Lux Bond & Green by Accent Magazine

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COLOR TO YOUR LIFE!

Spring & Summer

JEWELRY MUST-HAVES

Wedding

CELEBRATIONS LBG'S SPECIAL COUPLES

The Art of

TIMEKEEPING THE WATCH HISTORY EXHIBITION

The O riginator of Cult ure d Pe arls.

S i n c e 18 9 3 .

CON T E N TS

4 Welcome Letter

PRESIDENT AND CEO JOHN A. GREEN

6 What’s Happening

VICE CHAIRMAN MARC A. GREEN

8 Service, Repair & Restoration

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DAVID BONNEY

10 The Digital World of Lux Bond & Green

MARKETING DIRECTOR

12 LBG Featured Jewelry

MAUREEN CONNELLY

18 Spotted: As Seen On…

GRAPHIC DESIGNER MICHAIL K. SHAW

20 Custom Design Studio 22 Trends: Add More Color to Your Life! 24 LBG Wedding Registry 28 Boston Gifts

FRONT COVER: A rainbow of multicolored sapphires in Polly Wales’ stunning six-disk drop earrings in 18K gold, $4,400

PUBLISHED BY THE UBM FASHION GROUP PUBLISHER STUART NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

29 New & Noteworthy

DESIGN DIRECTOR HANS GSCHLIESSER

32 Inspiration: Designer Muses

PROJECT MANAGER LISA MENGHI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

34 LBG Watches

MICHELLE BROWN DESIGNER

36 Events: Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition

JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

40 Wheels: The Need for Speed 42 LBG Weddings

PEG EADIE DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS

EVERY BOX HAS A STORY.™

JOHN FRASCONE Jewelry has been enlarged to show

48 Fashion: Attainable Chic

detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices

50 Spirits: Cheers and All the Best 52 Travel: Simply Cuba 54 Top 10: Interior Design Trends

are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability.

West Hartford 46 LaSalle Road (860) 521-3015 Westport 136 Main Street (203) 227-1300 Glastonbury 140 Glastonbury Blvd. (860) 659-8510

56 Culture: What’s Old is New… 58 Men’s Style: Sartorial Luxury 60 Perfect Gems

While we

have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors

omissions.

Accent®

Magazine is a UBM® publication. All

The Shops at the Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT (860) 862-9900 Boston 416 Boylston Street (617) 266-4747

rights reserved. UBM Americas, 2 Penn Plaza, Floor 15, New York, NY 10121. The publishers accept no

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claims, unsolicited manuscripts or other materials. No part of this

62 Food: The Big Cheesy 64 End Page: The Language of Jewelry

magazine

may

reproduced

THE L ADY-DATEJUST The classically feminine Rolex, sized and styled to perfectly match its wearer since 1957. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.

OYSTER PERPE TUAL L ADY-DATEJUST 28

rolex

oyster perpetual and datejust are ® trademarks.

WELCOME It’s truly an exciting time at Lux Bond & Green Jewelers. All the change we’re witnessing in the retail world—brick-and-mortar stores closing, online shops opening and the dominance of Amazon—is both fascinating and disruptive. Our response has been bullish and we’re proud that we can successfully compete by offering products, services and values well beyond industry standards. That said, we won’t rest on our laurels. With a 119-year-old heritage, our family continues to listen and learn in order to further educate our terrific staff, evolve our products and services, and improve your experience in our stores. In fact, with all the new technology and social media, our rich history, stories and relationships can be more readily communicated. Watch for LBG to reach out to you as we continue to transform our legacy business through even stronger brand partnerships in 2017 and beyond. The beautiful jewelry, watch and gift assortments that fill our showcases are more exclusive and more focused than ever. One example: the truly amazing custom jewelry designs being created in our workshops. If you can dream it, we can make it (and in much less

time with technology facilitating the process!). Our staff that you’ve come to know and trust has been working with our family anywhere from three months to 30 years. We’re proud of our non-commissioned associates, our management team and our family for all their hard work that ultimately leads to lasting memories (the real purpose of jewelry after all...). We sincerely thank you. We know we’re incredibly lucky to have loyal customers who shop with us for all their occasions, recommend us to their friends, and sing our praises for the genuine relationships we’ve built in our stores from day one. We promise to continue our relationship with you on your terms: if you want to be called, we’ll call you. If you prefer email, we’ll email you; text, we’ll text you. If you want our educational and promotional materials, we won’t overdo it. If you choose to shop both online and in-store, we’ll make it easy and fun. Our goal remains exceeding your expectations with beautiful product, exceptional value and personal service for every transaction. As always, it is you, our customers, who are at the core of our commitment to quality, value and community.

Every box has a story™

THE GREEN FAMILY

What's Happening at LBG 1 2

5 4

6 7

1. David Ortiz receives a gold engraved baseball bat created by LBG at his Fenway Park retirement celebration. 2. LBG associates John G., Trish S., Marc G., Peter K., James K., and Dan G. at the Patriots' victory event sponsored by TAG Heuer. 3. LBG and G-Shock were again the OfďŹ cial Timekeepers of the Manchester Road Race. 4. LBG sponsored the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation event in our Glastonbury store, pictured: Glenn Z., Kat B., Sheila F., Donna K., Brenda H. and Dave B. 5. LBG won in the "Best Jeweler" category for the "Best Of" event sponsored by West Hartford Magazine. 6. LBG and Roberto Coin sponsored a special charity event to beneďŹ t the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter in our Glastonbury store, pictured are Jimmy M., Kat B., Donna K., Laurie C., Allyson C., Joanne G., Sheila F. and Bob D. 7. Marc G. in his British attire at the Goodwood Revival event in the UK celebrating the halcyon days of motor racing. Rolex was one of the main sponsors.

It's done what no luxury car has done. Be a Porsche. The first true sports car that’s also a luxury sedan. Step on the accelerator and best in class performance and handling is undeniably present. But now, there’s a new source of exhilaration–executive class comfort. Elegantly crafted leather seats, a remarkably spacious cabin and a sleek ascending center console. With an endless amount of customization options. In short, the world’s most thrilling contradiction. Experience it for yourself, with a test drive.

The Porsche Panamera.

LBG ~ Service, Repair & Restoration

Our master goldsmiths, hand & machine engravers and Swiss-trained watchmakers give you the assurance that we are a one-stop destination for all your service needs.

JEWELRY SERVICES Free jewelry cleaning and inspection Jewelry repair and restoration Custom design and fabrication Pearl and bead restringing WATCH AND CLOCK SERVICES Factory authorized service center Strap replacement Battery replacement and water sealing Bracelet sizing Watch cleaning and restoration Polishing of cases, crystals and bracelets Clock repair (including grandfather clocks)

APPRAISAL SERVICES Our team of CertiďŹ ed Gemologist Appraisers accredited by the Gemological Institute of America and American Gem Society, as well as our experienced silver appraisers, can help with your insurance, replacement and estate needs. Estate jewelry, gold, silver and diamond purchasing. SILVERWARE, METAL AND GLASS SERVICES Hand and machine engraving Polishing, restoration and repair including replating and Glass etching

ADDITIONAL SERVICES Wedding and gift registry Crane invitations Corporate gifts and incentive rewards Free gift-wrapping

LBG VALUE GUARANTEE Your investment in solitaire diamonds from Lux Bond & Green never depreciates. Bring them in at any time towards a larger more expensive diamond.

#E VERY B OX H AS AS TORY EXPERIENCE THE DIGITAL WORLD OF LUX BOND & GREEN

LBGREEN.COM SHOP/LEARN/JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Designer Jewelry Fine Swiss Watches Gift Registry Diamonds Birthday Club Upcoming Events and more...

The Artisan Handcrafted Classic Chain Collection

John Hardy and Classic Chain Collection are Registered Trademarks.

LBG ~ Feature

THE SEASON'S MUST-HAVES...

Introducing

GUMUCHIAN

E F

A. Temple St. Clair classic Fan earrings with mesmerizing royal blue moonstone, $2,300, in 18K gold. B. Marco Bicego Paradise Collection with cool blue-green aquamarine for spring and summer, necklace, $2,180, earrings, $920, and bracelet, $3,540. All in 18K gold. C. Evocateur wide cuff in Palm Desert, 1.5” wide, $310, in 22K gold leaf over brass. D. Introducing Gumuchian, jewelry designed by women for women. “B” Collection honeycomb hug earrings with diamonds, $4,000, in 18K gold. Proﬁts from the sale of the “B” Collection support City Growers’ Honeybee Education programs. E. Moon & star pendant, $395. Three-star pendant, $395, both with diamonds in 14K gold. F. Evocateur Palm Desert two-part necklace, $275, 22K gold leaf over brass with 17” 14K gold-plated chain.

SPRING 2017 STATEMENT MAKERS...

A. David Yurman’s new arrival, the Continuance Collection: Drop earrings, $550, in sterling silver. Center twist hinged bangle, 6mm wide, $3,900, in 18K gold. 5mm band, $1,250, in 18K gold. Collections are available in 18K gold or sterling silver. B. John Hardy Bamboo drop earrings in peach moonstone, $995, in sterling silver. Each purchase from the Bamboo Collection funds the planting of new bamboo seedlings in Bali. C. Exquisite Mikimoto™ 8.00mm cultured Akoya pearl pendant, $920, in 18K gold. D. Evocative of spring, matte-ﬁnish buttercups on lariat chain, $195, in sterling silver. E. Roberto Coin’s exclusive Princess Flower Collection pendant, $840, and earrings, $990, in 18K gold. Currently available in white or yellow 18K gold in various sizes.

LBG ~ Feature

CELEBRATING SPECIAL MOMENTS...

C D

A. Charming Collection of bracelets and charms, starting at $11.50, available celebrating multiple holidays, events and life moments in 10K or 14K gold and sterling silver. B. Lux Birthstone Collection featuring 5mm birthstones with diamond accents. Peridot earrings, $350, pendant, $425, and ring, $550. Available in most birthstones in 18K gold. Price may vary by stone. C. Graduated marquise-shaped blue topaz necklace, $185, on double-strand sterling silver chain. Matching blue topaz earrings, $95, on sterling silver wires. D. Belle Etoile sea turtle bangles with enamel, $525 each. Each purchase will enable a donation to the Sea Turtle Conservancy to help save and protect sea turtles worldwide.

BRIGHT DAYS AND SULTRY NIGHTS...

B C

F E

A. Captivating diamond solitaire earrings, starting at $425, available in 14K or 18K gold and platinum. Diamond wedding bands, part way around or eternity, available starting at $550, in 14K or 18K gold and platinum. B. Delicate diamond pendants for everyday wear: Evil eye with sapphire, $375. Large and small ﬂower, $425. Rose, $475. All in 14K gold. C. Pear shape diamond cluster pendant, $1,675, and matching earrings, $2,380, in 18K gold. D. Fresh and light ﬂexible bangles with diamond accents, $2,225 each, in 18K gold. E. Pavé diamond bar necklace, $110, in sterling silver, available in 14K gold at $425. F. Geometric motif earrings with pavé diamonds: Circle, $325. Arrows, $225. Triangles, $250. Hexagons, $265. Star & Moon, $385. All in 14K gold.

LBG ~ Men’s Jewelry & Accessories SUMMER CASUAL AT ITS BEST...

E G

A. Lead th the ffashion parade in any of these men’s jewelry collections. David Yurman woven leather bracelet with chevron clasp, $375, in sterling silver. B. Gents’ wedding bands in precious and alternative metals, starting at $90. Metals available include tungsten, titanium, cobalt chrome, zirconium, silver, gold and platinum. C. Shinola Runwell 47mm case watch with leather strap, $600. Shinola watches are assembled in Detroit from Swiss-made movements with imported and American parts. D. William Henry bead bracelet of frosted black onyx featuring three unique fossil Apatosaurus dinosaur bone beads accented by sterling silver beads, $595, with sterling silver clasp. Because these are fossils, each piece is unique and may not appear exactly as the item pictured. E. John Hardy black leather chain station bracelet with bronze hook clasp, $350. Montblanc ballpoint pen, $440. Additional styles available. F. Engraveable cuff links, 16mm round, $110, in sterling silver. Fishing lure cuff links, perfect for the angler in your life, $445, in sterling silver and enamel. Double knot cuff links, $275, in sterling silver. G. M-Clip money clip, $79.95, made from solid stainless steel and aircraft-grade aluminum.

spotted

AS SEEN ON â&#x20AC;Ś

Our favorite stars share a love for our favorite brands! BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

Sara Bareilles in Marco Bicego at the Oscars. Katie Holmes in Penny Preville at a film screening.

Janelle Monae in Forevermark at the Golden Globes. 18

Damien Chazelle in Jaeger-LeCoultre with Emma Stone at the Venice Film Festival

Octavia Spencer in Forevermark at the Oscars. Governors Awards. S A P M A e th at n oi C Helen Mirren in Roberto 19

LBG ~ Custom Design Studio

IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT...

WE’LL HELP YOU CREATE IT. The jewelry you wear is an expression of your personality, passions and lifestyle. While creating a custom-designed piece may seem overwhelming, we are experienced at simplifying the process and making even complex designs accessible. Whether it be an engagement ring, pendant, earrings or an heirloom piece you would like to remake, our designers will work together with you to develop a unique design that reﬂects your vision and budget. Our custom design specialists will bring your inspiration to life by combining the latest design technology with our dedication to artistry and ﬁne craftsmanship. Please call to schedule an appointment or visit any one of our seven locations throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Â®ROBERTOCOIN

PRINCESS FLOWER COLLECTION

trends

Add more

COLOR TOYOUR LIFE!

hink about how certain colors can “take you away” to a special place. Give you a feeling, a sense of calm and serenity, or of excitement. That’s what colored gemstones do for me—and I’m not alone. For the lady who usually defers to diamonds, adding color to your collection can seem daunting. Will I have enough opportunities to wear it? Should I get my birthstone? Should I buy a stone to go with a specific outfit? Should I purchase one that represents my anniversary? My advice: you only live once, so take the risk! Own the color that has you entranced and gives you a special feeling inside. Consider your hair shade and complexion, as well as the jewelry you already have in your collection. When a jewel is able to pair well with your existing pieces, like a fine wine paired with a cheese, you’ll know you found the perfect match. If you choose the right gemstone, it can help your personality shine through. Having one in an uncommon cut, such as a checkerboard, can add extra sparkle and shimmer to your look. Or consider the ancient (and now popular again) cabochon cut, which acts like a mirror to reflect different shades and tones of the gem being worn.

Whenever I’m looking at a cut, dimension is the first thing I check for. The ability to catch the eye and make others want to look deeper into the stone is one reason gems are so unique and special. Layering and stacking new colored gem pieces with your existing look can be easier than you think. You don’t always have to be so matchy-matchy; in fact, it’s much more fashion forward not to be! Buy bangles with blue gemstones like aquamarine and blue topaz to stack with your sapphire tennis bracelet. Layer on a necklace in green (the year’s hottest shade) to bring new life to your amethyst pendant. I also find that yellow and orange gemstones can add a splash of freshness to almost any palette popular today. They will play off the light whether day or night, and they look different every time they’re worn. Sapphire, topaz, garnet, citrine, quartz, tourmaline and spinel all come in these bold warming shades. With our favorite designers turning more and more to colored gemstones, it’s easier than ever to add a pop of natural color to your jewelry wardrobe. Start standing out. —BY BENJAMIN GUTTERY

Marco Bicego Mini Jaipur necklace in hand-engraved 18K yellow gold with mixed gemstones.

LBG ~ Wedding Registry

Your registry, like your wedding, is a story about the two of you. We will guide you through creating a wish list for the years to come.

Rise and shine. Coffee or tea? Nespresso or French Press?

LET’S HAVE A DRINK

Let’s have a drink! Be it wine, martinis or your morning OJ, we can make it special in the perfect glass.

PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE Personalize your space with books, picture frames, scented candles and vases. Although monograms go way back to the 6th century B.C., they’re anything but outdated.

LET’S HAVE FUN

Let’s have fun with picnic baskets and accessories for your outdoor space.

We also have gifts for your wedding party, wedding gifts for each of you, and gorgeous wedding rings to seal the deal. Don’t forget the thank yous…you will need stationary too.

LBG ~ Preferred Financing Program

INSTANT CREDIT AVAILABLE* SPECIAL FINANCING OPTIONS* LOW MINIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENTS * Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payment required. Initial account activation in-store only.

Lux Bond & Green is pleased to provide the LBG Preferred Financing Program with the ï¬&#x201A;exibility to help your dreams come true. Our convenient and fast approval process makes it easy and safe to apply. Let our extraordinary selections, service, quality and values earn your trust for a lasting relationship with us.

APPLY TODAY ONLINE OR IN-STORE

oston

F E

From the Little Collegiate & Little MLB Collections by Alex Woo in 14K gold or sterling silver. C. Gravitymaster By G-Shock, $250. D. Red Sox money clip, $55. E. Celtics cuff links, $60. Red Sox cuff links, $40. Patriots cuff links, $125. F. Snow globe designed exclusively by & for LBG, $55. For more Boston merchandise, visit LBGreen.com.

cial Jewel ffi

B. Boston B, $848. Mini Baseball, $48. Boston Bean, $128. Harvard H, $168. Boston B, $178. Mini Clover, $48.

A. Waste basket, $335. Tissue box, $165. Tray, $255. 22x22â&#x20AC;? Pillow, $175. Made by Annie Modica exclusively for LBG.

NEW

& NOTEWORTHY

BREITLING A specialist in technical watches since 1884, Breitling has played a crucial role in the development of the wrist chronograph and remains a leader in this complication. The company is also renowned for its strong following among aviators and those who adore aviation; these enthusiasts will be excited by the new Breitling Avenger Hurricane. This special timepiece, which flaunts a standout 50mm diameter, revolutionizes 21st-century watchmaking with its ultra-sturdy and ultra-light case made of a futuristic, high-tech material called Breitlight. The watch’s sturdy construction features lateral protective reinforcements, while its all-black façade is enhanced by yellow accents and aviation-inspired numerals. Typical of Breitling’s world-class timepieces, the Avenger Hurricane is also extremely reliable thanks to the new Manufacture Breitling Caliber B12.

JOHN HARDY

Launched just last year, John Hardy’s Modern Chain Collection has been embraced by both women and men. This spring sees the introduction of many new styles and the use of rose gold. Inspired by a men’s bracelet from the 1990s, the Modern Chain Collection is a contemporary evolution of the brand’s woven chain bracelets. Handmade in Bali and inspired by Balinese chain-weaving, the minimalist collection creates a new pattern designed with comfort in mind. A modern take on a classic icon, the styles in the collection are smoothed and flattened, creating a new pattern with a fresh, minimal aesthetic. Designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind, the bracelets and necklaces feature flat and slim modular chains. The redesigned chain honors its treasured technique and unique symbolism. Each and every piece is created by five or more artisans and takes upwards of 15 hours to come to life.

LBG ~ Corporate Gifts ts

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M.K.S 11-27-14 1:13:08

Lux Bond & Green is proud to partner with a wonderful group of companies to commemorate all your special occasions. For assistance please contact us at 800.524.7336 ext.1, customerservice@lbgreen.com or visit us at any one of our seven locations.

inspiration

Valentina Bicego

Joyce Lowenstein

MARCO BICEGO

PENNY PREVILLE

“Although I like to draw inspiration for my work from my travels, architecture and the environment around me, my muse is always and forever my wife Valentina. One of my favorite styles I’ve ever created was her wedding band. Valentina is my biggest supporter, so when I asked her to marry me, I wanted to create something that would reflect how much she means to me. In honor of this sentiment, I’ve designed more non-conventional wedding bands for the bride-to-be who is unique and would want something a bit different.”

“My original inspiration was my mother. She was an artist, an interior designer and an antiques dealer. She designed gift items for small boutiques in the 1950s, then opened an antiques shop and did interior design in the 1960s. She was very passionate about her work and passed down her love of the arts and entrepreneurial spirit to me. I was surrounded by creativity, beautiful antiques and jewelry throughout my childhood. Today, my mom is 90 years young and back in college to get her degree in art history. She recently told me she wants to be an art appraiser after she gets her degree! Needless to say, she inspires me every day.”

Designer

MUSES “I always say that I have no muses, as every woman is a potential muse for my jewels. But if I have to think about those women who are icons of style in my mind, I can give you three names. There is Audrey Hepburn for her unforgettable elegance; she would be the perfect woman for my Black Jade XL version pieces, so classic and glamorous as she was. Then there is Maria Callas, an icon of passion besides talent. I would give her my New Barocco biggest pieces; they are just as spectacular as she was. The last one is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a symbol of chameleon femininity. She would have been the perfect woman for my Cento diamond, the only one able to represent all the different facets of her character and beauty.”

Maria Callas

GETTY/DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY

ROBERTO COIN

Â®ROBERTOCOIN

NEW BAROCCO & CENTO COLLECTIONS

LBG ~ Watches

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1898

Lux Bond & Green’s core vision is to help celebrate life’s special occasions by offering the world’s ﬁnest timepieces and an array of distinctive diamonds, jewelry and gifts. As New England’s oldest continuously operating family jeweler, Lux Bond & Green takes great pride in supporting the watch and jewelry dreams of our clientele. Talented designers, certiﬁed gemologists, watchmakers and sales associates who are well versed in the intricate language of

ROLEX TAG HEUER PATEK PHILIPPE BAUME & MERCIER MONTBLANC SWISS ARMY SHINOLA MOVADO TUDOR G-SHOCK BREITLING RAYMOND WEIL Some watch brands are not available in every LBG store. Please call us for more information at 800.524.7336.

horology comprise Lux Bond & Green’s comprehensive team. They also actively engage in a number of initiatives to further their watch-related knowledge and understanding, including in-store brand-sponsored trainings, the thorough reading of enthusiast and trade publications, and a habitual exploration of online watch forums. Lux Bond & Green’s associates agree that customers tend to be more educated in the realm of horology now than in years past. Appropriately, this emphasis on education ensures their ability to successfully address any inquiry that comes their way. Customers delight in our inventory of elite watch brands, which includes the distinguished collections from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Baume & Mercier, Tudor, TAG Heuer, Raymond Weil and more. This composition appeals to a full spectrum of watch enthusiasts, from the individual just beginning a journey of horological discovery to passionate collectors of complicated wares. It is the time-honored tradition of exceptional service, a passion for highly acclaimed Swiss timepieces and unique jewelry, as well as a commitment to serving our communities that has enabled Lux Bond & Green to become the success story we celebrate today.

events

The Art of

PATEK PHILIPPE hosts the quintessential watch history exhibition.

TIMEKEEPING L

arry Pettinelli, president of Patek Philippe US, has a problem. “We’re Patek Philippe; we make an understated luxury product. We didn’t get where we are today by flaunting ostentation or conspicuous consumption. Yet we see this tremendous opportunity in America to educate: many people don’t know about the art of fine timepieces and many don’t know about Patek Philippe. But how much attention should we put out there?” It’s a fair question soon to be answered as Patek Philippe unveils its plans for an exciting world-class exhibition this July at Above and right: Patek Philippe’s open-faced, stem-winding and setting pocket watch bears the portrait of George Washington, presented in 1851. Left: Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300 with 20 complications is a double-faced wristwatch that can be worn facing either way.

STEFAN M.

IN DETROIT, WE DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T NEED TO LOOK AT OUR WATCHES TO KNOW THIS IS OUR TIME.

TIARA T.

JEREMY W.

Cipriani in New York City. According to Pettinelli, it’s only the fourth time in the 30 years he’s been working at Patek Philippe that the Stern family has done this, even sharing some of Mr. Stern’s private collection museum pieces that date back to the 1500s—long before Patek’s founding in 1839. What’s more, it’s the first such exhibit in America, as the prior three Patek events were held in Dubai, Munich and London. “It makes sense in America: the number of collectors and connoisseurs here rivals anywhere in the world,” explains Pettinelli. “But a question I’m always asked is ‘how can we reach the next generation of watch collectors?’ I think this event will appeal to young people (who might not even wear a watch these days) because 2. it’s not simply about promoting or selling

our product. Instead, it’s about educating people about timepieces: the history, the artistry, the lasting value and what it takes to be a watchmaker. We’re a small niche industry, but at the end of the day, how many things are left in this world that you can actually hold and treasure and pass down instead of throw away?” Pettinelli explains that these educational events are effective because they resonate with the public long after the actual exhibit. “We’ve never done anything on this scale before,” he confides. “We’re custom-building a two-story structure inside Cipriani that will be open to the public for 10 days at no charge. We’ve got 15,000 square feet in a beautiful historic bank building and we’re using every inch.” The exhibit will be divided into rooms that will include a Rare Handcrafts Gallery (where actual artisans will showcase the craft of watchmaking, demonstrating enameling, engraving, dome clock building, etc.), a US Historic Room, a Museum Room with timepieces spanning the last five centuries, a Napoleon Room with limited-edition timepieces, a Film Theatre and much more. Says Pettinelli, “We’re not selling watches at the event, but limited editions will be available at several of the fine stores that carry our product.” According to Jasmina Steele, Patek Philippe’s international communication and PR director, the aim of the Grand Exhibition is to recreate elements of the company to provide an unforgettable experience for each visitor, as close as possible to the feeling guests have when they visit the company’s workshop and museum in Geneva. “By offering visitors an immersion into the world of Patek Philippe, we want to share our passion for watchmaking so they come out of the Grand Exhibition with a greater knowledge and appreciation of the art of watches.” The show runs from July 13 to 23. Says Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern, “I am very proud that American visitors will be able to learn more about the historic and contemporary ties between our company and the American market.” —BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

3. 4.

“How many things are left in this world that you can actually hold and pass down instead of throw away?” Pettinelli asks.

1. Cipriani, NYC. 2. Cipriani interior. 3. The Sky Moon Tourbillon showcases the art of the engraver. Its complications display the nocturnal sky with the motion of the stars and phases of the moon. 4. Calibre 89 marked a milestone in watchmaking history with 33 horological complications. 5. This pendant watch was sold to Queen Victoria of Great Britain (1819-1901) at the London Exhibition on November 30, 1851.

G-SHOCK Connected

GPW2000-1A

3 Way Time Sync BluetoothÂŽ-equipped GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor - Automatic time adjustment* - World Time for over 300 cities* - Flight Log function * Updating of internal data to reflect the latest time zone / daylight saving time information

wheels

SPEED

THE NEED FOR

e live in extraordinary times, when the unimaginable has become almost commonplace. Man has always been fascinated with speed, and just a century ago the goal was to achieve one mile per minute in an automobile. Once that was achieved, the goal became 100 MPH. The desire to exceed record speeds continues to inspire to this day. Rolex has been associated with speed trials for over 90 years. When British race car driver Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the land speed record nine times between 1924 and 1936 in his famous “Bluebird” cars, he was always wearing his Rolex. The same was true of Chuck Yeager, who wore his Rolex Oyster as he broke the sound barrier in the experimental Bell-X on October 14, 1947. When William Knight flew the hypersonic X-15 at Mach 6.7 in 1967, he too was wearing a Rolex. Rolex will once again sponsor a British record-breaking project in the form of the Bloodhound SSC. This ultra-aerodynamic vehicle is powered by jet, rocket and internal combustion engines that produce more than 135,000 horsepower. Their goal is to achieve an inconceivable 1,000 MPH. Flight Commander Andy Green of the RAF will pilot this remarkable machine, which looks more like a fighter jet than a car. He’s no newcomer to setting records. In 1997 he drove the Thrust SSC to set the current land speed record while also breaking the sound barrier at 763 MPH—the first and only supersonic speed ever set on land. After several delays, the Bloodhound SSC land speed record attempt is currently scheduled for October 2017. It will take place at Hakskeen Pan in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Richard Noble, Bloodhound project director and a former land speed record holder (who achieved 633 MPH in 1983 piloting Thrust 2), says, “The project is achieving its primary goal even without the car running yet: we’re turning kids on to science.” The Bloodhound is an educational tool designed to inspire future generations to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More than 100,000 children took part in Bloodhound-related lessons or events in the UK last year, and universities involved with the project have reported significant increases in the number of students applying to study engineering. —BY DAVID A. ROSE

ROLEX and the

Bloodhound SSC.

LBG ~ Weddings

Peter and Brittany Cryan September 9, 2016

Brian Shea and Richard Whitaker September 10, 2016

Alice Shepherd and Alec Randall April 30, 2016

Steven and Danielle Sohcot June 26, 2016

John Howell and Morgan Clifford February 13, 2016

Catherine Clark and Michael Durette August 13, 2016

Bryan and Jenna (Cohen) Garrity August 6, 2016

Joe and Laura (D'Addado) Connerton December 10, 2016

are Trade Marks of The De Beers Group of Companies. ™

and ®

It’s a long journey to become the one. In our constant pursuit of absolute beauty, every Forevermark diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection. This is why less than 1% of the world’s diamonds are worthy of the Forevermark inscription – our promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.

LBG ~ Weddings

Carly and James Reagan October 14, 2016

John Yanchek and Caitlin Fleming September 10, 2016

Steve and Danielle Judge September 24, 2016

Jessica (Parker) and Frank Greco July 24, 2016

Janice and Max Thiel July 15, 2016

Jessica and Sean Keating July 16, 2016

Sarah (Fitzpatrick) and Matthew Carhart June 25, 2016

Krista and Steven Cruz August 26, 2016

LBG ~ The Perfect Setting

FOREVERMARK ARK LUX DIAMONDS ONDS HEARTS ON N FIRE PRECISION SET US ALEX SEPKUS ASHI DIADORI JABEL NORMAN SILVERMAN USSI HENRI DAUSSI WHITEHOUSE BROTHERS NALEDI VIBHOR A. JAFFE LBG DESIGN STUDIO MICHAEL BONDANZA CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS Settings for your diamondss and gemst gemstones ston o es come in many shap shapes pes a and nd fforms. orms. The designers and knowledgeable staff at Lux Bond & Green will help ring. We listen carefully and h have the best resources in the industry. lp you create your perfect ring It’s not just about the style of the ring that ﬁts your personality, but the careful selection of the gemstones and materials. Our master goldsmiths will carefully build the ring and set each gemstone to bring out the brilliance as well as protect the safety of the stone. Your ideas can be turned into drawings and CAD designs with the help of our in-house designers. Let us ﬁnd your perfect ring and create a memory that will last a lifetime.

LBG ~ Weddings

Nelson and Tess Rolon November 19, 2016

Amanda (Seltzer) and Aaron Katzman September 6, 2015

Lara N. Bonn and Matthew T. Socks August 6, 2016

Jerry and Jessica in Malibu

Kirstin (Slitt) and Chris Hancock November 5, 2016

Elise Gaynor Ciollo and Julie Ciollo August 20, 2016

Erin McGrath and Ed Tribble September 11, 2016

Know Your Diamond CARAT WEIGHT

COLOR GRADE

CLARITY GRADE

CUT GRADE

Look for diamonds graded by GIA, the creator of the 4Cs. Learn more at 4Cs.GIA.edu

CARLSBAD

ANTWERP

BANGKOK

DUBAI

GABORONE

HONG KONG

JOHANNESBURG

LONDON

MUMBAI

NEW YORK

RAMAT GAN

SEOUL

TAIPEI

TOKYO

fashion

veteran of the women’s wear industry, Emily Brickel Edelson spent five years as a fashion illustrator, hanging out at trunk shows, boutique openings and backstage at fashion week sketching models. Today, she’s busy giving everyday fashionistas the illustration treatment. Brickel Edelson co-founded Chic Sketch, an app that invites users to upload a photo of their look and receive a custom sketch by a real fashion illustrator. Each drawing is personalized so no two are alike. Chic Sketch users can also watch a feed of the latest sketches as they roll in, view time-lapse videos of the illustrators at work, and check out trending fashions. The point, Brickel Edelson says, is to make a high-fashion experience more accessible. “People loved watching me draw these sketches at shows, but the average person wasn’t able to get it done unless they wanted to spend a few hundred dollars,” she says. Chic Sketch illustrations cost $10. The service is a joint effort between Brickel Edelson and her now-husband Jordan Edelson, an app developer. (“We married technology and fashion, literally,” she jokes.) The pair launched Chic Sketch at New York Fashion Week 2015, and Brickel Edelson says her team of illustrators has since delivered “tens of thousands of sketches.” “It brings the fun back to fashion,” she adds. “For me, fashion is about inspiration. I love inspiring people to feel good about themselves no matter what they look like. People will come in and say, ‘Oh, don’t sketch me—I didn’t wash my hair, I’m wearing all black.’ But everyone looks fabulous in a sketch, which is just fun.” It’s fun on the other side of the sketch, too, and Brickel Edelson fields so many questions about how to illustrate that she decided to write a book. The recently released Sketch and Go: 5Minute Fashion Illustration offers 500 templates and techniques for aspiring artists. What might her readers and illustrators-in-training be sketching throughout the rest of 2017? Brickel expects to see two hot but opposing looks on the runway: details like embellishments and lace appliques, as well as sleek, strong, utilitarian shapes. —BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

Reaching high-style heights has never been easier.

Attainable

CHIC 48

‘The most enduring legacies a re bor n of the most colour f ul lives’

OU R H ER ITAGE YOU R LEG AC Y

416 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 617.266.4747 The Shops at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT 860.862.9900 800.524.7336 LBGreen.com

spirits

Madison barware by William Yeoward.

CHEERS! and all the best Cheers! Liquor brand anniversaries are a good reason to celebrate in style.

AND ALLTHE BEST

hen my wife and I married, we foolishly chose a year ending in “9.” The math on anniversaries has been challenging ever since. It seems we’re not alone: rather than launch a brand in a “0” or “5” year, a number of hard spirits are celebrating milestones in these off-kilter years. The benefit to drinkers? Special releases, parties and more. Naturally some of the biggest-number anniversaries hail from Europe, where distilled spirits have been a thing for 1,000 years or so. On Scotland’s tiny island of Islay, there are eight extant distilleries, almost all boasting a legacy. Laphroaig, that smoky, peaty Scotch whisky, celebrated 200 years in 2015 (with the release of a special 15-year). Lagavulin, another Islay single malt, hit its bicentennial in 2016, but you can still find the celebratory 8-year, 12-year and the unicorn 25-year, which comes in at $1,200. For 2017, look forward to possible special releases from Ardmore and Teaninich. Scotch isn’t the only old booze in Europe. Most of the major Cognac houses have also celebrated “booze-aversaries” recently. Hennessy turned 250 in 2015, celebrating with the insanely sculptural Hennessy-8 bottling: 250 bottles selling for a cool $40,000 each. While Hine Cognac celebrated its 250th in 2013 (releasing Hine 250 at $15,000), the house was given its current name 200 years ago this year; expect another special edition. Meanwhile, Brennivin will release unusual, limited oak-aged Aquavit for its 80th, and Nolet, a

gin family best known these days for Ketel One vodka, turned 325 last year, offering a particularly ornate bottle. While American brands are much younger—Jack Daniel’s, billed as “America’s First Registered Distillery” turned 150 in 2016)—it’s still a good time for parties. The modern craft/boutique distillery movement is finally old enough to enjoy significant markers: San Francisco’s Anchor distilling celebrates the 20th anniversary of its unusual (and delicious) Junipero Gin (celebrating by revealing the 12 “secret” botanicals in its recipe); Templeton Rye (made in Indiana, bottled in Iowa) unveils a special 10-year “Collector’s Edition” expression of its rye, and Woodford Reserve, a small-batch subsidiary of Bourbon giant Brown-Forman, kicked off its 20th celebrations last October with a very limited single-barrel release of a special 10-year expression. What does all this mean for fans and collectors? The chance to acquire one-offs, to enjoy unusual expressions and to party with the distillers. It’s worth learning when your favorite brands were founded (The Glenlivet turns 200 in 2023, Macallan in 2024) so you can be ahead of the game when the party starts. If you’ve got your own anniversary coming up, consider Taylor Fladgate’s 1967 Single Harvest 50-Year Port ($250): Rich and bold, it’s a perfect birthday or wedding anniversary gift (even if its label does insultingly claim that 50 is “very old”). —BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

travel

S I M P LY

CUBA

ue to decades of economic embargo and tense political relations, it’s natural for Americans to feel daunted by the thought of traveling to Cuba. That’s why so many opt for the ease of guided tours, in which one price (typically $3,000 and up) covers most everything. Those options range from being herded around in massive blue, red and white coaches—which are ubiquitous at every tourist stop—to traveling with more intimate groups in minivans led by knowledgeable guides. But you needn’t go that route if you prefer to arrange your own itinerary. The reality is that the paperwork required for entry is minimal, the Cuban people are extremely welcoming of all tourists, and, with proper planning, it’s quite easy Clockwise from top left: Hotel Inglaterra and the Gran Teatro on Havana's Paseo de Martí; a mojito at La Terraza in Cojimar; street scene outside of Casayami in Havana Centro; an old American convertible on the streets of Cojimar.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT KETTMANN

Getting there just got a whole lot easier.

to enjoy Havana and beyond with the same sort of make-your-ownschedule freedom you enjoy elsewhere. Here’s how.

HOW TO GET THERE Many US airlines fly straight to Cuba now, and the ticket price usually includes the additional medical insurance required by the communist country (though no one ever asks about such insurance once there). For instance, the hour-long American Airlines flight from Miami to Havana is just $120, and AA also flies straight from Los Angeles for about $500. There are also plenty of flights into other Cuban cities as well. Most people are concerned about the visa process, but it’s ridiculously easy. Just buy one for $85 from Cuba Visa Services (cubavisaservices.com). Make sure to fill it out carefully, otherwise you may have to buy a new one at the airport, usually for about double the price. Also, make sure to get it stamped before hopping on your flight to Cuba; the airlines will usually remind you. Much ado is made about the official reasons that Americans are allowed to visit Cuba, which range from religious and family reasons to business research and “support of the Cuban people,” also known as the people-to-people visa. The only time anyone asks about your reasons for travel is in the American airport as you check in for your flight. No one seems to care which one you pick, though people-to-people is the most broad and therefore popular category.

WHERE TO EAT For decades, most of the restaurants in Havana were government-owned, and many remain that way. But changes in the law a few years ago allowed private citizens to start serving food in their homes, and there’s been a culinary revolution exploding ever since. The leader of the pack is La Guarida (laguarida.com), whose rooftop bars and historic dining rooms were made famous in the film Strawberry and Chocolate. There’s also creative farm-to-table cuisine at Ivan Chef Justo (no website, but his Al Carbon is around the corner if you can’t get a reservation); the Swedishmeets-Latin American style of Casa Miglis (casamiglis.com), which has a sweet bar; and 304 O’Reilly (whose name is also its address in the heart of old town). Make reservations before you leave for Cuba: they’re required at most spots, and since a working internet or phone connection is hard to come by for tourists, you’ll need to get your dining ducks in a row before landing in Havana.

WHERE TO STAY

EASY ESCAPES Once you’ve seen a show at the Cabaret Tropicana, sipped on daiquiris with Ernest Hemingway’s statue at El Floridita, and ridden around town in a convertible 1950s Chevy, escape Havana to explore the countryside. An easy half-day is to Cojimar, the fishing village east of Havana where Hemingway used to dock his boat, Pilar. There’s a quaint fort there, numerous shops with cheaper prices than Havana, and the famous author’s favorite table at La Terraza, where a trio will sing your favorite songs as you sip on mojitos and eat escabeche. If you’re hungry, try Café Ajiaco (ajiacocafe.com), one of the country’s best restaurants, home to an amazing taro soup. For a full-day experience, hire a car and guide from taxivinalescuba.com and head west to the UNESCO-protected tobaccogrowing region of Vinales, a quaint town of pastel-colored stucco where amazing limestone mogotes rise steeply from the dark red soil. Explore caves, dine on farmfresh food at Ecologica, get a cigar rolled for you, and grab a Cristal Cerveza while taking in the view from Hotel Los Jazmines. Feel free to doze off on the three-hour ride back to the constant hum of Havana.

There are a number of luxury hotels in Havana with most of the accoutrements — and $500 price tags—you expect at similar properties around the world. Located along the Prado that separates the old town (Habana Vieja) from downtown (Centro), and quite near many of the city’s cultural attractions, are the Hotel Plaza Havana (hotelplazacuba.com) the Hotel Inglaterra (hotelinglaterra-cuba.com), and the Hotel Saratoga, which was rebuilt in 2005 with a rooftop pool overlooking the Capitol Building. Located a bit further away but closer to the waves-splattered Malecón are the famous Hotel Nacional (hotelnacionaldecuba.com)—worth a visit for drinks and music whether you stay From top: Farm-to-table fare at Ecologica in Vinales; there or not—and the Melia Cohiba AND IF YOU DO A Rainier hand-rolls a cigar at his tobacco estate in Vinales. (melia.com), a full resort experience. GUIDED TOUR…. For travelers who are more adventurous, or frugal, or simply want a Don’t hop on one of those huge coaches. Instead, opt for a smaller, more more up-close taste of what Havana has to offer, search out casa focused tour, like the ones offered by Access Trips (accesstrips.com). Its particulares, which are rooms or entire homes that owners are allowed to seven-day experience encompasses the culinary scene of Havana and rent out to guests. The easiest way to book one is through Havana’s massive beyond. And among the cocktail lessons and sustainable farm tours, Airbnb community. A recent four-night stay at the two-bedroom Casayami, you’ll learn all you need to know about Cuba’s economy, how the African for instance, was just $83 a night, and came with homemade breakfast each religion of Santeria is intertwined with Catholicism, and why most Cubans morning (though it didn’t come with tons of privacy). have much hope for a more prosperous future. —BY MATT KETTMANN

Think green!

3. ECLECTIC AND BOLDER EXPRESSION A selective but rich mix of references is flourishing. Classically traditional meets simply modern. New mingles with vintage. Eye-catching cultures, decades and ethnicities all come together. The attitude should be relaxed and “collected,” not overdone. 4. ROUNDED EDGES Comfort will overrule edginess. Soft will outweigh hard. The Milan Furniture Fair saw an influence of Mid-century curved furniture. People are gravitating to spaces of comfortable expression that can serve as an oasis in a time of chaos. 5. MUTED COLOR

1. PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR GREENERY “A life-affirming shade,” Greenery provides the refreshment and revitalization today’s world needs. In fact, all shades of green are trending. Vogue suggests accents, so try emerald green glassware with your white dinner set.

By Laurie Schechter

INTERIOR DESIGN

trends

2. PROFESSIONAL HELP Where DIY was once in favor, the current direction is toward higher skill-level executions. Think glass blown by hand or specialized woodwork. Especially in furniture, this expert craftsmanship results in well-made investment pieces.

Splendo r in theglas s.

Plants (faux o r real) are mus t-haves fo r 2017.

New neutrals, warming and calming, can complement other neutrals as well as strong color. Chalk and bone, organic looking with imperfections, replace sterile white. Beige, pale gray and camel, as well as terra-cotta, rust and ochre, are on trend. And navy is the new black; its versatility works with almost any décor from modern to traditional.

6. TEXTURE Inviting connection and touch, texture comes in pleats, folds, yarn stitches and velvet finishes. Continuing trends mohair, faux fur and other luxuriously soft materials suit this look. Terrazzo flooring puts texture underfoot.

7. MIXED AND MUTED METALS Polished brass has reigned for some time, but change is in the air. Subtlety is in fashion. Antique finishes like bronze and copper, oxidized details and glazed finishes are coming to the fore. Mixing metals and metal accents is now the look. 8. FAUX Faux in all manner of speaking is in for 2017. Faux wood finishes are wrapped around ceiling beams. Engineered quartz and even faux leather are replacing marble on countertops. Faux wood or tile stands in for the real thing on floors. 9. MIXED PATTERNS Taking inspiration from the fashion runways, mismatched patterns—tropicals, geometrics and ethnic prints among them—are in vogue. Adding throws and pillows to a solid piece of furniture you already own is a quick and easy update. 10. QUIRKY LIGHTING Bare hanging bulbs were once interesting enough, but it’s time to step up your game. Look for mismatched or retro-inspired fixtures to bring character to your dining room and bedside tables.

PERHAPS IT’S A REACTION TO THE WORLD’S UPHEAVAL OF LATE: 2017’S INTERIORS ARE SOFTENING, TRENDING TO MORE WORLDLY SPACES THAT NOURISH US. A COMPLETE MAKEOVER IS NOT REQUIRED. LIKE A NEW PAIR OF EARRINGS ENHANCES AN OUTFIT, A NEW DESIGN ELEMENT CAN IMMEDIATELY UPDATE A ROOM. 54

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILLIAM WALDRON. VERO BEACH HOUSE BY DECORATOR AND ARCHITECT ROBERT COUTURIER, NYC, ROBERTCOUTURIER.COM. GREENERY COURTESY OF PANTONE®. HANDBLOWN GLASS PETAL VASE BY ROSETREE BLOWN GLASS, NEW ORLEANS, ROSETREEGALLERY.COM.

top 10

A DIAMOND AS RARE AS YOU

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW…

Again. Not all of today’s passions reside on your smartphone.

e live in an era of incredible technological advancements, with smartphones and smart houses, self-driving cars and an increasingly automated workforce. But sometimes “old ways is good ways” (to quote Stanley Kubrick), and not every innovation means tossing out the old tech for the new. Some of the classics are enjoying renewed interest among fans of quality and style.

VINYL:

With the popularity of the artisanal craft food and steampunk movements over the past decade, there’s been a resurgence in all things old-timey and handcrafted among young hipsters, from fancy facial hair to pre-Prohibition cocktails and 19th-century bicycles. But vinyl has transcended niche collecting in a big way.

Despite record stores closing left and right, vinyl sales (for both new and classic musicians) are up significantly, with LPs and 45s outselling digital and streaming music in the UK in December, according to Digital Music News. Unlikely retailers including Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble have jumped on the pressed album train. It’s not just audiophiles embracing the trend: At the exclusive Distillery—a new gin-themed hotel in London—three bespoke guest rooms feature minibars stocked with Portobello Road gin crafted downstairs and a vinyl playlist curated by Rough Trade Records. Chao Chao, a cool new Vietnamese restaurant in Manhattan, hosts “Vinyl Tuesdays” when you can bring your own records in for diners to enjoy. And the Goodland in Santa Barbara offers a Record Concierge to help you curate a playlist from its library to play on your inroom Crosley. Meanwhile, last summer, electronic music DJs Richard Vission and Bad Boy Bill hosted a multi-city “Back to Vinyl” tour, where they “pressed pause on all sync buttons and instead played all their music on vinyl,” both new and old. Radical! Instagram is also getting into it in a big, big way. Sonja is a young Finnish collector who goes by the handle VinylWife and boasts over 32,000 followers for her daily pics: playful, sometimes sensual poses of her with examples from her extensive collection. “I think the appeal for vinyl represents people’s longing for something real and concrete in this digital world,” she explains. Sonja launched her channel after seeing other Instagram pages dedicated to passions as obscure as wax. “I’ve always been a very visual person and I enjoy photography.” Hints for collectors new to the game (or those of us revisiting it after many decades)? “Every record has a story,” says Sonja. “Remember to handle them with love, and the stories will live forever.” We wish that was true of our latest failed iTunes update.

Above: Hotels like the Goodland in California and the Roxy in NYC (pictured) now offer in-room turntables and curated playlists by the likes of DJ/Instagram star Alix Brown.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ROXY NEW YORK CITY

culture

“The contest takes Champagne even further into everyday consumption, demonstrating its approachability and diversity,” says Ashley. Want further proof Champagne isn’t just for special events? Try pairing it with Indian food or Mexican fish tacos. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

IMAGES FROM TOP: BEN FERRARI FOR KOBRICK COFFEE CO.; COURTESY OF PIPER-HEIDSIECK CHAMPAGNE; SAMWHITEOUT.COM; AGATHE POUPENEY FOR OPÉRA NATIONAL DE PARIS

OLD-FASHIONED COFFEE:

It’s easy enough to use a Nespresso or Keurig machine for your morning Joe, or drive through Starbucks and order a double-whatever-accino. But a new generation of coffee aficionados has discovered there’s a wide range of hidden flavors, aromas and experiences that you simply can’t get from a pod. While some methods approach mad scientist levels—like the painstakingly slow Japanese drip—others are surprisingly old school. Two of the latest crazes for coffee connoisseurs are “cold press” or “cold brew” and “pourover.” OXO, Yama and other stylish brands make special cold brew containers, or you can simply let 3/4 cup of coarse-ground coffee steep in 4 cups of cold water in your French Press for 12 hours. Press or strain the coffee, et voila! Pourover coffee is equally simple: Stick a coffee filter over a cup, fill it with grounds and very slowly pour hot water over it. Chemex is king here, and pourover drinkers are almost religious about their cone-and-decanter equipment. Naturally there are special filters and grinders when you start getting really serious. Pros say there are myriad advantages (especially with cold brew coffee), including lower acidity and a richer, more caffeinated cup. “Sometimes greatness is found in the simplest methods, and with the art of brewing coffee, this is the case,” says Niki Kobrick of New York’s Kobrick Coffee Co. “Sometimes when we adjust for speed and convenience, it adds detrimental layers to the process, like coffee oil residues, water temperature issues or hot plates that burn the brew. The advancements that have been made to the simplest methods—like Japanese cones that come with the perfect filter to match—offer brewers the attention to detail that creates a holistic, pure experience like no other.” Are percolators and cowboy coffee next to show up at the trendy shops?

OPERA: Attending the opera, symphony and theater were once a given for the aspiring coming-of-age crowd. Today, while Broadway thrives, other public performance spectacles have experienced something of a decline. The Metropolitan Opera, however, has hosted very successful movie theater and streaming performances over the past few years, a modern update to live radio broadcasts the Met has hosted since 1910, and it continues to innovate. This, along with special attention and benefits for younger members, is proving the Fat Lady hasn’t sung yet. Nadine Sierra, 28, is an opera singer (who’s had major roles at the Met and Milan’s La Scala, and is performing this year in Paris, New York and Venice), so she’s arguably biased. But the Fort Lauderdale native also has her finger on the pulse of young America. “I’m of the generation brought up into social media,” she says. “Communication has become so important, it’s almost an obsession. Peter Gelb [GM for the Met] got it right with the HD theater broadcasts.” Arguably social media is another stepping stone for the opera company that hosted Live at the Met on radio and PBS for decades, but Sierra points out that the interaction performers can now have thanks to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook takes things even further. “To get people interested in the artistry, they first have to become interested in the artists themselves. Lady Gaga and Adele do that: communicate very personally with their fans. I have people come and greet me that I’ve only met through social media. They want to know the person behind the art.” The tactic seems to be working: At the most recent season opening and the New Year’s Eve gala (sponsored by Louis Roederer Champagne), a healthy dose of stylish under-30s brought a 21st-century vibe to the dance floor.

ANALOG WATCHES: We don’t have to tell you that mechanical watches—with their crystals and complications and detailed workmanship— are cool. You’re reading this magazine. But with the rise of the smart watch over the past two years, it looked as if digital watches might be moving to the fore again. However, demand has quickly leveled off as many people continue to relish the style and character of a classic timepiece, from fashion to luxury. “Watches are inherently cool exactly because they’ve ‘lost’ some of their functionality, with everyone having a cell phone,” says fashion influencer and Instagram sensation Sam White (260,000 followers). “It’s now a deliberate decision to wear a watch.” What’s more, as many hip-hop fans will attest, luxury watches can pair perfectly well with more casual garb. “I really like wearing a nicer watch with joggers and a hoodie, because the contrast can be unexpected, but not too flashy,” says White. “What’s also dope about watches is that there are a million-and-one different styles, bands, face sizes. With the smart watches and fitness bands, they all look very similar.” We’ll take standing out any day. —BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

CHAMPAGNE:

Sure, fat cats and moguls have never abandoned sparkling wine or fish eggs. But these days, the audience for both is much larger. In addition to French Champagne, prosecco from Italy and Spanish cava have witnessed spikes in popularity. This time around, it’s not simply reserved for wedding receptions and deal closures. Younger drinkers (especially) are finding any time is Champagne Time. “A couple of years ago, traditional brands started to cater to cutting-edge, modern audiences,” says Blaine Ashley, who hosts the annual New York Champagne Week. (She was honored last fall by Wine Enthusiast in its 40 Under 40 cover article.) In lieu of stuffy pairing dinners, NYCW hosts events bearing quirky names like “Let’s Get Fizzacle” and “Back That Glass Up” at trendy bars and wine shops around the city. There’s also an annual cocktail contest where some of the city’s best bartenders compete for cash and prizes with original mixed drinks featuring bubbly.

men’s style

Sartorial

LUXURY T

here are very few American clothing companies with the heritage and reputation of Hickey Freeman. Founded in Rochester, New York in 1899 and still made in Rochester today, this luxury brand (that has dressed nearly every US president) stays true to time-honored tailoring techniques and the world’s finest fabrics while evolving to modern design. For the past few years, Arnold Silverstone has been Hickey Freeman’s creative director, changing its image from conservative to cool. A third-generation clothing designer, Silverstone’s passion for tailored clothing is immediately apparent as we discuss suit trends for the current spring season. “The fastest-growing segment of the clothing business is made-to-measure,” he explains. “For not much more money, a guy can customize the fit, fabrics and details (buttons, linings, stitching) to create his own signature look. It’s like buying a car: you can buy right off the lot or you can order your own options. Made-to-measure has grown to about a third of our business and is available in most upscale menswear stores.” For guys who just want to walk out with a beautiful new suit this season, what should they buy? “The must-have color for spring ’17 is a brighter, softer blue. Most guys already own navy or gray. This new shade is fresh, contemporary and flattering. (Other good choices are silver or platinum.) As for styling, the runways are full of double-breasted jackets for fashion-forward types, but a slim-fit two-button model is most popular. Go for a slightly shorter jacket and shorter pant (the hem should brush the top of the shoe for fashion guys; traditionalists can opt for a slight break). As for pleats versus no pleats, the rules are reversing: flat-fronts are now considered classic but advanced customers are opting for pleats.” Silverstone emphasizes the importance of fit. “The suit has gradually gotten slimmer in recent years, with higher armholes, a shorter coat, a lower-rise pant with less drape through the thigh and knee. But ironically, due to our unique construction (extra room under armholes, using the best canvases and chest pieces) and performance fabrics, even slim suits are more comfortable than ever. The biggest mistake guys make is assuming that they’re too heavy, or too old, for slim-fit clothing. Our Hickey Freeman suits trace the body but move with you. Try one and be transformed.” —BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

HICKEY FREEMAN combines

artisanal craftsmanship, American production and modern styling for the perfect suit.

Perfect GEMS

Explore the little luxuries the world has to offer.

about FACE

It’s no secret that staying active helps you reach your fitness goals faster than diet alone. So if toners, masks and serums are nutrition for your face, think of the NuFace Trinity as its corresponding workout. No matter how rigorous your skincare regimen, facial muscles still need stimulation to get lifted and toned, explains Tera Peterson, whose mother Carol Cole helped bring microcurrent technology to the US in the early ’80s. Originally developed for her Hollywood clients to use between professional treatments, the third-generation device couldn’t be easier or more comfortable to use. Apply a cooling gel primer (to transmit the microcurrent into the muscles), then gently roll the Trinity over your face to target fine lines, droopy eyelids and loss of definition. While results will vary, our testers reported firmed, brightened skin within days, and more dramatic improvements over a 60-day period. The device has been FDA-tested for effectiveness as well as safety, but like any workout, you only get out of it what you put in. In this case, it’s all gain with zero pain. —JL

Cinema does more than provide escape and entertainment; it’s often a perfect snapshot of the time in which a movie was filmed, from which cars we drove to which clothes we wore. And independent films are often among the most accurate chroniclers of a period, just one more reason to consider staying in the ultra-luxe Autograph Collection hotels this year. This high-end assemblage of more than 100 properties is partnering with Film Buff to provide a dedicated guest entertainment channel that broadcasts a wide range of award-winning films and documentaries for you to enjoy from the comfort of your well-appointed suite. The offerings focus primarily on art, design, food and music. Some locations will also host Premieres by Film Buff, much-anticipated screenings preceded by fabulous cocktail receptions and followed by film-festival-style Q&As with the films’ directors. —BSL

SHUTTERSTOCK

in the BUFF

BEE mine

“Every honeybee fills with jealousy,” wrote legendary songsmith Fats Waller. But your friends will be the envious ones if they learn you’re escaping to the swanky Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Not just because of the five-star amenities that can be found at Atlanta’s most haute hotel, but because you’ll have the rare chance to see its honeybees in action at a special apiary constructed last year. It’s one of five RitzCarlton Hotel Company locations that now houses honeybees as part of the Community Footprints program and its commitment to environmental sustainability. If you want to see what all the buzz is about, don’t worry about being stung—you’ll be watching from a very safe observation deck. Better still, you can taste these bees’ superb honey in the hotel café. It’s used by chef Michelle Wick and pastry chef Troman Felizmenoin in such delectable creations as seasonal honey yogurt, pear salad with a honeylavender gelée and a spiced orange-honey bar. You can even drink to the bees’ health in the Lobby Lounge, sipping a signature cocktail called “The Legend,” which features house-infused bourbon limoncello and local honey syrup. How sweet it is! —BSL

REI of light (and dark)

If you’ve ever seen a garment by Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (of fashion house Comme des Garçons), the memory of its inventiveness and audacity has probably stayed with you. Her work is not about being pretty in any conventional sense, but about challenging accepted notions of beauty, good taste, and ultimately, even fashion. Beginning on May 4th, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute will pay tribute to this iconoclastic woman with Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between, a thematic retrospective of her work featuring approximately 120 pieces of women’s wear that will engage both the eye and the mind. Equally fascinating will be to witness how some of the world’s biggest celebrities pay tribute to Kawakubo with their outfits for the Met’s legendary Costume Institute Benefit (aka the Met Gala). The designer herself will serve as the evening’s honorary chair. —BSL

food

1. 1. A well-balanced cheese board that offers hard and soft varieties. 2. Serve it style with the Mariposa String of Pearls spreader available at Lux Bond & Green. 3. New Orleans’ famed St. James Cheese Company. 4. Cheesemonger James Gentry, ACS CCP.

The Big

Cheesy JAMES GENTRY provides a glimpse into the world of fine fromage.

heesemongers across the US are transforming the way we approach cheese. They not only stock, monitor, cut, wrap and sell it, these connoisseurs share the stories, history and science behind each artisan and farmhouse cheese in their cases. They know which are in season based on the grasses or hays the animals eat; they know the subtleties that distinguish the many cheeses in the blue family; they assist with pairings. With each sample they share, cheesemongers guide us to expand our knowledge and palates, giving us a glimpse into their passion. One of the most passionate is James Gentry, an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional (ACS CCP) who is head cheesemonger at New Orleans’ St. James Cheese Company, recognized as a Top Cheese Shop in America and a Top Ten Sandwich Shop by Travel + Leisure and Bon Appétit respectively. Gentry 4. took a circuitous road to becoming a cheesemonger, his journey representing many in the industry. “I came from a working-class family. My only experience with cheese was that it either came from a can or from a deli,” he says with a smile. Graduating with a degree in philosophy from UC San Diego, Gentry planned to attend either graduate or law school, but wanted to first take a few years off. After working in the food industry at several different restaurants, he secured a position in the Cheese, Beer and Wine division of Whole Foods in Seattle. He instantly became enthralled with cheese. Gentry threw himself into his cheese studies. He read about it voraciously, tasted everything that came in, attended seminars and visited as many cheese shops as he could while taking notes in a journal. He still remembers walking into his first cheese shop (where all the cheese looked the same to him) and feeling overwhelmed. It is a memory he holds on to when working with customers new to cheese. “I want to welcome people to cheese without making any judgments.

I want you to buy something you will like so you’ll want to come back again. It doesn’t matter what kind of cheese I like. I will ask a few questions to help you to figure out what you like, and then I’ll make suggestions based on your answers. Even [when I’m with] a customer with a very discerning palate and knowledge of cheese, I listen and make suggestions for them to try. It’s best to come in with an open mind and a willingness to try new things,” he emphasizes. On his quest, Gentry traveled throughout the US and parts of Europe visiting cheese shops and farms, sampling cheeses and talking to other professionals. He realized that the cheesemonger’s role differs depending on where he or she lives. “In France, because cheese is a way of life—really part of the fabric of customers’ lives—cheesemongers are more like caretakers of the cheese. In the US, it depends on what city you are in as to whether cheese is ingrained in the culture. In cases where it isn’t, cheesemongers are educators, sharing cheese knowledge from around the world,” he explains. In 2012, Whole Foods sent Gentry to Colorado to take the inaugural cheese exam given by the American Cheese Society (ACS), which he passed with just over 100 other people from across the country. Each candidate must “demonstrate a mastery of cheese knowledge and best practices” by working 4,000 hours within six years in a cheese-related field and passing the certification exam. Only about 740 people in the US hold the title of ACS CCP. Gentry believes the certification is important to standardize basic knowledge and believes that, down the road, there will be multiple levels of ACS certification. “It’s significant because [cheesemongers] are the last step before cheese goes to market. It’s my job to protect the integrity of that cheese as the cheesemaker or cheese ager intended it. If I don’t, it is a disservice to the effort, the passion of the person making the cheeses.” Gentry later moved to New Orleans to work at St. James Cheese

JAMES GENTRY’S PAIRINGS

ILLUSTRATION BY MUTE MOON

FOR LATE SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER

“Spring through early summer is goat milk season. The cheeses I am usually most stoked on are the goat cheeses from the Loire Valley in France, one of the most historically important goat milk cheese producing regions in the world. I am rather fond of the cheeses from the region, specifically ash rind cheese such as Valancay, St. Maure and Selles sur Cher. All three of those cheeses, along with others from the region, pair exquisitely well with the famous wines of the same region: Sancerre, Vouvray, Chinon, Pouilly-Fume and rosé. But don’t ignore American goat cheese like River’s Edge Chevre in Oregon, Goat Lady and Prodigal Farms in North Carolina, Vermont Butter and Cheese and Capriole in Indiana, among many others making fabulous goat cheese on par with the French.”

Gentry took a circuitous road to becoming a cheesemonger, his journey representing many in the industry. Company, opened by Danielle and Richard Sutton (who honed their knowledge of cheese by working at the 200-year-old cheese shop Paxton & Whitfield in England) a year after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. St. James makes its own charcuterie and celebrates about 400 unique artisan and farmhouse cheeses from around the US and the world. “In places like the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, there may be three or four cheese shops each with several locations. We are sort of an outpost here in New Orleans, the only cheese shop of significance from Austin to Atlanta. The owners took a risk and it has paid off.” Like most other cheesemongers, Gentry believes there is always more to learn, so he pushes himself to expand his knowledge and experiences. Enter Adam Mosowich and Paul Kindstedt, two men revered by cheese enthusiasts because both have bolstered the industry in different ways. A scholar and University of Vermont professor, Kindstedt wrote the heralded book Cheese and Culture: A History of Cheese and its Place in Western Civilization. Mosowich, president and owner of Larkin Cold Storage and Columbia Cheese, founded, organizes and hosts the Cheesemonger Invitational (CMI) and The Barnyard Collective. Both programs provide forums for cheese professionals to gather, discuss, collaborate, compete and learn about their craft. Gentry regularly participates in the events. “The education and networking parts are arguably more important than the competition. It’s where friendships are made and contacts are created. I have made life-long friends from participating in the CMI.” On competition day, challengers prove their prowess by taking on tasks such as completing a written test and doing a blind tasting of five cheeses. They must name the milk type, country of origin, what cheese it is most like, what cheese it is most unlike, and finally, identify the cheese. Mongers then typically face challenges such as cutting for exact weight and wrapping cheese while timed. Another task requires them to perfectly plate an assigned cheese, perfectly pair it with a beverage, and then create a perfect bite. Gentry has competed the last three years and placed in the top 10 each time. “It is important for us to all gather. We share our passion and commiserate. It’s good to know that our struggles are not unique, that we all go through trying times and amazing experiences. “I love this industry,” he continues. “It’s a small industry, but it’s filled with passionate, funny, kind-hearted people who care about the environment, about food, about the way to live and posterity. “Plus, they all give good hugs.” —BY LESLEY RUBENSTEIN

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JEWELRY S

ince the beginning of humankind, jewelry has been worn to convey social status, often communicating power, prominence, or authority. For example, Caroline Astor, a formidable New York City Gilded Age doyenne, wore abundant diamond jewels to declare her social influence. Credited with establishing society’s “in and out” list, Mrs. Astor needed these jewels to validate her arbitration. And then there’s my friend Lenore, who always wears her best jewelry when checking in for flights and hotels. Why? To improve the odds of an upgrade. (And she usually gets them: now that’s truly magical!) Today, jewelry still symbolizes strength and status. Take, for example, congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, whose trademark pearls seem to reflect the classic style of Barbara Bush and Jackie Kennedy. But unlike her predecessors, Pelosi sports the real thing: South Sea pearls in a signature statement necklace. (I’m not sure it’s helped her politically, but she sure looks powerful…) In addition to strength, jewelry is very much about sentiment. Some stones and talismans are even perceived to have magical properties. During her campaign, Hillary Clinton wore various personal pieces notable for their meaning, not their monetary value: a charm bracelet with her granddaughter Charlotte’s baby picture, a 40th wedding anniversary necklace. She recounts numerous people giving her “all kinds of charms, mementos that are important to them and I do keep them with me...I get so much love and support from my constituency...I want to remember that always.” Certain style icons are memorable for jewelry choices that proclaim their personalities. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and artistic director of Condé Nast, wears Georgian rivière necklaces, often in multiples. The significance? Rare air. Instead of the more common Georgian-style chatelaine, Wintour favors the exclusive, harder to find, authentic antiques. This year, as Chanel celebrates its famous founder Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, the company is commemorating her spirit as “rebel at heart” with a new Gabrielle watch and jewelry collection. I have my own talismans. A pendant with a Kazuko rose quartz heart wrapped in gold wire, for example, was a gift from the designer after we’d only just met. Sadly, she passed away not long after, so this piece is forever special to me. My favorites, however, are two gold bracelets from my maternal and paternal grandmothers. I always wear them together, for special occasions and family gatherings. And when I want good luck for important client meetings or job interviews, I bring my grandmas with me. Like Hillary, I’m enriched and inspired by the love and support that these wise women continue to offer me through their jewelry. —BY LAURIE SCHECHTER

FROM LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK. LG ELECTRONICS; MRS. WILLIAM ASTOR OIL ON CANVAS BY CAROLUS-DURAN, PARIS, 1890, COURTESY THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART. GAGE SKIDMORE.

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