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 2
CELEBRATE SPRING!
Fashion Favorites Watchmaking: The Next Generation Last Bid for Love
Contents spring/summer 2012
WEST HARTFORD 46 LASALLE ROAD, (860) 521-3015 GLASTONBURY SOMERSET SQUARE, (860) 659-8510 GREENWICH 169 GREENWICH AVE., (203) 629-0900 WESTPORT 136 MAIN STREET, (203) 227-1300
34
BOSTON 416 BOYLSTON STREET, (617) 266-4747 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 60 CENTRAL STREET, (781) 235-9119 SOUTH WINDSOR, EVERGREEN WALK, (860) 644-0789
FEATURES
1- 8 0 0 - L B G R E E N ( 1- 8 0 0 - 524 - 7336 ) WWW.LBGREEN.COM
2 Welcome Letter
CHAIRMAN ROBERT E. GREEN
4 What’s Happening 8 Jewelry: Celebrate Spring in Style
P R E S I D E N T/ C E O JOHN A. GREEN
14 LBG Core Values Excellence Awards
VICE CHAIRMAN MARC A. GREEN
16 Giftware: Bright & Bold 18 LBG Weddings
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DAVID BONNEY
20 Fine Swiss Timepieces
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR MICHAIL K. SHAW
22 LBG Custom Design Center 26 Adventures in India
P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P
30 Accent Advisor
PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI
32 Profile: John Hardy
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
34 Profile: Forevermark
C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R HANS GSCHLIESSER
36 Designers: Marco Bicego 38 Designers: Penny Preville
PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA
60 Trends: Renewal 64 Food: Making Magic
DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI
66 Travel: Eco-Immersion 70 Home: Al Fresco
PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE
72 Culture: Café Society
PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES
76 End Page: Last Bid for Love
CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON
WATCH SECTION
Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2012. Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 10, Issue 1. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.
48 Watchmaking: Lititz Watch Technicum 52 Winders: Winding it Up 56 Profile: Michele Watches 58 Collecting: Time on His Side
1
FOREVERMARK DIAMOND NECKLACE. COVER ILLUSTRATION BY DARIA JABENKO.
MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
40 From the Runways
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From Lux Bond & Green Seasons change, fashions change, political climates change, but the best of Lux Bond & Green stays the same. These days, time goes by very quickly and there isn’t time to catch up and say thank you. So, thank you; thank you for shopping with Lux Bond & Green, for recommending Lux Bond & Green to your friends and allowing Lux Bond & Green to help create lasting memories. Without our loyal customers and friends, old and new, we wouldn’t be able to offer the fabulous merchandise selections and services that we are able to offer today. We pledge to continue to support our communities through our charitable donations, which is just another way for us to say “Thank you very much.” At LBG we are always busy searching for the latest and greatest fashions, values, quality and coolness in our offerings, and this spring has been no exception. Our buyers continue to amaze even us with the beautiful collections and great values they have brought to all our stores. It’s a testament to the relationships we build with our brands and manufacturers, as we are able to bring you the finest jewelry, watches and gifts, in many cases before anyone else. Our online store is continually improving; our communications through traditional media and a growing sophistication with social media helps us tell you what’s up at LBG on a more consistent and content-oriented basis. Please give us your feedback anytime as we strive to improve day by day. Join our conversations by registering for our email blasts at www.LBGreen.com and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/LuxBondandGreen. We know we offer the best of the best and our team of professional gemologists, diamond consultants, brand ambassadors, watch experts, bridal consultants, service technicians, engravers, goldsmiths, watchmakers and jewelry designers are always eager to help. Allow our team to continue to help you for every occasion, and to again thank you for allowing LBG to remain one of the most prestigious family jewelry companies in America.
Cheers and Happy Springtime! The Green Family
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Renovated and renewed. Experience the thrill.
The future, unveiled. Meet the next 911.
Hoffman Porsche 630 Connecticut Boulevard East Hartford, CT 06108 860.289.7721 hoffmanauto.com
Begin your own tradition.
Something truly precious holds its beauty forever.
TwentyË&#x153; 4ÂŽ steel Ref. 4910/10A, white gold ring.
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& BOLD
Alessi Big Love Ice Cream Bowl With heart-shaped spoon Available in blue, orange, pink and green. $60 each
Assouline Vintage Cocktails This best seller brings to life the lost art of mixing the perfect drink. All you need are a few ingredients, the right pour and this book. $50 Confetti Double Old Fashioned Glasses Set of six $85
Bloom Tray by Annie Modica Hand painted then faux finished by Annie and her professional team of artists. 12x12â&#x20AC;&#x153; $235
Indulge in a Little Pillow Talk Recycled felt appliqué pillows XOXO 10x14” $50 Good Life 16x16” $90 Jewelry Trays Turquoise with white interior Purple with fuchsia interior Fuchsia with purple interior 14x10.5x1.75” $40 each
Felt iPad Sleeve Available in purple, charcoal, orange, loden green and pistachio. $38 each Jaunt Tote Colorful felt panels and rich leather for a fresh, modern look. 14.5x15x4.5” $235 each
Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Stolarz (Ania Kolakowski) October 8, 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Sills (Casey Marks) April 9, 2011
LBG
Mr. and Mrs. John Joaquim (Sarah Aldridge) December 30, 2011
Weddings
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Houlihan (Carolyn Marziali) September 24, 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Topor III (Lisa Szewczyk) July 23. 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Palmer Lischick (Caitlin Elizabeth McLaughlin) June 25, 2011
Mr. & Mrs. Paolo Mozzicato (Jackie Reiner) September 24, 2011
Hector J. Irizarry and Beth Leetch Irizarry September 4, 2010
Mr. Howard Cheng and Ms. Amy Cerciello September 17, 2011 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Green (Jenna Damareck) October 22, 2011
Wedding & Gift REGISTRY www.LBGreen.com
Brian Ambrose Photography
Bracknell E. Baker and Jennifer A. Sicklick June 17, 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Delahunty (Ashley McCormick) August 20. 2011
Mr. and Mrs. John Perlegos (Patty Bikakis) July 24, 2010
Drs. Adam and Lori Cohen (Lori Watkins) October 22, 2011
FACE
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WE WANT TO BUY your unwanted jewelry, watches, diamonds and gold, in any condition.
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Adventures in INDIA I` 1VOU .YLLU
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UKPHÂťZ YPJO J\S[\YHS OPZ[VY` ILNHU [OV\ZHUKZ VM `LHYZ HNV HUK PZ YLĂ&#x2026; LJ[LK here in pictures from our incredible trip to the country this past November. We ^LYL WHY[ VM H KLSLNH[PVU VM NV]LYUVYZ IVHYK VM KPYLJ[VYZ YLWYLZLU[PUN [OL Gemological Institute of America, sent to meet with customers in our fastest NYV^PUN THYRL[WSHJL MVY LK\JH[PVUHS HUK SHIVYH[VY` ZLY]PJLZ 0[ ^HZ [OL .0(ÂťZ Ă&#x201E; YZ[ L]LY IVHYK TLL[PUN OLSK V\[ZPKL [OL <UP[LK :[H[LZ" ^P[O WYLZLUJLZ PU .HIVYVUL 1VOHUULZI\YN /VUN 2VUN HUK V[OLY PU[LYUH[PVUHS JP[PLZ KLJPKPUN [V TLL[ PU 4\TIHP ^HZ HU PTWVY[HU[ JOVPJL THKL I` V\Y *,6 +VUUH )HRLY ;OPZ [YPW UV[ VUS` HSSV^LK us to meet our clients, but to listen to their ideas about the quality and delivery of gemological services and educational offerings that the GIA provides around the world. The GIA is the foremost authority in the world of gemology, and after rapid PU[LYUH[PVUHS L_WHUZPVU UV^ OHZ H KP]LYZPĂ&#x201E; LK IVHYK YLĂ&#x2026; LJ[PUN P[Z UL^ NSVIHS K`UHTPJ ,_WLYPLUJPUN 0UKPHU J\S[\YL MVY [OL Ă&#x201E; YZ[ [PTL Z\YWHZZLK T` L_WLJ[H[PVUZ" MYVT ZPNO[Z to smells to tastes, India was unlike any place weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d visited during our many years of travel. We were immersed in the tremendous advances in manufacturing processes, and got to better understand the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest computer software technologies. The Indian work ethic and growing focus on social and ethical responsibilities were ]LY` L]PKLU[ ( YLHS KL]V[PVU [V YLSPNPVU HUK MHTPS` L]LY`VUL ^HZ ZLLTPUNS` YLSH[LK left us with an insight into the India of today. Our trip to Mumbai was relatively easy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as long as you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind leaving at 5 a.m. The Surat Diamond Factory. Notice the bullet holes in the front of the building. [V KYP]L [^V OV\YZ [V 1-2 HPYWVY[ ^HP[PUN [^V TVYL OV\YZ MVY [OL OV\Y QV\YUL` [V +\IHP ^P[O HUV[OLY [^V OV\Y SH`V]LY ILMVYL [OL [OYLL OV\Y Ă&#x2026; PNO[ [OH[ Ă&#x201E; UHSS` [VVR \Z [V 4\TIHP (PYWVY[ ;OLYL HYL KPYLJ[ Ă&#x2026; PNO[ZÂŻI\[ [OH[ÂťZ HUV[OLY story. We were fascinated by the glimpse of Dubai during our landing and takeoff, RUV^PUN [OH[ [OL PTWYLZZP]L ZR`SPUL VM [OPZ ^LHS[O` 4PKKSL ,HZ[LYU TLJJH PZ H TLYL `LHYZ VSK >L SHUKLK H[ [OL )VTIH` HPYWVY[ VU expecting the craziness of a large city, but nothing could have prepared us for the number of motorcycles and three-wheel taxis on the highways HUK YVHKZ PU [OPZ JP[` VM TPSSPVU ;OL SV\K ILLWPUN HUK OVYYPĂ&#x201E; J [YHMĂ&#x201E; J PUĂ&#x201E; S[YH[LK [OL V]LYJYV^KLK Z[YLL[Z HUK ^L NYHIILK H X\PJR TLHS ^P[O MYPLUKZ HUK ZVTL T\JO ULLKLK ZSLLW H[ [OL TVKLYU ;HQ 3HUKPUN /V[LS VU [OL LKNL VM [OL (YHIPHU :LH :H[\YKH` TVYUPUN ILNHU ^P[O HU PU[YVK\J[PVU I` 5PY\WH )OH[[ [OL THUHNPUN KPYLJ[VY VM .0( 0UKPH ^OV NH]L \Z HU V]LY]PL^ VM [OL ZL]LU KH`Z HOLHK >L ^V\SK OH]L ]LY` SP[[SL [PTL IL[^LLU TLL[PUNZ HUK [YH]LS [V KV T\JO VM HU`[OPUN Âś PUJS\KPUN ZSLLW 5H[\YHSS` V\Y Ă&#x201E; YZ[ ]PZP[ ^HZ [V H diamond cutting and jewelry making factory. We were fascinated by the advanced computer technology, which allows them to look at rough diamond crystals and determine how to cut for the NYLH[LZ[ `PLSK PU V[OLY ^VYKZ [OL SLHZ[ ^HZ[L 6]LY 2,000 workers were on site at this manufacturing complex â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and this was one of the smaller facilities we visited during the trip! Next, we were on to the 0UKPHU 0UZ[P[\[L VM .LTZ HUK 1L^LSY` ^OLYL [OL` [LHJO QL^LSY` KLZPNU ZL[[PUN PKLU[PĂ&#x201E; JH[PVU JHZ[PUN and other introductory skills with the assistance of GIA. We were welcomed with a traditional vegetarian curry lunch, then given another factory tour in the :,,7 aVUL ^OLYL ^L ZH^ ZL]LYHS P[LTZ KLZ[PULK MVY >HS 4HY[ VU =HSLU[PULÂťZ +H` :\UKH` ^HZ Ă&#x201E; SSLK with back-to-back scheduled meetings, followed by an evening with our GIA management team from Mumbai. We were entertained with traditional Indian KHUJL HJJVTWHUPLK I` KY\TZ Ă&#x2026; \[LZ HUK JOHU[PUN voices. Our dinner featured foods from around the country, with lots of curry, coconut and lamb. The marketplace in Mumbai.
4VUKH` ^L ]PZP[LK [OL .0( LK\JH[PVUHS VMĂ&#x201E; JLZ HUK laboratory, and got an overview of the development and growth of the three-year-old enterprise. We were surprised by a reception with over 400 in attendance, a very warm and enthusiastic thank you for coming to Mumbai that culminated with shaking the hands of over half the smiling Indians and ex-pat staff. Then off to the beautiful and modern Trident Hotel for our westernstyle meal. The evening included a long bus ride to the famous Taj Palace Hotel, the site of Mumbaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2008 terrorist attack, for a dinner with local diamontaires and industry leaders. On Tuesday morning, we departed at 6:30 a.m. for an LHZ` TPU\[L JOHY[LY Ă&#x2026; PNO[ [V [OL JP[` VM :\YH[ :\YH[ has become the diamond cutting capital of the world, employing over 500,000 workers. This is a city of 3.5 Modern technology helps plan the cutting of diamonds. Family and religious photos TPSSPVU `L[ VUS` VUL ZJOLK\SLK Ă&#x2026; PNO[ H KH` JVTLZ PU[V can be seen on many desks. the small airport from Delhi. The terrain is quite beautiful HUK 0 ^HZ PU[YPN\LK I` [OL ZPNO[Z 6UJL ^L SHUKLK ^L ^LYL VMM [V H KPHTVUK J\[[LY HIV\[ TPU\[LZ H^H` PU LHZ[LYU :\YH[ >L WHZZLK )4> and Audi dealerships, as well as plenty of cows walking on the roads, before arriving at the towering 10-story factory with over 3,000 workers PUZPKL >L RUL^ PUZ[HU[S` [OH[ ^L ^LYL ILPUN [YHUZWVY[LK PU[V HU L_JP[PUN ^VYSK >L ^LYL LZJVY[LK [V [OL [VW Ă&#x2026; VVY HUK `LZ [OLYL ^LYL WSLU[` VM ZLJ\YP[` N\HYKZ ^P[O SHYNL N\UZ ;OPZ MHTPS` V^ULK KPHTVUK THU\MHJ[\YLY ^P[O V]LY TPSSPVU < : KVSSHYZ PU HUU\HS ZHSLZ ^HZ PU[YVK\JLK [V \Z by a member of their family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 years old, young, articulate, motivated and philanthropic. We had never seen anything like it and felt that it must be the center of the diamond universeâ&#x20AC;Śonly to visit another almost 400 million dollar business later in the morning! The young manager of the second factory was also the son of one of the partners, and was equally passionate about diamonds, the economy and technology, with an advanced degree as a Metronics engineer. Our small delegation not only listened intently to his manufacturing plans, but some VM \Z ^VYYPLK X\PL[S` HIV\[ [OL Z[H[L VM < : THU\MHJ[\YPUN JVTT\UP[PLZ JVTWHYLK [V [OPZ I\YNLVUPUN I\ZPULZZ PU H NYV^PUN LJVUVT` 1\KNPUN I` our discussions with the third company we visited, we thought the family had more of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;by-the-seat-of-their-pantsâ&#x20AC;? philosophy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; until we saw their technology in manufacturing and investment. We were continually wowed that day, not only by the quality of the product, but by their intelligent and thoughtful approach to business and long-term goals. These insights went a long way toward helping the board understand GIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-earned international reputation. Another industry dinner followed that evening, featuring dance and music in the alcohol-free state. As we had already taken our Malaria pills (in addition to shots for Hepatitis A HUK * 1HWHULZL ,UJLWOHSP[PZ ;`WOVPK HUK 7VSPV 0 wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worried about the mosquitoes that hovered around us during this outdoor affair. Our 6 a.m. trip back to the airport was an adventure in itself. We witnessed the local women at the well carrying water on their heads, cows roaming the streets without any supervision, and women sweeping with homemade brooms. The airport really amused us; we just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand how this large TL[YVWVSPZ OHK VUS` VUL YLN\SHYS` ZJOLK\SLK Ă&#x2026; PNO[ per day. We were even told that on the previous KH` [OL HPY [YHMĂ&#x201E; J JVU[YVSSLY OHK ZOV^U \W VUS` 10 minutes before we landed! And of course, the ¸;HRL 5V )YPILZš ZPNU H[ ZLJ\YP[` THKL \Z HSS ZTPSL
Over $18 million of small diamonds (called melee) from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest cutter of small diamonds.
INDIA continued...
Diamond cutters each handcrafting a diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty.
After experiencing these state-of-the-art diamond manufacturing facilities, our expectations for what we would see back in Mumbai were admittedly lowered. 6\Y Ă&#x201E; YZ[ Z[VW ^HZ H SVJHS \WZJHSL YL[HPSLY ^OPJO ^HZ interesting, but the fashions seemed very foreign to us, almost awkward. Then we headed to the expansive KPHTVUK IV\YZL TPSSPVU ZX\HYL MLL[ VM VMĂ&#x201E; JL ZWHJL that comprises the largest diamond trading center in the world. I thought I had seen everything in my WS\Z `LHY JHYLLY PU [OL PUK\Z[Y` Âś \U[PS [OPZ ]PZP[ -V\Y gracious men sat with us to discuss their diamond business: 22,000 workers, and the challenges and opportunities theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing in this global economy. After this lengthy meeting, knowing some of the NV]LYUVYZ MYVT V\Y KLSLNH[PVU OHK UL]LY ZLLU Ă&#x201E; YZ[OHUK H WHYJLS VM ZTHSS KPHTVUKZ JHSSLK TLSLL
0 HZRLK [V ZLL H WVY[PVU VM [OLPY TPSSPVU WS\Z JHYH[ HUU\HS WYVK\J[PVU ,U[O\ZPHZ[PJHSS` [OL `V\UNLZ[ TLTILY ^LU[ PU[V [OL UL_[ YVVT HUK YL[\YULK ^P[O Ă&#x201E; ]L SHYNL APWSVJR IHNZ bursting with polished diamonds. Never in my career had I held or even touched a single bag of diamonds weighing over 7,000 carats, valued at over 4 million dollars â&#x20AC;&#x201C; quite exhilarating for our delegation of four. The trust they displayed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; placing 18 million dollars worth of diamonds on the table and allowing us to hold and photograph them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was extraordinary. The other delegations at the trading center reported back with similar stories of awe, and the passion, professionalism and commitment displayed by our hosts. 6U ;O\YZKH` ^L YVZL H[ H T MVY V\Y ! Ă&#x2026; PNO[ [V 1HPW\Y H JP[` [OH[ LTWSV`Z HIV\[ 200,000 workers cutting diamonds and colored stones and making silver and diamond jewelry. After breakfast at the fanciest Marriott we had ever seen, we drove to the Indian 0UZ[P[\[L MVY 1L^LSY` HUK .LTZ >L WHZZLK JHTLSZ [V^PUN SVJHS NVVKZ PU HU V[OLY^PZL clean and bustling city of nearly 4 million inhabitants. While visiting one of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest THU\MHJ[\YLYZ ^L KPZJ\ZZLK [OLPY L_WHUKPUN THYRL[Z PU 4VZJV^ 1VOHUULZI\YN HUK VM JV\YZL *OPUH ;OLU P[ ^HZ IHJR VU [OL I\Z MVY H KYP]L [V [OL 1HP 4HOHS OV[LS H former hunting residence and palace from the 18th century. Here, the colored stone HZZVJPH[PVUZ VM 1HPW\Y \WKH[LK \Z VU [OLPY Z\JJLZZ L_WHUKPUN [OL LTLYHSK [HUaHUP[L
Traditions in Surat.
and gem markets, and of course, treated us to another traditional curry-laced lunch. Our last stop was at a shopping emporium, where we picked up a few traditional souvenirs and said our farewells to the delegation. After a week of this grueling ZJOLK\SL L_OH\Z[PVU OHK ZL[ PU ;OPZ [PTL V\Y Ă&#x2026; PNO[Z [V +\IHP 1-2 HUK *VUULJ[PJ\[ Ă&#x2026; L^ I` PU H X\PJR hour door-to-door trip, and we were back at the store the next afternoon. After all, it was the weekend before GIA India welcomes the Board of Govenors.
Thanksgiving.
ACCENT(ADVISOR) WHICH CLASSIC/TIMELESS PIECES ARE MOST LIKELY TO BECOME KEEPSAKES OR HEIRLOOMS? Those that hold their value, can be passed to the next generation, or the piece that becomes your signature. We have a client who is never (ever!) seen without a beautiful strand of pearls that her husband bought her many years ago; whether at the grocery store or at a gala, her pearls say it all. And that’s the key: finding a statement piece of jewelry (“statement” need not mean “expensive”) and letting it become your trademark. We’ve noticed that when times are tougher and discretionary spending more limited, jewelry becomes even more personal and relationship-driven. If you buy only one item this year, make it special and enduring.
I KNOW WOMEN WHO WEAR FASHION JEWELRY LIKE BANGLES OR BOLD CUFFS, BUT BUY THESE PIECES AT CLOTHING STORES AS OPPOSED TO JEWELERS (EVEN IF THEY HAVE TO REPURCHASE THE PIECES WHEN THEY TARNISH). WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS? I think many women balance trendy fashion jewelry that they don’t expect to last forever with items that they cherish, wear often and want to last. Since a great bangle is a classic that will be in style forever, it’s worth investing in something both fabulous and enduring.
For both ladies and gents, a good watch is an absolute must! If you can invest in only one great piece of jewelry, let it be a practical and stylish watch to enjoy for many years. It should cross over into any activity, and should dress up or down. When you have more to invest, consider buying both a “dress” and a “sports” watch. But in the interim, one great watch transcends numerous styles and ventures! Three other ideas for ladies: 1) a beautiful strand of pearls, either classic round or baroque (uneven) shaped; 2) diamond stud earrings, a true go-witheverything item to wear with denim or ball gowns; and 3) a necklace or pendant with personal meaning, like your children’s names or initials, an important date, a display of faith or spirituality. (If you’ve ever noticed women constantly touching their necklaces, it’s likely because they feel an emotional connection to the symbol.)
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANTIQUE JEWELRY AND ESTATE JEWELRY? “Estate” is a popular jewelry label, but does not specify the period of manufacture. “Estate” is primarily used to describe jewelry that is previously owned. The term “antique” generally applies to jewelry items that are at least 100 years old, the benchmark used by government officials for duty-free importing of antiques. For spring 2012, everything old is new again, so consider both of these options, or try resetting one of your own family heirlooms.
HONORA PEARLS, MATTHEW CAMPBELL LAURENZA BRACELETS
WHICH ITEMS SHOULD I CONSIDER BUYING THIS SEASON?
PROFILE
SCALING BACK JOHN HARDY REVISITS ITS NAGA COLLECTION WITH FIERY NEW DESIGNS TO USHER IN THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
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irst introduced in 2009, on the anniversary of John Hardy’s 20th year in business, the Naga collection tells the Balinese myth of the dragon and the pearl. As legend has it, the dragon would leave his volcano each night and dive down to the bottom of the sea to visit his love, the pearl. At sunrise, as he burst from the water and returned home to the volcano, the water dripping from his scales fertilized rice fields across the land and brought prosperity to the Balinese. Now, for the Chinese Year of the Dragon, John Hardy head designer and creative director Guy Bedarida has dramatically expanded the 2012 Naga collection with more pieces featuring this mythical symbol of good fortune, prosperity and success. Like the dragon in the myth, one of John Hardy’s missions is to help the Balinese land and people flourish. The company views itself as a collaborative effort between designers and artisans, and believes that “a business can prosper while respecting people and nature.” Their “Greener Everyday” policy signifies an ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, which includes the planting of bamboo, rice and even the black palm wood used in some of its men’s designs. The brand’s Hong Kong headquarters are completely green, and its Mambal, Bali compound is a village unto itself, composed of traditional bamboo and mud structures, rice paddies and an organic farm that provides lunch for the entire workforce there. The Naga collection, like all John Hardy collections, is handcrafted in Bali by these talented native artisans, some of whom have previously served as jewelers to Balinese kings. Some pieces feature full dragons or dragon heads, while others showcase a more abstract dragon scale motif. Crafted from sterling silver, yellow gold and an assortment of precious and semiprecious gems, the collection’s cuffs, bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings are rich with detail, inside and out.
“I LIKE TO THINK THAT THE WEARERS OF THE NAGA COLLECTION WILL ENJOY LOVE, PROSPERITY AND LUCK.” –GUY BEDARIDA, HEAD DESIGNER 32
Every story has a bead™
Mother’s Day Trunk Show | May 3 - 6, 2012
PROFILE
THERE ARE DIAMONDS, AND THERE ARE FOREVERMARK DIAMONDS. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
QUINTESSENTIAL DIAMONDS F
or those who demand perfection, there are few options. Forevermark, part of the De Beers group (the foremost international diamond expert for 120-plus years), offers only the finest carefully selected, responsibly sourced diamonds, meticulously cut and inscribed by highly trained master craftsmen. Less than one percent of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diamonds are eligible to bear the Forevermark inscription and only a select group of jewelers (we among them) are authorized to sell these incredible gems. Inscribed using highly advanced proprietary technology, these superlative diamonds feature the Forevermark icon and a unique identification number, both invisible to the naked eye. The actual size of the inscription is one 20th of a micron deep (one 500th the size of a human hair) and can be seen in our store using a special viewer. Although the inscription in no way affects the exceptional internal quality of the diamond, it does ensure beauty, rarity, responsible sourcing and added security. Expert gemologists at The Forevermark Diamond Institute in Antwerp assess each stone according to rigorous standards of integrity and accuracy. The result is the Forevermark Diamond Grading Report, your guarantee of excellence and authenticity. Those of us who are socially conscious should know that Forevermark diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free. But more than that, the company goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure that their sourcing actively benefits communities in their countries of origin, countries committed to the highest business, social and environmental standards. Beauty, rarity and integrity in one quintessential diamond: No wonder Forevermark is the jewel of choice for Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Williams and fabulous women everywhere, on and off the red carpet.
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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
DESIGNERS
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COLOR POPS WARM GOLD AND SATURATED SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMS BRING MARCO BICEGO’S SPRING COLLECTION TO LIFE. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
The bold spheres and jewels of the Africa collection are tangible and pronounced, yet remarkably light.
n the 12 years since launching his collection, one thing has remained unchanged for jewelry designer Marco Bicego: his love of gold. “Almost all of our collections are crafted from 18 karat yellow gold. It’s intrinsic to our brand DNA,” says the Italian native with goldsmithing in his family’s history. His loyalty to the metal makes for a smooth transition between collections and pieces that can always be mixed, matched and layered. “I don’t really see jewelry as a trend,” Bicego tells us. “Each season our customers gravitate towards certain [different] silhouettes, but there are always constants in jewelry. It’s about a woman’s connection to a piece—an emotional feeling.” This spring, the designer is excited to introduce his Africa collection, filled with long layering necklaces and colorful gems, which Bicego cites as absolute must-haves for any woman looking to update her jewelry wardrobe. He has long been drawn to the beauty of Africa and was inspired by unexpected natural elements, from baobab seeds to the stratified lava of Kilimanjaro. “I was taken by the fascinating imperfections of yellow-gold jewels, similar to the imperfections found in the tribal jewels worn by African women. The hand-engraved gold finishes generate warmth that evokes the colors of the sub-Saharan land.” Bicego is an avid traveler and often names his collections—Africa, Jaipur, Paradise, etc.—after the destinations that inspire them. When he’s not busy dreaming up new designs, Bicego relishes the chance to spend time with his wife and children, play in his local soccer league and hunt for mushrooms. He can frequently be found outdoors, exploring his surroundings and searching for new ideas in “the beauty I find in everyday life, colors in nature and architectural design.” And of course, he adds, “I always try to imagine what my clients want to wear next!”
GETTING PERSONAL
What are you reading? I just bought a new apartment in Venice, so I’ve been looking to the shelter magazines for design inspiration. What are you wearing? I try to wear pieces that are relaxed and casual and fit into my everyday life—mostly Armani. What are you eating? Anything with fresh local ingredients and always vino! Where are you traveling? Basel, Switzerland to the jewelry fair to debut my newest collections.
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DESIGNERS
Signature Style PENNY PREVILLE’S JEWELRY IS AS FEMININE AND FABULOUS AS SHE IS! BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
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orld renowned for its elegance, innovation and unique attention to detail, Penny Preville jewelry has been worn by fashionable women from Jackie Onassis to Nicole Kidman to Blake Lively. Here, an exclusive interview with the designer. How did you first get interested in jewelry design? As a little girl, I’d go into New York City every Sunday to visit my grandmother (Adele Preville, a self-described “Hungarian Gypsy”) at her Park Avenue apartment. It was filled with amazing artwork: Chinese screens, Buddhas, rare art pieces. But what intrigued me most was her jewelry box, overflowing with Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels: exquisite pieces from different eras that my grandfather bought her. I would touch them, try them on, dream about them. My other grandmother was an artist (she painted Limoges china) as was my mother. Ultimately, I chose a major in fine arts. I loved art history, re-living different eras. Describe your jewelry and the process to create it. Words that come to mind are intricate, romantic,
elegant, timeless. I’m all about the detail: beading, engraving, twisting, layering, texture… My jewelry is made by artisans here in New York City: we start with an original model and most of the work is done by hand: engraving, stone setting, polishing, finishing. Depending on the piece, the process can take a few days to a few months. What inspires your designs? Travel. Nature. Architecture. Paintings. Fabrics. Lifestyle. Different civilizations (Egyptian, Byzantine, Ancient Greek, Russian…) How would you describe your personal style? What are your favorite jewelry pieces? There are two sides to me: very driven and practical, but also romantic, very much a girly-girl. My favorite pieces include a garland ring, a wide scroll-y diamond cuff that I wear for black tie events, and a thin diamond bangle that I wear everyday. (It’s part of my body!) I also love a Harry Winston ring with diamonds from the 1930s that my grandmother wore, and a blue star sapphire that my husband’s mother got from her mother…
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You work with your husband and two sons: how hard is it to combine business and family? It can be challenging! Fortunately, we have separate roles: I do the design/creative and Jay (who started the business with me) manages financial/operations. Our two sons Skyler (32) and Derek (28) are learning all aspects and will hopefully find their niche. I didn’t expect the boys to join us: growing up, they were into sports and showed little interest in the business. What are the key jewelry looks for 2012? Long chains, statement earrings, bangles and cuffs to mix and match, collectibles, different stones, blackened metals and lots of color (especially blues!). I also believe in the mystical powers of certain stones—for strength or for protection. What does a woman’s jewelry say about her? It’s reflects her style and individuality; it provides insight into who she is as a person: spiritual, sentimental, practical... In fact, I love watching a woman select jewelry: when she finds the perfect piece, it’s magical; it brings out something in her soul.
It’s dining with a whole lot of
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COURTESY LITITZ WATCH TECHNICUM
WATCHES
FOCUS: WATCHMAKING
by Karen Alberg Grossman
LITITZ WATCH TECHNICUM: TEACHING WATCHTHINK A REMARKABLE SCHOOL THAT INSTRUCTS THE ART, SCIENCE AND SOUL OF SWISS WATCHMAKING.
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he first thing one notices upon entering the stately stone building nestled in the rolling hills of Lititz, Pennsylvania (a town with a strong watchmaking tradition) is the magnificent brass clock in the lobby. One soon learns it was crafted totally by hand by students in this Rolex-sponsored watch school, under the direction of its esteemed principal Herman Mayer. Mayer is a certified watchmaker with tremendous pride in, and respect for, the Swiss watchmaking tradition. His goal is to develop independent retail watchmakers who are technically exceptional, of course, but who are also business-savvy, service-oriented, personable, well rounded and creative, a tall order to say the least. “The watchmaker of today needs to be compatible and in sync with the spirit of the highend watch culture,” Mayer maintains. His intense two-year program, established in 2001, is fully funded by Rolex (but totally separate from the Rolex Service Center upstairs in the building). Mayer is personally responsible for creating and updating the curriculum, which is also used at watchmaking schools in Seattle and Oklahoma. It features six main areas of training: history/culture, micromechanics, mechanical movement diagnostics
and repair, electronic movement diagnostics and repair, customer service and case/bracelet diagnostics and repair. The school is small and selective, with a capacity for only 28 students (there are currently 12 first year students and 13 in their second year). It’s an intense eight-hour school day (7:30 to 4:00, with a 30 minute lunch break) and requires much outside reading and research. According to Mayer, most students are highly motivated and even talk watchmaking in their free time. “We emphasize that whatever they don’t learn in these two years, they pay for later on…” Of utmost importance to Mayer, who interviews and tests 70 to 80 applicants each year looking for various skills, from strategic reasoning to social competence, is abstract thinking. “Because often in a fine watch,” he explains, “you can’t diagnose problems just visually. You need to analyze based on input and output of the mechanism: it’s behaving a certain way so the problem must be this or that. You can’t always see the problem because many watches are built in layers, so the movements might be covered, or else just too small.” Mayer admits that among his greatest frustrations is a decline in abstract thinking
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noemia collection
skills among young people over the past decade. “I’m sorry to say this, but in many applicants, these skills have gone down the drain. It’s a very visual world these days; we rely on computers to do everything so young people don’t learn to think for themselves. But in a watchmaking curriculum, abstract thinking skills are essential. It’s all about deductive reasoning, which is no longer taught in school…” Why are these skills so critical? “Because even if the student has worked on hundreds of watches, the next movement that comes along might be totally different than anything he’s experienced. So it’s not a matter of simply learning to piece the puzzle together: students need to understand what the parts do and how they interact and whether or not the watch is worth repairing. Of course it’s rare when you can’t fix it at all (e.g. serious salt water damage where parts are caked together), because even if spare parts are not available, we can always make the parts. That’s what we teach them in the ‘micromechanics’ segment of the program.” According to Mayer, his ideal applicant is midto late 20s (the actual age range is 17 to 45 and mostly male; there are only one or two females per class), in a second career but with some previous exposure to watchmaking. “If they’ve had some exposure, at least they know what the profession is about: having to deal all day long with these tiny parts, the responsibility of working on such valuable pieces. Of course, there are always some who drop out because it’s too stressful…” Recent applicants have included bankers and real estate brokers, some from major cities. “People have more appreciation for job security when it’s a second career,” he explains. “And watchmaking certainly offers job security: all of our graduates who want jobs get them.” Beyond technical expertise (which Mayer believes can be taught),
the most important trait is the desire—the passion—to repair and build watches. Also necessary is the ability to communicate. Explains Mayer, “It’s essential that we teach students how to network: with peers, with mentors, with superiors, so they’re not left alone with important decisions. In fact, I’m working on making this an active component of the curriculum.” On a personal note, Mayer grew up in Würzburg, Germany; his university studies focused on philology and teaching. But at some point, his love of watches inspired him to study watchmaking, which led him to servicing jobs in the States, and ultimately to Lititz. In addition to restoring watches, Mayer is a collector: he wears a different watch every day and favors those that combine technical precision with a beautiful finish. So dedicated is Mayer to the Lititz program that he even lets his students work on his personal watches (excluding vintage handmade pieces, of course!). His first expensive watch was in fact a classic Rolex. Does he still have it? “Of course: Rolex watches are forever…” His most meaningful watch is one he inherited from his father. “When my dad returned from WWII, the economy was down so he drove a taxi on weekends. An American soldier who couldn’t afford the fare gave him his automatic Cyma. I wore it every day for years but at some point, it was difficult to get replacement parts because their factory had burned down. Observing the watchmaker adapting spare parts by hand was my first exposure to the craft and its artistry, which triggered my lifelong passion.” Mayer’s best advice to graduating students? “Remember to take the loupe off on occasion and engage in meaningful, positive dialogue with members of your professional environment. You need to actively live the exciting and ever-evolving watchmaking culture you are part of.”
“Nobody buys a fine watch just to tell time…” —Herman Mayer
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SEREIN DIAMOND
FOCUS: WINDERS
by Laurie Kahle
WINDING IT UP TRANSCEND SHEER FUNCTION WITH A STYLISH CUSTOM INSTALLATION.
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ike early automatic wristwatches designed to eliminate the need for winding, watch winders originated as practical items to keep timepieces ready for action at all times. Aside from the convenience factor, winders can also extend the life of a watch movement. They ensure that essential lubricants are evenly distributed throughout the mechanism, and reduce wear and tear on the crown winding system by limiting the need for resetting. But as watch collecting becomes a
consuming passion for many affluent consumers, some are seeking ever more elaborate storage systems to keep their horological treasures energized and secure. From models with high-concept designs featuring inlaid wood cabinetry and carbon fiber accents, to humidor components and stereo systems, winders have entered the realm of luxury furnishings with an array of options to create a personalized unitâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the ultimate of which is a completely custom installation. (Continued)
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The design of the Object of Time One-77 watch winder (above, right) emulates the muscular curves of the Aston Martin One-77 supercar.
Upon his retirement in the 1990s, Chuck Agnoff, founder and president of Orbita in Wilmington, N.C., received a gold Rolex automatic watch from his wife. He wore the watch on weekends, and found himself frustrated by the need to constantly reset it when the power reserve ran out. He solved the problem by devising a “gadget,” as he calls it, to keep the watch moving when it wasn’t on his wrist. Soon, friends and jewelers started making requests, and Orbita was born. “First and foremost it was a convenience,” he explains. “But later, I learned that when a watch lays flat for a long time, the lubricants can wick away from moving parts, so keeping your watch on a winder is also about preventative maintenance that can extend its life.” Orbita’s recent Avanti system was designed to accommodate your ever-growing collection and cater to your personal needs. “It became a sort of lifestyle cabinet,” says Agnoff of the expandable storage system that incorporates drawers where you can install a safe, a humidor, a wine cooler, or other options. You can store up to 48 watches in the Italian-made Macassar or burl wood cabinets. “It’s a semi-custom winder,” explains Agnoff, “so it is priced economically because it’s built off a standard configuration—like buying a car and adding options.” A similar made-to-measure approach is taken at Buben & Zorweg of Austria. Known for its modern, slick aesthetic, the company can expand and tailor their winders to your wishes, or you can choose a custom installation. The Treasury, for example, presents an array of 10 interchangeable modules
that include winding modules for four or 16 watches, a humidor, display cabinets for barware and red wine, and storage drawers for manual watches and jewelry. The brand’s limited-edition Objects of Time collection includes a model produced in partnership with Aston Martin. The Object of Time One-77 (pictured above) seamlessly combines a safe, a collection of the brand’s proprietary Time Mover watch winders, humidors, storage drawers, four world clocks, a sound system with a subwoofer and iPod docking station, and a flying minute tourbillion clock. The striking design emulates the muscular curves of the One-77 supercar, which, like the winder, has a limited production of 77 pieces. The next level of watch storage is building a custom room, like the space commissioned by one of Orbita’s West Coast clients. “It was a unique project,” explains Agnoff. “He was building a new house and wanted a security room (basically an exhibition area) for all his watches, so he could relax and enjoy his collection.” The project involved constructing a room with built-in storage units that hold 108 winders for automatic timepieces, in addition to storage drawers for over 200 watches. “But very few people want to go through that kind of process—starting from scratch and working with architects,” says Agnoff, who said the project cost around $125,000 and required six to eight months from concept to completion. Luckily, you have options.
Winders have entered the realm of luxury furnishings with an array of options to create a personalized unit.
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©2011 movado group, inc.
DEREK JETER. humanitarian, leader, athlete. new series 800® chronograph. performance steel™ case. black aluminum tachymeter bezel. black dial, leather strap.
FOCUS: PROFILE
by Randi Molofsky
SO HOT THEY’RE COOL MICHELE OFFERS STYLES FOR EVERY SETTING.
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walk through the historic district of downtown Miami encapsulates much of Michele Watches’ telltale brand appeal: both share an Art Deco design sensibility, vibrant color palette and bold sense of style. It’s no wonder Michele is favored by a fashion-forward clientele with an innate understanding of classic design. From speedboats to soirees, everything is a little bigger in Miami. The same is true for Michele, as oversized cases emphasize a bit of flash and a signature red button logo creates instant cachet. Miami’s seaside location also necessitates a certain day-to-nighttime glam. Lounging poolside? Bold chronographs with rubber straps from the Jelly Bean collection or a sporty white Tahitian Ceramic are chic standouts. When the sun goes down, diamond-studded timepieces make a big statement at affordable prices. Spring 2012 brings a refined update on Michele’s instantly
recognizable style. Serein, inspired by the Cloette, features a modern take on a timeless design. A silvery-white dial highlights a fine circular pattern and oversized Roman numerals. The Caber Sport maintains the Caber’s round case and T-bar design, now updated with a scalloped bezel and chronograph dial (available with or without diamonds). One of Michele’s most popular styles, Tahitian Jelly Beans, is also reinvented this year in new brights and beach-inspired pastels. Look-atme neons like pink, blue and green are balanced by seaside neutrals in mint, coral and steel. Want to make a unique statement any time of year? The brand’s commitment to practicality and fun led them to offer a stunning variety of straps that are easily mixed and matched. From alligator to glittery leather, cobalt blue to rainbow stripes, a sense of play makes punctuality a breeze, whether or not you can make it down to North Beach.
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FOCUS: COLLECTING
by David A. Rose
TIME ON HIS SIDE SCOTT PRUETT IS AN UNDISPUTED CHAMPION, ON AND OFF THE TRACK.
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As a world famous racecar driver still at the top of his game, it’s remarkable that Pruett makes time for other ventures. He and his wife Judy have joined forces to establish Pruett Vineyard, as well as Word Weaver Books, publishers of a series of children’s books they authored. Not surprisingly, the theme is racing, including titles like Twelve Little Race Cars, Rookie Racer and Racing Through the Alphabet. Based on actual aspects of Scott’s racing career, these books provide inspiration and excitement for young readers. As for his winemaking business, Pruett explains that even though racing and winemaking are spectrums apart, the feelings of accomplishment are similar. “Racing is literally minute to minute, day to day; things happen in a matter of seconds. Wine making, on the other hand, takes years: you can’t rush the process; the wine absolutely tells you when it’s ready. But it’s the blend of chemistry and artistry in winemaking that I find so rewarding. I’m not one of these athletes who puts my name on a project without involvement; in fact, I am totally hands on at my winery, involved in every aspect of the process (pressing, corking, labeling), with the help of some incredible winemakers.” Scott Pruett began his career in karting at the age of eight and has raced every year since. 2011 was his 43rd year of racing and it was another extraordinary one. With teammate Memo Rojas, Pruett won the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Championship, earning yet another Rolex timepiece. “At 51 years old, I’m racing against drivers half my age,” says Pruett, “so being the fastest driver out there is incredible! But I never take it for granted: I’ve been blessed with this ability and feel very fortunate.” ROLEX / TOM O'NEAL
mong the many rewards of success in sports, perhaps the best is garnering the respect and admiration of fans and peers. But for those athletes competing in Rolex-sponsored events, the grand prize comes in the form of a luxury timepiece, a goal drivers set for themselves long before they’re strapped into their racecars. One man, Scott Pruett from Auburn, California, is a true champion in all forms of motor sports, with the additional honor of having won more Rolex-sponsored races than any other driver. Thus, he has become the proud owner of racing’s largest collection of Rolex timepieces. Pruett has won the Rolex 24 at Daytona four times. He’s also won the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Championship three times and was awarded a Rolex timepiece for each of these accomplishments. In all, Scott owns 12 Rolex timepieces, of which 10 were awarded for his brilliant race wins. “My first Rolex is by far the one I love the most,” he confides. “When I won the Championship in 1986 while driving for Jack Roush and Ford Motor Company, I was invited to compete in what was known as the International Race of Champions (IROC). It was such an honor just to be invited to compete in this series, and I promised myself that if I were ever to win one of these races, I’d go out and buy myself a Rolex timepiece. At the last race ever to run at Riverside Raceway in California, and with just a few laps left in the race, I took the lead and held on to take the win. The first thing I did after that was to go out and buy my first beautiful Rolex Submariner.” (In addition to this Submariner, Pruett also bought himself a solid gold GMT-Master.)
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TRENDS
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here are many ways to reenergize: yoga and meditation, a day at the spa, a cruise to wherever! But this year, it seems like everyone is talking about adding gemstone jewelry to that list of natural mood elevators. From fashion insiders to celebrities and their stylists, it’s being recognized as a de rigueur accessory. As jewelry lovers, we know it’s beautiful...so why such big buzz now? Part of it has to do with the trending fashion colors this year—all of which are available in gemstones—being touted as über uplifting. But equally important, it seems, are the many new jewelry collections fashioned around exhilarating non-traditional stone cuts, as well as gems that are either new to the market or haven’t been widely used for quite some time.
COLORS TO CHEER ABOUT When “Tangerine Tango” was chosen by the Pantone Color Institute as the Color of the Year, it set the stage for 2012 to be a year of sunny shades in both fashion and jewelry. Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s executive director, says, “It’s attention-getting, for sure, and surprisingly flattering,” alluding to the reality that not all women have a zest for the color orange—despite the many tones of tangerine gracing dozens of spring runways. “But orange must be a new addition to every woman’s closet this year. If you’re not daring enough to wear it as a dress, pants, or jacket, wear this color in accessories—especially jewelry. You need at least one strong statement piece with vibrant orange gems. I myself didn’t have any orange jewelry, but I went shopping as soon as I saw all the orange lighting up the fashion shows. Be the woman your friends look at. Don’t be afraid to let the adventure of childhood abandon come back into your life.” Three other important citrus shades for spring and summer, says Eiseman, for fashion and its gemstone jewelry complements, are “Solar Power” yellow, “Cabaret” pink and “Margarita” green. “Fashion designers are also showing a lot of blue and taupe, but they’re toned down. The blue is fresh without being too out-there. All the blue gems are perfect accents [for each other], and great for blue tone-on-tone layering.” The other important classic neutrals for spring and summer are both in the taupe family—what Pantone calls “Starfish” and “Driftwood,” so gray is taking a backseat, at least until fall. Shades in the brown family are “perfect when paired with any of your bright, attention-getting gemstone jewelry,” adds Eiseman.
SOME REALLY COOL CUTS
RENEWAL! THE SEASON’S FRESHEST COLORS, NEWEST CUTS AND GOTTA-HAVE-’EM GEMS WILL ENERGIZE YOUR JEWELRY BOX. BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE
While classic rounds, cushions, squares and the like continue to be important, so, too, are the less conventional cuts, especially doublets, slices, roughs and rose cuts. Veteran actress Regina King, one of this year’s celebrity models at the 2012 American Gem Trade Association’s prestigious Spectrum jewelry awards, says, “It’s important for people to be open to considering gemstones and cuts they’ve never contemplated before.” The current star of TV’s hit police drama Southland adds, “There is so much artistry out there in contemporary gemstone jewelry—you really see that in some of the unusual cuts.” DOUBLETS These are basically two-layered gem designs, with one gem on the bottom and the second stone laid over it, creating a very distinctive look. Says Cindy Edelstein, president of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau: “Thanks to clever gem cutters, designers are combining translucent rose cuts and gem slices with complementary opaque stones.” SLICES Typically, these gems are 2-D in form, with flat sides and bottoms. The Left: Cocktail rings from Roberto Coin’s diamond-accented, 18K gold Haute Couture collection, in green garnet, peridot and black sapphires; yellow topaz and citrine; and pink sapphires.
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flatness allows light to pass through the piece, much like natural light shining through a stained glass window. Sometimes the sliced gem is polished on both sides, depending on the designer’s individual vision. Helena Krodel, director of media and special events for Jewelers of America, says, “Think about gemstone-slice earrings if you want something lightweight and, at the same time, very flattering; they bring light and color near the face.” ROUGH CUTS These asymmetrically shaped gems—also called “raw”—are, for the most part, three dimensional, almost sculptural. They have an inherent, organic beauty because they aren’t precision-cut to mathematic perfection. Each stone is, therefore, one of a kind. Vicente Agor, owner of an eponymous jewelry line and president of the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group, says, “If you want jewelry that’s handcrafted and authentic, with irregularities inspired by nature, designs with rough cuts are a great choice.” ROSE CUTS Steeped in history, various forms of rose cuts have been around since the mid-16th century. The gems, usually circular in outline, have a flat base and a crown composed of triangular facets in symmetrical arrangement, which rise to form a point. If you’re familiar with the oval briolette, that’s one variation of the rose cut and a favorite among contemporary designers who love color. This year, rose-cut sapphires—especially in pink, green and blue—are showing up everywhere.
spessartite garnet, red agate. A GO-TO GREEN ZULTANITE: This transparent diaspore gem, found only in Turkey, hasn’t been used much in jewelry—until now. With its inherently interesting color-change properties— from kiwi green to champagne brown to raspberry pink—it’s certainly out of the ordinary, and the perfect choice for anyone looking for something unique or a true conversation starter. Other favorites: chrysoprase, green agate, peridot, green opal, green jade, green quartz, green amethyst, green garnet, green tourmaline. A PRIMARY YELLOW CITRINE: “Lately, citrine has been particularly popular, both for its color and the variety of cutting styles being used on it,” says Wheat. With its sunny hue and often affordable prices, citrine has recently captured the fancy of a growing number of typically high-end designers, many mixing it with a range of orange and pink stones on a single piece of jewelry for a kind of overall neutral effect. Other favorites: topaz, golden beryl, chrysoberyl, yellow moonstone, yellow sapphire. A “NEW” BLUE AQUAMARINE: One of the most invogue gems right now is aquamarine. Hardly new, March’s birthstone is increasingly being spotlighted in designer collections in every cut imaginable. “Yes, aquamarine is in a revival period, especially hot in large sizes with good color saturation. I’ve also seen an increasing number of modern brides choosing aquamarine for their engagement ring center stone,” says Wheat. The lucid color—from the light blue of the sky to the deep blue of the sea— captivates. Other favorites: chalcedony, moonstone, labradorite, sapphire, Iolite, Tanzanite, blue topaz. A PERFECT PINK CHALCEDONY: A treasured favorite of the ancient world, chalcedony is being featured more and more by trendsetting contemporary artisans. While it’s certainly one of the perfectly beautiful pinks, chalcedony is well liked in its blue and green varieties, too. “Translucent chalcedony in all three shades is hot—particularly big, smooth cabochons,” says Wheat. Other favorites: pink tourmaline, rubellite, pink sapphire and raspberry quartz.
EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT ADDING GEMSTONE JEWELRY TO THE LIST OF NATURAL MOOD ELEVATORS.
...AND SOME REALLY HOT GEMS Barbara Wheat, executive director of the International Colored Gemstone Association, tracks colored gemstone popularity worldwide. Here, she points to five gems she sees trending—especially in light of fashion’s leading color choices, which, she says, likely means these gems will get even more popular as we progress through 2012. A TOP TANGERINE FIRE OPAL: These radiant orange-red gemstones are renowned in legend and lore for their positive effect on the psyche. That said, you may have to pay the price for that profound sensation of peace and harmony! Often the cost of these expressive and fiery gems is determined by the play of color, body color and transparency. “Fire opal is really popular in Asia,” says Wheat. With tangerine as this year’s “Color ot the Year,” it will likely get stronger here, too. Other favorites: Mandarin garnet, carnelian, orange sapphire, spinel,
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Top: Zultanite and diamond necklace by Stephen Webster. Bottom: Bracelets from Ippolita’s Silk Road collection in 18K gold, featuring peach moonstone, aquamarine, gray and white moonstone, mother of pearl, champagne citrine, labradorite and blue topaz doublet
Š 2012 Carelle
FOOD
MAKING MAGIC IN THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF OUR LEGENDARY CHEF SERIES, WE DISCOVER THAT DAVID BURKE IS MUCH MORE THAN A WHIZ IN THE KITCHEN. BY SHIRA LEVINE
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or those who dig classic conceptual cuisine outside of the traditional restaurant box setup, David Burke has become somewhat of a hero. In addition to his classic surf and turf joints, Chef Burke holds court with his fancy foods inside a Bloomingdale’s, a bowling alley and an airport. If by chance you don’t recognize the oft-showy culinologist (an expert who blends culinary arts and food technology) with a penchant for whimsically sculpting his dishes to dazzle diners by name, there’s still a decent chance you’ve eaten in one of his 10 restaurants, or purchased his gourmet products. (“Burke in the Box” takeout meal at Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport, anyone?) Or perhaps you’ll recall his very near win against Bobby Flay on Iron Chef, or his too-early kissoff from Top Chef Masters. Chef Burke has been a longtime pioneer in the biz of celebrity chefery, cooking up a career that “blurs the lines between chef, artist, entrepreneur and
inventor.” His factory of fabulous foodspots tantalizes taste buds through a slew of dramatically different spaces, with entertaining concoctions appearing on plates throughout New York, and in New Jersey, Chicago, Connecticut and Las Vegas. Then there’s David Burke Townhouse, David Burke’s Primehouse, Fromagerie, David Burke Prime, Fishtail by David Burke and David Burke Kitchen. Burke is also the mastermind behind Pastrami Salmon, GourmetPops, flavor-transfer spice sheets and various flavor sprays and oils. He’s got two cookbooks and even DAVID BURKE Magazine. We managed to catch this Renaissance man at his local greenmarket, shopping for fresh, in-season finds.
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You have so many titles! Chef, entrepreneur, artist, inventor.... Which do you feel describes you best? I’ve always felt at home in the kitchen. I was a dish washer in high school. I’d work on the weekends, and that’s when I fell in love with the idea of working in a kitchen. I get real excitement from the energy and creative teamwork that happens in there. So all of the other things I am today came out of me working in the kitchen. I get a real satisfaction out of putting together a good product for someone else to enjoy. Above: The lively dining room at Fishtail by David Burke. Left: David Burke, longtime pioneer of celebrity chefery.
Many of today’s entrepreneurial celebrity chefs don’t actually do the cooking anymore, but shift their focus to the business side of things. I still do cook in my kitchens, but it’s been a natural progression for me to be in and out of the kitchen when need be. I made an early decision that I was going to conquer one level of this business at a time. After I reached the level of what I truly felt was “me as a good chef,” then it was time to be partner in a company. Then the next course was to start my own company. I was one of the first chefs to do that. That road had not been paved yet. It was the late ’70s and the beginning of modern American food and of chefs as businessmen. A lot of the David Burke dining experience is about setting the scene, and your restaurants each have very specific, thoughtout designs. Would you describe yourself as fashion forward? When you work in the kitchen it’s nearly impossible to be fashion forward! But we do take a lot of pride in the ambiance and décor of the restaurants, especially Townhouse and Kitchen. I was very involved in helping decorate them, but I’m not a designer. Kitchen is supposed to feel dark and woodsy, comfy—like a home. Bloomingdale’s has an intimate neighborhood feel. Our steakhouses are more masculine.
there. In those cases we make exceptions—it’s what the customers want! But when it comes to fruit and people wanting raspberries or blueberries year round, we suggest maybe trying a dish with mango or pineapple. Your menus run the deliciously garish gamut, from Bowlmor Lanes’ badass burger replete with applewood-smoked bacon, spicy tempura shrimp, cheddar cheese and blue cheese slaw, to David Burke Kitchen’s pretzel crabcake with tomato, orange and green peppercorn. What do you love to order when you eat out, and what do you like to cook at home? I love ordering Peking duck! For myself, I love to prepare pasta. I’ll make gemelli with sweet sausage, tomatoes, olive oil and butter. When I cook for friends and family, I love to prepare a whole roasted fish, chicken, squab or turkey. My favorite is roasted squab foie gras, cabbage with corn bread and pickled onions. Is there anything you wish your guests would be a little more adventurous about trying? Game birds, sweet potatoes and kidneys!
What are some other ideas you’re currently excited about? We have a moveable garden in a parking lot at the Rumsfield, New Jersey restaurant. This summer we’re going to put each of the gardens in little red wagons so they can move around easily. When guests walk into the restaurant, they will be greeted with a bushel of tomatoes and basil plants that they can cut themselves and bring to the hostess. Then we’ll prepare it at the table as part of their appetizer. I just love the idea of that. What’s your overall food philosophy? I’m always looking to cut out the middleman as much as possible. It’s what is most economically sound for us. I am always in a local produce market myself. We’ve done it with our bread, our dairy and our produce. Fish and seafood are next. We’re also currently building a dry beef company with my patented salt treatment. Our beef comes from right here in New Jersey. I bought a bull five years ago in Kentucky so I would know exactly where my beef comes from and can ensure the quality of what we’re serving. We have the product down to the genetics, for the perfect marbleization and grading. It was superior planning on our part. We always want to know where our stuff is coming from. Do you think all the recent hype around “local” and “seasonal” is silly? Haven’t good chefs been doing this all along? The seasonal and local thing has been done forever, but it hasn’t been touted. It’s being emphasized now because of the the state of the economy, and high fuel prices. All the recent PR is good, especially since it helps support American farmers, but it’s always been what we try to do. However, you have to understand, it’s hard to do local in Chicago in the winter. It’s absolutely what the mom and pop shops should be aiming for, but it’s hard for big [national] chains to do it. It’s tough to be 100 percent local; you might simply not have a good local person for something you need. How do you please loyal customers who request something that isn’t in season? In New Jersey we have a lot of clientele who want calamari, but it’s not local
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Maple Bacon Dates Yields 20 stuffed dates
INGREDIENTS:
1 ⁄4 pound peanuts 2 1⁄2 ounces honey 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1⁄2 minced jalapeño 20 Medjool dates, cut in half 10 strips of par-baked smoked bacon 20 seedless grapes 1 egg Flour Breadcrumbs
METHOD: 1. Heat peanuts, honey and cayenne pepper until caramelized. Cool and puree. 2. Stuff puree into Medjool date half, then wrap with a half piece of par-baked smoked bacon. 3. Lightly beat egg. Dredge grapes in flour, dip in egg wash, then breadcrumbs. Place into a deep fryer filled with hot oil and fry until crispy. 4. Place grapes, and then bacon wrapped dates, on bamboo skewers and serve.
TRAVEL
The view from the lounge attached to one of the suites at Amangiri makes the desert seem like a private space. Coffee is always available for early risers on the Ecoventura yachts in the Galapagos Islands.
ECO-IMMERSION
A
t its best, eco-friendly travel makes every day feel like the world is new. Full immersion in an exotic natural environment makes every sound clearer, every smell sweeter, every sight sharper, every taste more delicious. At the destinations below, getting away becomes a journey of coming home to the senses.
EDEN IN THE OCEAN: Cruise the Galapagos with Ecoventura The arc of the sun and rise and fall of the tides measure the days as Ecoventura’s luxury motor yachts cruise the Galápagos Islands. The volcanic
archipelago straddling the equator 400 miles west of Ecuador stands outside human time. Under the tutelage of two naturalists per 10-cabin vessel, a one-week voyage is an intimate engagement with the planet’s least-spoiled corner. When you see the lay of the islands from atop a volcanic cinder cone, you immediately grasp the archipelago’s violent birth. Other hikes across black lava moonscapes to sandy coves reveal the resilience of bird and animal life. Protected since 1959 as a national park, every ecological niche of the islands is inhabited by creatures that view human intruders as a curiosity rather than a threat. You stare roosting seabirds in the eye, and watch blue-
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AMANGIRI IMAGES COURTESY OF AMANGIRI RESORT. GALAPAGOS IMAGES BY PATRICIA HARRIS & DAVID LYON.
GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD CAN BRING YOU TO YOUR SENSES. BY PATRICIA HARRIS AND DAVID LYON
In Galapagos, unconcerned sea lions let photographers snap their portraits with abandon.
Sunsets (and sunrises) are spectacular in the Galapagos Islands.
The step pool at the spa at Amangiri glows in the falling light of dusk. The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are one of the region’s endangered species.
All the bungalows at Lapa Rios in Costa Rica are constructed of thatch.
The foot hue of blue-footed boobies varies by individual.
STRANGE CREATURES INHABIT THEIR OWN GARDEN OF EDEN
footed boobies in their comic courtship dance. Male frigate birds nearly roll over backwards on their nests, incapacitated by the red chest pouches they have inflated to lure a mate. The strange creatures inhabit their own Garden of Eden. Sea lions bask on the beach nursing their pups, flightless cormorants literally “neck” as they court, giant tortoises lumber through highland meadows, and bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs skitter across black rocks in the surf. Park rules forbid touching the wildlife, but no one has told the sea lions not to waddle over to sniff a human’s toes. (Their whiskers tickle.) ecoventura.com
RAINFOREST RHYTHMS: Costa Rica Escape at Lapa Rios Lapa Rios Ecolodge crouches where Central America’s last lowland rainforest meets the beach in Costa Rica. A model of ecologically sensitive tourism since 1993, the main lodge and 16 thatched bungalows nestle in the forest overlooking the ocean. Scarlet macaws chatter from branches and tree frogs sing all night, reminding you that Lapa Rios is the human exception in a 930-acre private nature reserve. More than 300 species of birds have been logged at Lapa Rios and
birders seek the glint of feathers, the flurry of flight, and burble of song to add to their life lists. Guided hikes in the rainforest uncover exotic flora and fauna—from more than 200 species of orchids to nectar-licking kinkajous, distant relatives of the raccoon. For a complete immersion in the rainforest experience, join an off-site excursion into the wild river canyon of El Remanso to spend an afternoon rappeling down a series of four waterfalls. laparios.com
MANTRAS OF THE CANYONS: The Purifying Desert at Amangiri For thousands of years, people have sought enlightenment and rejuvenation in the purifying spareness of the desert. Amangiri, which means “peaceful mountain,” hunkers down in a southern Utah desert valley looking south at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Blending into the raw landscape of bluffs and mesas with an architecture as minimal as a whispered mantra, the resort is constructed around a swimming pool oasis. After a day of hiking amid hoodoos and step-rocks, retreat to the 25,000 square foot spa where hot stone massage and full-body treatments aim to restore the Navajo concept of Hozho, which translates as “beauty, harmony, balance, and health.” To encourage meditation, daily group yoga classes are offered in the light-flooded yoga pavilion. But nothing so brightens the spirit as escaping the resort’s circle of illumination at night to commune with a dark desert sky awash with stars. amanresorts.com
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HOME
AL FRESCO
G
rowing up, an “outdoor kitchen” (if such a term even existed) generally meant a portable barbecue sitting atop an aqua-colored slab of cement. Basketweave plastic lounge chairs might be protected by a corrugated tin awning, and Dad spent more time swearing at non-functioning equipment than actually grilling. Today, a host of high-tech innovations, weatherproof custom appliances, and a desire to maximize the social space of even the largest houses have redefined the concept of cooking and dining al fresco. “We actually require our homeowners to include a summer kitchen in
their construction,” says Page Pierce, vice president of Walt Disney World Resort’s new Golden Oak luxury housing development. The community, which opened last September with eight homes, will eventually host as many as 800 homes, along with a top-tier restaurant and demonstration kitchen, community center and other amenities. Homeowners have VIP access to the neighboring Disney theme parks, along with available perks like door-to-park car service, concierge services for the greater Orlando region and access to special and private events.
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"Outdoor kitchens are about being social, not about formality,” says architect Doug Burdge, who designed the spaces above and left.
TOP: BURDGE & ASSOCIATES. BOTTOM LEFT: BURDGE & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS BOTTOM RIGHT: ARCH INTERIORS
TODAY’S OUTDOOR KITCHENS ARE FOR MORE THAN JUST GRILLING BURGERS. BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ARCH INTERIORS, FLORIDA BUILDER APPLIANCES, FLORIDA BUILDER APPLIANCES, GOLDEN OAK AT WALT DISNEY RESORT, FLORIDA BUILDER APPLIANCES
“One of our thoughts in planning Golden Oak was to not create a development that was just boxes,” says Pierce. “Because this is Florida, it’s important to celebrate the indoor/outdoor living we’re able to enjoy.” At a minimum, most houses have a covered area with a great barbecue, outdoor sink, refrigerator and outdoor seating. But they can get much more elaborate. “Some have remote control retractible screens to keep the bugs out while allowing flow from the indoor kitchen, past the summer kitchen, all the way to the swim-up bar.” Flow, and the efficient use of indoor/outdoor space seem to be key ingredients in designing a successful outdoor kitchen. “When we pay taxes and insurance on a house, we’ve paid for the environment around that house,” says Julian Exclusia of Florida Builder Appliances, an upscale division of Sears Holding Corporation. “We’re not just sitting in a cubby hole.” Exclusia works with athletes, entertainers and others to design and equip custom homes, and he’s critical of some architects who “hide” a house’s kitchen in the corner. “If you’re entertaining, you’re looking at the expanse, or you should be, whether it’s the Colorado Rockies or the Caribbean.” Christopher Grubb, president of Arch Interiors in Beverly Hills, notes that “we’re trying to create a cohesive look and bring these spaces together.” His full-service design firm has created several L.A.-area outdoor spaces, featuring popular elements like warming drawers, beer taps and an outdoor pizza oven, adding utility and distinction. Doug Burdge, a Malibu architect, designed an oceanfront property with not one, but three outdoor spaces: a grill area, a semi-enclosed chef’s kitchen and a rooftop social space.
“Outdoor kitchens are now a part of almost every design we do.” Many significant outdoor improvements, however, tend to happen after completion of the house itself. This seems, in a large part, due to the economy. “In Southern California right now, 99% of all the home contracts are improvements on existing properties, not new construction,” says Grubb. Meanwhile in Florida, Exclusia notes that banks are reluctant to finance what they see as an elective (and expensive—elaborate kitchens can run $50,000 to $100,000 or more) element. Thus, even high-end custom homeowners are completing the house first, then financing the outdoor activity spaces. However, Grubb notes that a professional, welldesigned outdoor kitchen and social area could add hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in resale value to a luxury property. here are other reasons to design a space more elaborate than the average lonely Weber grill on an island of concrete. Owners who rent their homes for charity events or other gatherings effectively double or triple the number of available hosting venues (or, alternatively, keep guests and visitors outside, away from living areas and damage-prone furnishings). Simple physics may also be at play in the rising popularity of the outdoor kitchen. “We’ve kind of peaked on our maximum house size,” says Jeff Dross, corporate director of industry trends for Kichler Lighting. “So a lot of architects are building in courtyards, adding large glass walls, and creating indoor/outdoor flow. You’re essentially adding more rooms, and your yard becomes a really nice, usable space.”
T
Today's outdoor kitchens are designed to ensure that entertainment, design and service flow smoothly from inside to outside.
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CULTURE
CAFÉ SOCIETY
AT BUDAPEST’S FAMOUS CAFÉS, OLD WORLD CHARM IS NEW AGAIN. BY JACQUELIN CARNEGIE
L
ong before “café culture” flourished in Paris and Vienna, it thrived in Budapest. The joy of coffee drinking was introduced by the invading Ottoman Turks in the 1500s, and by Budapest’s Golden Age, between 1870 and 1910, there were some 500 coffee houses in the city. In their heyday, Budapest’s cafés were cherished rendezvous spots for aspiring writers, poets, artists and intelligentsia of all stripes. People spent hours in their favorite café, sharing ideas and reading the many newspapers and periodicals available to patrons. Before the age of television and the Internet, for up-to-the-minute news and the most interesting gossip, you’d head to one of these cafés. During this period, the cafés were so central to daily life that when the first early film reels appeared, they were projected on walls in the cafés. (Two eventual film industry giants, director and producer Sir Alexander Korda and Oscar-winning director Michael Curtiz, were first introduced to movies this way. Later on, in Casablanca, Curtiz would recreate Budapest’s café atmosphere on the set of Rick’s Café.)
Most of the classic Budapest coffee houses had sumptuous interiors, plush furnishings, gleaming chandeliers, and high, frescoed ceilings to rival the Sistine Chapel. But, after two World Wars and the Communist era in Hungary, the old famous cafés had been destroyed or closed. In recent years, many of these once-grand cafés have been restored to their original splendor. NEW YORK CAFÉ Opened in 1894 on the ground floor of a stylish office complex, designed by architect Alajos Hauszmann and financed by a New York life insurance company, the café was a favorite haunt of the writers and editors who worked in the building (now a five-star Boscolo hotel). For struggling writers, the New York provided free ink and paper and offered a low-cost “writer’s menu” (bread, cheese and cold cuts). During Budapest’s Golden Age, much of the city’s creative business took place here or at the Café Central. CAFÉ CENTRÁL Opened in 1887, the Central was a popular meeting place for writers, poets, editors and artists. In the 1890s, writers sitting Above: New York Café; during Budapest’s Golden Age, it was a hotbed of creative activity.
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As proprietors of one of the oldest and busiest full-service cheese counters in the country, the Wasik family has quietly and dutifully set the standard for serving the highest caliber of cheese in the industry. Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, The Cheese Shop, (known to locals as Wasik’s) is an old-time family business where cheeses are nurtured and matured under proper conditions, selected for and matched to our customers needs, and cut to order at the time of sale to insure freshness. For the past 30 years the staff at Wasik’s has been creating gift baskets for all occasions. These baskets serve as tasteful housewarming offers, appropriate office gifts, classic holiday presents, weekend getaway goodies, and tokens of respect at times of sorrow. The main emphasis of a gift basket from Wasik’s is the QUALITY OF PRODUCTS assembled to make up each package. We simply won’t include a product if we wouldn’t take it home and enjoy it ourselves. If you would like to design your own custom basket please call us or simply stop by the shop to choose your own goodies. These baskets are available for delivery within the Greater Boston area (additional charge) or they can be shipped nationwide through UPS in climate-controlled boxes.
61 Central Street (Rt. 135) Wellesley, MA 02482 781 2370916 www.wasiks.com
around the café began an influential literary periodical, A Hét (Week). A few years later, another group of regulars, who divided their time between the Central and the New York, launched Nyugat (West), which became one of the most influential Hungarian literary journals of the early 20th century. CAFÉ GERBEAUD Founded by confectioner Henrik Kugler in 1858, this is regarded as one of the most elegant and refined cafés. In 1884, its Swiss pastry chef, Emile Gerbeaud, took over the establishment, making it as famous for its cakes as its coffee. BOOKCAFÉ PÁRIZSI ÁRUHÁZ This stunning café is located on the third floor of what is now the Alexandra bookstore. The Art Nouveau building, designed by Zsigmond Sziklai, was opened in 1911 as Párizsi Nagy Árúház, Budapest’s first modern department store. The café, in Lotz hall, is resplendent with restored frescos (done by painter Károly Lotz), large mirrors and magnificent chandeliers.
Clockwise from top: Centrál Kávéház, a popular meeting place for writers, poets and artists. The elegant Café Gerbeaud. BookCafé Párizsi Áruház in Lotz hall in the Alexandra Bookstore.
Budapest’s Famous Cafés The best time to visit Budapest is between March and October; Delta and American Airlines offer direct flights. Visit www.gotohungary.com to learn more. New York Café New York Palace Hotel at Erzsébet körút 9-11; www.newyorkcafe.hu MÛVÉSZ KÁVÉHÁZ Around since 1898, its name mûvész means artist. Since the café is located opposite the Budapest State Opera House, it has attracted its fair share of artists and performers over the years. CAFÉ GERLÓCZY On a leafy square, in a pretty 1892 building, the Gerlóczy has the feel of a Parisian café with its wonderful croissants and freshly-baked pastries—some consider it the best breakfast in town. At night, a harpist adds to the atmosphere. Another unique Gerlóczy offering: 15 stylish rooms in its upstairs boutique hotel, so you never have to leave!
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Café Centrál Károlyi Mihály utca 9 www.centralkavehaz.hu Café Gerbeaud Vörösmarty tér 7; www.gerbeaud.hu BookCafé Párizsi Áruház, Alexandra bookstore, Andrássy út 39 Mûvész Kávéház Andrássy út 29; www.muveszkavehaz.hu Café Gerlóczy Gerloczy u. 1; www.gerloczy.hu For an interesting read, try The Great Escape. This wonderful book by Kati Marton, about influential Hungarians, describes life in the Budapest cafés at the turn of the 20th century.
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: Bare Escentuals • Brewster’s Trading Post • Brighton Collectibles • 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 Sephora • 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: Ballo • Bar Americain • Ben & Jerry’s Big Bubba’s BBQ • Birches Bar & Grill • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Chief’s Deli • Dunkin’ Donuts • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana Geno’s Bagels, Sweets & Subs • Geno’s Fast Break • Geno’s Pub • Imus Ranch Coffee • Jasper White’s Summer Shack Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville • Johnny Rockets • Johnny Rockets Express Krispy Kreme Doughnuts • Lucky’s Lounge • Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe • Michael Jordan’s Steak House • Seasons Buffet SolToro Tequila Grill • Starbucks Coffee • Sunrise Square Food Court • The Dubliner • The Original SoupMan Todd English’s Tuscany • Wok-On by Geno’s Fast Break Conveniently located in Mystic Country.
BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES
END PAGE
LAST BID FOR LOVE
AN ACTRESS, AN AUCTION, A YOUNG MAN’S DREAM… BY JOSEPH UNGOCO
M
y heart was pounding as I handed my passport to the smartly dressed associate from Christie’s. Just a week before, I’d been holding the “hottest ticket in town”—a prime 3 p.m. pass to preview the world-renowned jewelry collection of Elizabeth Taylor. The entire Christie’s block was lined with stately private limos dropping off elegantly dressed “ladies who lunch,” no doubt fresh from nibbling on micro-vegetable salads and savory soufflés at La Grenouille. In addition to the magnificent jewels, what struck me as I perused the various lots at the preview was how many lives Elizabeth Taylor had touched. In every room of the seemingly endless exhibit, people passionately discussed her movies, her personal style, her tremendous influence. Women well past their fashion prime whispered about how this 1960s Pucci tunic or that 1970s Halston caftan had inspired their own wardrobe choices. My personal connection with this incredible lady was our shared astrological sign: Elizabeth Taylor was the archetype of Pisces’ “soulful eyes” and tendency to be “in love with love.” The cheerful Christie’s associate wished me luck as she handed me my paddle—number 5217. I tried to calm my nerves as I mounted the stairs to the James Christie room. Working my way through the television cameras, I settled into a fifth row seat right under the auctioneer. I took a cue from the “serious” bidders in the rows ahead of me and stayed focused on the
bidding board and the auctioneer in his lavender silk tie. I had carefully studied the catalogs, settling on two lots of Zodiac pendants and a lot of two Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Love bracelets. I had been considering a lot of aquamarines until I remembered that Liz was a February Pisces, not a March one like me. Her vast amethyst collection— including mineral specimens—suddenly had meaning beyond complementing her violet eyes. The night before, I’d witnessed the mounting frenzy at the sale of the “Legendary Jewels,” but I was certain there’d be less insanity for the “ordinary” jewels. In fact, I was quite confident that I’d be able to secure a lot—perhaps even two. But such illusions evaporated by the time the bidding closed on the fifth lot of the day, a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Pisces pendants on opera-length chains. I had researched the intrinsic value of the items, estimated a premium for their venerable provenance and set what I thought were reasonable bidding limits. I realized I was sadly mistaken when I was outbid by $50,000! As the auction progressed, prices skyrocketed and I was feeling increasingly dejected. By the time the hammer went down on the Cartier Love bracelets, the price was $75,000 over my top bid. I left the auction to wander Rockefeller Center and reflect wistfully over my lost chance at Love (or at least the Love bracelets) and the beauty, style and legend of a truly amazing woman.
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LUX BOND & GREEN ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
SPRING/SUMMER 2012