AVENUE
JANUARY 2012
TRACY’S HOUSE House of Lavande’s Tracy Smith talks jewelry, collecting and, of course, Palm Beach
Liz Taylor’s Gems
PLUS: Peter Brant Jr., Simon Doonan, Richard Dupont, Aerin Lauder, Aby and Samantha Rosen, Steve Schwarzman and the rest of the Palm Beach A-List
Kelly Killoren Bensimon’s Crushes
Tracy Smith, owner of House of Lavande
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AVENUE
JANUARY 2012
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VOL. 36 NO. 1
FEATURES 40
A PALM BEACH JEWEL
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THE PALM BEACH A-LIST
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LIZ’S GEMS
A self-proclaimed “typical girl,” Tracy Smith knew she wanted to work in fashion, but wasn’t sure how. While sifting through junk for that perfect piece of jewelry, she found it! And so began House of Lavande. by martin marks photographs by juan algarin The who’s who on the island of Palm Beach. compiled by avenue introduction by renée morrison
The screen star’s storied collection garnered record sums at Christie’s. by caroline birenbaum
COLUMNS
this page
Silk top by Céline at Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach. Vintage beaded necklace by Missoni, assorted bakelite bangle bracelets at House of Lavande, Palm Beach
4 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
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CHRONICLES
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BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG PARTY
Charitable bashes such as Love Heals, the ASPCA Annual Humane Awards Luncheon and Hope for Depression kept the spirits up and hearts warm. by debbie bancroft
One woman’s quest to rest in this city that never sleeps proves nearly impossible. Not with parties with Leonardo DiCaprio. by carson griffith
NEW YORK 485 Park Avenue 212.753.9520 PALM BEACH
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AVENUE
JANUARY 2012
AVENUE
insider. com brings you the best blogs on who was where (and
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KKB’S INSPIRATIONS
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CRICKET’S CRUSH
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SCANDAL
the latest shocking social
Guest editor (and AVENUE December cover girl) Kelly Killoren Bensimon shares some inspiring stories and style tips—just in time for that New Year’s resolution. by kelly killoren bensimon A parasol to brighten any rainy day. The ups and downs of silent film star Vilma Bánky. by delphine barguirdjian
DEPARTMENTS 13
ON THE AVENUE
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ARTS CALENDAR
what they wore) at last night’s hottest parties,
VOL. 36 NO. 1
The best parties of the month. What’s on view at galleries and museums.
scandal, the must-buys of the moment, the Chic of the Week and of course Your Daily Daphne (Guinness, of course). Sip up all the style and society gossip
on the cover
Tracy Smith wears a yellow crepe gown by Lanvin at Neiman Marcus, Palm Beach. Strappy sandals by Jimmy Choo, Palm Beach. Vintage necklace and ring by Yves Saint Laurent at House of Lavande, Palm Beach. Photographed by Juan Algarin on location in Palm Beach. Styled by Cricket Burns. Fashion assistance by Katherine Lande. Hair by Bill Westmoreland. Makeup by Virginia Le Fay.
we are serving up with your morning latte. AVENUEinsider
For the latest on people and parties, visit www.avenueinsider.com
letters to the editor
AVENUE welcomes “Letters to the Editor” Please address to Editor Janet Allon 79 Madison AVenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10016 jallon@manhattanmedia.com 6 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
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letter from the editor
Dear Readers, UMM . . . (MOMENT OF SILENCE). I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it’s already 2012. As one of my favorite jewelry designers, Helen Ficalora, puts it: January is the month of transformation. Some of us are on the Slim Fast/no solid foodplan this month, while others are getting a jump start on spring and heading down to Palm Beach in head-to-toe resort wear (jealous!) or gearing up for trips to amazing ski resorts. I always think of resort collections as a foreshadowing of spring looks, so I’m daydreaming of weekends in Palm Beach wearing Tomas Maier bikinis and going to polo matches in white dresses, which make me feel like a princess in the warm sun. Of course, I’m also hitting every thrift store and attending the horse show in Wellington. But back to reality . . . For those who took a “staycation” in New York like me, you have to love the opportunity for a little calm and reflection. A lot of change happens during the holidays, and I personally learned a lot from the people I met with for this issue. Their stories are so inspiring, I created a four-page section about some of the things and people I love in New York, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. I went grassroots with this section. With just a pen, piece of paper and my iPhone 4S, I photographed everyone in their own environment (though Helen Ficalora’s ring was photographed in my icemaker) while I listened to their amazing stories. My “Modern Maverick” designer, Thom Browne, designs clothing that conveys his self respect and love of old-guard America, while my “Local Hero,” Tracy Venezia at Animal Haven, taught me so much about loving and letting go. Tracy loves each dog so much but is so happy when they get adopted. I was honestly moved by her ability to see so much hope coming out of Animal Haven. And don’t worry, this issue also features coverage of that paradise on earth we all know and love: Palm Beach. Martin Marks interviewed the island’s vintage jewelry maven Tracy Smith for the cover. And I just know everyone is chomping at the bit to find out who made AVENUE’s annual Palm Beach A-List. That, and all of the wonderful party coverage, along with a Financial Roundtable that will help us get our money matters in order this year. January for me has two sides: the reflective, how-can-Iimprove-my-life side; and the I’m-tired-of-wearing black, let’shit-the-beach side. Whichever way you lean, get rid of any toxicity in your life and make room for what is yet to come. It’s going to be a great year, I can feel it.
Guest Editor Kelly Killoren Bensimon
@kellybensimon www.kellykillorenbensimon.com www.facebook.com/kellykillorenbensimon
SETH SABAL
Guest Editor, Kelly Killoren Bensimon
8 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
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AVENUE President Julie Dannenberg jdannenberg@manhattanmedia.com editor Peter Davis pdavis@manhattanmedia.com guest editor Kelly Killoren Bensimon contributing editor Janet Allon jallon@manhattanmedia.com Art director Jessica Ju-Hyun Lee Ho jlee@manhattanmedia.com creAtiVe director Cricket Burns cburns@manhattanmedia.com mAnAging editor Delphine Barguirdjian dbarguirdjian@manhattanmedia.com executiVe editor Jasmine Lombardi jlombardi@manhattanmedia.com contributing Writers Debbie Bancroft ■
Martin Marks
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Stephanie Posner
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Peggy Siegal
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Carson Griffith
Amy Smith
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R. Couri Hay
Luigi Tadini
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Lacey Tisch-Sidney
PAlm beAch contributing editor Renée Morrison contributing PhotogrAPhers Juan Algarin
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Sophie Elgort
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Ben Fink Shapiro
Production mAnAger Ed Johnson ejohnson@manhattanmedia.com AdVertising designer Monica Hsiao-Hsuan Tang mtang@manhattanmedia.com FAct checker Alexandria Symonds asymonds@manhattanmedia.com executiVe sAles director Sarah Smith ssmith@manhattanmedia.com shoW director, the AVenue shoWs Barbara Goodwin bgoodwin@manhattanmedia.com sAles director Susan Feinman sfeinman@manhattanmedia.com sPeciAl Projects director Alex Schweitzer aschweitzer@manhattanmedia.com FloridA regionAl Publishers Maria Lourdes Gallo
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Rosemary Winters
AssistAnt to the President Jacqueline Curley jcurley@manhattanmedia.com controller Shawn Scott sscott@manhattanmedia.com Accounts mAnAger Kathy Pollyea kpollyea@manhattanmedia.com circulAtion mAnAger Joe Bendik jbendik@manhattanmedia.com
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As time goes by, we recognize the increasing importance of the dining experience as a form of entertainment and enjoyment in life.
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Calvin Klein, Prabal Gurung, Amanda Seyfried at the 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards Ceremony
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PLAY CIRCA gears up to compete at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach
As thousands of New Yorkers make their annual trek to Florida for the winter, so does the game of polo. The 2012 Palm Beach Polo Season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach kicks off January 8th, with Team CIRCA, just one of the teams headlining the action. Team CIRCA captured the prestigious Hamptons Cup this summer on the aptly named CIRCA Championship Field at the Bridgehampton Polo Club. This winter, Chris Del Gatto, Martin Pepa, Hilario Ulloa and Guille Aguero hope to lead their team to victory as they compete at the nation’s most prestigious polo club.
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JUAN LAMARCA
The Couture Council of FIT held a Fall Fashion Cocktail at the Soho Grand in honor of the newest members of the council. Hosts Michelle Harper, Valerie Steele, Yaz Hernandez and Liz Peek enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with guests Carlos Campos, Ike Ude, Michele Gerber Klein and Victor de Souza.
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The Couture Council of FIT’s Fall Fashion Cocktail
1. Guille Aguero, Magoo Laprida, Martin Pepa and Chris Del Gatto
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The Cinema Society and Dior Beauty hosted a screening of Young Adult at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, with an after-party at Double Seven, where Charlize Theron, Diablo Cody, Elizabeth Reaser, Reaser Linda Wells and Courtney Love were in attendance. The Cinema Society also hosted a screening of War Horse at the Tribeca Grand Hotel and a party at the Soho Grand Hotel with guests Brooke Shields, Jim Caviezel, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Natasha Bedingfield eld. 3 4 2
1. Kent Anderson and Bettina Anderson 2. Binkie Orthwein, Kari Talley and Tracy Smith
PARADISE
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FOUND The Paradise Fund’s fourth annual Paradise Casino
The Paradise Fund hosted its annual Paradise Casino at Henry M. Flager Museum in Palm Beach. Sponsored by Salvatore Ferragamo, the gala benefitted the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Guests included Kari Talley, Tracy Smith and Kent Anderson. 16 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
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1. Charlize Theron 2. Dan Abrams 3. Diablo Cody and Courtney Love 4. Natasha Bedingfield 5. Brooke Shields 6. Cuba Gooding Jr. 7. Jim Caviezel 8. Elizabeth Reaser
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Recent events hosted by the Cinema Society
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EYE FOR ART
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Amore Pacific supports Korean Eye Global luxury brand Amore Pacific lent its support to the international arts project2011 Korean Eye: Energy and Matter at the Museum of Arts and Design, featuring works by artists Gang Hyung-Gu, Kim Jun, Debbie Han, Park Hyung-Gu Seung-M, Bae Jun-Sung and Hong Seung-M Young-In. Art aficionados included Amy Young-In Sung and Kelly Park. 1
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Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli of Calvin Klein hosted the launch of the Americans for Marriage Equality campaign—a human rights campaign working to bring marriage equality to every state in the country. Anna Wintour, Christine Quinn, Jeff Koons, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Neil Patrick Harris and Andrew Saffir were all among the guests who came to show their support. 18 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
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Calvin Klein hosts a star-studded party to support marriage equality
1. Amy Sung, Alisa Feldman and Jenna Klassman 2. David Ciclitira 3. Esther Dong, Kelly Park 4. Brittainy Chen and Jason Park
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BEJEWELED BASH Marina B hosts a holiday cocktail party
DANIEL S. BURNSTEIN
Thierry Chaunu and Paul Lubetsky hosted a cocktail party to celebrate the relaunch of the Legendary Chic jewelry collection at the Marina B private showroom. Founded by Bulgari’s former creative director, Marina Bulgari, the brand celebrated their most successful designs with guests including Alex Acquavella, Annika Connor, Jackie Fay and Georgina Levitt. 1. Thierry Chaunu and Marilyn Baer 2. Sarah Ann and Annika Connor 3. Alex Acquavella and Beatrice Gratry 4. Karen Koeningsberg 5. Staci Elster, Sabrina Podbielska and Jackie Fay 6. Susan and Teddy Gamble 7. Paul and Toni Lubetsky 8. Steve Magelowitz, Georgina Levitt and Avi Fattal 9. Julia Lovallo and Annika Connor 19 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 19
chronicles
by
DEBBIE BANCROFT
Season’s Healings The city’s do-gooders celebrate the holiday season with a bevy of charitable bashes
20 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
© PATRiCK MCMuLLAN==PHOTO - OWEN HOFFMANN/ PATRiCKMCMuLLAN.COM
I
n our most glorious season, we remembered and celebrated continue her work. And so they have—through Love Heals. some of the things we love most; our best friend, animals, Twenty years and thousands of educated kids later, they a mother, Central Park and, of course, one starry screening. celebrated her life and work at a teary but happy dinner in The Audrey Gruss founded Hope for Depression in 2006, Pool Room of the Four Seasons. Hal Rubenstein, of InStyle in honor of her mother, Hope, to research, educate and who has lived with AIDS for 20 years (and who just married his ultimately find a cure for depression. A long time partner, David Nickle), expertly emceed sold- out audience of more than 200 sat at and urged us to “reignite the conversation that is cleverly arranged (by 583 Park) lecture hall often too hard to hear.”Alan Cumming, admitted tables, briefly chatted, but mostly learned. “I’m verklempt”(don’t you love it when Scots speak Deborah Norville bravely shared her postYiddish?) and introduced “Jules”—aka Julianna “network golden girl” and postpartum, Margulies—his co-star from The Good Wife. downward spiral, culminating in a Emily Mortimer introduced Honoree cookie dough diet and a shower cry Cristina Greeven Cuomo, as “the that prompted her husband, Karl, perfect girl, the one everyone wantto get her help. She emerged better ed to be friends with. Though I than ever, with a best seller, Thank decided she was the kindest girl—the You Power, based on the healopposite of a braggart.” Michael ing philosophy of remembering Lorber was also honored and the what makes you happy and being sold out room held Michael J. Fox and grateful for all who made it Tracy Pollan, the Cuomo and Greeven possible. Shouldn’t that have been families, Christine Baranski and many in every Christmas stocking. . . other fans and friends. next to the coal? Co-Chair Patrick More tugs at the heart strings: McMullan told us of his chronic the ASPCA Annual Humane pain, resulting depression and how Awards Luncheon introduced us to he would “fake it till [he made] it.” Mittens, the cat who was set on fire by Audrey presented the HOPE Award 2 kids (whom I have a personal vendetta to Callie Thorne, who personally against) and dragged herself to care for battled depression and who now stars in the her three kittens. Waaahhh! Then there was TV series Necessary Roughness, which Ricochet, the surfing therapy dog; Sergeant addresses mental illness. Check the David Hunt, who led raids on dog fighting website out for information on rings, populated by gun-wielding thugs—no depression’s relation to heart gentle task—and Green Chimneys, a facility disease, body disorders, alcoholism that helps disturbed kids through emotional and more. Depressing? Yes—but treatconnections to animals. Caroline Griffin able. Co-Chairs were Dr. Samantha devoted her life to protecting animals and Boardman, Jackie Drake, Kim Heirston, prosecuting their abusers: she created the Dr. Dailey Pattee and Lis Waterman. first Anti-Animal Abuse Commission in Supporters included Muriel Brandolini, Maryland (brace yourselves, Andrew and Beth DeWoody, Tory Burch, Alexander Mike—you will be asked, firmly). Chuck Guest, Martin, Joshua and Shoshanna Gruss, Scarborough, the consummate Master of Karen LeFrak, Nicole Mellon, Adrienne Ceremonies and animal advocate, made us chuckle Vittadini and Fernanda Niven. with his story of interviewing Karen LeFrak with her Alison Gertz was infected with the beloved poodle, whose paws were on Chuck and Ellen Scarborough with Oliver AIDS virus through a single sexual Karen’s shoulders and whose other end encounter when she was just 16 years was in Chuck’s face. Stevie Nelson created old. After her diagnosis, she spent the last four years of her life a campaign for an animal shelter and raised $30,000 before he educating kids about AIDS and at 26, while on her deathbed, was seven years old. Subaru promotes pet adoption through her best friends Dini von Mueffling, Julianna Margulies, its dealerships—since more Subaru owners have pets than any Stefani Greenfield and Victoria Leacock promised to other car brand. I’ll bet they’re nicer, too. Loving leaders and
SHOWS AVENUE defined by quality and design
Antiques, Art & Design at the Armory
Images: Gary Rubinstein Antiques, F. L. Braswell Fine Art, Richters
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September 21-24, 2012 The Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York City Limited booth space available. For exhibitor information, please email: avenueshows@manhattanmedia.com or call 212.284.9728
chronicles
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
Victoria Hoffman Leacock and RubenstHal ein
Alan Cumming
Cristina Greeven and Chris Cuomo
drey Gruss
rville and Au
Deborah No
gulies Julianna Mar ffling and Dini von MueGreenfield Stefani
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a Boardm Dr. Samanth n LeFrak and Kare
Mark Gilbertson and Cynthia Lufkin
22 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
supporters included President Ed Sayres, Board Chair Mary Jo White, Lisa McCarthy, Linda Lambert, Cynthia Lufkin, Ellen Scarborough and James and Margo Nederlander. When you’re done adopting a pet, why not adopt a tree, too? Kitty and Tom Kempner, Fiona and Eric Rudin, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter and Suzanne and Woody Johnson chaired the inaugural Autumn in Central Park, whose cocktail did in fact offer you a chance to adopt any number of graceful trees, sacked and looking needy of the ground just outside the tent. Bronson van Wyck created a leafy wonderland, climbing to the transparent roof that visually connected them to their live cousins, still on branches. Abigail Hirsch served appealingly simple pots of chicken pie and humble, yet yummy, cobblers in jars. Then we shook the simple sweetness and shook all else to the big sounds of The Starlight Orchestra. Leaf lovers included Star Jones, Ashley Baker, Rory Hermelee, Sharon Handler and Ambassador John Loeb, Will and Laura Zeckendorf and Deborah Roberts. And because by now I was feeling too darned virtuous, I headed down to Andrew Saffir’s Cinema Society screening of Young Adult, not benefiting anyone but the studio . . . and me! Co-star Patton Oswalt took to the stage and said “Bolt the doors! This is really a screening of Jack and Jill!” Instead, we enjoyed the annoyingly perfect Charlize Theron and a dark but captivating movie, directed by Jason Reitman. Later, at Double Seven (a club I would never get in to if I didn’t know Andrew), I told Diablo Cody (award-winning screenwriter of Juno), “When the film opened with Charlize wearily waking, climbing over the last night’s clothes and guzzling Diet Coke from the gallon bottle, I thought you based it on me!” “No,” she said, “it’s all about me, so I think we’d get along.” Here’s to a new year filled with good work, kindness and a few late nights. ✦
© PATRiCK MCMuLLAN
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bright lights, big party Adam Levine and Anne V
by
CARSON GRIFFITH
The Art of Social Sacrifice Models and movie stars take over New York nightlife
Blake Lively
Adriana Lima Leighton Meester
Penn Badgeley and Matthew Settle
Michelle Trachtenberg
© PATRICK MCMULLAN
I
’ve never been one for having my priorities in order. Ever since I first moved to the city, I’d rather starve than not have a pair of impractical shoes in the window at Barneys, and to this day, I put those necessary eight hours (seven? six?) of sleep on the back-burner for a fun night Miranda out—nearly every night. Call me a social masochist, but at least no one Kerr can call me boring. But as the weather began to cool this year, I noticed a change. My pace began to slow. I hope it wasn’t due to my lack of endurance, but I had a feeling it was merely (and I ask that I not be quoted on this the next time you see me with a champagne glass in hand at 4 a.m.) that I was starting to get my priorities in order. It’s only the second Wednesday of the month, but as I head to the Gallery in the Dream Hotel for the Victoria’s Secret after-party, I already have a feeling it’s going to be a long night. Early to the party, I’m in a jam-packed room filled with—surprise!—mostly men. The party doesn’t really get into full swing for another hour or so until Alexander Pettyfer, Adam Levine and girlfriend Anne Vyalitsyna set up shop near the deejay booth. Surprisingly, they go unnoticed besides the few party-goers who pass them by and seem Alessandra Ambrosio dumbfounded by the amount of star-power in one space. The crowd is happy, the music is good—at least everyone thinks so besides Jake Gyllenhaal, who keeps his fingers in his ears and talks loudly to his friend over the hum of the music. Then, it’s as if someone pulled a silent fire alarm because a buzz goes through the party. I’m confused at first, until I realize Leonardo DiCaprio is standing about five feet away from me, without a herd of handlers for once, but a group of friends instead. Do I dare? Like many others, I try to get closer, because after all, I can still see Jack’s face on my 12-year-old Titanic poster. After a quick chat with one of his pals, I lean in and ask him if he saw the show. “WHAT?” he yells, at me, putting his hands on my waist. Oh no, my blood sugar is going to drop. His friend yells at him that we need to move across the room and unbelievably, Leonardo gives me a head nod to come with them. What? Oh, he must have seen me talking to his friend and thought I was with the group. After a few minutes, I abandon their entourage, however, and go find my own less glamorous posse. Armed with a second bracelet and a second wind, I head upstairs Chanel to the Victoria’s Secret after-after party at Ph-D, the hotel’s upstairs Iman night-club, and am told I must wait a moment before getting into the elevator. The polite request is because the star of the runway show earlier that evening, Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr, and her gorgeous actor hubby Orlando Bloom, are making their way upstairs. “I’m with her! I’m with Miranda!” Orlando jokes with a big smile, as he pulls her into the elevator.
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Upstairs, I’m told there is—yes—going to be an after-afterafter party at Avenue where Kanye West, who performed at the show earlier that evening, will probably be in attendance. I weigh my options. My bed wins out, for once, and with regrets resting in the back of my mind, I head home. The following Monday, I am still in a state of perpetual exhaustion and blame it on the weather, which can’t make up its mind to creep into winter or not. I decide to attend a civilized charity event and call it an evening, so I head to the 2011 Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative Gala in Lincoln Center. As soon as I arrive, I realize I’m completely under-dressed in a long pleated skirt by a little known designer with a leather jacket, in a room filled with beautiful gowns. Oops. Regardless, the speeches by Martin Scorsese and Julie Taymor, amongst others, are inspiring. Of course, I get a text from a friend saying the Another Happy Day (starring Ellen Barkin) party hosted by the Peggy Siegal Company at the Top of the Standard is in full swing. Why don’t I just stop by? It’s only blocks from my home in the West Village. I’m sold. I skip out on dessert, and by the time I get there, people have started trickling in from the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund event. An unofficial after-party is in full bloom, with Amanda Seyfried swigging back beer at the bar and Theophilus London and a pal taking over the turntables, turning it into a raging dance party. I grab some wine at the bar for my friends and nearly crash into Olivia Wilde and Zoe Kravitz, dancing together in front of the deejay booth like they are old friends (are they?) at a fraternity party. I feel like my old self again until the clock strikes one and I turn into a tardy Cinderella. The party begins to thin out, and I begin my walk South. That Saturday, I can’t believe I’m sitting at Joseph Leonard in the West Village instead of Cipriani Wall Street. You see, in September I shot a small cameo for Gossip Girl as myself which aired in November, therefore automatically scoring me an invite to the 100th Episode Celebration for the CW show that evening (along with a guarantee that Ed Westwick—who I shot with that day along with the gorgeous Liz Hurley and Leighton Meester—would put me in a loving headlock of sorts every time we happen to be at the same event). Instead, however, I find myself with oysters and a swoon-inducing boy with an accent. I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone, and am wondering if dating in New York always means tampering with my social calendar. I pose this exact question to a couple of models I meet at a small viewing party in the Electric Room for Scott Lipps from One Management’s new show Scouted. The couple, Cory Bond and Bekah Jenkins have been married for nearly eight years, since she was only 18. I recognize him from somewhere and he tells me it’s that Michael Kors billboard in Times Square—in his underwear. Model love advice does not seem to fit mere mortals though, and as they told me how she pursued him relentlessly as a gorgeous 16-yearold, I decide it’s probably better if I don’t file this away. The evening’s not a total bust: the couple is hilarious, the show, which also features Dani Stahl and Michael Flutie, seems to be a win and it’s nightlife impresario Nur Khan’s birthday. I watch him blow out the candles on his cake, then make a sly exit with as few good-byes as possible. After all, I have a newly responsible reputation to keep up. ✦
Ed Westwick
Ellen Barkin and Andy Cohen
Julianne Moore Amanda Seyfried and Monique Péan
Jennifer Missoni
Julie Taymor
Olivia Wilde
Martin Scorsese Kelly Rutherford
For Carson Griffith’s latest nightlife coverage, visit www.avenueinsider.com Zoe Kravitz
© PATRICK MCMULLAN
bright lights, big party
T:8.125”
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I need someone who knows
social safari
by
R. COURI HAY
From Paris With Love
New Yorkers set honor worthy causes and jet-set to Paris for a taste of la vie en rose Muffie Potter Aston at the ABT Opening Gala
Sharon, Ashley and Lauren Bush at the FEED Bears designer auction at J. McLaughlin
Maggie Norris and Dr. Robert Grant at Cornelia Guest’s bag show
Bambi Sloan at the Saint James Hotel
Cornelia Guest, Larry Wohl and Leesa Rowland at Cornelia Guest’s bag show
Marcel Goodman at Corneila Guest’s bag show
Elaine Sargent at the French Heritage Society Gala
Gillian and Sylvester Miniter at Autumn in the Park
Jessica White and Arik Kislin at the launch of the supercar Zenvo at the Gansevoort
Jean Shafiroff, Margo Langenberg and Cece Black at the French Heritage Society Gala.
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auren Bush Lauren and her mother Sharon Bush auctioned off FEED Bears dressed by Douglas Hannant, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Rachel Roy and Zang Toi at J. McLaughlin. Proceeds went to sustain malnourished children around the world (www.feedprojects.com). Muffie Potter Aston co-chaired the American Ballet Theatre gala at the beautifully restored City Center. Guests included Mary-Louise Parker, Pace Gallery’s Andrea and Marc Glimcher, Isabella Rossellini, Joanne de Guardiola, Fe Fendi, Blair Husain and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia. Margaret Russell, the glamorous editor of Architectural Digest, unveiled the new AD100 list of the top architects and interior designers in the world at the Guggenheim Museum. Making the cut were designers to the rich and richer Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper, Peter Marino, Bunny Williams, Campion Platt, Mario Buatta and others of that ilk and stripe. Bambi Sloan, the madcap English designer, has done up the Saint James Paris in a cheeky style that seduces you the moment you enter the only grand château hotel in Paris (www.saint-james-paris.com). The Great Room, with its cascading “chaos chandelier,” panther patterned carpets and boldly trimmed black and white walls, puts you in a Parisian state of mind even before you’re whisked to your sumptuous suite. Each of the 48 rooms are unique. My favorite is John Steed’s Den; The Avengers-inspired room with faux parquet carpeting that feels like sheared mink, rich navy blue taffeta curtains and a pair of bowler hats that conceal lights suspended over the bed. The Saint James doubles as a private club and its old Etonian mahogany paneled library and bar, gourmet dining room (order from the wondrous Truffle Menu) and fitness center is only open to members and hotel guests. CNN’s savvy Felicia Taylor calls it “the best hotel in Paris” and I’m inclined to agree. The hotel, whose sister club is in London, sits on what was the city’s original hot air balloon field which explains why two enormous balloon shaped pavilions have landed amidst the lush foliage in this achingly beautiful private garden in the city of light. The Saint James is both romantic and memorable. The most inspired food in Paris is at Le Cinq, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the George V. Chef des Cuisines Eric Briffard does things with white truffles that make you cry with joy; try them shaved onto pasta or layered over a savory broth. You’ll never forget the fragrance when the charming wait staff (ask for Julian) lifts off the silver domes of the gold leaf lined bowls. The tantalizing amuses-bouches keep arriving and the main courses of veal, rack of lamb and scallops melt on the palate. Ask the sommelier, Thierry Hamon, to pair everything with wines from Le Cinq’s distinguished wine cellar Bon Appétit! CeCe Black and Jean Shafiroff co-chaired the French Heritage Society Ball at the Metropolitan Club. François Delattre, the French Ambassador greeted Sandra McConnell, Chris Obetz, Susan and Jon Nagel, Michele Gerber Klein, Christine and Stephen Schwarzman (www.frenchheritagesociety.org). Cornelia Guest launched her line of cruelty free bags at Bloomingdale’s. Snapping up the chic and affordable collection made of pleather were Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Julie Hayek, Sabina and Lorraine Belkin, Karen Klopp, Cassandra Seidenfeld, Rachel Ehrenfeld, Ashley Turen and Leesa Rowland—whose new horror film is Slaughter Daughter (corneliaguest.com). Suzanne and Woody Johnson and Gillian and Sylvester Miniter were among the co-chairs of the Central Park Conservancy dinner dance. On the dance floor were Alexandra Lebenthal, Coco Kopelman and Janna Bullock. The night raked in $1.1 million. Who else would tell you these things? ✦
arts calendar
Feasting the Eyes This month’s selection of art and antiques on view or for sale auctions Christie’s Jan. 10: Interiors Jan. 25: Old Master Paintings 20 Rockefeller Plaza 212.636.2000 Bonhams new york Jan. 25: Fine American and European Furniture and Decorative Arts 580 Madison Avenue 212.644.9001
galleries DaviD Zwirner On Kawara: Date Paintings in New York and 136 Other Cities Jan. 6-Feb. 11 525 W. 19th Street 212.727.2070 mCCaffrey fine art Noriyuki Haraguchi Jan. 6-Mar. 17 23 E. 67th Street 212.988.2200 mireille mosler Master Drawings Jan. 20-28 35 East 67th Street 212.249.4195 the PaCe Gallery Alfred Jensen/Sol LeWitt: Systems and Transformations Jan. 13-Feb. 11 32 E. 57th Street 212.421.9292 sPanierman moDern Frank Wimberley 30 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
Frank Wimberley’s Scarlet Junction, 2010, acrylic on canvas, 56 by 56 inches, available at Spanierman Modern
Through Jan. 14 Stanley Boxer Jan. 19-Feb.18 53 E. 58th Street 212.832.1400 GaGosian Gallery Damien Hirst: The Complete Spot Paintings 1986-2011 Jan. 12-Feb. 18 980 Madison Avenue 212.744.2313
exhibitions GuGGenheim museum Maurizio Cattelan: All Through Jan. 22 1071 Fifth Avenue 212.423.3500 whitney museum Three Landscapes: A Film Installation by Roy Lichtenstein Through Feb. 12 945 Madison Avenue 212.570.3600 ✦
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#kkbstyle
by
KELLY KILLOREN BENSIMON
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1. Marc Jacobs sunglasses, $275, www.solsticesunglasses.com; Fred & Sibel 2-way sweater, $280, www.opensky.com/kellykillorenbensimon 2. Melissa Odabash Kelly Kaftan coverup, $249.00, www.melissaodabash.com 3. Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, $29,500, www.rolex.com 4. Bottega Veneta suede antique ayers sandal, style: 290285/VFCA8, $940, www.bottegaveneta.com 5. Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne, 100 ml/$110, www.jomalone.com 6. Zac Sac ZS1000-inca yellow, $525, www.bloomingdales.com 7. Dea Rosa iPad cover, $490, www.dearosa.com 8. Jacob and Co. Chameleon ring, price upon request, www.jacobandco.com 9. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, 300 ml/$39, www.oribe.com 10. Hermès Cachemire de Tamara bracelet, $520, 691 Madison Avenue, New York, 212.751.3181 11. David Lerner tuxedo leggings, $264, www.dlcollection.com 12. Manolo Blahnik bright blue suede heels, style BB, $595, www.manoloblahnik.com 13. 7 For All Mankind bell bottom super flare in clean white, $169, www.7forallmankind.com 14. Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint, $24, Sephora 15. CH Carolina Herrera silk blouse, $265; Linen Pants, $345; Shoes, $465; Bracelets, $105; Belt, $150; Hat, $150; all at CH Carolina Herrera, New York, 212.744.2076 16. Goyard wallet, $60, www.barneys.com 17. Tomas Maier swimwear, style: Schatz, $395, www.tomasmaier.com 32 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
PHOTOGRAPHeD BY KeLLY KILLOReN BeNSIMON WITH THe IPHONe 4S
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fashion forward
by
KELLY KILLOREN BENSIMON
Modern Maverick Thom Browne: The All American
photographed by Kelly Killoren bensimon with the iphone 4s
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hat do I want you to know about American designer Thom Browne? Everything. The first time I met Thom Browne was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art during one of the Costume Institute’s events. I listened to him talk to Glenn O’Brien about menswear, while my tween girls, direct from their piano lessons, politely gobbled up every hors d’oeuvre they could get their hands on. One of my daughters noted the fashion choices: “Mom, the men had on pants that were too short.” I laughed, remembering the boys I met at Trinity College, who all wore their pants hemmed a little shorter than the average male, and probably still sport them with boat shoes. To me, that shrunken, fitted look is my classic American dream suit. Obsessed with Browne’s reinvention of the tailored 50s suit, I went to his studio for a chat. The fitted black suit and clean white shirt he wore are just two symbols of his unwavering design integrity. It’s rare to come by a designer with such physical drive. Browne was a long distance swimmer and now runs eight miles a day. The discipline and uniformity he shows in his personal life is echoed in his designs. His womenswear collection, now in its second season, has a strong foundation in fitted shirts, jackets and menswear-influenced style, yet allow for a sexy playfulness. For evening, Browne created a mermaid skirt, with a sheer underpinning I thought was the skirt. He even has an embroidered fitted jacket with little yellow ducks all over it. His aesthetic is so pure that the oldest American retailer asked him to design for them. Browne made the suit—a rite of passage—youthful and charming to the 20-somethings with the label Black Fleece at Brooks Brothers. Browne took your dad’s suit and made it cool, modern and chic. While many people’s instinct is to reinvent the wheel, Browne just wanted to make it better. He did the same thing for Moncler by taking the “puff ” out of the puffer and adding an athletic and masculine edge to the traditional ski coat. I asked if he made down suit coats for women, and Browne just smiled. I’m hoping the smile meant, “maybe.” He listens to all kinds of music, except for Top 40, loves to eat at Upper East Side and West Villages haunts such as Il Cantinori, La Grenouille, The Four Seasons, Morandi, The Waverly Inn for hamburgers, and he clued me into
Top: Kelly and thom in his showroom in the meatpacking district Bottom: thom browne’s new women’s accessory line
another one of his favorite Italian haunts, I Sodi. He always works out at Equinox. His inspiration comes from real people and movies. It seemed clear, he wanted to clean up the American man and bring him back to the American gentleman. He dresses as he lives: athletic, pragmatic and respectful. For the holidays, rather than some exotic vacation, his plans were to “go see my mother for a few days.” If he hasn’t charmed the socks off of you (I had to) with his old-guard charm, his accessories will make you want to jump into a twinset; they are so incredibly chic and covetable. His doctor-inspired bags are rooted in tradition. Then there are his stacked heel shoes, which I obviously had to try on. The look and feel made me want to throw my hair in a high pony and get cooking in that kitchen. I’m smitten, and I’m not interested in my best friend, color, anymore. I am obsessed by uniformity. Now, I want Thom Browne to clean up the athletic wear lines and get rid of the color. Please bring simple, chic and athletic to the gym. It is a jungle in there with color, sweat and ruching. I‘m thinking Thom Browne for Nike. ✦ Kelly Killoren Bensimon @KellyBensimon www.kellykillorenbensimon.com Follow me on OpenSky http://shopopensky.com/kellykillorenbensimon JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 33
most wanted
by
KELLY KILLOREN BENSIMON
Gold Goddess Helen Ficalora Transformation is one of the new resolutions for the New Year. And what better way to transform a former bond than to “upcycle,” à la Danny Seo, by taking a piece of jewelry and making it an amazing memory? That’s what Helen Ficalora did for me. I gave her my beautiful diamond engagement ring and she made it into a family ring that transformed not just the stone, but the meaning of the stone. By creating a tree of life, Helen added rubies and emeralds, which represents the birth of my daughters, to the 18k organic gold setting and reset the diamond. Now, my girls have a family ring they can wear that is related to the true meaning of the stone: love.
WHO: Celebrity clients include Blake Lively, Hilary Swank, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes WHERE: 21 Cleveland Place, New York, NY 10012 212.219.3700 WHEN: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. HOW MUCH: $3,000-$10,000 photographed by Kelly Killoren Bensimon with the iPhone 4S
34 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
local heroes
by
KELLY KILLOREN BENSIMON
Must Love Dogs N
ew Yorkers who work tirelessly and are committed to non-profit deserve to be celebrated and supported. The hours are long, and some of the situations these volunteers face are devastating to even hear about, let alone watch day in and day out. Therefore, it takes a special type of person to seek out charitable work and change lives every day. I want you to know who these local heroes are. Animal Haven is a wonderful organization that cares for, and provides homes for amazing “foster” animals. I personally own a pit bull/labrador mix that was saved by Animal Haven. It hasn’t been the easiest journey with my rescue dog—she has had some issues, but we have worked through them with the help of the amazing trainers at Animal Haven, and the rewards certainly outweigh the struggles. One of the rewards was meeting Tracy Venezia. I first met Tracy when I asked her if my daughters could spend a few hours a week helping at the shelter. Tracy showed my pre-tween girls why we are so lucky to have shelters for foster dogs. The girls cleaned up everything—I mean everything—and learned how to care for the senior dogs as well as the puppies. I also got to spend time with Tracy and cleaned up everything, too. Afterall, if you want to help socialize the puppies, you have to clean up after them. For Tracy, a native of New Orleans, caring for animals has always been a part of her life. She spent her youth driving around in a pickup truck literally picking up stray dogs. Recently, she quit her bartending job and started working for Animal Haven part-time. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her love for animals is infectious. I have to be careful when I visit the shelter because I already have three dogs at home. I tell Tracy weekly, “I cannot come home with another puppy!” She looks at each animal as one of her own. “When a dog gets adopted and finds a home, it’s the happiest part of my day,” she says. “I don’t see working here as a sad story. We’re the lucky ones who get to be with the dogs while they are here.” Another great volunteer is Kate Egelhofer. While she applies to graduate school, Kate donates all of her time and effort to the animals at Animal Haven. She fosters all of the shy dogs from puppy mills who are never socialized and have “shut down” from lack of human contact. Kate takes the dogs to her home, and even nurtures young dog lovers and encourages them to take good care of all animals. Kate is a true angel. Let’s cut to the chase: 100 percent of the proceeds support pet adoption. And these pets need homes. One woman left her dog on Black Friday; she just wanted to go shopping. Another person just left his dog tied up outside. There is Tracy Venezia, with two of Animal Haven’s precious rescue dogs always a storm of dogs before the holidays from people going on vacation and abandoning their animals. January and February are what I call “white dog” months—all of the white dogs bought as holiday gifts then abandoned end up at Animal Haven. To help, go to animalhavenshelter.org, then “Amazon Wish List” under “support” for everything Animal Haven needs—from bleach to pet food, to paper towels . . . To support Animal Haven or adopt a pet, please check out Animal Haven, 251 Centre Street (corner of Broome Street) 212.274.8511 ✦ JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 35
pHoTogrApHed by Kelly Killoren bensimon wiTH THe ipHone 4s
At Animal Haven, Tracy Venezia and other volunteers teach us how to love our furry best friends
cricket’s crush
by
CRICKET BURNS
Rain, Rain, Come This Way! Scalamandré’s Zebra Umbrella available in signature red, black or yellow, folding or golf-size, $95.00 each. Available at Scalamandré, 942 Third Avenue; 212.980.3888, www.scalamandre.com 36 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
We’ve all heard the expression “it’s raining cats and dogs,” but I prefer the thought of “drizzling zebras” when it comes to describing inclemency. These elegant equines were conceived by the house of Scalamandré in the 1930s. They garnered understated fame through the decades on the storied walls of the beloved (and sadly defunct) New York City ristorante, Gino’s. Currently, they are enjoying their golden years gloriously jaunting up and down fancy avenues like Fifth and Worth when the heavens unexpectedly open up. I just adore the original ruby red color, but this canary yellow version seems so fit to float among the palm tree’d skyline of blue-chip-chic Palm Beach. Let it pour! ✦
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scandal sheet
the lonely star The rise and plight of silent film star Vilma Bánky
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ungarian silent film star Vilma Bánky rose to fame in 1925 when Samuel Goldwyn discovered the doll-faced actress and sent her work to Ronald Colman, who cast her opposite him in The Dark Angel. The film was a hit, as were Colman and Bánky—the two were the it couple of the time. But as Bánky moved on to other films, she traded in Colman for other co-stars, including Rudolph Valentino, the film icon with whom she co-starred in such classics as The Eagle and The Son of the Sheik. When she wed actor Rod La Rocque in 1927, the occasion was considered the social event of the decade and Bánky’s star status rose to new heights. The ceremony—which counted 600 guests and 400 policemen—was produced by Goldwyn, with Cecil B. DeMille as the best man and ushers including Colman and Harold Lloyd, ensuring that it would be one of the most talked about events of the decade. It was, 38 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
and the newlyweds were known as the happiest married couple in Hollywood. But when the talkies rolled around in 1929, Bánky’s fate took a turn for the worst. With an accent like hers, she couldn’t go on to star in the new films and her career ended in the early 1930s. La Rocque died in 1969, but Bánky lived until 1991, although she was ill the last ten years of her life and, according to her lawyer, didn’t have a single visitor—not at home or in the hospital. The poor, socially exiled Bánky was so broken-hearted by her lack of friends that she demanded no mention be made of her death. That was, until The New York Times curiously ran her obituary some 20 months later. The actress whose fame betrayed her did leave a will: Bánky created an educational foundation, worth more than $1 million, for children. ✦
PHoto By Hulton ArcHiVe/Getty imAGeS
Vilma Bánky and James Hall in a scene from This Is Heaven directed by Alfred Santell for Samuel Goldwyn Studios, 1929
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Tracy’s Treasures Jewelry connoisseur Tracy Smith talks about her favorite pieces and how intuition guides her selection of one-of-a-kind pieces by Martin Marks photographed by Juan Algarin styled by Cricket Burns
Hair and Makeup by Virginia Le Fay Fashion assistance by Katherine Lande
Opposite page: Blue silk dress by Lanvin, platform sandals by Yves Saint Laurent at Neiman Marcus, Palm Beach. 1970s pendant necklace by Lanvin. Gold swirl clamper cuff and 1950s Hobe ring at House of Lavande, Palm Beach
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F
or Tracy Smith, the inspiration to start the House of Lavande, her business specializing in vintage costume jewelry, came from personal experiences with collecting. “I came across this really spectacular Les Benard necklace in the midst of a bunch of junk, which was how I usually found great pieces,” she says. “I thought to myself, if I could actually create something that just took great pieces like these and edited out the others, so you weren’t sifting through junk, I could have a whole collection. That was the light bulb moment.” Six years later, that light bulb continues to cast its glow upon the many drawers and cabinets of the House of Lavande’s boutique in Palm Beach, where the drawers themselves are a product of Smith’s constant, tireless process of sifting, sorting and considering. Organized by color—one drawer is a study in shades of blue and turquoise bracelets—Smith’s unique take on the art of collecting might be what separates her from the rest of the vintage crowd. “There are some pieces that aren’t genius in terms of design,” she says. “But it’s that certain quality of it not being available at the moment, of it setting itself apart from what many people can obtain. It’s certainly an archive where many can be inspired.” With this instinct guiding her, she doesn’t necessarily gravitate towards what she thinks her customers will like, or what’s trendy, or even what’s going to sell. “I always try to find something that just speaks to me, something that I really love,” Smith says.“I’m a very visual person, and obviously, those visual elements give either positive or negative emotions, and I think I’m emotionally drawn to some pieces. It’s really just what I love, and what I’m drawn to at that moment.” Though her eye sometimes tends towards the bold and the bright, Smith never forgets the wearer. “Even if it’s very oversized, the piece still has to have some delicate quality to it. You still have to feel like you’re a woman wearing it.” For women entering the House of Lavande’s store, the experience must be a cross between stumbling upon a cache of family heirlooms that just happen to be at the height of fashion, and Aladdin, stumbling into the Cave of Wonders. Indeed, Smith
“We really worked to create the story of that old Palm Beach, that Slim Aarons girl, sitting by the pool with her jewelry on.” —Tracy Smith
Opposite page: Red wrap dress by Emilio Pucci, Palm Beach. Strappy heels by Jimmy Choo, Palm Beach. Vintage white pendant necklace by Lanvin, assorted vintage gold bracelets at House of Lavande, Palm Beach 42 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 43
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always seemed to know that she wanted to somehow be involved in fashion, but wasn’t quite sure how she was going to make her voice different, or what her own particular take would be. “I don’t know what initially drove me towards jewelry,” she says, and then laughs. “I guess I’m a typical girl.” “I think I’ve always loved accessories,” she continues, “because there’s a lot more control to it. If you couldn’t get the latest dress, or even the latest pair of jeans, you could really craft your own look with an accessory.” The pieces she selects harken back to a lost sense of elegance, one strongly associated with the island of Palm Beach. “It’s my home, and I think that this is a perfect fit with everyone’s image of what it is. We really worked to create the story of that old Palm Beach, that Slim Aarons girl, sitting by the pool with her jewelry on. I think that everything—the store, and the website—gives a real visual feeling of what the collection is about, the types of pieces that are here, as well as the kind of images that define the House of Lavande.” Even though the collection relies on the brooches and brocades of yesteryear, Smith knew when she founded the House of Lavande, she didn’t want to open just another vintage shop. Her vision is not overly sentimental. The collection is not about a woman who, waxing nostalgic, resurrects her grandmother’s jewelry, simply to wear with her grandmother’s dress and matching bag. “It’s about incorporating this jewelry with really current fashion,” Smith explains. Even the name Smith chose for her business—the House of Lavande—reflects this sense of updating. Rather than going the more obvious routes—“Tracy’s Vintage, or Vintage Finds”—Smith wanted to develop something more subtle, and needed a name that was personally inspiring, something that was visual, but that didn’t bring just one particular image to mind. She wanted something that spoke to what one piece of jewelry, when selected carefully and worn well, could bring to a wardrobe.
“I don’t know what initially drove me towards jewelry . . . I guess I’m a typical girl.” —Tracy Smith
Opposite page: Navy dress by The Row. Silver peep-toe heels by Giuseppe Zanotti at Neiman Marcus, Palm Beach. 1950s Juliana clamper bracelet, red and blue bangle, 1960s Ciner zebra cuff, 1970s red and blue cuff by Yves Saint Laurent at House of Lavande, Palm Beach JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 45
“On one of my trips through Provence,” she says, “I found myself staring out at a lavender field. But it wasn’t just lavender. There were sunflowers, and leaves, and sky, and there were the smells, and the sounds, all part of this beautiful landscape of color. And lavender really does evoke something from all of the senses. It’s pretty, in visual terms, but it also has healing qualities, and it’s used in so many different ways. So I thought of Lavande, the French word for lavender. It’s been an inspiration name ever since.” Going through the store, I ask Smith what three pieces she’d recommend to a woman looking to start her own collection of vintage treasures. “Definitely a statement necklace,” she says, “something 1960s Dior, perhaps a collar necklace, a great Lanvin pendant from the1970s, and then a really fun, big cocktail ring. You can wear the pendant and the ring anytime, anywhere. But the statement necklace just seems to represent something you always want to have.” I mention that the statement necklace seems to be rather specific. She laughs. “There was a 1960s Dior collar necklace that I did sell. Now, I sort of wish I had kept it. But, it’s okay.” I ask her about her favorite piece in the collection. “Honestly, it changes every week. This is my new favorite from yesterday,” she says, then indicating to the bracelet on her wrist. She takes it off and shows it to me. It’s a simple Victorian slide bracelet, with a small latch that adjusts to the width of the wrist. “There’s something feminine yet still modern looking about it,” she says. Some of the more fascinating items, and, Smith confesses, among her favorites in the House of Lavande’s collection, are the lockets and ladies’ pocket-watches that fill one of the uppermost drawers at the store in Palm Beach. “When I started to find them, I was really drawn to the inscriptions, and the dates, and the photos that were still inside,” she says. “To me, obviously, it’s the definition of vintage, but it’s also very sentimental, and very special. It’s almost as if you’re carrying a piece of that specialness along with you, so I feel it has a little magical quality to it.” ✦
“Lavender really does evoke something from all of the senses. It’s pretty . . . but it also has healing qualities . . . So I thought of Lavande, the French word for lavender.” —Tracy Smith
For more on Tracy Smith, visit www.avenueinsider.com
Opposite page: Black jumpsuit by ALC available at Gypsy, Palm Beach. Heels by Jimmy Choo, Palm Beach. Assorted vintage bracelets at House of Lavande, Palm Beach 46 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 47
2012 Palm Beach
A List The Most Powerful and Influential People in Palm Beach compiled by AVENUE Magazine ■ introduction by Renée Morrison
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onrad Black once said that while visiting Palm Beach in 1969, he saw a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud hit a Rolls-Royce Phantom V, which itself had been hit by another Rolls-Royce Phantom. “That,” Black would tell friends, “was the moment I knew I was where I belonged.” Home to an annual event hosting Ferraris from all over the country, on the great lawns of the magnificent Breakers Hotel, the residents of this dazzling island that is Palm Beach, make up the fabric of what money, success and power look like. Many people from the Forbes’ richest people in America list have set up residences amongst other multi-millionaire neighbors; where the rich collect private jets, yachts and play polo with ease and grace. Palm Beach, our loyal dowager, continues to charm the island with the habits and interests of the most demanding consumers who have created a redefined sense of royalty. Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club, formerly home to cereal heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post, hosts black-tie soirées with past guests including Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion and Elton John. The legendary artists announce their performances a month before ticket sales are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis to their members. The island is not immune to presidential campaigning, in fact, due to the staggering wealth and commitment of the community, all presidential hopefuls have
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had fundraisers. One two-hour cocktail party can easily raise $100,000 and change. The seasoned residents receive all the benefits of a more intimate setting with a potential future President. As Palm Beachers make their way around the barrier reef island they will attend important charitable events from balls to galas, to fashion shows, luncheons, and the openings of galleries and stores. Luxury has made a brilliant return to the retail stage and newly re-designed Worth Avenue, highlighted by the now famous Living Wall at Saks Fifth Avenue showcasing opulent jewelry cases and a smattering of salons for the clothing designers. Down the way, the Society of the Four Arts meets the islanders’ cultural needs in music, drama, literature and art for the resort community. One Palm Beacher, Bill Koch, a noted collector, is loaning an exciting exhibition of rarely seen objects from the American West. Palm Beach continues to elevate her intellectual lectures to local professionals from Scripps and the National Arts Institute where the science of film production special effects attracts the likes of Steven Spielberg. In keeping with tradition, we at AVENUE invite our readers to join us in our recognition of AVENUE’s A-list for 2012. It was created to honor those who are truly on top of their game. And to you, dear reader, may your new year be filled with wonderful blessings both great and small.
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Sonja Abrahamsen Alex Acquavella Donna Acquavella Nick Acquavella Travis Acquavella William Acquavella Catherine Adler Frederick Adler Jonathan Adler Dr. Carolyn Agresti Michael Ainslie Joseph Allen Maribel Alvarez Charlotte Amar Leon Amar Jeff Amling Katy Amling Minot Amory Victoria Amory Bettina Anderson Christina Anderson Harry Loy Anderson H. Loy Anderson Jr. Inger Anderson Christian Angle Carl Apfel Iris Barrel Apfel Eugene Applebaum Marcia Applebaum Jessie Araskog Rand Araskog Gigi Arledge Adrien Arpel John Auerbach Lian Azqueta Norberto Azqueta Norberto Azqueta Jr. Robin Wheeler Azqueta
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Mark Badgley Asia Baker Callie Baker Kane Baker Lavinia Baker Mary Baker Tori Baker Roger Barnett Sloan Barnett Catherine Barrett Graham Barrett Robert Barrett III Dennis Basso Jeff Bateman Joseph Bauer Millie Bean Arthur Becker Byrdie Bell Page Lee Hufty Bell Ted Bell Maura Benjamin William Benjamin Nellie Benoit Albert Beriro Carmen Beriro Ellie Berlin William Bernhard Lori Bernstein Michael Bernstein Anthony Beyer Vanessa Beyer Margaret Bilotti Alan Bleznak
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Kathy Bleznak Georgina Bloomberg Mayor Michael Bloomberg Arianna Boardman Cynthia Boardman Dixon Boardman Serena Boardman Amanda Strong Boalt Francesca Bodini Benton Bohannon Lars Bolander Ginny Bond Tantivy Bostwick Thomas Bostwick Harry Brant Peter Brant Peter Brant Jr. Frances Briggs Roger Briggs Ambassador Nancy Brinker Katy Brodsky Lynn Brodsky Katherine Bryan Barbara Brylawski Bud Brylawski Mario Buatta Virginia Burke Donald Burns Eileen Burns Eric Bylin Whitney Bylin
Aerin Lauder and Eric Zinterhofer Cornelia Guest, Beth Rudin DeWoody and Cristina Greeven Cuomo
Richard Cahall Catherine Cahill Liza Pulitzer Calhoun Robert Calhoun Denise LeFrak Calicchio John Calicchio Lee Calicchio Jonathan Cameron-Hayes Iris Cantor Dr. Alexander Carden Stephanie Carden Mike Carney John Castle Marianne Castle Meryl Cayne David Chase Rhoda Chase Luce Churchill Alfred Clark Jim Clark Kristy Clark Querube Clark George Cloutier Tiffany Cloutier Helen Cluett Harriet Cohen James Cohen Lisa Cohen Phillip Cohen Robert Cohen Chase Coleman Kim Coleman Lindsey Coleman Payson Coleman Reed Coleman Stephanie Ercklentz Coleman Timothy Coleman Adolph Combiaso Michael Cominotto Cristina Condon Nick Coniglio Mark Cook Patricia Cook Paula Cook Alex Cooper Dale Coudert Howard Cox Dr. Chauncey Crandall Julie Cummings Peter Cummings Tony Cummings Ellen Cunningham Ashton Curtis Merrill Hanley Curtis Boykin Curry
Alex Acquavella
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 49
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Vic Damone Amalia Dayan Millie Dayton Alexandra de Borchgrave Arnaud de Borchgrave Countess Christina de Caraman Joanne de Guardiola Roberto de Guardiola Diane de la Begassiere Ashton de Peyster Margo de Peyster Arthur de Soultrait Bertrand de Soultrait Hermé de Wyman Miro Peggy Dean Florence De George Eleanor Acquavella Dejoux Morgan Dejoux Chris Del Gatto Nancy DeMoss Jacqueline Desmarais Paul Desmarais Beth Rudin DeWoody William Diamond Peggy Dillard Rodney Dillard Lily Holt Dillon Patrick Dillon Lou Dobbs John Dodge Barry Donahue Linda Donahue Simon Doonan Ann Downey Cil Draime Max Draime Jackie Drake Rodman Drake Jackie Duberstein Kenneth Duberstein Dr. Eva Dubin Glenn Dubin Ervin Duggan Bill Dunn Rebecca Dunn Cedric Dupont Claude Dupont Lauren dupont Richard Dupont
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Diana Ecclestone Llwyd Ecclestone III Robert Eigelberger Frances Eisenberg Kenneth Eisenberg Ambassador Edward Elliot Elson Susie Elson Geri Emmett Jay Emmett Paul Emmett Cornelia Ercklentz Enno Ercklentz Jr. William R. Eubanks
Mary Fairbanks Annie Falk Michael Falk Alex Fanjul Alfonso Fanjul Andres Fanjul Jr. Carissa Fanjul Cathie Fanjul Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler J. Pepe Fanjul Lourdes Fanjul Nicholas Fanjul Pepe Fanjul Jr. Raysa Fanjul Reddy Fanjul Tina Fanjul Lillian Fernandez Luis Fernandez Jon Fiore Moira Fiore David Fischer Jennifer Fischer Anne Fisher Frances Fisher Jeffrey Fisher Jerome Fisher Marjorie Fisher Averell Fisk Kirsten Fisk Sarah Steinberg Fiszel Kellie Flagler Christina Floyd Kathleen Floyd Maria Floyd Raymond Floyd Kathleen DuRoss Ford Bunny Forman
Karen LeFrak Georgina Bloomberg
Carol Mack
Nicole Hanley Mellon and Matthew Mellon
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Jennifer Garrigues Linda Gary Arij Gasiunasen Sarah Gavlak Peter Geisler Jr. Billy Gilbane Sara Gilbane Mark Gilbertson Elesabeth Gillet David Gilmour Jill Gilmour C. Gerald Goldsmith Suzi Goldsmith Joanie Goodman John B. Goodman Murray Goodman Arlette Gordon Cheryl Gowdy Jane Grace Robert Grace Patti Graebner Larry Graev Lorna Graev Ellen Graham Ian Graham Blair Griffin Nina Griscom Judith M. Grubman Audrey Gruss Martin Gruss Bingo Gubelmann James Gubelmann Kate Gubelmann Phoebe Gubelmann Shelley Gubelmann Susan Gubelmann Cornelia Guest Helen Guest Winston Guest Jr.
K M H L Patricia Haig Mary Hale Betsey Hall Anita Hamilton George Hamilton Ali Hanley Lee Hanley Nicole Hanley Mai Hallingby Harrison Megan Hearst Veronica Hearst Bruce Helander James Held Neil Hirsh Zan Hogan Vicky Holmes Jane Holzer Kelly Matthews Hopkins Rick Hopkins Dottie Houdry Jack Houdry Alex Hufty Griswold Vicky Hunt Brooke Wendel Huttig
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Donald Jackson Lisa Jackson Ellen Jaffe Robert Jaffe Robert Janjigian Pat Johnson Sheila Johnson Darlene Jordan Jerry Jordan
Lawrence Kaiser Gayle Kalisman Dr. Michael Kalisman Hannah Kamin Marvin Kamin Dr. Richard Kaplan Kenn Karakul Jim Kaufman Frank Keenan Celerie Kemble Phoebe Kemble Martha Jane Kennedy Howard Kessler Michele Kessler Patrick Killian Stuart Kirwan Jarrett Kling Judy Kling John Kluge Jr. Bridget Rooney Koch Dana Koch David Koch Jessica Koch Julia Koch Paulette Koch Dr. Ronald Koch William Koch Carole Koeppel Joel Koeppel Dorothy Kohl Sidney Kohl Caroline Koons Kathleen Koons Terry Allen Kramer
Lauren duPont
Parker Ladd David Lambert Penny Lancaster Dorothy Lappin Christopher Larmoyeux Leigh Larmoyeux Aerin Lauder Jane Lauder Jo Carole Lauder Karen Lauder Leonard Lauder Ronald Lauder William Lauder Lilly Leas Rodman Leas Harrison LeFrak Karen LeFrak Richard LeFrak Bob Leidy Christopher Leidy Robert Leidy Jr. Petra Levin Stephen Levin Eric Levine Janie Lewis Sasha Lickle Elizabeth Lind Adam Lindemann Diane Lindemann Frayda Lindemann George Lindemann Bobby Long Kathryn Long Helene Lorentzen John Loring
Clive Richardson
Benny Macfarland Christina Matthews Macfarland Carol Mack Chris Mack Ambassador Earle Mack Fred Mack Phyllis Mack Richard Mack Tammy Mack William Mack Charlie Maddock Lily Maddock Mark Magowan Nina Magowan Hildegarde Mahoney Susan Bodnar Malloy Tim Malloy Anna Mann William Mann HRH Princess Maria Pia of Savoy Susan Markin Tiffany Marks Lana Marks Martin Marks Catie Marron Donald Marron Cheryl Marshman Homer Marshman Trae Marshman Alyne Massey Tom Mathieu Robert Matthews Jack Maxey Talbott Maxey Hamish Maxwell Jim McCann Michael R. McCarty Pat McCloskey Kevin McCluskey Minnie McCluskey Eileen McGann Whitney McGurk Leroy McMakin Mimi Maddock McMakin Angie McNamara James McNamara Amanda Meigher Christopher Meigher
John Theodoracopulos
Marjorie Gubelmann and Phoebe Gubelmann JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 51
Elizabeth Meigher Grace Meigher Keith Meister Robert Meister Todd Meister Peggy Mejia Frederick Melhado Jill Fairchild Melhado Peter Melhado Virginia Melhado Ross Meltzer Dabney Mercer Dede Merck George Merck Dina Merrill Marjorie Mesquito Peter Mettler Adele Meyer Denise Meyer William Meyer Damon Mezzacappa Sam Michaels HRH Prince Michel de Bourbon-Parme HRH Prince Michel of Yugoslavia Craig Millard Michele Millard Jordann Miller Sydell Miller Edward Minskoff Julie Minskoff James Mischka Felix Miranda Christina Moens Lawrence Moens Ambrose Monell Lili Monell Mary Montgomery Danielle Hickox Moore Dudley Moore Jr. Peggy Moore Carlos Morrison Renée Morrison Thomas Morrison Bree Mortimer Siri Mortimer Tinsley Mortimer Topper Mortimer Tory Mortimer Nina Morton William Morton Jr. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney Mila Mulroney Nicolas Mulroney Christina Murphy
P Q N R O Harold Nectow Charlene Nederlander James Nederlander William T. Newman Jr. Robert Nichols Mario Nievera Dr. Layne Nisenbaum Fernanda Niven James Niven Lee Niven
David Ober Polly Ober Simon Offit Kenneth Ohrstrom Linda R. Olsson Polly Onet Christina Orr-Cahall Binkie Orthwein Christopher Orthwein
Blakely Page Lindsey Page Princess Pari-Sima Pahlavi Anka Palitz Gayle Pallesen Kit Pannill William Pannill Tatiana Papanicolaou Patrick Park Howard Parker Melissa Parker Joel Pashcow James Patterson Patricia Patterson Susan Patterson Matthew Peltz Nelson Peltz Brian Pfeifler Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler Mason Phelps Christopher Phillips Ande Phipps Ashley Phipps Daisy Phipps Lilly Phipps Ogden Phipps Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps Samantha Phipps Susan Phipps Cochran John Pickett Jr. K.C. Pickett Robin Pickett John Pickett Margaret Picotte Michael Picotte Leonel Piraino Pauline Pitt Jane Pontarelli Dan Ponton Lois Pope Andy Price John Price Lilly Pulitzer Liza Pulitzer Marina Shields Purcell
Vera Wang
Nina Morton 52 | AVENUE VENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler
Thomas Quick Oliver “Piper” Quinn
John Rakolta Terry Rakolta Marjorie Gubelmann Raein Reza Raein Caroline Cummings Rafferty Nick Rafferty Cater Randolph Nancy Raquet Walter Raquet John Rau Katharine Rayner William Rayner Paige Rense Dick Robinson Sally Robinson Jackie Rogers Nancy Ellison Rollnick William D. Rollnick Patricia Rooney Patrick Rooney Jr. Timothy Rooney Alex Lind Rose Louis Rose Aby Rosen Dr. Samantha Rosen Burke Ross Hilary Geary Ross Kara Ross Steve Ross Wilbur Ross David Roth Rena Rowan Christopher Ruddy Michael Rudin Samantha Rudin Crista Ryan Tad Ryan
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Y T WZ
Rose Sachs Tom Samet Jorge Sanchez Serina Sanchez Edwina Sandys Missy Savage Todd Savage Arnold Scaasi Frances Scaife Jennie Scaife Allan Scherer Maggie Scherer Elliot Schnall John Schuler Liz Schuler Amanda Schumacher Chuck Schumacher Christine Schwarzman Stephen Schwarzman Teddy Schwarzman Gerald Seay Val Selleck Stephanie Seymour Catherine Shaw James Sheeran Cornelia Shields Didi Shields Olympia Shields Henry Silverman Nancy Silverman Nick Simunek Earl Smith Jr. Jeffrey W. Smith Lesly Smith Tracy Smith Scott Snyder Nick Souquet Tiffany Spadafora Monica Spilotro Victor Spilotro Andrea Stark John Stark Renée Bross Steinberg Richard Steinberg Percy Steinhart Joyce Sterling Robert Sterling Jr. Rod Stewart Lori Stoll Steven Stolman Dana Stübgen Dr. Patrick Stübgen Dorothy Sullivan John Sullivan Ann Summers Peter Summers
Eleanor Ylvisaker Jane Ylvisaker Jon Ylvisaker Jack Young
Jean Tailer Annette Tapert Alfred Taubman Judy Taubman Dominick Telesco Susan Telesco Gail Theodoracopulos Harry Theodoracopulos John Theodoracopulos Victoria Thompson James Tigani Betsy Titcomb Jacqueline Togut Jane Told William Told Jr. Tico Torres Regine Traulsen Donald Trump Donald Trump Jr. Melania Trump Vanessa Haydon Trump Nancy Tsai Betsy Turner Mary Frances Turner Wally Turner
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Peter Brant Jr. and Harry Brant
Jean van Waveren Mieke van Waveren Victor Vargas Christopher Vecellio Kathryn Vecellio Leo Vecellio Michael Victor Wendy Victor Edward Villella
Erik Walden Elizabeth Walker Alex Waller Vera Wang Amelia Ward Liz Ward Jane Warsh Kevin Warsh Peter Washkowitz Frances Webster Penni Weinberg Steve Weinberg Galen Weston Hilary Weston Phil Whitacre Arthur L. Williams Jr. Eli Wilner Ken Wise Diana Strawbridge Wister William R. Wister Jr. Maureen Woodward Orator Woodward Stephanie Wrightsman Robert Wyner Shirley Wyner
Lily Maddock and Allison Aston
Starrett Zenko Eric Zinterhofer Paula Zukov ✦
Liz Walker
Liz’s Legacy Elizabeth Taylor’s Collection at Christie’s New York breaks previous records by Caroline Birenbaum
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hristie’s went all out for the Elizabeth Taylor Collection of jewelry, couture, clothing and accessories, decorative and fine art, and performing art memorabilia in December. And as the headlines have announced, records and expectations were shattered. Liz’s jewels alone fetched close to double the record set in 1987 by the Duchess of Windsor’s collection, and exceeded early estimates by a multiple of five, garnering nearly $132 million, according to the New York Times. And the entire four-day extravaganza pulled in $153 million. Someone got some awfully expensive stocking stuffers. Taylor, one of the silver screen’s all-time most glamorous legends, died in March 2011 at the age of 79, and the auction of her fabulous belongings was the talk of the pre-holiday town. The catalog alone, a five-volume keepsake, ran $300 to benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS foundation, and there were plenty of
LIZ’S BAUBLES: La Peregrina necklace, The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, The Ping Pong Diamond Rings 54 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
takers. Some 25,000 visitors streamed through the door during the 10-day preview exhibition. I was one of them. It was, in a word, overwhelming. Taylor was one of the world’s major collectors of fine jewels. Her genuine delight in baubles inspired some truly remarkable gifts, especially from two of her husbands, producer Mike Todd and actor Richard Burton, that were among the 80 lots of Legendary Jewels on sale. Unadorned, Taylor’s face was exquisite, and her best jewels by themselves are divine. It is a testament to her superb taste in this area, that when she wore them, face and jewels were in perfect harmony often against the solid-color backdrop of her gown. My personal favorite was the Cartier necklace of diamonds, rubies and pearls from which hangs a large symmetrical pear-shaped natural pearl known as “La Peregrina” [“the wanderer”]. It sold for $11.8 million. The story goes that the pearl was found in the Gulf of Panama in the mid-16th
Top: Andy Warhol’s famous portrait of Liz Bottom: Antique diamond Ear Pendants JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 55
century by an African slave, who gave it to the Spanish colonial administrator. The slave was rewarded with his freedom and the pearl went to Phillip II of Spain and on down to various European royals until Napoleon III sold it to Lord James Hamilton, then passing down in his family until 1969, when Burton bought it for Liz at auction. Another standout was the huge flawless diamond ring that Liz reputedly wore every day. Formerly known as the “Krupp diamond,” and now dubbed by Christie’s the “Taylor diamond,” it was a gift from Burton in 1968. It sold for $8.8 million. There was also the tiara that sold for $4.2 million, and the Taj Mahal diamond hanging from a ruby and gold chain Cartier made for the screen siren that fetched $8.8 million. Diamonds were most definitely among this girl’s best friends. The fashion selection was more varied and even more avant-garde than I expected, for example vibrant outfits by Michael Vollbracht and beaded evening jackets by Versace from the early 1990s. Her color palette tended toward the bright, visible from a distance, and often colors I would call “tropical” (peach, powdery blue-greens, buttercup yellow), along with clear reds described as “scarlet,” and soft cream. Most garments appeared comfy to wear, and her shoes well designed, MORE LIZ FABULOUSNESS: The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, Emerald and diamond ear pendants by Bulgari, Sapphire and diamond sautoir by Bulgari 56 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
There was also the tiara that sold for $4.2 million, and the Taj Mahal diamond hanging from a ruby and gold chain Cartier made for the screen siren that fetched $8.8 million. Diamonds were most definitely among this girl’s best friend. with reasonable-height heels. I loved most of her immense collection of caftans, from the flesh-colored chiffon appliquédwith palmyra and lotus flowers by Irene Sharraf for Cleopatra, and the tie-died fantasy by Gina Fratini that she wore when re-marrying Burton in 1975 to a fabulous group of inventions by London caftan-queen Thea Porter. The collection also contained film memorabilia, including her three Oscars, and decorative art, which ranging from art nouveau posters, glass and furniture to prints by Hockney and Warhol. Some paintings from Taylor’s collection, to be offered in upcoming fine art auctions at Christie’s, are also on display. Her father, Francis, an art dealer in London and Los Angeles, represented the painter Augustus John, which may explain a couple of not-thrilling portraits. Among the others on view, a Degas self-portrait and a Pissarro orchard scene were standouts. ✦ LIZ’S COLORS: Dresses on auction included a Christian Dior buttercup yellow tunic dress and the Valentino red velvet and satin ball gown
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 57
financial roundtable
Richard R. Hough III
Jennifer Lee
Peter (Tony) Guernsey, Jr.
Doris Meister
Money Matters Our Panel of Experts Discusses Where the Smart Money is Going in Today’s Volatile Market
AVENUE: Taking a global view, with all the headlines we see in the media, it would appear that we’re on the verge of a financial cataclysm. ToNy GUErNsEy: Everybody knows there is a lack of leadership globally. As a result, the market is being driven totally by sentiment now. Just look at the Royal Wedding: The market went up! JENNifEr LEE: One of the things we’ve been talking about is that nobody can remember a time where the interconnectedness of the political landscape, whether here or in Europe, is so intertwined with the business landscape and with the markets. Doris MEisTEr: I do think it is fair to say that for large cap equities, given the importance of globalization and the presence in most of the major world markets of these corporations, whether they are German or American, there is likely to be higher correlation. In periods of severe pressure or fear, all of the equity markets tend to have higher correlation. rick HoUGH: There has been no time since maybe immediately post-World War II where government decision making was so influential on markets, whether domestic or global. The idea that a country
58 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
the size of Greece is wagging the tail of U.S. markets is absurd. Their entire debt, even if we let them default, is maybe two months of the U.S. deficit. Greece is really a canary in the coal mine pointing to all of the other systemic problems in other countries, including our own. DM: The European situation is particularly complicated because there isn’t one monetary authority or government in charge. But if Europe can at least muddle through—and that’s a big if—then market gains are still possible. TG: Somebody once said that it is not more capital that we need, but more capitalism.
AVENUE: I love the canary in the coal mine metaphor. But if Greece is the canary, maybe Italy is the cat next door and Spain is the cow. Within your firms, how do you envision a European scenario playing out at the moment and its impact? GorDoN foWLEr: It is interesting to compare the American response to the sub-prime crisis, which was sort of a manic search for quick solutions where we flipped back and forth between bailing out Bear Stearns and letting Lehman go under and then decided that
was bad and switched back to bail outs. It seems like the Europeans are following in our footsteps, less manically, but in a painfully slow manner. JL: It is all relative, right? That is part of what makes our jobs interesting and difficult at the same time. There is an enormous crisis of confidence. We are in a confidence recession in this country, not an actual recession. Gf: It is a shame that all the bad news overseas is overshadowing positive trends in the United States. One of the things we are seeing here is stabilization of the housing markets and a sizable improvement in people’s financial position. That is a net positive. rH: I love that comment because that is why I have such hope in the United States. You look back two years ago to the dollar versus the euro, so much of the globe was anti-U.S. The tables are quickly turning. We still, despite heavy regulations, have very efficient flow of capital in the United States. It is much easier for people and corporations to restructure their balance sheets and get things on an even footing, which is why I get such hope from the canary that is Greece.
JL: It is easier. Lately, we have been talking to clients who run businesses—medium and small businesses—and they all say business is good. Not great, but good.
AVENUE: So how should our readers think about managing their money in these challenging times? Gf: The painful truth is that traditional protection is extremely expensive. If you look at Treasury bills, the ultimate safety asset, and you tag inflation at about one or two percent, it will cost you nearly a one- or two-percent fee per annum for the pleasure of putting your money in a money market fund. If you look at the price of gold, you see a supposed safety asset rocketing off the valuation chart. You have to be clever in how you allocate to safety investments. Some solutions are straightforward and as simple as moving into highdividend paying stocks and selling out of small-cap stocks. But less traditional, contrarian thinking is worthwhile. If buying insurance is very expensive, for instance, selling it is profitable. Think of a covered call strategy of buying the S&P 500 and selling S&P calls. Income in a
roUNDTABLE PArTiciPANTs JENNifEr LEE, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director, Wells Fargo Private Bank Doris MEisTEr, President, U.S. Markets-Tri-State, BNY Mellon Wealth Management PETEr (ToNy) GUErNsEy Jr., Chief Client Officer, Wilmington Trust FSB ricHArD r. HoUGH iii, C.O.O., Silvercrest Asset Management Group GorDoN foWLEr, Jr., President and C.E.O, Glenmede (not pictured)
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 59
financial roundtable
market constrained on the upside and prone to downturns is actually quite nice. There is something to be said for somewhat of a barbell strategy in terms of finding a safe haven. Maintain a decent portfolio of municipal bonds and potentially longer-term municipal bonds with a little bit of yield, offset with an inflation hedge in the form of a commodities or real asset-type of portfolio. This has the potential to provide a fair amount of income.
“There is an enormous crisis of confidence. We are in a confidence recession in this country, not an actual recession.” –Jennifer Lee
AVENUE: Are asset allocation and diversification still the mantras in wealth management and long-term investment? DM: We see below-average returns for the S&P 500 over the next three years, but we still see the current environment as good for investing, across a range of sectors and globally. For the foreseeable future, we think equities will be key, and that share gains will come through dividends, stock buyback programs and merger activity. In addition, investors today need to be able to take advantage of market volatility through alternative investments and special opportunities, such as our municipal opportunities strategy, which has been very effective. Gf: There has always been a risk to investing in cap-weighted indices because the most overvalued assets tend to get the greatest weighting. Think of Japan and the World Index in the 1980s. However, you can identify the most undervalued equities using a more value-weighted approach. That is not a bad strategy in terms of staying diversified and yet, at the same time, being tilted toward investments with the likeliest price appreciation potential. rH: There was a question about whether asset allocation was dead after 2008. Well, it worked fine. What it is not is index-linked investing
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which is, in many respects, a recipe for buying high and selling low. We use a more value-based method for asset allocation and, if anything, as we hit the turbulence started to buy more into equities. JL: You can make the argument that while we all fundamentally believe in asset allocation, the way asset allocation looks today is a much more modern view of the world, a more tactically-tilted version. It has to be. The world is moving too fast.
AVENUE: There is a lot of talk about tax reform. Which way do you think it’ll go? TG: I think America is fed up with what has gone on and you can see that in the demonstrations downtown. They really have a message, so I think tax reform is going to happen. JL: Right. Tax reform is coming. TG: The most interesting tax situation at the moment, and through 2012, is the $5 million exemption on the Gift Tax. Especially with asset values lower, it is an unprecedented time to take advantage of this. Unless they are really wealthy, people are doing ancestral assets: The house, the island, the guns, the artwork. They are getting these things appraised and giving the jewelry and the houses on Nantucket to the kids.
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1 CENTRAL PARK WEST: New To Market. Sleek and elegant three bedroom condo in the Trump International. High floor with breathtaking Central Park views. $11,000,000. WEB: A0017885
MANSION WITH PARK VIEWS: Majestic Clarence True designed 26’ wide mansion on one of the Westside’s most desirable blocks. Mint, fabulous views & elevator. $12,500,000. WEB: A0017528
SPECTACULAR DOWNTOWN LOFT: Chic and sexy epitomizes this renovation in Nolita’s most desirable full service condo. Sprawling space, soaring ceilings, and 3,285 sq ft. $7,950,000. WEB: A0017637
TRUMP PARK AVENUE: Located in one of the most desirable condos, this large terraced, 3 bedrooms apartment offers the finest of Manhattan living and style. $5,200,000. WEB: A0017872
EAST 74TH ST TOWNHOUSE: New to market. Huge, steps from Madison Avenue, exceptional value. $15,000,000. WEB: A0017688.
EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE I sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 ROGER ERICKSON SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR I T 212.606.7612 I www.roger-erickson.com Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.
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financial roundtable
Most people think it has to be a $5 million gift. You can do it for $1 million. You can do it for $5.125 million. People believe they don’t qualify. Well, yes, you do. It’s up to $10.25 million per married couple. And, yes, Wilmington Trust is incredibly busy doing this right now. rH: If you don’t do it now you are just completely disconnected. You have to do it now. Who knows where the inheritance tax rates are going to end up?
“We see below-average returns for the S&P 500 over the next three years, but we still see the current environment as good for investing, across a range of sectors and globally.” –Doris Meister
TG: You can hedge this. You can put it into a trust: You don’t have to give it outright to an unknown grandchild today.
such as energy and technology sectors, and to look at more exposure to emerging markets. JL: I’m not going to back down from U.S. large cap, but the other place we have a tactical overweight right now is high yield.
AVENUE: Okay, let’s look out six months to a year. Where do you put your money? rH: If anything I’m even more bullish on the U.S. than I was the last time we had a Roundtable and favored U.S. equities. The power of the United States, the stability of its system compared with the rest of the world, the dollar, all have more credibility than the last time we spoke. I still like income-producing U.S. equities and I think the emerging energy boom in the United States, natural gas in particular, has incredible potential. The energy we are producing in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania and North Dakota will exceed the energy production from California and Alaska within the next two years. DM: U.S. large-cap stocks. With higher-than-average dividends, but the valuation has to be right. For investors with the right risk appetite, we also are encouraging our clients to take on some exposure to economically sensitive groups that have not performed well as of late,
62 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
Gf: I’m going to suggest a long-term investment idea that really belongs in a very young grandchild’s UGMA account. High-dividendpaying Japanese stocks have been beaten up and are now selling at fairly attractive valuations. This certainly carries some risks and could take a while to work but potentially has a big payoff. TG: If I had to match all of you, our strategy today is a mix of G.O. munis, Master Limited Partnerships (unleveraged), some cover calls on U.S. large cap stocks, and a good dose of an allocation to large dividend-paying global stocks. I think this allocation is pretty much the same across all private banks. But there is an interesting stock. I have a number of clients that spend a fortune on their pets. In 2006 there was a company established called Pet Plan USA and it insures your dog—it is your pet’s healthcare insurance. In the United Kingdom, 26 percent of pets have insurance. In the U.S., only one percent. I think this stock has legs. ✦
Avenue_Jan12_SIRManh 12/13/11 3:44 PM Page 1
Local Experts Worldw ide
MANHATTAN PROPERTIES
765 PARK AVENUE: Beautifully proportioned high floor Rosario Candela co-op with 5 bedrooms, 6½ baths. $27,000,000. WEB: A0017353. Mary Kent, 212.606.7705, Leila C. Stone, 212.606.7663
23 EAST 74TH ST PENTHOUSE: New to Market. Triple mint, chic and modern duplex co-op with expansive terraces. $20,000,000. WEB: A0017892. Nikki Field, 212.606.7669, Kevin. B. Brown, 212.606.7748
151 E 58TH ST: Superlative 2 bedrooms, 2½ baths with breathtaking views. 2,000± sq ft, 10 ceilings. $8,950,000. WEB: A0017805. Elizabeth Lee Sample, 212.606.7685, Brenda S. Powers, 212.606.7653
150 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH: Spectacular 1,800±
SPECTACULAR PENTHOUSE: Stunning 10th and
sq ft, 37th floor penthouse apartment with breathtaking views. $7,950,000. WEB: A0017515. William Hilliard, 212.606.7689, Donna Senko, 212.606.7785
11th floor duplex with 2 bedrooms, home office, 2½ bath and sweeping views. $7,800,000. WEB: A0017839. Robson Zanetti, 212.606.7658
PREWAR MAGNIFICENCE: This corner Park
133 WEST 22ND STREET: Famed designer’s duplex penthouse with dazzling city views. 2 bedrooms. $2,975,000. WEB: A0017842. L. Model, 212.606.7770, T. Model, 212.606.7740, C. Leavitt, 212.606.7720
152 EAST 94TH STREET: This 7 room apartment
facing 4 room residence is located in one of 5th Ave’s most coveted co-op. $3,250,000. WEB: A0017807 E. Sample, 212.606.7685, B. Powers, 212.606.7653
781 FIFTH AVE, THE SHERRY NETHERLAND:
167 E 61ST STREET: A move-in sun flooded apart-
THE MILAN, 300 E 55TH ST: Fabulous 10th floor,
Just completed 19th floor oversized 1 bedroom aerie with 5 star services. $2,750,000. WEB: A0017864. S. Ponte, 212.606.4109, R. Gianopulos, 212.606.7622
ment on high floor with spectacular skyline views. 2 balconies, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths. $2,499,000. WEB: A0017830. Anne Aransaenz, 212.606.7645
2 bedrooms, 2½ bath home in stunning full service condo. $2,395,000. WEB: A0017867. Paul Anand, 212.606.7741, Agnes Beaugendre, 212.606.7629
100 LINEAR FT DIRECTLY ON CENTRAL PARK: Amazing rare combination at 25 Columbus Circle. Immaculate conditions. $34,825,000. WEB: A0017836 E. Sample, 212.606.7685, B. Powers, 212.606.7653
features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 terraces all flooded with light on tree-lined townhouse street. $2,995,000. WEB: A0017859. Eva J. Mohr, 212.606.7736
MANHATTAN BROKERAGES I sothebyshomes.com/nyc EAST SIDE 38 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 DOWNTOWN 379 WEST BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10012 T 212.431.2440 F 212.431.2441 Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Farm of Jas de Bouffan, used with permission.
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profile
Making New Year’s Resolutions That Count Tony Guernsey Jr., Chief Client Advocate at Wilmington Trust, shares advice on financial resolutions for the New Year
Tony Guernsey Jr.
I
t’s that time of year again, when the rush of the holiday season is behind us and it’s time to think about what lies ahead. New Year’s resolutions are haphazard and predictable at best, tossed out there without much thought or care. Lose those last ten pounds. Eat healthier. Exercise more. Spend more time with the kids. This year, in light of today’s challenging economic climate, it may be prudent to focus on more substantial financial resolutions. And just because they seem more important, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t attainable. While sticking to that diet may last for just a week or two, tackling some of the following strategies can have a lasting effect on your financial well being well past the end of 2012.
Tax and TrusT Planning: Utilize joint tax-free gift up to $10,200,000 before December • 2012. Review to see if ancestral homes, art work and family jewelry qualify for tax exemption under gift guidelines Re-examine and modify existing revocable trusts and consider • creating new trusts in a state that offers enhanced asset protection (e.g., Delaware, South Dakota, Alaska) Review your choices for executors, guardians and trustees, as • well as your beneficiary designations, for your retirement plans, pensions, annuities, life insurance policies, trusts and other legal documents invesTmenTs: Ask your investment advisor for a quarterly runoff of investment • gains versus investment losses Revisit 529 educational plans and re-establish asset allocation • Meet quarterly with your wealth manager, financial planner, • estate attorney and accountant and agree upon an investment plan that contains not only strategic and tactical allocation but “risk allocation” risk managemenT: Refrain from hiding any of your personal belongings in places • you will forget and buy a modest digital safe for the home. If battery operated, make sure the batteries are fresh In case of unforeseen blackout or terrorist threat, keep 15% • 64 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
•
• •
of one year’s annual income in cash (10, 20 and 50 dollar bill denominations) in a personal safe at home, safeguarding against consequences of the loss of power for Internet, email and ATM machines Obtain executed account opening documents from all financial institutions and hedge funds and determine counterparty risk and who the ultimate custodian of your assets is Improve due diligence in the hiring of domestic staff by utilizing a specialist firm to do broad financial and background searches Obtain an APP with secure PIN Code ID to store all users, password codes and credit card numbers
Financial managemenT: Forgive any existing loans outstanding to family members under • the lifetime gift exemption. For new loan needs, take advantage of historically low rates for intra-family loans Obtain online banking and bill paying capabilities at your • financial institutions Review outstanding mortgage to obtain reduction in annual • interest and minimize any associated closing costs New York residents: review annual garage charge and determine • with accountant whether you qualify for 18.7% NYC tax refund Interview internet banks to maximize your return on cash • management within $250,000 parameters covered by FDIC insurance: Revisit insurance policies that may now underinsure your • valuables caused by the recent inflation of commodities Review any insurance policy over two years old for better • coverage and reduced premiums While that may seem like a lot to undertake in one year, it’s important to pick those items that are most relevant to your particular circumstances. With a little bit of planning, you can protect your family and your hard earned assets and congratulate yourself at the end of the year for following through on your 2012 resolutions. © 2011 Wilmington Trust, N.A. All rights reserved.
EXTRAORDINARY PALM BEACH PROPERTIES
CRISTINA CONDON
MIIZNER OCEANFRONT $26,000,000
LAKEFRONT MEDITERRANEAN $38,000,000
14 Bedrooms, 14 Baths, 2 Half Baths 13,539 ± sq. ft. WEB: 0075653
7 Bedrooms, 8 Baths, 5 Half Baths 17,113 ± sq. ft. WEB: 0075170
LAKEFRONT MEDITERRANEAN
VILLA VACANZA
$11,700,000 8 Bedrooms, 9 Baths, 4 Half Baths 23,100 ± sq. ft. WEB: 0075573
ELEGANT ISLAND ROAD
$11,500,000 232 ± ft. on lake - Residence and Guest House 8,928 ± sq. ft. WEB: 0075540
SO
LD
$17,900,000 6 Bedrooms, 6 Baths, 2 Half Baths 8,574 ± sq. ft. WEB: 0075470
VILLA FILIPPONI
$11,200,000 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths, 7,682± sq. ft. WEB: 0075635
CLARKE AVENUE ESTATE
$11,200,000 5 Bedrooms, 6 Baths, 3 Half Baths 9,316± sq. ft. WEB: 0075514
EXQUISITE CANTERBURY LANE
NORTH LAKE WAY
BANYAN ROAD ESTATE
GOLFVIEW ROAD
$9,450,000 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths 6,579± sq. ft. WEB: 0075474
$7,995,000 6 Bedrooms, 7.5 Baths 7,581 ± sq. ft. WEB: 0075442
$9,950,000 5 Bedrooms, 6 Baths, 3 Half Baths 8,432± sq. ft. WEB: 0075437
$7,250,000 7 Bedrooms, 6 Baths, 2 Half Baths 6,908 ± sq. ft. WEB: 0075545
PALM BEACH BROKERAGE | sothebyshomes.com/palmbeach 340 ROYAL POINCIANA WAY, SUITE 337, PALM BEACH, FL 33480 T 561.659.3555 F 561.655.2359 CRISTINA CONDON T 561.301.2211 | www.cristinacondon.com Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.
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luxury
Suite Dreams The Plaza Pied-a-Terre Hotel Condominiums offer the height of luxury living at New York City’s most glamorous address
F
or years, The Plaza Hotel has been recognized as a symbol of glamour, grandeur and sophistication, though much has changed since the days when F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald visited and Truman Capote hosted opulent balls at the iconic hotel. Today, The Plaza exemplifies luxury living at its finest, combining old world elegance with modern comfort and convenience. Purchased by the El-Ad Group in 2004, The Plaza underwent an extensive three-year restoration during which the Grand Dame was brought to 21st century technological standards, while preserving its historic features and enhancing its old and new design details. A stunning rejoinder to the past was the installation of The Palm Court’s new stained glass dome, which Conrad Hilton removed in the 1940s. With its restoration came a new initiative, wherein guests and admirers were given a chance to own a piece of The Plaza. The Plaza Pied-a-Terre program offers buyers a choice of five styles of suites, each located on a premium floor and designed per the hotel’s elite standards. Fairmont Hotels and Resorts fully maintains the suites and can arrange the rental of them to hotel guests when the owner is not in residence. Ideal for jet setters, the Pied-a-Terre suites give owners the freedom to travel “sans-baggage,” allowing them to effortlessly and quickly step off the plane into their business meeting or social engagement. Owners can stay a maximum of 120 days a year, keeping their personal items and clothing in an owner’s closet for their convenience. Butlers are on hand to ensure that the suite is prepared to the owner’s preferences, making every detail perfect—from laying out clothes for their arrival to ensuring the suite contains their favorite flowers.
The Plaza Pied-a-Terre suite butler service 66 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
The Plaza, a Manhattan icon
Owners can also take advantage of The Plaza’s renowned white glove service for their personal, lifestyle or business needs with a full retinue of concierges, butlers and drivers ready to accommodate. While owners benefit from the hotel’s central location—with Central Park, Bergdorf Goodman and Madison Avenue shopping all within walking distance—they need not even leave the hotel to indulge in the finest of New York City living. Shoppers can visit the collection of premium boutiques within The Plaza to find elegant gowns at Douglas Hannant, chic leather handbags at MCM, gifts at Assouline Books, baubles at Maurice Fine Jewelry—these and many more stylish items are merely an elevator’s ride away. For those looking to relax with wellness and spa services, The Plaza also provides the pampering services of the Caudalie Spa and the Warren Tricomi Salon. There is a handpicked selection of the city’s best cuisine at The Plaza including the European-style Plaza Food Hall by Todd English, signature pastries at the FC Chocolate Bar and Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court. When choosing to forego a night downtown, owners are invited to the stylish Rose Club to enjoy live jazz performances and signature cocktails or sip champagne at the Champagne Bar—situated in the same location as the Champagne Porch when the hotel opened its doors in 1907. Entering its second century, The Plaza has redefined luxury living with unparalleled attention to guest services. With such a wide array of amenities at the guests’ disposal, The Plaza also provides an iPad in each suite to help them effortlessly organize what will be nothing less than the perfect experience. ✦
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Linda A. Gary Real Estate
LAKEFRONT PENTHOUSE
300’ OF DIRECT OCEANFRONT
STUNNING QUALITY LAKEFRONT
CUSTOM BUILT MEDITERRANEAN
Corner of Worth Ave. & S. County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480 Cell: 561-346-5880 • Email: lagre205@aol.com www.lindaagary.com
luxury
The Library at Griffou
Fou for Griffou
Griffou offers a taste of the 19th century, all with the comfort and flavor of modern dining
A
brainchild of the men behind The Waverly Inn, Freeman’s and Pastis, Griffou is the hidden gem of the West Village. Larry Poston, a public relations savant who has worked for Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles (among other prestigious brands) and Johnny Swet, the director of food, beverage, art and design, are also partners at Jimmy at the James Hotel. Together, they’ve given Griffou the feel of an authentic speakeasy, with a locally produced gourmet menu to boot. Griffou get its name from one of its original owners, Madame Marie Griffou, who ran a boarding house in the 1870s at that very address. Known for offering housing to struggling artists in exchange for their works of art, Madame Griffou had turned her hotel into a meeting place for writers, actors and activists. Its history of residents and visitors include Mark Twain, Edna Vincent and Mae West, who is said to have stopped by Griffou for a celebratory drink after her trial on indecency charges. Jackson Pollock was also a regular at the hotel’s successors—Europa, the Penguin Club and later, the infamous Marylou’s. When Poston and Swet opened the restaurant in July 2009, they made sure to honor Griffou’s rich history while still remaining relevant and drawing in the city’s A-list crowd. “After years of working as the maître d’ in fine establishments such as Pastis and the Waverly Inn, you start to see the same faces and you start to get comfortable with each other, so you just know how make them feel welcome,” says Poston, “it’s like making a home. Everyone must feel welcome and comfortable.” Occupying the first floor of a landmarked brownstone, Griffou’s décor stayed true to its roots with a salon-like atmosphere in each of the four dining rooms. Swet’s background in art influenced his take on Griffou as he used the space to embrace a study of opposites; “A rustic lamp next to a chic fiat showroom chairs, a formal landscape painting juxtaposed against graffiti—the art and design is eclectic but cohesive, just like our clientele.” Swet also contributed to the menu, creating a signature Tarbell Cocktail, made with Crop Cucumber Vodka, lime juice, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur and bay leaf. These days, Griffou is frequented by the likes of Chloë Sevigny, Sean Penn, Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. ✦
68 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
Three Questions for Chef Mark StrauSMan What is your vision behind Griffou? I used to go to The Penguin back in the day, so I’d always known it as one of those great New York spaces and knew it had all the potential to be a great food establishment. My vision was to turn it into an Italian speakeasy—a fun, relaxed atmosphere where people can come to hang out with friends and share platters. I didn’t want it to be as serious as many of the other dining places in the city. What are some of your specialties? I love the street food in Italy so I wanted to incorporate that into the menu, like the fritto misto, mixed fried seafood. The menu also includes a lot of fun food: lasagna, meatballs, ricotta dumplings and the roasted suckling pig. What is your favorite dish on the Griffou menu? As a chef, it’s difficult for me to choose—I love everything! My menu is constantly evolving with the seasons. We always make sure to use the freshest ingredients possible; most of them are locally produced and come from the Hudson Valley.
The Studio
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA IMPORTANT COMPOUND POINT MANALAPAN A gracious Intracoastal mansion situated on nearly 5 acres of waterfront property. Museum quality finishes, imported paneling, doors and molding throughout this historic structure. Offered for immediate purchase. $9,850,000.
A spectacular 1925 landmarked estate once owned by Marjorie Post.
PRIVATE GOLFVIEW ROAD
Five bedrooms plus ample staff accommodations. Just one block from Worth Avenue. Large and gracious rooms with tranquil golf course views are available at this remarkable property. This is truly one of the Island’s most glamorous and important estates. Offered for sale at $12,500,00.
LANDMARK WYETH MASTERPIECE
A very special Mediterranean estate with many original materials in place. Without a doubt, a very unique opportunity exists to renovate and update this magical residence. Located two blocks to Worth Avenue and one block from Atlantic Ocean. Priced at just $7,250,000.
LAWRENCE A. MOENS ASSOCIATES, INC. 245 Sunrise Avenue • Palm Beach, Florida 33480 Tel:(561) 655-5510 • Fax:(561) 655-6744 • moens@earthlink.net
luxury
The H. Herzfeld storefront
Hats off to Herzfeld Fourth generation haberdasher H. Herzfeld offers specialized services for the urban gentleman
J
on Cline is used to getting compliments on his shirts, as are most of his loyal clients. The newest customers, however, always seem dumbfounded by the admiration friends and strangers have for the shirts and suits from H. Herzfeld. Cline, a co-owner of the classic menswear store, recalls one gentleman in particular, who recounted with amazement all the people who had raved about his new wardrobe—from his mother, who in 45 years, had never complimented his clothes, to the airport security guard who noted, during the pat down, that he’d never felt such fine fabric. A fourth generation owner of H. Herzfeld on 57th street, Cline has devoted his life to seeking out the finest in menswear. Founded in 1890 in Hannover, Germany by Alex Herzfeld, the business later moved when Alex’s son, Herman, established a shop in New York City. Herman’s son, Wolfgang, eventually 70 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
took over the family business, expanding its range of product while still maintaining rigorous standards for quality. Today, H. Herzfeld acquired a younger clientele as a new generation of New Yorkers discover how much of an impact well-crafted clothes can have on one’s demeanor and outlook. Carrying everything from English polos and dress shirts, cashmere sweaters from Scotland to genuine Louisiana alligator belts and hand stitched paisley ties, anything found at H. Herzfeld is of the highest quality and craftsmanship. When overwhelmed with the selection in the store, customers need only turn to the group of highly trained apparel artists who instinctively know which shirt collar compliments the shape of one’s face, which tie patterns will and won’t clash with a pin-striped suit and whether a single or double-breasted coat is more flattering. One hundred and twenty-some years
in the making, H. Herzfeld has tailored its inventory to offer the modern gentleman all the classic pieces his wardrobe desires. With custom tailoring services available on request, H. Herzfeld is here to ensure a perfect fit in all respects. ✦
Shirts, ties and cufflinks at H. Herzfeld
FEATURED PROPERTY
PENTHoUSE CoNDo JEWEL TriBeCa Excl. Sparkling duplex wrapped in glass, sun-blasted living/dining room with high ceilings, wbfp, gorgeous chef’s kitchen, 3-4BRs + 2 enormous terraces. 24 hour doorman with gym. $5.95M. Web#1998587 Richard Orenstein, EVP 212.381.4248
Scan this h-Tag with your smartphone to instantly view more detailed info, images and a floorplan of this property. Learn how at halstead.com/hTag
LUX 3BR WITH PARK VIEWS Flatiron Excl. Lrg mint full-flr apt, spectacular views, grt light, chef’s EIK, big BRs w/en suite baths, W/D rm, AC, prvt storage. $4.995M. Web#2235152 Louise Phillips Forbes, EVP 212.381.3329
LRG 10 RM CoRNER APT WEA Excl. Fantastic w/5 lrg BRs, 4 full baths, 800SF loft-like LR & DR, & MBR suite w/den. Great light. W/D & hdwd flrs. FSB. $4.395M. Web #2239696 Louise Phillips Forbes, EVP 212.381.3329
2BR DUPLEX W/PRVT TERR 60s/E Excl. Fully renov duplex w/2-story LR/DR w/21’ ceils & dbl height wndws & wbfp. 2 lrg BRs, 2.5 bath + WICs, W/D & CAC. $3.95M. Web#2221520 Louise Phillips Forbes, EVP 212.381.3329
9 RooM GARDEN TRIPLEX 70s/Columbus Excl. Best twnh block, 5BR/4BA, solarium/dining, EIK w/high-end applcs, home office, custom lighting, oak floors. $2.795M. Web#2231617 Eloise Johnson, EVP 212.381.3224
WRAP IT UP 72nd/CPW Excl. Treat yourself. The largest natural 2BR, 2 bath apt in Mayfair Towers can be yours. Sun, light and balcony – views included. $2.15M. Web#2212931 Susan Ruttner, EVP 212.381.2231
CLASSIC CPS Excl. Stylish PW 2BR/2BA co-op on one of Manhattan’s most splendid sts. F/T DM, direct park views from 3 rms. Renov kit & baths, W/D. $2.15M. Web#1981334 Peter Cohen, SVP 212.521.5762 hUDsOn vAllEY
DM LoFT oFF UNIVERSITY 12th St/E Excl. Dramatic gallery-like loft w/mrbl & limestone baths, architect-designed kit. Top block, established F/S co-op. $1.799M. Web#2237588 Victoria Matus, SVP 212.381.2239
TERRACE LoVERS Central Village Excl. Condop. Gorgeous rf terr w/Grace Church views. Dplx 2BR, 2 bath w/wndwd renov kit, marble baths & huge closets. $1.65M. Web#2218102 Anna Shagalov, SVP 212.381.4216
CoUNTRY CoMPoUND Hudson Valley Excl. Mod farmhse, award wining architect 4-5BR/4BA, guest hse, 2-car garg. Swim pond. 2 hrs NYC. Close to Hudson. $1.119M. Web#1831698 Jean Stoler 518.755.4298
Halstead Property, LLC n Halstead Property Connecticut, LLC We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
Destination: The Hamptons
Halstead Property Continues Its Strategic Growth
We are proud to announce our newest office in East Hampton
Devlin McNiff Halstead Proper ty 3 North Main Street
East Hampton, NY 11937
631.324.6100
Devlin McNiff has been a trusted Hamptons Brokerage Firm for over 30 years and is a Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Affiliate
AVE0112_Halstead.indd 1
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H. HERZFELD
FINE MENS CLOTHES SINCE 1890
Among our many offerings are English polo and dress shirts & cashmere sweaters imported from Scotland along with Trafalgar braces. Our accessories include belts, cuff links, hats and gloves. Shirts are monogrammed and tapered and sleeve lengths can be adjusted. Plus our selection of fine quality Oxxford suits and Valstar outerwear win praise among discriminating gentlemen. Visit our store or stroll through the pages of our website.
H. HERZFELD 118 East 57th Street Bet. Park & Lexington 212-753-6756 www.hherzfeld.com "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did�...Mark Twain Shop at H. Herzfeld
REAL ESTATE
YEARBOOK
2012 Some of the best in the business share their wisdom on the current market and the future of real estate in Manhattan, the Hamptons and Palm Beach
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 73
real estate yearbook
RICHARD STEINBERG Warburg Realty Executive Managing Director, Associate Broker
Q: A: Warburg Realty
969 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10021 212.439.5183 rsteinberg@warburgrealty.com
74 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
What was your biggest deal or most successful project this year? I just returned from China, where I personally held a three-day exposition. I made 26 reservations of apartments and hope to close on 15 to 20 of those. What do you think is on the horizon in the coming year for the real estate market in your area? I think there will be a continued surge in the demand for townhouses and condominiums, fueled by foreign buyers and a light, steady increase in the co-op market. What are the current trends as far as what’s in demand? As always, the triple-mint condominium is the most desirable product out there. What’s the most exciting change you’ve noticed in your area lately? The most exciting change is that we’re going where the source of wealth is rather than waiting for them to come to us. In what direction are prices headed? Up, up, up! Is this a good time to buy? What is your advice for potential buyers? I think it’s great time to buy, based on the fact that there will be new elections shortly. Economic markets around the world seem to be slowly stabilizing with help from other countries. Have you noticed a recent increase in foreign investors? Absolutely, foreign investors are fueling the New York market at the present time. What is your dream project? My dream project is in the works. I’m working on a very exciting construction; a kind that has not been attempted in the last 50 years. What distinguishes you from the rest? Why should someone choose you? You can’t be everything to everyone, so I think my clients know that I am brutally honest, opinionated and always want what is in their best interest. What are you most proud of in your professional career? My honesty—which may not be so easy to accept initially, but benefits everyone in the end.
real estate yearbook
PAULA DEL NUNZIO
Q A: Brown Harris Stevens
Senior Vice President, Managing Director
What are the current trends as far as what’s in demand? Prime location and expert renovation will always command the highest prices. We are continually seeing records set in every segment of the market, and the demand will always be present for the properties that are truly unique and in superbly renovated condition. In what direction are prices headed? One truth is that prices, particularly in the townhouse segment of the market, appear to be on the rise. In March 2006, representing the seller, we set the record for the highest price paid for a townhouse with the $40 million sale of the DukeSemans Mansion at 1009 Fifth Avenue. In July 2010 the property resold for ten percent more at $44 million—and the owners had not made a single change. Historically prices in Manhattan trend upwards, but it is the pace at which they ascend that cannot be predicted. What is your dream project? Each of the houses that I represent is a dream project in that every one offers unique characteristics possessed by no other—whether it is the renovated Woolworth Mansion at 4 E. 80th Street by C.P.H. Gilbert asking $90 million; the Stanford White Mansion at 973 Fifth Avenue, the only townhouse literally on Fifth Avenue and facing into Central Park asking $49 million; a house at 40 Riverside Drive that was the original residence of its architect, Clarence True, now asking $17 million; an incredible reinvention of the Modern Townhouse at 170 E. 80th Street with a 23-foot interior waterfall, asking $35 million; the Malcolm S. Forbes Townhouse, 25 feet wide with a two-car garage asking $13.5 million; or a perfect renovation opportunity with lovely light at 6 Morton Street asking $3.995 million. It is like having a group of the most beautiful and talented children, with the sole objective of bringing out the best of each. What distinguishes you from the rest? Why should someone choose you? A townhouse track record no other single broker can match. My sellers know that I am working 24/7, no matter what time of year. When you call my phone you get me.
Brown Harris Stevens 445 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 212.906.9207 www.bhsusa.com
JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 75
real estate yearbook
YOUNG RANDOLPH YOUNG TEAM Brown Harris Stevens
Q: Q A: Amanda Young, Anne Young and Jarrod Randolph
Brown Harris Stevens 445 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 212.452.6249 yry@bhsusa.com youngrandolphyoung.com
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When is a good time to buy? What is your advice for potential buyers? Now. Prices have not yet risen beyond 2007 highs, but they are likely to do so over the course of the coming year. Have you noticed a recent increase in foreign investors? Currently we are representing a boutique condominium conversion in the West Village at 84 Bedford Street. Two-thirds of the apartments currently in contract were purchased by international buyers. Of those, three-fourths were purchased unseen. The level of international interest has been striking—roughly 50% percent of all of our showings have been for foreign purchasers. What distinguishes you from the rest? Why should someone choose you? The YRY team is comprised of sales, marketing and market research experts with over 80 years cumulative experience and $7 billion of cooperative, condominium and townhouse property marketed and sold. We bring our absolute passion for New York City real estate to every engagement, and YRY’s rare combination of re-sale and new development acumen has enabled us to cultivate the best practices that engender a more profitable, fluid and productive business process for our clients. Additionally, the YRY team was created to ensure we have the flexibility and time to tailor our approach to optimally service each client’s individual requirements; including private client sales, consulting, equity advisory, marketing, design and planning. And our powerful network of real estate professionals and advisors, cultivated throughout our careers, is always available to add value and provide assistance throughout each engagement. What are you most proud of in your professional career? Our reputation and that we are all certified New York Residential Specialists—a master licensing program created by the Real Estate Board of New York for residential brokers who have distinguished themselves with a high sales volume. We are also delighted that Jarrod has just been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30: National Real Estate list, spotlighting 2012’s up-and-coming stars. What do you think is on the horizon in the coming year for the real estate market in your area? Assuming that the European economies can stay afloat, we believe that Manhattan and Brooklyn prices are likely to rise over the coming year. Values in most neighborhoods and asset classes are hovering slightly below 2007 levels. New York real estate continues to be a relative value in comparison with that of many other prime international metropolises. We are seeing tremendous international, particularly European, interest in our market—while the sharply rising and risen New York rental market, in combination with current interest rates—are motivating mortgage-worthy buyers. For the first year in a decade, the New York population rose. All of these factors, in combination with the nearly standstill pace of new unit creation over the last four years, will exert forward momentum.
real estate yearbook
SUSAN BREITENBACH The Corcoran Group
Q Senior Vice President, Associate Broker
What was your biggest accomplishment this year? I think it was a combination of selling three major oceanfront properties plus a tremendous amount of sales volume. All three
were on the market for quite a while and was able to bring not only one but all three to closing. Although I have been the top broker at Corcoran for many years and ranked fifth nationwide by the Wall Street Journal last year, I am proud to say this is my best year ever, selling more than $250 million! What’s the most exciting change you have noticed in your area? I am excited to see much more confidence in the real estate market and high-end inventory selling. I think buyers are finally at terms with the fact that the financial markets are what they are. Not only do they want to be in the Hamptons, they believe and have seen that Hamptons real estate is a very good place to invest and are not waiting any longer to see what happens. Is this a good time to buy? What is your advice for potential buyers? Yes, it is a great time to buy—it is still a buyer’s market. There is a lot of inventory to choose from, mortgage rates are low, and there is a tremendous amount of incredible values out there to purchase. Have you noticed a recent increase in foreign investors? Yes, absolutely. I think I do more in that market than any other broker; more than 25% of my customers are now foreign investors— Russian, German, English, Chinese, and it keeps growing. Are you currently representing anything unique or noteworthy? An absolutely amazing oceanfront in Bridgehampton, built like no other property I have ever seen in the 22 years I have been a broker! What distinguishes you from the rest? Why should someone choose you? What set me apart are my proven results, year after year, my professionalism and the endless hours of extremely hard work—that is what drives my clients and customers to work with me. I am thrilled to work with my son Matt who has been an amazing asset, along with a large support staff. Matt added a lot to my business success including integrating innovative new marketing and technology. We operate as a boutique firm within a large company so my clients and customers have the best of both worlds and it works!
A: The Corcoran Group 1936 Montauk Highway PO Box 3007 Bridgehampton, NY 11932 631.875.6000 www.smbhamptons.com
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real e estate es a e ye yearbook oo
CAROLE KOEPPEL Sotheby’s International Realty Senior Broker Associate
Sotheby’s International Realty Palm Beach Brokerage 340 Royal Poinciana Way Palm Beach, FL 33480 Office: 561.659.3555 Cell: 561.329.0019 carole.koeppel@sothebyshomes.com
Is this a good time to buy? What is your advice for potential buyers? Without having a crystal ball, my advice is: don’t miss the market! Palm Beach residential sales momentum is growing. Sotheby’s sales volume is up almost three and a half times over the 2009 levels. Our average sales price is approximately $1 million higher from 2009 and the number of properties sold has doubled as well. Even in a down economy, Palm Beach is the last to feel a downward turn and the first to recover from it. What’s the most exciting change you’ve noticed in your area lately? Being a native New Yorker accustomed to the city’s cultural life and then moving to Palm Beach 38 years ago, I am happy to say that I have seen Palm Beach evolve from a small island town to an exciting cultural environment. Although Palm Beach has always been the quintessential resort, we now have a strong multi-faceted community including such wonderful venues as the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the Norton Museum, wonderful schools and renowned shops and restaurants. This change has attracted many younger families for both vacation and year-round living. What are you most proud of in your professional career? Having a satisfied customer! When I am able to accomplish the goals of a buyer or seller that I am working with, especially in challenging times, it gives me a strong sense of accomplishment. I have been fortunate to have developed and maintained strong relationships with my clients long after the deal has closed which has given me wonderful new friendships and a tremendous referral base from happy clients. What are the current trends as far as what’s in demand? There is no doubt that waterfront properties are still very much in demand. The increase of sales in the higher end waterfront residences in 2011 indicates that buyers not only want a waterfront home, but also recognize that they can enjoy their investment as it grows. With waterfront sales up, inventory is lower, which should create a greater demand for available properties in 2012. There is also a strong demand for luxury condominiums offering large square footage, as many buyers want the space of a home with the lifestyle and services of a condominium. What distinguishes you from the rest? Why should someone choose you? After 32 years in the field, my reputation of never giving up until the client is satisfied precedes me. I understand that buying or selling a home is both an educational and emotional process and I have always believed in keeping my clients informed as to what is happening in the market, being of service 24/7, understanding their goals and most importantly, conducting my business in an ethical and professional manner. I believe that every deal is a big deal to someone, regardless of the sale price. Many a rental or small sale have turned into significant sales! I always remind my clients that I do not disappear after the transaction and that I am always available.
A:
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real estate yearbook
BEATE V. MOORE Sotheby’s International Realty
Q: Bridgehampton Brokerage, Senior Vice President
What was your biggest deal or most successful project this year? I am delighted to say that this year I had two deals of equal stature, one was an oceanfront property in a premiere Bridgehampton location and the other was an extraordinary historic property in the estate section of East Hampton. Each deal was unique and both were for over $20 million. In fact, the historic property went into contract for above the asking price. In both transactions the owners and buyers were great to deal with. What are the current trends as far as what’s in demand? Quality is always in demand and that trend will certainly continue. We work with a very savvy clientele who seek quality and value. They readily recognize both and jump on opportunities when they see them. In what direction are prices headed? Prices are holding and I do not see any dramatic change on the horizon. The Hamptons continue to be a solid investment and great opportunities remain. Regardless of what you see or hear on the news, people want to be here and are buying, provided properties are priced correctly. What is your dream project? To help people realize their own dream projects. What distinguishes you from the rest? Why should someone choose you? Honesty and sincerity matter to me greatly. I am always motivated by a desire to get the deal done in the best possible way. In the end, people must be happy with the result and compensation is secondary. The best compliment I can receive is repeat business. What are you most proud of in your professional career? I appreciate my loyal clients who refer business to me and are my friends.
Sotheby’s eby’s b International t t Realty Bridgehampton Brokerage 2446 Main Street, PO Box 1799 Bridgehampton, NY 11932 Office: 631.613.7316 Cell: 516.527.7868 JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 79
Q: Q:
real estate yearbook
NEOLY LIKA WILLIAMS Prudential Douglas Elliman Senior Vice President
What makes you a top broker? It’s all about dedication and determination. I love what I do and this gives me the drive to get my clients what they want. I also speak Portuguese, Spanish and Italian, making me very versatile in New York’s growing international buyer scene. Real estate is my passion and I am always looking for a new challenge to tackle.
Left: 100 Riverside Boulevard, 21A; stunning 2 bed, 2 bath condominium apartment with a 716 Square Foot terrace and jacuzzi Right: 120 Riverside Boulevard, PH3H; for investors, 2 bed, 2 bath penthouse condominium apartment, tenant in place until June 2012
Prudential Douglas Elliman 1995 Broadway New York, NY 10023 Office: 212.769.6598 Cell: 917.583.4893 www.elliman.com/neolylikawilliams
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ask hall f. willkie
The real estate expert shares his wisdom on . . . 2011 in review
O
verall, the pace of sales has slowed from last year, with six percent fewer transactions than the first three quarters of 2010. However, Manhattan residential real estate market prices have remained stable, despite the mid-year slowdown in the national economy and the European debt crisis. Through the first three quarters of 2011, both the average and median apartment prices were showing a modest increase from a year ago, helped by increased luxury activity. Buyers remain very price sensitive, but when asking prices are justified, contracts are signed. New York City’s economic recovery continued in 2011, although the pace of growth slowed in the second half of the year. Through October, private sector employment rose by 43,000, led by strong growth in professional and business services, trade and tourism. New York City has gained back over half of the jobs lost during the last recession. The city’s unemployment rate remains below the nation’s, and a new year brings the promise of continued resiliency. ✦
Hall F. Willkie, President, Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales; hwillkie@bhsusa.com 82 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
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All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity Broker.
Erin Boisson Aries
David Kornmeier
Norah Burden
THE ART OF GRACIOUS LIVING
WORLD CLASS CONDOMINIUM
DUPLEX PENTHOUSE WITH PARK VIEWS
East 60s. Expertly sourced renovation of a 20foot wide TH. Elevator, staff suite, stunning roof garden, two-story atrium, modern systems. Superb. $29.95M. WEB# 1275251. Paula Del Nunzio 212-906-9207
East 60s. Private floor penthouse with 53’x20’ LR, six terraces allowing 360 degree views, mint condition home in full-service condo, health club, pet friendly. $18.5M. WEB# 1216437. Kathy Sloane 212-906-9258
UES. One-of-a-kind PH in Robert Stern’s famed Chatham. Panoramic CP & city views, 4 terraces, LR, FDR w/22’ ceils, libr, EIK w/brfst rm, 2MBR, 3 bath. $15.775M. WEB# 1541926. Cathy Franklin 212-906-9236 Alexis Bodenheimer 212-906-9230
SPECTACULAR PENTHOUSE
THE BEST 9 ROOMS ON PARK
MOMA CONDO IN THE SKY
Chelsea. PH Duplex with 20’ ceilings in living room plus 10’ in 2-3BR, 3.5 bath. Topof-the-line kitchen and spa like baths. Over 1,900SF of terraces and 2,934SF interior. $7.5M. WEB# 1541344. Nancy Candib 212-906-9302
East 60s/Park Ave. Beautifully renov & bright, 4 rms front Park Ave w/trees. Picturesque LR w/wbfp, grand FDR, 4BR, 4.5 bath, EIK with grdn views, TWAC. $7.07M. WEB# 1540061. Russell Miller 212-906-9360 Mary Beth Flynn 212-906-9215
Midtown West. Spectacular views, 2BR, 3 bath, open kitchen, renov to highest degree. Best bldg with all services, gym, sauna, roof terr, storage, bike room. W/D ok. $5.5M. WEB# 1541887. Corinne Vitale 212-906-9249 Linda De Luca 212-906-9208
1 GRACIE SQUARE
BRIGHT CLASSIC 8
SPECTACULAR VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM
East 84th St/EEA. Elegant corner classic 8 into 6. Superb renov, foyer, lrg living rm with wbfp, formal dining room, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, chef’s kitchen, river and park views, high ceilings, TWAC and storage. $3.65M. $1545053. Curtis Jackson 212-317-7774
East 73rd Street/Lexington Avenue. Lovely, renovated classic 8. LR with wbfp, library, 2BR, DR, kitchen and 2 staff rooms, 3 full baths. Good light, 9’ ceilings. Full-service prewar Co-op. $3.375M. WEB# 1546811. Fritzi Kallop 212-906-9255
East 69th Street. Available immediately, oversized 2-3BR tower apartment in most sought after FS Imperial House. Windowed kitchen with W/D. Closets galore & terrace, gym and garage. $2.95M. WEB# 1547024. Elayne Roskin 212-906-9336
Howard Morrel
Candace Roncone
Rudi Hanja
Heather Stein
Edward F. Johnston III
Brahna Yassky
Leslie Hirsch
new york city
the hamptons
pa l m b e a c h
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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Cathy Franklin
Mike Lubin
1125 FIFTH AVENUE
CENTRAL PARK BLOCK 1 FAMILY
CORNER 2 BEDROOM IN HOUSE AT 15 CPW
East 94th Street. A truly rare offering of a superb 11 room full floor prewar with appealing Central Park and 94th Street tree-line views. Expansive entertaining space, 4+BR, 4 bath. $11.9M. WEB# 1544038. Mary A. Hall 212-396-5859
West 80s. 5 story limestone mansion, newly renovated with 5BR, triple pane windows, security cameras, 6 working gas fireplaces, CAC and open South garden. $9.4M. WEB# 1532345. David Kornmeier 212-588-5642
CPW. Corner 2BR, 2.5 bath in the House at 15 CPW. This 1,987SF condo offers South, East, and West exposure, windowed eat-in kitchen. White-glove building with gym, pool and private dining. $8.395M. WEB# 1538882. Kyle Blackmon 212-588-5648
Mary Beth Flynn
Douglas Russell
Mina Meurkens
SOPHISTICATED CONDOMINIUM
QUEEN ANNE BEAUTY
CHIC CONTEMPORARY FIFTH AVE CONDO
CPS. Be captivated by the Central Park views from this large 3BR, 3 bath Essex House Condo. Great layout for entertaining. Hotel services available. $4.975M. WEB# 1548950. Ogden P. Starr 212-452-6213
West 73rd Street/Columbus Avenue. 4-family Queen Anne house located on West 73rd off Columbus Ave. The 3BR, 2.5 bath ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parlor/3rd floor duplex can be expanded to include the 4th floor. $4.8M. WEB# 1543892. Wolf Jakubowski 212-588-5630
East 50s/Fifth Avenue. Co-Excl. Trump Tower gem. Highest flr, corner 2BR, 2 bath, panoramic views. Meticulous renov incl new kit, cstm clsts and marble spa bath. $3.95M. WEB# 1548911. Mark J. Cohen 212-906-9241 Guida De Carvalhosa 212-906-9271
Judd Harris
Andrea Lambrinides
Russell Miller
VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS
A MUST SEE 3 BEDROOM, 3 BATH CO-OP
PREWAR ELEGANCE
East 86th Street. Spectacular and unobstructed 180 degree river and city views from sunny, high flr, 3BR, 3 bath w/DR & balcony, all facing river in 5 star condo. $2M. WEB# 1541606. Silvana Mander 212-317-7706 Randi Greene 212-317-7799
UES. 3BR, 3 bath, 7 room combo in full service Co-op. LR, DR and closet galore. Potential for 4th BR. Open and bright with great light. Garage in building. $1.695M. WEB# 1549648. C. Graham Uffelman 212-317-7726 John Colgate 212-588-5672
East 90s/Fifth Ave. Classic 6 rm apt in top Fifth Ave bldg. Gracious LR & corner BR both face S into trees. 2BR, 2 bath, FDR, wndwd kit, W/D, wbfp & staff rm/bath. $1.575M. WEB# 1277879. Mary Rutherfurd 212-906-9211 Leslie Coleman 212-906-9387
new york city
the hamptons
Jessica G. Ushan
Kyle Blackmon
pa l m b e a c h
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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real estate
Treasured Townhouses
The Dillon introduces one-of-a-kind townhouses with condominium services to create the ultimate in Manhattan living
T
he Dillon, a sophisticated mix of condominium residences at 425 West 53rd Street, recently launched a collection of nine Townhouses. Each of these three-story homes defy the cookie cutter with expansive layouts, private backyards and 24-hour condominium amenities, along with indoor pull-up parking spaces. Especially in New York, where it’s all about “location, location, location,” The Dillon’s Midtown West address—just steps from Manhattan’s most beloved restaurants, nightspots, performing arts venues and parks—captures all that this city has to offer. Renowned Smith Miller + Hawkinson Architects designed The Dillon, and the Townhouse model interiors were exquisitely crafted by New York-based design firm Haus Interior, founded by Nina Freudenberger. The dramatic and modern design elements include wide-plank oak hardwood floors, custom staircases, oversized windows and ceilings that soar up to 13 feet. Kitchens feature white quartz countertops and top-of-the-line appliances by Miele, Liebherr and Marvel. Five-fixture master baths are spacious and inviting, furnished with Thassos marble flooring and mosaic tile walls with undermounted MTI whirlpool tubs. No detail has been
86 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
ALExANDER SEvERIN/RAZUMMEDIA
Above: The expansive great room overlooking the backyard, an entertainer’s paradise
Above left: The spacious and serene master bedroom Bottom left: The private yard and patio brings the outside in Above right: The Dillon’s award-winning glass façade
ALExANDER SEvERIN/RAZUMMEDIA
“The Dillon’s Townhouses are unique to the Manhattan market. They offer the space and privacy of townhouse living, coupled with the convenience of condo living.” overlooked, from the convenient bedroom-level laundry rooms to the high-performance heating and cooling systems. The Dillon’s amenity spaces—the residents’ lounge, private dining room with catering kitchen, garden plaza, children’s playroom and fitness center—are outfitted with a mix of contemporary and vintage furniture, inspired by the building’s pleated glass façade and American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) award-winning architecture. Amenities and the attended lobby are directly accessible to Townhouse residents 24 hours a day. Exceptionally rare, The Dillon’s Townhouses have been designed from the inside out to create a true sense of home in the center of Manhattan. Louis Greco, Principal at SDS Procida, developer of the property, sums up these luxurious homes: “The Dillon’s Townhouses are unique to the market. They offer the space and privacy of townhouse living, coupled with the convenience of condo living.” ✦ For more information, please contact the onsite sales gallery at 212.586.5300 or visit dillon53.com JANUARY 2012 • AVENUE MAGAZINE | 87
New Home for the New Year?
PENTHOUSE ON GRAMERCY
YOUR OWN HOUSE
TERRACE PERFECTION
P
Gramercy Park North. World renown architect, John Pawson has converted a prewar penthouse duplex into a his purist design. North, south and east exposures. $21.4M WEB# 2204879
E 71st/Park/Lex. Five-story townhouse, elevator, 20’ x 102’. Gallery, library, sprawling living room, former dining room, 5 BR suites, new kitchen, staff room and more. $9.5M WEB# 2242255
Fifth Ave. Museum Mile. Terrace Lover’s Dream. Sweeping views from wrap penthouse terrace. Sun-filled duplex apt. 4 bedroom/4 bath, luxury full service building. $6.75M WEB# 2163164
E o b d
Tim Cass 212.500.7025
Carmen Marques Perez 212.836.1009/917.502.0446
Barbara Brewster 212.605.9229
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STUNNING GARDEN DUPLEX
LOWER FIFTH ELEGANCE
DOUBLE HEIGHT ELEGANCE
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E 35th St. Sprawling half townhouse, 3,400+ SF patio, 4 wood burning fireplaces, fully renovated, investors and pied-a-terres welcome. No board approval. $3.295M WEB# 2120379
Fifth Ave. 5 rms. Overlooking tree-lined West 11th St, this gracious prewar 2 bedroom, 2 bath co-op has it all. Fireplace, central air, washer/dryer. White-glove full service building. $3.25M WEB# 2195216
East 66th Street. Dramatic 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus study with soaring 22’ ceilings in landmarked full service building. North, west and east exposures. $2.95M WEB# 2101316
8 W 2 F
L. Weinkam 212.500.7023, D. Lin 212.500.7054
Carter Wilcox 212.836.1089
Caroline Holl 212.605.9261
S
ELEGANT THREE BEDROOM HOME
VALUE ON PARK AVENUE
THE PEREFECT PIED-A-TERRE
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E 61st St. Sun flooded 3 bedroom/3 bath home with spectacular open city views. Wonderful layout with rich tiger oak floors & abundant closet space. $1.599M WEB# 2229274
Park Ave. Fully renovated classic 6 offers tremendous value for buyer in need of space. Full service, perfect location. Call for private appointment. $1.55M WEB# 2139825
E 57th St. Exquisite prewar beauty 2 bedroom with library, powder room, marble foyer, tons of closets, all windows south facing, full time doorman. Mt $2,169. $1.35M WEB# 2255075
P u c g
Steven Cohen 212.836.1029
Jon Capobianco 212.605.9263
Joy Handler 212.360.2285
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Search by WEB# on Equal Housing Opportunity. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker. Owned and operated by NRT LLC.
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PREWAR NINE JEWEL
THE BEST OF EVERYTHING
HELICOPTER VIEWS
E 69th St. Extraordinary prewar 9 room coop in one of the Upper East Sides premier white glove buildings. Renovated 5 bedrooms/4.5 baths duplex. $5.995M WEB# 1444202
EEA. 6 rooms. Magnificent Peter Marino designed condo. Mint 3 BR, 3.5 bath, 3 expos with direct river views, 2 large balconies, large eat-in kitchen, W/D. Fabulous amenities. $5.5M WEB# 2217127
CPW. Renovated, Classic 6 with stunning Central Park views. Prewar, 2 BR/3 bath plus den/home office and LR with wood burning fireplace in full service co-op. $5.25M WEB# 2232058
Patricia Dugan 212.821.9154
Abby Levine 212.836.1011
P. Cliff 212.836.1063, J. Conlon 212.508.7162
ELABORATE PREWAR DETAILS
MANSION GARDEN DUPLEX
CIPRIANI PENTHOUSE
89/90th St. Sun-flooded classic 6. Living room w/ WBFP, formal DR, windowed eat-in kitchen with W/D, 2 BRs, 2 baths, staff rm/bath. Open views/high flr. F/S wht glv co-op. Pets OK. $2.275M WEB# 2246003
E 36th St/Park Ave. 1,855 SF+/- luxurious loft-like living, 2 bedroom/2.5 bath+ home office, 600 SF+/terraced garden, landmarked facade, private entrance, excellent condition. $2.2M WEB# 2257045
Financial District. Penthouse with magnificent private roof deck and terrace in Wall Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest ultra-luxe condo. East exposures, doorman building. Also available for rent. $2M WEB# 2092208
Sharon E. Baum 212.836.1036
Linda Stillwell 212.836.1046
Eric Fleming 212.500.7051
PENTHOUSE HIDEAWAY
FABULOUS CONDO STEAL
HIGH FLOOR MUSEUM TOWER
Park Ave/63rd St. 2 BR/2 bath lux living in this unique home featuring huge wrap terrace, high ceils, lots of windows, W/D-all in Hotel service bldggym, daily housekeeping. $1.18M WEB# 1377276
E 84th St/Lex. Fabulous light & views. High floor sunny S/E facing corner split 2 BRs with balcony, windowed new granite Kit, 2 marble baths, W/D, gym, pool, garage. $1.2M WEB# 2261932
W 53rd St. Spacious 2 bedroom/2 bath home with south and west facing city views and renovated windowed kitchen in the world renowed Museum Tower. $3.35M WEB# 2247690
A. Singer 212.836.1052, A. Goldberger 212.836.1019
Suzanne Turkewitz 212.821.9139
Steven Cohen 212.836.1029
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real estate
Brokers of Distinction Some of those who hold the keys to the most coveted real estate in Palm Beach
Cristina Condon Sotheby’s International Realty 561.301.2211 Cristina.condon@sothebyshomes.com Notes: A dynamic and dedicated force in the Real Estate industry, Cristina Condon has achieved success through hard work and an optimistic attitude. In the past four years, Cris has participated in over a half billion dollars in Palm Beach real estate transactions. With an established reputation for innovative sales skills and sophisticated business techniques, Cris is accustomed to working with clients of varying personalities—from the experienced, most discriminating investor to the novice first-time buyer.
Linda Gary Linda Gary Real Estate 561.655.6881 Lgary88@aol.com www.lindaagary.com Notes: After 34 years of specializing in Palm Beach real estate, Linda Gary loves what she does, and it shows in her dedication to, and knowledge of, the island. She is known for discrete dealings and consistently breaking records, and Linda maximizes the exposure of her listings with extensive internet coverage. Her clientele is a veritable who’s who.
90 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
+DOVWHDG DW WKH )RUHIURQW RI 7HFKQRORJ\ As the first firm to embrace technology in the early 1980s, Halstead Property has been a leader in the technology arena ever since. In today’s market, it is now more important than ever to utilize technology in all aspects of real estate.
0
ore than 90 percent of home searches start online and Halstead is committed to providing the most user-friendly experience on their award-winning website, Halstead.com. One key component of the firm’s success is with their unique videos ranging from Halstead-created shows focused on the economy to property tours to Agent bios. With more than 1,000 highdefinition property videos available through Halstead ProperTV, the firm’s video library is already among the largest nationally. “Halstead has really set the bar for innovative resources in real estate. My clients absolutely loved that we had a customized video done by top professionals that really showcased their property at its best and it was up on Halstead.com so quickly – it increases traffic to the property and potential buyers love seeing the property online in the comfort of their home. Just recently, a video tour of my exclusive was posted online and within a few days, a buyer watched it, loved it, came to see it the next day in person and we had an accepted offer by the end of the week,” said Brian Lewis. “That speaks volumes to the seller, the buyer – and to me. It’s effective and absolutely crucial in today’s market.” Halstead was also the first firm to truly embrace social media. “Well-known for being a few steps ahead of competitors, Halstead has really embraced social media and guided us through the ins and outs of this sometimes daunting process. They provide in-house training and teach us the best and smartest way to promote our listings and really get them seen by a tremendous amount of people,” explains Louise Phillips Forbes. “My visibility has really increased and I have re-connected with a number of people who have referred business to me. It goes to show that social media can drive business – if it is done effectively and Halstead really blows the competition out of the water.” As a result of their dedication to technology, the firm’s award-winning website boasts traffic at an all-time high, properties are selling faster and Halstead’s brand presence has increased exponentially. “Together with my fabulous team, we have cultivated a culture at Halstead Property that is nurturing, strategic and innovative. What draws customers, clients and agents to our firm is that we know what is important and what is vital to stay ahead in this competitive market – and that is technology. We have never lost sight of who our firm is at the core – and it has benefitted us tremendously throughout these years and all of our growth in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey,” explains Diane M. Ramirez, President of Halstead Property. To learn more, please visit the award-winning Halstead.com or visit one of Halstead’s ideally located offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Riverdale, Hudson Valley, New Jersey, The Hamptons or Fairfield County, Connecticut.
real estate
WaLLy turner Sotheby’s International Realty 561.301.2060 Wallyturner@comcast.net Notes: Wally Turner is one of Sotheby’s international Realty’s leading producers both in Palm Beach and globally. He ranks in the top 1% of all Sotheby’s realtors worldwide. For 20 years, he has built a solid reputation serving the real estate needs of his Palm Beach clients. He represents them with the utmost discretion, honesty and confidentiality. He works in all price ranges and sells luxury residential properties including condominiums. Wally is the chairman of the board of Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, and executive committee member of Palm Beach United Way. In addition, he serves as director of the American Red Cross of the Palm Beaches. He is a graduate of Boston College School of Management and for many years worked on Wall Street as an investments broker.
CaroLe KoeppeL Sotheby’s International Realty 561.329.0019 Carole.koeppel@sothebyshomes.com Notes: Carole Koeppel, Senior Broker Associate at Sotheby’s International Realty, began her real estate career in 1979. Carole is a respected professional in the Palm Beach Real Estate Market representing both buyers and sellers of luxury properties. Her 24/7 work ethic, her passion for real estate, extensive knowledge of the market and “making things happen” for her clients has made her a dynamic force and top producer in her field.
92 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
LOUISE BEIT
120 EAST 70TH STREET
120 EAST 70TH STREET: Superb, architecturally important neo Federal style 6 story townhouse located on one of the most celebrated blocks off Park Avenue. Beautifully proportioned 16 rooms, approximately 10,000 sq. ft., living room with 11’ ceiling, Georgian paneled library, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen, 9 bedrooms, 9 baths, staff room, 3 terraces, elevator, garden. WEB: A0016387
Louise Beit, Senior Vice President, Associate Broker | 212.606.7703 EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE | sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.
real estate
Properties of the Month A selection of deluxe residences in Palm Beach and Manhattan Brown Harris Stevens
GEm on EmErald lanE
ExpanSivE EStatE on tHE coaSt
Situated on one of the most prestigious streets in Palm Beach, this fully renovated, traditional five-bedroom home displays an air of grace, charm and style. Formal living and dining rooms, large custom kitchen, pool and cabana make this perfect for entertaining. Close to the beach, Intracoastal Waterway, Worth Avenue; minutes to the Palm Beach International Airport. $3.2 million. Please contact Joyce McLeary at 561.805.5058.
This magical compound in the heart of Palm Beach’s estate section is a rare 4+-acre estate with 150 feet along the Atlantic Ocean, two main residences and three guest/staff houses. The park-like grounds boast exotic tropical gardens, serene reflecting pools and manicured lawns, creating the perfect backdrop for important art and sculpture. A co-exclusive. $59 million. Please contact Carole Hogan at 561.805.5041 or Carol Digges at 561.805.5031.
leslie J. Garfield & co. nEwly rEnovatEd landmarkEd townHouSE 120 EaSt 71St StrEEt After a three-year gut renovation beginning in 2009, this 6,600 square-foot house has been outfitted with every possible modern amenity. Beginning with replacing the joists with new steel material, a new limestone façade and stairwell, no expense has been spared on this masterpiece. Luxury finishes include the Smallbone kitchen, two SubZero refrigerators, Miele appliances, marble fireplaces, marble-laid foyer, new elevator and Pella windows. Other amenities include zoned central air-conditioning, low-voltage lighting, television, audio, communication, security system and wine storage for over 1,000 bottles. With five bedrooms, five bathrooms, four powder rooms and the grand reception room, dining room, family room, two entrances, a south-facing landscaped garden and terrace, this townhouse has been precisely planned to provide the utmost in Manhattan townhouse living. $18.9 million. Please contact Jed Garfield at 212.371.8200.
94 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
the world according to . . .
Mario Buatta AVENUE’s back-page column asks New York notables our version of the questionnaire made famous by Marcel Proust
When did you first feel like a neW yorker? What happened?
The first time I went to Broadway at night.
What is your favorite Watering hole for lunch? for dinner?
The Four Seasons for lunch and La Grenouille for dinner. What neWspaper column do you read first in the morning?
The obituaries—to see if my name listed.
Who is your favorite neW yorker, past or present?
The New Yorker.
Who is the smartest neW yorker you knoW?
My pet water bug toy, Harold—he’s smart and clever. Who is the funniest?
Joan Rivers.
Who is your favorite dinner partner?
Dame Edna.
What part of the neW york lifestyle can’t you live Without?
Live theater.
What’s your favorite neW york sound?
All of the lively sounds of a buzzing city.
What’s your most embarrassing neW york moment?
Falling asleep in the window of Sleepy’s and almost being left there for the night. What’s your Worst-dressed neW york moment?
I once went to a black tie event wearing one black shoe and one brown shoe. The Prince of Chintz, Mario Buatta
N
ative New Yorker Mario Buatta was dubbed the Prince of Chintz back in the 80s and has been acclaimed as a master of interior design ever since. Recently honored by the New York School of Interior Design, which named its materials library the Mario Buatta Atelier, Buatta has embellished the homes of everyone from Henry Ford II to Mariah Carey, with a stop in Washington D.C. to design the Blair House—the White House’s official guest house. This year, Buatta celebrates his 51st year in the business, all the while remaining the endearing prankster that he is (with a little help from Harold, the toy bug he carries everywhere with him). Here, Buatta shares his thoughts on Manhattan.
96 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012
What’s your favorite Way to get around neW york?
A convertible taxi would be . . . if we had them.
What is the hardest part about living in neW york?
Bicycles in traffic and rude people.
What brought you to neW york?
The Staten Island Ferry.
What do you Want to be When you groW up?
A retiree. ✦
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BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THE OCEAN RESIDENCES AT BOCA BEACH CLUB, A CONDOMINIUM (“ONE THOUSAND OCEAN”) BUILDING IS COMPLETE. NO FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ONE THOUSAND OCEAN BUILDING ARE PLANNED AT THIS TIME AND THE DEVELOPER IS NOT OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE OR COMPLETE ANY ADDITIONAL FACILITIES OR AMENITIES. ACTUAL IMPROVEMENTS MAY VARY FROM ARTIST RENDERINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS AND ARE TO BE USED SOLELY FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES. ACTUAL VIEWS MAY VARY AND CERTAIN VIEWS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL UNITS. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ANY VIEW FROM ONE THOUSAND OCEAN MAY IN THE FUTURE BE LIMITED OR ELIMINATED BY FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OR FORCES OF NATURE AND THE DEVELOPER IN NO MANNER GUARANTEES THE CONTINUING EXISTENCE OF ANY VIEW FROM ONE THOUSAND OCEAN. UNIT PRICING AND FEATURES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. WE ARE PLEDGED TO THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF U.S. POLICY FOR ACHIEVEMENT OF EQUAL HOUSING THROUGHOUT THE NATION. WE ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT AN AFFIRMATIVE ADVERTISING AND MARKETING PROGRAM IN WHICH THERE ARE NO BARRIERS TO OBTAINING HOUSING BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP, FAMILIAL STATUS OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.
FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS—THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EX AMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. FOR NEW YORK RESIDENTS—THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM THE SPONSOR. FILE NO. CD10-0251. SPONSOR NAME AND ADDRESS: BRE/ POINT PARCEL, LLC, 501 E. CAMINO REAL, BOCA RATON, FL 33432. FOR MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS—THIS COMMUNITY HAS BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESMEN (REGISTRATION NUMBER: F-1247-0101). THIS IS NOT AN OFFERING IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE PRIOR QUALIFICATION IS REQUIRED UNLESS THE DEVELOPER OF ONE THOUSAND OCEAN HAS PREVIOUSLY MET SUCH QUALIFICATIONS. THE PROJECT GRAPHICS, RENDERINGS AND TEXT PROVIDED HEREIN ARE COPYRIGHTED WORKS OWNED BY THE DEVELOPER. COPYRIGHT © 2011 – BRE/POINT PARCEL LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.