yellow-only or white-only jewelry lover anymore. It just isn’t fashionable. If most—or all—of your jewelry is still the same metal color that you’ve been wearing forever, this is the season to start collecting pieces made in different surface colors. If you want to stick to karat gold for your precious metal, that’s okay, but there are many different gold colors to choose from: rose, blackened and sometimes peach. Even the texture on a piece slightly changes the look of the color. (For example, a high-polished blackened gold bracelet will appear to have a different hue than a satin-finished or matte blackened gold piece.) Once you begin to add different colored pieces to your jewelry wardrobe, you’ll see how all the shades really do work together. And no need to worry if you don’t have “enough” of a certain color when you start. Part of the fun of jewelry is collecting it over time.
FIVE TO BUY Now that you know what these post-winter pickme-up colors and coordinating gemstones are, which jewelry pieces in particular should you be considering? Ultimately that depends on your individual style as well as what jewelry you already own, but here are the five jewelry must-haves we highly recommend: BIG BANGLES The number-one jewelry item adorning spring runway models was the big bangle, and they usually wore two or three per arm. The uber bangles—not slim stackables and not ultra-wide cuffs—almost always featured stones, beads, or some sort of bright embellishment.
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18K COLLECTIBLE CUFFS & BRACELETS
Diamond jewelry so exquisite… …it celebrates romance.
K TLAR CUSHION
The world’s most brilliant cushion cut diamond™
The Kotlar Cushion diamond is an exceptionally fitting symbol of your greatest love, your most significant achievement or your deepest commitment. Sold only by jewelers recognized for their integrity and expertise.
PROFILE Mikimoto strands are world-renowned for their perfectly matched pearls; this process becomes exponentially more difficult when strands are longer.
Timeless Beauty
MIKIMOTO CULTURED PEARLS—A PERFECT BALANCE OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
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A Unique History
After many years of trials and tribulations, Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in creating the world’s first cultured pearl in 1893. He then sent artisans on missions to Europe to master the techniques of jewelry production and design. This knowledge, supplemented by the Japanese aesthetics of form, line and workmanship, produced the distinctive originality of Mikimoto designs. In 1899, equipped with his first collection, Mr. Mikimoto opened the first Mikimoto Pearl Store, Japan’s first specialty pearl shop, in Tokyo’s Ginza district. After improving his cultivating and harvesting techniques, he was able to ship his product overseas, making cultured pearls available to women around the world.
IMAGES COURTESY OF MIKIMOTO
O
f all the love stories over the ages, does anything beat the intensity of Cleopatra and Marc Antony? Betting him that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal, Cleopatra removed a pearl earring, crushed it, and drank the powder mixed with wine. Under her spell and hopelessly enchanted, Antony neglected his duties to the Roman Empire, thus changing forever the course of history. Since ancient times, pearls have indeed symbolized everything from purity of love to victory in battle. From symbol of chastity to mystical aphrodisiac, pearls have reflected the power of love. Worn by ancient Greeks at their wedding ceremonies to ensure marital bliss (and prevent new brides from crying), pearls are worn today by modern brides for strangely similar reasons. After all this time, pearls still represent innocence, sophistication and timeless beauty. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearl, launching today’s cultured pearl industry and making cultured pearls available to women all over the world. The company is internationally respected for its dedication to beauty and quality. Since each pearl is as different and individual as a fingerprint, quality grading standards are essential. Mikimoto has maintained the highest standards of quality and consistency by devoting more than a century to understanding the sea and researching the oyster. They’ve developed a proprietary grading system,
I M AG I N E
T H E P L AC E S T H E Y W I L L G O .
T H E O R I G I N ATO R O F C U LT U R E D P E A R L S . S I N C E 1 8 9 3 .
unique within the cultured pearl industry. Although no single factor can solely represent the worth of a pearl, luster and surface perfection are most important. There are four Mikimoto grades: A, A+, AA and AAA, with AAA being the highest quality. A mere three to five pearls out of every 100 harvested are deemed worthy to bear the Mikimoto name. While there is nothing more cherished than a classic strand of Mikimoto pearls, numerous fashion options abound. For 2011, these include:
LONGER STRANDS Ranging in length from 32 to an astounding 100 inches, these longer strands are the perfect accessory and a wonderful gift for today’s modern woman. Taking the classic beauty of a traditional choker to a whole new level, these versatile strands, whether worn for day or evening, alone or layered with another piece of jewelry, add glamour to any occasion. Not only a unique fashion look, these long strands truly showcase the superior quality for which Mikimoto is revered. Each strand is a work of art, requiring incredible skill, judgment and craftsmanship. Mikimoto strands are worldrenowned for their perfectly matched pearls and this process becomes exponentially more difficult when strands are longer. Demanding the finest judgment and artistic sense, only Mikimoto has the ability to sort and match such long lengths of pearls.
PEARLS IN MOTION
contrast to the classic, feminine elegance of white pearls, Mikimoto Black South Seas are pearls with attitude, emitting an air of confidence. Day or night, from the boardroom to the runway, Black South Sea pearls are the perfect complement to any outfit, and an icon of style and taste. Because of their breathtaking natural hues, fashion mavens and connoisseurs alike consider Mikimoto’s Black South Sea cultured pearls to be among the most distinctive of all gems. With their hypnotic depth of color ranging from light gray to peacock green to midnight black, these treasures of the sea seem lit from within, conferring a remarkable radiance and sophistication upon those fortunate enough to wear them. In 1914, Kokichi Mikimoto established a culturing site for Black South Sea pearl oysters on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan. Since that time, the brand has remained the authority on Black South Sea cultured pearls of the highest quality. Almost a century later, Black South Sea jewelry remains a formidable fashion trend as style-savvy consumers are embracing these gems as never before. Mikimoto’s international design team uses Black South Sea cultured pearls to create jewels of impeccable style and quality, from a perfectly-matched choker to a multi-colored 45” strand that can be layered or wrapped.
CARING FOR PEARLS
The rules are simple:
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing and store separately so they don’t get scratched. Remember: pearls are organic gemstones, and thus vulnerable to acid, alkaline and humidity. That said, pearls beg to be worn; left alone in a box they risk dehydration, so wear them often and flaunt your elegance and style!
With Pearls in Motion, the possibilities are unlimited. This unique concept in jewelry design offers the versatility to wear Mikimoto cultured pearls in an infinite number of ways. Place the cultured pearls anywhere along the slim, elegant chain. The gems will remain in place thanks to Mikimoto’s exclusive, patented mechanism.
BLACK SOUTH SEA Mikimoto Black South Sea cultured pearls, with their exotic origins and mysterious color palette, are a versatile must-have for today’s trendsetters looking to make an edgy fashion statement. In direct
BAROQUE COUTURE COLLECTION
The natural beauty of Mikimoto’s Baroque South Sea cultured pearls is derived from their superb luster and irregular, yet beautiful, silhouettes. The unique organic shapes of these pearls make them a constant marvel to behold, a true fashion statement and conversation piece. Baroque Couture is a collection of one-of-a-kind Mikimoto jewelry inspired by the Baroque pearl. The Baroque Couture Collection uses the distinctive shape and size of each individual pearl as the subject of each exclusive design. Nature determines the setting and Mikimoto designers fulfill each pearl’s destiny. Says Amy Kim-Araneo, Mikimoto’s vice president of product development and design: “Designing baroque pearl jewelry is incredibly exciting and challenging because no two pearls are alike, so each piece takes on its own personality. The unique shape of each pearl truly dictates the design…as if it knows what it wants to be. The organic, fluid designs of Baroque Couture really conform to the body and showcase a more modern, less traditional look in pearl jewelry.”
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The Sun shines on everyone.
Could you use some Sun? With more than 6,400 slot machines, over 300 table games, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars, a world-class hotel and spa, a 10,000-seat Arena, a championship golf course and over 100,000 square feet of premium meeting space, you’ll ďŹ nd a million different ways to play. Mohegan Sun is conveniently located in southeastern Connecticut in Mystic Country. For more information, visit mohegansun.com.
FASHION
IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM
SUBSTANTIAL PENDANTS PROVIDE PERFECT CONTRAST TO PRETTY PRINTS
Runways
From the NOTICE-ME NEUTRALS TEMPERED A
KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLORS
ON SPRING 2011 RUNWAYS ACROSS THE GLOBE. BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE
Runways
From the NOTICE-ME NEUTRALS
It’s dining with a whole lot of
pizzazz. After you satisfy your taste buds at one of our fine restaurants, indulge your good taste at our unique collection of shops. It’s a delicious experience you won’t want to miss. Call 1.888.226.7711 or visit mohegansun.com. Shops: America’s Memories • Bare Escentuals • Brewster’s Trading Post • Brookstone • Caché • Cascade Electronics • Chico’s Citizen Watch • Clay Pipe • Coach • Everything Under The Sun • Galina’s European Boutique • Godiva Chocolatier • Lalo Treasures Landau • Lush • Lux Bond & Green • Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold • Oriental Fine Arts & Crafts • PUMA • Scentsations Spin Street • Sun Shoes • Sunglasses USA • Swarovski • The Essentials • The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store • Tiffany & Co. Tommy Bahama • Trading Cove • Trailblazer • Yankee Candle Restaurants: Bar Americain • Ben & Jerry’s • Big Bubba’s BBQ Birches Bar & Grill • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Chief’s Deli • Dunkin’ Donuts • Fidelia’s Market • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana Geno’s Fast Break • Geno’s Pub • Imus Ranch Coffee • Jasper White’s Summer Shack • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Johnny Rockets • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts • Lucky’s Lounge • Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe • Michael Jordan’s Steak House SolToro Tequila Grill • Starbucks Coffee • Sunburst Buffet • Sunrise Square Food Court • The Dubliner • Todd English’s Tuscany
Conveniently located in Mystic Country.
FASHION LAYER HEARTS OVER LACE FOR AN ON-TREND VINTAGE LOOK
A LITTLE SHINE GOES A LONG WAY…
MOONSTONE MANIA! THESE COOL STONES ARE HOT FOR SPRING
PROPOSALS
Gloves at the Shoe M
e, the dental hygienist and lifelong Ohio State girl; Daniel, the dental student and die-hard Notre Dame boy. I always thought “it” would happen after he moved to Indiana, where he planned to practice dentistry in the shadows of the Golden Dome of Notre Dame. We had a date to celebrate Daniel’s completion of his dental school clinical requirements, and he kept the location a secret. He mentioned that he needed to stop by his office, located in Ohio State University’s Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe), after dinner to drop off a Secret Santa gift for the exchange he would not be able to attend. The night began innocently enough at Burgundy Room, a trendy wine and tapas restaurant. Surprisingly we hadn’t been there since our first date. Daniel pretended to be shocked too. After dinner we made our way to campus to drop off the “gift.” I noticed the stadium lights were on; the lights are never on. Daniel looked at me with mischievous eyes. “Do you think we can sneak onto the field?” I balked, not wanting to get in trouble. We made our way to the north stadium entrance and the padlock was open. Daniel exclaimed with confidence, “It’s open… C’mon, Hayley!” I was carrying Daniel’s Secret Santa gift as we walked down the ramp onto the field. I couldn’t believe I was doing this, putting my head down, trying not to get caught. Despite my protest, we finally got to the 50-yard line, right inside the Block O, and faced each other. (You may need to be an Ohio State fan to realize how big of a deal it is to be inside the Block O, let
alone getting a Notre Dame graduate to join you.) “Crazy, isn’t it?” Daniel said, glancing around the stadium. I thought to myself, “I can’t wait to tell everyone that we snuck into the Shoe!” I was cold at this point. My fingers were numb and he knew it. He smiled. “Why don’t you open that present? I’ll get another one for the party; it’ll be an early Christmas present. I got it in Italy and you look like you could use them about now.” I eagerly began ripping into the package, and before I could even lift the lid, my frigid hands dropped the box. Finally, I opened the box and my breath faltered. Leather gloves, black and tan, from Florence, Italy. Gorgeous. But it was the sparkle that emanated from the third finger on the left glove that stunned me. I was so surprised; he was down on one knee, there was a ring, and I was saying yes. We hugged, we twirled, we laughed; he yelled at his friend, hiding out in the stands, to come down to take more photos. He arranged for it all: the lights, open padlock, hidden photographer… the whole nine yards, pun intended. Jewelry is inextricably connected to life’s most memorable moments. The Jewelry Information Center’s Ultimate Proposal Contest allowed couples nationwide to submit their special proposal stories at www.JIC.org. Consumers entered more than 1,200 stories and over 6,000 people cast their votes over 10 days. Winner Hayley Wood and her fiancé Daniel won a trip for two to Santorini, Greece, along with a stunning platinum diamond necklace.
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IMAGE COURTESY OF JIC
A WINNING ENGAGEMENT MOMENT BY HAYLEY WOOD
THE BEST WAY TO BUY A DIAMOND IS CONFIDENTLY. C arat Weight: 1.53
C olor Grade: E
C larity Grade: VS1
C ut Grade: Excellent Laser Inscription Registry Number: GIA 16354621 Shape & Cutting Style: Round Brilliant Natural Diamond: Not Synthetic
Beauty is one thing, but certainty is everything. A GIA report is the most technologically advanced diamond evaluation possible. It gives you a unique blueprint of your diamond’s attributes and an indisputable record of its quality. As creators of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System,™ GIA is known for the kind of unbiased scientific information that has guided diamond buyers for generations. To learn more about this unique resource, please visit W W W. G I A 4 C S . G I A . E D U
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WONDERING AND KNOWING.
ACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2011
getty 1 / Peter Dazeley
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WATCHES
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WHAT TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TIMEPIECES
WATCH ADVISOR
IS IT OKAY TO WEAR A SPORTS WATCH AS AN EVERYDAY WATCH?
IMAGE COURTESY OF TW STEEL
If you love it, why not?
Unless you’re talking about a tacky plastic watch, most of today’s better sports watches are thin enough to wear as an everyday watch, and offer features that most of us appreciate even at home or in the office. These can include water resistance, built-in chronographs, readable dials and various subdials, calendars and other complications. That said, there’s nothing classier than a beautiful dress watch and for spring 2011, classical elegance is all the rage. Our suggestion: build a watch wardrobe that includes both sports and dress watches and alternate according to the occasion, and your mood.
WHAT ARE MECHANICAL WATCHES AND WHY ARE THEY SO EXPENSIVE?
As opposed to quartz watches that function electronically, a mechanical watch is driven by a spring which must be periodically wound. A series of gears power the balance wheel, which oscillates back and forth at a constant rate. A device called an escapement releases the wheels with each swing of the balance wheel, moving the hands forward at a constant rate and creating a ticking sound. It’s technology dating back to 17th century Europe, and the expense is the design, the old world craftsmanship, the maintenance and replacement parts, and of course the intrinsic value of precious metals and other fine materials. But for those whose hearts beat to the pulse of a mechanical timepiece, there’s nothing else quite like it!
I HAVE MY GRANDFATHER’S TIMEPIECE FROM THE 1950 S ; IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT TO RESTORE IT?
GETTY 1/ RTI IMAGES
T H E D E C I S I O N T O R E S T O R E A V I N TA G E T I M E P I E C E is part rational (Will the restored timepiece be worth more?) and part emotional (This is my grandfather’s watch!). Bottom line: the joy of wearing an heirloom, especially one with family history, is unique and priceless. That said, only you can decide if it’s worth the investment. Once you’ve made the decision to restore your vintage timepiece, entrust it only to a qualified technician with proper training in assessing and working on older timepiece movements. Improper repair of an older watch can damage the movement irreparably. Incorrect replacement parts, finishing techniques and lubrication are just some of the issues we’ve seen. In general, older timepieces cannot be expected to function with the same level of accuracy as new models. However, if properly restored, the watch should be suitable for daily wear. One must allow ample time for the work to be completed, as parts might not be readily available, and the technician might have to search the marketplace for the proper part, or in some cases, make the part by hand. Once the work is done, consider enhancing your newly restored vintage watch with an interesting strap—perhaps one in a bold color or with contrast stitching—to make a unique statement. 50
raymond-weil.com
| freelancer collection
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TIMEPIECES
WATCH ADVISOR
I'M ABOUT TO INVEST IN A WATCH AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ITS COMPLICATIONS. CAN YOU HELP? Moon Phase Subdial Strap
30-Minute Register for Chronograph Second Counter for Chronograph
Lug Hour Marker or Index
Repeating Slide (Chimes Time Aloud When Activated)
Start/Stop for Chronograph Minute Hand
Hour Hand Crown
Second Hand
Date Indicator
Day of Week Indicator Year Indicator
Reset for Chronograph
Bezel
Month Indicator
Dial (Below the Hands)
ILLUSTRATION BY HARRY BATES; INFORMATION PROVIDED BY JOHN HORNE
12-Hour Register for Chronograph
Crystal (Above the Hands)
Understanding the parts and functions of a timepiece can help you select the style that’s right for you. It’s also helpful later, when your watch requires service or repair. This particular model has both time-telling and time-keeping capabilities. The chronograph, for time-keeping, is essentially an advanced stopwatch. 52
With its soft lines and subtle alternating finishes, the Linea is a timeless icon of femininity that naturally becomes associated with life’s most beautiful highlights. Each Linea is fitted with an interchangeable strap.www.baume-et-mercier.com
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by Jillian Sprague
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, BEAUTIFUL WATCHES THE WORLD’S FINEST TIMEPIECES MAKE THESE SUPERSTARS SHINE (AND OF COURSE, VICE VERSA). GWYNETH PALTROW FOR BAUME & MERCIER When opportunity arose for Paltrow to partner with the famed Swiss Maison d’Horlogerie, she felt an instant connection to the brand’s motto: Life is about moments. “That very much represents my personal philosophy on life,” she explains. For the actress and singer who recently got her star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, quiet moments with her family are rare and precious. At a seaside party in the Hamptons, she shared that many of these moments have taken place at her home there, where she enjoys relaxing, playing with her children and grilling seafood in the garden. “I feel at home in the place between land and sea,” she says.
DIANE KRUGER FOR JAEGER-LECOULTRE Kruger fell in love with Jaeger-LeCoultre when she received a Reverso timepiece on her 18th birthday. Little did she know that over a decade later, the watch manufacturer would ask her to represent their prestigious brand on red carpets around the globe. Her elegant beauty, strong personality and incredible talent made Kruger the perfect muse for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers, who strive to encompass a balance between charm and strength of character in each
MARIA SHARAPOVA FOR TAG HEUER TAG Heuer believes that women experience time
of their timepiece collections.
differently than men. Men cut it up into fractions in order to visualize it, while women see it as a a poetic flow. For men, time is linear. For women, it is cyclical. The brand recently asked tennis superstar Maria Sharapova to help design its new Formula 1 ceramic watches because “she is a woman endowed with the systematic approach that comes with the territory.” The ceramic bracelet with butterfly clasp is ideal for delicate wrists. The black edition is perfect for night on the town; the white, for anytime and anyplace.
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Begin your own tradition.
You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation.
LUX BOND & GREEN *%7%,29 7!4#(%3 ')&43 s 3).#% 46 LaSalle Road WEST HARTFORD 860.521-3015 416 Boylston Street BOSTON 617.266.4747 60 Central Street WELLESLEY 781.235.9119
Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960P
FOCUS: CELEBRITY AMBASSADORS
NICOLE KIDMAN FOR OMEGA Since 2004, this Academy Awardwinning actress has been a champion of Omega’s graceful and timeless designs.
KATE WINSLET FOR LONGINES
This year, she’s wearing the Ladymatic,
What does time mean to you?
a design first launched in 1955.
In my 20s it meant doing as much as I could very quickly, and in my 30s I’m
Who better than a strong woman
discovering that this needs to change.
like Kidman to represent this product,
What has been the highlight of your time as an actress? What further aspirations do you have?
which Omega’s president describes as a
The highlight of my career was being cast in my very first film, Heavenly
customers have been to us over the
Creatures, at 17. And the only aspiration I have is to remain as passionate
years, and our idea of what a
about my job as I always have been.
mechanical watch for women should
What do you consider your greatest strength?
be in the 21st century.”
tribute to “how important our women
You should probably ask my friends and family, but I would say that loyalty
Says Kidman, “These days, interest
is up there on my list of moral priorities.
in the quality of a watch movement isn’t gender specific; women have the
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same interest in its performance as men do. The Ladymatic addresses that perfectly.”
DANICA PATRICK FOR TISSOT What has been the most memorable time in your life? I would have to say competing at the Indianapolis 500. Growing up, it was always a goal of mine to one day race at the Brickyard, and to have gotten to that level in my career is something that I hold very dear. What would you do with more time? I think I’d spend it with my family and friends. As you can imagine, my life can be hectic at times and it would be nice to be able to slow down and enjoy the company of my loved ones more often. What would you do differently if you could turn back time? I wouldn’t change a single thing in my life. I’m very proud of my accomplishments on the track and of where I’m at in my career.
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Big Time Checking. 3% APY
on account balance* REE ATM usage at any bank for the life of the account* EE online banking & bill pay o minimum balance* 1 Monthly Fee
It’s checking...reinvented. Open up a Big Time Checking account at CBT, and you’ll soon realize it’s a checking account unlike any other. With Big Time Checking you have UNLIMITED ACCESS to your money...and the freedom to use it...any time you like. Sign up today and get 3% APY on your account balance, plus FREE ATM usage at any bank worldwide, and FREE online banking and bill pay! To learn more about the Big Advantages of Big Time Checking, visit a CBT branch near you or go to: www.thecbt.com. Big Time Checking from CBT. Different. Bank on it.
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Hartford (Main Office): 860.246.5200 | Glastonbury: 860.657.3224 | Newington: 860.667.7800 Rocky Hill: 860.563.8600 | Vernon: 860.871.3100 | West Hartford: 860.521.5930 Windsor: 860.688.8999 | St. Francis Hospital: 860.541.4182 *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 1/11/2010. 3.00% APY Bonus paid on balances up to $50,000 (interest rate of 2.96%). Interest rate for balances over $50,000 is 1.00% with an APY of 1.00%. The interest rate and the APY may change after the account is opened. The Bonus rate or the Standard rate is applied each day to the current collected balance. There is no minimum balance to earn interest. To qualify for the 3.00% Bonus APY and the 1.00% Standard APY each qualification period (monthly statement cycle), you must: Use your CBT Debit Card for a minimum of 11 purchases and have a direct deposit to your account. Qualifying transactions are measured for items posted to your account for the monthly period beginning on the last business day of the previous statement cycle through to the next to the last business day of the current statement cycle. If you qualify, we will refund all non-CBT ATM fees charged and pay you the Bonus and Standard APY at your statement cycle time. If you do not qualify, you will not receive a refund of these fees and we will pay you a Base Rate of .25% with an APY of .25% on your balance. Should you close your account during the statement cycle, you will forfeit all accrued interest. The Base Rate is calculated on the average collected balance for the month. If rates change during the cycle, the Base Rate used will be the rate as of cycle time. No minimum opening balance; Consumer accounts only.
by Joseph Ungoco
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HAND-ME-DOWNS WELCOME A MILESTONE WATCH PASSED AMONG FAMILY GIVES THE PHRASE NEW MEANING.
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s my plane touched down at LAX, the pilot cheerily reminded us to set our watches back three hours to the local time. I glanced at my hand-me-down Rolex, my father’s stainless steel Air-King Oyster Perpetual, bought for his swearing in as a U.S. citizen on July 4, 1965. This watch had kept him on time for more than a decade. I honestly couldn’t recall the last time I had worn this watch on a plane, but this would be its last transcontinental crossing on my wrist. My father gave me “The Air-King”, his very first Rolex, on my 11th birthday. Two months prior, to commemorate his own birthday, he had “invested in” an 18 karat yellow gold and stainless steel Datejust with Jubilee bracelet, pulling ahead of his stainless steel-clad siblings in our family version of the Rolex Stakes. (The Bond films of the ’60s and ’70s introduced my father and his three brothers to the Rolex brand, but the ’80s brought my family’s obsession to a whole new level.) Later that year, my father took me with him to the watchmaker’s shop, where we had the Air-King cleaned, the crystal polished, and the luminous hour markers and hands repainted—an annual tradition. Just as I thought we were ready to leave, the watchmaker came forward with a green leather box stamped with a gold coronet. Inside was the
matching women’s version of my father’s new watch. That summer, my mother handed her stainless steel Rolex with the Oyster bracelet—an engagement present from my father—down to her younger sister for her birthday. Years later, before my 30th birthday, I called my watch dealer about buying myself a special watch—perhaps a brand new Submariner. But when I arrived at his shop, he had found the perfect tribute to my milestone birthday: a watch exactly as old as me. It was a mint condition 1969 18 karat yellow gold Rolex Date with graduated Oyster bracelet. Its South American seller swore it had sat untouched in his father’s safety deposit box for at least 25 years! I was assured that after a quick swipe of my credit card, a slightly longer FBI check (for the watch, not me) and a thorough inspection (again for the watch), this gorgeous timepiece would be mine. My “new” Rolex arrived just in time to accompany me to my birthday party. I lived happily with my Rolexes for several years, until the event that prompted this story: my godson’s birthday. The fourth of six boys, he was well acquainted with the phrase “hand-me-down”, but I think that my present to him that day—a green leather box with a gold coronet, the Air-King safely tucked inside—may have changed his opinion of that phrase forever. At least I hope so…
The Bond films of the ’60s and ’70s introduced my father and his three brothers to the Rolex brand.
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Create a charm bracelet one memory at a time.
Thousands of charms in gold and silver.
by Laurie Kahle
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FASHIONABLY ON TIME
CURVES AHEAD The French word délice translates to delight, an emotion that Cartier intends to conjure with its new ladies’ watch collection, Délices de Cartier, which launches in June. Comparing the lozenge-shaped watch to a baker’s confection, Cartier once again demonstrates its design mastery by manipulating basic shapes to present something new and aesthetically intriguing. By positioning the smoothly-tapered, oval-shaped case on the diagonal across the wrist, designers created a curvaceous and feminine timepiece available in three sizes in 18K rose or white gold. The watch exudes a different personality depending on whether you choose the shimmering gold bracelet or sleek toile strap, and, of course, with varying amounts of brilliant-cut diamonds sprinkled on the case and dial. Amid Cartier’s highly impressive lineup of innovative complicated timepieces this year, Délices de Cartier is a chic reminder of the simple pleasure of a beautiful design.
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LINE DANCE
PORTOFINO PORTFOLIO
Baume & Mercier revisits its Linea collection this year, updating the fashiondriven model with a fresh outlook for a new era. Originally launched in the 1980s, Linea has been modernized with a new, larger dimension, a mix of polished and satin finishes, and a redesigned bracelet, which can easily be changed to suit your whims on any given day. Switch from a metal bracelet to black satin, black calfskin, or a stylish wraparound brown calfskin strap without having to use a tool, thanks to a clever new clasp. You can also opt between a 27mm or 32mm case, a choice of black, mother of pearl, or silvertoned dials, and a bezel with or without diamonds. From a functional point of view, Linea has added a date and offers a quartz chronograph version which tracks elapsed minutes, seconds and tenths of seconds on three counters. The showstoppers of the collection are the 32mm models with mother of pearl dials that come with an additional black satin or calfskin strap. These top-of-the-line pieces offer a choice between a mechanical automatic movement with a sapphire crystal case back showcasing its decorated rotor, or a quartz chronograph that sparkles with 1.4 carats of diamonds set on the bezel and bracelet.
IWC recaptures the free spirit of la dolce vita with a revamped Portofino line that evokes the glamour and allure of the famed seaside village that has been a jet-set hotspot since the 1950s. This year, IWC focused its attention on the brand’s entry-level, classic collection with four distinct models: an understated basic Automatic, a sporty Chronograph, a practical Dual Time for globetrotters, and the oversize Hand-Wound Eight Days model powered by a new IWCmanufactured movement that is the same size as a pocket watch movement. Hailed as the flagship of the Portofino family, the rugged and reliable HandWound Eight Days pays homage to the original 1984 Portofino, which infused a wristwatch with classical pocket watch sensibilities. To mark the revitalization of the Portofino collection, IWC invited a dozen international celebrity fans—including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Spacey, Matthew Fox and Eric Dane—to participate in a photo shoot with famed photographer Peter Lindbergh, another high-profile IWC devotee. The stunning black-and-white shots portray a retro vibe as they depict a behindthe-scenes view of a movie set against the picturesque backdrop of Portofino. The resulting photos will be displayed in a traveling exhibition that will stop at prominent cities around the world. 62
LOVE HOW YOU LIVE OUTDOORS 2 0 1 1 OUTD OOR L IVIN G C OL L EC T I ON Brow n Jord an • D e don • G l os t e r • S u mme r C l a ssi c s • B a r l o w Ty r i e NYC • NO RWALK + S O U T H NO RWA LK + G R E E NWI C H C T LILLIANAUGUST.COM
SPEED
Grand Sport THE INTERSECTION OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY BY DAVID A. ROSE
I
on. The driver, James Dean, was Hollywood’s newest heartthrob. He died within minutes of the crash, and a legend was born. Although only 90 Porsche 550 Spyders were made between 1953 and 1956, many have survived. At the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2010, one of the 600 cars entered was a Porsche 550 Spyder identical to the one James Dean planned to race 55 years ago. Vintage racing has grown to become one of the most exciting forms of motorsports. It brings to life what most people will only see on the pages of coffee table books, in museums or in movies. Rolex has sponsored motorsports since the 1930s. As the leading name in luxury timepieces, it’s fitting that they are title sponsor for one of the world’s most significant vintage race events. “Motor racing has an enormous following around the world. It appeals to those who appreciate the ultimate in technology as well as extreme competition,” said Peter Nicholson, vice president and director of communications, Rolex Watch U.S.A. “Since split-second timing is so critical for drivers and crews, it is Top: A full field of three-liter Formula 1 racecars, considered the pinnacle of motor racing from 1966 to ’83. Center left: A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona was presented to Graham Wallis. Center right: Some of the many cars raced or built by Dan Gurney. Bottom right: Patrick Dempsey and Jay Leno.
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ROLEX / STEPHAN COOPER
t was a late afternoon in September when two young men were driving to Salinas, Calif., in a brand new 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder. The owner of the car planned to compete in the Salinas Sports Car Race that weekend, but rather than transport the car by trailer from Los Angeles as intended, he felt he needed seat time in the new car before he raced it. As they approached an intersection near Cholame, a 1950 Ford coming from the opposite direction suddenly crossed lanes and the two cars collided head-
It’s shopping with a heaping order of
wow
on the side.
After you indulge your good taste at our unique collection of shops, satisfy your taste buds at one of our fine restaurants. It’s a must-have experience you won’t want to miss. Call 1.888.226.7711 or visit mohegansun.com. Shops: America’s Memories • Bare Escentuals • Brewster’s Trading Post • Brookstone • Caché • Cascade Electronics • Chico’s Citizen Watch • Clay Pipe • Coach • Everything Under The Sun • Galina’s European Boutique • Godiva Chocolatier • Lalo Treasures Landau • Lush • Lux Bond & Green • Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold • Oriental Fine Arts & Crafts • PUMA • Scentsations Spin Street • Sun Shoes • Sunglasses USA • Swarovski • The Essentials • The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store • Tiffany & Co. Tommy Bahama • Trading Cove • Trailblazer • Yankee Candle Restaurants: Bar Americain • Ben & Jerry’s • Big Bubba’s BBQ Birches Bar & Grill • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Chief’s Deli • Dunkin’ Donuts • Fidelia’s Market • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana Geno’s Fast Break • Geno’s Pub • Imus Ranch Coffee • Jasper White’s Summer Shack • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Johnny Rockets • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts • Lucky’s Lounge • Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe • Michael Jordan’s Steak House SolToro Tequila Grill • Starbucks Coffee • Sunburst Buffet • Sunrise Square Food Court • The Dubliner • Todd English’s Tuscany
Conveniently located in Mystic Country.
Left: Luc Slijpen from the Netherlands stands next to his original, unrestored 1925 Type 35 Bugatti. Bottom left: Graham Wallis in his 1929 Lagonda, for which he won The Spirit of Monterey Trophy for overall excellence. Below: Patrick Dempsey races the Jeremy Barnes Mazda RX-92 GTP.
fitting that Rolex adds its reputation for precision timekeeping to these magnificent events.” Participants at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion hail from 13 countries and bring with them the most exotic cars on the planet to race at Laguna Seca’s challenging 11-turn circuit. Not long ago, one would have been able to see a Type 35 Bugatti Grand Prix car only in a museum. Last year 90 Bugattis were in Monterey, 35 of them racing in the Bugatti Grand Prix as part of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. (They later toured the California coastline as part of the Bugatti Rally 2010.) At vintage races, the cars are not necessarily the only stars. Patrick Dempsey, a passionate driver best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy, raced a Mazda GTP Prototype at the event. Always a crowd favorite, he was visibly thrilled with his racecar—and his results. Jay Leno and other celebrities are perennial attendees, but this year it was a true American legend who garnered the most attention. Dan Gurney, who was honored at the event, is widely considered to be the greatest American
racecar driver of all time. As a driver he has won races in Indy cars, Formula 1, NASCAR stock cars and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was the only American to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix in a car of his own design when, in 1967, he won the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit Spa Francorchamps in the beautiful Gurney Weslake Eagle F1. Despite all his wins, Gurney is most well-known for his sportsmanship, which has won him the respect and admiration of peers and race fans around the world. As he was honored, Gurney reflected back on his prime, when cars were fast, drivers colorful and tragedy seemed always to be lurking around the next corner. “We were certainly driven by enormous passion for the sport, and we had great respect for those who came before us...we weren’t thinking about future history at the time,” said Gurney. He thanked his role model Phil Walters (better known as Ted Tappet), who “could move through traffic gracefully without knocking anybody off the road.” Gurney is thrilled about the growth and popularity of vintage racing and enjoys seeing enthusiastic gentlemen drivers behind the wheel of the cars that he and his peers made famous. “I’m sure these guys are as crazy as we were,” said Gurney. “I don’t know what it is about human beings...we all have an affinity for the internal combustion engine and its sounds and smells, as well as all the history. It’s great to see decades touching each other and new generations appreciating similar things.” The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is part of Monterey Auto Week, when sophisticated people, exotic cars, fine food and superb wines combine for a celebration that has become internationally recognized as a showcase for luxury and glamour. Automobile enthusiasts and connoisseurs of culture enjoy the atmosphere of elegance while attending auto-related shows, auctions, cocktail parties and elaborate dinners. At the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, grand touring cars drive some of the most scenic portions of Monterey’s 17Mile Drive and then parade down Carmel’s Ocean Avenue for bystanders to enjoy. The week-long festival of automobile culture culminates with the internationally acclaimed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where some of the world’s most extraordinary cars are judged for authenticity, function, history and style. As trailers and auto-transporters are reloaded with their valuable cargo and participants head for home, the quiet and lovely Monterey peninsula returns to its normal tranquility. But plans are already underway for making the next event, from August 19th to the 21st, 2011, even more unforgettable.
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PerfectGems
EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON
CAPE ESCAPE Nestled on 25 acres atop a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Chatham Bars Inn has been a landmark on Cape Cod since 1914. The hotel is famous for its extensive outdoor activities and lavish dining. But now guests can also indulge in the comfort of a contemporary spa that boasts a dozen king and queen-size suites, each with a hydrotherapy tub, sauna, steam shower, plasma TV, Bose sound system and fireplace. This spring, the spa is featuring a renewal and cleansing treatment that includes a body polish made of sugar drenched in plant oils, an application of botanical Shea butter, a linen body wrap, and face massage.
Since 1989, the Garden Conservancy has been restoring and preserving America’s exceptional gardens, from those made by wardens and prisoners at San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island (at left) to the Pearl Fryar topiary garden in South Carolina. Along with lectures and events, the group also offers members of the Garden Conservancy’s Society of Fellows the opportunity to see some of the most lavish gardens in the world. This year, along with U.S. destinations, the Fellows are traveling to Île de France to see Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th century Baroque chateau and garden designed by the André le Nôtre (who later designed the gardens at Versailles), and Normandy to visit Château de Brécy, another 17th century chateau with a meticulously restored Italian style garden.
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ABOVE: CHATHAM BARS INN; AT LEFT: GARDEN CONSERVANCY
GARDEN VARIETY
Competing for Jobs, Capital and Talent. Visit www.metrohartford.com for more information. or connect with us online at:
PerfectGems THE INN CROWD
ELYSIAN HOTEL
GETTY 1
YADES GREEK HISTORICAL HOTELS
On a narrow cobblestone street in Rethymnon old town on the island of Crete, a small, unassuming doorway opens to a large courtyard filled with masses of bougainvillea. A central fountain is surrounded by antiques, works of art, comfortable sofas and tables set with flowers. This stunning setting is the very fashionable restaurant of the Hotel Avli. Greeks come from all over the island for the superb food made from local sources and the incomparable Greek wines (the Avli has the largest wine cellar on Crete). Now a member of the prestigious Yades hotels, the Avli was once the home of a Venetian lord, and the elegant architecture and gracious style of the past remain. There are only seven (very chic) suites, each designed in an individual color theme with every modern convenience carefully integrated into the exposed stone, wood beams and original Venetian arches. Have a glass of wine on the rooftop and look out over this beautiful town to the sea.
PICNIC PLEASURES A quiet afternoon. China plates, good silver, a vintage tablecloth. And these sophisticated pairings from sommelier and gourmet Edward Costa, director of food and beverage at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. These elements combine to create a truly chic picnic with European flair. To evoke the flavor of a romantic afternoon in Italy, mingle the sharp and nutty flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano with the gentle Sangiovese grapes in Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa, 2006. Or, to give your picnic sparkle, try the light citrus Borgo Magredo Prosecco that highlights the flavors of smoked salmon. If you prefer a French ambiance, a fresh, crisp rosé is the perfect wine on a warm afternoon. Robert Oatley Rosé, 2008 is ideal with any chicken dish. And of course there must be champagne (and caviar). The bright and refreshing citrus flavors of Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne Blanc de Blanc, 1999 is a perfect match to the creaminess and richness of Osetra caviar. For a picnic of this caliber, pearls are appropriate.
KIDDING AROUND Guest rooms at the Elysian Hotel in Chicago boast white Carrera marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, inset LCD televisions and separate showers. Rooms have fireplaces and expansive terraces, and the beds are draped with 460-thread count Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens. To give couples traveling with children an opportunity to enjoy all these appurtenances, the hotel invites kids to the kitchens of either Balsan or Ria, the hotel’s restaurants, for a cooking session with the pastry chef. They “assist” in the preparation of a dessert such as Balsan’s Paris Brest, a cream-filled pastry, or Ria’s spiced hazelnut cake, nestled in ice cream and topped with cherries and hazelnuts. When the creation is finished, the kids get to take it with them. Maybe they’ll share.
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Fall in Love
C L A S S I C | T I M E L E S S | TA I L O R E D diamond bands in platinum and 18kt. gold
HIS SIDE
Romancing the Stone MY ROCKY EXPERIENCES BUYING JEWELRY FOR GIRLFRIENDS BY MICHAEL GIULIETTI
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was 10 and at an Italian ski resort the first time I gave jewelry to a female. She was 18, beautiful, and to prove my love, I left a gift of shiny dark purple beads by her door, a bold move I was sure would make up for our eight-year age difference. She sweetly accepted the gift but turned down my proposal of undying devotion. Heartbroken, I was not yet aware that this would be the last time I’d give a gift of jewelry without trepidation. While dating Jen, a professional dancer, I considered buying her a ring but quickly decided it would represent a commitment I wasn’t ready to make. Instead, I chose an ornate crystal choker that ended up being so tight that it cut off her air supply. Although she had left magazines open to pages featuring her favorite jewelry designer, I’d been oblivious to these not-sosubtle hints. We broke up six months later. I soon met Arianna. For her birthday, I purchased a Turkish handcrafted sterling silver necklace with a carved pendant. Upon careful examination, the carving revealed a well-endowed naked man with open arms. Aware of possible misinterpretations, I worried: Was I showing sexual insecurity? Was it in really bad taste? But when I gave it to Arianna, she was delighted and wore the piece close to her heart. Ultimately the guy in the carving would remain in her life a lot longer than I would. Moving to New York from my native Milan, I started dating Bettina, a style writer who dragged me to esoteric jewelry exhibits at various museums. “I don’t want to see a bunch of jewelry,” I protested in response to a Castellani exhibit. “But it’s as much your heritage as the Vatican and its frescoes,” Bettina replied as I marveled at the intricate pieces behind the glass cases. The word for ‘jewel’ in Italian is related to ‘joy’ and I wanted to give Bettina a sense of gioia di vivere. She loves rose cut diamonds, so I picked out a pair of stones and had them made into drop earrings, one-of-a-kind, just like her. It’s the closest I’ve come to truly committing to a woman with a gift of jewelry. And while I’m now more adept at taking hints, I’m still hoping to recapture the courageous young boy who declared his feelings with unabashed audacity and an open heart.
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© D.YURMAN 2011
LUX BOND & GREEN ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
SPRING/SUMMER 2011