Shereen Fuqua Art Bodega Magazine Summer Issue 2023 Palm Beach

Witnessing photographer Nigel Barker, himself a top model back in the 1990s, as well as an America’s Next Top Model judge for 17 seasons alongside supermodel Tyra Banks is an experience all its own. His acrobatic movements inside the Manhattan penthouse of Serafina restaurant chain owner Vittorio Assaf while shooting photos for some of the Most Beautiful People on our list, illustrates his passion for creation, his excellent style and knowledge. All of this makes him one of the top photographers in the world, “My life has passed in the blink of an eye but wow, what an experience,” Barker said. “Being for such a long time on television in the greatest country in the world—hailing from England—I never would have thought this could happen to me.”

Nigel’s modeling career began when he was just a senior in high school after his mother signed him up for an audition in a British TV show called Model Search. With his great

Celebrity photographer NIGEL BARKER shares his passion for creativity

By Rebeca Herrero

looks and charisma, he won and started getting modeling gigs all around Europe.

“I thought I was going to medical school, but my parents allowed me to do modeling due to the fact that it was a great income. They thought it would cover my debt during my college years a posteriori. Instead, I loved it so much, I never left it,” Barker said. “I was fascinated with the creative side of the industry—the productions assistants, the stylists, the editors, the cameras. I got married to my beautiful wife who is amazing and started photographing her and her twin sister. We decided to move to New York City where I really developed my career as a fashion photographer. Fast forward, the Tyra Banks’ show—which no one expected would be a hit—called and I became a permanent judge. I rolled the dice with it.”

Now an established New Yorker, Barker has hordes of adoring fans who follow him on television and on social media; fans who admire him for his unmistakable talent but also his

down-to-earth demeanor.

“I became so famous and well-known that I even won one of the most coveted spots in American Photo Magazine, ‘Best Photographer in the World’. I actually got it because back then an intern nominated me—of course she was a fan of the television show—and in this very real survey that happens nationwide, where they always saw big names like Avedon and Ansel Adams, the editors called me to give me the news that ‘we have never seen anything like this, but you have won the spot!’” Barker recalled. “That shows you the power of television.”

When he’s not behind the camera in a studio setting, Nigel is often traveling the world, always expressing his art through the lens. No wonder he’s considered the best in the world!

By the way, shooting the most beautiful with the most beautiful is an experience of a lifetime! Welcome to Art Bodega!

ROSEVALE KITCHEN

Rosevale Kitchen and Cocktail Room located at the Civilian Hotel brings a modern interpretation of a classic New York eatery. The menu blends New York flavors with a modern and cosmopolitan twist, highlights including the Steak Tartare, Matzo Ball soup and Brick Chicken dishes. The architecture features a curved, ribbed leather ceiling and mirror panels accented by red leather banquettes and brass accents giving off a brasserie feel. Designed by renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, Rosevale Kitchen and Cocktail Bar pays homage to its proximity to Broadway. The bright dining room is adorned with round sconces engraved with theater façade sketches by prominent set designers and black and white photography by Bruce Glikas leaning against the wall in casual and layered displays. Rosevale Cocktail Room and the Blue Room offers an extensive list of specialty cocktails and handcrafted drinks lead by master mixologist Francesco LaFranconi. You can have a full night of entertainment in one building with its three floors with the first floor being Rosevale Kitchen restaurant, the second floor is the cozy and vibey Rosevale Cocktail Room and then head upstairs for dancing at Starchild Rooftop Bar and Lounge. The rooftop has a retractable ceiling and panoramic views of the city. http://rosevalenyc.com

FRIEZE LA ART

Argentinian-Spanish visual artist Felipe Pantone Kosmos, the solo debut at CONTROL gallery

http://control.gallery

De Beers Round Brilliant Diamond Eternity Band set in Platinum, 7.15 carats

De Beers AT THE SAG AWARDS

NATURAL & RESPONSIBLY SOURCED DIAMONDS DAZZLED ON NOMINEES

Angela Bassett

De Beers Horizon Diamond Band set in 18K Yellow Gold

Cara Delevigne

De Beers Volute Ring set in Platinum, 6.80 carats

De Beers Talisman Narrow Boule Diamond Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold, 5.66 carats

De Beers Talisman Diamond Drop Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold, 21.18 carats

De Beers Arpeggia Long Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold, 4.68 carats. De Beers Dewdrop Single Diamond Ear Cuff set in 18K White Gold. De Beers Enchanted Lotus HJ Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold, 5.87 carats. De Beers Arpeggia Three Line Diamond Bracelet set in 18K White Gold, 9.49 carats

De Beers Diamond Line Bracelet set in Platinum, 17.03 carats

De Beers The Alchemist of Light 'Midnight Aura' Necklace set in 18K White Gold, 74.73 carats

De Beers Wavy Lines Diamond Necklace set in 18K White Gold, 53.08 carat

Alchemist of Light 'Ascending Shadows' Brooch set in 18K White Gold, Titanium, and Blue Aluminum, 17.08 carats

Ke Hui

Hannah Einbinder

De Beers Adonis Rose Pear Diamond Ring set in Platinum, 5.40 carats

De Beers DB Classic Diamond Stud Earrings set in Platinum, 4.04 carats. De Beers Allegria Diamond Band set in Platinum, 3.70 carats. De Beers Round Brilliant Diamond Eternity Band set in Platinum, 2.65 carats.

CHESTER WEBER

Live Oak International is a combined

tournament of carriage driving & jumping

Live Oak International is a unique show in Ocala, Florida. Combining jumping with carriage driving, the picturesque farm that hosts the tournament has been enjoyed by locals and visitors of Ocala for 32 years. The Co-President of the event is driver Chester Weber, who has won silver medals around the world in such a beautiful sport overseen by the FEI. He shares the task with his niece, show jumper Chloe Reid.

When did you start driving horses?

I started when I was 13 years old. My family always had racehorses. As you know, a jockey must have a certain weight, they cannot pass the 110 pounds, soaking wet. I was already that weight at 13, and it looked like I was going to be 6 feet tall. I couldn’t be a jockey, so I had to find something else. My family owned the Clydesdale horses, and I was driving them with great passion, six or eight of them. I followed my passion, and then started training and competing around the US. Particularly in the Midwest, and in Toronto. Eventually we started a horse event, my parents made that decision when I was a little kid.

How long ago was this?

This event was started 32 years ago, when the local driving club came to my family and asked them to start a live event. They asked us to organize a driving marathon at this farm. Back then we had a show facility, just for Saturdays doing cross country. We then built a proper arena. Chloe (my niece) asked us, why not add jumping to the live show? She was way younger than us. My sister and I worked hard at it, and we started a FEI 2-star event. It has continued to grow. The FEI gave us the World Cup qualifier. So far, we’ve been doing it for eight years.

It is a magnificent venue. Tell us about the tradition of carriage driving?

Driving carriages have existed for a very long time, before the automobile was here, and back then people did it with a lot of style. There is something about driving four horses. Some of these families of the era, like the Rockefellers, would drive beautiful carriages with friends to go for dinner in NY, or to go shooting or hunting. The sport grew in the mid 70’s with the help of Prince Phillip, late husband of Queen Elizabeth. He was an ex-polo player but was injured playing polo. He was looking for something to do. They had the carriages around the castle,

Live Oak International is the only equine event to host both combined driving and show jumping at the same venue on the same weekend in North America.  The event returned to Ocala March 16-19.

and he thought, well, I can’t play polo anymore, why not start carriage driving… He became very passionate about it. Originally it was for amateurs and now people are professionals in this sport.

How has the sport grown?

It's growing in the United States. In Europe it continues to grow. For me, my next stop is Windsor in England, then France. I also compete in Germany at the biggest outdoor horse show. It is a 120-year-old competition. It would be the equivalent of getting involved at the Masters in Golf. The sport is governed by the FEI, the Federation International Equestrian. They govern six different sports, and this is one of them.

Why Florida?

I think Florida is a great place to be in the winter and here you have the ability to compete year round. Florida is really the mecca for carriage driving. It’s also practiced in Aiken, North Carolina, and in the Northeast, Virginia, in Central New Jersey at Gladstone. There are some competitions in California and Kentucky. But yes, ultimately Florida is the mecca of the sport.

Can you describe Ocala for us?

Ocala is a huge horse community. It has 1000 horse farms. Here you see horse racing, jumping, paso fino, carriage driving… so there has been a lot of growth in Ocala, of course with

the addition of the center. My family had a vision to help the tournament and currently we have riders from 20 different nations. It’s all about sport, here is not only about the competitor, but also the customer, the sponsor and ticket purchaser. It’s equally great that attendees get to enjoy a nice bag of chips with a Budweiser in hand, while others also have the opportunity to enjoy champagne and caviar. Bottom line, spectators feel comfortable in the venue.

You are the President of the venue? How do you envision the future of it?

I’ve been the co-president with my niece Chloe, we do it together, it is a family affair. The tournament continues to be a place not only for the top sport, but for people to come and enjoy it, socialize. People want to watch it, and you don’t have to be involved with horses.

You’ve lived for a while in Ocala, but give us a bit of information about your background?

I moved here after graduating from Cornell, went to boarding school in New Jersey, I felt there were limitations living in Upstate New York, my bones were “cold”. Reason why I left upstate New York. Ocala wasn’t like what you see today, it was a bit more rural, more land. But the county and the people in Ocala realize the green spaces, and the culture needs to remain about the horses. Beautiful live oak trees, and the rolling hills surprises people. Ocala is not much about palm trees, but about oak

trees. From an economic standpoint, the Economic Development Council have been very good at it and have also made it a transportation hub.

What’s next for you?

I will continue traveling to Europe. There’s nothing better than seeing these four animals working together, and the small details, how the reins help guide the horses to work together, to produce poetry in motion.

How was meeting Queen Elizabeth?

I met her a few times; her husband was an advent carriage driver. It humbles me to have lived those experiences. She always made you feel great. She always knew the right energy to make you feel comfortable.

She bought horses in Kentucky……

A lot of them for her racing program. They are bred in Kentucky. America is a huge country, with wonderful horses that come from all the Americas. The beauty of any equestrian sport competition is that you see people of all ages, competing at the same level. Here you can see people competing in their 20’s next to a rider in their 60’s.

You have achieved everything you wanted?

What else are you aiming for?

To become the world champion. I have silver medals individually but would love to earn my gold medals as well. I have two beautiful children, 8 and 5 years old. I feel very blessed.

Chester Weber runs the equestrian tournament Live Oak International from his farm in Ocala.

2.

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4. Dong center table set is the perfect set for a luxury living area.  www.hommes.studio

5. Annabel James, a tartan picnic blanket with top quality leather straps www.annabeljames.co.uk

6. Everest mirror is a timeless

round mirror that will add sophistication to any living area. www.hommes. studio

7. Art by Claude Monet, a traditional art print featuring a woman on a beach. www.desenio.com

8. Saintlaurent is a glass vase with an organic shape resulting from hand mastery hot glass www. hommes.studio

9. Yves center table is a cubic-shaped coffee table that is the perfect choice for a modern penthouse project. www. hommes.studio

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

1. A view inside one of the villas of the Koraki Persone in Palm Springs

Beige poster linocut by Desenio www. desenio.com

Photography by Nigel Barker

Dress & shoes provided by FivestoryNY www.fivestoryny.com

Styling by Aleetha Clanton

Photographed by Nigel Barker at the private residence of Vittorio Assaf in Manhattan

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry blue titanium diamond cuff bracelet, $16,500, shsilver.com

Ana Veiga Milton, engineer, attorney, and philanthropist, is beautiful because she feels confident surrounded by a loving family who supports her pursuit of opportunities to mentor and share knowledge, empower minorities and women, and ensure access to quality healthcare. South Florida organizations like United Way, Red Cross, University of Miami, Jackson Health, 5000 Role Models, and Zoo Miami benefit from her dedicated board service, generosity, and volunteerism. "Women are the (sometimes silent) force behind the success of multi-generational family businesses and philanthropic endeavors. We leverage our education, abilities, compassion, and gratitude to do good and encourage others to give back. We inspire and guide the next generation."

Dress provided by FiveStory NY www. fivestoryny.com

On a balmy morning in mid-March, dozens of influential female entrepreneurs, business leaders, creatives and philanthropists gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. The energy was high, and the sense of camaraderie permeating the room was infectious. No, the occasion had nothing to do with Art Basel Miami Beach – or the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, held a few weeks prior; instead, it was the inaugural Women Shaping Miami Power Breakfast and Panel, a first-of-its-kind endeavor celebrating women in business with three panels: real estate and finance, hospitality and lifestyle. A simple premise, but as the brainchild of Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and her daughter, Sophia Kanavos, the event was more groundbreaking than anyone could have imagined, raising over $40,000 for the Women of Tomorrow foundation.

“We made the tickets affordable to ensure women from all socioeconomic backgrounds could attend,” says Dayssi. “What set this conference apart was that every panelist came with the singular focus to share and inspire. It was not a pay-to-speak type of event. The authenticity shined through with an energy that was palpable in the room.”

Of course, the event’s success was no surprise to those who know Dayssi well. After all, the charismatic Bogotá-born philanthropist is equally successful as president and COO of Flag Luxury Group, the New York-based real estate development firm she founded with her husband, Peter Kanavos, in 1997. Dayssi, who has a master’s in real estate development and finance from NYU and a bachelor’s from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, oversees all aspects of the company’s real estate initiatives, including site sourcing, financing, branding, design, programming, zoning, and construction and asset management. To date, Flag Luxury Group has planned and completed over $6 billion of hospitality, retail, entertainment and residential projects and has more than $3 billion worth of projects in its pipeline in Miami Beach, Orlando, New York and Las Vegas.

Recently, Dayssi was instrumental in securing an agreement between Flag Luxury Group, Marriott International and Chef José Andrés, paving the way for the all-new

DAYSSI Olarte de Kanavos

With her stunningly gorgeous looks and enviable sense of style, you may be tempted to dismiss Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos. If you Google her name, you may encounter a few decades-old articles from New York Magazine and Vogue referencing her as a fashion-focused socialite. But time and again, the business-savvy executive and serial philanthropist has proven she’s anything but.

Photographed by Nigel Barker at Vittorio Assaf’s private residence

Hair by Shlomi Benlulu Makeup by Romee of Dbora Cosmetics provided by Thomas Taft Salone

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry Afghanistan emerald and diamond necklace and double cabochon oval shaped emerald and tsavorite garnet micropave ring, price upon request, shsilver.com Earrings by Christina Caruso www. christinacaruso.com

Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, which opened in July 2022. The 50-story property, featuring 219 guest rooms, 31 suites and 16 penthouse residences, has been lauded for its bold, contemporary design paying homage to its location in the city’s Flower District. “For our fifth Ritz-Carlton hotel, we married the refined service for which The Ritz-Carlton is known with the kitchen of humanitarian and Michelin-starred chef José Andrés,” says Dayssi. “It’s the next generation of the luxury hotel experience.”

Dayssi has also been a key player in the recent merger of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, co-owned by the Kanavos and Lowenstein families (who also own The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour), and its nextdoor neighbor, Sagamore Hotel South Beach (owned by New York-based Ben-Josef Group). The three families are currently spearheading significant revitalization plans that include redeveloping the historic art-inspired Sagamore Hotel under The Ritz-Carlton brand and the construction of new luxury residences by architect Kobi Karp on the unified Ritz-Carlton/Sagamore South Beach property.

The forthcoming project is not without challenges. However, as a visionary, Dayssi understands the importance of innovation and contributing to the communities in which their business operates. As a result, she and her partners have made it clear that they don’t want to build just another luxury residential building. “The new residences will preserve the district’s residential base, which has unfortunately diminished with the growth of tourism,” Dayssi explains. “By reincorporating residents into the neighborhood’s fabric, we can create a sense of place necessary for maintaining an attractive livework-play environment.”

Knowing that their properties are the literal and metaphorical anchors of Miami Beach’s central district, Dayssi and her partners have also set forth plans to revitalize the 100-300 blocks of Lincoln Road, the city’s pedestrian-only thoroughfare celebrated for its highend shops and restaurants. They have invested private funds in pre-development costs and assembled a team of top consultants.

“Unfortunately, the blocks of Lincoln Road closest to the beach and our hotels have been neglected in recent years,” says Dayssi. “Our plans include repositioning the site as a mixed-use area and creating a public-private strategy to solve traffic, functionality, aesthetics and safety.”

As if splitting her attention between Miami and New York wasn’t enough, let us not forget that Dayssi is also an avid philanthropist, spending much of her free time giving back to people and communities in need. She continues to devote time to her longtime charitable obligations, including the Friends of New Yorkers for Children, which she founded more than 25 years ago to support kids in foster care, and Save Venice, the largest private foundation dedicated to restoring art and architecture in Venice. She and Sophia also have plans to make the Women Shaping Miami Power Breakfast and Panel an annual occurrence in several cities. “Our mission is to empower female entrepreneurs and business professionals by creating a platform for women to come together, share stories and learn from one another’s experiences,” Dayssi says. “I want to do everything I can to continue supporting women to close the gender gap and promote positive change in the business world.”

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, New York, NOMAD

Dress provided by FiveStory New York & photographed at the private residence of Vittorio Assaf Jewelry by Christina Caruso www. christinacaruso.com

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry Pink tourmaline bracelet, $55,000, shsilver.com

Keni Silva is a stunning model and influencer who has appeared on the television reality show Real Housewives of Orange County. She attends many luncheons linked to charitable causes including the Red Song Bird Foundation and Harvest Home amongst others. She is photographed for major publications from Los Angeles to New York City and has two young children, Alexia and Joshua. “Feeling beautiful is a plus that comes with leading a healthy lifestyle, being a part of a community of stylish people requires some time and dedication but I truly enjoy it. It has inspired me to write books, start beauty brands and enjoy the making of the arts and film as well coming from Los Angeles.”

Dress by Koltson, designed by Robert Rodriguez

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry freeform diamond fashion earrings, $37,500, shsilver.com; Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry diamond and leather convertible necklace, $137,500; Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry openwork geometric diamond bracelet, price upon request; Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry tanzanite and diamond ring, $36,600, shsilver.com

KENI MAYI Silva

The Beauty Mogul

Jacket provided by Sartoria Studios in SOHO

The One Sotheby’s CEO of South Florida

de la Vega

Cuban-American real estate powerhouse Mayi de la Vega has built her thriving business around her community. As the founder and CEO of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, the leading luxury brokerage firm along Florida’s East Coast, her leadership and forward-thinking vision has fostered a company culture that redefines the industry standard through unwavering agent empowerment—and a passion for philanthropy. Mayi is a proud supporter and Board Member for numerous organizations including the Florida International University-Casa Cuba Initiative, United Way, Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation, and Women Photographers International Archive. She has been honored with a Humanitarian Award from the American Red Cross, serves as a Guardian Angel Society Member for Jackson Memorial Hospital, is part of The International Women’s Committee at the Perez Art Museum Miami, served as a Board Member of the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation and was on the Board of Trustees for Florida International University. Most recently, she spearheaded the company-wide Love as One Campaign and worked with her team to tirelessly fundraise for various Florida-based charities to support local families in need. She is an inspiration to all who know her and a shining example of how one person can make a difference.

Peter Thomas Roth is a staple in the beauty industry. His big heart is reflected in the love for his family, his mother who just turned 100 years old and the big celebration he coordinated for her with friends and family at his Miami residence, full of splendor and love. His generous persona precedes him. “I’ve worked in the beauty industry, we’ve helped millions of people keep their skin healthy and beautiful. It also comes from within,” reflected Thomas Roth during the photo session with famous photographer Nigel Barker. One of the most philanthropic people in New York City, his style is impeccable and his company continues to conquer the world of beauty each day.

PETER Roth Thomas

From left to right: Veiga Milton wears Koltson by Robert Rodriguez, Silva & Aspen wear wardrobe by designer Son Jung Wan www.sonjungwan.com

to right: Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry amber and golden beryl drop earrings, $12,675; Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry Mexican fire opal and diamond halo ring, $13,000; Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry amethyst and diamond leather snake collar necklace, $30,000; Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry platinum carved ruby, emerald, and diamond bracelet, price upon request; Emerald cut emerald and tsavorite garnet halo drop earrings, $58,500; Carved jade and pink sapphire earrings, $13,500, shsilver.com

Left

SHEREEN Fuqua

The Equestrian Powerhouse in Wellington

Photographed with her daughter Kat Fuqua

“Today is too much about ethnicity. I was raised to be beautiful within and pick up your bootstraps and keep going. Feeling pretty was a challenge for me. But now being 60 years old, I feel gorgeous! I’m proud to have had a successful career, I built a world class training horse farm, designed and published my homes, supported the USEF as a Title Sponsor of multiple national championships, and developed GumBits, chewing gum for horses. Self-made, my ambition came from movies, and dreams I created as a little girl. From Diana Ross in Mahogany, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, in Sabrina, in Funny Face and Scarlett O’Hara character in Gone with the Wind, coupled with the grace of Jackie O’s real life tragedy ... these women are beautiful, and influence my style.”

On photographer Nigel Barker: “He is a professional, intense, focused, and observing every detail. He’s an artist that doesn’t allow a stroke to go off in the wrong direction. He’s a perfectionist who can change in a snap showing compassion and patience to get that shot. Simple is elegant, strong and willful is powerful. Honesty and humbleness are beautiful. Being a mother of a polite nice girl is beautiful too.

Orange Dress provided by FiveStory NewYork www.

fivestoryny.com

Black Dress by Koltson designed by Robert Rodriguez

Earrings on this page by Geoffrey Good Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry amber and golden beryl drop earrings, $12,675, shsilver.com

Self-proclaimed Southern Belle Venita is a force to be reckoned with. A jack-of-all-trades, newcomer Venita went to culinary school and is a full time model and influencer known around Charleston for her glamour, immaculate parties, and her head-to-toe perfect outfits. Venita infuses southern flair into everything she touches, a skill she got from her Mom Vi, who is Venita’s best friend and role model. She is a big star of Bravo’s “Southern Charm” television show.

Dress by Koltson, designed by Robert Rodriguez

Stephen Silver peridot, pink and white diamond necklace, price upon request, shsilver.com

VITTORIO

Assaf

Owner of the Serafina Group

Photographed by Nigel Barker at his private residence in Manhattan

Vittorio Assaf is the co-founder of the Serafina Group. The brand exemplifies the elegant world of Italy, where flavors dance with our senses and delight our palates. Assaf has been living in New York City for several decades and the famous yellow awning of Serafina with the blue font logo can be seen around the city as a symbol of pride for the restaurateur. “We dedicate our restaurants to our clientele who opt for a nice Italian dish. These guests want the best, they love our ambiance for our relaxed Italian inspired décor. People come from all over the world to enjoy our dishes and we pride ourselves on providing excellence at all levels.”

Kyle a Richards

Smolders with her sexiness at the Italian Staple

THE BEAUTY TAKES

MANHATTAN WHILE STROLLING THE COOL STREETS OF NEW YORK CITY!!!!

Photography by Andres Hernandez at Serafina Madison New York

Dress by Zhivago from www. designerrevival.com

Buccellati Earrings: www.buccellati.com

Hair by Francis Rodriguez

Makeup by Deney Adam

A beautiful woman walks into the lobby of the NH Collection Hotel next to the Serafina Restaurant on Madison and 38th. She has these big, beautiful eyes, wears a nice sporty winter coat (it happened that this particular day was one of the coldest last winter in February) and carries her suitcases by herself. She is alone, smiles at us and, well, it happens that the gorgeous lady is none other than Kyle Richards, the famous TV star that after 13 years still appears as the only original cast member on Bravo’s, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”. “Wow, can you believe it? It’s 13 years and I still do it,” Richards said as she headed upstairs to do her hair and make up for this special occasion. “You get used to it.”

The renowned Colombian photographer Andres Hernandez is getting his equipment ready to show the brunette the feel and look of his locations throughout the stunning Midtown Manhattan hotel. We only had a few hours to do the photo shoot; Richards was flying back to Los Angeles after attending a big event in Manhattan the night before, The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert. She was radiant—stunning even—with her hair pulled back and flawless skin.

“Once you do it for a living, you kind of want to be comfortable and just wear sneakers and jeans,” Richards said, perfectly in keeping with how we’ve seen the former child actress, perhaps best known for her role on Little House

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on the Prairie become a chameleon of brand personality, whether it’s walking alone while attending Aspen Snow Polo, or having a slice of pizza with her husband of 30 years, Mauricio Umansky, the famous real estate broker from Los Angeles who owns his real estate company, The Agency.

The two met when Richards was about 19. Neither had two dimes to rub together.

“I remember having my first child, Farrah, and telling my husband to quit the clothing business he was in,” Richards reminisced. “I told him, why don’t we get a babysitter and get our real estate license? That way we make money—and we did! Sometimes I would call him and ask him, where are you? He would say: ‘I am at the golf course’ and I would tell him, ‘get out of there and find work, please. I don’t want to live in a two-bedroom place with all the babies!’”

Get out there Mauricio did, and, as they say, the rest is history.

“He worked really hard; you had to find the motivation and to be the voice as the mother of four daughters to create a company like we had,” Richards said. “He has worked really, really hard and I admire that about him. Our marriage works because we have the same vision on how we raise our children. I am a mother first and that has always been my priority.”

Dress

by ITML (In the Mood for Love)

Shoes by Aquazzura at FiveStory NY

www.fivestoryny.com

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry Italian mesh diamond scarf necklace, price upon request, shsilver.com

Watch by Buccellati

www.buccellati.com

Other jewelry by Nicole Rose Jewelry

Richards had a complicated childhood growing up in the 1970s. Her mother was single and felt Kyle had to become an actress like her sisters, which at such an early age, could be challenging for any child, but through it all, she remembers her mother fondly. “She was a very strong woman. A lot of the things they write about her are actually not true. They talk about her alcoholism and personal life with several husbands. Yes we didn’t have a lot of structure. But the lies, that’s what bothers me; it happens to me as well on social media,” Richards shared. “We are humans; we suffer too. But you have to brush it off and remind yourself that it is part of the job. When you are in the public eye, people will lie about you. I don’t like to lie. I live in full honesty. My life is much simpler than people think. I work hard. I love being creative. I wake up early in the morning to hit the gym for two hours. I love biking, hiking—I work very, very, hard to be healthy. I read all the books about how to feel better, for my own wellbeing. It’s important to take care of yourself, and that’s why I quit drinking 10 months ago. It has allowed me to lose weight and feel amazing… inside and out.”

Outfit by KZ_K Studio www. kzkstudionyc.com

Earrings and Bracelet by Buccellati (www. buccellati.com) provided by the store on 714 Madison Avenue NY NY 10065

Photographed by Andres Hernandez at the Serafina Restaurant: 241 Madison Avenue NY NY 10016

Entering a new chapter in her life, Richards is revered by suburban mothers, has an immense following on Instagram, does her own filming and production—something she loves to do—and is starting to transition back to acting, now in a more serious way.

“Being on reality shows was great at the time because I was home,” she said. “I had my last daughter, Portia, at the time. When they asked me, I kept saying I was not going to do it. That being a serious actress, I would just not do it. But I started watching the New Jersey and Atlanta (Housewives) shows and I warmed up to the idea. I was at home at the time with my baby, and well, I gave it a try. Look how it ended up being such an important part of our lives. To be committed to a show where the crew is like my family. Yes, it’s always a concern due to privacy issues, but we grew up in Hollywood. Even when my nieces (Paris and Nicky Hilton) became so famous and they had to hire bodyguards and more, it was very concerning. But so far, the experience has been so amazing. I really love it. I really love how people approach me in such an affectionate way. I have not had one single bad thing happen in all these years, the opposite. We embraced the show, and it has continued to fulfill the life of my children. Two of my daughters have their own Netflix show as part of The Agency. It awakens my creativity, my sense of existence. I am OK with that,” explains the beauty who has become so iconic in the American celebrity obsessed world, that she has starred in Super Bowl commercials as herself.

KYLE RICHARDS

wears Anne Fontaine

150 Worth ntaine

150 Worth Ave #113

Palm BAv Ave #113

Palm BAve #113

Palm Beach e #113 Palm Beach

Black Dress provided by FiveStory NY www.fivestoryny.com

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry rhodolite garnet and diamond necklace, $50,000; Stephen Silver

Fine Jewelry wide mesh ruby and diamond bracelet, $65,000, shsilver.com

Jimmy Choo shoes by Designer Revival www. designerrevival.com

Her brand has expanded to an area where social media has become a platform for channeling creativity for celebrities. They can produce, talk about and sell whatever they wish through their own media channels. This multifaceted commercial approach has made the strong, confident Kyle, synonymous with a wealthy lifestyle that both she and Umansky have built into something like an empire which continues to expand. It’s an empire built on hard work.

“If people think that I would take any drugs to lose weight, that is simply not true. I’ve worked very hard. I am sure if my mother would have had the knowledge of how you can take hormones and improve your health after your 50’s, find ways to eat and take care of yourself, which is something I study diligently and I am concerned about on a daily basis, she might not have died of breast cancer,” said Richards, whose mother, Kathy Dugan died in 2002 from breast cancer. I’ve read studies of how alcohol can affect you. I used to drink very moderately, not even two glasses of wine and I would get hungry all the time. I would start eating cookies—it was so unhealthy. That prompted my decision to quit alcohol, start exercising more. I was in a better mood; why change that?”

Her life in Beverly Hills is so healthy and marvelous you can see she is running eagerly into the next chapter of her life.

“My daughters are everything to me,” she said. “ I’ve started traveling more with my ladies from the show, and I truly enjoy it. But I won’t change what I am going for. I like and I will remain the same, saying the truth for the world to see and express what I truly want to be.”

During our shoot, she just did that, weathering 15 degree weather that day, sans coat through the beautiful streets of Manhattan. She could have easily been mistaken for Elizabeth Taylor in a fabulous strapless dress. She posted the story on her IG of it walking in the cold without a coat and it instantly became a meme. Her followers adore her. “It energized me. It’s the child actor in me. I was trained to be strong and will remain authentic and creative. I love it!”

Black

Earrings: Dina Fab and Funky, West Palm Beach, Florida Hair: Henry de la Paz

Make-up: Kimara Ahnert, NY

JEAN Shafiroff

The Beauty of Jean Shafiroff - First Lady of Philanthropy Speaks About The Beauty of Giving Back ving Back

By Laura Taylor

TThe alluring life of Jean Shafiroff captivates from the moment one is introduced to her. As the First Lady of Philanthropy, Shafiroff regularly appears on magazine covers, in fashion articles, and on society pages. The well-known adage that one can be beautiful both inside and out is simply the best way to describe the ethos of Shafiroff. For her life on the pages is both glamorous and at the same time full of compassionate advocacy work.

As a philanthropic leader, TV host, and the author of the book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What you Give, Shafiroff defines the beauty of giving back. The visionary is focused on leading the world to a more sustainable future. The deeper meaning of her existence is to do things with positive intent. From Shafiroff’s perspective, making the world beautiful through philanthropic work is to create an everlasting positive impact.

Wielding influence and encouraging others to dedicate their lives to creating change through volunteering is vitally important to Shafiroff. Her dedicated philanthropic work over the years proves that when ingenuity meets purpose, the human capacity for solving problems is boundless.

Jean Shafiroff, who comes from humble roots with a middle-class family, was instilled from an early age with the importance of giving back. Her music teacher father and stay-athome mother had the family doing volunteer work at the school 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 in Physical Therapy and an MBA in Finance, Shafiroff pursued a career on Wall Street. Her philanthropic work started slowly when she volunteered at her daughters' schools. From there she joined a few charity boards and over time it grew to serving on eight boards and chairing between eight and ten large fundraising galas each year; as well as hosting and underwriting numerous smaller events in her homes and elsewhere for many different charitable organizations.

Shafiroff spends countless hours working tirelessly to promote causes and at the same works to motivate others to get involved. Her days are often spent in front of the computer and on calls to promote 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

Carolina Herrera

Hair: Henry de la Paz

Make-up: Melissa at La Carezza Day Spa, Southampton, NY

also interested in furthering LGBTQ equality, cancer awareness campaigns and several other causes. Shafiroff is involved in motivating the next generation and aims to instill in them hope as they follow her on the pathway to successful philanthropy.

The art of giving back is witnessed in Shafiroff’s impressive and inspirational ways of being a true patron of good deeds. Admirable charitable work includes serving on the boards of the American Humane, 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.

Oscar de la Renta

Jewelry: Chopard

Hair: Henry de la Paz

Make-up: Kimara

Ahnert, NY,NY

All of Shafiroff’s work is understandably important and why she was most recently bestowed an award in September 2022 of a proclamation naming her the “First Lady of Philanthropy of New York” from NYS Assembly member, Rebecca Seawright, representing the New York State Assembly. Then in November 2022, the 117th US Congress, recognized Shafiroff for her works in philanthropy. This recognition was given by US Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York.

Shafiroff has been honored dozens of times by charities which include American Humane, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research, Operation Warrior Shield, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, Health Advocates for Older People, Youth Counselling League, the NYC International Film Festival Foundation, the Jewish Board, and the Hadassah. In December 2020, Dan’s Paper named her Philanthropist of the Year at their Long Island Power Women’s Award Ceremony.

As a leading authority on the art of giving, she has written about and then spoken on countless TV shows and podcasts about the rewards of volunteering and philanthropy. Her TV show Successful Philanthropy, which airs several times each week in the Hamptons, 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 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.”

Philanthropy the way Shafiroff encourages it can make the world tangibly beautiful. Through volunteering and taking the time to help others, life can simply become beautifully rewarding.

For more information about Jean Shafiroff, please visit: JeanShafiroff.com

I: @JeanShafiroff / @JeanShafiroffatwork

F: Jean Shafiroff / Jean Shafiroff, Style and Philanthropy

T: @JeanShafiroff

Hair: Henry de la Paz

Make-up: Melissa at La Carezza Day Spa, Southampton, NY

Hair and

Make-up: Melissa at La Carezza Day Spa, Southampton, NY

Malan Breton

Make-up: Kimara

Ahnert

Hair: Piet, Vartali Salon, NY NY

Vicky Tiel

Oscar de la Renta

KAREN MURRAY

CEO of Fivestory

Photography by Sheri Mazariegos

Fivestory, with its three 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.

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 three 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. Service continues to be the core of the Fivestory business model and Karen along with her dedicated sales teams, take great pride in knowing that customers receive the absolute best when they visit any store. She loves to put together looks that may be a stretch from a fashion point of view but when women walk out of the dressing room, delighted by the way they look, they realize the magic of Fivestory.

Today, Fivestory caters to local customers and tourists. Many customers shop in all three locations throughout the year; winters in Palm Beach, spring and fall in New York City and summer in Southampton. “I enjoy seeing my customers year-round and curate each store accordingly!” said Murray from her store in Palm Beach.

GEN ART

For 30 Years, Gen Art has been an integral part of the global fashion, film and visual art circuit, most recently supporting the hottest emerging fashion designers, hair and makeup artists, runway models, photographers and visual artists.

Growing up in New York as a teen model from the tender age of 14 in 1992, Gen Art's CEO Keri Ingvarsson (Vignola) entered the corporate side of fashion in 2005, under the tutelage iconic publisher/ editor duo of Sandy Brant and Ingrid Sischy ( Interview Magazine, Art in America). Keri regards her time at Interview as "a vital, head-on crash course into the world of fashion" before she joined Gen Art in 2006.

In her 17-year tenure, Gen Art has supported the industry in discovering Philip Lim, Rodarte ( Academy Award-winning costume designers for Black Swan), Peter Som, BRSTL Studio, Rebecca Taylor, and many more, through Gen Art's runway-to-consumer platform, Fresh Faces in Fashion. Keri became CEO in 2013, shifting the platform from a non-profit to a "for profit, for purpose" model, offering fashion designers retail and online sales opportunities directly off the runway with strategic revenue partners such Bloomingdales Soho, Macy's 34th Street, ShopSpring and Intermix. In 2015, Keri moved Gen Art's headquarters

west from New York City to Los Angeles (DTLA), launching a new revenue stream between the Hollywood Film/ TV industry and Gen Art creators, through media-based merchandise collaborations with Disney, Universal Studios and Amazon.

In 2020, after seeing an opportunity for visual artists, following major growth in fashion at Gen Art, the company named westcoast based contemporary gallerist ( Ethos Contemporary Art) Georgeana Ireland as Artistic Director. That same year, Georgea -

na introduced Gen Art to producer, double-platinum recording artist and emerging visual artist, Luciana Caporaso, now Gen Art's Creative Director, allowing the company to explore expansion into film, music and art. Fast-forward three years, and the Gen Art x Ethos partnership has a collaborative roster that includes pop-up art shows during Art Basel: Miami, Frieze Art Fair, Coachella Valley Music Festival, as well as an award-winning art/ music video that premiered at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood (Grauman's).

As Gen Art celebrates its 3 0th Anniversary in 2023, the company has plans to grow digitally, enabling future artists a platform to "connect, collaborate and create" viable, sustainable projects, products and businesses together. The company also has plans to relaunch a "completely revamped/ rethought" film program ( the Gen Art Film Festival heralded NYC and Chicago from 1996-2013 and touts 200 notable film alumni), and a brand-new partnership with visionary investor, event and film producer Naeem Munaf, promises just that.

Georgeana Ireland

Izzy King

Luciana Caporaso

Keri Ingvarsson

ANIRAYS Camino

Anirays Camino is a Venezuelan photographer based in Miami, Florida. Camino developed a distinctive visual narrative by combining her passion for aerial photography with handmade installations that recreate imaginary worlds.

Since 2012, Camino has been creating photo-based artworks, which have been exhibited primarily in the U.S. In 2015, Camino had a private solo show sponsored by the prestigious fine house jewelry Cartier in Miami's Design District in support to Big Brother Big Sister’s Miracle Society Organization. That same year, she participated in Macaya Gallery & Hoerle-Guggenheim collaborative exhibition project ArtCeleration, among major established artists including Retna. Her work was also featured at Maman Fine Art’s group show and Curator’s Voi-

ce Art Project during Miami Art Basel 2015, . Most recently, Camino participated in a group exhibition with renown visual artist Domingo Zapata called Art Intervention during New York’s Fashion Week 2016 at the Gansevoort Hotel in Meatpacking District.

Camino has collaborated with remarkable organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters' Annual Benefit Auction (2015) and the Fisher Island Annual Gala (2015).

In 2015, The Visual Arts Faculty selected her work to be shown at Miami’s International University of Art & Design Gallery where she is currently doing a Visual Arts Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with a focus on photography. In Miami, she recently produced a beautiful event for the luxury brand Rolls Royce during Art Basel.

GEOFFREY Good

Geoffrey Good is a renowned fine jewelry designer, internationally recognized for his elegant designs, incorporating traditional goldsmithing techniques. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, he has established himself as a master craftsman and artist, known for his attention to detail and exceptional skill in creating exquisite pieces of jewelry.

Dedicating years on Madison Avenue to refine his skills, Geoffrey created jewelry for celebrated firms and institutions such as Cartier ®, Fred Leighton ®, Verdura ®, Taffin ®, Christie's ®, Sotheby's ® & The Metropolitan Museum of Art ® before founding his own workshop. Geoffrey's eclectic aesthetic fuses rebellious creativity with unparalleled craftsmanship. Discovery is balanced by respect for the past and the legacy of his classical training.

Good's designs are characterized by their clean lines, understated elegance, and use of high-quality materials such as diamonds and precious metals. His pieces are characterized by bold geometric shapes, emphasizing balance and proportion. Galaxy and Hex are his most recently launched signature collections. Good’s jewelry has been featured in numerous publications and has been worn by celebrities and prominent figures around the world.

Geoffrey Good's work is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating fine jewelry. His designs are classic and stand the test of time, making them cherished treasures for generations to come. https://www.geoffreygood.com/

Photography by Sheri Mazariegos at Camino’s residence in Miami

Photographed at Brasserie Cognac Restaurant in Midtown by Kelsey Schmitt

GUY PHILOCHE STANLEY

The New York artist premiere series Give Us Our Flowers

By Rebeca Herrero. Photography by Michael Goldman

One of the top contemporary artists from New York City who is taking the world of art by storm is Haitian born American artist, Guy Stanley Philoche. As his name says, the French word “Guy” represents an allegorical interpretation of the male component that interacts with the daily experiences of modern city living, which is in fact, a true statement of what Philoche represents. As soon as you enter into his studio in East Harlem, we see the white walls sweetly adoring some of his artistic statements written on the walls. “Post No Bills”, an allegory on his view of city living in New York, where we are constantly bombarded with signs that direct us not to advertise or not to post anything, is a true testament of his due diligence as an artist.

On the window, next to a table full of cans with brushes and accumulation of acrylics and oil tubes, is a piece of paper resembling a rat with a paint brush. The sweetness of his art is a compilation of dynamic and contrasting metaphors that allege the true beauty of one of the most vibrant, if not the most, city in the world, New York City.

As a 5-year-old child of immigrant parents from Haiti, Philoche learned English watching cartoons and daytime TV while living in Connecticut with his very blue-collar oriented parents, who thought being a doctor or having a government position with a pension was the ultimate goal for their offspring. “But I took another route, I wanted to be an artist,” confesses the handsome and charismatic painter, whose refined art education comes from the prestigious Paier School of Arts and eventually Yale University. “I left my home at 17, just after graduating from High school and I never looked back.”

He sustained his college years with bartending jobs, making a decent amount of money, just paying 500 dollars for a studio in

New Haven. “As soon as I graduated from Yale, I learned how to do portraits, color theory, the fundamentals, but in my mind, I really wanted to understand what would make me the greatest artist. I was like a horse with blinders, I just had one goal, I wouldn’t look elsewhere to achieve a considerable status as an artist, in a period of time.” Hence the world of Guy Stanley Philoche.

Beautiful paintings and series concocted from his imaginative and festive mind that has depth and feeling. “This new series was inspired by death. One of my most beloved friends, David Brown, passed

the people in our lives today and give them their flowers on this side, while we can. His aura is not of a regular male painter, thus the significance of his art. It is a dichotomy between forces that perpetuate our psyche. Good or evil, ugly or beautiful, life is complex. It is in this realm of opposite attractions and ideas that his art has evolved to the level of a great living artist. But the path to conquer his ambitions, had a deeper method than most artist.

“I see so many artists whose focus is just to sell. Make money. I’ve seen recent graduates achieve immediate recognition and money. Yes, even selling at 200,000

away recently and I couldn’t understand the pain that I was going through. It was a feeling of sadness which followed the wake. At his funeral, I saw all these wonderful people that truly loved him saying, ‘I should have told him how much I love him and thank you, etc’. I thought to myself, why didn’t we do it while he was alive. Thus, the title to my paintings, which combine images of people that I admire with the flowers that adorn our gardens, or even our coffins”, said Philoche while wearing these creative modern outfits that are just exquisite. These works show strength, resilience in families that are rarely celebrated. The intention is to celebrate and give people recognition, love, respect every day. Too often we wait to honor people when they are gone, we should be saluting and toasting

dollars apiece, or entering a museum exhibit right away. But artists need to understand their work, be patient with it. Compartmentalize paintings, lives, processes, just living is what it is all about at the end of the day, because there is a long time forward, is a long road ahead where sometimes you go back in time. I give you a great example. Fifteen years ago, I did a series titled No Comment, women of the world with high profile careers that struggled to get ahead in a male dominated world. Paintings of women with duct tape on their mouths, like prisoners of the boy’s clubs they were in. At the time I introduced them to art collectors and galleries and received no interest. As an artist we have two options either paint over the work or wrap them up and put them away. I put them away in my studio. Fast forward

Photography by Michael Goldman at Guy Stanley Philoche’s studio in East Harlem Male grooming by Kendell Dempster New York City

“I LEFT MY HOME AT 17, JUST AFTER GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND I NEVER LOOKED BACK.”

years later the emergence of the “Me Too Movement” happened. These paintings would have their moment after all, their voices finally heard. The same collectors and galleries now clamoring to have them as part of their collection. The paintings were my absolute best, they were created ahead of their time,” explains the philosophical Philoche, whose business savvy tactics also propelled his art career.

“Stuffed, stuffed, stuffed, that’s all I did with business cards and flyers we produced at the time. I would go out and leave my cards in taxis and best-selling books at Barnes and Nobles. I only wanted to do art. At the beginning, not being known, I had a goal. I went out every night meeting people. Started selling my paintings at 2,000 dollars each. Soon after, I realized why not stuff the flyers in the Village Voice, the weekly newspaper most in demand. People saw so many of them, they

realized, wow this guy must be famous. Eventually I got my first art dealer, Art Gotham. Kimberly, the dealer, was amazing. We worked well together; she understood the value of my work as an artist. The more exposure she gave me, the more the work became valued. Every step of the way, I didn’t stop.” It’s been more than 20 years since the journey began and now Guy’s work sells between 30k and 110k. It is sacrifice and more sacrifice of keeping a paint brush in his hand, his two mottos tattooed on his body “live by the brush, die by the brush and without risk there can be no glory,” is what makes artist Guy Stanley Philoche, succeed.

Guy Stanley Philoche currently lives and works in New York City and is represented by Cavalier Gallery which locations in New York, Greenwich, Nantucket and Palm Beach. Follow him on Instagram @guystanleyphiloche.

“POST NO BILLS”, AN ALLEGORY ON HIS VIEW OF CITY LIVING IN NEW YORK, WHERE WE ARE CONSTANTLY BOMBARDED WITH SIGNS THAT DIRECT US NOT TO ADVERTISE OR NOT TO POST ANYTHING, IS A TRUE TESTAMENT OF HIS DUE DILIGENCE AS AN ARTIST.

Or, a vision in a dream. A Fragment. In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea. So twice five miles of fertile ground With walls and towers were girdled round; And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree; And here were forests ancient as the hills, Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.

But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover! A savage place! as holy and enchanted

As e’er beneath a waning moon was haunted By woman wailing for her demon-lover! And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething, As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing, A mighty fountain momently was forced: Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail, Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher’s flail: And mid these dancing rocks at once and ever It flung up momently the sacred river. Five miles meandering with a mazy motion

Through wood and dale the sacred river ran, Then reached the caverns measureless to man, And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean; And ’mid this tumult Kubla heard from far Ancestral voices prophesying war! The shadow of the dome of pleasure Floated midway on the waves; Where was heard the mingled measure From the fountain and the caves. It was a miracle of rare device, A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!

BROCK

Brock Pierce moved to Dorado, Puerto Rico in chase of a dream. He has an intelligence that surpasses all levels which makes him more beautiful as a human being. His pursuit for global peace and new ideas makes him a progressive that seeks real solutions to the troubles that humanity is facing on earth. We will be seeing more innovation and fantastic new ways of perceiving the world thanks to his generation. Daniel Dabek also belongs to this group, who now resides in the island in pursuit of change.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Photography by Corinne Stokes in Dorado, Puerto Rico

A damsel with a dulcimer

DANIEL PIERCE DABEK KUBLA KHAN

In a vision once I saw: It was an Abyssinian maid And on her dulcimer she played, Singing of Mount Abora. Could I revive within me Her symphony and song, To such a deep delight ’twould win me, That with music loud and long, I would build that dome in air, That sunny dome! those caves of ice! And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.

THE ALLENDES

Fernando, Elan, Adan & Mari

in Dorado, Puerto Rico by Corinne Stokes

This beautiful family has been seen on television for decades, as Fernando Allende is considered a pioneer in the Hollywood scene for Latinos. His Mexican roots brought him to star in Los Angeles in multiple television roles including Flamingo Road as Julio Sanchez. He was also the presenter for Star Search and produced his own movies and miniseries for decades. Mari Allende is his beautiful wife, who was part of the reality show, “Mexican Dynasties”, based on the life of three influential and affluent families in Mexico which premiered in Bravo in March of 2019. Fernando’s ability as a singer, actor, painter, film producer and film director

make him one of the most unique rarities in the entertainment world, dabbling in the English language screen as well as the Spanish speaking market. His rescue dog Nacho goes alongside the family wherever they travel. Elan and Adan, their two sons also follow the glamour associated with their last name as they were also part of the reality show They are both pursuing careers in the music industry They both inherited their parent’s good looks and live between Puerto Rico and Florida as their schedule keeps them busy in the entertainment world, all year long.

Elan Allende

Adan Allende

Fernando Allende

Mari Allende

Photographed

Ventura VIVIANE WILNELIA

ForsythMerced

Wilnelia Merced, Lady Forsyth-Johnson is a Puerto Rican former actress, model and beauty queen. She won Miss World in 1975 and was married to one of the most famous British entertainers Sir Bruce Forsyth from 1983 until his death in 2017. Their 34 years of wedded bliss is a true testament of the beautiful and charismatic union of both a great entertainer and the gorgeous Winnie. In 1994 she formed The Wilnelia Merced Forsyth Foundation, a non-profit organization which aims to improve healthcare and education for children in her native Puerto Rico.

DENISE

Rich

A GREAT PHILANTHROPIST

The prolific philanthropist, socialite, songwriter and political fundraiser is an icon of class and beauty. Denise Eisenberg was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. In the 80’s she penned great musical hits like the song “Frankie” that went gold for the R&B group Sister Sledge and composed for the greatest singers including Celine Dion, Marc Anthony, Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson and many others. Her daughter who passed away at the age of 27 due to Leukemia inspired Rich to start the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research that has since been renamed Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. She has raised millions of dollars in the pursuit of a cure for cancer, making her one of the top philanthropists in New York City Rich is from Austrian descent and continues to travel the world inspiring younger women as a role model of success and

The Colombian actress who became famous in London and throughout the world is an example of enduring beauty thanks to her participation in the global stage of the arts and music. She mingled with the likes of Warren Beatty, Yul Brynner, and married prominent businessmen. Her daughters Sheherazade and Jasmine are also prominent celebrities in their own right, while inheriting her mother’s good looks and charisma. She participated in movies with Anthony Quinn and Sean Connery and titles like Battle Beneath The Earth, Finders Keepers, are a few of the films that the star made an appearance. She is now a booking agent and promotes the best artists from around the world in America.

Photos by Corinne Stokes

NINA CHRISTINE

Talks charities in Palm Beach

Photography by Sheri Mazariegos

Nina Christine has been spending her winters in the Palm Beach area since early childhood. "Palm Beach will always hold a special place in my heart" she said. Nina is an active and generous supporter of several notable New York and Palm Beach charities. She proudly continues her philanthropic endeavors by donating her exclusively niche " Karma Love" Perfume which has graced so many silent auction tables over the years.

"I've always had a passionate love for flowers and perfume," mentioned the Palm Beach resident. The perfume was inspired by the enchanting rose notes that caressed her senses while summering in the South of France and Puglia. Having served on the benefit committees of numerous charities over the years she wanted to find a significant and personal way to contribute other than monetarily.

The Princess Grace Foundation,The Scottish Trust, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Il Circolo, Just World International, NIAF, NJ State Opera, Garden State Ballet are just a few of the numerous charities her lovely French "Eau de Parfum" has been showcased.

"I attended my very first Gala at ten years old for the opera and was seated alongside the lovely Brooke Shields." The magical evening left such a positive impression on young Nina that it set the precedent for her lifelong love of supporting and dressing for those occasions.

"Palm Beach has the most extraordinary boutiques and pop ups so you can always find unique one-of-a-kind gowns."

"MDVII is one of my favorite brands. She's a master at curating vintage Haute Couture jewelry." Nina is truly a remarkable young lady who has a genuine interest in giving back and supporting others. Her creative philanthropic efforts, infectious personality, and pure heart leaves such a positive impression on all who meet her.

Instagram: @ninachristineperfumes

KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL PRESERVATIONIST

Her name “Karelia” is of Russian origin. There is a region known as the Russian Republic of Karelia, bordering Finland. In 1893, Jean Sibelius composed Karelia Suite, Op. 11, as a nationalistic ode for the region’s independence. She plans to visit her namesake country soon. Her family immigrated to the United States from Cuba when she was five years old; arriving as refugees at the historic Freedom Tower in Miami. Settling in Riverdale, New York until middle school, her family made the trek south to Fort Lauderdale and finally Coral Gables. She's never left.

Karelia holds a Doctorate in Public Administration with a concentration on non-profit management from Nova Southeastern University. She is one of a limited number of fundraisers worldwide who have earned the CFRE credential (certified fundraising executive.) For her, it is an honor to serve her community as a non-profit professional.

Karelia observes, “It is a noble and rewarding career.” She is especially drawn to the smaller charitable organizations trying to do so much good with so little. She adds, “Many small non-profits just need a bit of professional guidance in order to attain financial viability.”

She is civic-minded and gives back as much as possible. Karelia has served on numerous nonprofit boards in the city including the Coral Gables Museum, the Coral Gables Community Foundation, and is past president of the Junior League of Miami Foundation where she received the Visionary Award. She currently serves on the board of Orchestra Miami, and is president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables [HPACG] where she leads the organization in advancing its' mission of promoting the understanding and importance of historic resources and their preservation.

Initially seeing herself as an accidental preservationist, she explains, “I basically stumbled into serving on the HPACG board back in 2012, lured by one project: the preservation and restoration of the few remaining 1926 White Way streetlights." Today, she's become an ardent voice for preservation. Karelia embraces the calling.

From Cuba to Coral Gables, preserving heritage matters and Karelia accepts the challenge to tell others.

Karelia is wearing a vintage silk charmeuse caftan. She enjoys a moment among the palms in honor of one of her favorite poets Dorothy Frances Gurney -- who wrote the line, "One is closer to God's heart in a garden...." -- at the Gifford Arboretum, a botanical garden located on the campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, founded in 1947.

[Photo Courtesy of Karelia Martinez Carbonell]

MARILE LOPEZ

When you think of Marile Lopez, you think of the “Power Couple” Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez. “In life, in business & always in love, we are partners in everything we do,” stated Marile Lopez. “We believe in service to our community. As parents of five children our biggest legacy is them-their future. Our belief about philanthropy is all about fundamental change, through education, faith, and support. Our philanthropic gifts: volunteering with a hands-on approach and advocating for a better South Florida all lead to empowering communities. Our family foundation, Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq Family Foundation has a mission based on causes that we feel we can passionately give of our time, talent, and treasures.”

AMANDA G. ALTMAN

Amanda G. Altman is the CEO of Kristi House, the nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center for Miami-Dade County. Each year, Kristi House works with nearly 1,500 child-victims and their families providing therapy, family advocacy, and emergency assistance for abused and traumatized children. An attorney, entrepreneur, philanthropist and humanitarian, Altman is a dynamic executive and a proven leader.

The former Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida - which covers nine separate counties and more than six million people - represented the United States in federal civil litigation matters, such as employment discrimination and Federal Tort Claims Act (FCTA) cases, and was successful in defending a $25 million dollar claim brought against the USA under the FTCA. In 2012, Altman joined asbestos litigation leader The Ferraro Law Firm. Here, she successfully tried many cases that resulted in multi-million dollar jury verdicts. Later, Altman would nourish her entrepreneurial spirit opening up her namesake legal boutique. She represented clients in a variety of civil litigation matters, including product liability, medical malpractice, and intellectual property litigation, while also handling all aspects of running a business. An invitation to join the nationally acclaimed Fowler White Burnett law firm in 2018 would result in a shareholder appointment. While successfully advocating for both individuals and corporations in multi-million-dollar litigation matters, Altman’s vigor for service was unrelenting. In 2016, she was sworn in as president of the 1,000-member Junior League of Miami, where, among other things, she advocated for transitional housing on behalf of women and children who were victims of domestic violence. Earlier this year, she chaired the Annual Ball for the Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys, where she is a board member. Altman’s service is distinguished by her ability to build partnerships, forge coalitions, navigate crises, and develop and implement successful fundraising campaigns.

A leader with a strong sense of purpose, Altman has been recognized numerous times for her professional and civic efforts. In both 2016 and 2017, she was named a Florida Super Lawyer, Rising Star. She was the recipient of the Rebecca Herndon Bush Community Service Award in 2015, and the Junior League of Miami Volunteer of the Year award in 2013.

The mover and shaker - with bar admissions in Missouri, Illinois, Ohio and Florida - has blazed a trail for women in leadership, while also making her mark in Miami, in a rather short period of time. Born and raised in the Midwest, Altman is a graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. She resides in Aventura with her husband David Lynn, and their rescue dog Millie.

Photo Credit: (Black Dress with Jorge Luis Lopez) Giano Currie

TOP REALTOR IN SOUTH FLORIDA

By Rebeca Herrero

Lolita Gold Knit Dress $995 www. fivestoryny.com (Flower Dress) Prabal Gurung $1195 www.fivestoryny.com

Sandra Fiorenza

Photography by Sheri Mazariegos

Philanthropist, equestrian rider, and businesswoman Sandra Fiorenza is on top of the world. During the photo session at her ranch in Wellington, the perfectly manicured landscape surrounded by beautiful horses served as the perfect backdrop for a sunny day in the Equestrian Capital of the World, Wellington. Fiorenza is a successful realtor that joined Douglas Elliman after a 12-year tenure at One Sotheby’s.

“I was born and raised in Germany and found my passion for equestrianism at a young age. From the age of 8 I was already riding horses and in my teenage years I started competing. Eventually my life would change and I stopped riding,” explained Fiorenza who at the age of 16 visited the United States during an exchange program. In America, Fiorenza found her forever home. Once she finished her studies in the University of Dusseldorf, she opened a business focusing in fashion and television. She moved to Florida in 1998 and two years later married impresario Randy Fiorenza. “Our family welcomed twin girls, Camilla and Caprina in 2003 and in 2006, we welcomed Lola.” Sandra’s career in luxury real estate is as remarkable as her success. Her start in real estate came with the position with the famed Related Company and became their top sales executive on Miami Beach on development projects such as Yacht Club, Murano, and Murano Grande.

Her life in Fisher Island is also impressive. At the beginning of her life in the United States and after moving to Miami, Fiorenza sold exclusive listings in the most expensive zip code of the United States, and at some point, called Fisher Island home. After moving into the Gables Estate with her family, Fiorenza moved back to Fisher Island in 2021, where she has already transacted in over $54,000,000 on the Island.

Sandra lives and breathes her creations whether in luxury real estate, lifestyle branding, or philanthropy. She is a fashion icon, and also a seasoned equestrian. Sandra’s magic ingredient is that she lives the lifestyle she sells in the one-of-akind spaces she seeks for her clients. With $530 million in total career sales and $30 million just in 2022, she is one of Miami’s highest-grossing residential agents, a testament to her thoughtful and personalized approach to providing her clients insights into the market.

Lolita Gold Knit Dress $995 www. fivestoryny.com (Pink Dress) Balmain $2395 www.fivestoryny.com

HOT FOR THE HAMPTONS: YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER 2023

By Norah Lawlor

The Hampton season is ready to go and here is the Scoop! Our favorite places to explore, experience and enjoy at the East End of Long Island are ready for you. The Hamptons encompasses Southampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton and Montauk and this Summer is certain to be busy and fun. Here is our guide to what is Happening in the Hamptons…

THE EVENTS

WHERE TO DINE

Centro Italian, Hampton Bays

Meet some of the feathered and furry friends being cared for by the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center and enjoy an evening knowing that your donation makes a difference to the lives of the injured and orphaned wildlife that inhabit this region on Saturday, June 24th at the Sagaponack Sculpture Field. Honorees include James Hunter and Fred W. Thiele, jr. www.wildliferescuecenter.org

Ken and Maria Fishel have the invite list to be on this summer and will be hosting the Sport of Kings at their Bridgehampton Estate on Saturday, July 22nd, and July 29th in addition to private charity and fashion events including El Museo and French Heritage. On August 4th Elysian Impact Founder Karen Floyd will introduce Dr. Christina Rahm of DRC Ventures for a special evening at the Estate.

Enjoy a Hampton Bays staple, Centro Italian owned by Salvatore Biundo, which boasts a prime outdoor dining location from which to see and be seen. This season enjoy the new steaks added to the menu. “Sunday with Sinatra and Friends” with live singer Tony Della is one of the favorites. On Wednesdays why not learn a new game at Centro’s new Bocce court – the 2023 Bocce League starts soon. www.centrohamptons.com

Claude’s Restaurant at the Southampton Inn is kicking off the Hamptons season with a new tavern-style menu from the new Chef plus a selection of grab-and-go options to complement the restaurant's delectable menu. Claude’s will be open daily for breakfast 7:00 am to 11:00am; lunch 12:00pm to 4:00pm; weekend brunch 11:00am to 4:00pm; and Dinner Thursday through Monday 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Enjoying Lunch outdoors by the pool or at their patio is a great way to catch up with friends and family and make the most of the summer weather. www.southamptoninn.com

El Turco Hamptons, East Hampton

One of the favorites, join Cagri Kanver and Frank Cilione for a delightful culinary experience with superstar Executive Chef Yılmaz Güney showcasing the tastes of Turkey along with an expanded Mediterranean menu featuring a range of the most unique and delectable dishes. www.elturcohamptons.com

Michael Milken’s Prostate Cancer Foundation will be hosting their annual Hamptons Gala on Saturday August 26th as the social centerpiece of their PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament which is being held over the weekend at private estates in the Hamptons. www.pcf.org

Doing good this Summer is not just limited to the adults - the 2nd Annual Kids Cancel Cancer event organized by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will be held on Tuesday August 15th at The Clubhouse in East Hampton. Funds raised will support pediatric cancer research. www.waxmancancer.org

Bradford Rand and his team at RAND Luxury will be hosting their Annual Hamptons Concours event on Saturday, August 5th bringing together classic and contemporary cars with a special emphasis on the Ferrari and celebrating 75 years of Porsche in Bridgehampton, Benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Southampton animal shelter. www.randluxury.com

The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s annual Hamptons Garden Gala on Saturday, August 12, at the beautiful home of Co-Hosts Patricia & Roger Silverstein. Patricia is the one to know this summer and is a Life and Business Coach and Founder of Coaching X Humanity. The event will feature a cocktail reception; a delicious, seated dinner; silent and live auctions; entertainment; dancing under the stars; and more. www.DiabetesResearch.org

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will hold their annual Hamptons Happening event in Bridgehampton on Saturday, July 8th. The event features tastings by premiere chefs, live music, and a thrilling live auction, all in support of cancer research. This year’s honorees include Lori and Scott Levine, co-founders of Scott’s Protein Balls, Chef Ralph Scamardella, EVP & Chief Culinary Officer, Tao Group Hospitality, Denise Albert, CEO and co-founder, My Cancer Family, and Anna Zuckerman, founder and Chief Designer, Anna Zuckerman Luxury. The event chair is Mark D. Friedman, along with co-chairs Jamie Koff, Bess Freedman, Bryan Griffin, and Erica LindenFineberg. www.waxmancancer.org

The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Summer Gala will be held Saturday August 26th at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club. The core philosophy driving this Foundation is that access to health care, and in particular access to state-of-theart breast health care, is a basic human right. www.ellenhermanson.org

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation to host their annual Unconditional Love Gala on Saturday, July 22nd Chaired by philanthropist Jean Shafiroff at the Muses. This year the shelter will honor Mr. Jon Ledecky, CoOwner of the New York Islanders and Mr. Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and CEO of BARK. The SASF is an open admission, no kill shelter that relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to care for the homeless animals in the local community with the goal of placing them in loving “forever homes.” www.southamptonanimalshelter.com

Lilikoi at Kissaki, Water Mill. Lilikoi will open at Kissaki this Summer. Lilikoi comes from Chef and Owner Manuel Torterola who is bringing flavors from his experiences in Sydney and Maui to Lilikoi, which he has been operating since 2016 in Miami offering breakfast and lunch before Kissaki opens for dinner service at night. The vibe is light, casual, inviting, healthy and fresh, while feeling like a vacation treat. Kissaki then opens in the evenings serving traditional Japanese Cuisine for indoor dining, outdoor dining, takeout and delivery. www.explorekissaki.com

East Hampton Library Author’s Night is the event for the literary minded. Authors come together Saturday August 12th including debut teenage author, Sol Rivera, with her new book Restrict: A Poetic Narrative published by Hatherleigh Press. If your diary is too busy but you still want to read the book it is available for pre-order on Amazon. www.authorsnight.org

Francesco’s Foundation is the newest charity this season, created to tackle the harrowing issue of Teenage Suicide. Their inaugural event in association with AspenOut, an intimate conversation with Co-Founder and mother Diana Cochran will be held at her home in Watermill on Saturday, June 24th ahead of their September 16th Fundraiser at EHP Resort and Marina. www. francescosfoundation.org

Old Stove Pub, Sagaponack

Old Stove Pub offers guests outstanding cuisine in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. The outdoor gardens make it the quintessential location for evening cocktails on those warm summer evenings. Under the watchful eye of restaurateur Joseph DeCristofaro who recently opened an outpost in New York, Old Stove Pub is a Hamptons classic with a menu featuring a wide range of items including steaks and sushi something for everyone. www.oldstovepub.com

Main Prospect, Southampton

Where can you bring the family any day of the week and find a place where the children can play while parents can have dinner and watch stand-up comedy or listen to live music? Main Prospect in Southampton aims to provide just the place – something new is the private club – Nolan’s Room - upstairs. Stay tuned for their beach concierge service this Summer. www.mainprospectsh.com

Southampton Social Club, Southampton Owned by Ian Duke and David Hilty, Southampton Social Club sets the standard for a season of dining, drinks, and socializing. Enjoy the supper club vibe with dinner and drinks in the lounge from Executive Chef Scott Kampf. In the backyard enjoy Cabanas with a unique cocktail program. live music and DJs perform to create the most blissful summer vibes. www. southamptonsocialclub.com

Union Burger Bar, Southampton

Celebrating its 4th Year, the casual dining destination restaurant from owner Ian Duke with award-winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf is open year-round, continuing to offer a variety of specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, milkshakes & desserts and an elaborate craft beer and small batch bourbon selection. Well-regarded for their fresh Colorado Beef burgers that also are hormone, anti-antibiotic and additive free. The burger bar is dedicated to environmental sustainability and is open for both lunch and dinner. New addition this summer is their sushi menu plus a private event space! www.unionburgerbar.com

SOUTHAMPTON INN, SOUTHAMPTON

Celebrating 25th Anniversary under the leadership of Dede Gotthelf this season, the Southampton Inn continues to delight. The classically charming hotel has 90 guest rooms with unique décor, individual temperature control, sparkling tiled bathrooms, refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi. New this Summer to all rooms are tempurpedic mattresses and Keurig coffee makers. The grounds consist of several acres of manicured lawns and gardens, with amenities that everyone can enjoy, including a 50-foot heated outdoor pool, an allweather tennis court, croquet and volleyball, a game room for all ages, and one of the East End’s favorite eateries - Claude's Restaurant. Enjoy a complimentary, seasonal shuttle that takes guests to Coopers Beach, just one mile from the Inn’s front door. Get the shuttle to chauffeur your beach chairs and towels while you walk, jog or bicycle through the historic streets of Southampton to the beach. Also, find yourself conveniently located near cultural sites such as the Halsey House, Parrish Art Museum and the Southampton Arts Center. www.southamptoninn.com

CHEF MEZE – THE CATERER

New this Summer, the delightful culinary experience owned by Cagri Kanver with Chef Yılmaz Güney comes to the rescue to help elevate your garden parties. Chef Meze offers a selection of menus for any type of event and white-glove service. www.chefmeze.com

BARON’S COVE, SAG HARBOR

This year is the 65th birthday of Baron’s Cove! Famously, it was one of the regular haunts on the east end for a number of literary lions where Truman Capote, Kurt Vonnegut among others used to frequent. It was John Steinbeck's favorite watering hole and if you visit the bar, they can still make you his favorite drink the 'Jack Rose' in honor of the writers 120th birthday this past February.

www.caperesorts.com

MARIEBELLE CHOCOLATES – The Perfect Hosting Gift Woman-owned MarieBelle New York is a world-renowned luxury chocolate company. The fine art edibles are handmade at their factory in Brooklyn NY with retail locations throughout New York City and Japan. The flagship store in New York’s famous Soho District offers chocolate lovers a sumptuous shopping experience. Whether it is the Signature artisanal ganache, lavish truffles and bars, or the incomparable Aztec Hot Chocolate (featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things) –the name MarieBelle is synonymous with everything that is refined, beautifully designed and decadent. w www.mariebelle.com

The multifaceted developer

THE CHARISMA FACTOR – SUMMER READING

Between all the hot happenings it will be nice to relax with some beach reading in the Hamptons. This Summer, embrace your individuality, discover your authenticity, and empower yourself like never before with The Charisma Factor: Unlock the Secrets of Magnetic Charm and Personal Influence in Your Life, the latest book from actress, philanthropist, and author Leesa Rowland. The Charisma Factor is a follow up to Leesa’s bestselling self-help/motivational book Discovering the It Factor within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality. The Charisma Factor is available now in stores nationwide and from www.amazon.com

CAGRI KANVER

By Rebeca Herrero

Photography by Kelsey Schmitt at the Saint Marks Place Luxury Condo Building in Brooklyn

Styled by: Nicole More

Real estate mover and shaker, Cagri Kanver is a partner in several companies that are teaming up to co-develop beautiful, upscale buildings in the USA. He is a gamechanger in the real estate industry, because when he starts a project, he emphasizes the fact that he begins from scratch directly to the execution and completion of the entire life cycle of the real estate. The architect of Turkish descent has been consulting, co-developing and operating buildings in the last several years in the New York area.

“From beginning to completion, including the subsequent operating and management of the asset, I am an integral part of every stage of the real estate project. It is a life cycle that comprises the inclusion of the General Partners who are clients and investors. I studied architecture, worked for the best architects and traveled the world overseeing magnificent projects on a global scale at an early stage in my career. New York is different. Everyone wants to be in New York City. In 2015, all the real estate people that I ended up meeting in Turkey were asking me how to

make it in the USA, in real estate and especially in New York City. Back then I can assure you my mind was not entirely in this real estate position. It was a secondary market for me since I was based in Chicago. Now it is for sure the primary market for business pursuits.”

Since the pandemic Kanver focuses between Miami and New York City, which has brought him into an emerging class of top developers that play with the lead real estate developers in both cities. “My foreign clients asked me about the New York market, and in 2015 it was booming. The problem with foreign investors is that they want to be a developer in the United States, and that is almost an impossibility. Especially in New York, and I’m telling you, there is no way that an outsider can be a local developer in the city, unless they have proven record with a local partnership.

Investors come from Brazil, Japan, China, Turkey, Colombia, but they rarely succeed alone. Because the real estate in New York is local. You need experienced local real estate partners to handle it,” assured the charismatic and young Kanver, also partner of Watermark investments company which has real estate investments nationwide.

“Ingrained in the world of New York real estate development are the completion guarantee requirements that only the developer can handle.

Imagine that the bank loans 65% of the capital requirements of the project as your senior loan and 10-15% mezzanine loan for the entire project. For those terms, you need to have a proven record. With a local developer the real estate project covers approximately 75-80% loan to start with. If the developer can secure the remining 20% with equity. That’s why the banking relationship is crucial to the project because the bank is expecting the money back - Last In, First Out. Many of the people involved in construction don’t love the relationship they need to nurture with bankers, because of the field they are in and the liabilities they take, that’s why the contractors like to be hired by the developer not to deal with the bank. In addition, that is why

developers need equity, so the investors and foreign investors need a good local developer to handle the completion and construction guarantees. If the foreign investor brings 20% of the equity, that will be the smartest way for the foreign investor to be part of a successful project. I always prefer the local developer to be part of the equity stack as well. That proven record is what I bring to the table for my investors and the local developers.”

“One thing for certain is that the local developer want your investment. Basically, Kanver has bridged the gap between the local developer and the foreign investor. “My investors come from all over the world, I am leading the team, not as high as that their own investment, but I also put money from my pocket, and I am totally invested in the project. Usually, the local developer does not want the services such as architectural and engineering from foreign countries. What they want is their investment and what I also offer the quality and reasonable priced building materials.”

“MY INVESTORS COME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN MY LEADERSHIP KNOWING THAT I AM FINANCIALLY COMMITTED AND TOTALLY INVESTED IN THE PROJECT.”

“I tell you all this story because life is about connections and relationships. I am not lecturing on Real Estate 101, my connections and relationships bring the knowledge with the investment to ensure a robust, successful and profitable real estate project. When you look at reality, and you end up meeting all the local players in real estate market, and your instinct tells you are on to the next great project, preparation meets opportunity. In my work which requires upscale preparation, knowing all the big developers in these two cities, it is all about your experience, knowledge and proven record. It can also be the location, the chemistry between the partners or otherwise you are doomed.”

“Before I got there, I am honored to work with the owner of the Avdoo Group, Shlomi Avdoo who is a local developer from New York City. He possesses three essential qualities : he is always there for the project, he is very experienced at monitoring project cost, and he provides a good return to his investors. We don’t try to work extensively or at all in Manhattan because of the construction cost, the uncertainty with the construction process, from bringing in the construction equipment to the shifts in the market. It’s too restrictive. Brooklyn for us is currently booming. Here there is more land to be revitalized and opportunity zones. Tax abatements, and much more, prices are slightly lower than Manhattan. It’s not New Jersey, and it’s not Manhattan, it’s in between. Queens is booming too, look like Long Island City did 20 years ago, although I personally do not like all those high rises, it loses some of that essential family feeling and neighborhood life.”

“I believe in a balanced approach, and value the aesthetic. Here in the building where we are discussing the market, St. Marks Place you are 5 minutes from the main subway station. Only a few minutes away from Manhattan. It is also a responsibility; I have the opportunity to be a part of the overall project.

If something goes wrong, I am liable for my investors: this is my wall, my door, those are our materials. When you call me, I am there for you. Even through the pandemic, all went spectacularly well, we didn’t have a glitch.

To the question of what is the difference between Miami and NYC? He explains it like this: “New York is a global city, everyone wants to be here. Miami is coming in and out- very transitional. In the last five years it has been growing, and many businessmen left New York to Miami. But when individuals leave, it opens the opportunity for the youth market to come and they are the creative class. The

big headquarters like Google, Facebook, Instagram and other tech companies move to Manhattan because they need that pool of talent. Now they are all over Hudson Yards and Meat Packing District.

In conclusion, Kanver believes real estate never dies. Another entrepreneurial passion is for the hospitality and food industry: “I want to challenge myself. I want to see and fell how we were able to create a successful restaurant from scratch as well, with a good partner who knows the industry. El Turco became a sensation in East Hampton and Miami because of its high quality and unique Mediterranean taste with a well known Michelin rated Chef.

I want to make it also into an art enterprise and Millwork for a beautiful design in the Hampton’s market. For example, we will be installing a sculpture created by a Turkish architect, Gokhan Avcioglu in the summer of 2023, at El Turco, East Hampton. We are also performing Millwork for high-end residences in the Hampton’s as part of my architectural skill set with Highgate Millwork company.

Summer of 2023 will be spectacular and great fun!” said the man with a vision and a great future ahead.

ENSURES THE OPTIMAL OUTCOME FOR HER CLIENTS Sylvia Edwards

How long have you been in real estate? I am 10+ years in the real estate industry, I worked several years in Chicago, at that time you didn't need a license to be an agent. I worked to sell out a long-time staple located on the North side of Chicago, formerly the Montgomery Ward catalog building, converted into condos and townhomes.

You have lived in Chicago and know investment well. What do you recommend to first-time home buyers? In my book, Secrets to Selling Your Home, no matter what part of the process you are in, first time or selling I suggest you do your research. Find a trusted broker to help guide you through. Nowadays clients are leveraging their money and not going the route of all cash. The New York market deals with a lot of co-operatives, which means sometimes one is only able to lease the unit 2 out of 3 years or 2 out of 5 years. Hiring a knowledgeable broker that can help a first-time buyer navigate the ever-changing market is key. There are a lot of terms to know, flip tax, closing costs, downpayment, condominium, single family homes, resale value and leasing, airbnb options are important to know when considering investing no matter the city.

What are your favorite markets nationally and why? I of course love the New York market; I don't think there is another market like it. LA has a unique beat of its own, beautiful, palatial homes, Florida is another market that has a beat of its own, particularly Palm Beach, Miami and now West Palm Beach all with something exciting to offer.

Why is New York City so special? New York is special for many reasons, each property is distinctive, each apartment is a must see. New York City, also known as Manhattan, is broken up into four major areas, uptown, downtown, east side and west side, each having its own vibe. When considering where to reside, it should match your lifestyle. I love the New York market because it's diverse, the multiple languages spoken, people from all walks of life, Japanese, Caribbean, Boston, Australian, Canadian everywhere from around the world somehow land in New York.

The new Waldorf Astoria hotel will now have condo living, when it reopens, Brooklyn is the new hot place to live, specifically Williamsburg, Dumbo and Greenpoint where apartments can be priced more per square foot than living in Manhattan itself. Harlem has gorgeous, exquisite, spacious brownstones that are home to many. The New York market is special because its properties are modern and vintage with deep history embedded. Interior Designers, developers, architects are celebrities in New York. A buyer may decide to purchase a home because it's a Robert A. Stern building or Silverstein property.

How was your experience working for top notch companies in real estate? Each company has something to offer, no matter where you work, you should always be learning.

You decided on a smaller firm, why the change? I decided to move on as many brokers, agents do jump from one firm to another for various personal reasons, bigger commissions, managers to work with.

What are the strategies that make you different in your field? I know that I give personal attention to my clients, I am available when they are, sometimes that means in the middle of the night as they may be overseas. In addition, I write a real estate column for Letage online Magazine, my book, clients, knowledge all set me apart from other brokers.

What makes you be on top of the world? I love this question, being on top of the world means being alive, enjoying time with friends and family, taking a little time for myself, going for a run in Central Park, taking a tap dance class at Broadway Dance Center, taking a ferry ride to Governors Island all in the the greatest city in America.

If you tag please use the following: se@serealestatetoday.com

@realsylviaestatepro (tiktok) Location for the Listing: 230 East 79th ST #11C NY NY 10065

www.troyandco.com

Photos by George Cade

She is beautiful because she helps people start a healthy lifestyle by providing them with the tools necessary to eat the right things! Her methods are consistent with a superb service that is customized to each client. She will heal your gut and make you look radiant and great with an unsurpassed passion all from her Long Island office.

www.serenitymedicalconsulting.com

Melissa Callari-Szerlip, RD

ELEGANT AT THE STARCHILD ROOFTOP

The respected dietitian takes charge of your nutrition… Always the best results!

Dr Michelle Zweifler

Dr. Zweifler is unique in her plastic surgery skills. She has helped hundreds of patients in the pursuit of beauty, but also assisted them with their breasts when they had deformities and other anomalies, reviving the spirit of many women and men after her wonderful abilities are put to the test. She is beautiful because of her generous spirit within the medical community in every way shape and form, and keeps up with the trends of medicine and plastic surgery with the humble spirit of a brilliant doctor.

The Look Good Go-To Doctor FOR PLASTIC SURGERY

Photographed by Michael Goldman at the Starchild Rooftop in NYC

By Rebeca Herrero

Dr. Zweilfer wears a dress by In the Mood for Love (ITMFL)

Photographed by Michael Goldman

M akaela BRYANT

The up-and-coming actress from Dallas shows her beauty in New York City

Photography by Maiya Imani at the Westin Hotel in Manhattan

Bryant is taking main roles in several movies and has an impressive career as a bodybuilder, gracing magazine covers and high fashion modeling gigs nationwide.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Still Going Strong At 50 Years and Entertaining Through All Four Seasons

Star pianist Alexei Tartakovsky is set to perform at the legendary Merkin Hall in New York City on Friday, June 9th, 2023. His performance at Merkin Hall will be a masterclass in piano recitals.

Alexei’s performance will include a repertoire of classical pieces from Beethoven, Schumann and Rachmaninoff.

The magic created by Disney is something we feel in our culture year-round, but especially in this year as during 2023 one of the world’s most iconic brands celebrates 100 years of storytelling. For those wanting to enjoy this landmark anniversary in style, the perfect destination is the coveted property at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.

Surrounded by the amazing theme-parks of Walt Disney – the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the Four Seasons offers a luxurious retreat to regroup after a day’s exploration of the unique excitement created here. The parks cover some 30,000 acres – roughly the size of the City of San Francisco and welcomes some 48 million visitors annually.

The Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World allows you and your family to experience the ultimate resort getaway. Just as found in the words of the Disney theme song “When You Wish Upon a Star,” the dream holiday becomes a reality here in 26 sprawling acres of paradise.

The

grand property close to all Disney attractions. Visiting the theme park from here is easily accomplished. And rest assured that the offerings of Four Seasons Resort Orlando are so splendid that there is as much a reason to visit the park as there is to stay at the world-class hotel both day and night. From exploring a private five-acre water park with a complimentary Kids Club to unwinding at the adults-only pool, you'll discover endless ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation without leaving the resort. Adults can tee off at the exclusive Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando or just treat themselves to a soothing, post-park massage at The Spa.

Vista

experience magical sights from the comfort of Park View room’s private terrace with nightly views of the Walt Disney World fireworks spectaculars, featuring Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT Forever at EPCOT.

One of the lesser known facts of this superlative hotel is the Walt Disney desk – staffed by expert cast members who can help you plan an itinerary on the fly and give great advice. Couple this with the hotel’s location inside the Walt Disney Resort means that guests can access the Parks before the general public – which can literally save hours of your day if your ambition is to try one of the more popular theme park rides.

Laureate of the 2021 International Beethoven Competition in Bonn, Germany, Russian-American pianist Alexei Tartakovsky has been called a “fantastic musician and pianist” by Martha Argerich and “truly exceptional…superb playing…a thoughtful and serious musician” by the New York Concert Review. His tonal palette, profound musicianship, superb technique, and exciting artistic approach have thrilled audiences worldwide and established him as one of the brightest talents of his generation.

He first brought attention to his artistry by winning three top prizes in a one-year span (20062007) at the Rolf and Brigitte Gardey International Competition in Daytona Beach, Florida, The New York Piano Competition, and the American Fine Arts Festival (AFAF) in New York, which resulted in his performing at Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall).

Immediately after, he became a laureate of the James Mottram International Piano Competi-

tion in Manchester (UK) and received 1st prize at the Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition, which he won with unanimous decision by the judges, who called him a “phenomenal, first-rate pianist” and “a monumental talent”. Additional prizes include 1st prize at the New York Concert Artists International Competition in 2011. In 2012, he swept all three prizes at the San Jose International Competition: 1st Prize, Audience Prize, and prize for the best performance of a Russian work.

Since then, he has given concerts both solo and with orchestra in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Europe, China, and Japan at halls that include the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the Warsaw Philharmonic, Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall, and Carnegie Hall. His playing has been broadcast on Dutch Radio 4, Polish Radio 2, Russian Radio Orpheus, Chicago’s WFMT, and New York's WQXR. Among the orchestras Tartakovsky has performed with are the Jacksonville Symphony, the North Czech Philharmonic, the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn (Germany), and the Symphonic Orchestra of the Voronezh Concert Hall (Russia). Conductors Tartakovsky has collaborated with include Gerard Schwarz, Hans Graf, Fabio Mechetti, Nurhan Arman, Maurice Peress, Yuri Androsov, and Clark Rundell.

A highlight of his career was his outstanding performance at the 2015 Chopin International Competition in Warsaw, where he was a semi-

finalist. In 2016, Tartakovsky was awarded the French Prize at the Cleveland International Piano Competition. In 2021, he received both the 2nd Prize and the Deutsche Telekom StreamOn Beethoven Award at the International Telekom Beethoven Competition in Bonn, Germany.

Among the musicians he has studied with are Matti Raekallio, Nina Lelchuk, Boris Slutsky, Boris Berman, and Horacio Gutierrez. Tartakovsky completed his undergraduate studies at Juilliard and Queens College (CUNY), received his Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Yale School of Music. He is currently a doctoral candidate as a student of Richard Goode at The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, where he was awarded the coveted Graduate Center Fellowship.

Tartakovsky teaches at Brooklyn College (CUNY), is Music Director at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lebanon, New Jersey, and maintains a private studio in Raritan, New Jersey.

New York Artist Management is proud to present the June 9th performance at the Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Music Center. For more information about Alexei, please visit: www. atartakovsky.com

Luxurious amenities await you inside your booked room. Discover a variety of deluxe accommodations, crowned by the stunning nine-bedroom Royal Suite. One can also enjoy new special suite packages. Make yourself at home with personalized in-room decorations, including play tents for kids, complete with an array of themed toys. And you can even

The hotel’s six restaurants are a delight.. The Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse Capa is sensational and showcases a captivating menu for dinner. Then for breakfast meet up at Ravello for the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals, offered every Thursday and Saturday morning. For more information please visit, www.fourseasons.com/orlando

MASTER PIANIST ALEXEI TARTAKOVSKY

AAA Five Diamond Resort located in Lake Buena

is a

MADE-TO-MEASURE GETS A NEW SOHO EDGE AT SARTORIA STUDIO

Made-to-measure suiting takes on a fresh edge with Sartoria Studio, a men’s fashion retail concept store developed by longtime collaborators Jack Menashe and James Mansour, the visionaries behind New York City’s iconic Limelight Marketplace, LOUNGE Soho, and countless other iconic New York City retail destinations.

The sophisticated store lends much-needed personality into the fine made-to-measure menswear category. Located at 65-69 Houston Street in Soho, the Sartoria Studio haberdashery and gallery offers made-to-measure clothing, premium ready-to-wear garments, accessories, fine art, décor, and rare collectibles – all curated with a unique downtown point-of-view.

“Sartoria Studio brings the experience of the best Italian tailoring to Soho,” says Menashe. “We offer the most luxurious fabrics, hand finishes, and the precision fit you can only get from a made-to-measure garment.”

Whether a custom tuxedo, suit, sport jacket, or oxford shirt, each bench crafted Sartoria Studio garment is designed to impress and constructed to last using only the finest materials from leading textile mills including Loro Piana, Dormeuil, Drapers by Vitale Barberis Canonico, Caccioppoli Napoli, Holland & Sherry, and more. Elevated embellishments like hand-stitched bone and mother-of-pearl buttons, monograms, and premium accessories such as the house’s own hand-stitched cashmere and silk

pocket squares offer further customization options.

According to designer James Mansour, Principal of Mansour Design, “The intimate clubstyle interior expresses that ephemeral spirit of sprezzatura—quintessentially cool, unmistakably Italian nonchalance—layered with the textures, colors, and flavors of New York City’s Soho district.”.

Whether by walk-in, private appointment, or off-site fitting, Sartoria Studio clients can expect a pampering experience. For more information, visit sartoriastudio.com.

ABSTRACT ENERGY

AJ Dungan’s Contemporary Figurative Art Finds a Home at Sartoria Studio in Soho

AJ Dungan’s progressive art adorns the walls of Sartoria Studio in New York’s Soho neighborhood, the perfect complement to the downtown haberdashery’s edgy sartorial vision. Each dynamic painting showcases the artist’s love affair with abstraction, expressive color, and the human figure.

Gritty textures and a vivid, complex tapestry of hues energize Dungan’s nude forms. Dungan combines innovative technique and a rich visual language in each painting, enlivened by powerful color relationships.

Born in Connecticut and educated in Rochester, Dungan draws on a classical fine art education, ongoing figure studies, and years honing his color theory and compositional skills in commercial printing and photography.

Photography by Michael Goldman at the Sartoria Studios in SOHO

Discover works by AJ Dungan at Sartoria Studio at 65-69 W Houston St in New York or at ajdungan.com.

Jack Menashe wearing Arnold & Son Globetrotter Day watch https:// arnoldandson.com/

James Mansour wearing Angelus U21 Tourbillion Gold watch https:// angelus-watches.com/

KYLE WOOL & ANTHONY HAYES

Rule the financial world

ABOUT KYLE WOOL

What made you join Lang Lang International Foundation? A few years ago, I met Lukas Barwinski-Brown, the CEO of the foundation who introduced me to Lang Lang. Lang Lang’s energy and enthusiasm about his foundation motivated me to look into their mission and programs.

Lang Lang mentioned in the past that Bach can help us during any global crisis - what are your thoughts about this? Music heals, inspires, and make us better people. Bach is like the foundation of every kind of music. Music could not be in present form without Bach.

How have you changed the children’s’ lives? I am changing children lives almost every day by supporting and being involved in our educational Keys of Inspiration program. We strive to change the way music education is perceived in the public-school system. With Keys of Inspiration®, we have established a replicable pathway into the world of music for grades 2-5. Keys of

ABOUT ANTHONY HAYES

From a top law firm, to being at the helm of a biotech company, Anthony Hayes talks philanthropy with a hands-on approach that is unusual. His demeanorseems to be of a responsible adult who just wants to make the world better. “It all started after 9-11. When I watched the towers fall, I was devastated. Those were the towers where I used to work. I had to do something, but I could not dig through rubble. So I thought about what skills I had and realized I could use my law degree to help. My colleagues and I modified a computer program the firm had on our system to provide estate planning documents. Then we loaded that program onto laptops, borrowed a firm printer, and went to our local fire station by November

of 2001. And with that, the Wills for Heroes Program was born. Wills for Heroes (www.willsforheroes. org) provides free estate planning documents to first responders and eventually became a national nonprofit. The program operates in over a dozen states and has provided free estate planning documents to hundreds of thousands of first responders, ” recounts Hayes from his home in Virginia. The philanthropist has always been an engaged individual whose main goal is to help people. In all the mayhem of reconstructing major business deals, purchasing companies and restructuring big operations and what comes attached to these complex maneuverings, Hayes manages his time to deliver a knockout approach when it comes to help out the less fortunate. “As much of a cliché as it sounds, we should deliver help to those who need it. If it weren’t for my education and upbringing, I would not be where I am now. So I need to pay it forward and help others. Plus, the satisfaction it brings you is priceless.”

Photos by Michael Goldman at the Sartoria Studios.

Anthony Hayes CEO of Dominari Holdings

Dominari Financial is the major subsidiary Dominari Holdings is the public company (DOMH on Nasdaq)

Kyle Wool, largest shareholder and a special advisor to Dominari

Kyle Wool wearing Angelus U20 Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillion watch https:// angelus-watches.com/

Anthony Hayes wearing Arnold & Son Nebula 41.5 Gold watch https://arnoldandson.com/ CarlosAldavero

JayYu

NEW BOOK ‘GIVING MY ALL’

From KC Scholars’ CEO Earl Martin Phalen Focuses on Life and Times of Celebrated Change-Maker

In the ensuing years, a significant number of notable accolades have been bestowed and positions held, which surface for impressive book chapters that include the 1997 President's Service Award from President Bill Clinton; Silver Anniversary Award from NCAA; Black Law Student Association Community Service Chair; Co-founder of the Charles Ogletree Scholarship Fund; Board Member of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Boston Uncornered Advisory Board Member; and Advisor for Coaching for Change,

Nationally recognized non-profit pioneer and visionary education leader Earl Martin Phalen has released his highly anticipated new book “Giving My All” in honor of his life dedicated to making a difference.

Looking ahead to a bright and prosperous future for students across America, Phalen’s passionate body of work is available now online with the Hardcover edition of the book due to be released this June 2023.

Giving My All celebrates Phalen’s efforts to make change as President and CEO of KC Scholars and Phalen Leadership Academies. Earl’s educational expertise coupled with his passion and commitment to students. His championing of programs, like KC Scholars, is making systemic change in the community.

“I bring urgency to the adults that we serve and the children we serve because I know their lives can be fundamentally different if they're given the opportunity,” Phalen reflects.

With his impressive and eclectic background, the entrepreneur continues to live a book wor-

thy life that is reflected on the pages of the newly released materials. With a heartfelt meaning to motivate and uplift fellow educators as equally as students, Phalen takes readers on a journey through his storied life. As a boy adopted into a large, loving Irish Catholic family at age two, he discovered at a young age that he was meant to stand out. Yet whether it was on the basketball court or in business, he encountered opportunities that required him to give his all despite experiencing some racism in his predominantly white neighborhoods and settings.

While at Yale, Phalen gained a new sense of pride and purpose as he connected with his Black and African American heritage. Phalen began his career in education while a law student at Harvard, where he founded Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL), which operates after-school and summer education programs in several major U.S. cities. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a local community service project to a national non-profit educating 15,000 children annually and from an annual budget of $12,000 to $27.5M annually

On a mission to enhance the quality of life for KC Scholars and students worldwide, his prolific vision has redefined industry standards and revolutionized how we look at education. Inspired by his own commitment to positively impact the global landscape, his work in the last year with KC Scholars has helped make the organization one of the nation’s most effective college scholarship and support programs. KC Scholars newest program, Great Jobs KC, provides tuition assistance to approved job training programs in high paying and high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. With the support of Great Jobs KC, adults 17 and older can learn the skills needed in one year or less to earn between $45,000-$85,000.

KC Scholars is unique to America since most students graduate debt free, and because of the intensive support provided to scholars, most graduate from college or their credentialing program and enter good paying careers. Students and adults who are low- and moderate-income and reside in our six local counties in the Kansas City Area (Kansas and Missouri) are eligible to apply. Over 90% of scholars persist annually, and 74% of KC Scholars backed students are on track for on-time graduation. KC Scholars currently has 6,293 participating scholars, and awards approximately 750 new scholarships annually. The goal is to significantly expand KC Scholars programs to over 1,000 new scholarships and thereby its impact in the coming years. For more information on “Giving My All” and KC Scholars, please visit https://kcscholars.org/

FRANCESCO’S FOUNDATION

Sets the Conversation on Teenage Suicide Prevention.

Inaugural Event in the Hamptons at the Home of co-Founder Diana Cochran

Francesco’s Foundation has been created to help prevent teenage suicide through providing financial support for education in schools, where the focus will be on prevention of all types of bullying including and in particular that of the LGBTQ+ community, education about the risks of teenagers engaging in dangerous activities on-line, education about the risks of leaving fire-arms unsecured with teenagers in the house - all of which contribute to heightening risks of teenage suicide.

Seventeen-year-old Francesco took his life with an unsecured shotgun at 2.00 am on October 21st, 2021 on a warm October evening on a moonlit beach in the Hamptons. He was discovered by the police after a call from a school friend. He had to be identified by his dentist - so devastating is the destruction from a shotgun suicide. No parent should ever have to live with that image.

The aftermath of his death has devastated his two mothers, who lived apart, family and friends from Winchester College in the UK and his latest school, The Stony Brook Prep School. Some close young friends have had mental breakdowns and were unable to return to their studies-all these lives

will be severely affected forever-such was the love that they all had for Francesco. For his parents the grief is unimaginable and a life sentence.

Prior to Francesco’s unexpected death he had a very exciting future ahead of him. For a seventeen-year-old boy he had already accomplished a lot-gaining entry to Winchester College in the UK, amongst the top high schools in the world, he had played the violin at both Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center, was an accomplished sailor, very popular with students and teachers alike. He had a great sense of humor and a zest for life. He was an honors and straight A student and had gained an SAT score in the top 99th percentile. He was very excited about an interview at Amherst, only two days after he took his life. He had no history of depression, drug or alcohol use.

Francesco was open about his sexuality & had confided in everyone but his family. First with his girlfriend in Ireland, then more recently with his boyfriend & with all his school friends in the UK & USA. His only mistake had been in divulging his questioning sexuality to school friends in the USA & the last few weeks of his life was the target of spiteful, malicious lies, gay slurs and ridicule due to his sexual orientation. One night he was unable to take any more and he had a very uncharacteristic night of recklessness and although he had not set out to end his life that night he did.

Francesco’s Foundation has been set up by Francesco’s mother, Diana and her partner, Jennifer to honor the memory of Francesco and to help reduce the terrible risk of teenage suicide by providing financial help for charities investing in the education of teenage mental health.

Francesco’s Foundation’s is a 501c(3) registered charity whose mission is to promote hope and prevent teen suicide.

Diana Cochran and her partner, Jennifer Allsop are working tirelessly to make changes at schools to protect the mental health of teenagers and help prevent more unnecessary teenage suicides. They are working to make significant changes to the country with the help of Board members.

The foundation has set the date for an inaugural fundraiser this September 2023 in partnership with AspenOut.

Tickets are on sale now at www.Francescosfoundation.org and www.HamptonsOut.com

Photo credits: Francesco’s Foundation

CARLOS Beltran

Puerto Rican MLB Baseball Player

at his ranch in Puerto Rico by

Corinne Stokes

TODD English

A right-hand thrower and switch hitter, Beltran stands 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 215 pounds. He was the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year in 1999 while playing baseball for the Royals. He was named to nine MLB Awards and two Silver Slugger Awards. A family man that resides in Puerto Rico, he was born in Manati and played for the Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 1998 to 2017 for the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. Since establishing his foundation, Beltran began a fund with part of his salary, intending to establish a high school focused on developing young athletes. Construction of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy began in 2009, in the municipality of Florida, Puerto Rico. Beltran donated over $4 million to the academy, built on 20 acres of land donated by the local government. The school accepts students between the ages of 14 to 18 years, with a curriculum that includes instructions by MLB players. His wife is Jessica Lugo and both share two daughters and a son.

One of the most decorated, respected, and charismatic chefs in the world, Todd English has enjoyed a staggering number of accolades during his remarkable career. He has been recognized by several of the food industry’s most prestigious publications, established one of the best-known restaurant brands in the nation, published critically acclaimed cookbooks, and produced his own TV show for PBS. “The beauty of my work is a reflection of my passion for food, creativity, the arts and everything with style,” mentioned the Chef who now resides between Las Vegas and Miami Beach. His restaurants in Miami will open very soon and several others throughout Asia. Everything he touches becomes an acclaimed recipe, full of flavor, great presentation and a true testament of his beauty as a creator of culinary gems.

Photographed

Photographed at his Miami Beach home by Luis Torres/Massay Photos

KARIN COCÓ

VICTORIA Figueroa

Vesce

Sports Illustrated Model and Podcast Host Victoria Vesce is an individual whose challenges inspired her to live life to the fullest. She has overcome multiple paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor, and has recently faced the loss of her mother to COVID-19 in 2021. Despite this, Victoria has turned her pain into power by launching her podcast Validated by Victoria.

Cisneros

Karin Figueroa Cisneros, is a lifelong Philanthropist who has since a young age been giving back to those less fortunate. She has been involved in many charities throughout her life but the one that stands out the most is Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. They were there when her daughter at three years old had a dog bite and needed 66 stitches on her face. The care and attention that Nicklaus Children Hospital showed was one of a kind. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is now also raising capital for a brand-new surgical tower. It will be state of the art, and they will be able to help even more children. Giving back to the community with her grown children is something they will never stop doing. It’s a tradition that was started with her parents and will continue throughout her children also.

March

Cocó March is a Barcelona raised Spaniard that came to the United States with one dream, to make a difference. Cocó March is a scientist and entrepreneur with a HEART of gold, soft as SILK, her eponymous beauty skincare line that’s making a huge difference in the beauty world. She donates over 1000 hours each year to educating the public through her online platforms for those that are less privileged.

March is a claimed author of three books and a host of the podcast “Como Curar” (How to Heal) while running a successful company that employs nearly 200 people of Spanish

descwnt. “I know the challenges of being an immigrant, I love to help, try to make it easier for all these families that depend of these jobs,” said Cocó March.

The beauty mogul’s soft spoken kind manner has been making echo among the stars and news reporters in the Latino US community.

“I am not used to being on television or being interviewed, but I had to change and embrace my heritage to empower other Latino women by making an effort and become a spokesperson in domestic media outlets throughout the United States.”

Validated by Victoria features a variety of guests, including influencers, athletes, models, reality stars, and others, discussing topics ranging from lighthearted to deep, grief, including dating app profiles, mental health, always staying valid.

A graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications and a Juris Doctorate from Charleston School of Law, Victoria based in Boca Raton FL, recently launched her marketing agency, models with JL Model Management and Marilyn's Agency, recently walking over 8 shows for NYFW. She is also heavily involved in community service, having volunteered for organizations such as Make-AWish, Toys for Tots, and the National Brain Tumor Society.

Senofer MENDOZA

Believes in equality and diversity

The accomplished and celebrated venture capitalist is also a published author, innovator, and thought leader in the technology, startup, and VC space with a passion for equity and diversity.

Beautiful Senofer Mendoza knows that you must break conventions in order to change the world… and she is quite comfortable with that. After a successful career in enterprise sales and international interior design, Senofer founded Mendoza Ventures, a Boston based Venture Capital firm, together with her husband, Adrian Mendoza, to address the growing inequities in tech investment funding. The Boston based pre-seed Fintech, AI, and Cybersecurity venture capital firm was launched in January of 2016 and invests internationally in the Cybersecurity, AI, and Fintech space.

“For us, it's about participating in the wealth creation process, not just for diverse founders, but also for diverse investors.” Mendoza Ventures, on a mission to change the face of venture capital, is doing just that - 80% of its investment portfolio companies are led by diverse founders, and they are national leaders in creating a diverse investor base.

Senofer personifies the values that drive the culture at Mendoza Ventures: "Be a family. Be profitable. Be inclusive." To be in Senofer’s orbit is to feel seen, respected, and uplifted - you could call it her “secret sauce” and one of the reasons why Mendoza Ventures has been able to have the impact they’ve had. Her confidence and warmth build the trust and camaraderie that are needed to move the needle forward. She currently serves on the National Advisory

Committee for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and advises other fund managers on how to grow firms from the ground up.

My mission in life is to leave this place better than I found it. Our legacy is to enjoy a more equitable world locally, nationally, and globally. As per the the philanthropic challenges we face: “Diversifying wealth is not easy, it pokes all the things we don’t like to talk about in polite company: advantage, head starts, where we got help on our own journeys. I am here for all of it, to talk about and act on all the things.

What she considers beautiful is all in the confidence of a strong woman. “There is a divine beauty in women who have driven change, a straight-backed, shoulders back beauty in those who forged a path. That is the beauty I wish for, the beauty of character that comes from living in alignment with your heart.”

The accomplished and celebrated venture capitalist is also a published author, innovator, and thought leader in the technology, startup, and VC space with a passion for equity and diversity.

Location: 517 Lexington Avenue Midtown East www.brasseriecognac.com

Jewelry by: Stephen Silver at www.shsilver.com & Geoffrey Good at www.geoffreygood.com

Jewelry by Geoffrey Good & Stephen Silver www.geoffreygood.com & www.shsilver.com

Photographed by Kelsey Schmitt at the BrasserieCognac Restaurant in Manhattan

“FOR US, IT'S ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE WEALTH CREATION PROCESS, NOT JUST FOR DIVERSE FOUNDERS, BUT ALSO FOR DIVERSE INVESTORS.”

ART

EVERY COLLECTOR SHOULD STAY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON IN CHICAGO

By Rebeca Herrero

The Water Tower, once the most famous luxury building in Chicago, built in the 1970’s is currently a landmark that now houses the newly renovated Ritz Carlton Hotel. Situated in the Magnificent Mile and with great views of Lake Michigan, the sense of luxury its private entrance provides makes for the most ideal journey destination for the business class clientele or the discerning art collector that wants to enjoy one of the flagship hotels of the luxury hospitality brand in the world.

As you enter, the elevator takes you to the lobby on the 12th floor, giving it an additional sense of privacy that only true luxury can provide. The beautiful décor designed by Billy Quimby of San Francisco-based design firm BAMO is exquisite. The service continues to be top of the line and even though this particular Ritz-Carlton has been here for 40 years, it had a licensing deal with the Four Seasons brand for decades, making it a particularly unique hotel, named with the Ritz Carlton brand but managed by what turned out to be their competitor.

The umbrella hospitality brand that owns the Ritz-Carlton franchise, Marriott, was able to finally acquire the hotel, sitting atop one of the

most exclusive areas, surrounded by high end shopping stores in the vicinity known as the Gold Coast. Take a walk through that ritzy neighborhood and you are captivated by the splendor of the Windy City. Each suite has enormous space for the guest, including walking closets, spa-like fixtures within beautiful and elegant wallpaper, that makes you desire not to leave the room at all.

The high-quality restaurants and bar service, only this five star Hotel and what it can deliver, are also a delight. Watching families, businesspeople and celebrities stay at this staple of elegance, where the meals are concocted in special ways by renowned chefs, engulfs you in an array of superior and relaxed feel. The Spa is extremely spacious, operates to the highest level, the indoor pool is designed for the tough winters as well as for summery days, and going to the steam is one of the perks of this excellent amenity.

The Presidential Suite stands out as a unique area of the property. Here the artwork which belongs to the actual owner of the hotel, consists of several high-end names in the art world, and all the details the suite has to offer engulfs you in a highly decorated venue of luxury for

Torali is the hotel’s new signature restaurant offering seafood and steak

world VIPs that enjoy the best of the best globally. Its museum-esque finishing is perfect for a business celebration that requires the ultimate luxury ambiance. The bathrooms are complete with marble finishes and gold details reminiscent of modern Italian design with a very Art Deco feel. The 434-room hotel underwent a $100 million renovation that was unprecedented, making it one of the most breathtaking projects a major hotel has gone through in recent years. The lobby also has a handblown glass installation created by the Czech glass brand Lasvit.

Another of the art pieces is the “Wallpaper with Blue Floor Interior” by Roy Lichtenstein located in the lobby area.

www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/Chicago

suites allow you to have an experience of luxury like no other hotel nationwide.

allow you to have an experience of luxury like no other hotel nationwide.

The

The suites

CAVALIER GALLERY: MARK S. KORNBLUTH SOLO EXHIBITION

Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato were already good friends when they became unexpectedly lost at sea. Stranded in a small boat, exposed to the elements, and without any food, they daydreamed of the perfect pizza. To strengthen their hopes of surviving, both promised that they would open a restaurant together serving the best Italian pizza and pasta in the world. Vittorio and Fabio were saved, and they honored their promise. Today Serafina has restaurants around three continents. Their latest one, is a delight in NYC: Madison 38th. 241 Madison Avenue inside the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue. www.serafinarestaurant.com

Mark S. Kornbluth. Music Box 2, Ed. 10, 2020

Dye sublimated on aluminum. 68 x 48 in.

Mark S. Kornbluth. Booth, Ed. 10, 2020

Dye sublimated on aluminum 48 x 70 in.

Mark S. Kornbluth

Lunt-Fontanne, Ed. 10, 2020 Dye sublimated on aluminum