Lars Ligus Art Bodega Spring Issue 2024 Wellington Equestrian

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Lars

Ligus

EQUESTRIAN ROYALTY AND ITS BEAUTY

Shereen Fuqua

EQ EDITOR BRINGS THE HOTTEST FROM WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL & TOP BARNS

Photographed by Nigel Barker

We’ve had a great year in Art Bodega Magazine. Not only were we able to have a beautiful celebration with some of our most admired individuals and companies during our 10th Anniversary Issue, but we’ve also had an exciting new development, our partnership with the famous photographer Nigel Barker. Barker, best known for being one of the judges in America’s Next Top Model is an icon in his industry. His portraits are just plain and beautiful art. His perfectionism comes from a passion within that symbolizes the best in the fashion world. We are very proud of this collaboration, and the photographs in this issue are a testament to the enormous effort and production that took months to prepare. Also special thanks to Gina at the InterContinental for facilitating a wonderful experience, ahead of Art Basel 2023.

Our event in partnership with Ana Milton also promises to be an exciting opportunity for artists to showcase their unique talents. The event Just ART! at the Miami Bay Residences will be an amazing celebration of fashion, fine art and more. This will take place December 3rd from 5-9 pm at a private building and this will be the second edition of the Art Fair produced in association to the Milton Family, photographed in this issue as well.

The X Factor

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Telephone Numbers:

York 646-761-9123

Miami 305-989-6230 Address:

Same DifferentGoalDiscipline Official Training Treat Of US Equestrian Official Supplier Of US Teams Promotes Chewing Activates Salivation Encourages Submission & Relaxation EliminatesTeeth Grinding All Natural Ingredients Competition FEI Safe GumBits chewing gum for horses Featured Riders: Geoffrey Woolson US Team Vaulting World Champion Mary Phelps American Top Driver Champion Pony Four-in-Hand Susie Dutta US Team Nations Cup Dressage Lauren Billys Shady 2x Puerto Rican Olympian Archibald Cox III American H/J EQ Judge Marin McKee American Arabian 2x USEF Horse of Year Champion Isabella Spillantini 2* Italian National Vaulting Champion Christoph Koschel Bronze German World Champion Medalist David Marcus Canadian Dressage Olympian Diederick van Silfhout Dutch Olympian Team Bronze Pepe Escobedo American Professional High Performance Groom Ben Ebeling American FEI Dressage Champion Steffen Peters 5x American Dressage Olympian Silver and 2x Bronze Team Medalist Jef Lauwers & Peter Pletcher with GumBits Owner Shereen Fuqua Hunter/Jumper Trainers & Champions Geoffrey Hesslink American multi-Hunter Champion Michael Tokaruk American H/J EQ Judge Kat Fuqua Gold American NAYC Dressage Medalist & 9x USEF Hunter Horse of the Year Dr. Courtney Varney American Equine Vet Dressage Grand Prix Christian Simonson Gold Medal American Dressage Pan AM Games Hawley Bennett Awad 2x Canadian Dressage Olympian Julie Moorcroft Canadian Western Dressage Champion Juan Matute 3x Spanish Dressage Olympian Vivian Golden American Multi Pony Grand Hunter Champion Francisco Sangiorgi Italian FEI Dressage Champion Olympic father also loves GumBits Casey Oliver American Multi-Champion Barrel Racer Matt Brown Alternate US Team Eventing Olympian Chester Weber 20x American Four-in-Hand Combined Driving National Champion Jaqueline Brooks Canadian Dressage Olympian Lars Ligus German Dressage Grand Prix Champion Noelle Roberts American multi- Arabian Champion Mary Hanna 6x Australian Dressage Olympian Presley Andrews American Barrel Racer Champion Kate Chadderton Australian Eventing Champion Beatrice de Lavalette American Dressage Paralympian Lauren Rahal Canadian Pony Champion German • European Distributor for Resellers & Customers Write or call 05455 1020 | info@reitsport-ottenhues.de 4* Three Day US Eventer Bobby Meyerhoff 6 Editor’s Note Rebeca Herrero FOLLOW US ON: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram BODEG A EDITOR & PUBLISHER Rebeca Herrero PARTNER & PHOTO DIRECTOR Nigel Barker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carmen Jiménez EQUESTRIAN EDITOR Shereen Fuqua SOCIETY EDITOR Carole C. West CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS Sheri Mazariegos, Julio Mendez, Cesar Montano, Cydney Chiamardas, Corinee Stokes, Luis Torres, Kelsey Schmitt EDITOR-AT-LARGE Andrew George SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTOR Nigel Barker NYC CONTRIBUTOR Norah Bradford SOCIETY EDITOR Marcus Flack ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Christian Renait BEAUTY STYLIST Michelle Lelia PHOTOGRAPHY New York and South Florida Eglys Koelig, Jim Derks, Pedro Barboza, Malena Vazquez WEBMASTER
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COPYRIGHT 2022 © ART BODEGA MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED 4 TIMES A YEAR BY ART BODEGA MAGAZINE INC ART BODEGA MAGAZINE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE SUITABILITY OF ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION, REPRODUCTION, OR USE OF THE CONTENT IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY LAW. ART BODEGA MAGAZINE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MATERIAL.
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Suite 505 NY NY 10029.
La Leyenda, Los Clasicos Nunca Mueren Single Estate, Full Term, Sipping Mezcal Vintage 2022, 9000 Bottles www.laleyenda.io
Francesco and Angela Tassoni photographed by Stephan Schaerer with the Illy Art Collection Cups designed by Stefan Sagmeister available at www.illy.com

Sheri

Many exciting things are happening in our 11th year of publishing Art Bodega Magazine. When we started in 2013, we were still determining what the future would hold for us. We just had an idea. Having reported and documented the lives of celebrities 24 years ago in Miami while I was an intern for Ocean Drive, the world was just opening to the internet. My first articles were published online, back when people didn't believe the digital space would take the world. Only the print version of Ocean Drive was considered the serious "get". Fast forward, the world has changed. Prestigious print magazines had to shift to digital, and some remained, some went bust. But in Art Bodega Magazine, we've only seen growth, loyalty from serious philanthropists like Jean Shafiroff and Melissa Ganzi and newcomers who have shaped our world into a universe of possibilities.

With the addition of a renowned name in the global landscape, Nigel Barker, our work has grown into a multifaceted book that prints only the most beautiful shots. In this edition, Nigel Barker's work captured the horses and riders our Equestrian Editor Shereen Fuqua selected. When I met Shereen, I knew she was a vibrant woman with many unique ideas and exceptional knowledge about the competition circuit in the horse world. Today, we exchange creative paths of what it is like to train a pony, be a champion, and negotiate in this immense world that involves horses. Our celebrity photographer and great partner, Nigel, was able to photograph the beauty of the relationship with the horse and its riders like I've never witnessed before. Thanks to him and his team, we have produced some of the best photographs published in Art Bodega Magazine since we started in Palm Beach & Wellington 11 years ago.

Yes, there is more development in the Equestrian capital of the world, more horses and, well, more horse enthusiasts, but the land remains the same, the spirit remains the same, and well, now we are heading to Ocala to continue our quest for the best in HORSE SHOWS and competition (please read the story on Chester Weber and Chloe Reid regarding Live Oak International). We also want to thank Wellington International (a.k.a. WEF, Winter Equestrian Festival) for allowing us to fulfill our dream of documenting the best show this season.

Horses are celestial creatures; they interact with humans most egregiously and uniquely. Hence, our beautiful equestrian issue 11 years later.

This year, we have also partnered with amazing non-profits. Thanks to the Tico Torres Celebrity Golf & Tennis Classic 2024 and Dan's Papers, we

solidified our strength in strategic partnerships with great results for our retailers. In this issue, we also have Jean Shafiroff making a mark in Palm Beach with all her great philanthropic work, Jeff Eldon, whose debut of The Explore 62' is a delight, and of course, Karin Figueroa Cisneros with a heartwarming story about her legacy, her children, her loss (her mother Caridad Figueroa Cisneros passed away a few months ago) in the crossroads of Latin America and the United States: Miami. Those stories define our publication.

Rebeca Herrero

Fuqua is very involved with high performance equestrian industry since the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. Her past corporate career included leading the disposition of a billion dollar portfolio for RTC/FDIC during the S&L crisis. She and her husband took up dressage in the late 90s collecting sport horses throughout Europe. They built Collecting Gaits Farm, and brought in top Olympic trainers to learn the sport and both competed at Grand Prix. Since 2003, the Fuquas sponsored the USEF National Championships and Olympic trials, and US Pony Finals. Shereen produces GumBits, chewing gum for horses, and loves supporting their only daughter Kat in the sport.

When Art Bodega asked Shereen to join as Equestrian Editor in 2020, her nearly 30 years experience and contacts with the sport horse industry and 10 years of competition and season resident in Wellington, it made sense to join the luxury magazine.

“Rebeca and I jumped in full fledged this year to bring interesting best in class equestrians to the 2024 Wellington feature. With Nigel Barker’s photographs of our ten selected horse people, enjoy the pages of the fashion shoots and stories, from the youngest of 14 to the older, from competitors to olympic judge and olympic team leader, ponies to hunter horses to dressage to the Breyer model horse, and U.S. to Germany to Australia…. I really hope you love the beauty and art not just of the photography but of the people who each share the joy of horses,” said Fuqua.

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Editor’s Note Shereen Fuqua, Equestrian Editor
FOLLOW US ON: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram BODEG A EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Herrero PARTNER & PHOTO DIRECTOR
Barker CREATIVE DIRECTOR
EQUESTRIAN EDITOR
SOCIETY EDITOR
C. West CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS
Rebeca Herrero
Rebeca
Nigel
Carmen Jiménez
Shereen Fuqua
Carole
Mazariegos, Julio Mendez, Cesar Montano, Cydney Chiamardas, Corinee Stokes, Luis Torres, Kelsey Schmitt EDITOR-AT-LARGE Andrew George SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTOR Jim Derks ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Christian Renait BEAUTY STYLIST Michelle Lelia PHOTOGRAPHY
York and South Florida Eglys Koelig, Jim Derks, Pedro Barboza, Malena Vazquez WEBMASTER The X Factor ADVERTISEMENT REQUESTS sales@artbodegamagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL: rebeca@artbodegamagazine.com Telephone Numbers: New York 646-761-9123 Miami 305-989-6230 Address: 215 E 99th ST Suite 505 NY NY 10029. COPYRIGHT 2024 © ART BODEGA MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED 4 TIMES A YEAR BY ART BODEGA MAGAZINE INC ART BODEGA MAGAZINE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE SUITABILITY OF ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION, REPRODUCTION, OR USE OF THE CONTENT IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY LAW. ART BODEGA MAGAZINE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MATERIAL.
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From top to bottom: A horse at WEF, The Explorer 62 Yacht, Chester Weber & Chloe D. Reid at Live Oak International, (LEFT) Jean Shafiroff doing philanthropic work in Palm Beach, a sculpture of Ada da Silva, Dog Grooming , The Ocala Landscape + Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger & Dee Ocleppo in Palm Beach (see the article on Dee Ocleppo) Nigel Barker Cover of Jean Shafiroff: Photo Michael Paniccia Gown: Oscar de la Renta Cover of Lars Ligus, Karin Figueroa Cisneros and Jeff Eldon by Nigel Barker
7 THE ITEM LIST 8 1. Crocodile drawer handle by www.pullcast.eu 2. A vintage brooch large crystal green www.queenmee.com 3. Luella grey Olympia camel tote handbag www. luellagrey.com 4. Wicker elephant side table www.rajtentclub.com 5. William Morris willow bough cushion cover www.purefabrics.co.uk 6. Artemisia drawer handle www.pullcast.eu 7. Herringbone blush pink linen plaid blanket throw www.truelinen.co.uk 8. Scala wall mirror by www.luxxu.net 9. Euphorbia drawer 10. Private entrance in Riyadh, project by Zaher Bissar www.pullcast.eu lacquered legs.www.presshommes.studio
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10 1. A stunning view of a section - how your home can look like. 2. Blue Fascinator Headband Cobalt Blue with Feathers. www.queenmee.com 3. Upholstery | Galea Swivel Dining Chair. www.luxxu.net. 4 Cosmpolitan Collection | Poké Drawer Handle. www.pullcast.eu 5. Blanc d'Ivoire Gold Apollo Cushion - 80 x 32 cm. www.sweetpeaandwillow.com. 6. Rectangular velvet cushion in Caramel brown. www.idyllhome.co.uk. 7. Twist Collection | Monocles Drawer Hardware. www. pullcast.eu. 8. Herringbone Emerald Green Linen Plaid Blanket Throw. www.truelinen.co.uk. 9. Jonathan Adler Small Squares Hand-Knotted Rug. www.sweetpeaandwillow.com Opulent DÉCOR
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ADA DA SILVA’S SCULPTURES

Her bronze art pieces have a whimsical and vibrant feel by

Ada da Silva is an accomplished sculptor with a multifaceted life, where cities abroad shaped her artistic career. Her passion for euphoric and dystopian creations symbolizes her bronze sculptures with overtones of refreshing and lifting sounds in the shapes she molds. Her figures of curvy women lifting their arms all the way to heaven are a metaphor for the cry we see in 1893's Norwegian artist Edvard Munch's "The Scream". Other sculptures have a movement that assimilates elegance in a dance of emotional beauty that captures your heart.

Da Silva is a unique chameleon of influences from her deeply ingrained Caribbean upbringing that shaped her childhood. "I remember growing up surrounded by the beauty of Havana; we are talking about marble floors, long-standing stucco columns, high ceilings, and paintings and sculptures; my house looked like a museum."

Da Silva left communist Cuba in the 90s. "My mother didn't want to leave our house. She was attached to her life and family ties, and at that time, the government was confiscating everything. Still, we moved to the United States, where I obtained a degree in finance." Years later, she would marry and move to Mexico, the country where she began her actual passion, art. "When I was in Mexico, I immersed myself in the process of sculpting using bronze and became so attached to the foundry. My style uses elegant, simple abstraction to express feminism. The silhouettes of the figures have long, delicate extensions that assimilate different emotions. The mood of the viewer determines how they perceive the pieces. The malleable nature of my vision and emotional state is reflected in my sculptures."

ADA DA SILVA IS AN ACCOMPLISHED SCULPTOR WITH A MULTIFACETED LIFE

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sculpture
Photos courtesy of Ada da Silva

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Plinth SOULFUL WINES

Reflective of the Land

Plinth Wine, founded by Vintner Flora Chang, is a boutique winery based in Napa Valley, committed to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the essence of Napa tradition with a global influence. With a diverse portfolio and a commitment to excellence, Plinth Wine has quickly become a celebrated name in the world of fine wines.

1. Plinth Houyi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2. The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc welcomes with the bright aroma of lemon zest, followed by soft, sweet white apricot and honeydew notes.  3. 2021 Plinth Le Conteur, Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 4. 2021 Plinth Wayfarer's Cuvee www.plinthwine.com

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CLARENDON FINE ART PRESENTS

“ALL YOU NEED IS ART”

MR. BRAINWASH

The Gallery celebrates its first anniversary in the US

Clarendon Fine Art launched “All You Need is Art”, a new exhibition by world-renowned contemporary pop art phenomenon and Banksy protégé Mr. Brainwash to celebrate the gallery’s first anniversary in the States. As part of its U.S. launch, Clarendon partnered with The Westport Museum for History & Culture. The artist, whose collectors include the Obamas, Madonna, and David and Victoria Beckham, has amassed huge auction sales over the last decade. His work can be seen in TV shows like Shameless and Keeping up with The Kardashians, album covers for The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Jackson and Rick Ross, design collaborations with Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee, as well as brands including Hublot, Mercedes-Benz, and The Hard Rock Hotel.

The “All You Need is Art” exhibit took over the gallery’s two floors and highlighted high-value, impactful, large-scale sculptures, ‘vandalized’ canvases’, painted balloon sculptures, vibrant works on wooden panels and sections of subway trains, as well as origami sculptures that serve as miniature replicas of the artist’s famed Rodeo Drive installation. Mr. Brainwash also released exclusive limited-edition silkscreens, marrying four of the most well-known artworks in history: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers of 1888 and Irises of 1890 and Warhol’s Hibiscus inspired Flowers of 1964 and Campbell’s Soup tin from the 1962 series.

Mr. Brainwash is also a committed activist, using his passion to give back and support organizations such as the Prince’s Trust and the LA LGBT Center. He partnered with RED to raise AIDS awareness and teamed up with Michelle Obama to support her organization “Let Girls Learn,” and Pope Francis to raise funds for the latter’s youth foundation, Scholas.

Clarendon Fine Art, which boasts over 80 galleries in the UK, has been Mr. Brainwash’s exclusive gallery representative since 2020. The Clarendon Fine Art US Flagship gallery in Westport is a 3,200-square-feet and showcases handpicked international portfolios from world-famous names, such as Picasso, Miro, Warhol, Koons, Banksy and Dali, and the best-emerging talents, including Christian Hook, Fabian Perez, Sherree Valentine-Daines, satirical British

duo Connor Brothers, Danielle O'Connor Akiyama and Jeffrey Pratt. Word-of-mouth, cultivated relationships, and passion for the art and artists have been the impetus for Clarendon’s growth, making a thriving town the right place to begin this US journey rather than a large city. Clarendon Fine Art is located at 22 Main Street, Westport, CT.

clarendonfineart.com

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Wine Guide
art
Helen Swaby, Mr. Brainwash, Rebecca Ball. Photo credit Jerri Graham.
18 SYNCHRONICITY
art Solo exhibition by Mary Lai Address: 26 West 47th Street 6th Floor, New York, NY 10036 | Phone: 646 775 8724 | Website: Beauvince.com By Appointment Only
From Top to bottom, left to right: Cloud 1: Golden Hour, 2023 27” x 27” w. floater frame, acrylic, resin on wood $4800- Cloud 2: Cream Rises, 2023 27” x 27” w. floater frame Acrylic, resin on wood $4800- Cloud 3: Magenta Aura, 2023 27” x 27” w. floater frame, acrylic, resin on wood $4800 – Cloud 4: Miami Sunset, 2023 27” x 27” w. floater frame, acrylic, resin on wood $4800

BETH LAMBERT ON DOCUMENTING HOPE

"We don't have to be wealthy to be healthy," said Beth Lambert, the founder of Documenting Hope. This organization seeks to educate society on the effects of environmental issues on our overall health. The mother of three children started the foundation due to her own experience: "My children had behavioral issues, which made me visit many holistic practitioners and integrative physicians on the quest to improve their symptoms. I changed their diet, and the symptoms were gone. I knew that I could do something to foster a community of worried parents who didn't know what to do and were frustrated. That's how we became an organization to educate, train, and network with parents who struggle with children suffering chronic diseases, continuing an expansion process that involved studies and research. For the last 15 years, we've grown to the point that adults who have arthritis, dementia, and other diseases also get health advice from functional medicine doctors."

Based on Lambert's team's research, the idea that autism and other chronic diseases are genetic is not necessarily accurate. Lambert supports her stance on the root causes that create pain in our bodies and minds by interviewing dozens of medical doctors, gathering data, finding success stories, and sharing them with the world. "It nourishes the feeling that many parents need help, which is conducive to better results."

As years of experience mounted on, Lambert has fostered this wonderful community that further impacts our awareness while shifting our preestablished notions of how to carry on our daily routines for our wellness.

"What we take for granted, not sleeping well, not turning the devices off, being addicted to this fast-paced life, not eating

correctly, all of this impacts our bodies. We can change our culture and the way we eat, drink, and live. Mainstream media has told us how to consume our meats, dairy, fruits, and vegetables for decades, but environmental issues, like pesticides, pollution, and stress, also affect us. During the pandemic, we discovered how much Roundup has impacted our food. That data helped regulate this type of process that negatively affects our health. Consuming organic food is a positive way to live; we can change our habits and become healthier," commented Lambert, who will be offering a conference (November 15 – 17) in Orlando.

"To think that medication is our only solution to cure or alleviate our ailments is not the only way to go. Studies are making it easier for us to understand better the negative impact. Companies are starting to notice that the consumer does care. Brands are going greener, which has become a great advancement to combat obesity, chronic disease, and more."

For more information, go to: www.documentinghope.com

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wellness
Yacht
by Nigel Barker
JEFF ELDON From the Helm
Group Photographed

THE EXPLORER 62 BROUGHT TO YOU EXCLUSIVELY WITH

JEFF ELDON

The Helm Yacht Group PHOTOS BY JIM

& PHOTOS OF THE BOAT BY

Yacht Broker Jeff Eldon has been selling boats since a very young age. His passion for the yachting world has no limits, becoming one of the top-ranking sales professionals nationwide. He is now importing and representing a new Italian yacht that has garnered quite a reception in Europe, the Explorer 62. The largest open concept in its size class. The Southern California native created his own yacht dealership, The Helm Yacht Group.

In 2001 he began selling yachts and rapidly ranked among the top salespeople in the industry. “Connecting people with their dreams”, says Jeff. Everyone wants a boat or a yacht but does not know where to start or is scared to try. Jeff takes the time to involve the entire family so its enjoyable for everyone. Because of Jeff’s own personal experiences and fond memories is what led him to training each person on a specific duty or responsibility to build teamwork for a safe and enjoyable day on their new yacht. Boating is about making memories, and everyone remembers days they have spent on a boat with their family and friends out on the water. When people ask Jeff what he does for a living he replies, “I am fortunate enough to help people turn their dreams into reality.”

Over the past 23 years, Jeff has transitioned forward from starting as a Salesman, to a top producing Broker, to a General Manager, and now the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Helm Yacht Group based in Deerfield Beach.

THIS YACHT WON THE PRESTIGIOUS 'BEST LAYOUT' AWARD AT THE CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL DUE TO ITS INNOVATIVE FLOOR PLAN, IMPRESSIVE HULL DESIGN AND 360-DEGREE VIEWS OF THE OCEAN.
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For more information contact

Jeff Eldon at 954-234-9873 (Instagram: @yachtguy954)

Now available to the South Florida market is the innovative motor yacht, Explorer 62 built by Luxury Ocean Yachts based in Italy. This ultra-sleek modern design by award winning yacht designer, Davide Cipriani brings all the functionality with the perfect amount of flair to this exquisite yacht.

The Explorer 62 was designed to be an owner/operator yacht. This is a semi-displaced hull featuring twin Volvo D8 IPS 800 engines that glide this vessel from 10-23 knots per hour with a fuel range of over 1000 nautical miles. A Seakeeper 9 gyro stabilizer, Humphree zero speed fin stabilizers in association with fully automated trim tabs provide the optimum ride experience while the yacht is at rest or underway eliminating any possibility of motion sickness.

At first glance you can’t help but notice the stunning metallic grey paint scheme in conjunction with the black superstructure and Telenti furniture adorning the cockpit with just the right amount of deep red accents to grab your attention and then you immediately know you’re on a luxury Italian yacht.

Entering the yacht from boarding doors on either side of the main deck or stepping aboard the yacht from the swim platform, you will notice the decks are covered in teak wood with grey piping to compliment the grey hull. The furniture in the cockpit boasts seating for 10 to relax and enjoy.

Moving forward you will promptly notice the tasteful Italian dining vignette with a custom 1 of 1 table featuring a walnut base with a smoked glass boat shape top with comfortable seating for 6. The intricate details found throughout this vessel are truly exceptional. Admiring the presentation, we notice the rose gold flatware engraved with the Explorer

logo which sit atop silver iridescent placemats to hold the magnetic glassware, for ultra-style and safety underway. A crystal sink is to the starboard side (Right) and a single LED illuminated bottle chiller and undercounter fridge are on the Port side (Left) of this covered dining area.

Standing under the carbon fiber superstructure you feel as if your outside while being protected under cover of the flybridge. The unique sliding glass door system opens completely to join the exterior dining area with the interior of the craft, making this the largest open concept yacht in the 62foot range. Providing the feeling you are on a mega yacht.

Upon entering the salon, you will immediately notice the impeccable attention to detail such as the white marble waterfall countertops contrasting the ash grey custom wood cabinetry reveling a motorized hidden television in the salon and Miele appliances in the galley. The distinction between the pearwood flooring and the wood cabinetry is flawless.

The galley is forward and to the port side of the lower helm station. Boasting ample provision storage space required for long range cruising, a massive opening window for ventilation while cooking, a column fridge and freezer concealed within the custom cabinetry plus an undercounter refrigerator are perfect for entertaining and all culinary creations. Miele induction cooktop allows for useable countertop space when not in use.

The most identifying aspect of this yacht is in the lower helm. This is the rose gold sculpture-like logo of the signature elephant with authentic aqua marine gemstone eyes placed in the center of the steering wheel.

Going below deck and aft, this yacht provides a full beam primary cabin for the owner. The head (Bathroom) has two large vessel sinks with unique faucets that you just must turn on and off to see how they work. A full-size shower with a rain head and wand, encased with bronze mirrored glass.

The VIP cabin is forward and lives up to its name. Having a full on-suite head and marble headboard against high gloss black accent walls make you feel you are in a luxury hotel. The third guest cabin provides two single beds in a spacious suite with private access to the day head. This yacht has the option of coming with 3 or 4 cabins, the choice is yours.

Moving to the flybridge. The first thing you notice is the lack of a helm chair. This vessel uses a fixed base sofa system in association with magnetized and weighted moveable seat backs for a variety of seating configurations. A high-low expanding coffee table make this space great for entertaining while cruising. Dual reef sun loungers are paired up towards the back for the sun lovers. A large electric grill, a sink and two refrigerators are inside the outdoor kitchen island.

This is not your average yacht. This is for the detail oriented aesthetically modern, sports car loving consumer. The Explorer 62 is brought to you exclusively through The Helm Yacht group. Please contact Jeff Eldon for more information or to schedule a private preview.

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CUISINE SOLUTIONS

INTERNATIONAL SOUS VIDE DAY

Hosted four exclusive global events

Cuisine Solutions Inc., (CUSI), the global leader and largest premium food company in pioneering and perfecting the sous vide cooking technique, hosted four exclusive global events to celebrate the 7th annual International Sous Vide Day. The annual celebration took place on January 26th, the birthday of Dr. Bruno Goussault. Dr. Goussault is the master of modern sous vide and Chief Scientist of CREA (Culinary Research and Education Academy), the education and consulting arm of Cuisine Solutions. CUSI hosted four celebrations in Washington D.C., Paris, France, Bangkok, Thailand, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each global event culminated with a happy birthday toast to Dr. Goussault. Among CUSI’s customers are Amtrak, KLM, and Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

The inaugural South American party was hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by CUSI President & CEO Felipe Hasselmann and Chairman Stanislas Vilgrain. The evening was inspired by Brazilian street markets, with “market stalls” placed throughout the venue. Additional guests included Chef João Diamante, John Rutjes, Jacqueline Ward and Steven Royster of the U.S. Consulate in Rio.

In Paris, the event was hosted by CUSI CSO Gerard Bertholon and held at Le Pavillon Élysée Té. Guests included Chefs Ghislaine Arabian, Frédéric Simonin, Éric Briffard, Stéphane Collet, Jean-Louis Gerin, Philippe Gobet, Guy Legay, and Michel Widehem as well as CUSI CMO Thomas Donohoe and Oliver Fischer. The event kicked off with an educational roundtable panel on the art of sous vide. The Ambassador of Sous Vide European award went to Christian Têtedoie, President of Maitres Cuisiniers de France and owner/ chef of Têtedoie, and Alexandre Berthaud, Chef de Cuisine and Head of Research and Development at Le Traiteur Té.

In Washington D.C., CUSI CCO Miguel Franco hosted guests, who were treated to

interactive tasting stations, demonstrations, glasses of the luxury Greek bubbly rose Aphrodise, and cryo-concentration Bloody Marys. The North America Ambassador of Sous Vide Awards was Chef Jamie Simpson and Farmer Lee Jones. All ticket sales benefited CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees), a non-profit dedicated to providing financial relief to food and beverage employees. The event was sponsored by Fortessa Tableware.

In Thailand, guests were treated to Thai sous vide dishes and live musical perfor-

mances. Guests included CUSI Chief Manufacturing Executive Jean-Pierre Guillaud and Director of Operations Asia Antoine Grelet, Head of Bangkok Air Catering Mohamad Farran, Senior Vice President & Head of Big C Food Place Chakhrit Masawat as well as Duangporn Songvisava (“Chef Bo”) of Bo.lan (Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants), Executive Chef Pierre-André Hauss, Senior Executive Chef at Marriott, Itthi Nitayaporn and Executive Chef at LSG Sky Chefs, Fabian Fendrich.

Cuisinesolutions.com

Attention

Photographers

"Photography in digital art provides us with a fresh perspective and multiple viewpoints that astonish when considering that for each work, the artist had to be there, live in that moment, recognize, and produce that captivating or reflective moment. The Fine Art Printing Laboratory, AWLAB, is seeking to enhance works that go beyond the ordinary and are more closely related to the world of art. Thus, they initiated their first Latin American Photography Contest, with a special emphasis on art.

Artists from Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and other countries in Central and South America participated. The winners also allow us to see a sample of culture and inspiration for each category of the contest.

Art Bodega magazine, Gally Art Gallery, and LATAM Airlines have supported this effort, aiming to amplify this exhibition and have this contest bring us increasingly better references and an intriguing showcase of Latin American Digital Art to the United States. We appreciate the participants and invite those interested in supporting this initiative in its 2024 edition to get in touch with us."

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culinary art
John Rutjes, CEO, Americas, LSG, João Diamante, Jose Carlos Dias Reis, Cuisine Solutions CEO Felipe Hasselman. Photo Credit Bruno Ryfer. Oliver Fischer, Georges Roux, MOF, Honoris Causa, Philippe Gobet (MOF), Dr. Bruno Goussault, Patrick Ogheard, Christian Segui (MOF). Photo Credit @HRVProd.

Tomas J. Philipson

An economist with a vision.

Even if the economy has growth or loss, extraordinary minds can secure funding for the ideas that will shape the world's future. One of these minds is that of Swedish-born American economist Tomas J. Philipson. Currently residing in Miami, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania graduate has advised former President Donald Trump by serving under his presidency as Acting Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 until June 2020.

"We just secured funding from the world's biggest insurance company, Lloyds of London, with the ability to insure biotech startups who might fail in the clinical trials. Half of the time, these companies fail, creating a problem for research and the creation of new drugs. With this insurance, we can help them with their expenses in case the trial fails, resulting in a more comfortable range of experimentation and clinical trials much needed for humanity," explained Philipson in an interview from his home in South Florida.

"I proposed the product, and they have the capital to provide the insurance coverage. That's very important for biotech companies to increase. We foresee the growth of more drugs and more trials. Usually, these companies start in the universities; if investors see relief and less risk of losing capital, they will feel more comfortable ensuring these types of processes," stated the economist born in Sweden. At the age of 22, while studying abroad, he suffered an accident that prevented him from securing a career as a basketball player. This forged his path in another direction, moving to the United States and joining Wharton. He obtained an M.A. and a PhD here. He later joined the University of Chicago as a postdoctoral fellow. "That's the best school of economics in the world."

While at the White House, Philipson glanced at working directly with the President. "It was impressive initially, but you acclimate fast while working there. It is a full-time job; it requires a lot of analysis, attention, and extreme concentration as we were advising

the President on relevant economic matters. Fast forward, I decided to quit in June of 2020. I used to travel between Chicago and Washington, D.C. and lived in a hotel. I also had a house in Bel-Air, but during the pandemic, I decided to sell my house and live in Miami," said Philipson, a constant traveler who likes to ski in the winter.

"We also think that with the advent of A.I., our world will be revolutionized in extraordinary ways. Some private companies I invest in are truly trying to change the healthcare system. To make it more affordable and efficient. One is a company whose architect is one of the founding members of Amazon. If doctors can get the medicine without the middlemanslowing the process- some good things will come out of this." Other companies Philipson has invested in include iRemedy, Epigenetics (research of epigenetic drugs at the preclinical level and clinical level for the precision targeting of lethal cancers), Biologx (provides worldwide affordable insulin), and others like Meda Angels and GATC Health.

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BOOKS & WATCHES

Dive into the fascinating world of watches and watch collecting with Timeless Treasures, also discover first-class photographs of classic and current watch models from the major brands, of celebrities professing their passion for this accessory, or of legendary film scenes in which special watch models play supporting and leading roles. The reading is rounded off with a 'style guide', which offers watch lovers inspiration on how to perfectly stage their favorite pieces in every situation or also answers the question: What type of watch am I? The result is an emotional all-round portrait of the impressive world of CPO (certified pre-owned) watches, perfectly attuned to an ever larger and more diverse fan community. It's time to let a little luxury into your life with this book!  www.teneues.com/en

The book contains beautiful images of our favorite celebrities and their watches.

APHRODISE

Frank Schilling: THE ACCIDENTAL VINTNER

At his Cayman Islands Restaurant

When life serves you lousy champagne, make your own bubbly is Frank Schilling’s philosophy. When sampling sparkling wines to serve at his Cayman Islands restaurant, Mykonos, Schilling simply wasn’t satisfied with anything on the market. So he made his own. The sparkling rosé, called Aphrodise, is made from the Xinomavro grape grown in northern Greece and Macedonia.

A noble, popular wine grape in that region of the world, Xinomavro is rarely used in sparkling wines; Aphrodise is the first bubbly version to be produced on a large scale. Characterized by very small bubbles, they’ve found that people who normally don’t like rosé or champagne do enjoy Aphrodise. “It's imminently drinkable,” says Schilling. “You can literally guzzle it and you feel great as you're drinking, and you feel pretty darn good after.”

A serial entrepreneur, Schilling has hardly had what you’d describe as a linear career path. After making a fortune in domain names early in the Internet age, he became a restaurateur on a whim, and now, he’s a vintner. “I always say we're the Forrest Gump of the champagne business because we're literally bumbling into everything we do,” he said, laughing.

While building out his restaurant, a large 320-seat venue on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, during the height of the Covid pandemic, Schilling realized that it would be a struggle to find a single source to supply the quantity of sparkling wine required for all those mimosas at brunch. When they finally did find a source, it was expensive and of poor quality.

They began tasting different varietals and stumbled onto the dark red Xinomavro grape, and found that some vintners had started experimenting with a blonder version perfect for sparkling wine. They tweaked it – it was a bit too sweet – and came up with what is now Aphrodise.

Most important: people liked it. “We started to share it and people were like, ‘This is so good,’” Schilling said. “And that's how we kind of bumbled into the business.” He sent 90 bottles to friends for a birthday party in Ibiza; the recipients insisted they’d never use more than 10 bottles. “These grown men in their 40s and 50s started drinking this stuff, and in a day and a half it was all gone, and we knew we had a winner. It's an absolutely true story.”

drinkaphrodise.com

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Gabi Petrylaite & Frank Schilling
(the Bodega: wine)

DOG GROOMING

NICOLO DI STEFANO FOUNDER OF SHIBA & CO.

Art Bodega sat down with Nicolo Di Stefano, the founder of SHIBA & Co, an affluent pet brand founded for his love of dogs. The brand offers a new concept of luxury beyond simple aesthetics, including functional and emotional value and style.

How & Why did you start SHIBA & Co.? Shiba & Co. originated during the 2020 pandemic when quarantine compelled us to spend extensive time at home with our dog. Facing job loss and the need to adapt to a changing world, we reevaluated our lives. Inspired by Tai’s successful dog account for Fendi on social media, we delved into the pet industry, discovering a gap in quality and functionality, particularly in dog apparel. Our pain points, including the lack of leash openings and color bleeding issues, fueled our determination.

We started the company because we recognized significant shortcomings in the dog clothing industry. Existing products often utilize low-quality materials, like polyester and nylon, and are missing functional features that compromise both comfort and usage for dogs.

What are some of your most popular products?

One of our customer’s favorites is the Revè hoodie. Its popularity stems from its

innovative reversible design featuring two faces: one with a cozy cotton fabric and the other with a waterproof lining made from high-tech polyester. This dual-functionality provides breathability and dog-friendly comfort, essentially offering two hoodies in one. Our Shiba Inu keychain has also gained immense popularity, particularly for its practicality. The attached bag accommodates an AirTag, making it convenient to locate misplaced keys.

What are your brand expansion plans?

We are enthusiastically envisioning the future for SHIBA & Co., anticipating the creation of a vibrant community that actively engages with the needs of our Shiba lovers. Our expansion plans include entering the European market and exploring collaborations with renowned Italian brands. Additionally, there’s the exciting prospect of establishing the first-ever Shiba & Co. boutique pet store in New York.

What’s New for 2024?

SHIBA & Co has exciting plans for 2024, as we’ll be launching a clothing line specifically for Shiba owners called Shiba&Co Icons. This collection will feature high-quality

and comfortable clothing designed for walks in the park with your dog or a day of shopping in the Big Apple of New York City. Our focus will always be on creating designs with attention to quality and comfort for every wear.

shibandco.com

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Oscar-award winning film producer Joseph Fioretti, best known for Down and Out in America and Baghdad ER, is presenting his new exhibition Fioretti• Family, Friends & Flowers to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine at the Ukrainian Institute of America. Fioretti and his wife, Oscar-award winning actress and director Lee Grant, were inspired to organize this exhibition as a response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. All proceeds from the show will benefit a selection of Ukrainian charities.

Fioretti raised 100k through pre-show fundraising efforts. One can contribute by purchasing books and posters on Fioretti's exhibition.

“We can’t forget about what is happening in Ukraine,” said Fioretti. “I have been working on this art for the last two years, watching my wife light a candle for the people of Ukraine each night. I am gratified that I can support relief efforts and do what I can to help raise funds to assist war victims.”

OSCAR-AWARD WINNING PRODUCER & ARTIST, JOSEPH FIORETTI

Fioretti• Family, FRIENDS & FLOWERS

The exhibition features 35 works, including eight pieces showcasing Ukraine's national flower, the sunflower and candid portraits of Fioretti’s loved ones with several of them capturing the likeness of his wife Grant. Highlighted works on display also feature a neighborhood homeless woman, his late brother Ralphie, close friends, and his Upper West Side cityscapes.

Serhiyivna Markarova, the Ukraine Ambassador in Washington, will speak at the opening night reception, which was co-hosted Gwyneth Paltrow, Sean Penn, Joy Behar, Judy Collins, Michael Douglas , Verino Pettinaro, Gloria Steinem, Marlo Thomas, Brenda Vaccaro and Peter Yarrow. The exhibition opens to the public on March 15th and runs through March 29th.

Joseph Fioretti, a veteran with over four decades in the entertainment industry, is an award-winning producer and executive producer in film and television. Starting as a Broadway dancer as a child, he collaborated with notable choreographers and appeared in hit musicals like "Brigadoon" and "Sound of Music." In the 1980s, he co-founded Feury Grant Productions with Grant, producing a range of successful documentary and feature films all directed by his wife Lee Grant. Their works, including Nobody’s Child, No Place Like Home, and Wanted: The Perfect Guy, featured acclaimed actors such as Jeff Daniels and Christine Lahti as well as Ben Affleck and Ann Margaret. Fioretti's commitment to social justice led to a focus on documentaries, earning him an Academy Award for Down & Out in America, the first film to expose the truth about homelessness in America. His extensive documentary work covers diverse topics, from women in prison to domestic violence and transgender communities. ukrainianinstitute.org

ARTIST LIBBY KLEIN

A Journey Through Art, Motherhood & JEWISH HERITAGE

Libby Klein, who just made her debut at Miami Art Basel, is an emerging artist, wife and mother to five children. She sat down with Art Bodega to talk about her artistic process, her inspirations, her traditions and her style.

Can you share a bit about your background?

I am a full-time mother of five, an entrepreneur and an inspirational speaker. I was born in Israel and moved to the States when my dad passed away when I was five years old. Although I wasn’t old enough to remember the culture Israeli streets have to offer, I vividly remember walking the old city streets and I can still feel the cold stones on my fingertips to this day.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I consider myself an abstract artist with just enough sketch to tell a story. I tell my story through textured art. Every piece has an energy that flows through the abstractness of the creation. In many of my pieces, I add gold leaf and even some gemstones to signify the legacy we are a part of. Most importantly when the piece is done, regardless of the message, it must be beautiful. I try to represent the beauty in our lives.

What message do you hope viewers take away from your art?

That life is beautiful even when it’s not perfect. Nobody wants to see a picture of a giraffe that looks like a giraffe – you can just go to the zoo for that. I want my art to make you think. My inspiration is a bee because a bee doesn’t know its limitations. It doesn’t know that its weight is too much for them to fly, but it flies anyway. In life we often don’t have a choice on our surroundings, but we do have a choice on how we react towards it.

Do you collaborate with your clients for their commissioned pieces?

Yes; my goal with every client is to bring out their feelings and put it on canvas. I recently created a piece for a family that lost their father. It was a beautiful piece, showing the dad holding hands with his kids walking towards the sunset. I must’ve spent hours with the client to understand who their dad was and what he meant to them. libbykleinart.com

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art
art

Lars is one of the most hard working equestrian for his team. A German 27 year old he takes pride supporting his partner famed German super star Freddie Wandres in the international sport of dressage. And despite being in the shadow, he is the foundation. He himself is an accomplished Grand Prix competitor and young horse trainer. As a distinguished rider for Hof Kasselmann, he comes each year with a team of horses to Wellington, FL for training, sales & competition. Because Lars trains the young ones, and presents them at the world class PSI auction yearly, he kisses the bond with the horse good bye. But he has trained the best and at 2023 top dressage horse Dantino, he presented at PSI auction sold for 1.2M Euros among others. While he doesn’t blow his horn, he himself was FEI ranked first in the world last April for the small tour PSG/I-1with Baron. Weeks later he earned his Goldenes Reitabzeichen (Gold Badge) which is a prestigious German award for those who have won at Small Tour level or higher ten times. And continuing on last year he won both the 5 year old classes and qualified for the Bundeschampionat on Verve Clicquot. His awards go on and on, but never does he speak of them. He grew up in a small area Stadt Crailsheim, BadenWurttemberg of Germany. He loves the USA, and could easily pass as a Ralph Lauren fashion model.

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

Even though we don't speak the same language and stuff, that we can work over a long time, so close to these animals. We really can end up showing a dressage test with only using our body language. I think you cannot compare the sport to any others. It's two hearts at the end, beating as one in the ring.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team.

Since I'm able to do my whole career with my partner Freddie, we were able to already collect so many nice memories as a team. Because at the end of the day, you only see the horse and the rider in the ring, but it takes a whole village to really succeed at the end of the day. So we were able to collect many nice memories, as if, as of World Young Horses Championships, the World Championships in Herning, the European Championships, all the German Championships for young horses, and for the seniors. We were very lucky to have all of these memories.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

My favorite movie is, I think, The Devil Was Prada, because Meryl Streep, that's all. It’s just iconic!

What is your dream career?

My dream, for me career is to one day maybe compete for the German team on a major championships such as Olympics, World Championships, Europeans. And of course, the dream of my career is that I can do it for a long time, and I stay healthy and the horses too.

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose?

What would you ask?

The question that I would ask a person would probably be my mom. She passed three years ago, and I just want to make sure if I did her proud or not, which she probably is.

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

And the one act of kindness I did yesterday is I ordered a gift for my best friend, and she was very excited about it. So I like it's not even about the big parts. It's just like a little act of kindness to the people you love.

LARS LIGUS

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THE EQUESTRIAN CHAMP'S RAW BEAUTY
Photographed by Nigel Barker at the Hof Kasselmann Barn
2
Jones Alley, New York NY 10012 www. michaelandrews.com 212-677-1755 Hair by Michelle Lelia
Outfit
by Michael Andrews Bespoke at
Great

K FUQUA AT

THE ATLANTA RESIDENT CONQUERS EUROPE

Photographed by Nigel Barker at the Hof Kasselmann Barn

American USEF most decorated Champion Equestrian of Hunter Ponies, Junior Hunters, Equitation, Dressage, Jumpers or 5 horse disciplines. She was Grand Hunter Champion at Pony Finals 2018, at Devon 2022, 2023, at Junior Hunter Finals 2021, at PA National Horse Show 2021, at 2x National Horse Show 2021, along with 14x Champion at the top championships, 8x USEF Horse of the Year Champion, 12x WEF Circuit Champion, winning over 100 hunter champions at national shows.

Kat started dressage in 2020 with DreamGirl and was US Dressage Festival of Champions 3rd placed at Children’s 2020, Champion at Junior 2021, Reserve at Young Rider 2023, along with Gold Team, Silver Freestyle & Bronze Individual Medalist for the 2023 FEI North American Youth Championship for Young Rider and in 2021 was 3x Bronze Medalist for Juniors. She is an invitational Emerging Athlete for USA for three years, and earned a Bronze Medal Team for the USA at the Nations Cup in Hagen, Germany. Since July 2023 she has competed her first Jumper Grand Prix at 1.45m and first Grand Prix at Dressage, both in Germany where both her trainers are based. Kat lives in Atlanta, and her farm is Collecting Gaits, former USEF title sponsor of US Dressage Championships for ten years, and title sponsor of US Pony Finals for six years. She resides part time in Wellington, FL going on her 11th year and now has a residence in Driehof Landgut in Tecklenburg, Germany located between her Jumper Trainer Andreas Kreuzer’s & Dressage Trainer Frederic Wandres’s training barns. Kat is sixteen and she enjoys history and French. Her favorite color is navy blue.

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Outfit by Wildchild NY www.wildchild.nyc IG: @wildchild.nyc

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

Creating a bond with them because they are your teammate. I think that's what inspires me the most, and being able to connect with them in a way that more than just you know, competing with them and showing them but really understanding how they feel and understand when they're telling you something.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team.

That would be recently in August at North American Youth Championships. Region three, we were Team Gold. Of the four people on the team three of us were top three individually as well so we worked together as a team. All of us put in the hard work for that Gold.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

The Hunger Games because Jennifer Lawrence is one of my favorite actresses. She's really funny and it's just a good movie to watch because I read the books too. It shows hard work and where hard work can get you and where being persistent can get you.

What is your dream career?

I'm not 100% sure what my dream career is.

But I want to major in business in college. And you know I want to be successful riding and make some Nations Cup Teams and World Cup Teams.

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose? What would you ask?

If I can get advice from any person, I would want to get advice from my older self to see what I need to do now to have a good life and prosper when I'm older.

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

I showed a lady in the Delta sky club where the food and the drinks were and where she could get it. She was lost and really appreciated my help.

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Gil is the former USEF Executive Managing Director, who managed the High Performance Competition process with multiple horse disciplines. He served as team leader at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, the 2007 Pan American Games and the 2008 Olympic Games. Notably Chef D’ Equipe he worked with the Olympic Dressage athletes and US Team Coach German Olympic Gold Medalist Klaus Balkenhol during the 2008 Beijing China Summer Olympics. Seeing the best equestrians perform in the ring such as Isabell Werth and Steffen Peters, he notes what it takes to compete at the highest level. He himself trained and rode to the Grand Prix with his master trainer Major Miguel Tabor, an unbelievably talented rider, trainer, and teacher Chef d’Ecole at the Portuguese Military and Civilian Riding School and lifetime friend and student of Nuno Oliveira.

Gil focused his career training corporate executives to lead successful teams after forty years leading multinational organizations.

If you ask Gil who he is—he will tell you he is a Catalyst for Growth. He is committed to empowering others to live life masterfully and provides coaching through his online training programs at MasteryCourses.com. Gil lives in Vero Beach, Florida.

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

“Their kindness & generosity.”

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team.

Serving as team leader at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, 2000, the 2007 Pan American Games, and the 2008 Olympic Games.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

“All about Eve It has it all! …great screenplay, casting, acting and directing.”

What is your dream career?

“The one I have serving as a catalyst for growth.”

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose? What would you ask?

“Stephen Hawking (an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist) And I would ask, does any of this really matter?”

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

Yesterday, I rescued a Bumblebee from drowning in the pool.

FORMER OLYMPIC CHEF

D'EQUIPEIS A CATALYST FOR GROWTH Photographed

Nigel

at the Hof Kasselmann Barn

GIL MERRICK

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Outfit by Michael Andrews Bespoke at 2 Great Jones Alley, New York NY 10012 www. michaelandrews.com 212-677-1755 Hair by Michelle Lelia
by

Geoffrey is one of the country’s top professional Hunters, as the 2023 Pennsylvania National Horse Show Leading Hunter Rider! Thanks to his amazing horses including Drumroll, Westport, and Monarchy, it’s no surprise Geoffrey has accomplished numerous wins in the hunter world with his dedication to the sport. Along with Drumroll as Champion Green Hunter 3’9", Grand Green Hunter Champion, Grand Champion Hunter, and winning the EMO High Five Award with a score of 93, Geoffrey has continued to make a name for himself all throughout indoors last year, and 2024 is expected to be just as great for him!

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

I think the ability and opportunity to create a partnership with such incredible animals is what I find most inspiring with horses. Their willingness and desire to trust us, and to become one with us, is something that is not part of their instincts however they give us their all and make me strive to be the best version of myself day after day in return.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team. Not to sound cliche, but I would consider my barn and business a success story of how a team can accomplish so much. My horses and my own successes are 100% because of the invaluable team around me. I have tried to curate and put together a team of people who I think are the best in their respective roles and it has been so fun to watch, learn and work along side them.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

I would have to say The Notebook is my favorite movie. I have always been a big Ryan Gosling fan, and it will always be a timeless favorite for me.

What is your dream career?

Horseback Rider? I am so humbled and grateful to be living my dream everyday, and although the days are long, I wouldn’t have it any other way. We are always are looking ahead towards future aspirations, but owning and running Hesslink • Williams with my partner Brendan, and our team, has been such a privilege. Our clients and horses have been a dream come true and I am so thankful to be in this position.

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose? What would you ask?

Billie Eilish, no questions asked. I have so many questions- her unique way to be unapoligictically herself, artistic, and edgy, while staying true to her roots is something I envy and respect.

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

Random act of kindness- As our week was finishing on Sunday with a cold downpour, I was heading back to the stables and there was a turtle in the middle of the busy road. I hopped out of my golf cart and carried him across to the canal!

Outfit by: 5 Pocket Jean, cotton cashmere blend tennis jacket with detachable bib and sand wool quarter zip short sleeve polo. White deerskin leather sneakers with grey loro piana fabric in the back. Styled by Albert Heredia. Location of the store: Eleventy 440 S County Road, Palm Beach FL 33480 www.eleventymilano.com

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GEOFFREY Hesslink THIS EQUESTRIAN CHAMP IS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME Photographed by Nigel Barker at Wellington International

Outfit by: 5 Pocket Jean, 100% Loro Piana summer cashmere jacket with our classic 5 pocket jean denim, white deerskin leather sneakers with grey loro piana fabric in the back. Icy cotton ivory t-shirt and merino wool full zip up in dusty powder.

Styled by Albert Heredia. Location of the store: Eleventy 440 S County Road, Palm Beach FL 33480 www. eleventymilano.com

Make up and Hair: Annesa Ramlakhan @beautifully_Annesa

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Outfit by Fivestory Palm Beach www. fivestoryny.com

Make up and Hair by Andrea Match@paintedby-dreaa Owner of House of Glam

ATHEEQUESTRIAN GERMAN BEAUTY

NNA-CHRISTINA ABBELEN

German winner of six European Team Golds from Ponies through Young Riders to Professional, 27 year old athlete from Cologne, and trainer of Hof Kasselman’s exclusive breeding, sport & training farm, studied International Business at CBS International Business School and Munich Business School.

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

I play tennis and golf for example, or the piano. These are all things that you are dealing with a subject and not with an animal which has feelings and emotions. This makes the horse sport unique that you are training, partnering and showing with a creature which can be different every day. So you need to have the ability to adjust every day for the horses and listen to them. This is what makes it special to me.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team.

In the moment we are succeeded as a great team in Florida, Hof Kasselman. The time is so special and the team is so special, Freddie (Wandres), Lars (Ligus) and I, we are all riding. But all three of us have different specialties. For example, Lars is the stable organizer, Freddie is

the main teacher and I’m kind of their personal assistant trying to back them up in every organizational time management, planning the best way I can. Then I can describe the time where I have been part of the German Team at the European Championships where we won a gold medal and we succeeded it was great to experience always the fun time after the riding having dinner together with everyone, celebrate our success with a big big team. I think this makes it so special to be able to sit at a table at night and have fun together as life is short and you should always take the time to enjoy it.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

Harry Potter. I have watched all the Harry Potter movies just because it gives me a small dreamy moment soothing life of the real life into this magician life of Harry and his two best friends. I love a little bit science fiction which is so great done here.

What is your dream career?

I want to take part at one Olympic Games but I won’t do it for any price..it comes how it comes, and if it is the right time, then it’s my time but not for any At the moment I’m living my dream because I’m doing the horse riding full time. If there are any changes I’m lucky that I finished

my master degree, so I can do a business career. But never never a life without horses.

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose? What would you ask?

It’s definitely my father who died when I was ten. I would ask him for advice now days and of course I miss him every day. I would like to have his opinion about what I’m doing right now. The main question I would ask him, “what do you think is better, I could have done better in my past life and how can I succeed even more. Are you proud of me the person I became?”

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

The day before I left Germany for America, I helped a lady at the super market. She was walking around with an oxygen tube so it was obvious she was ill. She asked me in the aisle if I could help her reach the top shelf for dried beans. She said “Oh thank you, I’m just too small and too weak to reach them.” My motto for life is that you always get it back from being nice to people in return. If you do something good you get it back and she saw me again at the cashier desk and she gifted me with cookies which I find super cute.

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PhotographedbyNigelBarker atWellingtonInternational

Australian Grand Prix Dressage competitor by choice and Lawyer by education, Jemma the 27 year old started riding with her mother. Her mother grew up on a cattle farm in New Zealand, so she cowboy rode with the cows. And her father owns more than 40 racehorses, so he's more an owner from the ground and she's more like a cowboy. So she had her first pony at eight and never looked back headed to train horses in Germany after trying her hand at law, knowing she can always fall back to. She saw and seeked out a Totilas baby. Moorlands Totilas was a Dutch Warmblood stallion who was considered to be one of the most outstanding competitive dressage horses in the world. Jemma is now competing her Totilas offspring, Total Recall at Grand Prix.

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

I started showing my pony from eight in show horse classes. I peaked to the top of my show horse career. I won Nationals, Grand Nationals, everything and I guess the next step was dressage because it's further training of basically similar style horses. For me I hated selling them so having a relationship over a long period of time was really what I enjoyed and being able to further their education. Why it led me to dressage in 2015. I love that and think that each horse is so different. It can challenge you a little bit. I really fall in love with the animal. Being able to train them for a long period of time is really my favorite part.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team. There's a number of ways you can take that, like in terms of horses or like my career. I mean, I've done it in my career, too. Working in law, you have to work as a team, you know, on a case. It's not something you do on your own. I only practiced for six months before I moved with the horses overseas. All through my university degree, we had to do this like project as a group where we made money and then had to give it back for the community. And we won some team award for this. The horses too. You know all these Nations Cups. We have a very positive team atmosphere in Australia.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

I like watching different movies. I don't like watching the same one over again. But if I had to pick one it would be like a Disney movie like Moana The Princess. It’s modern times, it’s cute. I like Disney movies because they make you happy. They're fulfilling. No crime or blood.

What is your dream career?

I think what I'm doing now. I did all the hard work through school and university and getting two degrees. All I really wanted to do since I was a little girl was ride. So I think now, yeah, showing horses and training them, which I've done that over the years.

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose?

What would you ask?

I think in terms of advice, I don't know, I think probably my father, to be honest with you. He gives really good life advice. He's a very successful man and self-made and very positive and into your mindset. So I think probably him. And then I'm close, so it's not awkward. What would I ask him? I think just like with the horses, you know, like when you hit a point, and you're like, where do I go from here? He always has solid advice forward. I think, yeah, I think I'm too shy to ask like another.

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

Toadie, (Total Recall) my Grand Prix horse, I lent to Freddie (Wandres) for the German team in the Nations Cup.

Photographed

JEMMA HERAN

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AUSTRALIAN
and Hair
@beautifully_Annesa
THE EQUESTRIAN CHAMP’S
BEAUTY Makeup
by Annesa Ramlakhan
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FEI 5* ( Level 4) Dressage Judge, Young Horse Judge and a USEF “S” Dressage Judge, currently serves on the Dressage Sport Committee, and former member of USEF & USDF Board of Directors.

Janet has been honored to judge many top CDI-W and CDI 5* in the world including the famous Aachen 5*, judged the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. In 2022 she was the FEI Technical Delegate for the World Dressage Championships in Herning, Denmark, the Central American Games, the Pan Am Games in Chile and the Bolivarian Games and judged the World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Ermelo, 2022 and 2023. She has judged all the major shows in the United States and Canada including the North American Young Rider Championships and the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam, 2018 Paris World Cup Finals, in Omaha 2023 and in Saudi Arabia in 2024. Janet has also been to Australia and South America, judging in Brazil and also judging the Central American Games in Bogota and the Central American Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico. Janet has written two books “Dressage for the Not so Perfect Horse” and “Dressage, Questions and Answers. She splits her time between Colorado Springs and Wellington, Florida.

What is it about horses that inspire you the most? Horses are kind and willing and do so much for us! Being around them is calming and inspiring.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team. The best Team was with my Tokyo Olympic colleagues. Usually the year prior the team travels to all the big shows. Aachen. The European Championship. Many of the Nations Cup Shows. We missed most of this due to COVID. However during the games we became so close and had so much fun even tho we were locked in our hotel and forbidden to sightsee. It was an experience I will never forget. We were a super panel and very very close is our scores and rankings.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

Sound of Music. I love any musical either a show on Broadway or a movie. I know all the words to every Rogers and Hammerstein score.

What is your dream career?

I am living my dream career. I do wish I had my own plane however!

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose? What would you ask?

I would ask God how I could help make a kinder world and also ask why People are so cruel?

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

Yesterday I made a huge pot of beef vegetable soup. I took a container next door for my elderly neighbor.

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JANET FOY Photographed by Nigel Barker

LAURA Reece

Outfit by FiveStory Palm Beach www. fivestoryny.com

Make up and Hair by Andrea Match

@paintedby_dreaa Owner of the House of Glam

An ambitious successful businesswoman, Laura moved her family to Wellington and decided to get back into riding horses. She grew up competing on her high school equestrian team. Now having the ability to team with her Trainer Ashley Glica to purchase a show barn, support others & ride is her young self’s dream. Unbeknownst to her, did she imagine she and Ashley found a 4 year old Friesian Appaloosa “Dani” Danash’s Northern Tempest. With striking color & sweet personality, Laura’s entrepreneurial skills set in, and Dani became a Breyer model horse, selling out immediately. And the best part is her love for other people to share both the toy horse and the real live Dani“The Wonder Horse”!

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

I think what inspires me the most about horses is how loving and trusting they are to humans. They really are fight or flight animals. The trust that they give us, and everything that we do with them, from trailering, jumping, pulling their manes, going swimming in giant ponds, all of that! They really do trust us. It is amazing and inspiring that this giant animal does take care of us humans. I have an incredible bond with my horse, and that she trusts me and I trust her. It really is a partnership between the rider and the horse. To succeed, you need that bond. Otherwise, if you don't trust each other, you'll never accomplish what you want.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team.

Keeping my horse with Ashley Glica, and being a part of ATG equestrian. We are a team at our barn to support each other cheer each other on no matter if you're jumping cross rails or if you're jumping the 1.35m. the kids support the adults, adults support the kids, we all go to cheer our trainer and the professionals on, and the professionals cheer us on. It is really hard riding and not easy. The team spirit in and out of the barn is really important to the overall success and everybody's positivity.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

My favorite movie is A League of Their Own. And it's about a women's baseball team. I think that it's just incredibly well done. It's an incredible story about women who overcome challenges and find success. What’s amazing about it is that it really is a true story. Its got some incredible people in it. Gina Davis, Madonna Tom Hanks…It’s just an inspiring story that really was true.

What is your dream career?

In my career I've done everything from working on the 1996 Olympic opening, closing ceremonies to planning corporate events and weddings to fundraising for the Smithsonian Institution and the Washington ballet in Washington DC. I've had my own embroidery company which was featured in brides, magazine, and Martha Stewart, and now I am the proud owner of a Travel company called Reese worldwide travel. I employ women to give a flexible job that allows them to be mothers and earn sustainable income. In my next life I would like to do one of two things either work for a foundation and award money to deserving recipients. Or I definitely would like to be that old lady in the movies like driving Miss Daisy I think that would be really fun to be an actress in Hollywood as a 70-year-old. It’s good to know that you can reinvent yourself multiple times in your lifetime.

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

I let others ride, show & learn from my Dani, the real life Breyer horse!!

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Professional Hunter/Jumper Trainer at ATG Equestrian of Wellington, FL since 2020. She grew up riding all her life with her mom Barbara, in Akron, New York and studied at University of Notre Dame. She is an excellent trainer with many students. However, she is most well known for the training of ‘Dani’ Danash’s Northern Tempest, an Appaloosa/ Friesian cross mare she found for her client Laura Reece. The two of them developed Dani and made him one of Breyer’s most popular model horses that sold out immediately. She has a happy contagious personality and loves and appreciates her life in the horse capital of Wellington.

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

Being a horse trainer and professional rider in this industry, what inspires me the most is seeing my riders and horses achieve the most of their ability. I really love when I am able to find the right job and career for the horse to make them happy. I also love seeing my students and riders Accomplish their inner goals. It’s so fulfilling to be a part of the process for each of my animals and riders.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team.

The hard thing about remembering one time we succeeded as a team is that I live my life and career as a team of riders and horses. I am blessed that every day I feel like we’ve achieved a goal as a team with our growth.

What’s your favorite movie & why?

One of my favorite movies is Avatar. It is such an illusional world that feeling and sensation mean the most. It’s a fictional movie, but there is so much to learn with it. The trust and belief in the process really caught my eye in this movie. The love for the world that they lived in. Also really is something I liked about this movie. They respected the animals and the nature and everyone lived in Harmony.

A ASHLEY GLICA

THE EQUESTRIAN TRAINER

Photographed by Nigel Barker at ATG Equestrian

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Five
Outfit
by Bagdley Mischka provided by
Story NY www.fivestoryny.com Make Up and Hair by Jackie Fanara Jane Scher and Puppy “Botox” photographed by Nigel Barker at the Ziegfeld Ballroom

What is your dream career?

My dream career is being a professional equestrian. I have been able to build my business from the ground up, living in Wellington for the last 10 years and establishing amazing equestrian program and facility. I am achieving my dream career.

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose? What would you ask?

If there was one person, I would want to ask for advice would be my grandmother and grandfather. My grandfather is deceased, but my grandmother is still living. Both of them were very supportive in my academic myself growth my writing, and my life. They are very important to me, and all I ever wanted to do was live up to their expectations. The advice I would ask them would be what is the secret to a long, lasting supportive relationship. Them being together for over 60 years is such an astonishing accomplishment to know that type of love and support someone could get from another half.

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

My most recent active kindness was taking on an assistant trainer and rider this season in Wellington, Florida. He had just moved from the west coast of California, and looking to reestablish and reinvent his career in line of work. Having a very establish riding background I thought he would be an amazing asset and friend to add to my company ATG Equestrian LLC. He had no set plan, and no one to turn to. He is a lovely soul and a very bright horseman. I’m very happy that we met and I’m really looking forward to the future of my team, and my company ATG Equestrian llc.

Outfits by FiveStory Palm Beach

www.fivestoryny.com

Make Up and Hair by Annesa Ramlakhan

@beautifully_Annesa

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Fourteen year old Lauren is on the Dean’s List at home in California, studying hard and competing hard at Hunters. She has been riding most of her young life with success starting in ponies. She was Champion at US Pony Finals in 2021 with her famed Rollingwoods Knee Deep, a new small pony at the time only shown by her once prior. This speaks for her ability, and feel to ride with little known experience with that pony. Her success is thru her true love for the animals and quiet soft demeanor. She has shown in the mediums and larges and recently purchased a young son of a famous large pony. Her goals our strong where she now commutes from California showing her hunter horse there and then to Wellington, FL preparing for the summer US Pony Finals with her Notably Chic. Her family has serious race horses so her love goes deep. She and her mother Adrianne, love to go to the races together and plan to spend summers in Lexington, KY with her younger brother.

What is it about horses that inspire you the most?

Probably how big their hearts are because they will do anything for you if you really trust them. They will just kind of lay it all on the line for you and that helps me do the same when I'm competing.

Describe a time you succeeded as a part of a team.

I was on a basketball team in fifth grade for school. We were undefeated one year and then another year we like lost every game. But it was still fun because I got to be with my friends. And I wasn't that good, but it was still fun to be on a team with my friends.

ZARNEGIN Lauren

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EQUESTRIAN CHAMP'S YOUTHFUL BEAUTY & TALENT Photographed by Nigel Barker
THE

What’s your favorite movie & why?

My favorite movie is Secretariat just because it was a really good story and Secretariat could really run! Alot of people don't know but he actually ran on the grass too which I thought was cool. He was able to win a lot on both the dirt and on the grass.

What is your dream career?

I would like to do a lot of sales because some of my ponies that I've had, I've actually found. Like actually my second pony ever, I found him off BIGEQ Hunter/Jumper horses online. And then my trainer went to go see him and she liked him and we got him. I would like to be a trainer myself.

If you could get advice from any person, who would you choose? What would you ask?

I would probably get advice from somebody like Beezie Madden just because she's been to the Olympics and has so much experience in the horse world. I would probably just ask what made her the most successful, what she thinks made her the most successful because I wanna do really well like she did. I want to be considered one of the best like she is.

Morgan Freeman says, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

What was your one act of kindness yesterday?

I like to help the grooms and my trainers whenever we can. If I'm with my trainers in a schooling ring or something, whether they're on my horse or another one, I usually help them out with the jumps or whatever. And then I'll help the grooms tack up or untack if I'm there.

I also help a lot of my friends with schoolwork, especially English and math, if they need help. I do because sometimes they do. And I usually have all my assignments done fairly early-ish, so I can help them if there's extra time. It makes me feel happy.

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The LEGACY of A FAMILY

HOW KARIN FIGUEROA CISNEROS IS HONORING THE MEMORY OF HER MOTHER CARIDAD FIGUEROA CISNEROS

Q&A: Karin it’s great to see you again. First, I’d like to say again how very sorry I am for the passing of your mother Caridad Figueroa Cisneros last year. She was well known for her charitable contributions in Miami.

How are you coping with her loss?

Losing my mother is still incredibly difficult, often hard to believe she's gone. Since I was a child, we were inseparable, best friends sharing adventures and dreams. Sharing her passion for philanthropy was the thread that wove through our lives, and those memories are what fuel me now. Seeing her dedication, her infectious enthusiasm, it inspires me to carry on her legacy and the values she instilled in me.

What is one of your favorite memories of going to support the different foundations with your mom?

One of my most cherished memories of supporting foundations with my mom comes from over 20 years ago. It was a Saks Fifth Avenue luncheon benefiting, I believe, the Jackson Memorial Foundation. The highlight? Meeting Oscar de la Renta himself!

After a stunning fashion show, we got to try on dresses. Oscar de la Renta suggested I try on his iconic red ball gown. When I slipped it on, he beamed and told my father (with a playful

wink in Spanish), "Cero presión, Sr. Figueroa!" (No pressure, Mr. Figueroa!). We all laughed, but the memory of that perfect dress, and his kindness, stays with me even today. I still have that dress which my father bought that day, and the proceeds benefited the foundation. Supporting foundations wasn't just about fancy events, though. As a family, we volunteered at food drives, clothing drives, made sandwiches for shelters, and always showed up for fundraising events – dressed up or not. Now, with my own children Carlos Eduardo and Cassandra Angèlie, and extended family, the tradition continues. We see it as honoring Mom's legacy and teaching future generations the importance of giving back.

What is a more recent Foundation event that stands out that you enjoyed with your family and would do again?

Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital, holds a special place in my heart. Our family's involvement goes back to their early days, and I've personally witnessed their incredible transformation into the exceptional institution they are today. Their unwavering dedication to providing outstanding care for children throughout the years has been truly inspiring.

Beyond admiration, our family actively embodies the value of giving back. We've participated in numerous events, even hosting a kickoff party at my parents' home. Witnessing firsthand the impact of these initiatives – countless updates, innovative projects, and improved lives for countless families – reinforces our commitment to supporting their mission.

How did you get your kids involved in giving back?

Getting my kids involved in giving back wasn't a specific decision, but a natural extension of our family values. From a young age, I instilled the importance of empathy and generosity. During the holidays, I'd explain Santa's spirit of giving and how we followed suit, just like Grandma and Grandpa. I emphasized kindness, respect, and humility, reminding them to always consider others.

We live near an organization supporting foster children, single moms, and even victims of trafficking. Since my kids were toddlers, we regularly donated clothes, toys, and shoes. Each year, we'd choose a different worthy cause. We also sent care packages to impoverished towns and villages in Venezuela.

As they grew, their schools fostered philanthropy further. Class initiatives involved fundraising for the American Heart Association, cancer research, and various causes championed by the school. Witnessing their own involvement brought immense joy.

Today, my kids are young adults who actively seek opportunities to give back. They volunteer, donate, and advocate for causes they care about. It's incredibly rewarding to see them embrace the values they learned early on.

What are you involved with currently?

I'm proud to be an investor with The Pink Luminous Advocacy Project, a non-profit dedicated to early breast cancer detection. Their revolutionary tool offers a glimpse beneath the surface, visualizing blood vessel changes that may indicate potential irregularities. Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with over 2 million new cases diagnosed each year. This is life-changing for women who struggle with regular selfexaminations here and around the world. It's an honor to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

Along with this venture, I've obtained my real estate license and I’m currently selling my father's beautiful home in Cocoplum—a backdrop to some incredible charity events, many family gatherings, and parties. While bittersweet, it's exciting to see who will purchase

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Along with this venture, I've obtained my real estate license and I’m currently selling my father's beautiful home in Cocoplum—a backdrop to some incredible charity events, many family gatherings, and parties. While bittersweet, it's exciting to see who will purchase this spectacular property.

Losing my mom last year was a profound loss, but it also sparked a burning desire to live life with purpose. In her memory, I'm actively supporting the foundations she cared deeply about, and cherishing every moment with my incredible children as they journey through college.

I'm blessed to have had such inspiring parents, married for 51 years. Their love and respect for each other were pillars of strength, their journey a testament to what a true partnership can look like. Witnessing that bond instilled in me a deep yearning to experience the same kind of love, respect, and mutual support in my own future relationship. While they valued privacy, my father, a brilliant and giving man, continues to be a role model for me to this day.

What do you see for the future of Karin Figueroa Cisneros?

My future is fueled by a legacy of love and a spirit of growth. Honoring my mother's memory remains a cornerstone, and I'll continue to support the causes she cherished. While life won't be the same without her, our family traditions live on – from baking together to endless gatherings filled with laughter.

I'm actively searching for my father's dream home, ensuring he remains surrounded by our love and a vibrant community. In real estate, I see continued expansion of my network and portfolio, using my skills to serve others.

Beyond success, I believe in the power of kindness, helpfulness, humility, and love. These values guide my actions, whether helping others find their dream home or spreading love in my community.

The future holds immense possibilities, and it's up to us to shape it with purpose and compassion. Always be kind, always be helpful, always be humble, and always spread love. Love conquers all.

Styled by Elysze Held

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A PLACE TO dream

From striking architecture and design to Italian culture and cuisine to adults preferred atmosphere, Principe di Salina is a boutique hotel to be treasured. Located in the middle of the Aeolian Islands in the South of Italy, the structure is not only stunning but offers an intimate experience for the world traveler. With its beautiful rooms that oversee the amazing blue ocean, families can experience the intimate lifestyle thanks to the family run property – with delicious cuisine prepared by mum chef Silvana, nice hammocks to enjoy the soft breeze and overall comfort surrounded by a subtle luxury environment. For more information visit: www.principedisalina.it

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Ocala CHLOE D. REID & CHESTER C. WEBER Present Live Oak International 33rd Edition in Ocala FL

The Beauty of Ocala has garnered attention in the last few years due to the growth of horse competitions on the global stage, reflecting the development of venues and hotels in the city one hour north of Orlando, Florida. The prestigious brand Longines has been sponsoring Live Oak International, the iconic tournament renowned for delivering the ultimate outdoor equestrian entertainment experience, which drew 200 horses from more than 20 countries last year and is projected to grow in 2024.

Chester Weber, Co-President of Live Oak International, expressed his excitement; "Every edition, we strive to surpass our previous years' achievements. Our worldclass facility is truly exceptional, and with our fantastic team, we're determined to share this weekend with as many competitors, sponsors, and spectators as possible. We certainly cannot wait for March to come around and give an unforgettable experience to all."

The world-renowned combined driving and show jumping tournament will take place from March 14th to 17th, 2024, featuring the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Ocala. Chloe D. Reid, niece of Chester Weber, is also the Co-President of the Live Oak International tournament, which is held each year at her family's farm in Ocala, Florida. Introduced to her at the age of four, Reid has been selected by the US Show Jumping Team on multiple occasions, including the US team in Aachen, Rome, Wellington, Falsterbo, Sopot, and Barcelona. In 2022, she

was selected as one of the ten short-list athletes for the World Championships. A decade before, she was the youngest person ever selected to represent the United States in international show-jumping competitions.

Chester Weber also hails from Ocala and is the most celebrated combined driving athlete in the United States. Chester will be going for his 21st USEF Driving National Championship for Four-in-Hand at the tournament. The team has made this 33rd edition one of the most anticipated events in the show jumping field, as the competition has earned its place as one of the eight prestigious CS14*-W Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Qualifiers in North America, giving an opportunity for US riders to secure a spot in the 2024 Longines FEI World Cup Final, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The father of two lives in the same property he grew up and makes sure to give back to the community and the equestrians with the boards he serves on.

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Equestrian
Ocala

Ocala

SOCIAL THINGS AT LOI

These are the essentials that cannot be overlooked, defining Live Oak International as Marion County's premier spectator event. Offering not only top-tier driving and showjumping competitions but also unveiling the finest social activities.

• General Admission tickets purchased online are $13.00. Children under the age of 6 are FREE! General admission gets you into the venue with a wide range of activities for all ages. Parking is also free!

• Witness the best athletes from across the world compete in the driving competition from Thursday to Sunday and the show jumping competitions taking place from Friday to Sunday.

• Enhance your LOI experience by securing VIP tickets. Enjoy the VIP tent all weekend watching the highest sport with the best seats in the house amongst great company with delicious food & drink.

• Kids can play in the AdventHealth Ocala KidZone equipt with a bouncy house, face painting, sand pit and more!

• Indulge in the diverse culinary offerings at the Food Truck Area (with a Food Truck Competition on Saturday afternoon) and enjoy a cocktail under the oak trees at the Biergarten (Open Thursday to Sunday).

• Step into luxury in the NetJets Mock Airplane on display at the showground.

• Immerse yourself in LOI's themed Jungle Party, presented by Gold’s Gym Ocala, on Saturday evening.

• Visit Vendor Row and pick up souvenirs to take home for horse lovers and non-horse lovers alike!

• Immerse yourself in a unique Saturday driving marathon experience, amplified by the lively tailgating festivities. The most creatively adorned tailgate stands a chance to win the Ocala Magazine Tailgating Award.

• Be captivated by the In Ring Presentation of KWPN Dutch Harness Horse on Saturday and Sunday.

For more details on what awaits you at Live Oak International and to purchase your tickets, visit their website at www.liveoakinternational.com

“ LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL IS CELEBRATING ITS 33RD EDITION IN OCALA”

fragrance

Veronique Gabai x Grimanesa Amoros

L'OASIS-DESERT ROSE, A NEW FRAGRANCE

An aromatic splendor with a twist of artistic allure

The collaboration between Veronique and Grimanesa originated from their shared passion for light and fragrance. Upon their introduction, Grimanesa openly discussed the challenge of identifying a specific captivating scent with Veronique. This perplexing and intoxicating scent emerged during Grimanesa's travels to desert lands, where she mixed and matched scents but could not replicate the allure. Veronique's extensive expertise as a top perfumer allowed her to skillfully dissect and recognize the components that had enchanted Grimanesa with her unique oils. This partnership created L'OASISDESERT ROSE, a collaboration inspired by Veronique's profound connection to the Mediterranean Sea and Grimanesa's admiration for deserts. In the spirit of light, hope, and optimism, like an Oasis, Desert Rose instills a feeling that life can lead to beauty and that anything is possible with generosity and joy.

Veronique shared with Grimanesa that this rose was born from the desert like an oasis: pure, dewy, and almost mineral. It invites you to relish every inspiring aspect of life. Fluid in nature, it embraces the spicy warmth of woods for a sensual dance in the sand. Its essence is intertwined with sacred frankincense, lending the perfume its mystical depth, and infused with aromatic coffee to awaken desires and alluring musk to captivate the senses. Celebrating the union of two diverse landscapes, L'OASIS-DESERT ROSE invites you to experience the essence of the Mediterranean along the French Riviera, interwoven with the mysteries of the oasis of Huacachina in Peru.

This aromatic journey captures the golden dunes of Huacachina, resulting in a sensory exploration that transcends geographical boundaries. This unique composition pays homage to the allure of Huacachina's vast dunes and the freshness of the Mediterranean waves, creating a fragrance that mirrors the meeting of the coastal elegance of the French Riviera with the enchanting landscapes of Peru.

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Blue Gown:

Jean Shafiroff PHILANTHROPY AS A WAY OF LIFE

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, TV host, fashion icon and influencer, is now spreading her philanthropic work to Florida. Hard working and dedicated to a myriad of causes, Jean Shafiroff works with a dedication rarely seen. Often referred to as the First Lady of Philanthropy by the international press, Jean Shafiroff is most humble when asked about this. She responds, “I only want to do the best job I can for the different causes that I am involved with. I plan to continue my philanthropic work for the rest of my life.”

As a philanthropic leader, TV host, and the author of the book Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give, Jean Shafiroff is defined by the power of giving back. This visionary focuses on leading others to a future where far less suffering exists. The deeper meaning of her existence is to do things with positive intent. From Shafiroff’s perspective, making the world more equitable through philanthropic work is to create an everlasting positive impact.

Influencing and encouraging others to dedicate their lives to creating change through volunteering is vitally important to Jean Shafiroff. Her dedicated philanthropic work over the years proves that hard work, leadership, intelligence and teamwork combine to produce lasting powerful results.

Jean Shafiroff, who comes from a middle-class family, was instilled from an early age with the importance of giving back. Her music-teacher father and stay-at-home mother had the family doing volunteer work at the schools and church they attended. Parents and teachers were excellent role models who ingrained in her life-changing values.

After graduating from Columbia University with a BS and then an MBA in Finance, Jean

Shafiroff pursued a career on Wall Street. Her philanthropic work started at a young age selling Girl Scout cookies and doing volunteer work with her classmates and family. After she was married and had children, she volunteered at her daughters’ schools and served on different charity boards. Today Jean Shafiroff serves on seven boards and chairs between eight and ten large fundraising galas each year. In addition, she hosts and underwrites numerous large cocktail parties in her New York homes and elsewhere for many different charitable organizations. In October 2023, she hosted a cocktail party in her NYC home for 140 supporters of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. In November 2023 she held another party in honor of fashion designer Malan Breton and the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County. These were just two of five large cocktail parties she hosted in her NYC home in the Fall and early Winter of 2023 for different charities. In the Winter of 2024, she devoted her Palm Beach birthday party hosted by the Palm Beach couple Kim and Greg Dryer to the Peggy Adams Rescue League of Palm Beach. She also hosted a large Palm Beach luncheon at Cafe Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel in honor of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research. After both parties she donated generously to both causes. In February 2024, she served as Philanthropic Chair of Holiday House, a charity that devotes its funds to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. This event took place at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. She also served on the benefit committee of the French Heritage Society's Palm Beach dinner. When asked about her involvement in Palm Beach county, Jean replies that she is attending and supporting many galas for local causes. She is learning all she can about the different local charities and plans to join a few local charity boards as time goes on. In May she will chair the Viennese Opera Ball in NYC. Her philanthropic work chairing and hosting events will continue throughout the year and for years to come.

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Earrings:

JEAN SHAFIROFF, philanthropist, TV host, fashion icon and influencer, IS NOW SPREADING HER PHILANTHROPIC work to FLORIDA

Philanthropy is a large part of her family's life. Her oldest daughter who has an MS in Social Work spends most of her time in Kenya where she does volunteer work with disabled orphans. Her youngest daughter is the co-founder and President of the animal welfare charity, Global Strays. Martin Shafiroff, her husband, Vice Chairman of the investment firm Stifel, fully supports the family's philanthropic work and believes in the importance of it as a family priority.

Jean spends countless hours working to aid different causes and, at the same time, works to motivate others to get involved. She is also very generous to many charities. Her days are often spent in front of the computer and on calls to promote non-profit organizations and boost representation for them. She is a national leader in philanthropy. Her main areas of focus are women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, health care, and animal rights. She is also interested in furthering LGBTQ equality, cancer awareness campaigns, and many other causes. Jean Shafiroff is involved in motivating the next generation and aims to instill in them hope as they follow her on their own pathway to successful philanthropy.

Jean Shafiroff's charitable work includes serving on the boards of the Southampton Hospital Association, NY Women’s Foundation, Mission Society of NYC, Casita Maria, Couture Council (Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology), French Heritage Society, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation honorary board. A Catholic, Shafiroff served on the board of The Jewish Board for 28 years and is now an honorary trustee. During the pandemic Jean Shafiroff served as national spokesperson for the American Humane and was instrumental in helping this non-profit raise over $1,000,000 for 1,000,000 homeless animals in shelters across the United States.

All of Jean Shafiroff’s work is understandably important and why, in September 2022 she was officially proclaimed the “First Lady of Philanthropy of New York” by New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, who represents New York’s 76th District, in Manhattan. Then in November 2022, the 117th US Congress, recognized Shafiroff for her works in philanthropy. This recognition was given by US Representative Carolyn Maloney who represented the 14th Congressional District, in New York.

Jean Shafiroff has been honored dozens of times by charities, including American Humane, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Southampton Animal

For more information about Jean Shafiroff, please visit  jeanshafiroff[http://.com].com

Instagram: @JeanShafiroff

@JeanShafiroffatwork

Facebook: jean.shafiroff

Twitter: @JeanShafiroff

Instagram: @JeanShafiroff | @JeanShafiroffAtWork

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Yellow dress: Oscar de la Renta Necklace: Van Cleef & Arpels FD Jewelry Photo: Michael Paniccia Flowered gown: Oscar de la Renta Photo: Michael Paniccia

Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, Operation Warrior Shield, Viennese Opera Ball, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Dominican Women's Development Center, Fashion for Development, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright's Women's Leadership Awards, She Exist Magazine, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, Health Advocates for Older People, Southampton African American Museum, Women's eNews, Youth Counseling League, the NYC International Film Festival Foundation, The Jewish Board, and Hadassah. In December 2020, Dan’s Papers named her “Philanthropist of the Year” at its Power Women of the East End award ceremony. Since then, Dan's Paper has honored Jean Shafiroff at least three more additional times for her philanthropic work.

As an authority on the art of giving, Jean Shafiroff has been featured on the cover of dozens of magazines. She has also written about philanthropy for many publications and has spoken about philanthropy on countless TV shows and podcasts. Her TV show, Successful Philanthropy, which airs 6 times each week in the Hamptons can also be viewed on You-Tube. The show gives celebrities, politicians, executive directors of charities and fellow philanthropists an opportunity to speak about their lives and philanthropic work. Shafiroff has a large social media platform and uses it to promote positivity, philanthropy, and her love of fashion. Her Instagram account @JeanShafiroff has over 1.2 million followers.

“The main message of my book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give, is that anyone can become a philanthropist. If you do not have large amounts of money to donate to a cause, you can become a philanthropist by giving your time and knowledge,” Shafiroff said in her online cover feature in Glamour South Africa. “However, I do believe that those that have financial resources have an obligation to give. Another important message that was conveyed in my book is that giving is truly rewarding. When we give to help others, we achieve great personal satisfaction. Giving is most often far more satisfying than receiving. The purpose of writing my book was to motivate others and then to serve as a guide for philanthropic work.” Jean is currently completing another book soon to be published.

2024 TRAVEL

COSMOPOLITAN CITIES, IDYLLIC ISLANDS AND AN ICONIC CRUISELINER

It’s always the perfect time to plan and seek out new adventures - so why not see all the amazing things the world has to offer? Welcome to Art Bodega’s “Where to visit Now” list.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: The Corinthia Europe is the winter wonderland and a stay at Corinthia London will kick start your year. Savor the Corinthia London as you explore the grand city. Close to the hotel is Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and the Theatre district. At the Corinthia, you delight in afternoon tea and the relaxation of ESPALife at Corinthia. Kerridge’s Bar & Grill and The Northall provide the final dining flourish to an unforgettable day in the city. www.corinthia.com

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills

For a completely different kind of experience, head to America’s West Coast to experience warm weather and sunny skies. In the heart of Los Angeles, stands the renowned Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Take time to soak up the sun on the property by their gorgeous resort-style pool and stop by Matthew Kenney´s new Plant Food + Wine restaurant, the latest must-experience addition. www.visit fourseasons.com

CALIFORNIA: Four Seasons Hotel

San Francisco

Next head to the rolling hills of San Francisco to make more California dreams come true. This city’s iconic hotel is where business ideas emerge, loved ones connect and grand celebrations take place. Stylish and well-appointed guest rooms offer the very best in comfort and privacy. Enjoy the city’s diverse culinary scene along with the Bay Area’s top attractions that showcase the natural beauty of San Francisco’s fog, forests, wine country and ocean. www.fourseasons.com

SAINT MARTIN, CARIBBEAN: La Samanna

If warm waves of water lapping on a golden beach call out to you, then take an international flight next and head to La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin. The Caribbean paradise, where retro beach elegance meets French glamor, is nestled on one of the most beautiful beaches in St. Martin, Long Bay – and is accessible from New York City with a fourhour flight and a seven-minute taxi ride point to point. Reconnect with your inner peace and admire the stunning views, at this unique property, led by manager Eleonore Astier-Petin. www.visit belmond.com

SILVERSEA: The Silver Nova

Silversea’s Silver Nova is both the newest ship in the luxury cruise line’s and most environmentally friendly, offering the exclusivity of a luxury yacht with an outstanding cruise design. For more information, visit silversea.com

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Travel
Polka dot pants outfit: Carolina Herrera Photo: Michael Paniccia

Elton ILIRJANI

ELTON ILIRJANI HITS THE RUNWAY TRIFECTA AT THE FASHION DESIGNERS OF LATIN AMERICA SHOW DURING NEW YORK FASHION WEEK THE SHOWS 2024

Elton Ilirjani, international model, activist and philanthropist lit up the catwalk wearing creations designed by Jemma Russo, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (Tristan Ramirez) and Emma (Paola Rosenberg) in a multi-show performance at the Fashion Designers of Latin America (FDLA) runway show during New York Fashion Week The Shows 2024 at Clinton Mercantile in New York City.

FDLA founded it's development on providing exposure for established, emerging and upcoming clothing designers from around Latin America & around the world in an effort to extend meaningful fashion trade. Accomplishing this has been an undertaking in nurturing opportunities for the publicity of international talents whose creative abilities are overflowing but financial resources are not. FDLA prides itself on continuing its work throughout the year to build bridges engaging community inclusion by leading events, social activities and diversity initiatives.

In 2023 Elton was appointed as an Ambassador of the Fashion Designers of Latin America (FDLA) and the NYFW shows were the grand finale of his time as Ambassador. The day prior to the start of the shows Elton was the Guest of honor at the Designers Dinner where he met with designers and organizers of forthcoming fashion week events in Latin America Fashion including Peru, Chile, Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Mexico among others.

At the shows, Elton closed the show with the final look of Emma Peru as well as the finale of Jemma Russo, wearing a black and white look emblazoned with a white flower. At the Agatha De La Prada show, Elton modelled a very sportive look which he included his trademark flourish in support of genderless fashion, being the only model to wear high heels.

Known around the world as a high-ranking social media influencer and fashion model, Ilirjani boasts a breathtaking following of over

FLASH OF INSPIRATION LAUNCH BLENDS THE ART OF TATTOO WITH ASTROLOGY AT THE LIFE OF RILEY STUDIO

Celebrity tattoo artist Friday Jones triumphant New York City return after a global career expansion now has her in 2024 on a mission to continue to lead the industry with renowned artistry and game changing standards. The rich tapestry of her profession over the decades is both notable and admirable with even more facts now to elevate her status.

Expanding her business to new horizons, Friday unveiled the latest extension of her burgeoning work with the launch of “Flash of Intuition.” A one-of-a-kind, intuitively crafted fine art package with renowned Astrologer and author of “Rock Your Stars,” Holiday Mathis. Inspired by a popular tattoo industry term, "Flash Of Intuition" includes an 8x10 hand-detailed collaborative fine art piece based on a significant date and printed on Hahnemuhle fine art paper. Also included in the package

is a 15-minute bespoke meditation audio file and a remarkable tattoo stencil artwork that a favorite tattoo artist can use to bring the bespoke tattoo to life.

The event debuted the unique interactive experience with Friday and Holiday where invited guests enjoyed a fascinating discussion weaving mysticism, tattooing and symbolic meanings in life. The Life of Riley hosted the event with special guest Tricia Brouk, founder of “The Big Talk Academy”, who acted as emcee during the inspirational evening. In addition to charcuterie and curated cocktails, guests received content creator-inspired Inspiration Cards created by Friday and Holiday specially for the Flash Of Intuition launch attendees.

For more information, please visit  www.fridayjones.net

12 million fans. His legions of followers are dedicated to listening and learning from his message of gender equality around the world. Elton promotes the importance of equality and freedom of expression through the concept of genderless modelling. Frequenting the pages of fashion magazines and international runway shows, the icon uses his powerful presence to promote a unified existence amongst all of mankind.

www: www.theheadhunter.com

Instagram: @Eilirjani

Friday JONES Black History Month AT THE OCULUS

The New York Women’s Foundation Celebrates

In celebration of Black History Month, The New York Women’s Foundation paid tribute to an exceptional group of women whose remarkable contributions have left an inerasable mark both in their respective fields and in their broader community for justice, equity, and empowerment.

In addition to having an advertisement on 21 screens around the Oculus celebrating Black History Month, The New York Women’s Foundation held an event in collaboration with our Grantee Partner Custom Collaborative to honor the changemakers of today. Themed, “Looking back to look ahead” the idea of honoring the changemakers of today was inspired by the Sankofa bird in African tradition that serves as a reminder to look and embracing the past while looking ahead towards the future. With its vibrant colors and powerful message, the iconic image of this bird was the inspiration behind the selected group of honorees.

“The remarkable contributions of these women weave into the rich tapestry of Black history, and we celebrate their continued dedication to creating a more just and equitable world.” said Devika Gopal Agge,

Senior Vice President of The New York Women’s Foundation.

The honorees included Florence "Flo" Anthony, a prominent African-American reporter, Executive Deputy Commissioner at Human Resources Administration, Marjorie Cadogan, Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox is a vocal advocate for expanded educational access and social justice, reporter for TechCrunch Dominic-Madori Davis, Executive Director of the Alliance of Families for Justice, Soffiyah Elijah, Ngozi Okaro founder of Custom Collaborative, Executive Director of the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, real estate professional, Rashidah Siddiqui, Chairwoman, Chief Culture Officer, and Co-Founder of Westfuller Lola C. West, and Elizabeth Yeampierre co-chair of the Climate Justice Alliance and serves as the Executive Director of UPROSE.

To learn more about The New York Women's Foundation's work to transform lives, families, and communities, please visit www.nywf.org

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NYFW
Photo credits: BFA / Michelle Kammerman / Johnny Nunez for Getty Images
Inspiration
Photo credits: New York Women’s Foundation (NYWF) / Gabriella Toth for LensFormative

Thomas J. HENRY

SHARES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SUITE AND ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE AT LAS VEGAS FIRST SUPERBOWL AS THANK YOU TO LEADING LAWYERS

Famed Texas attorney, Thomas J. Henry gifted his senior staff from his law firm along with a selection of close friends with a one-of-akind Super Bowl LVIII weekend experience. Flying in on multiple private jets, guests of Thomas J. Henry were treated to extravagant parties before the big game including tables at nightclub LIV at the Fontainebleu and XS at the Wynn. Thomas J. Henry has a multi-million dollar suite at the stadium for a grandstand view of the game to enjoy with celebrity guests. Thomas J. Henry and his guests stayed at a hotel in the heart of Las Vegas with views overlooking Allegiant Stadium.

Thomas J. Henry is the founder and owner of Thomas J. Henry Law, one of the nation’s leading personal injury firms. For nearly 30 years, the firm has fought to secure justice and compensation for individuals who have lost loved ones due to the negligence of others and to prevent similar instances of wrongful death from occurring again.

Thomas J. Henry Law is the largest personal injury plaintiff’s firm in Texas with a team of more than 200 attorneys representing clients from offices in San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Houston, Texas. The firm has built a reputation for its ability to secure

record-breaking verdicts against even the largest of defendants, having successfully litigated against some of the largest companies in the world, including Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies.

“The Super Bowl is a fantastic experience all around. From the game to the halftime show to the crowd, I can’t think of any other event that matches the energy of the Super Bowl’s energy – especially for the first time in Las Vegas. The weekend is made even better by the fact that I am able to share it with some of my firm’s most dedicated attorneys who do so much for our clients and their families,” said Thomas J. Henry.

Thomas J. Henry and his law firm are regularly recognized for their success in the legal industry as well as for Thomas J. Henry’s contributions to local and global communities.

In 2021, Thomas J. Henry Law was named “Law Firm of the Year” by the American Institute of Legal Professionals. In 2020, the firm was named one of the Best Places to Work by Glassdoor for the second consecutive year. It was the only law firm to secure the accolade. Firm founder Thomas J. Henry was named one of SA Scene Magazine’s Best San Antonio Lawyers. Thomas J. Henry was also recognized

in Texas Lawyer’s (an ALM Company)

Southwest Top Verdicts and Settlements of 2020 for securing the #1 Gross Negligence Verdict and secured one of the Top 10 Verdicts in Texas and Top 50 Verdicts in the U.S. as recognized by TopVerdict.com.

Other recent results include:

• $67 Million for a Company Vehicle Accident Resulting in a Spinal Cord and Back Injuries.

• $60 Million for a Drunk Driving Accident Resulting in Facial and Abdominal Injuries.

• $50 Million for a Trucking Accident Resulting in Wrongful Death.

• $35 Million for a Trucking Accident Resulting in Wrongful Death.

• $30.2 Million for an Accident Involving a Recalled Vehicle Resulting in Spinal Cord and Back Injuries.

• $12.7 Million for Medical Malpractice Resulting in Spinal Cord and Back Injuries.

• $10.9 Million for Medical Malpractice Resulting in Spinal Cord and Back Injuries.

• $10.3 Million for 18-Wheeler Accident Resulting in Brain Injuries and Back Injuries.

Thomas J. Henry has been named a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, and a lifetime charter member of Rue Ratings' Best Attorneys of America. He is an active philanthropist supporting a number of causes related to poverty, veterans, national disaster relief, education, animals, and the arts.

For more information about Thomas

J. Henry please visit thomasjhenrylaw.com

Photo credits: Getty Images / Johnny Nunez

Sakura COLLECTION

SAKURA COLLECTION FASHION PRESENTATION BRINGS ART, CULTURE AND STYLE FROM JAPAN TO NYFW

The Sakura Collection, a project that aims to foster young creators, revitalize regions, and promote cultural and economic exchange through cross-border collaboration, is excited to present the beauty and diversity of Japanese traditional fabrics in two events in New York.

The Sakura Collection was started in 2012 comprising three missions aimed at "fostering young creators," "regional revitalization and PR tourism to Japan," and "promoting cultural and economic exchange," with the aim of developing culture, technology, and the economy through cross-border collaboration.

The first event was the Texworld New York City, which also featured the final judging for the Sakura Collection Fashion Design

Award 2024, a global competition for fashion students, who showcased their creations using the theme materials of "Natsu-Shiozawa" and "Upcycled Denim". The second event was an exhibition and fashion presentation held at the Pierre Hotel. On the final day of the event, three renowned fashion designers including Flora Rabitti from Italy (Florania), Irina Duhus from Ukraine (DZHUS), and Sabrina Goh from Singapore (Sabrina Goh) unveiled their exclusive collections made with traditional Japanese materials including Ojiyachijimi, SanoAi Syo-Aizome, Hamamatsu Marunabe Denim, Nakaden Keori's Bishu Wool among others.

For more information, please visit: www.sakuracollection.com

Photo Credits: Triangle NY

New Life in Norway

ESCAPING PUTIN’S WAR MACHINE TO A NEW LIFE IN NORWAY - HVALDIMIR SHOWS HE’S BORN TO BE WILD

For years, the headlines have read, “nobody knows what to do with him,” but now hope is on the horizon for Hvaldimir. After years of uncertainty, his future is being charted by the non-profit, OneWhale.

It has been a long, uncertain path toward freedom. First, he had to escape. In April of 2019, a beluga whale was first sighted by fishermen in northern Norway wearing a harness. He tugged at the local fisherman’s boat fenders to get their attention.

Once freed, everyone expected the whale to swim away, but the friendly creature instead swam to Hammerfest, Norway, where he was named Hvaldimir by locals. Arriving into Norway at the same time, American filmmaker Regina Crosby Haug began documenting the whale.

Crosby Haug realized Hvaldimir’s life was at risk. “Here was a beautiful, innocent soul, who didn’t choose any of this.” She recalls. Soon after she created OneWhale, a non-profit with the mission to protect Hvaldimir. Although OneWhale’s focus is on getting Hvaldimir back

into the wild, other organizations have offered proposals to place Hvaldimir in captivity.

Although Hvaldimir was free, he was not safe. He has been struck by propellors and boats, and in 2023, Hvaldimir suddenly traveled hundreds of miles to Oslo, Norway’s capital. Experts theorized that he is now of mating age and actively searching for other whales. Hvaldimir soon became emaciated due to a lack of food in the industrial waters. Crosby Haug recalls, “Those months could have been a death sentence to Hvaldimir.”

The solution, backed by scientists, veterinarians, and NOAH, Norway’s largest animal rights organization, allows Hvaldimir to be relocated to the arctic islands off the coast of Norway, which is home to over 500 wild belugas. But time could be running out for Hvaldimir. Crosby Haug explains, “We’re doing everything possible to be ready, hoping that 2024 will be Hvaldimir’s year.”

For more information, please visit:  www.onewhale.org

Photo Credits: OneWhale

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News

Prostate Cancer Foundation’s

PALM BEACH GALA DINNER LAUNCHES 2024 PRO-AM TENNIS TOURNAMENT. LEGENDARY 1980S SINGER PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO PERFORMS AT GALA DINNER HELD AT ICONIC FLAGLER MUSEUM

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) hosted their annual Pro-Am Tennis & Golf Tournament in South Florida. The tournaments were a part of a five-day event that combines the 2024 Milken Institute South Florida Dialogues and annual PCF Pro-Am Tournaments.

In addition to being designer of her namesake brand Dee Ocleppo and the creative director of Judith Leiber, Ocleppo Hilfiger is a recognized philanthropist for her support for a range of important social and humanitarian causes, including several organizations focused on autism, breast cancer, AIDS research through amfAR and many others. She serves on the boards of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and GLAM4GOOD, a nonprofit that empowers people in need through fashion and beauty. Commenting on the appointment The Center for Ellen Vaughan, Chief Development Officer said, “The Old Bags luncheon, celebrating its 25th year is the lead fashion forward event in Palm Beach. The Center provides mental health services to the most vulnerable members of our community. Naturally recognizing Dee for her commitment to philanthropy is the perfect collaboration”.

Ocleppo Hilfiger burst onto the fashion scene as a young model gracing covers and working around the world. A true jetsetter, her extensive travels from Milan to Paris, London and more, have given Ocleppo Hilfiger an appreciation for fashion textiles, handbag and shoe materials and the entire design process.

This passion led to her founding her namesake brand, Dee Ocleppo, a line of affordable luxury goods. With Dee Ocleppo, she strives to fill a gap in the market by offering luxurious items, such as artisan made leather handbags and shoes.

The Milken Institute South Florida Dialogues in Palm Beach took place over three days, which included the annual PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament; and concluded with three days of events in Miami. The first night in Palm Beach saw a Gala Dinner honoring John and Daria Becker Barry and the Barry Family in recognition of their efforts to accelerate new life-saving treatment options for prostate cancer patients held at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum with world-renowned mentalist Oz Pearlman and a special musical performance by Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo.

Some notable attendees included: Mike Milken, Bill Koch, John Paulson, Howard Cox, Jenny Johnson, Cliff and Debbie Robbins, Larry Leeds and Ginger Feuer Leeds, Helmy Eltoukhy, Jim Gordon, Joe and Michelle Jacobs, Kneeland Youngblood, Alicia Dahill, Herbie Wertheim, Gina Carithers, Chris and Katia Oberbeck, Ed and Brooke Garden, Monica Seles, Igor Tulchinsky, Kosj Yamoah, Colin McNish, John Hope Bryant and Chaitra Bryant.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has funded nearly $800 million of cutting-edge research by 2,200 scientists at 220 leading cancer centers in 22 countries around the world. Because of PCF’s commitment to ending death and suffering from prostate cancer, the death rate is down more than 52% and 1.5 million men are alive today as a result. PCF research

now impacts 67 forms of human cancer by focusing on immunotherapy, the microbiome, and food as medicine.

All proceeds from the PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament and the Golf Tournament funded PCF’s promising and innovative research efforts for the prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer, and to help extend and improve the lives of all cancer patients:

Following the Gala on Friday night, the 2024 PCF Pro-Am finals took place on Saturday afternoon at The Breakers. After a competitive day, this year’s winners included Pat Davidson(Champion – Group 1), Janice Aron Runner-Up – Group 1), Giselle Asplundh (Champion – Group 2) and Joe Jacobs (Runner-Up – Group 2).

For more information, please visit www.pcf.org

F: PCF.org | T: @PCFnewsPhoto Credits: BFA / Diana Zapata

Dee Ocleppo HILFIGER

OCLEPPO HILFIGER TO RECEIVE INAUGURAL FASHION AND PHILANTHROPY AT ICONIC PALM BEACH FUNDRAISER WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER MARTHA STEWART

The Center for Family Services Palm Beach County is due to hold their signature fundraiser, The Old Bags Luncheon on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, at The Breakers Palm Beach. This year will honor 25 years of the beloved event that will celebrate a Silver Jubilee in grand style. One of the honorees at this year’s luncheon will be Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger.

Since 1961, The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Inc. embraces the

philosophy that families should be the center of the community and the center of every family should be a healthy connection. The Center provides innovative programs that meet the changing and growing needs of individuals, families, and children in the community with their resources and social service programs. The Center for Family Services is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and accredited by Nonprofits First for Excellence in Nonprofit Management.

Those still interested in donating a new or slightly used authentic designer handbag, but missed the purse drive, can contact the Center for Family Services to coordinate a drop-off. Proceeds from the luncheon will directly benefit the Center’s programming which strengthens individuals and families in our community by providing mental and behavioral health services.

For more information, please visit www.ctrfam.org I: @cfspbc | F: centerforfamilyservicespbc | X / T: @Center4FS

Photo

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Palm Beach Palm Beach
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) hosted their annual Pro-Am Tennis & Golf Tournament in South Florida. credits: Tatjana Shoan

Elena Bulatova’s Art

Years ago, the Russian artist Elena Bulatova established herself in California, becoming one of the most recognizable artists in media and television globally. Her series of "Lollipops" and "Popsicles" under the "Sweet Life" series include colorful sculptural resin pieces that come in different sizes, representing her vision of hyperrealist objects that find a delectable appeal to society.

As soon as you visit her gallery in Miami Beach, one of the enormous popsicles stands out at the entrance of the spacious art gallery that also hosts creations of other well-known artists. Inside the two-story facility, art hangs on every wall of the space. Still, the installations of whimsical figures with Chanel and Gucci inscriptions, paintings, and plexiglass collages with pop culture icons like Angelina Jolie and Michael Jordan play adoringly in our mindsets with an explosion of color that makes us happy.

Bulatova crafted her career on the West Coast while building her empire between her brick-and-mortar facility in El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert (California) and her Las Vegas art gallery at the Shops at Crystals in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. While achieving high praise for acquiring her art pieces from celebrities and serious art collectors, the artist has maneuvered to become a staple in the minds of big-time audiences while being showcased in television shows including "Little Fires Everywhere" and "Inventing Anna."

Recently, she was featured in the successful Netflix Series "Selling Sunset," where color meets the sunset and the right lighting, exposing the majestic ideas she works perfectly with. Quality meets creativity, and her drive accentuates her ambitions to become a global phenomenon of fantastic art, stationary pieces that complement the luxury world we love to crave.

Location in Miami Beach: 919 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL 33139

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Karen Five Story OPENS A NEW FIVE STORY

At the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach

Fivestory, with its locations in Palm Beach, New York City and Southampton carry luxury brands such as Etro, Zimmermann, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, TWP, Balmain, Marni, and Huishan Zhang. Murray just opened a new store at the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach.

In addition to these familiar brands, they also offer many exclusive brands including DMN and Semsem. With a beautiful array of evening gowns, footwear, and accessories. Fivestory has made a name for itself in being the place for all of your fashion needs.

Karen Murray was an executive and CEO in the fashion industry for over 40 years. She began her career in menswear, then gravitating to women’s fashion, licensing, and brand management. She worked at companies including Liz Claiborne, VF Corporation, Nautica, and most recently, the CEO of a brand management company that owns brands including Martha Stewart and Jessica Simpson.

As an avid collector of Vintage fashions her entire life, Karen Murray pioneered the Fivestory stores with a vast assortment of preloved fashions and accessories, carrying rare and coveted pieces from designer brands including Chanel, Gucci, YSL, and Pucci. While navigating all facets of the apparel business, and continuously outfitting business partners and friends, Karen always dreamed of owning her own store. Now, as she oversees four elevated and curated store locations, ecommerce, and buying, Karen enjoys working with customers most. She loves building relationships and blending her vision with her customers’ needs and wants.

ROBIN COFER

The artist Robin Cofer has been very active in the last few months. She just did a performance at the Just ART! event during Art Basel 2023 alongside her artist partner Catherine Richards. Disco Delphi Skips the Queue and Runs Off To the Circus by @Crownbyrobincofer + sculpture, photography; drawings: tapestries, video by Richards @catherinerichards/ Cofer also just had her head pieces shown at The Power of Pink exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum. The photograph on the top right belongs to a display Cofer had in a Manhattan retail store.

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highlights

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF THEIR CHILDREN

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation honors the sacrifices of our fallen military heroes by ensuring the success of their children through college education. Since 2002, we have provided over $76 million in support to more than 3,200 military children from all branches who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

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