THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS ♦ SPRING/SUMMER 2013 ♦ FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH, CA
JEWELRY TRENDS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD SPECIAL WATCH SECTION
BEHOLD BOLD
SPRING/SUMMER 2013
FEATURES
24
8 Welcome Letter 12 Events 14 Charity Profile: The Cystinosis Research Foundation 16 Profile: Efva Attling 18 Red Carpet: Rainbow Brights 20 Trends: Asian Fusion 22 From the Runways 28 Behold Bold 42 Cars: Perfect Timing 44 Perfect Gems 46 Travel: The Golden Triangle 48 Spirits: Fine Tequila 50 Design: Nate Berkus
37
52 Reads: Living a Charmed Life
WATCH SECTION 36 Traditional Jewelers Watch Report 38 Profile: TAG Heuer 40 Advisor: Watch Wisdom
THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS o SPRING/SUMMER 2013 o FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH, CA
JEWELRY TRENDS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD SPECIAL WATCH SECTION
BEHOLD BOLD
4
ON THE COVER
Model Kajsa Nord (Elite Model Management) wears IPPOLITA sterling silver, diamond and gemstone jewelry from the Stella Collection. Photography by Edwin Santa. Makeup by Eliut Tarin. Hair by Lili Rodriguez. Nails by Abigail Alcala. Assistance by Marlon Pacheco. Headpieces designed by Edwin Santa and Albeiro Pachon.
oyster perpe tual cosmog r aph day tona
rolex
oyster perpetual, cosmograph and daytona are trademarks.
TRADITIONALJEWELERS.COM FASHION ISLAND
BRENT SEYLER STORE MANAGER
203 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
MAX SOTODEH SALES MANAGER
NEWPORT BEACH, CA ( 9 4 9 ) 721- 9 010
MOLLY SMOLA COMMUNITY LIAISON & OPERATIONS MANAGER
HOURS:
LULA HALFACRE COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR
M O N - F R I : 10 : 0 0 A M - 8 : 0 0 P M S AT : 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 7 : 0 0 P M
MICHAEL POLLAK CEO
S U N : 11 : 0 0 A M - 6 : 0 0 P M
SHEREEN POLLAK PRESIDENT DAMON GROSS COO JENNIFER FERKENHOFF DIRECTOR OF MARKETING MOLLY WOJCIK DIRECTOR OF INTERACTIVE MARKETING
PUBLISHED BY THE BUSINESS JOURNALS FASHION GROUP PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA
PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI
PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR HANS GSCHLIESSER
DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS JOHN FRASCONE
MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES
DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI
CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON
Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2013. Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 11, Issue 1. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.
Adolfo Courrier Jungle Lady enamel, pink sapphire and diamond stack ring set in 18K rose gold.
6
WELCOME
Dear Friends, I’m very pleased to announce the beginning of a new era... and the further dedication of our historic traditions! There’s so much exciting news to share. We have expanded our management team with two recent additions, the talented Molly Smola and Max Sotodeh. Molly’s background includes 10 years of luxury marketing and client services, and here she will play a very special role as our dedicated ambassador to the OC philanthropic community. She will seek out opportunities to further enhance and meaningfully impact Traditional’s charitable partnerships. Additionally, Molly will serve as a customer experience specialist on the operations side of our business in Newport Beach. Many of you may already know Max. Max is our director of sales and will work closely with our store manager, Brent Seyler. He has spent most of the last 10 years managing two of Tourneau’s stores in Southern California, including their Costa Mesa location. Max has an exceptional knowledge of all aspects of the watch industry and looks forward to greeting his friends and clients at Traditional. Beginning later this spring, Traditional Jewelers will begin construction to expand and relocate our iconic location to a new home at Fashion Island. Our new location is privileged to sit across the main plaza from Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s. We look forward to presenting an extraordinary 10,000 square foot showroom in the location previously occupied by The Limited and Kate Spade. Traditional Jewelers will create the largest luxury jewelry, diamond and Swiss timepiece salon on the West Coast. We will be expanding our repair and design services, introducing a new, state-of-the-art Custom Bridal Design Services environment. Along with the reveal of the new store later this year, we will be announcing exciting and exclusive additions to our Designer Jewels Collections as well as a couple of new Swiss Watch Collections to complement our storied assortment of the most collectible timepieces. And finally, one last little teaser: the new store will feature several boutique-style environments that will allow for complete brand immersion experiences! Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.... We look forward to sharing in the exciting road ahead! Warm Regards,
Michael Pollak, President
8
Mediterranean Sea. “Gamma� men in training. The diver emerging from the water is wearing a Panerai compass on his wrist.
history a n d heroes.
luminor marina 1950 3 days automatic - 4 4mm
Your Golden Angel “Angel´s Wings“ collection
The extraordinary love story of a Wellendorff admirer has taught us that angels not only protect but also connect lovers with one another forever. This letter has inspired us to create our new “Angel´s Wings“ collection. It has been a fresh reminder to the genuine value of jewellery: to bring joy and offer protection. Experience this magical story and the entire collection at www.wellendorff.com or at Traditional.
REZA ALLAH-BAKHSHI AND RIVIERA MAGAZINE
TRADITIONAL JEWELERS EVENTS
ANNUAL WATCH FAIR
REZA ALLAH-BAKHSHI AND RIVIERA MAGAZINE
In September, Traditional Jewelers and Riviera magazine hosted the annual Watch Fair, with 13 fine timepiece brands represented. Representatives from Cartier, Panerai, Bell & Ross, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Chanel, A. Lange, Tag Heuer, Breitling, Baume & Mercier, Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, and more brought their collections, representing the very best in Swiss timepieces. Guests enjoyed fine food by Anders Catering, and Posh shared their superb Champagne and wines. The beautifully decorated store quickly filled up with many guests eager to enjoy the evening’s festivities and sounds by DJ Drew. The benefiting charity, Orange County United Way, represented by Max Gardner, was pleased to be the recipient of a percentage of proceeds from the evening.
DESIGNER JEWELRY EVENT In December, Traditional Jewelers and Riviera magazine hosted the Designer Jewelry event, bringing some of the finest jewelry collections in the world to Orange County. Over a dozen jewelry designers attended the event including Ippolita, Kwiat, Penny Preville, Marco Bicego, Temple St Clair, Stephen Webster and more! During their holiday shopping, guests enjoyed tunes by DJ Drew, delicious hors d’oeuvres by Anders Catering and fine wine from Posh events.
12
CHARITY PROFILE
SPOTLIGHT ON THE CYSTINOSIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION A child’s birthday wish fuels cystinosis research.
atalie Stack was born with cystinosis, a rare genetic disease in which the body’s cells accumulate the amino acid cystine. The buildup causes crystals to form, which damage the cells and consequently, the muscles and major organs of the body including the kidneys, liver, eyes, bone marrow, thyroid and brain. Doctors informed her parents, Geoffrey and Nancy Stack, that Natalie might not live to graduate from high school. But today, researchers from the UC San Diego Department of Pediatrics are on the verge of an exciting new treatment for cystinosis, and Natalie Stack is poised to graduate from Georgetown University — two accomplishments that wouldn’t be possible without support from donors Geoffrey and Nancy Stack. Decades ago, UC San Diego clinical researcher Jerry Schneider developed the only existing treatment for cystinosis; Natalie Stack was one of the early patients to be started on the drug. It is a difficult medication: it must be taken every six hours and “tastes and smells like rotten eggs.” It also causes severe side effects including vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms. Compliance is one of the biggest challenges facing patients and their families. On the eve of her 12th birthday, Natalie made a wish that her disease would “go away forever.” Her parents responded by establishing the Cystinosis Research Foundation (CRF) to search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Since 2003, the foundation has raised more than $21 million. The Stacks underwrite all of the foundation’s operational expenses, ensuring that every dollar raised directly supports cystinosis research — much of which is happening at UC San Diego. “When Natalie was diagnosed, there was very little research happening on this disease,” says Nancy Stack. “Now, we have a vibrant international research community with UC San Diego as the hub.” Ranjan Dohil, a pediatric gastroenterologist at UC San Diego, is one of
the key players in cystinosis research. His work, funded by the foundation, has led to a new, improved treatment that is expected to become commercially available in the next few months. It is a delayed release form of the current medication that significantly enhances drug absorption and only needs to be taken twice each day at a lower daily dose than previously required. This means improved quality of life, reduced side effects and improved compliance for patients. “For the first time in their lives, our kids can sleep through the night,” says Nancy. “That seems like such a simple thing, but for families affected by cystinosis it is huge.” One of the challenges facing cystinosis research is the fact that it is a rare or “orphan” disease. It affects roughly 500 people, mostly children, in North America and fewer than 2,000 worldwide. Thus federal funding for research has been very limited. Yet the knowledge gained from studying rare diseases can often lead to advances in other more prevalent and wellknown diseases. Delayed-release cysteamine, the medication developed at UC San Diego to treat cystinosis, is also being explored in multicenter studies for the treatment of Huntington’s disease and NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). The research jump started by the CRF has attracted interest from the scientific community, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Stephanie Cherqui, a Department of Pediatrics researcher whose work focuses on stem cell and gene therapy, is one such example. The foundation has funded Cherqui’s work since 2006, enabling her to generate the preliminary data necessary to obtain three NIH grants — highly competitive awards. Now, Cherqui has a clinical trial open to transplant healthy bone marrow stem cells as a possible treatment for cystinosis — results that hold hope for a pathway to a cure. For more information on CRF news and events, please visit cyctinosisresearch.org.
14
LARS WANBERG
N
The Stack Family, from left: Alex, Nancy, Natalie and Geoffrey.
Made to Measure is the Art of Personal Elegance Our promise is to deliver perfectly tailored apparel designed for your individual character from an unparalleled collection of Zegna fabrics. From personalized suits to entire wardrobes.
Su Misura Available at
GARYS Fashion Island, Newport Beach 949.759.1622
garysonline.com
CARPE DIEM “Seize the day”
MEET
EFVA ATTLING
from Stockholm, Sweden. She is the leading
“I want to boost people with my jewelry.”
jewelry designer in Scandinavia and has just opened her f lagship store in New York. Efva made her first piece of jewelry at the age of 11. After school she became a silversmith pupil, but at the age of 17 she was spotted by Eileen Ford and a 12 year long modeling career began working in Paris, London, Milan and New York. In the 80´s she started a band, The X Models. They had a hit ballad “Two of us” which Efva composed herself. Through the years she also designed clothes for both Levi’s and H&M, has been a TV host and a fashion editor.
T WOSOME “One rounded ring and one ring with sharp edges link together like two people who complement each other, becoming one stronger unit.”
In 1996 she decided to go back to where she once started, designing jewelry, working with silver, gold and precious stones. “I put strong expressions on my pieces because I want to boost people with my jewelry and that’s when they become conversation pieces.” “You can say that some of the statement pieces are ref lections of life ‘Amor Fati’, is my favorite expression, the love for our destiny. To me this means, we have been given this life ROSE PETALS “Inspired by the beauty queen of nature; the Rose.”
so let’s make the best of it. Its all up to you!” Efva loves to travel the world, it´s her curiosity for the human being that is her greatest inspiration for her jewelry. “I am intrigued by all our differences and I believe what ties us all together is humour, music and love.”
Efva working in her studio in Stockholm, Sweden.
Red Carpet RASHIDA JONES
Pop of Pink
CHRISTOPHER POLK
ASTRID STAWIARZ
At the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Awards Ceremony honoring her father, Quincy Jones, the Parks and Recreation star’s fuchsia pout pumped up the pink pattern on her dress. Though she kept the rest of her accessories minimal, Jones’ choice of jewelry proves two rings are better than one.
IVANKA TRUMP
RAINBOW BRIGHTS
Red All Over
Stars shine in every color under the sun. JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
The always-elegant jewelry designer let her dress speak for itself at the 9th Annual Style Awards. Statement earrings and a silver bag subtly accented the sparkly floral appliqué.
JESSICA LANGE
IAN GAVAN
Orange You Glad
KATE MARA
Perhaps Lange’s golden cuff was a prelude to the statue to come. This tangerine dream turned out to be a winning look for the actress, who took home the Best Supporting Actress Emmy for her role as Constance in American Horror Story while wearing the goddess-like gown.
Not So Mellow Yellow ASTRID STAWIARZ
Even through the London fog, this rising star shone as bright as the sun at the West End premiere of her new Netflix series House of Cards. Mara added even more bold color with a jeweled bib necklace and violet box clutch.
18
VANESSA HUDGENS
VITTORIO ZUNINO CELOTTO
Blue Beauty
MONICA BELLUCCI
The actress played up her exotic good looks in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge during Fall 2013 Fashion Week at New York’s Lincoln Center. A satin sheath in a royal blue hue provided the perfect backdrop for intricate silver beadwork, while a cocktail ring helped Hudgens call attention to her avant-garde manicure.
MIKE COPPOLA
Green with Envy For a lesson in how to liven up basic black, look no further than this Italian bombshell, who paired a show-stopping statement necklace with a slinky black dress to cut the ribbon at the reopening of Cartier’s boutique in Milan last fall.
DOUTZEN KROES
White Hot
ASTRID STAWIARZ
Proof that a lack of color can sometimes be just as sexy! The Dutch model’s on-trend extras, including a studded bag and a stack of mixed bracelets, popped against the blank canvas at a party celebrating the inaugural issue of Generation W hosted by W Magazine and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
IMAN
BENJAMIN LOZOVSKY
Purple Passion Not many people can pull off head-to-toe plum velvet, but Iman manages to make it chic with the additon of a chunky gold tassel necklace. (Her glowing golden skin doesn’t hurt, either.) We bet Bowie would approve.
TRENDS
ASIAN
FUSION
Eastern elements inspire modern American style.
W
hile shopping for your wardrobe this season, have you noticed that many of the most fashion-forward styles contain elements of Eastern cultures? Influences from Japan are particularly prevalent, like pleated origami-inspired organdy cotton, wingshaped shoulders, and wide pants, among others. It’s a trend that will continue into fall and winter, with floral jacquards from Vera Wang, Eastern spiritual styling from Prada, and brushstrokes of color from Lela Rose. And what jewelry do these Asian-infused fashions beg for? Pieces with a decidedly Eastern edge, of course. “These clothes are the perfect canvases, so to speak, for jewelry,” says David Wolfe, creative director of the Doneger Group in New York City. “Unlike what we saw before this year, the new fashions aren’t heavily embellished.” Wolfe, one of fashion’s leading international forecasters, adds that with these modern Eastern-inspired clothes, “The lines and the shades provide the color, if you will. And with this new sophisticated simplicity of extreme structures and curvilinear cuts, a strong jewelry statement becomes very important.”
GO EAST WITH YOUR JEWELRY Some of the best fine jewelry brands are making accessorizing à la the Asian aesthetic easy to do this year, by incorporating one or several of the following elements: Gems. Certain stones “say” Eastern, especially jade (in all colors), red coral, black onyx, pearls, mother-of-pearl, emerald and ruby. Materials. Enamel and lacquer, materials used in original Far Eastern jewelry, are significant,
and today “new Eastern” collections sometimes rely on colored resins and ceramics to impart that same bold mien. Techniques. Filigree and mokume-gane bring Eastern cultures to mind. The openwork of filigree can invoke the idea of Chinese calligraphy, while the ancient Japanese metalworking art of mokume-gane is a process used by specially trained artisans for one-of-a-kind jewelry. Themes. Art Nouveau-like motifs are characteristic of Eastern jewelry, especially dragonflies and butterflies, plus flowers and plants like cherry blossoms, bamboo, lotus and peonies. Spiritual symbolism abounds: the Om, the Tree of Life and certain mythological creatures, such as dragons. And all 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac are definitely key. 2013 is The Year of the Snake on the Chinese calendar, so new jewelry focused on those writhing reptiles is everywhere. The ancient Chinese culture viewed snakes as a positive omen, symbolic of eternal love, wisdom, immortality and so on. Today, contemporary luxury brands are fashioning serpentine-style jewelry whichever way you want it: replete with demonic details like a long tongue and menacing eyes, or in more stylized versions merely hinting at a snake via their super-curvy shapes, often inlaid or prong-set with precious gems. Whether you choose a snake-y style this year, or pieces with a feminine Art Nouveau-like beauty, heading toward the exotic East will surely lead you in the right direction!
WITH FASHION’S NEW SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY OF EXTREME STRUCTURES AND CURVILINEAR CUTS, A STRONG JEWELRY STATEMENT BECOMES VERY IMPORTANT. 20
FROM TOP ROBERTO COIN, JOSEPH MURRAY, JUST JULES
LORRAINE DEPASQUE
from the
RUNWAYS
1
2 FEELING BLUE
Shades from aqua to teal are making a splash in fashion! Jewelry takes its cue and plunges in.
3
6
5
1. Tacori sky blue topaz necklace in sterling silver with an 18K yellow gold gem seal. 2. Traditional Jewelers Reserve Collection sapphire and diamond ring set in 18K white gold. 3. Ippolita Rock Candy London blue topaz drop earrings in sterling silver. 4. Stephen Webster black opalescent quartz, black diamonds and blue sapphire bracelet in 18K white gold. 5. Zoccai mother-of-pearl, blue topaz and diamond ring in 18K white gold. 6. Penny Preville True Blue sapphire and diamond drop earrings in 18K white gold.
22
RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM
4
from the
RUNWAYS
1
2
3
CUT IT OUT
Whether stamped out or stitched on, cutouts prove that beauty can abound in empty spaces.
4
6
1. Armenta Old World blue mother-of-pearl and diamond drop earrings in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold. 2. Penny Preville white diamond cutout ring in 18K white gold. 3. Ippolita Classic sterling silver open cascade earrings. 4. Tacori cuff bangle bracelet in sterling silver. 5. Stephen Webster Forget Me Knot Collection white diamond chain ripple earrings in 18K white gold. 6. Temple St. Clair Tree of Life pendant with diamonds in 18K yellow gold.
24
RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM
5
from the
RUNWAYS
2 FLORAL FANTASY Pretty prints are in bloom for spring and summer.
1
3 5
4
1. Wellendorff Blueberry ring in 18K white gold with diamonds. 2. Kwiat white diamond flower necklace in 18K white gold. 3. Marco Bicego Jaipur white diamond and flower earrings in hand-engraved 18K yellow gold. 4. Temple St. Clair white diamond vine ring in 18K yellow gold. 5. Traditional Jewelers Reserve Collection white diamond double flower ring in 18K white gold. 6. Efva Attling Garden of Eden necklace in sterling silver.
25
RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM
6
from the
RUNWAYS
GRAPHIC IMPACT Black and white color blocking makes a strong statement.
3 4
6
5 1. Aaron Basha black and white enamel dog charm with mother-of-pearl bone featured on an 18K white gold and diamond bail. 2. Adolfo Courrier Classic 18K white gold, enamel, black and white diamond stack ring set. 3. Jude Frances Soho white sapphire and black spinel cuff bracelet in sterling silver. 4. Traditional Jewelers Noir Collection black and white diamond ring in 19K white gold. 5. Traditional Jewelers Noir Collection black and white diamond triple drop earrings in 19K white gold. 6. Tacori black onyx multi-strand bracelet in sterling silver with an 18K yellow gold clasp.
26
RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM
1
2
18 K A N G E L P E N D A N T S A N D C H A I N S
THE SEASON’S HOTTEST GEMSTONES SPAN THE SPECTRUM IN VIBRANT HUES. PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWIN SANTA
BEHOLD
BOLD
This page: ZOCCAI 18K rose gold jewelry featuring diamonds, rhodolite and cabochon pink quartz over mother of pearl. Opposite page: ARMENTA 18K yellow gold and “midnight� oxidized sterling silver jewelry featuring lapis, mother-of-pearl and opal doublets, diamonds and white sapphires from the Old World Collection.
PENNY PREVILLE 18K yellow gold jewelry featuring emeralds and diamonds from the Emerald City Collection.
IPPOLITA sterling silver, diamond and gemstone jewelry from the Stella Collection. Makeup by Eliut Tarin. Hair by lili Rodriguez. Nails by Abigail Alcala. Assistance by Marlon Pacheco. Headpieces designed by Edwin Santa and Albeiro Pachon.
N OW AVA I L A B L E F R O M M O D E R N L U X U RY M E D I A PUBLISHER OF
THE ORIGINAL ANNUAL OF THE WORLD’S FINEST JEWELRY
®
T O U R B I L L O N I N T E R N AT I O N A L WAT C H & J E W E L R Y P U B L I C AT I O N S
Jewelry Vol.IV
International
CAROLINE CHILDERS
WATCHES INTERNATIONAL VOL. XIII
GRAND COMPLICATIONS VOL. VIII
JEWELRY INTERNATIONAL VOL. IV
THE MORE THAN 50 HIGH-END
DEVOTED TO EXAMINING THE
EXP LO RI NG T HE
BRANDS FEATURED IN
TECH NI CALLY CH ALLENG I NG
WO RLDW I D E AP P EAL OF P RECIOU S
WATCHES INTERNATIONAL
AS P ECTS O F TH E WATCH MAK ER’ S
PERS O NAL AD ORNMENT,
TURN TIME INTO AN AESTHETIC
CRAFT, TH E H ARD COVER
JEWELRY INTERNATIONAL
AND TECHNOLOGICAL DELIGHT.
GRAND COMPLICATIONS
FEATURES T HE HISTORICAL
DETAILED INFORMATION AND
D ELVES I NTO TH E H I STO RY AND
S I G NI FI CANCE O F JEWEL RY
PHOTOGRAPHS MAKE
LATEST ADVANCES O F EACH
FRO M AR O U ND T HE WORL D
THIS A MUST-HAVE FOR ANY
CO MPLI CATI O N, I N ARTI CLES
AS WELL AS TODAY’S MOST
WATCH AFICIONADO.
AND I NTERVI EWS .
TALENTED D ESIGNERS.
F O R T R U E C O N N O I S S E U R S O F H AU T E J E W E L RY, L U X U RY T I M E P I E C E S A N D U LT I M AT E C O M P L I C AT I O N S , W E H AV E C R E AT E D T H I S S P E C I A L O F F E R TO S AV E O N T H E A B S O L U T E AU T H O R I T I E S O N WATC H E S A N D J E W E L RY.
O R D E R YO U R C O P Y T O D AY CHRIS GIALANELLA
C G I A L A N E L L A @ M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
RIVIERA MAGAZINE
THE AUTHORITY ON LUXURY LIFESTYLE As the premier luxury lifestyle magazine of the area, RIVIERA OR ANG E COU NT Y
ORANGE COUNTY is the source for the
Decoding
DIANE KRUGER
cosmopolitan reader
SPRING FASHION & HOME ISSUE
of all things chic and au courant. Backed by MODERN LUXURY— publisher of 30 titles in 14 major cities and reaching more than
Meet the Trendsetters Ryan Heuser Makes Sport of Fashion Trend Alert! Haute Home Styles A New Coast Modernism What to Wear, Where to Dine & All the Finest Soirées!
6.3 million affluent readers, RIVIERA continues to excel in
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
capturing the urbane Atlanta as we see it Desperately Seeking
Meet Mark Wahlberg
DIANE KRUGER
SPRING
The Real World of Decades’ Dukes Top L.A. Designers to Watch Art’s New Epicenter: Highland Avenue Cher Coulter’s Beachwood Canyon
FASHION &HOME ISSUE!
SPRING
FASHION &HOME ISSUE! Checks and Balance
CRISP AND CLEAN STYLE
Van Cleef & Arpels Arrives! Party POV: Inside a Private Birthday Bash at Bacchanalia Fashion Scores, Closet Tours and New Stores! Southern Style: Three Top Interior Designers’ Spaces PLUS: The 2013 Home Hot List
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
Screen Siren
DIANE KRUGER
and Michelle Williams
BEST NEW BEAUTY
FASHION &HOME
ISSUE!
FASHION
FRENZY!
25+
Graphics G raphics D epartment Department
STYLE TAKES SHAPE
PAGES OF SIZZLING SPRING STYLES
SPRING BREAK STYLE
SPRING
SAN DII EGO E GO EG
WHAT TO PACK FOR A BEACH GETAWAY WAKING UP IN VEGAS
Cuisine Cravings Sushi, Pasta, Chicken & Dessert
Model plays up Katya the season’s brightes t Sugar, Sugar TAME YOUR SWEET TOOTH
Party Snapshots
Bikini-Bod Squad SAY CHEESE! 10 Ways to Dip It
Tone Up + Go Shopping
SPRING
FASHION &HOME ISSUE!
Haute Hotels:
Design Pros’ Savvy Style Picks The Boarding House Buzz New Star Power at the Adler Inside the Caves of Lascaux & All the Best Bashes!
Exclusive: La Jolla’s New Starchitecture Trend Alert! What’s Hot in S.D. Design Yacht Living With The Millers Foodie Finds in Little Italy Plus: Rancho Santa Fe’s Beauty Queen
Armani, Bulgari, Missoni and more!
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
Brides
Style Sophisticates: Carrier and Company Dannijo Sherri Donghia Alexandra von Furstenberg Valesca Guerrand-Hermès Dee Ocleppo-Hilfiger Serkan Sarier
Decoding
SPRING LOOKS ARE
BLACK, WHITE AND BRIGHT ALL OVER!
“Fashion is not simply a matter of clothes. Fashion is in the air, born upon the wind. It is in the sky and on the road.” --Coco Chanel
A Hedge Fund Marathoner Donates Life After Death St. Patrick’s Day With Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally Spin Studios Face Off Mario Cuomo on Ed Koch
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
BY THE PUBLISHERS OF MODERN LUXURY CS
High Fashion Darling
DIANE KRUGER
DIANE KRUGER
SPRING
FASHION &HOME ISSUE!
Yabu Pushelberg Takes Over the City Miami Tastemakers’ Style Must-Haves Redefining Loft Living... in Wynwood! 30 & Fab: The Miami International Film Festival Comes of Age & What’s Next in Real Estate
offering its advertisers
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
8TH ANNIVERSARY
CHICAGO
C H I CAG O
CHICAGO SOCIAL
WINTER/SPRING 2013
Washington’s Hottest
Spring Forward!
SEXY SEASON, BOLD STYLE
Style-Setters Fashion Fete-ers Trend Go-Getters
THE
FASHION & HOME ISSUE!
> The enduring
quality of mountains and skiing is captured by John Huggins on iconic Aspen Mountain.
GARDEN PARTY HELLO, BEAUTIFUL!
1(67,1* ,167,1&76
GLAMOROUS GOWNS FROM J. MENDEL, MONIQUE LHUILLIER AND MORE
On the Rocks: Engagement Rings Go Retro Colin Cowie Talks Big-Day Tips Caterers Dish on Edible Trends for 2013
SPRING
FASHION &HOME ISSUE!
ORNAMENTAL GOES ORIENTAL IN KAUFMAN SEGAL’S RECENT RENO
THE BEST OF SPRING SKIING, NEW RESTAURANTS, APRÈS-SKI COCKTAILS & NIGHTLIFE
SHOW HOME SHOWCASE: SIX DESIGN STARS TREND ALERT! COLOR WAVES, HAUTE HEARTHS AND CLEAR FURNITURE
PLUS Home, Shopping, Travel, Art, Parties & More
& PILLOW TALK WITH PAULA QUEEN! M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
PLUS Meet the Divas and Darlings Who Do It Right In Praise of Loretta Devine Design Stars of Montrose Houston Does Picasso!
Our Trio of Town Tastemakers Cindy Sherman Plays Dress Up at the DMA John Tesar’s Latest Weapon: Spoon The Dallas Nine Fab Furnishings: Home Hot List
MOD MEN! THE NEW MIDCENTURY MASTERS
PLUS 66 of Chicago’s Hautest Weddings! M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
lifestyle and uniquely
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
63((' 7+5,//6
OUR ANNUAL AUTO ISSUE THE BEST NEW CARS CARS, P PERIOD!
Spotlight: Jonny Imerman Earns His Wings Charter Fishing in Style The New A-List Workouts
FASHION &HOME ISSUE!
David Schwimmer Sets the Stage That’s a Wrap! Our Favorite Cigars The Good Life at the Paws Up Ranch
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
Stunning Strathmore Home Sings The District’s Curated Cocktails DC’s Blooming Boutiques Bryan Voltaggio is Home on the RANGE
local knowledge and
SPRING
M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M
regional character.
ACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2013
GETTY 1
WATCHES
FOCUS: TRADITIONAL JEWELERS WATCH REPORT
TAG HEUER
ROLEX
IWC
AUDEMARS PIGUET
FOR HIM
PANERAI
Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Chronograph watch, 43mm, in stainless steel. IWC 46mm ceramic case with brown dial, black rubber strap featuring a brown calfskin inlay, automatic movement and power reserve for 44 hours. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller in 18K pink gold with a bidirectional rotatable ring command bezel and annual calendar. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver in ceramic with in-house calibre 3120, hours and minutes function, water-resistant to 300 meters. Panerai Radiomir 8 Days Titanio, 45mm brushed titanium case, brown dial, alligator strap, brushed titanium buckle, handwound mechanical movement.
36
PATEK PHILIPPE
OMEGA
CHANEL
CARTIER
A. LANGE & SÖHNE
FOR HER
Ladies’ World Time in 18K white gold. Bezel set with 62 diamonds, ivory-opaline dial. Alligator strap and diamond buckle. Chanel Première in stainless steel with diamond-set case, black lacquered dial and chain bracelet. Omega Ladymatic in 18K yellow gold. Mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds, water resistant to 100 meters. Cartier Tank Anglaise watch small model. 18K rose gold and stainless steel with diamonds. A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Automatic, in pink gold with diamond bezel and hand-stiched crocodile strap. Patek Philippe
37
FOCUS: PROFILE
by Robert Haynes-Peterson
THE STRONGEST LINK
O
TAG HEUER DOES WELL BY DOING GOOD. Natural Resources Defense Council — was in town filming The Wolf of Wall Street. He bounded on stage to join Diaz and Babin, showering high praise on the brand. "It's incredible to work with a company that cares so much, and gives so much. That kind of dedication to service is important to me, and it's reflected in everything TAG Heuer does." The Link Lady Trilogy Limited Edition set and Leonardo DiCaprio Link Automatic Chronograph Calibre 16 watch are in stores now. TAG Heuer fans can also enjoy a technological breakthrough this year: the TAG Heuer Mikrogirder. The innovative regulator, which TAG Heuer claims challenges the 300-year heritage of hairspring/balance wheel mechanical regulation, allows the company to present a highly accurate chronograph, impervious to gravity, with minimal isochronous error. Winner of the 2012 Aiguille d'Or — the top prize in all categories at the Geneva Watchmaking Gran Prix — the Mikrogirder Chronograph replaces the spiral hairspring and classic balance wheel with a coupling beam and excitatory beam system, paired with a linear oscillator. The technology allows the chronograph accuracy to 5/10,000 of a second, beating 7.2 million times each hour. The design features a anthracite dial and rubber strap, with assymetric case.
nly a couple of weeks after Hurricane Sandy, when much of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey were still plunged in darkness, TAG Heuer went ahead with its plans for the Manhattan launch party of its latest Link collection, the Link Lady Trilogy Limited Edition. Created in conjunction with brand ambassador Cameron Diaz, who attended the event, the Trilogy collection (a limited-edition steel ring, bracelet and watch trio featuring the first automatic watch in the Link Lady line) was already slated to do good: Profits are dedicated to support UN Women, an organization that advocates for women's rights around the world. In the wake of Sandy's destructive force, however, the watch company knew it must do more. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Sandy," TAG Heuer president and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin told the crowd of 500 or so, many of whom had flown in from Europe for the event. "We decided it was important to help New York Cares with their relief efforts, and we are donating $100 for every guest who is here." As it happened, actor Leonardo DiCaprio — another TAG Heuer brand ambassador, whose new Signature Link Calibre 16 Chronograph (with blue dial) will raise funds for Green Cross International and the
38
PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY. Carat Weight 1.53
Color Grade E
Clarity Grade VS1
Cut Grade Excellent
Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621
Natural Diamond Not Synthetic
A GIA report is certainty from the source. As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System™, GIA sets the standards for diamond assessment, worldwide. Unbiased. Scientific. A report from GIA gives you a clear understanding of your diamond’s quality. Look for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and the jewelers who offer them. www.4cs.gia.edu
THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD BY WHICH GEMS ARE JUDGED.
FOCUS: ADVISOR
WATCH WISDOM
TIME TO ANSWER YOUR PRESSING QUESTIONS.
IS IT NECESSARY TO SERVICE MY WATCH IF I’M NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT? All watches need maintenance. The extent of the service required depends on the particular timepiece, its movement and its age. Generally, quartz watches need battery replacements every two to three years. Mechanical watches, much like automobiles, need regular servicing. The inner movements of the mechanical watch are lightly lubricated to reduce friction between the parts and ensure accuracy and reliability. Deterioration of the lubricants occurs over time and results in higher friction, increasing wear and tear and decreasing precision. A mechanical watch should be serviced every three to five years. Watches should always be taken to an authorized retailer to be properly serviced. If the wrong gaskets, batteries or parts are used, it can result in more expensive repairs down the line. Even quartz watches, after a simple battery change, have to be properly sealed and closed to ensure their water resistance.
IS A WATCH A GOOD INVESTMENT? Many people buy a watch because they love the individual statement the piece makes about them. However, in today’s economy, people also want to know that the watch they’re buying will hold its value over time, and maybe even go up in value. Most top-name watches will hold their value and some can even become heirloom pieces over the coming generations. If you’re looking to start building a watch collection, invest in different styles of watches appropriate for different situations, and do your homework regarding the most coveted brands. Special or limited-edition watches are almost always a good investment in the long term. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; our knowledgeable watch experts are here to give you guidance.
40
FOCUS: ADVISOR
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT WATCH TRENDS? One of the most important trends in the watch market today is definitely the proliferation of dual-, triple-, and multi-time zone watches. For today’s global business person, or any busy traveler, having alternate time zones readily available at the flick of the wrist is almost essential. These timepieces come in a wealth of styles and in an array of price ranges, offering design and technology options for men and women. Chronographs also steal the limelight with their form-meets-function attitude. A chronograph is a watch that times multiple events, and it can be a very useful tool. Another important trend today is the move toward new timepieces for women. These include mechanical and quartz watches that offer sophisticated features and functions, like elegant moonphase indications, chronograph counters and calendars.
I HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT “COMPLICATED” WATCHES; WHAT DOES THIS MEAN (AND ISN’T LIFE COMPLICATED ENOUGH)? The term complicated refers to timepieces with certain functions or features that are considered top feats of watchmaking. The most coveted complications vary depending on personal taste and watchmaking progress. Among the top categories today are tourbillon watches (expensive, complex mechanical calibers that house an escapement, which compensates for errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity), repeater watches that chime the time on demand via a series of gongs and hammers, and perpetual calendar watches that can track the day, date, month, year and leap year (and sometimes moonphases and more) for hundreds of years to come. Some of the world’s finest complicated watches can have waiting lists, but please stop in anyway — we’re happy to show you some fabulous timepieces whether or not you plan to buy.
WHAT NEW MATERIALS ARE BEING USED IN WATCHMAKING? As watchmakers progress in their quests for innovation, they naturally turn to other fields, such as the space and automotive industries, to see what these state-of-the-art worlds are utilizing. This has led to a wealth of new lightweight, rugged, hypoallergenic materials being incorporated into wristwatch cases, dials and straps. Among the more interesting materials being used: high-tech ceramic, carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium and alloys of various elements. These are great new introductions that are well worth checking out the next time you visit the store.
41
individual runs up the driveway, and attracts about 150,000 spectators from around the world. Then in the fall, Lord March presents a spectacular vintage race held at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit, built in 1948 by his grandfather just a mile or so from Goodwood House. In its glory days (the 1950s through 1966), this circuit hosted Formula 1 races and other toplevel events that rivaled the best in the world. Today, all who attend the reunion come dressed in period clothing. In the U.S., Classic Car Week in Monterey, California takes center stage every August. Dinners, auctions, car shows, lawn parties and other exclusive events keep auto enthusiasts remarkably busy all week. At nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, some of the most extraordinary vintage racing is held from Friday through Sunday at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Perfectly restored racecars from around the world compete in full fields, using modern timing and scoring techniques. Split-second accuracy determines grid positions, and drivers fight to shed every possible second from their time charts. On the 18th green at nearby Pebble Beach on the final day of Classic Car Week, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance draws the most remarkable cars and the most knowledgeable attendees to these celebrated grounds. The contrast between the racecars and show cars is significant: In racing, time is everything; in showing cars it’s inconsequential. In both instances, however, winners at Monterey are presented with iconic Rolex timepieces.
“NATURALLY, RACECAR DRIVERS WEAR THE MOST ADVANCED, BEAUTIFUL AND PRECISE TIMEPIECES ON THE MARKET.”
PERFECT
TIMING
In motor racing as in timepieces, precision is everything. DAVID A. ROSE
TOP: ROLEX/TOM O’NEIL. BOTTOM: ROLEX/JAD SHERIF
CARS
I
t was a tough qualifying session. Lap after lap I pushed myself to the max, knowing it meant the difference between starting on the pole position (where there’s an advantage going into the first turn) or starting on the outside of the front row (where chances of taking the lead at the start are slim). As I took off alongside the other 35 cars in the field, I was confident I could win the pole, especially since my pit crew had written a large #1 on my pit board. But as I came into the pits, I could tell by the look on their faces that this was not to be: I had lost pole position by only 5/100ths of a second. Motor racing is a sport where time can be your best friend or your worst enemy. At the Rolex 24 at Daytona or at Le Mans, two cars can finish just seconds apart after 24 hours of racing. Pit Stops in Formula 1 are lightning fast: a car can have four tires changed in under three seconds. The drivers of these cars are in constant radio contact with their crew members, who report competitors’ timing and scoring figures; race strategy can change several times based on these reports. While both motor racing and timepieces involve speed and precise mechanics, the fashionable gatherings of classic and vintage cars at Concours d’Elegance events involve neither. In fact, these extraordinary vehicles are presented stationary. Perhaps the longest running of these events is the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which has been held on the shores of Lake Como, Italy since 1929. At events like this, classic and vintage cars are scored on the basis of perfection. It may be a static display, but the value of these glorious cars can reach or even exceed that of some thoroughbred racecars. In England, The Goodwood Festival of Speed is held each summer at Lord March’s estate in West Sussex. This event combines static display with
42
A beautiful D-03 1913 Mercer Model 35 J Raceabout Ray Scherr lines up for the start of the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, presented by Rolex.
Wicked. The 2013 SLS AMG® GT Coupe.
Quickened, Tightened. Sharpened. Perfection just got better. And more than a little badder. The 2013 SLS AMG® GT. Low slung and wide, with quicker shifting, greater handling control, 583 hp under its hood and 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. Experience it now at Fletcher Jones. Experience The Fletcher Jones Difference.
FLETCHER JONES MOTORCARS N
E
W
P
O
R
T
B
E
A
C
H
330 0 Jamb o r e e Road • w w w. f j m e r c e d e s . c o m
7 1 8
▼
▼
9 4 9
3 0 0 0
PERFECTGEMS EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.
A STROLL THROUGH HOTEL LA MAMOUNIA
Marrakech has a fascinating history, exotic markets, exciting nightlife and a delightfully opulent hotel. La Mamounia, a former palace celebrated for its mixture of traditional Moroccan and modern French styles, offers intriguing experiences from great art to ice cream. Take a walk through the reception room, lobby and tearoom, where Moroccan paintings and statues inspire. Stop at the Italian Bar to view the latest photography exhibition while sipping a Le Grand Dame Champagne cocktail made with citrus essence. Next, wander outside into the serene 17-acre garden filled with olive and citrus trees, magnificent roses and an extensive kitchen garden (you might chat with the chef as he gathers vegetables for dinner). At the center of the garden is Le Menzeh, an ice cream pavilion that offers pastries and freshly made ice creams. Finally, to recover from your exertions, complete your tour with a Royal Hammam treatment at the lavish spa.
THE NIGHT SPOT
It’s no secret that Broadway singers and actors hate when the curtain comes down and they have to leave the stage. So on Tuesday nights, after the shows are out, performers and the fans who love them gather for Backstage at 54 Below (located in the basement of legendary Studio 54) to keep the music and jokes going over drinks and supper. Led by musical director Brad Simmons and host Susie Mosher, gypsies, Broadway and cabaret stars (and occasionally an audience member) sing or do their routines in this intimate and fashionable 144-seat space created by Tony-winning set designers. The wine list and food are good, the service excellent, the crowd always fun. And you never know who might turn up to perform. End your evening on a high note.
44
BOTTOM LEFT MARC BRYAN-BROWN
CHRIS LEE
DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON
SPIRIT OF THE PAST
ALEX R. KIRZHNER
Built in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgos family, Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres with a spectacular backdrop of Irish woodlands, lake and mountains. Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness purchased the estate in 1855 as the family’s country residence. Since becoming a hotel in 1939, the castle has welcomed dignitaries and celebrities including Prince Edward, King George V, Ted Kennedy, Sharon Stone, Brad Pitt and Barbra Streisand. The castle offers contemporary comforts and conveniences, but naturally, oldworld traditions still thrive. There’s Ireland’s first school of falconry, a decanter of sherry in each room, and tea served in the drawing room. And in keeping with conventional castle ambiance, there’s also a ghost, reportedly from the 19th century when the Guinnesses were in residence. Not to worry: guests who’ve seen the young female apparition say she’s friendly.
LIGHT FOOTED
This spring, let your feet shine with bright bejeweled footwear by Ivy Kirzhner, featuring cloisonné metal work and exotic leathers. The 2013 collection includes the Ark, a dress wedge with crystals and snake leather inlays on an 18K gold-plated heel. The Taj Mahal gladiator sandal features gold silk metallic leather with crystals. Nefertiti is an ornamental high wedge with 18K gold-plated hardware and hand-enameled cloisonné treatment. Pictured above are the Montezuma Deco-bejeweled slippers in royal blue and hot coral kid suede and gold silk metallic, and the Tresor, a Deco ballet flat in gold silk metallic and opal, both with crystals on an 18K goldplated hardware ornament. Step into a brilliant summer.
CONCERT GRAND
Steinway Lyngdorf is a collaboration between Steinway & Sons, makers of the world’s finest pianos, and audio innovator Peter Lyngdorf. Their speaker systems range from the invisible to the compact to the giant. Currently, the state-of-theart choice is the Model LS Concert. Combined with the SP-1 Stereo Processor or P-1 Surround Sound Processor and Steinway Lyngdorf’s fully digital amplifiers, it’s perfect for luxurious home theaters. The open-baffle design makes the speaker interact with the room much as a musical instrument would, resulting in extremely open and life-like musicality. There’s also a remarkable remote that weighs nearly 2.2 pounds, with a rotating wheel crafted from solid, gold-plated brass and mounted on precision-machined Swiss bearings, providing intuitive and total command of the system.
45
TRAVEL
White Temple
THE GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
An Asian paradise awaits at the crossroads of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. SCOTT HASS
I
n the northeastern corner of Thailand, in what were once nearly inaccessible lands, you will find the tropical Asian destination known as The Golden Triangle. Decades ago, this region, which borders Laos and Myanmar, was filled with opiate traders and insurgents. Nowadays, it is one of the most unspoiled parts of Southeast Asia with a sophisticated infrastructure of roads, markets, hotels and shops to attract visitors. Physically, The Golden Triangle has magnificent hills, mountains, swaying bamboo forests, and the majestic Mekong river. Culturally, you’ll find Buddhist temples and first-rate artisans perfecting sculpture, woodwork and pottery. Socially, the famed generosity of spirit that characterizes the Thai people is in abundance; as yet, the region has not become overwhelmed by tourists. When I came across photographs of a magnificent house, available for rent, on a former coffee plantation near Chiang Rai, a town within The
Golden Triangle, I booked flights immediately. Owned by an Australian interior designer currently based in Hong Kong, pictures of the property made it clear that this was an architectural gem. It took about 90 minutes to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok, and from the plane we were in awe of the verdant mountains to the north. We were picked up at the airport by Sakda, our driver and housekeeper for the next 10 days. During the ride from the airport, on a highway as sleek as what you’d find stateside, we passed by pristine villages, remarkable fruit and vegetable markets, and small local Buddhist temples. It was exotic but welcoming, and so clean and lush I felt as if we were in Hawaii rather than a remote Southeast Asian country. The air was redolent with the scents of onions, ginger and frying chilies, and even the colors of the fruits — pink, orange, red and purple — seemed so magical. Doy Din Dang Pottery Chiang Rai has simple, wonderful, open-air restaurants. The cuisine of this region is based largely
46
largely on Chinese peasant cooking. This means placing fresh herbs in the bottom of a bowl, topping them with noodles, filling the bowl with broth, and putting grilled chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp over the noodles. Or, if you’re in the mood for a lighter snack, head to the markets to buy exotic, colorful fruits like durian, longan, rambutan and pitaya. When not eating, you should visit the bizarre, fascinating Black House, a huge installation organized by the artist Thawan Duchanee. The vast temple grounds are perfectly landscaped on undulating rises, with fruit trees, narrow stone paths, small horses stationed near the buildings, and views of the hillsides that made me feel as if I was in a movie. The artist had utilized the landscapes as if they existed only to complement his own work: it was that audacious! Each building housed fake skeletons of imaginary creatures, pelts from beasts that had never existed, and an odd, evocative mix of old and new elements. Each building was unique and stunning, and each was an art gallery unto itself, displaying works of art in stone, fabric, clay and oil paint. It looked like something Salvador Dali might have done had he been born in Thailand. he best pottery in the region can be found at Doy Din Dang Pottery, where master potter Somluk Pantiboon produces museum-quality work. While the region has a long history of using clay to make household items, Pantiboon is creating art that is decorative rather than utilitarian. He is an independent thinker, international in outlook and experience in contrast to most who have spent their entire lives here as farmers. Massages are the high point of a trip to The Golden Triangle. For about $50, you can have a one-hour treatment that will loosen you up, revive your senses and restore focus. The very best place for massages in Chiang Rai is Chivit Thamma Da. Located on a narrow street next to a river, this spa is housed in a wonderfully old-fashioned, two-story wooden building next to a coffee shop run by the same owners. I went there each day during my trip, and after a 90minute massage, all the stress that remained from my ordinary life was diminished. Massages are a fundamental part of daily life for many in Thailand: It’s their therapy. As a clinical psychologist it’s hard to admit, but I believe their practice trumps mine.
THE AIR WAS REDOLENT WITH THE SCENTS OF ONIONS, GINGER AND FRYING CHILIES, AND EVEN THE COLORS OF THE FRUITS — PINK, ORANGE, RED AND PURPLE — SEEMED SO MAGICAL.
T
Entrance to the White Temple
RAI RAKANG: Easily the most beautiful home I have ever rented. It had one enormous room, three stories high, modeled on a Buddhist temple, and a luxurious bedroom and attached bath with views of grounds that were once a coffee plantation. Called “Elephant House,” it ran about $275 a night, which included daily breakfast catered on the patio, daily housekeeping, and a driver and car (gasoline extra). Contact the owner, Andrew Bell, directly at rairakang@hotmail.com. LE MERIDIEN: A brand-new riverside property in Chiang Rai, with beautiful rooms, great food, cooking classes and an incredibly friendly staff. 221 / 2 Moo 20 Kwaewai Road Tambon Robwieng, Amphur Muang Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand Phone: +66 (53) 603 333 Fax: +66 (53) 603 330 Email: lemeridien.chiangrai@lemeridien.com ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE: A stone’s throw from Myanmar and Laos, this is one of the top luxury hotels in Thailand. The property boasts a spa and an array of upscale restaurants, and they’ll even help you arrange a trip to an elephant camp, where the majestic creatures are protected from poachers and raised in the serenity and love characteristic of this Buddhist nation. Golden Triangle, Thailand Phone: +66 (0) 5378 4084 Email: goldentriangle@anantara.com
WHERE TO EAT: Any number of holes in the wall in the dozens of Thai towns and villages that make up The Golden Triangle offer delicious fresh noodles, broth, fried pork and grilled chicken. The country is friendly, safe and clean.
WHAT TO DO: In Chiang Rai, you must go as often as possible to Chivit Thamma Da for massages, followed by cold draft beer or coffee and pastries in the adjoining café. Massages are by appointment. Call +66 (0) 81 984 2925 to schedule. In addition to visiting temples and shrines, it is also great fun to have a portrait done while you’re there. Visit Bliss Studios, where ace photographer Chalit Chawalitangkun takes travel photos to a new level. Email: gelatinsilver@hotmail.com. For pottery, visit Doy Din Dang Pottery. Website: dddpottery.com.
47
TOP RIGHT SIMON NARRAMORE
Black House art installation
WHERE TO STAY:
SPIRITS
FINE
TEQUILA
Mexico’s national spirit looks toward luxury.
T
he Margarita continues to rank as one of the country’s most popular cocktails, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS), as well as a perennially popular resort option. Fortunately, today’s drinker has an unprecedented range of premium and superpremium tequila options from which to choose, whether sipped, shot or mixed into a drink. Casa Dragones is a super-premium, limited-production blend of blanco (aged two to six months) and extra añejo (aged five years) tequilas, designed for refined, smooth sipping. It’s made in small batches and bottled in individually engraved, signed and numbered crystal decanters. “For us, it’s one bottle at a time,” says co-founder and maestra tequilera Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, “and we never want to change that.” At about $300 a bottle, it’s not for shooting. Instead, it’s for sipping and is part of what could be called a Third Wave of Tequila in the U.S. (Jose Cuervo representing our introduction to the agave-based spirit in the 1960s and ’70s, Patron/Sauza/El Tesoro taking us further along the journey in the ’80s and ’90s, and today’s artisanal and luxury products expanding our horizons yet again). Most of the flexibility in tequila production involves the fine points of harvesting agave hearts, or piñons, how and how long the piñons are cooked, and specific distillation techniques. Blending differently aged batches, as Casa Dragones does, is a relatively new twist, one which Maestro Dobel
Single Estate tequila ($45) claims to have mastered first. A clear, colorless blend of various aged tequilas, Dobel is unexpectedly earthy on the palate, in part due to the use of Balkan oak. Don Julio, meanwhile, launched its Añejo 70 Claro ($70) in late 2011. Not a blend of aged tequilas, rather a clarified and filtered añejo, the result is a clear, colorless juice like a blanco, with the toasted oak and dusty sugar notes of an aged spirit. Perhaps the most interesting experimentation happening with tequila involves barrel choices. Most brands employ new oak or used bourbon barrels (the way most Scotch whisky does) during the aging process, but a few are exploring sherry casks, port barrels and more. DeLeon, a Guanajuato-based spirits brand, launched Leona on December 21 last year (the “end of the world” on the Mayan calendar). It was the first in a series of high-end, limited-edition “reserva” releases from the brand. Founder Brent Hocking says, “We were lucky to have purchased extra Sauternes barrels used in finishing our añejo expression. While going through the warehouse, we decided to experiment and see what would happen if we left some to sit.” Taking the tequila to the aging “edge” of the añejo classification (34 months), the resulting liquor is sweet, rich and complex and, quite simply, one of the most intriguing tequilas on the market. At $825, it had better be good of course, but Leona is no vanity project. It’s definitive proof that tequila has potential, as a fine spirit, far beyond body shots at spring break.
48
COURTESY DELEON TEQUILA
ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON
ARMENTACOLLECTION.COM
DESIGN
TELLING
STORIES
Nate Berkus discusses his new book, The Things That Matter. BETHANY RABORN
D
esigner, film producer, author and TV personality Nate Berkus has made a career out of taking interior design beyond paint colors and fabric swatches. His latest book, The Things That Matter (Spiegel & Grau, 2012), gets to the heart of design in a way that has you simultaneously poring over the vibrant pages and setting it down to rearrange your living room. Here, we chat with Berkus about the book, his own home décor, and more. Your new book focuses on design as a personal statement. Was there a point where you realized design was not just about making things pretty? I realized that very early on. My mom is an interior designer, so “home” was more about a well-designed room than a home-cooked meal. That was her way of saying she cared about her family. Things were not expensive, but they were beautiful. It was ingrained in me that assembling interiors was not something to be rushed. You talk about incorporating things from your travels into your décor. How does one avoid a room full of kitschy souvenirs? I do a lot of research before I travel. I talk to the concierge at the hotel, I talk
to a friend who’s gone there before, to really get the best sources for everything. I have a deep knowledge of furniture creators and modern art, but one thing that is always important to me is the element of the handmade, whether it’s a Navajo basket on a coffee table or a South American belt on a pile of books. I look for the best silversmith in Portugal, the best textiles in Asia or ceramics in Mexico. I look for what’s indigenous, what’s historic and traditional. When you walk into someone’s home, what stands out as “good” or “bad” design? What makes me happy is walking in to see different styles all combined. That may be a Swedish dresser, a French mirror and a Native American rug in one room. I think it makes a room feel layered, like it was assembled over time. I love when someone takes a risk. I may not love what they did, but I am taken in when I see someone is adventurous. Conversely, what bugs me is when everything is of the same quality or out of one catalog. You can tell when someone spent a great fortune, but you don’t know anything about that person except that they’re rich. In the book, you discuss designing your own home in NYC. How was the process different than designing for other people? In a designer’s own home, he is answering only to himself, so he can take more risks. I like to let things find me, whereas with clients you don’t have the luxury of buying things haphazardly. For my home, I started to feel like I didn’t have roots; I wanted to assemble everything in one space, under one roof. Over 570 boxes were delivered to that home and as I went through all of them, I started to understand my own connection to things. I had to decide what to keep, where to put it, what it went with. The editing process is the most important part. Even if there is something you love, if there’s no place for you to display it and enjoy it and have it add to the graciousness of your home, then it should be edited out. What did you learn from writing the book? I didn’t set out to write an autobiography, rather I wanted the book to be about how I approach design. I hope people recognize that we each have a story, which is why I shared my own in the book. Everyone I’ve known, everywhere I’ve been, everything I’ve done has influenced my style. I hope people will stop, take a beat, and decide for themselves what really serves them in the home and what doesn’t. Only then can someone achieve an interior that truly reflects their personality. What’s next for Nate Berkus? My Chicago design firm is constantly undertaking new projects. I am excited about my collaboration with Target, and hope people find a few things from my line to add to their décor. I’m producing a second feature film that I’m really excited about. I love books so much, and after producing The Help, I wanted to find another project where I could make a beloved book into a film. We need more of that.
50
READS
LIVING A CHARMED LIFE
Stylist, designer, writer and founding fashion director of this magazine, BETH BERNSTEIN talks to Accent about love, life and the profound power of fine jewelry. generations, taking on each of our personalities as it changed • My grandmother’s fantasy gems • A platinum eternity band I bought myself. It was my first self purchase and it meant that I was independent and didn’t need a man to buy me jewelry. • A locket and baguette stick pin from my mom, pieces that always remind me of her • My dad’s Cartier Tank watch • The plastic bead necklace my niece made for me when she was three • A pendant my dad gave to my mom that I had revamped into a ring; it keeps them alive, and together, forever… Family is obviously important to you. What’s the best advice you ever got from your loved ones? From my grandmother: “Always wear a little lipstick. And earrings…” “Superstitions are just that. Worrying doesn’t make something not happen…” And the zinger: “If he hasn’t married you by now, he’s not going to!” From my father: “People can only hurt you if you let them.” From my mother: “You can usually see the train coming from afar; get off the tracks before it hits you.” And (the words I heard most often) “He wasn’t worthy of you anyway…” What’s your best advice to women about buying and wearing jewelry? I very much believe in personal style and creating your own look. Buy for who you are, not who your friends are. Try on lots of different things: you’ll learn your style as you get more comfortable trying on. Leave hints for your husband or significant other about your dream gifts. But never feel like you have to stick with something: you can change your style as you grow. The most important rule: there are no rules. Wear what you love. Wear your jewelry; never let it wear you. I understand you’re a bit superstitious about your jewelry… Just a bit! I always wear some sort of talisman when I fly. (I truly believe it helps land the plane…) I never wear a ring on my left hand ring finger because some Russian woman told me when I was very young that I’d never get married if I did. I’m still not married, and still longing for that band of gold…
52
“WEAR YOUR JEWELRY; NEVER LET IT WEAR YOU.”
NOLET’S GIN
You’ve been touring the country and the reviews have been sensational. Why did you write this book? I felt there was something ultimately universal in the way women relate the most significant moments in their lives to jewelry. Open any woman’s jewelry box and there will be at least a few pieces that connect her to her past, that represent her present and that can be handed down in the future. As a writer and jewelry designer, I wanted to explore this theme, kind of what Ilene Beckerman did in Love, Loss, and What I Wore. What did you learn about yourself from writing it? More than I wanted to know; it was a painful process of self discovery. I learned that I hold on, am afraid of loss (thus I have every piece of jewelry every guy ever gave to me — even the ones I don’t want to remember). I learned that I have incredible connections that go deeper than I realized with the maternal side of my family. That I continually choose the wrong men and stay too long in bad relationships. And that my mom and grandmother were the true gems in my life. What have women told you about themselves upon reading your book? I’ve had many women write me about their mothers: the shared emotions and shared jewelry boxes. Almost everyone who wrote mentioned the relevance certain pieces have to significant moments in their lives: the exciting time they got their ears pierced or the magical moment they were first given jewelry by a guy — even if it was from a vending machine! Women have told me about the pain of selling their jewelry after a divorce, the joy of receiving their engagement ring, the bittersweet memories conjured up by their mom’s charm bracelet… What are your most prized pieces and why? • My mom’s baroque pearls handed to me in the hospital in a Ziplock bag when she died unexpectedly • My great-grandmother’s brooch, transformed four times for four
TRADITIONAL JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
SPRING/SUMMER 2013