Lux Bond & Green

A C C E N T U 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

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DEAR FRIENDS

Our family is always excited for the arrival of the holiday season. We are especially grateful that our staff has followed wonderful LBG traditions for 115 years by genuinely helping to create special memories in many of your lives. We recognize that our gold box isn’t just a box; it shows that the purchaser wanted to select the very best quality from a local, family-oriented jeweler. Lux Bond & Green feels tremendous responsibility to deliver extraordinary customer service with each and every gift, and this year we plan to exceed your every expectation. We love what we do and we hope that your gold box traditions will continue as we strive to improve upon everything we touch.

2013 has been an exciting year, with strong business growth, our beautiful remodel in Glastonbury after 25 years in town, and our completely revamped website offering more of the best of the best, from gifts for the home to beautiful watches and incredible jewelry and diamonds. All eight of our locations are filled with wonderful new collections from the United States as well as from around the world. Our buyers are making every effort to ensure that our great homeland is well represented in every category we offer to keep the USA manufacturing and design community going strong and proud. Being a responsible merchant is important and we are leading our industry in this regard This year we were honored to be selected by JCK Magazine as one of 50 Worldwide Leaders keeping our industry strong.

They wrote: “Without the 50 people who appear on this list it’s safe to say that the jewelry and watch trade would be disrupted – if not made downright dysfunctional.” We were also recognized as one of the top 50 Designer Retailers in America. We are certainly proud of all our industry recognitions, but most importantly we are passionate about our relationships with the communities we serve and the many local charities and arts organizations we help throughout the year. The privilege is all ours as we continue our long-standing partnerships with the Travelers Championship PGA Golf Tournament as their trophy maker and hole-in-one sponsor, the New Haven Open at Yale as their trophy maker, the Boston Red Sox official jeweler, the Jumper Classic official jeweler and the Manchester Road Race official timekeeper. Lux Bond & Green wouldn’t be able to accomplish these worthwhile activities without our dedicated and loyal staff as well as you, our old and new friends. Again, thank you.

Accent magazine is celebrating its 10th anniversary. You will find it filled with great stories, wonderful ideas for the season and noteworthy fashion and trend reports. We have written an exciting travel article about a special trip to Botswana and Johannesburg, and we’ve included beautiful wedding pictures from our blissful brides and grooms. We also want to make sure you recognize our incredible team of service professionals for jewelry and watch repair and restoration, as well as our jewelry designers, corporate gift specialists and everyone in between who helps to make Lux Bond & Green your destination for easy one-stop shopping. Our creative team worked very hard to make the magazine compelling to read from cover to cover, so please enjoy.

Warm wishes for the holidays and the new year ahead. We hope to see you soon.

Cheers,

The Green Family

CONTENTS FALL/WINTER 2013

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

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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 1- 8 0 0 - L B G R E E N ( 1- 8 0 0 - 524 - 7336 ) LBGREEN.COM

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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

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR MICHAIL K. SHAW P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI

FEATURES 1 Welcome Letter 4 What’s Happening 12 LBG Jewelry 20 Africa 24 Collections: Willow by David Yurman 26 Spotlight: Mikimoto’s 120th Anniversary 28 LBG Giftware

62 Red Carpet: Dreamy in Black & White 66 Perfect Gems 70 Fitness: Letting Go 72 Food: Gulf Gourmet 76 Gems: The LBG Difference 78 Travel: Take a Drink-cation 82 Wine: Opus One 86 Books: The Art of Fashion

30 LBG at Your Service

BRIDAL SECTION

32 We Love Boston

48 The Advice

34 Profile: Shinola

52 LBG Weddings

36 Profile: Marco Bicego

54 The Ring

38 LBG Watches

56 The Dress

40 Watches: Icons in Time

58 The Memories

44 Trend Report: Confident Chic

60 The Diamonds 2

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 JILLIAN LAROCHELLE PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2013.

Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 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 11, Issue 2. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

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1. Zach poses for his grandmother, Rhonda from LBG. 2. Brenda from West Hartford presents an Alex Woo necklace to the contest winner. 3. Chris from Glastonbury presents a gift card to the contest winner at the Grand Reopening. 4. Jack from Boston and Nancy from Wellesley participate at the Better Blog Boston seminar at The Boston Globe. 5. Steve, Laurie, Wally, Jack, Becky, Kaya, Elaine and Dana from Boston pose with Wally the Green Monster. 6. Dave from Glastonbury congratulates the grand prize contest winner at the Grand Reopening. 7. Jewelry designer Alex Woo and her assistant Tiffany at LBG in West Hartford. 8. A special thank you to Patrice and Laurie at LBG South Windsor who created a beautiful garden at the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk.

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1. Michael Updike, renowned designer and sculptor from Mariposa, at the West Hartford signing. 2. Dave, Marc and John Green cut the ribbon at the Glastonbury Grand Reopening. 3. Brenda from West Hartford with the winner of the Mariposa rafe. 4. Jack and Steve from Boston congratulate the State Street Pavilion Club/Fenway Park contest winner (center) with a Roberto Coin pendant. 5. Ken Duke, winner of the 2013 Travelers Championship, holds the silver trophy designed by Lux Bond & Green. 6. Rhonda from LBG congratulates Joey Snyder III on winning the $50,000 Roberto Coin shopping spree for making a hole-in-one. 7. Wally visited the Boston store several times during the season to meet and greet customers and staff.

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1. Helen and Brenda from West Hartford present a Red Cross representative, Deborah, with a check for $10,104.19, to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. The donations were from our Free Battery Fridays. 2. Marianne from LBG won the Spring Bonnet contest. 3. Jewelry designer Alex Woo with John and Marc Green. 4. Patrice from South Windsor presents Dan Harrison with Boston Red Sox tickets. 5. Rhonda from LBG and Karen from Westport visit the Ippolita booth at the Las Vegas jewelry show. 6. Jim and Marzena from South Windsor present the DY raffle winning couple (center) with a David Yurman bracelet. 7. The LBG Giftware Buying Office decorated the Governor’s Residence for the Summer Open House.

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

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DISCOVER

your virtual window into the world of diamonds, jewelry, watches and giftware.

LBGREEN.COM SHOP/LEARN/JOIN THE CONVERSATION

WINTER HUES from LBG

Clockwise from top left: Q HEARTS ON FIREÂŽ Lorelei 18K gold diamond bow necklace, $1,900. Q BELLE ETOILE Toujours sterling silver and enamel bangles, $650 each.

Q CARELLE Brooke Leaf 18K gold blue topaz and diamond pendant, $7,810. Q IPPOLITA sterling silver Stella rings: Medium blue topaz, mother-of-pearl and diamonds, $1,495. Small hematite doublet and diamonds, $595. Medium mother-of-pearl and diamonds, $995. Three-stone blue topaz, mother-of-pearl and diamonds, $1,195. Threestone hematite doublet and diamonds, $1,495. Large mother-of-pearl and diamonds, $1,995. Q IVANKA TRUMP Patras 18K gold aquamarine and diamond earrings, $4,400.

Q PENNY PREVILLE sapphires and diamonds in 18K gold: Earrings, $6,795. Chain, $7,735. Pendant, $6,375. Q 18K gold diamond hoops, $7,450. Q Cushion-cut diamond ring with micro pavĂŠ diamonds in platinum, $23,525. Q Shop online at LBGreen.com or call 800.524.7336

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

COLOR CRAZE from LBG

Clockwise from top left: Q Handcrafted 18K gold gemstone rings: Pink tourmaline with diamonds and pink sapphires, $12,000. Peridot and diamonds, $5,800. Green tourmaline and diamonds, $10,850. Q ALEX SEPKUS 18K gold sapphire and diamond Candy Dome rings, $3,235 each. Q TEMPLE ST. CLAIR Anima 18K gold moonstone, sapphire and diamond pendant, $2,750. Q Opal and diamond free form drop earrings in titanium, $13,250. 18K gold abalone and diamond oval drop earrings, $13,500. Q Interchangeable sterling silver and 14K gold cuff bracelet, $195. Sterling silver and 14K gold starďŹ sh clasp, $75. Sterling silver and amethyst clasp, $110. Q MARCO BICEGO Jaipur collection in 18K gold: Five-row Kissing bangle with mixed gemstones, $5,500. Three-row bangle with mixed gemstones, $3,070. Citrine and diamond ring, $4,410.

Q Shop online at LBGreen.com or call 800.524.7336

THE ANIMA COLLECTION 18K ANIMA PEAR DROP EARRINGS WITH RAINBOW MOONSTONE, MULTI-COLOR SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND

ANYWHERE ANYTIME from LBG

Clockwise from top left: Q BELLE ETOILE Reection collection in sterling silver and black rubber with mother-of-pearl and cubic zirconia. Earrings, $325. Ring, $235. Necklace, $550.

Bracelet, $550. Q ALEX WOO pendants: Sterling silver from $168. 14K gold from $698. With diamonds from $978. Q ROBERTO DEMEGLIO Italian Domino bracelets in ceramic and 18K gold: Single-row white, 11mm wide, $2,435. Single-row black, 17mm wide, $1,855. Double-row black, 27mm wide, $2,856. Q DOVES 18K rose gold hematite, mother-of-pearl and white topaz earrings, $3,865. Q RITANI French-set diamond band engagement ring in platinum, $1,700. Semi-bezel set diamond solitaire engagement ring in platinum, $1,730. Center diamonds sold separately. Q JOHN HARDY sterling silver Classic Chain bracelets. Pictured from $395. Q DAVID YURMAN Starburst 18K gold button earrings, $4,600. Q Sterling silver bangles in hammered ďŹ nish and polished with beaded edge. Complimentary monogram engraving on polished bangle. Small, $300. Large, $350

NATURAL INSTINCT from LBG

Clockwise from top left: Q PAMELA FROMAN 18K gold Sunburst Crush pendant with diamonds, $3,520. Chain sold separately. Q ROBERTO COIN Pois Moi 18K gold diamond pavĂŠ bangles: Single-row, $4,300. Four-row, $11,900. Double-row, $7,500. Q Resin with sterling silver or sterling silver vermeil bangles: Black, $515. Amber, $610.

White, $610. Q White topaz and diamond padlock pendant in sterling silver and 18K gold, $2,035. Chain sold separately. Q Tendril crossover cuff in sterling silver and 14K gold, $515. Scrolling hoop earrings in sterling silver, $150. Q MIKIMOTO 18K gold Golden South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings, $5,500. Q EVOCATEUR Helen of Troy necklace, $250. Cuffs, top to bottom: Confetti, $195. Capetown Cheetah, $335. Cinnebar, $225. Inkululeko, $300. Q Galaxy drop earrings in sterling silver and 14K rose gold, $495. Q Shop online at LBGreen.com or call 800.524.7336

M O R E N A BACCARIN FOR H EARTS ON FIRE.

AFRICA

by John Green

I have had the privilege to travel all over the world for business conferences as a representative of our American and international jewelry industry. The trips are long and grueling, but the wealth of knowledge that we gain from these conferences is priceless. After some of your thoughtful comments from our past stories about these adventures, we decided to include a map of Southern Africa, so we won’t go into the exact travel details.

Suffice it to say that our plane left JFK early Saturday morning, and during the long flight I was able to watch The Bourne Legacy,

Taken 2, Silver Linings Playbook, The Quartet, Les Miserables

and Hitchcock, read an audit committee report, sort through my emails, read a couple of magazines, enjoy several meals… and still catch a few hours of sleep before we arrived in Gaborone, Botswana on Sunday evening.

Botswana is a 47-year-old country of about two million people, comprising an area about the size of Texas. The land is mostly flat, and up to 70 percent is covered by the Kalahari Desert. It is bordered by South Africa (to the south and southeast), Namibia (to the west and north) and Zimbabwe (to the northeast). Its border

with Zambia (to the north, near Kazungula) is poorly defined, but is at most a few hundred meters long. The country is a modern and peaceful democracy. Setswana is the local tribal language and English is used as the main language for conducting business.

Botswana has transformed itself, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with a GDP per capita of about $14,000 per year; this gives the country a modest but stable standard of living. Botswana has also become the largest diamond-producing country in the world – over 23 million carats a year – and a growing number of companies mine in Botswana and cut diamonds in the cities of Gaborone and Johannesburg.

Norma and I were there for the Gemological Institute of America’s bi-annual May board meetings, as I have the honor to serve as a board member. The nonprofit GIA has been the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls since 1931, and the leading source of knowledge, standards and education in gems and jewelry. Since our main facilities are in Carlsbad, California and New York City, a visit from the board of governors, as we are called, is quite an event for those at our international

Pictured: Q Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg Q Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Gaborone, Botswana

facilities. We believe it is an important encouragement to our international operations.

To keep everything in perspective: we stayed in the capital of Botswana, and even in the nicest hotel in the city we lost power several times during our visit. Internet was sketchy at best, monkeys freely roamed the hotel and casino grounds… yet everybody was so friendly and welcoming that our normal American expectations didn’t matter one bit.

After two long days of board meetings on Monday and Tuesday, we finally ventured off the hotel grounds on Wednesday morning to visit GIA’s laboratory, which was celebrating its fiveyear anniversary in Botswana. A very engaged staff of 35 and growing, comprised mostly of women, greeted us with their wide and sincere smiles. Ex-pats from the United States and India have been training the local staff to become experts in diamond testing and grading, with impressive results.

As we learned when we visited India in 2011, the process of planning how to cut the rough material into finished diamonds has become very much technology based through the use of advanced optical equipment, yet the cutting and polishing is still largely dependent on human hand and eye

Pictured: Q Panaramic view of Cullinan mine Q Norma Green with friends Q Diamond rough at the Cullinan Mine Q 507–carat rough diamond to a 100–plus carat flawless, colorless, round diamond

coordination. At first we were surprised to learn that this country’s work force is largely made up of women, since other cutting facilities around the world employ mostly men. But as the local leadership explained, “Women are more patient than men, and this is a careful, methodical and patient process.” The expats, from Israel and India in these particular cutting facilities, are training a relatively young workforce.

Within the same Diamond Technology Park complex as the GIA offices are two very modern, technologically advanced diamond-cutting workshops, one owned in partnership with the famous diamantaire Graff, and a second owned by another legendary diamantaire, Steinmetz. On these electrifying visits we saw and held natural pieces of uncut diamond rough, some crystals over 100 carats, as well as many other large and highquality diamonds. (Of course we were subject to strict codes of conduct and lots of security checkpoints when traveling anywhere within this high-security office park.) We met with leadership from each of the companies, to discuss and witness both the rough and polished stages of diamond cutting.

We also had an informative meeting with Rutang Moses, one of the most influential women CEOs in southern Africa who oversees the growth of the Technology Park, home to over 20 tenants in the diamond supply chain. She shed light on all the positive advancements in education and employment that the diamond industry has made possible for the citizens of Botswana.

We then had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Diamond Trading

Company’s new sorting facility. DTC is the rough diamond trading arm of De Beers, which sells more diamonds in terms of value than any other entity in the world. Their new facility is a joint venture with the government of Botswana, and what an incredible facility it is. “Beneficiation” is a core part of the De Beers business model, and fundamental to their commitment to work with their partners. Beneficiation initiatives ensure the growth of business activities catalyzed by the diamond industry, which add value to the economies of diamond-producing countries.

We saw thousands of carats of rough diamonds in piles divided by shape, size and approximate quality, and all we could say was “Wow.” One pile alone was over 5,000 carats. “Specials,” as they’re called, rough diamonds of at least 10.8 carats, were in carefully selected groups because of their higher values. Very few people in our industry have ever had this opportunity to see the sorting floor and the specialized machinery that has been built and modeled after coffee bean sorters. I could write a book about the experience, but suffice it to say that it was just plain cool, and quite frankly, overwhelming, knowing the value of all those diamonds.

Just as on previous international board trips, my understanding and knowledge of the amazing world of diamonds grew immensely as a result of these meetings.

I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to hold

Pictured: Q Fun at the Cullinan mine’s Greek restaurant Q Diamond-cutting trainers in Johannesburg Q 30 carat rough in hand Q GIA staff at Johannesburg dinner

leadership positions on great boards within our industry; what an honor. As a fourth-generation jeweler and gemologist, I’ve been studying diamonds for almost 40 years, but I continue to learn every day in order to help our company grow, and to give back to our industry on a global level.

On Wednesday night we had a special dinner in a boma, or fortified enclosure, which none of us will ever forget. The staff of the GIA office was invited to attend, and all the board members were split up to sit among our Botswana staff. The people of Botswana have beautiful features and the most genuine smiles.

Most of them we met came from villages in the northern territories of the desert regions of the country, and from the Inkalanga tribe.

Education is free across the country, and we found all of our staff to be smart, intuitive and friendly.

We quickly learned their traditional handshake and the fact that they love to dance. After the speeches and recognition of the staff who had worked all five years in our offices, they welcomed us with tribal dancing, music and enthusiasm. It was truly joyous, enlightening, and just plain fun.

Toward the end of the evening we were told we had a very special entertainer there to perform for us, and when they announced the name of famous Botswana performer Shanti-Lo, the local staff erupted with OMG-type sounds. When she came out and pranced through the grassy knoll of our boma, passing over the roaring fire and under our lantern lights, she began to sing her beautiful songs. (Reminiscent of Michael Jackson or Boy George, we found out after a few songs she was really a he.) What fun.

We all danced and enjoyed the company, then exchanged hugs as the staff left for home and we headed back to our rooms to catch a few hours of sleep.

As usual on our GIA trips, we left the hotel very early – at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday morning – for a quick flight to Johannesburg, South Africa on a small but comfortable twin-prop jet. We headed to the GIA offices in a very secure jewelry complex downtown, and went through more security screenings before entering this seemingly older group of buildings.

Guards armed with rifles (and very serious faces) were on the streets as we carefully moved between appointments within the complex.

We had several client visits, which included

seeing more extraordinary uncut diamonds, another one over 100 carats and many polished diamonds over 10 carats. After our visits in Gabarone, we weren’t expecting another once-in-a-lifetime experience, but we had one: we discussed, with the actual diamond planners and expert cutters, the plan for cutting the Cullinan Heritage diamond, weighing over 507 carats and discovered at the Cullinan mine, home to the source of the British crown jewels. By the time this magazine is published, this very rare diamond should be known as the largest flawless and colorless round brilliant diamond ever unearthed. They couldn’t tell us the final weight, but by every estimate it’s over 100 carats.

(As you can see by the picture on the previous page of my hand in relation to the diamond, it’s quite large.) Never in my career, having sold hundreds of diamonds at Lux Bond & Green to commemorate special occasions, have I ever witnessed and held so many important diamonds as I did on that incredible day.

On Friday we embarked on another adventure to witness the education mission of the GIA in action. We visited WITS University (wits.ac.za), where they offer classes in gemology and other related subjects on GIA’s behalf. Then we took a wonderful and awe-inspiring guided tour through the Apartheid Museum, and then Soweto (South Western Township) in Johannesburg, which put everything into perspective: though South Africa has the continent’s largest economy, the diverse country is still searching for balance and equality among its population of Africans, Afrikaners and other ethnic groups. Next we lunched at Wandies, a restaurant famous for being an early operator during the prohibition of alcohol for the black community in shebeens, or bars. It was fun and delicious, and we got to meet the famous chef and owner, Wandie Ndala.

The day ended at another cultural dinner with the local GIA staff; more music, dance and African flair erupted during the evening. Norma Jean sat with an entertaining young South African from Durban, and my dinner partner was a very engaging Mozambique gentleman, who was so proud of his success at GIA and the fact that he was able to send money to his family back home.

On our final day in Africa, we traveled outside Johannesburg to the Cullinan diamond mine for an informative tour with the head of the mine. This mine is considered to be one of the most famous; it’s where the Cullinan Heritage diamond was found a few years ago, and where several large (over 20 carats each) rare blue diamonds have recently been found. We visited seven

years ago, but this tour was even more exceptional with a new mine operator and the knowledge of all the diamonds that have been unearthed. We were able to go to the command center, where they monitor all the underground mechanisms of the mine production, and the final room where all the diamonds are retrieved. I couldn’t help thinking of Get Smart as we went through about a dozen locked door chambers to get into this small room, where a vacuum system moved the diamonds from the mine to the secure area. Someone asked, “How do you get the rough crystals to the next facility?” and the answer was astonishing: on days and times that are constantly changing, two helicopters land almost simultaneously and are on the ground no longer than 45 seconds before they move to the next secure facility. Fascinating!

On the way home, there was time for more movies, writing this story, eating and sleeping. What a trip!

;I [SYPH PMOI XS HIHMGEXI XLMW WXSV] XS 8E[Á G *EVEL +-%¸W :MGI 4VIWMHIRX SJ +PSFEP (IZIPSTQIRX E KSSH JVMIRH ERH E KVIEX EQFEWWEHSV JSV +-% who passed away unexpectedly during our trip. % WTIGMEP XLERO ]SY XS /IZMR .EQIW SYV TLSXSKVETLIV who followed us throughout the trip. He is a wonderful and persistent gentleman best known in South Africa as Nelson Mandela’s family photographer.

Pictured: Q Wandies restaurant buffet in Soweto Q Traditional dancing at boma in Gaborone Q Parcels of rough diamonds Q John and Norma Green at an Argentinian restaurant

COLLECTIONS

ORGANIC HARMONY

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

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

—David Yurman

A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SPOTLIGHT

Golden and White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings set in white gold, with the option of detachable studs. $56,000

Multi-colored Golden, White and Black South Sea cultured pearl gradient necklace with pavĂŠ diamond clasps may be worn as one long or two separate strands. $98,000

OPTIONS ABOUND

Pearls in Motion multi-colored Black South Sea cultured pearl gradient necklacee, with pearls that may be adjusted along the chain to be worn as a necklace or a lariat. $7,900

Mikimoto celebrates 120 years of luster.

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ew this year in celebration of Mikimoto’s 120th anniversary, these gorgeous South Sea pearl pieces each feature an interchangeable element. The unique designs offer the versatility to wear Mikimoto pearls in an infinite number of ways, making the possibilities endless.

Feast your eyes on these tantalizing treasures from the sea.

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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 .

WHAT’S COOKIN’ from LBG

Cold Zucchini “Noodle” Salad Prep time 30 min

Makes 5 cups

Ingredients · 5 medium zucchini · 2 teaspoons sea salt or Sel Magique · 1 tablespoon olive oil · 1 cup pitted kalamata black olives, sliced · 1 cup fresh basil, chopped · Toasted almonds to sprinkle on top Directions · Peel zucchini with a julienne peeler, making your “noodles”. · Add olives, basil and sprinkle with sea salt. · Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine. · Sprinkle toasted almonds on top. · For a little zing, you could add a few red pepper flakes.

Serve as a side dish or top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a meal.

From top right: Serving bowls by Rosenthal · Spirit white serving bowl $86 · Format white serving bowl $200 · Tac 2 large white serving bowl $260 · Suomi white serving bowl $260 Bottom left: “HOTEL LUX” 77 piece stainless flatware set $179

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GOOD LOOKIN’ from LBG

Look for us here

MADE IN USA From top left: Hand-turned wood bowls by Andrew Pearce · Champlain Cherry bowls 10” $85 · 13” $185 · 17” $385 · Willoughby Maple bowls 10” $85 · 13” $185 · 17” $385 Center left: Salad servers, shown in green recycled horn and colored resin $98

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WE BOSTON from LBG

From top left: · New snow globe designed exclusively by/for LBG reflecting the Boston swan boats $98 · Evocateur Boston cuff $338 · Hand-painted enamel boxes, Boston swan boat or USS Constitution $200 · Pewter duck frame $70 · Alex Woo little MLB Boston Red Sox pendant in 14k yellow gold $848, 14k white gold with diamonds $1,048 and sterling silver $178 · Annie Modica Boston tray $245, wastebasket $319 and tissue box $155 · The Touch Entering Boston charm in sterling silver $50

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The All-New Redesigned 2014 Lexus IS

Being Elite is earned by trust.

Hoffman Lexus

750 Connecticut Boulevard, East Hartford 860.525.3987 / hoffmanlexus.com

PROFILE

BACK IN THE

U.S. GROOVE

Shinola puts the shine back on Made in America. JACQUELIN CARNEGIE

O

nce upon a time, America streamlined of designs, Shinola’s creative had a proud tradition director, Daniel Caudill, set the tone for the of manufacturing and look and style of the products, then began craftsmanship. But in recent years, due hiring and training. In addition, the to economic considerations, most of the company partnered with a select group of business of making things has been high-quality, family-owned businesses in outsourced to Asia and India.

America’s heartland for the acquisition of A few years ago, Bedrock goods and parts.

Manufacturing in Dallas decided to The watches, which feature quartz buck the trend by launching and Argonite movements, are hand assembled investing in innovative and creative by a team that underwent extensive Top: The Runwell features hand-assembled quartz Argonite movements.

Inset: Shinola’s bicycle models include The Bixby and The Runwell.

U.S.-based companies. To create a training by Ronda Ltd., a top Swiss-based company to make beautifully styled, watch firm. Shinola’s bicycle frames are made-in-America watches, bicycles and leather goods, Bedrock made at Waterford Precision Cycles in Wisconsin, then custom assembled acquired the rights to an iconic American brand name: Shinola, once a by specially trained experts in the Detroit plant. The quality leather for famous shoe polish (and the origin of the old expression about not watch straps and a collection of leather goods comes from Horween’s, a knowing “shit from Shinola”).

Chicago-based factory known for its time-honored techniques and skilled The next bold decision was to base this new Shinola in Detroit, once craftspeople. These leather items are assembled by the Eric Scott the heart of American manufacturing. The city already had a surplus of company, a premier manufacturer of custom leather goods in Ste. highly skilled, underemployed workers, so Shinola opened a state-of-theGenevieve, Missouri. Shinola also has a line of linen-covered journals with art factory in an historic Detroit building, the former design headquarters acid-free paper produced by Edwards Brothers Malloy in Ann Arbor for General Motors and the current site of The College for Creative Michigan, known for its top-caliber production and paper.

Studies, a leading institution for art and design education that was The items all bear Shinola’s ‘Built in Detroit’ tagline. If all goes well, looking for creative businesses as tenants. the brand plans to expand its product line to a whole range of lifestyle With a goal to create the highest-quality items with the most goods, all made right here in the USA.

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AN T H ROP OLOG I E AN N TAY LOR B AN AN A R E P UB LI C B O N E FI SH G R I LL B R O O K S B R OTH E R S B U R T O N S G R I LL C H I C O’S J.CREW LUX BOND & GREEN P O T T E R Y B AR N S E P H OR A T A LB OTS

style A L F R E S C O

T E D ’ S M ON TAN A G R I LL T H E LI M I TE D W I L L I AM S - SONOM A

L.L.Bean, Old Navy and over 60 of the most coveted shops and restaurants East of the River , WR H[LW f 6RXWK :LQGVRU &7 f ZZZ 7KH3URPHQDGH6KRSV$W(YHUJUHHQ:DON FRP f

PROFILE How has your design sensibility changed over the years?

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

Are your designs still focused on gold?

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

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

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

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

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

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

BALANCING ACT

Who are your heroes?

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

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

What in your life are you most proud of?

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

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

KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

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

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

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

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

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LBG WATCHES

RAYMOND WEIL

SHINOLA

MOVADO

CORUM

LIFE is about MOMENTS BAUME & MERCIER BREITLING CARTIER CORUM DAVID YURMAN MICHELE

BREITLING

MONTBLANC MOVADO PATEK PHILIPPE RAYMOND WEIL ROLEX SHINOLA SWISS ARMY TAG HEUER TUDOR

BAUME & MERCIER

CARTIER

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY

TAG HEUER

G-SHOCK

Not all watch brands are available in every Lux Bond & Green store. Please call for more details. 800.524.7336

freelancer collection

WATCHES

ICONS IN TIME ROBERTA NAAS

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

THE CARRERA This year marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary TAG Heuer Carrera. The first was introduced in 1963, and it has since been worn by legendary drivers and celebrities. Jack Heuer, who conceived of the watch, was inspired by the Carrera de Pan American races.

“That was the most dangerous race. Drivers would travel at speeds of about 160 miles per hour over rough terrain. In five years, 35 people were killed; they had to stop the races,” explains Heuer. “But that was the first I had heard the name Carrera — I knew I had to use it for a watch. It was sexy. It meant something. It was a perfect name.” The first Carrera was an incredibly legible chronograph, and while the line has evolved, it has remained true to that creed of legibility. This 50th Anniversary Jack Heuer Carrera, in stores this October, features the house-made 1887 caliber and is stopwatch inspired, with crown at 12:00. It also offers pulsometer and tachymeter scale.

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©2013 movado group, inc.

KERRY WASHINGTON, ACCLAIMED ACTOR. CERENA™ MODERN WHITE CERAMIC AND STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN WITH NEW DIAMOND BEZEL.

THE CALATRAVA Just over 80 years old, the Patek Philippe Calatrava has remained committed to its original design philosophy for eight decades. First unveiled to the world in 1932, the sleek round watch with its elegant case and immediately identifiable hobnail pattern was, at the time, an avant-garde design. Created in the pursuit of perfection, the Calatrava fast became an iconic timepiece, embodying everything a pure dress watch should be. The Calatrava collection predominantly consists of simple three-hand and time/date pieces. This newest Calatrava Ref. 5227G in 18K white gold houses a mechanical self-winding movement and offers a sweep seconds hand and date aperture. Classically elegant, with an invisible hinge dust cover, it is nonetheless water resistant to 30 meters.

THE TANK The iconic Cartier Tank was unveiled in 1917, and it remains a strong symbol of the brand more than 100 years later. For the creation of the original Tank watch, Louis Cartier was inspired by the massive tanks of the First World War. It was immediately welcomed and became a global best-seller for the brand. Cartier has since evolved the Tank into several different collections, including the Tank Francaise, the Tank Americaine and the Tank Louis, each of which honors and pays tribute to the original Tank in style, but with its own visionary and contemporary appeal. This manual Tank Louis Cartier watch is crafted in 18K rose gold.

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GWA1100-1A3

Absolute TOUGHNESS

©2013 CASIO AMERICA, INC.

SOLAR POWERED

ATOMIC TIMEKEEPING

A SOLAR PANEL COMBINED WITH A LARGE-CAPACITY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY ENABLES THIS IMPRESSIVE SOLAR TIMEPIECE TO RUN SMOOTHLY UNDER ANY LIGHT WITH NO BATTERY REPLACEMENT.

TRIPLE G RESIST

MULTI-BAND TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES TIME CALIBRATION SIGNALS AUTOMATICALLY FROM UP TO SIX TRANSMITTERS AROUND THE WORLD (US, UK, GERMANY, JAPAN X 2 AND CHINA).

THIS TECHNOLOGY ALSO ADJUSTS FOR LEAP YEAR AND DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.

This tough structure is built to withstand 3 types of gravitational acceleration in the form of shocks, centrifugal force and vibrations.

- Shock-Resistant Structure

- Centrifugal Force Resistance

- Vibration Resistance

TREND REPORT

CONFIDENT

CHIC

Daring designs make this a season to celebrate!

LORRAINE DEPASQUE

I

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

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

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

everyone was dressed to the nines.

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

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

Cocktail rings are one

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On-trend Gems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE ADVICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B R I D A L

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S E C T I O N

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

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

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

IMAGE COURTESY PRECISION SET

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

PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY. Weight Carat 1.53

ColorE Grade Grade Clarity VS1

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Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621 Natural Diamond Not Synthetic

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Falling IN LOVE

AT LUX BOND & GREEN

EVERY BOX HAS A STORY.

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LBG WEDDINGS

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1. Mr. and Mrs. Frank DiDomenico (Marzena Wooten) 4.28.2013 3. Jennifer Levine and Nathaniel Brogadir 9.02.2012

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2. Kathryn Bowman and Carl Verderame 6.02.2012 4. Lisa and Peter Tolisano 5.10.2013

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LBG WEDDINGS

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5. Catherine Croce and Stephen Carrabba 6.25.2011 6. Alyssa Tolisano Davis and Jeffrey S. Davis 9.22.2012 7. Kaitlin Halloran and Kelvin Roldan 8.11.2012 8. Anabela Tavares and Matthew E. Kelner 4.22.2013

LBGreen.com

THE RING

BY LORRAINE D E PASQUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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S E C T I O N

IMAGES COURTESY CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS, PRECISION SET, CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS

Engaging Colors Beyond White Diamonds

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THE DRESS

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

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

GownEnvy

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

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

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

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

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

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S E C T I O N

THE MEMORIES

BY ELISE DIAMANTINI

Capturing theMoment A VINTAGE FEEL Super 8 Films creates vintage-looking videos using super 8 film and retro video cameras. “I like the look and feel of older formats,” explains owner Megan Hill. “The final aesthetic is similar to what people like about Instagram filters. You can choose the pretty, soft look, a retro look with color reversal, or traditional black and white.” The goal is not to create long, boring movies that show every detail of the day, but to capture the overall feeling and emotion. Hill tries to “catch the natural moments: nothing is posed, we don’t ask anyone to do anything over. And we’re not ‘wedding paparazzi.’ Our style is to use minimal equipment.” Super 8 is a silent format, so added music plays an important role. (As a former DJ, she has a large selection of options.) The final edit will range from eight to 20 minutes, and prices average around $5,000.

SAME-DAY EDITS Imagine your wedding dinner is just coming to a close. The lights go down, a screen goes up and your wedding video begins to play. Same-day edits are becoming increasingly popular, says B R I D A L

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Zugelter. “They’re even better when you surprise your guests. I’ve seen couples surprise their parents; once a bride even surprised the groom. He was speechless!” Couples are encouraged to be introduced, cut the cake and have their first dance before the last edit, in order to include it all in the final version. Zugelter and his team record sound, so vows and speeches can be included in the film if you wish. Studio Z’s same-day edits are about four to five minutes long; prices average around $5,500.

POPPING THE QUESTION Proposal films are another recent trend.

Justin says they’re lots of fun because they tend to be very creative. “They take a lot of planning and attention to detail, and it’s a collaborative effort between me and the person proposing. The videos are usually more public, but they can also be private and intimate. For example, Luck was a video I filmed about a guy who felt unlucky until he met his wife. The film opens with him talking about his unlucky life, and then cuts to when he met his now-wife. He had filmed a lot of the special moments throughout their relationship, so we use some of his footage and end with him proposing and her reaction; it’s very emotional.” Proposal films can range from two to 10 minutes depending on how elaborate the plan.

SAVE THE DATE Save the date videos are an innovative way to get the word out to your loved ones. Couples typically send a postcard or a magnet, but now they’re including a URL directing guests to a website to watch a short film. Justin remembers one couple planning to get married on October 19th: they filmed in NYC on 10th and 19th Streets; they took a cab ride and stopped the meter at $10.19. It’s a cute way to get guests excited, and it will be just as much fun to watch as it was to make.

S E C T I O N

IMAGE COURTESY STUDIO Z FILMS

Those tacky, lengthy wedding videos that you may (or may not) have watched before are long gone! Taking their place are artsy, beautifully edited short films that capture the essence of your wedding. “My goal is for people who may not know the bride and groom to walk away feeling like they do,” says Steve Zugelter of Studio Z Films. “When future generations of the family watch the film, they can see how she walked, how she smiled, who she was…”

To tell your unique story, “We discuss story points in a preliminary meeting,” explains Michael Justin of Michael Justin Films. “We want to know about the most meaningful people and moments so we’re sure to highlight them.” Here, we explore several of the new cinematic styles.

Committed to perfection in all that we do‌

Harry Kotlar Jewels celebrate impeccable old-world craftsmanship and resonate with timeless sophistication. Handcrafted primarily in platinum, our collection is designed to last and wear beautifully for generations.

THE DIAMONDS

AJourney Gems Your search for the perfect diamond engagement ring can be overwhelming enough without having to worry that the stones you choose were mined safely and ethically. Luckily, as part of the De Beers group of companies, the world’s foremost diamond experts for over 120 years, Forevermark can guarantee the conflict-free origins and unsurpassed quality of each of its stones.

Forevermark diamonds only come from sources that are committed to the highest business, social and environmental standards. Not only are they conflict-free, but they actively benefit the people, communities and countries from which they originate. Each and every partner must meet the Forevermark Integrity Requirements, a groundbreaking set of rigorous standards for the diamond industry. The world’s leading independent auditor, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), continually inspects and monitors every Forevermark partner to ensure compliance with these standards. This ongoing process ensures that the supply chain is deemed responsible at every stage.

Once the responsibly mined stones arrive at The Forevermark Diamond Institute in Antwerp, Belgium, expert gemologists assess each one according to the most rigorous criteria in the industry. The diamonds are then beautifully cut and crafted, using skill and artistry passed down through generations by a select group of master craftsmen called Forevermark Diamantaires. After a polished stone is deemed worthy of B R I D A L

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the designation, the Forevermark icon and a unique identification number are inscribed on its table facet. Ultimately, less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to bear this inscription.

Invisible to the naked eye, the actual size of the Forevermark inscription is only 1/20th of a micron deep and can only be seen using a special viewer available at authorized jewelers. It is confirmed by leading gemological institutes that the Forevermark inscription does not affect the internal quality of a diamond in any way. The Forevermark icon inscribed on each diamond is simply a promise that the diamond has been carefully selected to meet Forevermark’s standards of beauty, rarity and responsibility.

The expert gemologists then personally approve each exclusive Forevermark Diamond Grading Report — about the shape and size of a passport — with meticulous attention to detail. The cut, color, clarity and caratage of each diamond are clearly identified, along with the unique identification number inscribed on the diamond and a specifically designed security hologram, providing reassurance that the Forevermark Diamond Grading Report is valid and genuine.

As you select your perfect Forevermark diamond, your authorized jeweler will present you with this Forevermark Diamond Grading Report, an accurate blueprint of the one diamond you’ll want to spend the rest of your life with.

S E C T I O N

I S

M Y

E V E RY T H I N G

THE CENTER OF MY UNIVERSE™ FROM FOREVERMARK

© 2 0 1 3 FO R E V E R M A R K . FO R E V E R M A R K ®,

Less than one percent of the world ’s diamonds c an c arr y the Forevermark inscription — a promise that each is beautif ul, rare and responsibly sourced .

® , C E N T E R O F M Y U N I V E R S E ™ A N D S H E I S M Y E V E R Y T H I N G ™ A R E T R A D E M A R K S O F T H E D E B E E R S G R O U P O F C O M PA N I E S .

S H E

Forevermark is part of the De Beers group of companies.

Red Carpet

DAVE M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGES

BRAD PITT at the London premiere of World War Z

PIAGET

BRIT MARLING at the New York premiere of The East

DREAMY IN BLACK &WHITE Bling shines bright against fashion’s timeless palette.

STUART C. WILSON/GETTY IMAGES FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

CHARRIOL

ZOE SALDANA at the London premiere of Star Trek: Into Darkness

AMBER VALLETTA at an EIF Women’s Cancer Research Fund event

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PIAGET

NORMAN SILVERMAN/KATERINA MAXINE

LUCIAN CAPELLARO/GETTY IMAGES FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES

MIREILLE ENOS at the London premiere of World War Z

PATRICIA CLARKSON at the New York Premiere of The East

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

JANELLE MONAE at the BET Awards

CLIVE OWEN at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival

CARRIE PRESTON at the True Blood Season 6 premiere 64

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

STATE ROOM

LIZA MINELLI at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center

Sustenpass Switzerland

MAVERICK 3-year warranty I Swiss Made I 43 mm I Water resistant to 100 meters

MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE

PERFECTGEMS EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

For over 60 years the Italians have kept Franciacorta pretty much to themselves. This lively and sophisticated sparkling wine from the Lombardy region is not only considered the best in Italy, but many connoisseurs regard it as one of the finest sparkling wines in the world. The most prestigious Franciacorta is produced by award-winning oenologist Mattia Vezzola at Bellavista, a nearly 500-acre vineyard owned by the Moretti family. To help celebrate the season, Bellavista Franciacorta is now available at chic shops across America. (Impress your guests with the top marque, Vittorio Moretti Millesimato Extra Brut 2004.) If you want to experience Franciacorta at the source, visit L’Albereta, the Morettis’ beautiful Relais & Chateaux villa overlooking the vineyards and Lake Iseo, to taste the wines and wander the picturesque Lombardy countryside.

PRIVACY ON THE HIGH SEAS

With just one cabin, ideal for an amorous couple, the sleek, 100-foot Alexa is the ultimate in romance on the sea, cruising the Indian Ocean and catering to the tender twosome’s every whim. The quarters feature antique and contemporary art, silk rugs, a white ensuite bedroom surrounded by windows, and a balcony for private breakfasts or late-night stargazing. Seven crewmembers include the captain, the cruise directors (who are also dive masters), the chef (who prepares gourmet food paired with excellent wines), and because the Alexa is co-owned by Talika, the innovative French cosmetic brand, a resident skin therapist. The ardent duo decides the schedule, activities and itinerary: dive to untouched coral reefs, explore uninhabited islands, have a massage or a full program of personalized beauty treatments, swim naked with manta rays... or just make love all day.

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CREATURES AND COMFORTS

JOHN ALDERSON/CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the heart of the 75,000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, the Molori Safari Lodge is a captivating combination of stylish interior design and fascinating wildlife. The five suites’ interiors are by Fendi, Kenneth Cobonpue and Philipp Plein. There are wooden decks, private infinity pools and fully retractable floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Molori’s cuisine is under the direction of gourmet chefs, who prepare meals from local ingredients and serve them alongside South African wines. Outside, there’s fishing in the Groot Marico River or golf at nearby courses. The view from the swimming pool includes a watering hole that attracts black and white rhino and zebras. And there are elephants, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, brown hyenas, hippopotami and more than 340 bird species, most of which can be seen during one of the customized game drives.

CELEBRATING STYLE

YOUR VERY OWN CHOCOLATE

The Chicago History Museum is currently presenting Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair. Beginning in 1958 and continuing for 50 years, the Ebony Fashion Fair traveling fashion show blossomed into an American institution that raised millions for charity. The Chicago History Museum presentation, one of the largest special exhibitions in the museum’s history, introduces visitors to Eunice Walker Johnson, who became Ebony Fashion Fair’s producer and director in 1963 and brought the pinnacle of European fashion to communities that were eager to see new images of black America. The 7,000-square-foot display, with over 60 magnificent garments from designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Givenchy, Christian LaCroix and Patrick Kelly, will be running through the winter.

Tache Artisan Chocolate on New York City’s Lower East Side is the creation of Aditi Malhotra, a graduate of the Glion Institute in Switzerland and the French Culinary Institute. Her handcrafted confections, made from Peruvian, Venezuelan, Brazilian and Belgian chocolate (no artificial colorings, flavorings or additives) include gold dusted Champagne truffles, chocolates with imported orange and lemon peel, and the remarkable tequila bonbon, a dark chocolate shell filled with tequila ganache and topped off with fleur de sel and lime. Malhotra also makes and ships personalized chocolates, filled or mixed with just about anything: an abundance of fruit… nuts and spices… a favorite vintage wine or liqueur... maybe even blue cheese. The sky (or at least the Milky Way) is the limit.

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FITNESS

LETTING GO

A

erial yoga is a new form of yoga practice, but it’s quickly gaining traction across the world. As a support prop, students use a silk or nylon hammock anchored to the ceiling to assist in performing zero-compression inversions. Most classes are 60 to 90 minutes long and allow for around 12 students, depending on the number of hammocks a particular studio has installed. The support allows students to get into the full expression of postures without overstretching or straining, so it’s the perfect complement to any yoga practice. It’s no wonder celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Katie Couric and Mariah Carey are fans.

Michelle Dortignac, creator of Unnata Aerial Yoga, came up with her style while she was teaching Vinyasa yoga and taking aerial acrobatics classes. She realized that the acrobatics worked her core in a completely different way, and she also recognized that getting into backbends was easier and less painful. So she created a style of yoga that utilizes a hammock suspended in the air, to bring the best of both worlds into one practice.

Harmony Hofner, owner of Flying Fitness, was trained by Dortignac and now offers Unnata Aerial Yoga at her studio in Costa Rica. She explains that “practitioners are guided to discover a deeper awareness of self through an accessible and playful yoga practice. In each of our aerial classes, one trains in flexibility, strength, mobility and agility while experiencing joy. I enjoy setting people free from their normal routines and helping them deepen their yoga practices.”

Christopher Harrison, who developed suspension fitness and AntiGravity Aerial Yoga, says some people are scared to try it. ”But if they

can do three sit-ups, one push-up and can hold plank position for 10 seconds, then they can do it,” he asserts. “We even offer AntiGravity restorative yoga, where the hammock is only eight inches off the ground.

The hammock allows you to open space in the body and decompress the spine. It’s also a low-impact cardio workout for your whole body… and it’s fun! We swing, we spin, we flip, we play.”

In addition, aerial yoga helps alleviate chronic tension and pain. “You can injure yourself by overstretching, or by not having enough strength or stability for certain postures,” says Dortignac. “The suspension helps alleviate this. Holding constant tension will affect your brain, breathing and emotions, so we’re teaching people how to let go of it. I think of my classes as therapeutic and restorative.

We do challenging movements, but always with the ultimate goal of finding fuller breath and alignment.”

And as Hofner points out, “This kind of conditioning is a great cross-training technique for other sports, guaranteed to give athletes a competitive edge while restoring bodies to reach their maximum potential.”

Catalina Segura Rojas, an aerial yoga student, says that this style of yoga has helped relieve her back pain and stress. “I’m in med school, which can be stressful! I sit for long periods of time, which isn’t good for my back, and I was always tired. However, since I started yoga, I haven’t had any of these problems!”

Students should wear clothing that covers the backs of their knees, and because some of the poses are upside down, it’s best not to come on a full stomach. Most important, says Harrison, is that first-timers approach the practice with an open mind. “Our motto is ‘Open up, be free.’ You’re only as young as your spine is flexible and your mind is open.”

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IMAGES COURTESY SACRED SOUNDS

Aerial yoga is a high-flying workout for body and mind. ELISE DIAMANTINI

FOOD

GULF GOURMET

The food’s haute in Low Country. SHIRA LEVINE

CHEF STEVE ZUCKER

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

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

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

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

Why is the South such a special place for food?

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

What has influenced you as a chef?

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

What are your favorite dishes?

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

And there is nothing better than a good gumbo.

What about non-southern food? Likes or dislikes?

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

S

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

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

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

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

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IMAGE TOP LEFT GETTY 1

Corporate chef for Aloha Hospitality based in Orange Beach, Alabama

SEREIN DIAMOND MOON PHASE ON BLACK ALLIGATOR

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

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

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

What makes Mississippi so special for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are your personal comfort foods?

Shrimp, chicken and veggies prepared Asian style.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s your favorite restaurant other than your own?

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

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TRAVEL

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

W

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

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

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

Above: The Castello Banfi castle and vineyards.

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

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

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Below: Gordon Castle room and exterior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘‘I

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

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WINE

OPUS ONE

Chatting with the maker of one of the world's most iconic blends.

ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

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Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci

around. But as you taste the vintages, you find there's a consistency, a mouth feel and texture that helps define Opus One each year."

Silacci also isn't afraid to continue to explore the potential of the wine, whether through scientific means (he introduced nighttime harvesting to catch the grapes at their plumpest, and added parfumist/scientist Alexander Schmidt to the roster of people who analyze the blend each vintage), through management (vine workers are specifically trained and dedicated to harvesting grapes for Opus One, and everyone from harvesters to accountants have a hand in finalizing each vintage) or through sheer gut instinct, as in 2006 when "two beautiful lots of Petit Verdot" inspired him to risk co-fermenting the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

"My gut feeling was that it would work."

Silacci is also adamant that, while Opus One is a top-tier wine, it displays an aura of welcomeness. The winery recently opened its doors to visitors (by appointment online, though you can often secure an appointment when you drop in), and though the wine is crafted to age well for 20 years or more, it's also plenty tasty upon bottling (unlike some of the stuffier Bordeaux).

"When you taste a newly released Opus One, it's not masked by oak, since we age in new French oak. That tells me that the wine has substance and the oak is just one component. It also tells me the wine is going to age."

IMAGES COURTESY OPUS ONE WINES

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mong serious wine fans and collectors, a handful of truly iconic wines stand out, revered for their longevity (like the Premier Cru houses in Bordeaux), their innovation (as when the Super Tuscans dared to introduce French grapes to Italian wine culture), or the sheer quality of their product. Like Latour, Ornellaia and Stag's Leap, Oakville-based Opus One wows connoissuers and collectors alike with its product. Unlike the other labels, however, Opus One is dedicated to producing only one expression each vintage: a Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend with a Bordeaux influence and a decidedly Californian approach.

"Everything about Opus One, from the buildings to the vineyards to the principles of viticulutre, was made by consensus," says winemaker Michael Silacci. The winery was created in 1980 by two giants in the wine world: Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The idea was that a serious, Premier Cru Bordeaux-style wine could be created in California's Napa Valley, which was only just establishing its claim as a serious wine region. Silacci joined the group in 2001 as a DOVE (director of viticulture and oenology) before being appointed winemaker in 2004.

"The entire focus is on creating a single red wine," says Silacci. "To keep that sense of purpose, you need to have a very deep understanding about what you're doing." He also stresses that they're not making the same wine each year, but adjusting the blend (using Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec) as growing conditions require. "Malbec (introduced to the blend in 1994) adds spice and character; Petit Verdot (first introduced in 1997) adds structure. "It may seem, if you look at the varietal composition, that we're bouncing all

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Create a charm bracelet one memory at a time.

BOOKS

THE ART OF

FASHION

Coffee table ‘candy’ as tasty to look at as it is to read. JEFFREY FELNER

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t a time when it seems our entire world has been digitized, many of us still find it a great comfort to indulge in the luxury of a ‘real’ book. The subjects of these five unique titles range from legendary style icons to some of the greatest designers of the 20th century. For the fashionably curious friends in your life, give the holiday gift that will last a lifetime: the gift of great style. treasure trove of shoe design, reminding us that in the 1950s, among Bally, Delman, Beth Levine, David Evins and the Julianellis, Vivier was the master of them all. His forward-looking designs were the precursors to modern footwear, works of wearable art that graced the shelves of fine shoe salons the world over. He was the innovator, the inventor, the prodigy who inspired an industry.

Audrey in Rome by Luca Dotti is a love letter from an adoring son to his wonderful mother. The book remembers Hepburn in the most endearing, iconic and, at times, melancholy way, though it never descends to the maudlin or schmaltzy.

We are treated to candid photographs that celebrate a woman with unrivaled star power and charisma.

Roger Vivier by Virginie Mouzat and Colombe Pringle is a

C. Z. Guest: American Style Icon by Susanna Salk reminds us it’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it. Style, while it can be refined and cultivated over time, must come from an innate inner quality that cannot be bought or passed down genetically. Guest has been compared to a real live Tracy Lord — the part played by

Grace Kelly in High Society — but with more humor, less entitlement, less gravitas and much more pizzazz.

Empress of Fashion: A Life of Diana Vreeland by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart takes the reader on a journey from Vreeland’s childhood through to her death, sharing information that was never before assembled within one volume. This is a full photographic rendition of Vreeland’s life that includes her parents, sister, adoring husband, children and grandchildren. It is a rare and welcome view of her private life, which is so often overlooked in favor of the glossy (and more obvious) aspects of her life as a public figure.

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The Master of Us All: Balenciaga, His Workrooms, His World by Mary Blume is as much a series of short stories as it is a biography of this rarely written-about designer.

Blume compiles years of interviews with the few intimates who survive one of the greatest international fashion designers that ever lived. Chiefly, she spoke to colleagues Hubert de Givenchy, mentored by Balenciaga and also a friend for many years, and Florette, a vendeuse at Balenciaga’s salon for many decades and the primary source of most of the neverbefore-heard stories.

Jeffrey Felner is a fashion writer and critic. Find more of his book reviews at nyjournalofbooks.com.

Guilloche CiselĂŠ Mocha Brown The deep matte surface combined with the shimmering engraving creates a unique and very pleasant feel. The highly polished rhodium plated cap, end piece and grip contrast beautifully with the engraved barrel.

Hand-made 18k gold nib, rhodium plated.

© D.YURMAN 2013

LUX BOND & GREEN ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/WINTER 2013