ACCENT / THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS / WINTER 2017/2018
RETRO-INSPIRED WATCH TRENDS FROM BASELWORLD SPECIAL SECTION: WEDDINGS
BRINGING A RT TO L I F E With Wow-Worthy Finishing Touches
F A S H I O N
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N E W P O R T
B E A C H ,
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The GMT-Master II Designed for airline pilots in 1955 to read the time in two time zones simultaneously, perfect for navigating a connected world in style. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.
rolex
oyster perpetual and gmt-master ii are ÂŽ trademarks.
oyster perpetual GMT-MASTER II
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Winter 2017/2018 FEATURES 10 Welcome Letter 16 New & Noteworthy 18 Spotted: As Seen On… 20 From the Runways 26 Designers: Maria Canale 28 Culture: The Art of the Gift 30 Finishing Touches 38 Art: In Sharp Focus 40 Anniversaries: Baselworld at 100
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42 Timepieces: Patek Philippe 44 The Watch Report 46 Exclusives: Breitling 48 Timepieces: Retro Cool 50 Design: Rising Above Time 60 Diamonds Do Good 62 Perfect Gems 64 End Page: The Gift of Time SPECIAL SECTION: WEDDINGS 52 Free to Be Me
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54 Ease Please 56 Say “I Dough!” 58 Meaningful Memories
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ACCENT / THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS / WINTER 2017/2018
RETRO-INSPIRED WATCH TRENDS FROM BASELWORLD SPECIAL SECTION: WEDDINGS
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BRINGING A RT TO L I F E With Wow-Worthy Finishing Touches
F A S H I O N
I S L A N D ,
N E W P O R T
B E A C H ,
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ON THE COVER
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Model Astrid Baarsma (Next Management) wears diamond necklace, earrings, bracelets and rings by Picchioti. Photography and creative by Edwin Santa. Clothing by designer Valeria Krasavina. Makeup and hair by Michelle Ortega. Jewelry styling by Jennifer Ferkenhoff.
THE CELLINI A celebration of tradition in watchmaking, combining eternal elegance with a contemporary touch. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.
CELLINI TIME
rolex
and cellini are ÂŽ trademarks.
TRADITIONALJEWELERS.COM NEWPORT BEACH FASHION ISLAND 817 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 PHONE (949) 721-9010 DENVER HYDE PARK CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER 3000 E. 1ST AVENUE, DENVER, CO 80206 PHONE (303) 333-4446 PHOENIX HYDE PARK BILTMORE FASHION PARK 2502 E. CAMELBACK ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ 85016 PHONE (602) 667-3541 O M E G A B O U T I Q U E AT H Y D E PA R K — D E N V E R CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER 3000 E. 1ST AVENUE, DENVER, CO 80206 PHONE (303) 331-7749 B R E I T L I N G P R E S E N T E D B Y H Y D E PA R K CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER 3000 E 1ST AVENUE, DENVER, CO 80206 303-331-7015 R O B E R TO CO I N P R E S E N T E D B Y H Y D E PA R K CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER 3000 E 1ST AVENUE, DENVER, CO 80206 303-331-7016 R O L E X P R E S E N T E D B Y H Y D E PA R K — L A S V E G A S THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS 3500 LAS VEGAS BLVD SOUTH, LAS VEGAS, NV 89109 PHONE (702) 794-3541 MICHAEL POLLAK CEO SHEREEN POLLAK PRESIDENT DA M O N G R O S S COO NICK VEGA TRADITIONAL JEWELERS AND HYDE PARK PHOENIX REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT K AT H Y H A R M O N D O B O S DENVER GENERAL MANAGER SANDI PERRY ROLEX PRESENTED BY HYDE PARK LAS VEGAS GENERAL MANAGER BILL ECKLES DENVER ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER S T E P H A N I E N I VA L A BREITLING/ROBERTO COIN PRESENTED BY HYDE PARK ASSISTANT MANAGER JENNIFER FERKENHOFF DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
P U B L I S H E D BY T H E U B M FA S H I O N G RO U P PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI
E D I T O R- I N - C H I E F KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
M A N AG I N G E D I TO R JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R HANS GSCHLIESSER
P R OJ E C T M A N A G E R LISA MENGHI
D I R EC TO R O F P R E P R E S S JOHN FRASCONE
Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. Accent® Magazine is a UBM® publication. All rights reserved. UBM Americas, 2 Penn Plaza, Floor 15, New York, NY 10121. The publishers accept no responsibility for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Printed In The U.S.A. Volume 15, Issue 2. ©2017
Celebrating Women I am blessed to have the most amazing women in my life – my wife and partner, mother, daughter, IULHQGV PHQWRUV FROOHDJXHV DQG P\ H[FHSWLRQDO JUDQGGDXJKWHU %HOOH 7KHLU LQà XHQFH KDV ZLWKRXW D doubt, guided me through life and inspired me in my chosen profession. I love that I wake up every day knowing that our business surprises and evokes emotion from our clients and their loved ones, women and men alike. Designing jewelry, as well as choosing pieces from the collections of the world’s preeminent designers, is a passion of mine. When I think of the essence of my personal approach to jewelry design, many superlatives come to mind: Dramatic, Sensitive, Intricate, Effusive, Curvilinear, Thoughtful, Bold, Feminine, Delicate, Complicated and Precious. Many of these qualities come together to make a unique piece. Just like a woman, no one word can describe them.
Women have incredible instincts and perceptions, thinking of things that simply never occur to men. Careful vetting and evaluation is all well and good, but a woman’s intuition can be an invaluable advantage when choosing between various narratives and strategies. I’m thankful that I can continue to rely on the women I have grown to trust and respect in my life, to guide me, and to add the balance and humility to keep me centered, focused and on course.
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Photo: Bart Gorin
The success of our businesses would not be possible without the exceptional women who comprise our team of executives, managers, buyers, marketers, designers, jewelers, bookkeepers, trainers, sales and service professionals and administrative staff. Our company is composed of 60% women and 40% men. Why? Because they get it!
Michael Pollak (2nd from right) and family at the WJA (Womens Jewelry Association) Awards for Excellence Gala, where Michael was honored with the 2017 Ben Kaiser award for supporting women leaders.
I hope you remember to celebrate the women in your life, not just during the holiday season, but all year long. I personally believe that a thoughtful, emotionally rewarding gesture – be it a kiss, a hug, a kind remark, or a gift (just sayin’) – has the power to extend and deepen our relationships with those whose presence in our lives we couldn’t do without. Blessed.
Michael Pollak CEO Hyde Park Jewelers Traditional Jewelers by Hyde Park mpollak@hpjewels.com
THE START OF SOMETHING BRILLIANT NEW DESIG N S F RO M T H E ASH O KA® D I A M O N D C O LLEC TI O N.
Available exclusively from Kwiat.
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NEW
& NOTEWORTHY
MARCO BICEGO Born to a goldsmith father in Italy’s Veneto region, Marco Bicego spent years perfecting his craft at his family’s atelier. With the passion and desire to create jewelry that blends old-world craftsmanship with a modern feel, Bicego launched his jewelry company in 2000. Today, Marco Bicego has established itself as a leader in the luxury accessories arena and is continually redefining the phrase “everyday luxury,” crafting easy-to-wear jewelry that pairs as effortlessly with a T-shirt as it does a ball gown. As an extension of one of Bicego’s most iconic collections, Lunaria, the black mother-of-pearl styles add a subtle and natural gleam to these already elegant and refined designs. Inspired by the delicate shape and movement of petals blowing in the wind, the mixed in hand-cut black mother of pearl yields lustrous necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, all handmolded in Italy by skilled craftsmen and available exclusively from independent jewelry retailers.
MIKIMOTO Those lucky enough to discover Mikimoto’s beautiful High Jewellery creations remain forever in awe of the brand’s ability to marry the highest-quality pearls with sophisticated design and expert craftsmanship. Always a highlight are rare and natural Conch and Melo pearls surrounded by sparkling diamonds. To give an idea of the rarity of these luscious pink and peach-hued stones, only one in every 100,000 found in nature meets Mikimoto standards; finding a matched set is truly more difficult than locating a needle in a haystack. For those without access to the brand’s one-of-a-kind creations, The Pearl Necklace (Assouline Publishing) is Mikimoto’s newest art book, which tells the story of the pearl necklace throughout time, highlights some of pearls’ most illustrious wearers from Cleopatra to Princess Diana, and instills the importance of Mikimoto’s contribution as “The Originator of Cultured Pearls since 1893.” It leaves the reader with a renewed sense of the beauty and artistry that only Mikimoto has mastered.
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®ROBERTOCOIN
POIS MOI COLLECTION
spotted
AS SEEN ON ‌
Our favorite stars share a love for our favorite brands! BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
Jennifer Lawrence wore Penny Preville at the Venice Film Festival
Kendall Jenner wore Ippolita in a selfie posted on Instagram 18
Kate McKinnon wore Roberto Coin at the Emmy Awards
Sophia Bush wore John Hardy at a Max Mara event
Laverne Cox wore Hueb at the “Orange is the New Black” season premiere
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from the
RUNWAYS
1
STONE COLD 2
3
4
5 1. Maria Canale Pastiche 18K white gold diamond lariat necklace 2. Traditional Jewelers 18K white gold and sapphire cross ring 3. Hublot Big Bang polished black ceramic and dark blue velvet 39mm watch 4. Traditional Jewelers 19K white gold, diamond and cushion-cut sapphire earrings 5. Marli Cleo 18K white gold and diamond bracelet MAIN: MAX MARA; FROM TOP: BURBERRY, DRIES VAN NOTEN, LOUIS VUITTON, ISABEL MARANT / FIRSTVIEW
CLEO BY MARLI M A R L I N YC .CO M
from the
RUNWAYS
GETTING WARMER 1 2 3
4
5
1. Marli Rock Candy 18K rose gold diamond choker 2. Cartier Panthére 18K rose gold 30mm watch 3. Traditional Jewelers 18K rose gold and pavé diamond ring 4. Hueb Luminus 18K rose gold diamond and pink quartz drop earrings 5. Roberto Coin Sauvage Privé 18K rose gold diamond and black jade bangle MAIN: RALPH LAUREN; FROM TOP: MAX MARA, MICHAEL KORS, RALPH LAUREN, MICHAEL KORS / FIRSTVIEW
from the
RUNWAYS
FEELING FANCY
1 2 3
4 5
1. Estate Collection 18K white gold, diamond and sapphire lariat necklace 2. Traditional Jewelers 18K white gold diamond and ruby ring 3. Rolex Perpetual Pearlmaster 18K white gold and pavé diamond 34mm watch 4. Maria Canale Deco 18K white gold baguette diamond earrings 5. Traditional Jewelers 18K white gold sapphire and diamond bracelet MAIN: ERDEM; FROM TOP: VALENTINO, JASON WU, MAX MARA, RALPH LAUREN / FIRSTVIEW
designers
MEET MARIA CANALE
and her exquisite diamond collections.
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Adjustable Flapper Necklace with tassels and pavé diamonds in 18K yellow gold
esigner. Entrepreneur. Icon. Maria Canale has created many of the world’s most enduring jewelry designs. For 25 years, brands from Tiffany to Mikimoto to Harry Winston have relied on her to design for the way we live today. The best-kept secret in jewelry, she is now ready to shine under her own name, with her own collection of timeless jewels designed for today. Canale’s career began early with an after-school goldsmith apprenticeship when she was only 13. It’s not surprising she later pursued a degree in metalsmithing from the Rochester Institute of Technology and later, FIT. After her first design class at FIT, she stayed up all night sketching. She had discovered her true passion. It wasn’t long until she was the most in-demand independent jewelry designer in New York.
MEET THE DESIGNER Q. How would you describe your jewelry in three words? A: Easy, timeless, sophisticated.
Double Blossom Aster Cuff with diamonds in 18K white gold
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Q. What makes your jewelry so distinctive? A: I believe the melding of the worlds of fine and fashion jewelry sometimes creates confusion as to what fine jewelry really is… the attention to detail, endurance, the potential of transcending time, the ability to reflect a passion for quality and design. To me, diamonds must be chosen to sparkle and reflect the best light,
to enhance a curve, highlight and punctuate a design story. My collections are designed to appeal to that woman who wants her jewels to make a statement about who she is, either with a casual everyday ring or a one-of-a-kind piece. I am not setting trends, but I am creating enduring style. Q. What do you consider to be a signature or classic piece in the current and/or past lines? A: The Adjustable Flapper Necklace is a great representation of my design philosophy. It can be worn in many ways, it’s classic and timeless, but fresh and conforms to a woman’s body, becoming her favorite everyday accessory, and a personal statement. Recently, I designed a more casual version of this piece, the Mini Flapper Necklace, and I am excited to wear it and show it. I believe it will have the same versatility of the original and possibly even more, at an easy price point. Q. What was the inspiration for the latest collection? A: Water, and more specifically, the iconic shape of a drop of water. I believe quality jewelry can be worn every day, and while I make all my jewels to be worn and enjoyed all the time, I also see a shift in behavior, where we all have a more casual lifestyle. I am a mom and a professional, and I design for every moment of our busy lives. I especially love the new Drop Wrap Around ring, which I can see worn on different fingers, saying something different about each woman, based on their own personal styles. I also need to point out my extensive diamond hoop Oval-shaped collection. The diamond hoop is Diamond Hoops the quintessential timeless jewel, elegant and personal, and when it is the right hoop, it quickly becomes a woman’s favorite jewel. Mine are also designed in a drop shape, slim at the top and curving in all the right places.
Drop wrap ring with diamond and sapphire accents in 18K yellow gold
Mini Flapper Necklace with tassels and diamond elements in 18K yellow gold
Q. Describe the woman who wears your jewelry. A: She is every woman, and what they all have in common is that they are past the time of experimenting with fashion trends, and set on defining or re-defining their personal style, finding that sophisticated mix of timeless and newer accessories that will present their best selves, personally and professionally. Q. What’s next for the brand (new lines, collaborations, expansions, store openings, etc.)? A: My brand motto is to “Live Brilliantly” – to find beauty in everything we do, wherever we go. My heart is full when my home is full; family and friends are our real jewels. I think of that woman, her life, her special moments, her needs and dreams. With that, I am excited to be in the early stages of designing home and travel accessories, especially table top for home entertaining, desktop items to bring beauty and style to our work spaces, and practical yet stylish travel accessories for women like me who are always on the go. From Maria’s personal photos – Maria with her children, husband and friends.
“I am honored and super excited to be launching my brand with stores like Hyde Park and Traditional. For a designer, to be presented in the markets by jewelers who value quality, craftsmanship, design and customer service is the ultimate realization of a dream. I cannot wait to return to the stores in a year or two after the launches and see real women wearing my jewels!” Maria Canale
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culture
GIVING ARTFUL
Generous endowments strengthen museum collections.
Last spring, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s already-staggering collection of artistic achievement spanning the globe and the centuries became even better: Oscar L. Tang donated Riverbank, a 10thcentury Chinese landscape painting considered one of the earliest and most important masterpieces of its kind. Tang is a descendant of the dynasty that bears his name, and his gift significantly enhances the museum’s already impressive array of Asian art. Meanwhile in Kansas City, Missouri, Henry Bloch (the 94year-old founder of H&R Block) donated 29 important Impressionist works by Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Marion and Henry Bloch Foundation also donated $12 million to renovate museum galleries where the paintings are displayed. And the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida has organized a campaign to encourage giving by creating the 21st Century Society. Looking to appeal to a new generation of private donors, it is led by Gil Maurer and Irene Karp, both museum trustees who have promised important canvases to the museum. Endowed gifts have become increasingly important to museums to support their missions of preservation, education and scholarship, and to ensure they are capable of harnessing the latest technologies for those very purposes. “Museum collections are often a reflection of the communities that support them,” says Cassandra Coblentz, senior curator at the Orange County Museum of Art in
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Newport Beach, California. “More often than not, collections are built around the generosity of the community members and patrons in the form of gifts of artwork. For institutions with limited acquisition funds, this is particularly meaningful. “Oftentimes relationships with such patrons develop over time,” she continues, “as shared interests about art and artists and even the role of the museum in a given context evolve. Collectors usually care deeply about the legacy of their gifting, and therefore this mutual respect and understanding creates a partnership that is ultimately rewarding for them as well as the museum and its public.” Private collectors have helped round out the OCMA’s collection by adding new artistic styles and voices. “In recent years, OCMA has been fortunate to receive many artworks from Los Angeles collectors Tracy and Gary Mezzatesta,” Coblentz says, “who made the generous decision to donate significant works to museums throughout the US for public benefit. OCMA happily accepted works by groundbreaking Los Angeles artists who previously were not represented in our collection. “Donated works by women and artists of diverse cultural backgrounds are welcomed additions that round out the collection,” Coblentz continues. “The museum has been able to include some of the Mezzatestas’ donations in recent exhibitions—an indicator of the impact of this gift and its potential to present a more accurate representation of the art of our time.” BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD Left: SYLVIE FLEURY, Swiss, born 1961 Skin Crime 6, 1997 Car with enamel paint, two parts Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, Florida, Gift of Jane B. Holzer in honor of her parents Helen & Carl Brukenfeld, 2016.247a,b © Sylvie Fleury Right: ALFRED MAURER, American, 1868–1932 Still Life with Breton Pottery, circa 1910 Oil on gessoed board Collection of Ann and Gilbert Maurer
M A R I A
CANALE
#L IVE B RILLIANTLY MARIACANALE.COM
FINISHING TOUCHES
HEART-STOPPING JEWELS THAT BRING ART TO LIFE. Photography and Creative by Edwin Santa Art and Clothing Designed by Valeria Krasavina
BRILLIANT FINISH Fred Leighton Old European-cut diamond filigree twin ring, Art Deco Old European-cut diamond and sapphire ring and Art Deco Old European-cut diamond ring. Fred Leighton chandelier diamond earrings and Art Deco diamond zigzag pattern bracelet by Tiffany & Co. All in platinum.
MASQUERADE Roberto Coin Cento Dahlia collection necklace, earrings and bracelet in 18K white gold and diamonds.
CROWN JEWELS Saboo Emerald collection earrings and rings in 18K white gold.
Maria Canale Flapper bib necklace
Marli Cleo slip-on bangle
BELLE OF THE BALL Maria Canale Flapper collection chandelier earrings, bib necklace and five-row diamond bracelet.
WRAP IT UP Marli Cleo collection earrings with diamond and black onyx in 18K white gold. Marli Cleo collection statement rings and slip-on bangles in 18K rose, white and yellow gold.
Photography and creative by EDWIN SANTA. Card art and clothing designed by VALERIA KRASAVINA. Makeup and hair by MICHELLE ORTEGA. Jewelry styling by JENNIFER FERKENHOFF.
inside the fashion shoot
Behind the Scenes With Designer
VALERIA KRASAVINA Valeria Krasavina started her career at just 15 years old as a student of fashion, but even before that, she had a passion for art and clothing. “I was intrigued by the fact that I could create something that never existed before,” she explains. She was inspired by her mother, who was also an artist and fashion designer. All of Krasavina’s school clothes were designed by her mother, and she was always dressed differently than the other kids. That was alright with her — it spurred a sense of individuality as well as a passion for creativity. Today, she is working to launch her own fashion brand, Valeria Krasavina, which is filled with flowy, edgy and wearable works of art. Part of what makes her brand special is the small art pieces she designs to accompany the clothing — miniature versions of the full looks created with leftover fabric swatches on card stock. Krasavina first started designing the cards with the desire to create unique birthday presents for her friends, but she soon realized a deeper meaning behind the artwork. “There is so much waste in the fashion industry, so instead of wasting my leftover fabrics, I’m creating pieces of art with them,” she said. “I want to inspire people to be both creative and to be kind to our home, our Earth.” She also uses her cards to spur the creative process for her fashion designs, and vice versa. They are truly a complement to one another. “It’s really special when people see a card of my design and then see the real dress. It makes them say, ‘wow,’ and really adds a level of artisanship.” “Wow” is definitely the reaction that comes to mind when admiring Krasavina’s designs. Her whimsical looks are inspired by her travels and the interesting pieces she sees people wearing while abroad, and she loves adding volume and mixing different textures to make her looks unique. For this project, Krasavina collaborated with photographer and artist, Edwin Santa to create a fairy tale with the clothing — think a dreamy Alice in Wonderland. “I think this soft palette looks really good with the stunning jewelry we used,” says Krasavina. “It created a perfect background to show the pieces at their best.” We believe that wearing a look from Valeria Krasavina would make any woman feel like a princess, and the shimmering pieces from Traditional Jewelers are the perfect finishing touch. BY SARAH STROHL
This Miami-based artist creates wearable artwork filled with whimsy and romance.
See more at valeriakrasavina.com Follow @valeriakrasavina
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art
INSHARP FOCUS Atom Moore is a New York City photographer who makes portraits not of people, but of watches. BY JULIANNE PEPITONE
There’s nothing else quite like Atom Moore’s “watch portraits,” which splice details from different watches into a single unreal image for an effect that’s dreamlike yet sharply focused. Here, he tells us more about his unique art.
What makes a successful watch portrait? They’re essentially mashups. You can get incredibly granular with macro shots, down to the finest detail. Then I take details from one watch and details from another and manipulate them to make something different. I don’t go into the process expecting to create a certain thing in a certain time period. Sometimes I just like two images. And I work on [the portrait] until it feels done.
Why are people drawn to this art? It isn’t just for watch nerds; it’s visually interesting art. Seeing the details of something so close up changes your perspective on that thing. And the combination adds this unreal element that’s interesting. People will ask, “Is this real? Is this an actual watch?” People see in the images what they want
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to see. I print the portraits on giant sheets of metal, which is uncommon and reminds you of the watch’s original form. They’re interesting on paper, but on metal they really come to life.
Why are you drawn to watches? Photographing jewelry and watches is hard to do. Most jewelry is extremely reflective from all angles, so if you don't take that into account your photo won’t show the quality. My wife and I are both collectors. We were introduced to the RedBar Crew, who meet up [at a New York bar] to talk about and share watches. I got access to really cool watches without having to go into a store, which is huge. And I like seeing how watches change over time. I’ve gone through photos of vintage watches and you can see, oh, in 1974 they changed how the dial looks. Watches age, just as everything does, and they change in very different ways.
What’s your favorite watch? The one that’s currently in front of my lens.
anniversary
BASELWORLD AT 100
Celebrating a century of timekeeping innovation!
U
niversally considered the world’s most extraordinary trade show, Baselworld brings together the industry’s most exalted jewelry and watch brands to showcase their exquisite offerings for the coming year. It’s an exhilarating meeting place, impossible to visit without feeling totally inspired by the beauty, precision and creativity of our ever-evolving industry. This 100th edition of Baselworld in March attracted 1,300 exhibitors from 40 countries, 106,000 international buyers, and 4,400 journalists. That said, it’s been a tough few years for Swiss watch exports: despite their 60 percent share of watch business worldwide, they’ve been challenged by a strong Swiss ABOVE: franc and political and economic uncertainty around the Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe with Michael Pollak. globe. Nevertheless, business has almost doubled since the early 2000s, as the 220 Swiss exhibitors at the show have done a brilliant job blending innovation and tradition, drawing on their rich heritage to engage a younger generation. Turning time into objects of true beauty, Swiss watchmakers continue their quest for technical, functional and aesthetic innovation. Says Michael Pollak, CEO of Hyde Park and Traditional Jewelers, “Baselworld is the quintessential international showcase for brands, trends and new design ideas for the entire watch industry. It’s also the primary resource for loose gems, accessories and materials that we incorporate into our custom designs. It’s the annual must-see event and meeting place that we wouldn’t miss. Especially notable this year: an industry-wide attempt to reengage the younger luxury customer with price points we haven’t seen in 15 years.” BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
Michael Pollak’s key watch picks: 1. The new Rolex Sky-Dweller in stainless steel is destined to become the next Daytona. Whereas Rolex is known for its professional performance watches rather than for fancy complications, this watch is special, featuring an annual calendar, GMT function and a most interesting setting mechanism that requires only rotating the bezel. It’s sharp looking and a steal at $14,400 in stainless (vs. $40,000 to $50,000 in gold).
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2. The Rolex Cellini line, known for classic-looking, quiet watches, just introduced its first moon phase edition. It’s a real beauty! We loved the use of alternative metals, including a beautiful golden copper. 3. Patek Philippe had several great introductions, including their Ref. 5320G with a new perpetual calendar. With a cream-colored ceramic dial, it’s a classic nostalgia look that recalls the 1940s and ’50s. Very elegant!
60 YEARS OF ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY
timepieces
MAJOR
IMPACT M
the
ore than 2,000 people a day came to view Patek Philippe’s collection of about 450 exquisite timepieces dating back to 1530, including borrowed museum pieces, supercomplications, rare handcrafts and complex movements. The NYC exhibit (only the fourth of its kind to ever take place) ran for 10 days in July, but its impact on more than 20,000 guests will surely last a lifetime. Larry Petinelli, president of Patek Philippe USA, spoke to us about the importance of this historic exhibit. “Our goal was to attract not just the uber-collectors, but also a new generation of young people who might lack a passion for horology but are perhaps interested in history or sports or music. Despite the serious price points, we tried to make the exhibit accessible rather than stuffy. We featured actual artisans at work (enamellers, engravers, marquetry woodworkers) and highlighted some of our more renowned US patrons—Joe DiMaggio, Duke Ellington, JFK—and the timepieces most meaningful to them.” John F. Kennedy remains a superhero in the minds of both Americans and citizens of the world. The timepiece chosen to represent this beloved US president was a Patek Philippe autonomous quartz desk clock that displays the time in Moscow, Washington DC and Berlin, a gift that symbolized
establishment
of
direct communication between Washington and Moscow. The clock (borrowed from the National Archives with strict regulations) was designed by Heinz Wipperfeld and was presented to Kennedy on the day after his famous Ich bin ein Berliner speech. “I was born in December ’63,” says Petinelli, “so I wasn’t around in Kennedy’s lifetime. But I was always intrigued by that era: from JFK’s assassination to the Vietnam War to the first man on the moon. That’s why this exhibit is as much about history as art.” We talked about the incredible Stern family, how they bought the company in 1839 (they’d been a supplier to Patek) and have remained a family business through four generations, an anomaly in the luxury market. (Actually Gen 5, Thierry Stern’s two teenaged sons, were in NYC for the exhibit, thoroughly fascinated…) We talked about the fact that, other than fine watches, few things in life are simultaneously useful, meaningful and investment-worthy, which is why Patek Philippe watches are (as their fabulous ad campaign reminds us) handed down from generation to generation. “It’s hard to imagine passing down my cell phone,” quips Petinelli. B Y K A R E N A L B E R G G R O S S M A N
PATEK PHILIPPE’s Grand Exhibition encompassed art, history and the meaning of time.
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Above: JFK’s Patek Philippe quartz desk clock, representing the establishment of direct communication between Washington DC and Moscow.
The Watch
REPORT
OUR TOP WATCH PICKS FOR HIM & HER
Omega
Patek Philippe
Rolex
for him Breitling
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 41mm stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold, silver dial, water resistant to 150 meters. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona 40mm yellow gold with Oysterflex bracelet, water resistant 100 meters. Patek Philippe Aquanaut 42.2mm white gold, sapphire crystal case back, blue embossed dial, water resistant to 120 meters. Breitling Professional Emergency 51mm black titanium, thermocompensated quartz electronic analog, water resistant to 50 meters. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor 46mm ceramic and pink gold case, high-tech strap material, water resistant to 100 meters.
Rolex
Omega
Jaeger-LeCoultre
for her Chanel
Cartier
Rolex Lady-Datejust 28mm Oyster, 18K everose gold and diamonds, water resistant to 100 meters. Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon 34mm stainless steel and diamond, blue leather bracelet, water resistant to 30 meters. Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronometer 38mm stainless steel on blue leather strap, water resistant to 100 meters. Chanel Boy-friend Tweed 28mm stainless steel and diamond watch with a tweed designed strap, water resistant to 30 meters. Cartier Panthère de Cartier 30mm stainless steel watch, steel bracelet, water resistant to 30 meters.
exclusives
A REAL RARITY
Movement: COSC-certified Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, self-winding, high-frequency, 47 jewels. Over 70-hour power reserve. 1/4 of a second chronograph. 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. Calendar. Case: Blacksteel. Resistant to 3 bars. Rotating bezel with circular slide rule. Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides. Transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Dial: Stratos Gray. Strap: rubber Navitimer.
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The NAVITIMER 01 BLACKSTEEL LJRG LIMITED EDITION will be issued in 50 pieces sold only at Luxury Jewelers Resource Group retailers.
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e are proud to announce our collaboration with Swiss watch brand Breitling, which has produced an exclusive iteration of its iconic Navitimer in conjunction with the Luxury Jewelers Resource Group (LJRG), of which we are a member retailer. The timepiece is distinguished by its Blacksteel exterior, Stratos Gray dial, three black counter dials, black oscillating weight and transparent sapphire crystal caseback. A cult model among pilots and aviation devotees since 1952, the Navitimer chronograph steps things up a notch in a version entirely clothed in black: from its satin-brushed steel case coated with an ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment to the famous circular slide rule serving to handle all operations relating to airborne navigation. Yet this original, modern and technical exterior is not its only distinctive feature. The 50piece Blacksteel limited series is distinguished by its exclusive Stratos Gray dial bearing hollowed black counters and framed by an inner bezel in the same shade. The original aesthetic is enhanced by Blacksteel hands and logo, along with a red chronograph sweep-seconds hand. Although exuding a natural sense of refinement, this limited edition never loses sight of its nature as an instrument for professionals—as confirmed by its famous circular aviation slide rule and the Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a token of superior precision and reliability. This high-performance self-winding chronograph “engine,” entirely developed and produced in the Breitling workshops, is visible through a transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Complementing its technical and elegant appearance, the new Navitimer 01 (46 mm) Limited Edition is available on a rubber Navitimer strap featuring an aircraft tire-tread profile and Blacksteel folding buckle.
ABOUT BREITLING A specialist of technical watches, Breitling has played a crucial role in the development of the wrist chronograph and is a leader in this complication. The firm has shared all the finest moments in the conquest of the skies thanks to its sturdy, reliable and high-performance instruments. One of the world's only major watch brands to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements (the ultimate token of precision), Breitling is also one of the rare watchmakers to produce its own mechanical chronograph movements, entirely developed and manufactured in house. Moreover, it’s one of the last remaining Swiss watch brands independent of any watchmaking group.
3-Way Time Sync BluetoothÂŽ-equipped GPS Atomic Solar Hybrid G-SHOCK Connected Smartphone App
- Automatic time adjustment* - World Time for over 300 cities* - Watch status display
* Updating of internal data to reflect the latest time zone / daylight saving time information
timepieces
Retro COOL
Watch releases at this year’s Baselworld fair look to yesteyear...
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atch designers have taken note of the recent popularity of vintage watches—particularly among Millennials who have made retro cool again. More than ever, brand visionaries are mining their archives for inspiration and even faithfully recreating historic flagships, many of which are marking significant anniversaries this year. While the styling may be vintage in spirit, the technology is strictly state of the art, so you can have the best of both worlds. While Omega often channels a vintage vibe for its flagships, this year it faithfully recreated three of its most famous models—Seamaster 300, Railmaster and Speedmaster—all, remarkably, launched in 1957. The limited-edition 60th anniversary models are available individually or as a specially packaged set. Using digital scanning technology for the first time, Omega preserved the historic aesthetic but with robust highprecision movements that are the best of the best. Rolex’s 50th anniversary Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller is another
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While the STYLING may be VINTAGE in spirit, the TECHNOLOGY is strictly STATE OF THE ART, so you can have the best of both worlds. heavy hitter expected to be one of the year’s bestsellers. The tribute model has been upsized to 43mm, and the brand added its hallmark cyclops lens over the date at 3 o’clock, for the first time in the legendary dive collection. The next-gen SeaDweller is water resistant down to an incredible 4,000 feet and is powered by a new automatic movement, the Caliber 3235, which achieves the precision of -2/+2 seconds per day to meet the brand’s Superlative Chronometer standards. In a reference to the original from 1967, the words “Sea-Dweller” appear in red on the black dial. Meanwhile, Breitling also celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Superocean dive range with the Superocean Héritage, updated with a new steel bezel fitted with a scratch-proof ceramic ring that matches the dial, which is embellished with the original Superocean logo. Distinctively shaped luminous hands (triangular for the hours and lozenge for the minutes)
and cone-shaped hour markers allude to the 1957 original, but the new COSC-certified (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) Breitling Caliber B20 movement is based on the Tudor Caliber MT5612 with Breitling modifications. Superocean Héritage II is available in 42 and 46mm sizes, plus there is a 46mm chronograph. You can choose from black, blue and bronze with a matching strap with contrast stitching. Other options include leather, crocodile, or rubber strap—or you can go old-school with a steel mesh bracelet. Perhaps no brand fused the notion of old meets new better than TAG Heuer, which revived the Autavia Rindt with a reissue of the 1962 model worn by Austrian F1 driver Jochen Rindt; it was chosen in an online contest called the Autavia Cup. TAG Heuer upsized the original design to 42mm and powered it with the new Heuer-02 caliber automatic chronograph movement. BY LAURIE KAHLE
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design
TIME RISING ABOVE
Philippe Lebru and the art of contemporary clockmaking.
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hen we recently discovered this sculptural collection of wall and tall clocks at the 2017 Watch Fair in Basel, Switzerland, we felt we had stumbled upon something extraordinary. Then when we met its creator, Philippe Lebru, we knew we were face to face with genius! Since 1993, Lebru has been experimenting with oversized, graphic (some say subversive) timepieces, and with the relationship between individuals and time. “I imagined a clock that could rise above time, a clock that would connect the past to the future, tracing a line that defines our relationship to a greater force,” he explains. This greater force, no doubt, is what catapulted the artist to considerable fame. In 2005, his collection was awarded the Grand Prix at France’s Concours Lepine for inventions. He then won a gold medal for horology at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva. In 2011, Lebru produced two monumental clocks for the city of Besancon (birthplace of Victor Hugo, Gustave Courbet and Louis Pasteur): one for its high-speed train station and one for its art museum. In 2015, he was commissioned to produce a five-meter-high skeleton clock, the largest in the world, which currently marks the moments in downtown Tokyo. And speaking of commissions, you too can own one of Lebru’s horological masterpieces. Check out his collection online (utinam-manufacture.fr) or send him a photo of your room and he will custom design the perfect piece for your wall. More than mere clocks, these timepieces are unique combinations of art, science, culture and technical prowess. As it is said: “If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.” BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
CLOCKWORK ORANGE: Lebru’s creations are technical and artistic feats of imagination.
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1
®ROBERTOCOIN
NEW BAROCCO & CENTO COLLECTIONS
weddings
free
TO BE ME
O
A guide to 2018’s most important dress trends, offering something for every bride’s unique style.
ther than selecting a groom, few decisions are more fraught than what a bride will wear on her wedding day. Two things can help: a head start on choosing a dress (ideally six to eight months) and staying true to your tastes.
C L A S S I C CO M E B AC K
M A K E M E B LU S H Darker ivories, blush, champagne and nude are becoming more popular. The depth of color, “when combined with lace, allows the lace to become more vibrant,” notes DeMarco. Consider a warm yellow or rose gold wedding band to complement these sweet shades.
AT T E N T I O N TO D E TA I L Details take center stage, especially black accents and 3D floral appliques. The bow, whether thin or oversized, steps out on sleeves and waists. Note the plethora of sleeve choices— full-length, cap and flutter all feel fresh. On-trend too: the plunge neckline, often made more demure with illusion tulle. Steer clear of necklaces here to let your décolletage take center stage; try oversized floral studs or a vine-like cuff.
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This season’s offerings prove VERSATILITY
is the key to freedom. M A K E A S TAT E M E N T Cathedral veils are back, decorated with lace borders or scattered with pearls or crystals. “It allows the gown to feel grand, but once removed, softens the dress,” says DeMarco. Ultra-sheerness of the tulle provides a “cleaner, longer, more fluid line,” adds Cleghorn. Statement alternatives for the more daring bride abound, including high-neck designs, short dresses, separates and even one-piece pantsuits. Fringe, fur, pleats, cascading center ruffles and silk swirls replace layered looks. Capelets and capes, open-gauntlet hand coverings and gloves of all kinds add drama. Shoulder-sweeping fringe earrings or a bold choker are the perfect on-trend jewelry elements to round out these looks. “Brides today are just more free,” concludes Cleghorn. This season’s offerings prove versatility is the key to freedom. B Y L A U R I E S C H E C H T E R
MARCHESA NOTTE
This season features a marked return to a traditional 1950s and 1960s influence. “Think Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy,” says Yumi Katsura’s creative director, Paulette Cleghorn. Look for understated, classic silhouettes that are “more tailored, more structured,” she says. Cristina DeMarco, VP of New York’s Bridal Reflections, agrees. “Girls are looking to bring back the romance of the A-line, off-the-shoulder and cap sleeve.” Trending: fit-and-flare rather than trumpet skirts, and classic boatneck and Bardot necklines. Detachable trains or fuller skirts take a sheath gown from ceremony to reception. Substantial fabrics such as heavy satins and silk failles suit these styles. Complete the look with a sparkly brooch or modern pearl jewelry that’s a step up from simple strands.
RARE AND BEAUTIFUL
Argyle PinkTM Diamond Jewelry is exclusively available at Hyde Park Jewelers with an unbroken chain of custody.
weddings
Ease
Even if you’re getting married indoors in the 21st century, there’s a way to evoke outdoor elements and add touches that recall the Renaissance or Victorian periods. Many couples are doing just that. The current word in wedding floral design is natural: flowers are given their own space rather than cramped into shiny vessels where they stand uniform, and plenty of greenery is added to mimic nature. “We’ve been seeing a trend for letting nature act on its own, with loose, asymmetrical designs that give the flowers a lot of room,” says Erin Hornstein, owner of Plum Sage Flowers in Denver, Colorado. The trend is being driven both by florists and their clients, with much of the inspiration coming from social media. Image-driven sites such as Pinterest and Instagram are where couples, wedding planners and florists all showcase their latest creations. “These sites give brides access to so many ideas,” says Hornstein. “They can type just a couple of words and get so many images.” Greenery has become very popular, including garland runners placed down the center of long tables, or leafy suspensions hanging over the altar or reception tables,
Evoke the outdoors with loose, natural floral arrangements and vintage styling.
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conveying the sense that they're growing. The use of greenery even extends to bridal bouquets and to bridesmaids. Instead of corsages, there’s a trend towards flower “bracelets” along with flower hair combs and even full crowns. Michelle Hannah, founder of NYC-based Wild Floral Designs, is finding that clients want to evoke an English garden even when the wedding is indoors and in a city; one recent bride did this by requesting an archway with hanging branches and roses. “This new movement feels very earthy, organic and garden-like in a way flowers didn't necessarily feel before, when they felt compact and uniform,” she says. “It's all leaning to a very creative and personalized style for couples to show off what they regard as beautiful and interesting.” BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
IMAGES COURTESY OF PLUM SAGE FLOWERS
PLEASE
Brilliant beyond compare.™ 18K White Gold “Riley” Diamond Engagement Ring All diamonds are SI near colorless.
Every Fire & Ice diamond is cut to a standard even more precise than required for the 0000 AGS Ideal cut grade it receives. The image the Fire and Ice diamond produces with American Gem Society ASET ensures each diamond is cut to maximize Brilliance, Scintillation and Fire. Fire & Ice: Scientifically Brilliant: Verified by the American Gem Society
weddings
SAY “I DOUGH!” Custom doughnuts are the new wedding cake.
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hese days, trendy, artisanal doughnut shops have popped up all around the country, and those circles of yeasty goodness—dreaded carbs 15 years ago—are back with renewed vigor. So it only makes sense that they’d make an appearance at weddings. Within the past year or two, an increasing number of doughnut walls, tiered cakes, trucks and madeto-order stations have popped up at receptions and as part of the “after-party” (another emerging wedding trend, as late-night comfort food replaces more formal offerings). “It’s becoming more popular,” affirms Heather Jones, the catering sales director for Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California. “We also do an action station with beignets, making them right in front of the guests and providing, say, a cabernet-chocolate dipping sauce. Or perhaps fresh churros with a bourbon-cream sauce. It’s all about PERSONALIZE taking things to the next level.” One big advantage is that it’s easy to personalize the doughnut experience (compared to, for example, a chocolate fountain). For Brooklyn’s Angela and Charla Harlow-Rothschild, “we tried to be very intentional about everything in our wedding to reflect who we are as a couple,” says Charla. Amidst the foodstuffs were two doughnut displays, from Dough and Dun-Well, both local shops. “Dough was the first of the new, trendy spots in Bed-Stuy,” says Charla, “and they hire people from the neighborhood, so we wanted to give them a shout-out.” Angela notes that “Dun-Well is cool, because they create delicious doughnuts that are vegan and gluten-free, perfect for friends who couldn’t share in the cake.” Supporting local business was also important for Kelsea Kirven Gallagher and her husband Patrick at their wedding in Richmond, Virginia. They brought in the Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen doughnut truck for their late-night snack. The Mennonite family-owned business has a huge following for its unusual misshapen glazed doughnuts. “[The business is] wonderfully grounded in family and faith,” says Kelsea, “serving as a great role models for our new marriage. And our guests are still talking about those warm doughnuts two years later!” Jones notes that the desire for a personal touch is common for couples who opt for doughnuts at Wente as well. Rather than order trendy variants like Hibiscus-Passion Fruit, “they will have one or two [classic] flavors that are ‘their’ doughnuts. Maybe they grew up with them, or enjoyed them as a couple.” BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON
It’s easy to
HOLE LOTTA LOVE From left: Doughnut tower by Mankin Mansion; doughnut wall and doughnut station by Emily Sullivan Events.
CENTER: JOSH WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY. RIGHT: MARROQUIN PHOTOGRAPHY.
the doughnut experience.
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weddings
MEMORIES MEANINGFUL
How a custom-designed engagement ring joins the past with the future.
THE ORIGINAL RING WAS FROM THE ’80s AND LOOKED IT,” POLEY EXPLAINS. “WE WANTED TO INCORPORATE THE SAPPHIRES AND DIAMONDS INTO A MORE MODERN SETTING.”
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW Mercedes Poley and David Nifoussi used family diamonds and sapphires in an updated white gold setting.
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CENTER: JOSH WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY. RIGHT: MARROQUIN PHOTOGRAPHY.
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ercedes Poley lost her mom in 2009 but has kept her memory alive every day since. “My mom and stepfather had an unusual romance,” she explains. “He was her boss, so they had to keep their relationship secret. To do so, he bought her two rings: one a sapphire and diamond creation that she could wear every day; the other a more traditional wedding band that she wore only on weekends. When my mom died, my stepdad gave me both rings; I wore them together as a pendant around my neck.” Upon her recent engagement, she and finance David Nifoussi both knew what they wanted: a new ring that would feature the original stones, thereby bringing Poley’s mom into their lives as a couple. “The original ring was from the ’80s and looked it,” Poley explains. “We wanted to incorporate the sapphires and diamonds into a more modern setting. In addition to the sentimental value of using these stones, we liked the sustainability factor—recycling rather than buying new. This was important to both of us.” The couple had heard of their local independent jeweler’s reputation for custom design, so they visited the store to brainstorm ideas with a talented on-site jewelry designer. “We pretty much knew what we wanted so the initial consultation was easy,” says Poley. “But when the time came to turn over my mom’s rings, I literally cried in the store. It was very scary for me, but the team was terrific: they kept us in the loop through the entire process, sending us sketches that I would share with my friends.” The designer tells us, “Working with David and Mercedes was special. I wanted to emulate her mother’s ring to honor her memory, while making the new ring more modern. The new design also enhances the stones by setting them in a way that adds light and brilliance.” Concludes Poley, “It ended up being a wonderful (albeit emotional) experience, especially since the final result was perfect. David was able to get down on one knee and propose with a ring that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful.” BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
Know Your Diamond CARAT WEIGHT
COLOR GRADE
CLARITY GRADE
CUT GRADE
Look for diamonds graded by GIA, the creator of the 4Cs.
CARLSBAD
ANTWERP
BANGKOK
DUBAI
GABORONE
HONG KONG
JOHANNESBURG
LONDON
MUMBAI
NEW YORK
RAMAT GAN
SEOUL
TAIPEI
TOKYO
giving back
A DIAMONDS DO GOOD STORY
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IN HER OWN WORDS...
andipa Mualefhe is an incredibly intelligent young woman and recent graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. As a Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholar, we invited Wandipa to JCK where she shared her story at D.E.F.’s 2016 Diamonds Do Good Awards Gala in Las Vegas. Wandipa’s story moved guests, and her determination to create positive change in her native country, Botswana, is incredible. Wandipa was born in Botswana, one of the biggest diamond producing countries in the world. Her mother was a teacher and her parents always emphasized the importance of education. “Both my mother and father actively participated in my learning, encouraging me to read, ensuring I did my homework on time,” she says. Through this devotion, Wandipa was afforded the opportunity to attend Maru-A-Pula, one of the best high schools in Botswana. At Maru-A-Pula, Wandipa was able to cultivate her education, practice helpful study habits, and earn a scholarship to the Botswana Top Achievers program, a beneficiary organization supported by the Diamond Empowerment Fund. “This scholarship has allowed me to grow in ways I don’t think I would have, had I not gotten it,” Wandipa shares. After high school, Wandipa left southern Africa for the first time and headed to Stanford University, where she embraced and connected with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. “I have now had the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture much different from my own, and this experience has allowed me to understand and appreciate my own culture a lot more.” It is also through the Botswana Top Achievers program that
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Wandipa discovered her passion for the environment. She believes the civil engineering skills she acquired at Stanford University are exactly what Botswana needs. “Botswana is currently going through a major energy crisis, and a lot of people are being affected by the shortage of electricity. This shortage of electricity affects everyone negatively, at home and in the industry. I believe Botswana could benefit hugely from harnessing solar energy and distributing it locally. We get about 3,200 hours of sunshine per year, on average, but we currently aren’t doing much with that resource,” she wisely points out. Wandipa plans to stay at Stanford University to continue her graduate studies with a focus in Atmosphere and Energy. With her Masters degree, she plans to return to Botswana to work in the energy industry. Wandipa has hopes to harness Botswana’s natural resources in order to create efficient and affordable energy for citizens. Wandipa also believes that spreading awareness on the topic of energy will be key in implementing renewable energy practices. She soon hopes to meet with government officials to come up with strategies that will end the energy crisis in Botswana. “My main goal, since I left in 2011, has been to go back home and serve my country, as it has served me so well. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and for Botswana, and I hope to be an active participant in my country’s growth and development with respect to renewable energy.”
#SCOTTWEST – Ring Collection
NATURAL N ATURAL C COLOR OLOR DIAMONDS
Perfect G EM S
Explore the little luxuries the world has to offer.
plane and
FANCY
There’s flying first class and then there’s truly getting the first-class treatment. London’s Heathrow Airport has recently introduced Heathrow VIP for passengers who are traveling in first or business class. This ultra-luxe service includes an exclusive entrance to the airport, concierge service, a private lounge for up to 12 guests decorated by Helen Green and featuring food-anddrink options by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, along with private security screening within the lounge and a private car that will take you directly from the lounge to your aircraft at boarding time. What a way to go!
bedding with
BENEFITS
Doing your part for the environment while also doing something nice for your home is a true win-win situation. So why not sign up for San Francisco-based Coyuchi’s new Coyuchi for Life luxury linens subscription service? This unique program not only provides customers with new GOTS-certified organic sheets, towels and duvets regularly (you can choose whether to have them sent every 6, 12 or 24 months), but also allows you to send back your old ones, which will be renewed or upcycled for other purposes and attain a new life of their own. It’s one way to guarantee you’ll have sweet dreams.
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ICELAND,
iceland baby
Iceland is already a popular vacation destination, but this cold-weather spot is about to get even hotter. In early 2018, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, a new resort deep within moss-covered lava fields and surrounded by the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, will open its doors. The Retreat will feature 62 elegant suites each with a floor-to-ceiling window and terrace, a state-of-the-art spa offering dry heat, steam heat, in-water treatments and more, and the Moss Restaurant, where every dish will be locally sourced and based on the reinvention of Iceland’s culinary heritage, and where your wines will be brought up from an underground cellar forged deep in the centuries-old lava. Finally, guests can partake in a variety of adventure experiences including visiting black sand beaches, lava hiking in a lunar environment and private Northern Lights viewing tours.
CRYSTAL clear
Shoe icon Manolo Blahnik is one of New York City’s most revered citizens, in part due to his iconic association with HBO’s Sex and the City. But for a double dose of the artisan’s genius this fall, you’ll have to head to another city: Prague, Czechoslovakia. Together with Preciosa, the leading manufacturer and global supplier of Bohemian crystal, Blahnik has created a one-of-a-kind shoe, embellished with fuchsia pompoms and more than 100 crystal chandelier trimmings, that is on display at the Preciosa flagship store in Old Town Prague. Meanwhile, a comprehensive tribute to his life’s work, The Art of Shoes, is making a stop at Museum Kampa through November. Guest-curated by Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz and made up of six thematic sections (Nature, Gala, Art and Architecture, Heart, Geography, and Materials), the retrospective gives visitors a kaleidoscopic view of Blahnik’s creative path as shown by an impressive collection of 80 drawings and 200 shoes that represent nearly 50 years of his work as a stylist and designer. Prepare to be dazzled. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON
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end page
The
Gift of Time
F
ew luxury brands can create lifestyle marketing campaigns that rival the true stories of real people. Heirloom watches and jewelry pieces are often passed on with tales attached to them—sometimes banal, sometimes sparkling with romantic adventure. The term “sentimental value,” after all, is hardly a sentimental term, for it describes something very real. Some possessions are more valuable to us than their monetary worth would suggest because of the emotions and memories attached to them. That’s why, when we lose something with sentimental value, it really hurts the heart. “I went to Knox College, the same college my father did,” says Jack Dechow. “Right after I decided to attend, my father gave me a watch inscribed with the college’s crest that his parents had given him upon graduation. It was a simple gold watch with a metal band. I wore it a lot over the summer, but it was stolen out of my car the month before I embarked for campus. I really wish I still had it, so I’d have a tangible gift to remember my father and grandfather by when they inevitably pass.” Much has been noted about Millennials’ low interest in things like status logos and analog watches. But it turns out many in this generation value luxury heirlooms more than we expected. To own a fine piece is one thing, but to wear a fine piece with a tale behind it elevates it from mere status symbol and makes the wearer a storyteller. Dr. James Hinsch has a luxury watch of his own—a vintage Wittnauer—also a sentimental keepsake he takes out weekly. His father was a reverend who worked
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tirelessly to build a sanctuary for his mission church on Long Island. The watch, which bears an inscription from 1957, is from the only banker who would lend the reverend money for the construction. “I wear my Rolex every day,” says Hinsch, “but when I go to church, it’s always the Wittnauer.” It’s not uncommon for a watch’s story to span generations, even when it just involves digging it out of storage and getting it running again. Take Maxwell Raymond Rich, a 26-year-old attorney in Manhattan. In 1956, his grandfather rewarded himself for his hard work as a stockbroker with a goldplated Omega Seamaster Automatic. Five years later he found himself with a wife and bouncing baby boy. When Rich was set to graduate law school, he, too, decided to reward himself and began talking about buying a watch. That’s when his mother remembered grandpa’s Omega stashed away in a box somewhere, forgotten for decades. “We decided that, in honor of my father’s upcoming 55th birthday, we should have the watch serviced and restored,” recounts Rich. “Omega sent it to Switzerland for six months, and the watch arrived a few days before his birthday. He loves telling the watch’s history and how it pays honor to his father. My brothers and I look at the watch as one of our few heirlooms from Grandfather.” (Hopefully they won’t have to fight over it!) You could say the value of the Omega—the sentimental value, that is—had been reappraised. And isn’t that the nature of younger generations: to value the things of their grandparents’ era, things that their parents deemed old-fashioned or even worthless? We should all aspire to be scrupulous reappraisers of all things in our lives, in an effort to fill them with as much beauty and meaning as possible. BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
EVERETT COLLECTION / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Imparting more than intrinsic value, a watch is the person who wore it.
TUDOR BORN TO DARE AND BLACK BAY ARE ® TRADEMARKS. NEW YORK.
#BornToDare
BLACK BAY
TRADITIONAL JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
WINTER 2017/2018