Reise Nichols

A C C E N T/ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S ♦ S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Special Watch Section:

IT’S ABOUT TIME

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL! THE NEW GEMSTONES

PLUS:

Celebrity Spotlight Impeccable Pearls Gorgeous Gifts!

“I see a sparkling future ahead of you! ”

Contents spring/summer 2011 INDIANAPOLIS Fashion Mall Commons (317) 255-4467 GREENWOOD Greendale Centre (317) 883-4467 www.reisnichols.com

PUBLISHED BY THE BUSINESS J O U R N A L S FA S H I O N G R O U P PUBLISHER

Stu Nifoussi EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Karen Alberg Grossman C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

Hans Gschliesser

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MANAGING EDITOR

Jillian Sprague PROJECT MANAGER

Lisa Montemorra CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Beth Bernstein DESIGNERS

Cynthia Lucero Jean-Nicole Venditti PRODUCTION MANAGER

Peg Eadie

FEATURES

WATCH SECTION

4 Events at Reis-Nichols

24 Watch Advisor

6 Spring Forward

26 Travel: Watch Lover’s Mecca

10 Accent Advisor 12 Fashions: From the Runways 16 Trends: The Joy of Jewelry 20 Profile: Mikimoto 34 His Side: Romancing the Stone 36 Perfect Gems 38 Speed: Grand Sport

28 Celebrity Ambassadors: Beautiful Women, Beautiful Watches

DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS

Hugh K. Stanton PRESIDENT AND CEO

Britton Jones CHAIRMAN AND COO

Mac Brighton Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change. While

30 Estate Buying: Searching for Treasures 32 Interview: Larry Pettinelli of Patek Philippe

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

Copyright 2011. Published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821;

42 Art: Man’s Best Friend in the Spotlight

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers

44 Essay: Lucky Charms

this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the

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

publishers. Volume 9, Issue 1. Printed In The U.S.A.

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2011 JOHN HARDY LIMITED

NAGA COLLECTION

SEE AND BE SEEN

Fashion stole the scene at Reis-Nichols' holiday parties this year. For one night, Murph Damron, fashion show expert extraordinaire, coordinated an on-stage experience that was a thrill for all. At the North store, a dozen beautiful models hit the runways to flaunt the season's best in jewelry, paired with clothing by Indy's favorite boutiques: Niche, 815, N.Rue and Raleigh Limited. In Greenwood, models featured looks by Lottie Dottie, a brand new boutique that opened next door to Reis-Nichols last fall.

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SpringForward

REIS-NICHOLS Margarita diamond collection necklace and earrings, rimmed with diamonds, starting at $550

CHANEL Premiere with stainless steel case set with diamonds, quartz movement, mother of pearl dial set with four diamond markers, on a white rubber strap, $4,100

JB STAR One-of-a-kind ruby, sapphire and emerald rings, prices subject to availability

BAUME & MERCIER Linea with 27mm stainless steel case, quartz movement, diamond bezel, mother of pearl dial with snailed finishes, polished and satinfinished stainless steel bracelet with triple folding clasp.

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ROBERTO COIN From the Primavera collection, woven bangle bracelets in 18K yellow, white and rose gold, some with diamonds, $1,180 to $1,900

PRECISION SET Diamond eternity bands, starting at $1,500

ROLEX MIKIMOTO Akoya cultured pearl strand and earring gift set with 18K yellow gold accents, $3,950

Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date with stainless steel bracelet and scratch resistant ceramic rotating bezel, $7,375

JOHN HARDY From the Bamboo Lava collection, in sterling silver with blue topaz and iolite. Ring $250, earrings $395, bangle bracelet $495

TAG HEUER Ladies stainless steel and ceramic Formula 1 with diamonds $1,400

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DAVID YURMAN Sterling silver wide sculpted Cable cuff, $750

MICHELE

SYDNEY EVANS

Michele Tahitian Jelly Bean watch collection, available in assorted colors, $295 each

Bead bracelets with gemstone charms, starting at $400

STEPHEN WEBSTER Superstud Crystal Haze earrings with gray cat’s eye and diamonds, $1,100

IPPOLITA MARCO BICEGO From the Jaipur collection, multi-colored gemstone bangles set in hand-finished 18K yellow gold, $895 to $990

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Rings from the Scultura collection featuring undulating forms and organic shapes in gemstones of turquoise, black onyx and mother of pearl set in sterling silver, starting at $995

MODERN ROCK CANDY® IN 18K GOLD WITH GEMSTONES. ©2011 IPPOLITA®. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ACCENTADVISOR

HOW DO I MIX FINE AND FASHION JEWELRY?

I’VE BEEN SEEING A LOT OF BLACK USED IN FINE JEWELRY. WHAT ARE THE KEY

Use a pretty black dress or a simple top as the backdrop for mixing pieces. Wear a gold medallion

STONES AND METALS, AND HOW CAN I WEAR THEM?

pendant along with multiple chains in blackened and tonal antiqued base metal. Or you can mix in real baroque pearls with a large colored pendant in crystal rather than a precious gem. A low-risk way to mix real and faux is on the wrist; you have more room to be playful as it’s further from your face. Here, mix leather or suede wrap styles with pavé charms, or Bakelite and wood with precious stones. Throw in some high karat gold thin bangles to create a truly eclectic look. This season, designers are even mixing these materials into one piece to offer a statement at an affordable price. But if you prefer simplicity, stick to a pair of cuffs in wood with center gemstones, and a mesh necklace with chains of matte gold. The combination will be different and dramatic, and take you through the season in style.

The trend started with designers adding a black rhodium finish to white gold and mixing it with high karat yellow gold for a richer look. As the darker metal began to sell and the prices for gold went up, the next step was to use blackened or highly oxidized silver. (Some designers still use black rhodium plated 18K white gold, which can mean a slightly higher price tag.) These metals look great with the of-the-moment diamonds—also black—which are spectacular in rose, brilliant and polished rough cuts. Black can be done in styles from gothic to feminine, such as pavé leaves and flowers with a black diamond center. If you want to add color to your black jewelry look, try a hint of rough cut fancy sapphires, the pretty watercolor shades of moonstones and aquamarines, or the

IMAGES COURTESY OF JOHN HARDY

more saturated orange hues of citrines.

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SCAN. EXPLORE.

FIND YOUR TAG HEUER

Invented in 1887 by Edouard Heuer and reengineered for our new in-house Calibre 1887 movement, the oscillating pinion enables our CARRERA chronograph to start in less than 2/1000th of a second.

1.866.675.2080 www.tagheuer.com

FASHION

IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

SUBSTANTIAL PENDANTS PROVIDE PERFECT CONTRAST TO PRETTY PRINTS

Runways

From the NOTICE-ME NEUTRALS TEMPERED A

KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLORS

ON SPRING 2011 RUNWAYS ACROSS THE GLOBE.

BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE

FASHION LAYER HEARTS OVER LACE FOR AN ON-TREND VINTAGE LOOK

A LITTLE SHINE GOES A LONG WAY…

MOONSTONE MANIA! THESE COOL STONES ARE HOT FOR SPRING

Runways

From the NOTICE-ME NEUTRALS

TRENDS

his season, there’s one simple rule on the road to great jewelry style: Don’t get stuck in neutral! Get into gear and follow the direction of spring 2011 fashion, which is all about color.

Does this mean that neutrals like black—so strong these past few years—are no longer fashionable? Is it time to abandon your Little Black Dress? “Absolutely not,” says Meredith Smith, designer and cultural trend analyst at The Doneger Group in New York City. “Even though fashion’s biggest names flooded the spring runways with bright-colored clothes, you can still wear your classic LBD. However, the perennial cocktail classic and other neutral-toned attire needs to be popped with colorful jewelry and accessories. Right now, our culture is all about finding joy; adorning ourselves in happy, escapist colors (like bright blues and greens) is one way to do that.”

The Joy of Jewelry COLORFUL GEMS FIT FASHION’S BRIGHT OUTLOOK

BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE

THE GEMS

Adam Graham, marketing director of The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), agrees that bright blues and greens, as well as shades of purple, are leading trends in colored gemstone jewelry this year. Among the azures, he points to traditional blue sapphire, aquamarine and blue topaz, but emphasizes that lesser-known stones like labradorite, turquoise, blue moonstone, chalcedony, tanzanite and blue shaded black onyx are extremely significant as well. With dramatically-sized jewelry in vogue, it helps that many of the latter gemstones can be purchased in high quality at affordable prices.

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DAVID YURMAN, IPPOLITA, CARELLE

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“This year, you’re also going to see more engagement ring center stones in blues and greens,” notes Graham. “Kate Middleton’s blue sapphire from Prince William has re-ignited the trend that his mother, Princess Diana, started back in 1981, when she received the engagement ring from Prince Charles. Blue sapphire is a great option for women who don’t want to be too ‘bling,’ and at the same time, it’s a high-end gem of great color.”

At the AGTA’s annual Spectrum jewelry design awards for 2011, Graham tells us, “One of the winning pieces was a platinum ring with a neongreen tsavorite center stone. Our panel of judges, all in the fashion or jewelry industries, said it represents a definite style direction.”

In fact, many of the best jewelry designers are also premiering dazzling fashion collections with great green gems, especially green tourmalines, peridots, green diamonds, emeralds, green agates, green sapphires and tsavorites. “And for the past year,” says Graham, “celebrity stylists have been requesting to borrow green gemstone jewelry for their A-list clients to wear to awards shows.”

The green jewelry they’ve been borrowing will coordinate with many red carpet fashion styles according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute, which named ‘Peapod’ green as one of its top fashion colors for spring/summer. “We’ve learned that green really works well as a neutral and we see people more inclined to wear it on a regular basis,” she says.

This past fall, Pantone chose ‘Purple Orchid’ as its number-one fashion color and, for spring/summer, the passion for purple continues, with ‘Lavender’ in its top ten selection. Jewelry designers are showing violet gem creations in everything from deep amethysts and fancy purple sapphires to pastel pinky-purple sugilites and quartzes.

down the runways wearing mega-necklaces, in this case you have another option. Instead of investing in one massive neck piece, a more practical purchase might be to buy several long chains and links that can each be doubled or tripled. With layering necklaces, you can experiment and create many different looks, for both daywear and evening. Play with the necklaces, graduating the lengths differently to accommodate the neckline of whatever you’re wearing. To complete the look, add a 16-inch chain with a pendant or enhancer.

In this season of bold color, choose one with a bright gemstone center.

EPIC RINGS Typically, you ladies buy these supersized and super stylish rings for yourself. (Well, why not—you deserve it!) They’re statement pieces that reflect your personality and personal style, so be sure to select gemstones you really like—plus, since it’s on your hand, you’ll be looking at it all day. Should you invest a lot of money in this epic ring? That depends, to some degree, on whether you’ll be wearing it every day or if you’ll want to buy several and switch—much like some people do with watches. Unlike the big cocktail rings of eras past, the epic ring is no longer a dress-uponly accessory.

GUMDROP EARRINGS And you thought gumdrops were just those chewy sugar-coated candies you shouldn’t be eating! Think again: It’s the season’s strongest earring silhouette. More medium-large than ultra-large in size, this drop-style earring focuses on one prominent colored gem that hangs to about midneck. It’s classic, yet, at the same time, fashion. Ask your jeweler about the earrings’ stone shape and cut.

Some gumdrops have slices of color with a flat bottom, allowing light to pass through the gemstone, much in the way natural light shines through a stained glass window.

MORE THAN ONE METAL COLOR No, you can’t be a yellow-only or white-only jewelry lover anymore. It just isn’t fashionable. If most—or all—of your jewelry is still the same metal color that you’ve been wearing forever, this is the season to start collecting pieces made in different surface colors. If you want to stick to karat gold for your precious metal, that’s okay, but there are many different gold colors to choose from: rose, blackened and sometimes peach. Even the texture on a piece slightly changes the look of the color. (For example, a high-polished blackened gold bracelet will appear to have a different hue than a satin-finished or matte blackened gold piece.) Once you begin to add different colored pieces to your jewelry wardrobe, you’ll see how all the shades really do work together.

And no need to worry if you don’t have “enough” of a certain color when you start. Part of the fun of jewelry is collecting it over time.

FIVE TO BUY

Now that you know what these post-winter pickme-up colors and coordinating gemstones are, which jewelry pieces in particular should you be considering? Ultimately that depends on your individual style as well as what jewelry you already own, but here are the five jewelry must-haves we highly recommend: BIG BANGLES The number-one jewelry item adorning spring runway models was the big bangle, and they usually wore two or three per arm. The uber bangles—not slim stackables and not ultra-wide cuffs—almost always featured stones, beads, or some sort of bright embellishment.

LAYERING NECKLACES While models strutted

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PROFILE Mikimoto strands are world-renowned for their perfectly matched pearls; this process becomes exponentially more difficult when strands are longer.

Timeless Beauty

MIKIMOTO CULTURED PEARLS—A PERFECT BALANCE OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

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A Unique History

After many years of trials and tribulations, Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in creating the world’s first cultured pearl in 1893. He then sent artisans on missions to Europe to master the techniques of jewelry production and design. This knowledge, supplemented by the Japanese aesthetics of form, line and workmanship, produced the distinctive originality of Mikimoto designs. In 1899, equipped with his first collection, Mr. Mikimoto opened the first Mikimoto Pearl Store, Japan’s first specialty pearl shop, in Tokyo’s Ginza district. After improving his cultivating and harvesting techniques, he was able to ship his product overseas, making cultured pearls available to women around the world.

IMAGES COURTESY OF MIKIMOTO

f all the love stories over the ages, does anything beat the intensity of Cleopatra and Marc Antony? Betting him that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal, Cleopatra removed a pearl earring, crushed it, and drank the powder mixed with wine. Under her spell and hopelessly enchanted, Antony neglected his duties to the Roman Empire, thus changing forever the course of history.

Since ancient times, pearls have indeed symbolized everything from purity of love to victory in battle. From symbol of chastity to mystical aphrodisiac, pearls have reflected the power of love. Worn by ancient Greeks at their wedding ceremonies to ensure marital bliss (and prevent new brides from crying), pearls are worn today by modern brides for strangely similar reasons. After all this time, pearls still represent innocence, sophistication and timeless beauty.

In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearl, launching today’s cultured pearl industry and making cultured pearls available to women all over the world. The company is internationally respected for its dedication to beauty and quality. Since each pearl is as different and individual as a fingerprint, quality grading standards are essential. Mikimoto has maintained the highest standards of quality and consistency by devoting more than a century to understanding the sea and researching the oyster. They’ve developed a proprietary grading system,

unique within the cultured pearl industry. Although no single factor can solely represent the worth of a pearl, luster and surface perfection are most important. There are four Mikimoto grades: A, A+, AA and AAA, with AAA being the highest quality. A mere three to five pearls out of every 100 harvested are deemed worthy to bear the Mikimoto name.

While there is nothing more cherished than a classic strand of Mikimoto pearls, numerous fashion options abound. For 2011, these include:

LONGER STRANDS

Ranging in length from 32 to an astounding 100 inches, these longer strands are the perfect accessory and a wonderful gift for today’s modern woman. Taking the classic beauty of a traditional choker to a whole new level, these versatile strands, whether worn for day or evening, alone or layered with another piece of jewelry, add glamour to any occasion.

Not only a unique fashion look, these long strands truly showcase the superior quality for which Mikimoto is revered. Each strand is a work of art, requiring incredible skill, judgment and craftsmanship. Mikimoto strands are worldrenowned for their perfectly matched pearls and this process becomes exponentially more difficult when strands are longer. Demanding the finest judgment and artistic sense, only Mikimoto has the ability to sort and match such long lengths of pearls.

PEARLS IN MOTION

contrast to the classic, feminine elegance of white pearls, Mikimoto Black South Seas are pearls with attitude, emitting an air of confidence. Day or night, from the boardroom to the runway, Black South Sea pearls are the perfect complement to any outfit, and an icon of style and taste. Because of their breathtaking natural hues, fashion mavens and connoisseurs alike consider Mikimoto’s Black South Sea cultured pearls to be among the most distinctive of all gems. With their hypnotic depth of color ranging from light gray to peacock green to midnight black, these treasures of the sea seem lit from within, conferring a remarkable radiance and sophistication upon those fortunate enough to wear them.

In 1914, Kokichi Mikimoto established a culturing site for Black South Sea pearl oysters on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan. Since that time, the brand has remained the authority on Black South Sea cultured pearls of the highest quality. Almost a century later, Black South Sea jewelry remains a formidable fashion trend as style-savvy consumers are embracing these gems as never before. Mikimoto’s international design team uses Black South Sea cultured pearls to create jewels of impeccable style and quality, from a perfectly-matched choker to a multi-colored 45” strand that can be layered or wrapped.

CARING FOR PEARLS

The rules are simple:

Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing and store separately so they don’t get scratched.

Remember: pearls are organic gemstones, and thus vulnerable to acid, alkaline and humidity. That said, pearls beg to be worn; left alone in a box they risk dehydration, so wear them often and flaunt your elegance and style!

With Pearls in Motion, the possibilities are unlimited. This unique concept in jewelry design offers the versatility to wear Mikimoto cultured pearls in an infinite number of ways. Place the cultured pearls anywhere along the slim, elegant chain. The gems will remain in place thanks to Mikimoto’s exclusive, patented mechanism.

BLACK SOUTH SEA

Mikimoto Black South Sea cultured pearls, with their exotic origins and mysterious color palette, are a versatile must-have for today’s trendsetters looking to make an edgy fashion statement. In direct

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BAROQUE COUTURE COLLECTION

The natural beauty of Mikimoto’s Baroque South Sea cultured pearls is derived from their superb luster and irregular, yet beautiful, silhouettes. The unique organic shapes of these pearls make them a constant marvel to behold, a true fashion statement and conversation piece.

Baroque Couture is a collection of one-of-a-kind Mikimoto jewelry inspired by the Baroque pearl. The Baroque Couture Collection uses the distinctive shape and size of each individual pearl as the subject of each exclusive design. Nature determines the setting and Mikimoto designers fulfill each pearl’s destiny.

Says Amy Kim-Araneo, Mikimoto’s vice president of product development and design: “Designing baroque pearl jewelry is incredibly exciting and challenging because no two pearls are alike, so each piece takes on its own personality. The unique shape of each pearl truly dictates the design…as if it knows what it wants to be. The organic, fluid designs of Baroque Couture really conform to the body and showcase a more modern, less traditional look in pearl jewelry.”

ACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2011

getty 1 / Peter Dazeley

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WATCHES

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WHAT TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TIMEPIECES

WATCH ADVISOR

IS IT OKAY TO WEAR A SPORTS WATCH AS AN EVERYDAY WATCH?

IMAGE COURTESY OF TW STEEL

If you love it, why not?

Unless you’re talking about a tacky plastic watch, most of today’s better sports watches are thin enough to wear as an everyday watch, and offer features that most of us appreciate even at home or in the office. These can include water resistance, built-in chronographs, readable dials and various subdials, calendars and other complications.

That said, there’s nothing classier than a beautiful dress watch and for spring 2011, classical elegance is all the rage. Our suggestion: build a watch wardrobe that includes both sports and dress watches and alternate according to the occasion, and your mood.

WHAT ARE MECHANICAL WATCHES AND WHY ARE THEY SO EXPENSIVE?

As opposed to quartz watches that function electronically, a mechanical watch is driven by a spring which must be periodically wound. A series of gears power the balance wheel, which oscillates back and forth at a constant rate. A device called an escapement releases the wheels with each swing of the balance wheel, moving the hands forward at a constant rate and creating a ticking sound. It’s technology dating back to 17th century Europe, and the expense is the design, the old world craftsmanship, the maintenance and replacement parts, and of course the intrinsic value of precious metals and other fine materials.

But for those whose hearts beat to the pulse of a mechanical timepiece, there’s nothing else quite like it!

I HAVE MY GRANDFATHER’S TIMEPIECE FROM THE 1950 S ; IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT TO RESTORE IT?

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T H E D E C I S I O N T O R E S T O R E A V I N TA G E T I M E P I E C E is part rational (Will the restored timepiece be worth more?) and part emotional (This is my grandfather’s watch!). Bottom line: the joy of wearing an heirloom, especially one with family history, is unique and priceless.

That said, only you can decide if it’s worth the investment. Once you’ve made the decision to restore your vintage timepiece, entrust it only to a qualified technician with proper training in assessing and working on older timepiece movements. Improper repair of an older watch can damage the movement irreparably. Incorrect replacement parts, finishing techniques and lubrication are just some of the issues we’ve seen.

In general, older timepieces cannot be expected to function with the same level of accuracy as new models. However, if properly restored, the watch should be suitable for daily wear. One must allow ample time for the work to be completed, as parts might not be readily available, and the technician might have to search the marketplace for the proper part, or in some cases, make the part by hand.

Once the work is done, consider enhancing your newly restored vintage watch with an interesting strap—perhaps one in a bold color or with contrast stitching—to make a unique statement.

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raymond-weil.com

| freelancer collection

by Roberta Naas

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FOCUS: TRAVEL

WATCH LOVER’S MECCA 48 HOURS IN LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS

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f you find yourself in Switzerland and have some extra time (those two words being the operative ones) on your hands, La Chaux-de-Fonds is definitely worth a visit. The capital city of the district known as La Chauxde-Fonds, in the canton of Neuchâtel, is widely known as the watchmaking center of the world, the place where many world-renowned brands took root hundreds of years ago. Located in the 1,000meter-high Jura Mountains, the townspeople were unable to rely on farming once the winter snows set in. Watchmaking provided at first a great hobby, then a lucrative craft, and finally a proud tradition.

La Chaux-de-Fonds has received recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional history and universal contributions. It suffered extensive fire damage in 1794, when it was almost decimated and then totally rebuilt. It owes its survival solely to the manufacture and export of watches. The town is one of few that offers an architectural concept juxtaposing residential housing with artisanal workshops—bringing the once cottage industry into today’s world, but on its own terms. There is still an odd mix of modern and post-modern architecture, with soaring glass towers right next to old tileroofed homes. Some of the world’s most famous watch brands have roots in La Chaux-de-Fonds, including Pierre Jacquet-Droz (best known for his automata), Girard-Perregaux, Omega, Movado, Gallet and TAG Heuer.

Since the city and its surrounding canton remain one of the most lively and important Swiss watchmaking centers, the Musée International d’ Horlogerie (International Museum of Watchmaking) is a must-see. This popular

establishment showcases the history of timekeeping projects and products, from sundials to water clocks to table clocks, wall clocks, pocket watches and more. It is one of the richest collections in Switzerland with more than 4,500 exhibits. In the park outside the museum is a giant tubular-steel carillon clock with digital readout, built about 30 years ago. It melodically chimes the time every quarter-hour.

For those who love watchmaking but might want a diversion, La Chaux-de-Fonds is rich with other influences, including Art Nouveau architecture, famous paintings and even automotive heritage. The Villa Jeanneret-Perret is the first independent project of architect Le Corbusier (nee Charles-Edouard Jeanneret), born in 1887 in La Chaux-deFonds; there are several other examples of his architecture around town as well. Be sure to check out the Museée des Beaux-Arts, an impressive neo-classical building with a collection of Van Gogh, Delacroix and Renoir, among others.

An interesting tidbit for American car aficionados: This city is also the birthplace of Louis Chevrolet (born 1878), founder of the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. Something for everyone can be found during your two day visit.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A FINE HOTEL, CHOICES ARE SLIM. WE CAN RECOMMEND: ATHMOS HÔTEL A four-star hotel in the center of town, near the train station and around the corner from the art and watch museums.

GRAND HÔTEL LES ENDROITS A four-star modern, but in a country setting. The hotel overlooks the town, with a shuttle to the city center.

ABOVE: An arial view of the Grand Fontaine in the Neuchâtel canton region.

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With its soft lines and subtle alternating finishes, the Linea is a timeless icon of femininity that naturally becomes associated with life’s most beautiful highlights. Each Linea is fitted with an interchangeable strap.www.baume-et-mercier.com

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FOCUS: CELEBRITY AMBASSADORS

by Jillian Sprague

BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, BEAUTIFUL WATCHES THE WORLD’S FINEST TIMEPIECES MAKE THESE SUPERSTARS SHINE (AND OF COURSE, VICE VERSA).

GWYNETH PALTROW FOR BAUME & MERCIER When opportunity arose for Paltrow to partner with the famed Swiss Maison d’Horlogerie, she felt an instant connection to the brand’s motto: Life is about moments.

“That very much represents my personal philosophy on life,” she explains. For the actress and singer who recently got her star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, quiet moments with her family are rare and precious. At a seaside party in the Hamptons, she shared that many of these moments have taken place at her home there, where she enjoys relaxing, playing with her children and grilling seafood in the garden. “I feel at home in the place between land and sea,” she says.

DIANE KRUGER FOR JAEGER-LECOULTRE Kruger fell in love with Jaeger-LeCoultre when she received a Reverso timepiece on her 18th birthday. Little did she know that over a decade later, the watch manufacturer would ask her to represent their prestigious brand on red carpets around the globe. Her elegant beauty, strong personality and incredible talent made Kruger the perfect muse for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers, who strive to encompass a balance between charm and strength of character in each

MARIA SHARAPOVA FOR TAG HEUER TAG Heuer believes that women experience time

of their timepiece collections.

differently than men. Men cut it up into fractions in order to visualize it, while women see it as a a poetic flow. For men, time is linear. For women, it is cyclical.

The brand recently asked tennis superstar Maria Sharapova to help design its new Formula 1 ceramic watches because “she is a woman endowed with the systematic approach that comes with the territory.” The ceramic bracelet with butterfly clasp is ideal for delicate wrists. The black edition is perfect for night on the town; the white, for anytime and anyplace.

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15th Annual

Watch Event April 29 -30 th

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meets

SUBSTANCE Legendary Collection Choose from more than 2500 watches

Remarkable Savings Offered only once a year at this annual event

Two Days Only Brand representatives on hand to showcase what’s new, best sellers and rare collectables

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FOCUS: ESTATE BUYING

SEARCHING FOR TREASURES SOMETIMES, NEW-TO-YOU IS GOOD AS NEW.

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here has recently been a surging interest in vintage or previously owned jewelry and timepieces. For some, it’s about the history, old-word craftsmanship or unique design of the piece, while for others it may be the concept of recycling and finding new use and enjoyment out of an existing item.

Having the largest selection of fine Swiss timepieces in the Midwest also means that Reis-Nichols has a large following of watch collectors. Many of our collectors often trade in different models as new ones are introduced, so several timepieces found in our pre-

owned collection are like new, but offered at a significant savings.

Every watch is inspected and serviced by our staff of expert watchmakers and comes with a written warrantee.

Reis-Nichols has many amazing, hard-to-find jewelry items and watches, as well as popular favorites. Our expansive collection changes and grows daily. Whether you have old, unwanted items that you want to liquidate, or you’re on the hunt for a unique and beautiful new-to-you piece, come check out Reis-Nichols’ vintage and preowned collections.

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DECO DIAMOND TRI TONE

by Roberta Naas

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FOCUS: INTERVIEW

THE NEXT GENERATION PATEK PHILIPPE IS ALWAYS LOOKING AHEAD.

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atek Philippe has long been regarded as the epitome of watchmaking.

This legendary family-owned, Geneva-based brand has been crafting some of the finest watches in the world since 1839. Indeed, it has an impressive 70 patents to its credit and has won an amazing number of awards throughout its existence. Still, the brand continues to push the technological envelope, always on the cutting edge of research and development in an effort to bring the best horological masterpieces to the forefront. This manufacture produces everything in house according to the strictest standards of excellence.

For this and other reasons, the brand can easily stand by its tagline: “You never really own a Patek Philippe; you merely look after it for the next generation.” Indeed, perhaps more so than any other watch brand, Patek Philippe timepieces hold their value from decade to decade, century to century. In fact, Patek Philippe holds a record for achieving 15 of the 16 highest

prices ever paid for a timepiece at auction. What’s more, at a Christie’s auction this past spring, a one-of-a-kind 1944 Ref. 1527 chronograph garnered $5.7 million, breaking a record for any yellow gold watch ever sold at auction.

Naturally, the value of these watches lies in their incredible workmanship and esteemed complexity. Patek Philippe makes about 42,000 watches per year for worldwide consumption— and of the more complicated pieces, a very limited number are built. Only the finest, handpicked jewelers around the globe are selected to carry this brand.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Larry Pettinelli, president of Patek Philippe, USA, discusses the steadfast commitment of the brand to excellence and its belief that even the younger generation—one that flicks open its iPhones to check the time—can still

The value of these watches lies in the incredible workmanship and esteemed complexity.

Above: Men’s Annual Calendar, Ladies’ Nautilus 32

ATC IT’S ABOUT TIME

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FOCUS: INTERVIEW

understand the affinity for a timepiece New York (instead of Switzerland). that will long outlast them.

“We also work more closely than ever Pettinelli has been at the helm of with our retail jewelers to give them and Patek Philippe in the U.S. for four years their customers access to what they need now, but he has been with the company in terms of fine products,” says Pettinelli. since 1988, when he started as a trainee “We know that people have milestones in carrying watches for the son of the their lives to celebrate, and that they want distributor. It was two years before to pick things with value, especially today Pettinelli was even allowed to write an when they are scrutinizing every dollar order, and four years before he started they spend. A Patek Philippe will have discussing actual sales with retailers. inherent value from the minute they “‘There’s no reason to rush,’ I purchase it to 20 years down the road, and remember the owners telling me,” says 100 years down the road.”

Pettinelli, “’Because when we hire According to Pettinelli, he has built a someone, we hire them to stay for a long younger, higher-energy-level team at time.’”

Patek Philippe that understands today’s nd stay a long generation. “We don’t rest on our laurels, time, he did.

Larry Pettinelli, president, Patek Philippe, USA or take for granted that we are Patek and Today, 22 years that’s it,” says Pettinelli. “We keep later, Pettinelli developing new products, strategies and heads the relationships. Our retailers are our c o m p a n y in partners, and we try to give them great America and admits that the time has tools for their customers—for generations gone by in a heartbeat. As the to come.” awareness of Swiss watches rose, Among the most recent “great tools” Patek Philippe reached iconic status. are Annual Calendar watches, especially As vintage watch collecting grew and Refs. 5205 and 5207, the Nautilus global auctions became more and timepieces for women and men, and the more prevalent, the value of Patek exciting steel Twenty-4 for women.

Philippe timepieces became world Additionally, Patek Philippe takes its renowned. The brand blossomed and Generations ad campaign to a different the challenges were met in the U.S. as level, based on the concept of “Begin Your they were around the world: with a creed of exclusivity, Own Tradition.” It is centered on the emotions inherent in perfection and innovation. relationships (fathers and sons, mothers and daughters) and In the four years Pettinelli has been in charge in America, conveys the enduring value and beauty of something precious. he has taken a tighter reign over the brand’s distribution: The new campaign introduces the line “Something truly closing about 40 retail doors and making the product even precious holds its beauty forever.” more exclusive. Just about 100 retailers across America are now “It’s important to emphasize that we are building watches authorized to carry Patek Philippe timepieces. Those that do for the next generation, not just for now,” says Pettinelli. “We are are superbly trained, and most travel to Switzerland to visit the not an old, stodgy, conservative company. We offer newness, workshops and witness the revered watches being built. In innovation and excitement.” typical Patek Philippe style, the brand has also reorganized the way it services watches under warranty in America, and now offers faster turnaround by servicing most of their models in Left: Ladies’ Twenty-4

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“It’s important to emphasize that we are building watches for the next generation, not just for now,” says Pettinelli.

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HIS SIDE

Romancing the Stone MY ROCKY EXPERIENCES BUYING JEWELRY FOR GIRLFRIENDS

BY MICHAEL GIULIETTI was 10 and at an Italian ski resort the first time I gave jewelry to a female.

She was 18, beautiful, and to prove my love, I left a gift of shiny dark purple beads by her door, a bold move I was sure would make up for our eight-year age difference. She sweetly accepted the gift but turned down my proposal of undying devotion. Heartbroken, I was not yet aware that this would be the last time I’d give a gift of jewelry without trepidation.

While dating Jen, a professional dancer, I considered buying her a ring but quickly decided it would represent a commitment I wasn’t ready to make. Instead, I chose an ornate crystal choker that ended up being so tight that it cut off her air supply. Although she had left magazines open to pages featuring her favorite jewelry designer, I’d been oblivious to these not-sosubtle hints. We broke up six months later.

I soon met Arianna. For her birthday, I purchased a Turkish handcrafted sterling silver necklace with a carved pendant. Upon careful examination, the carving revealed a well-endowed naked man with open arms. Aware of possible misinterpretations, I worried: Was I showing sexual insecurity? Was it in really bad taste? But when I gave it to Arianna, she was delighted and wore the piece close to her heart. Ultimately the guy in the carving would remain in her life a lot longer than I would.

Moving to New York from my native Milan, I started dating Bettina, a style writer who dragged me to esoteric jewelry exhibits at various museums. “I don’t want to see a bunch of jewelry,” I protested in response to a Castellani exhibit. “But it’s as much your heritage as the Vatican and its frescoes,” Bettina replied as I marveled at the intricate pieces behind the glass cases.

The word for ‘jewel’ in Italian is related to ‘joy’ and I wanted to give Bettina a sense of gioia di vivere.

She loves rose cut diamonds, so I picked out a pair of stones and had them made into drop earrings, one-of-a-kind, just like her. It’s the closest I’ve come to truly committing to a woman with a gift of jewelry.

And while I’m now more adept at taking hints, I’m still hoping to recapture the courageous young boy who declared his feelings with unabashed audacity and an open heart.

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EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.

BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

CAPE ESCAPE Nestled on 25 acres atop a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Chatham Bars Inn has been a landmark on Cape Cod since 1914. The hotel is famous for its extensive outdoor activities and lavish dining. But now guests can also indulge in the comfort of a contemporary spa that boasts a dozen king and queen-size suites, each with a hydrotherapy tub, sauna, steam shower, plasma TV, Bose sound system and fireplace. This spring, the spa is featuring a renewal and cleansing treatment that includes a body polish made of sugar drenched in plant oils, an application of botanical Shea butter, a linen body wrap, and face massage.

Since 1989, the Garden Conservancy has been restoring and preserving America’s exceptional gardens, from those made by wardens and prisoners at San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island (at left) to the Pearl Fryar topiary garden in South Carolina. Along with lectures and events, the group also offers members of the Garden Conservancy’s Society of Fellows the opportunity to see some of the most lavish gardens in the world. This year, along with U.S. destinations, the Fellows are traveling to Île de France to see Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th century Baroque chateau and garden designed by the André le Nôtre (who later designed the gardens at Versailles), and Normandy to visit Château de Brécy, another 17th century chateau with a meticulously restored Italian style garden.

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ABOVE: CHATHAM BARS INN; AT LEFT: GARDEN CONSERVANCY

GARDEN VARIETY

THE INN CROWD

ELYSIAN HOTEL

GETTY 1

YADES GREEK HISTORICAL HOTELS

On a narrow cobblestone street in Rethymnon old town on the island of Crete, a small, unassuming doorway opens to a large courtyard filled with masses of bougainvillea. A central fountain is surrounded by antiques, works of art, comfortable sofas and tables set with flowers. This stunning setting is the very fashionable restaurant of the Hotel Avli.

Greeks come from all over the island for the superb food made from local sources and the incomparable Greek wines (the Avli has the largest wine cellar on Crete). Now a member of the prestigious Yades hotels, the Avli was once the home of a Venetian lord, and the elegant architecture and gracious style of the past remain. There are only seven (very chic) suites, each designed in an individual color theme with every modern convenience carefully integrated into the exposed stone, wood beams and original Venetian arches.

Have a glass of wine on the rooftop and look out over this beautiful town to the sea.

PICNIC PLEASURES A quiet afternoon. China plates, good silver, a vintage tablecloth. And these sophisticated pairings from sommelier and gourmet Edward Costa, director of food and beverage at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. These elements combine to create a truly chic picnic with European flair. To evoke the flavor of a romantic afternoon in Italy, mingle the sharp and nutty flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano with the gentle Sangiovese grapes in Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa, 2006. Or, to give your picnic sparkle, try the light citrus Borgo Magredo Prosecco that highlights the flavors of smoked salmon. If you prefer a French ambiance, a fresh, crisp rosé is the perfect wine on a warm afternoon. Robert Oatley Rosé, 2008 is ideal with any chicken dish. And of course there must be champagne (and caviar). The bright and refreshing citrus flavors of Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne Blanc de Blanc, 1999 is a perfect match to the creaminess and richness of Osetra caviar. For a picnic of this caliber, pearls are appropriate.

KIDDING AROUND Guest rooms at the Elysian Hotel in Chicago boast white Carrera marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, inset LCD televisions and separate showers. Rooms have fireplaces and expansive terraces, and the beds are draped with 460-thread count Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens. To give couples traveling with children an opportunity to enjoy all these appurtenances, the hotel invites kids to the kitchens of either Balsan or Ria, the hotel’s restaurants, for a cooking session with the pastry chef. They “assist” in the preparation of a dessert such as Balsan’s Paris Brest, a cream-filled pastry, or Ria’s spiced hazelnut cake, nestled in ice cream and topped with cherries and hazelnuts.

When the creation is finished, the kids get to take it with them. Maybe they’ll share.

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SPEED

Grand Sport THE INTERSECTION OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY BY DAVID A. ROSE

t was a late afternoon in September when two young men were driving to Salinas, Calif., in a brand new 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder. The owner of the car planned to compete in the Salinas Sports Car Race that weekend, but rather than transport the car by trailer from Los Angeles as intended, he felt he needed seat time in the new car before he raced it. As they approached an intersection near Cholame, a 1950 Ford coming from the opposite direction suddenly crossed lanes and the two cars collided head-

on. The driver, James Dean, was Hollywood’s newest heartthrob. He died within minutes of the crash, and a legend was born.

Although only 90 Porsche 550 Spyders were made between 1953 and 1956, many have survived. At the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2010, one of the 600 cars entered was a Porsche 550 Spyder identical to the one James Dean planned to race 55 years ago.

Vintage racing has grown to become one of the most exciting forms of motorsports. It brings to life what most people will only see on the pages of coffee table books, in museums or in movies.

Rolex has sponsored motorsports since the 1930s. As the leading name in luxury timepieces, it’s fitting that they are title sponsor for one of the world’s most significant vintage race events. “Motor racing has an enormous following around the world. It appeals to those who appreciate the ultimate in technology as well as extreme competition,” said Peter Nicholson, vice president and director of communications, Rolex Watch U.S.A. “Since split-second timing is so critical for drivers and crews, it is Top: A full field of three-liter Formula 1 racecars, considered the pinnacle of motor racing from 1966 to ’83. Center left: A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona was presented to Graham Wallis. Center right: Some of the many cars raced or built by Dan Gurney. Bottom right: Patrick Dempsey and Jay Leno.

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ROLEX / STEPHAN COOPER

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Left: Luc Slijpen from the Netherlands stands next to his original, unrestored 1925 Type 35 Bugatti. Bottom left: Graham Wallis in his 1929 Lagonda, for which he won The Spirit of Monterey Trophy for overall excellence. Below: Patrick Dempsey races the Jeremy Barnes Mazda RX-92 GTP.

fitting that Rolex adds its reputation for precision timekeeping to these magnificent events.”

Participants at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion hail from 13 countries and bring with them the most exotic cars on the planet to race at Laguna Seca’s challenging 11-turn circuit. Not long ago, one would have been able to see a Type 35 Bugatti Grand Prix car only in a museum. Last year 90 Bugattis were in Monterey, 35 of them racing in the Bugatti Grand Prix as part of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. (They later toured the California coastline as part of the Bugatti Rally 2010.)

At vintage races, the cars are not necessarily the only stars. Patrick Dempsey, a passionate driver best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy, raced a Mazda GTP Prototype at the event. Always a crowd favorite, he was visibly thrilled with his racecar—and his results. Jay Leno and other celebrities are perennial attendees, but this year it was a true American legend who garnered the most attention. Dan Gurney, who was honored at the event, is widely considered to be the greatest American

racecar driver of all time. As a driver he has won races in Indy cars, Formula 1, NASCAR stock cars and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was the only American to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix in a car of his own design when, in 1967, he won the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit Spa Francorchamps in the beautiful Gurney Weslake Eagle F1. Despite all his wins, Gurney is most well-known for his sportsmanship, which has won him the respect and admiration of peers and race fans around the world.

As he was honored, Gurney reflected back on his prime, when cars were fast, drivers colorful and tragedy seemed always to be lurking around the next corner. “We were certainly driven by enormous passion for the sport, and we had great respect for those who came before us...we weren’t thinking about future history at the time,” said Gurney. He thanked his role model Phil Walters (better known as Ted Tappet), who “could move through traffic gracefully without knocking anybody off the road.”

Gurney is thrilled about the growth and popularity of vintage racing and enjoys seeing enthusiastic gentlemen drivers behind the wheel of the cars that he and his peers made famous. “I’m sure these guys are as crazy as we were,” said Gurney. “I don’t know what it is about human beings...we all have an affinity for the internal combustion engine and its sounds and smells, as well as all the history. It’s great to see decades touching each other and new generations appreciating similar things.”

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is part of Monterey Auto Week, when sophisticated people, exotic cars, fine food and superb wines combine for a celebration that has become internationally recognized as a showcase for luxury and glamour.

Automobile enthusiasts and connoisseurs of culture enjoy the atmosphere of elegance while attending auto-related shows, auctions, cocktail parties and elaborate dinners. At the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, grand touring cars drive some of the most scenic portions of Monterey’s 17Mile Drive and then parade down Carmel’s Ocean Avenue for bystanders to enjoy. The week-long festival of automobile culture culminates with the internationally acclaimed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where some of the world’s most extraordinary cars are judged for authenticity, function, history and style.

As trailers and auto-transporters are reloaded with their valuable cargo and participants head for home, the quiet and lovely Monterey peninsula returns to its normal tranquility. But plans are already underway for making the next event, from August 19th to the 21st, 2011, even more unforgettable.

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ART

Man’s Best Friend In The Spotlight Animated Dogs Come to Life Paul Fierlinger’s parents were caught up in an international life of Czech politics, diplomacy and intrigue. They had little time for or interest in their young child. When they were called back to Czechoslovakia from the States, they left Paul with an American foster family they’d found through a newspaper ad. To cope with this benign neglect, Paul found solace in the company of loveable dogs.

At the tender age of 10, due to a regime change in Czechoslovakia, Paul was abruptly yanked from the American home he’d come to call his own and sent off to an elite boarding school in Prague (future playwright and president Vacel Havel and film director Milos Forman were his schoolmates).

Miserable, homesick for America, and unable to speak the language, Paul expressed himself through drawing. It turned out he had quite a talent.

Art school followed, coupled with an intense desire to return to the U.S. (no mean feat during the Communist era).

Eventually, using his artistic talent to forge documents, Fierlinger escaped to America. Over time, as his acclaim as an animator grew, Paul and his wife Sandra, a fine arts painter, began to create animated films together.

Shown on PBS and at prestigious film festivals such as Sundance and the Toronto Film Festival, their work received numerous Peabody Awards, an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short, and several other major film festival awards. Paul’s lifelong love of dogs informed many of these projects.

Some favorites include the award-winning films Still Life with Animated Dogs, starring dogs Paul had come to love over his lifetime, and Drawn From Memory, an autobiographical film featuring the canine companions that helped him survive those unhappy years in Czechoslovakia.

In their latest feature from New Yorker Films, My Dog Tulip (based on Above: Painter Juan Torcoletti used his love of dogs to turn his life around by painting their portraits.

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© JUAN TORCOLETTI/BOLTAX.GALLERY

FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, FROM THE EARLIEST CAVE PAINTINGS TO CONTEMPORARY CANVASES, ARTISTS HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY DOGS. TODAY, THESE ARTISTS BRING A UNIQUE VISION TO THEIR WORK. BY JACQUELIN CARNEGIE

British author J.R. Ackerley’s book), an animated German Shepherd gets top billing alongside the voices of Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave and Isabella Rossellini.

Through a Photographer’s Lens Award-wining photographer Rosanne Olson is mostly known for her stunning portraits of people. But as she photographed her Knowing Portraits clients, she noticed that their pets were intrigued by the process, often hovering at the edge of the proceedings.

Olson became intrigued with them in return and came up with the concept of photographing dogs in the painterly style of the Old Masters.

Her regal dog portraits à la Thomas Gainsborough and John Singer Sargent look as if lit by the natural light of a window.

“When photographing dogs—and children—I am very patient,” explains Olson. “Sometimes it works quickly and sometimes it takes a while—there’s no forcing anything. Animals (and kids) are so honest. They don’t know how to ‘fake it;’ that’s something we learn as we grow up.

dressed in black leather with two black dogs, a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. In a stroke of bad luck, the Rottweiler bit me so badly that I had to go to the hospital for stitches.

“I wanted to sue the lady, but felt sorry for the dogs. Also, because I was here illegally, I feared being sent back to South America. I was happy and in love with New York City, fully determined to fulfill my American dream.

“At first, to ‘heal’ myself from the frightening experience with that Rottweiler, I painted dogs with ferocious teeth, wild dogs and all black ones.

I started selling my paintings on the street, at the corner of Prince and Greene. Luckily, many sales followed.

“I had famous clients such as Giorgio Armani and many artists. Also, neighborhood residents and tourists bought my work. But, finally, I was arrested for selling on the street and was almost deported. However, fortune smiled and I got my paintings back—and my freedom—as well as my papers and a green card. So, I decided to change my life and stop selling my work on the street. I started doing dog portraits on request.

“First, I’d meet the dogs and their owners (the clients), do sketches,

HAVE A HEART

© ROSANNE OLSON/GETTY IMAGES

Other ways to help: Visit 4pawsforability.org, which provides service dogs to people with disabilities; www.humanesociety.org, the nation’s largest animal protection organization; or www.aspca.org, which rescues and shelters abused and neglected animals.

Left: Esther the Great Dane, as photographed by Rosanne Olson, has the regal look of Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy. Top Right: Art imitates life. In the award-winning Still Life with Animated Dogs, Paul Fierlinger gets his dog Spinnaker to do a barking “voice over.”

Bottom Right: In the film, Paul Fierlinger also goes sailing with Spinnaker.

“I simply try to make photographing them an enjoyable experience so that the expressions I get reflect the genuine feelings of the subject.”

Yes, you can almost see the dogs smiling.

Canine Creatures on Canvas Argentine painter Juan Torcoletti’s inspiration for painting dogs is best told in his own words: “My history painting dogs was born in the streets of New York. I had just moved to the city in 1993 and found a place in Soho. One morning, like any other, I went for coffee at Dean & Deluca on Prince Street. I passed a lady

make drawings and take photos. Afterwards, I’d work on the paintings in my studio (by then, I’d moved to an old storage building in Tribeca with a hotplate and a bathroom down the hall). That’s where I lived until I became disillusioned with my beloved America. And, when I started painting ferocious dogs again, I knew it was time to move back to Buenos Aires.”

Since 2004, Juan Torcoletti and his amazing dog portraits have been represented by boltax.gallery on Shelter Island, New York.

These very different portraits by this group of talented artists pay tribute to the long relationship people have had with dogs—not only as hunters, guardians and guides, but as loving companions.

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© PAUL & SANDRA FIERLINGER/AR&T ASSOCIATES, INC.

Animator Paul Fierlinger and Mutts cartoonist Patrick McDonnell teamed up to create commercials for The Shelter Pet Project (www.theshelterpetproject.org) to encourage people to adopt a pet.

FIRST PERSON

Lucky Charms JUST IN CASE… BY LISA DALE

hen it comes to wearing jewelry for good luck, I’m not one to break with tradition. In ancient times Nordic soldiers wore runes to protect themselves during battle. In Cleopatra’s days, amulets of scarabs, rounded on one side and bearing words or images of blessing on the other, were symbols of renewal and prosperity.

Even in modern times, our accessories symbolize good luck: Peruse jewelry in a Turkish bazaar, or even a shop in New York City’s East Village, and you’ll find numerous little nazars literally looking back at you with bands of concentric color—expressions of protection from the evil eye.

But not all jewels derive their status as “lucky charms” from cultural mythology. Sometimes, it’s more personal. My mother, for example, has been known to sleep with her lucky pin on when her football team needs a big win. And these days, I’ve got my own personal talisman as well.

Last Thanksgiving my grandmother gave all her grandchildren, including me, quite a surprise. She said, “I was planning to leave my jewelry for you after I pass on. But instead, I want to give it to you now, for the pleasure of sharing.”

To my sister she gave a large opal ring that sparks green and gold like fireflies on a midsummer’s night. To my brother she offered her father’s ring: a gutsy red garnet set in a geometric Art Deco band.

And to me, for no reason other than the fact that I was her first

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grandchild, she gave her engagement ring—the ring that has been catching my eye over crumb cakes and knitting needles since I was born. The band is a buttery matte gold, soft and romantic like a close-up of a heroine from an old movie. The diamond is princess cut, clear and full of flame.

An engagement ring may not be a universal symbol of good luck, but to me, this particular ring is very lucky. Here’s why.

When my grandparents first got married, there was no engagement ring. My Pop and Gram were both from working class families: My grandmother’s dad was a city cop who married an Irish-Catholic orphan. My grandfather’s parents were vaudeville hopefuls who never made it big but who look brilliantly happy in the one photograph of them that remains.

It wasn’t until my grandparents’ 30th anniversary that Pop got down on one knee, with a real engagement ring this time, and asked, “Will you marry me?” Decades later, they’re still together.

My fiancé likes to say, “You make your own luck,” meaning that scarabs, runes or family heirlooms won’t change a person’s fate. And he’s probably right. But my grandmother’s ring gives me joy, strength and hope. And what is a lucky charm, if not a symbol of those things?

Call me superstitious, but when I walk down the aisle next summer, I’ll be wearing my grandmother’s ring—my private and personal little token of good fortune. Just in case.

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REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

SPRING/SUMMER 2011