Garys by Business Journal, Inc

GARYS Forum/The Substance of Style/Spring 2011

THE BLUE BLAZER AN OLD SCHOOL STAPLE LEARNS NEW TRICKS

FASHION HEATS UP! LIVED-IN LUXURY IT’S ALL ABOUT SOFT…

WELCOME TO THE SPRING 2011 ISSUE OF GARYS FORUM MAGAZINE LIGHTEN UP!

Who doesn’t love springtime, the season to lighten up, liven up, and add some fun to your life! Of course, part of spring’s enchantment is beautiful clothes, and here at GARYS we’re already getting the best assortments in from the best designers around the world. A common theme in all the spring ’11 collections: while the clothes are all incredibly luxurious and comfortable, they’re also slightly more fitted than in seasons past. We don’t mean tight, but the new designs will magically make you look taller, slimmer, sexier. Come in and see for yourself how wearing the new slimmer fits can make a huge difference in your appearance, and your attitude! (If you haven’t shopped in awhile, our guess is that the stuff in your closet is starting to look a bit baggy, even if you haven’t lost weight.) We hope you’ve already enjoyed shopping in our new GARYS Island shop-in-shop located at our Fashion Island store, featuring casual brands like Nat Nast, Tori Richard, Tommy Bahama and Bills Khakis, along with several new collections. If not, please come in and check it out! Whether your apparel needs are casual or dress-up, know that you’ll always find the latest and the greatest in all price ranges throughout our store. Selection, style and exceptional service are what put us on the map and what will keep us on top. Our commitment to exceeding your expectations remains the driving force of our business; we cannot thank you enough for appreciating this and shopping with us. Please enjoy with our compliments this issue of GARYS Forum magazine, written to keep you in the loop about men’s fashion and luxury lifestyle trends. Of particular interest in this issue: a feature on Mark Chandik, a wealth management consultant and a longtime GARYS customer. In this exclusive interview, Mark talks about what makes a good fit between client and advisor, how recent fluctuations in the stock market have impacted his recommendations, and whether he thinks investors will forgive the market’s past sins. He also talks about his personal style, and how it evolved from jeans and T-shirts to Canali suits. (Could it have something to do with the women in his life? What doesn’t?) From all of us at GARYS, we wish you a season of sunshine, fun times and beautiful clothes. —Dick, John and Kari Braeger

GARYS 2

7KH =(52 :(,*+7 -DFNHW

GARYS Fashion Island, Newport Beach 949-759-1622 Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar 858-794-0740 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Karen Alberg Grossman DESIGN DIRECTOR

Hans Gschliesser

FEATURES 2

Welcome Letter

14 Man of Style: Mark Chandik 20 Giving Back: Working Wardrobes 26 GARYS Island Shop-in-Shop 32 Style: The Finer Things 52 Sports Style: Chip Ganassi 56 Shopping: Made in Japan 58 Indulgences: Shutter Release

MANAGING EDITOR

Jillian Sprague PROJECT MANAGER

Lisa Montemorra DESIGNERS

Cynthia Lucero, Jean-Nicole Venditti CONCEPT DIRECTORS

Andrew Mitchell, Russ Mitchell MERCHANDISING DIRECTOR

Bob Mitchell DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

Peg Eadie DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS

Hugh K. Stanton

BUSINESS JOURNALS FASHION GROUP PUBLISHER

Stuart Nifoussi PRESIDENT AND CEO

FASHION 10 Designer Profile: Hugo Boss 22 Designer Profile: Isaia 28 Designer Profile: Canali 30 Trends: What Not to Wear 34 Designer Profile: Allegri 36 Brighten Up! 44 Celebrating the Iconic Blue Blazer

DEPARTMENTS 6

Britton Jones CHAIRMAN AND COO

Mac Brighton CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Christine Sullivan

APPAREL FORUM Andrisen Morton DENVER, CO Garys NEWPORT BEACH, CA Hubert White MINNEAPOLIS, MN Kilgore Trout CLEVELAND, OH Larrimor’s PITTSBURGH, PA Malouf’s LUBBOCK/SOUTHLAKE, TX Mario’s PORTLAND, OR/SEATTLE, WA Mitchells/Marshs HUNTINGTON, NY Mitchells/Richards WESTPORT/GREENWICH, CT Oak Hall MEMPHIS, TN Rodes LOUISVILLE, KY Rubensteins NEW ORLEANS, LA Stanley Korshak DALLAS, TX Wilkes Bashford SAN FRAN/PALO ALTO, CA

Ask Forum FASHION FORUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN 12 REGIONAL EDITIONS FOR MEMBER

24 At Your Service

STORES OF THE APPAREL FORUM COPYRIGHT 2011. PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS JOURNALS, INC, P.O. BOX 5550, NORWALK, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • FAX: 203-852-8175; ADVERTISING OFFICE: 1384 BROADWAY, NY, NY 10018-6108, 212-686-4412 • FAX: 212-686-

50 World Scene

60 End Page: Design Yourself

MATERIALS. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS. VOLUME 14, ISSUE 1. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

BOSS Black

HUGO BOSS FASHIONS INC. Phone +1 212 940 0600

ASKFORUM Q:

My once-youthful husband is starting to show his age. How can he update his image without looking like an idiot?

It’s a good question since all too often, middle-aged guys trying to dress “cool” look just plain silly. Here are a few tips for dressing young without looking foolish: 1) Wear clothes that fit. These days, slim (not tight) is in, so anything that’s been hanging in your closet a few years is likely too baggy and poorly proportioned. Try a more current fit with narrower lapels and flat-front trousers. You’re sure to see a difference: even big guys look thinner in fitted clothing. 2) Choose grown-up clothes. Unless you’re on stage with a guitar, ripped jeans and T-shirts are a sign that you’re trying too hard. Premium denim, however, worn with a blazer or soft coat, is modern and appropriate. (Try a plaid sportcoat this season and get noticed, in a good way!) 3) Pay attention to accessories. Great style is all about making a personal statement. Nothing updates your look faster than new eyewear; get rid of those dated frames! Splurge on a beautiful belt or bag, handmade footwear or a special watch. This will modernize your image and make the whole outfit look expensive. 4) What’s old is new again. Cardigan sweaters, knit vests, bowties, boat shoes, and all manner of preppy prints (argyles, plaids) are back in style. The key to pulling it off: pick just a piece or two and wear it with confidence. Choose a classic short trench coat this spring: it will transform whatever else you’re wearing. 5) Good grooming is all important and the right haircut can take years off. Don’t even think about a comb-over (sorry Donald): invest in a good stylist or think about shaving it all off. 6) Don’t take fashion so seriously. Add something playful here and there, even with business attire: bold socks, a fun scarf or pocket square, novelty cufflinks. The only thing worse than trying too hard to dress young is worrying too much about how it all comes together. If you buy quality, you can’t screw it up too badly.

After many seasons of long printed board shorts, swimwear designers are showing more leg. Retro-inspired patterns including stripes, plaids, batiks and bandanna prints will be popular, especially in happy colors. It’s almost a ’60s feeling: start the diet now…

IMAGE BY JON MOE

What’s hot in swimwear for 2011?

The trick is to first envision yourself at your weekend events and then edit down: there’s no shame in wearing the same thing twice and it’s worth it to avoid checking luggage. Here are a few more tips: • Wear the bulkiest pieces on the plane: the sportcoat or suit jacket, plus a sweater or coat. • Place a rolled up tie and socks in each shoe. Put shoes in a drawstring shoe bag (or a plain plastic bag) to protect your clothes. • Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the suitcase: shoes, sneakers, dopp kit and gadgets. Place rolled up T-shirts and underwear along the sides of the suitcase. • If you’re packing a suit or sportcoat, turn the jacket inside out and fold into quarters (the first fold should be across the center of the back). On arrival, hang it in the bathroom and take a steamy shower to remove creases. • Placing layers of tissue between clothes does not really do much. Instead, take plastic dry cleaning bags from your local store and place over each garment when on the hanger. Then slide the hanger out and fold. The plastic layer helps prevent wrinkles. Hang upon arrival and if needed, steam out in the bathroom while the shower is running and let it hang out overnight. As for specific items to bring, here are the general guidelines: 1 blazer or sportcoat 1 pair casual pants 1 woven shirt and/or shorts 2 knit shirts (polo or tee) 1 swimsuit 1 sweater, sweatshirt 1 pair comfortable shoes or light jacket 1 belt 1 pair jeans 2-3 pair socks and underwear

I’m confused: with slimmer pants in vogue, where should pants break these days?

For most narrow-leg flat-front styles, the bottom of the pants should stop an inch above the sole of the shoe. This creates a small break (a fold in the crease in the front of the pants) at the ankle. But for fashionistas, it’s fine to show some sock, which generally means exposing about an inch of ankle. For the record, pleated pants still look best with a cuff to balance out the fabric at the waist. And ironically, now that American men have finally gotten used to flat-fronts, European runways are showing pleats. But their trendier versions have excess fabric gathered at the waist, flowing into a very narrow leg. That said, we’re not expecting these carrot-shaped pants to catch on here for quite some time...if ever.

IMAGE BY JON MOE

ask forum

How do I pack for a weekend away? (It seems I need almost as much stuff for a weekend as for a full week….)

A heritage of Swedish design and innovation since 1928

designer profile

“STICKING TO A TRIMMER SILHOUETTE CAN MAKE ANY MAN LOOK INSTANTLY YOUNGER.”

FORWARD THINKING

THEY MAKE GREAT CLOTHES, BUT HUGO BOSS IS MUCH MORE THAN FASHION. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN These days, as luxury companies strive to update product and image, one company stands as a paragon of all that is modern, edgy, urbane. Hugo Boss, founded in 1924 and headquartered in Metzingen, Germany, has long been the essence of international style and the source of directional lifestyle trends. How to maintain this distinction? For Hugo Boss, it’s a focus on not just fashion, but also art, culture, sports, celebrity, philanthropy, all key elements of fine living. Here, we speak with their U.S. president Mark Brashear about current and future business.

What are the most exciting things going on at Hugo Boss these days? We just signed a multi-year sponsorship of Madison Square Garden and The New York Knicks, which will greatly increase our exposure and brand awareness.

What are the most important items and trends for men in spring 2011? Two important directions are: 1) denim-driven sportswear from BOSS Orange, and 2) BOSS Green, which is active, technical sportswear.

What do most men do wrong when dressing? How can guys attain better style? Men tend to want suits that are a size too big, thinking that loose is comfortable. They don’t realize that oversized is not flattering. Sticking to a trimmer silhouette with flat-front pants can make any man look instantly younger.

What’s next on the horizon for BOSS? We’re using market intelligence to ensure that we offer our BOSS customers all that they expect from our brands. We have undertaken several initiatives to support this effort. The ability to execute well and to deliver on our promises is cornerstone for today and tomorrow.

GIRARD-PERREGAUX 1966 Chronograph Pink gold case, sapphire case back, Girard-Perregaux automatic mechanical movement. Column wheel chronograph, small seconds.

www.girard-perregaux.com

FASHIONABLY engaging.

Neiman Marcus . Nordstrom . Bloomingdale’s . Macy’s . Ever Malia Mills Swimwear . Lululemon Athletica . Kate Spade . True Food Kitchen . Inglot . Michael Stars

OVER 120 STORES INCLUDING:

Concierge 949.721.2000 ShopFashionIsland.com

Kwiat earring, Rolex watch at Traditional Jewelers.

Elie Tahari . Trina Turk . Jonathan Adler . Kreiss . 7 For All Mankind . Splendid . True Religion Apple . Flemingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steakhouse & W ine Bar . Melvita . American Rag Cie . Garys . Traditional Jewelers Fashion Island is a registered trademark of the Irvine Company. ÂŠ The Irvine Company LLC, 2011.

man of style

many of them in their entrepreneurial ventures and see what works over time. Inspired by them, I’ve expanded my focus from just financial planning to include insurance and wealth management. My clients were the inspiration behind my decision to form my newest venture, FDP Wealth Management.

What determines a good fit between client and advisor? The most important factor is shared values. From the client’s perspective, you have to trust and work well with the person to whom you’re entrusting your family’s future. From the advisor’s perspective, you have to be able to put yourself in your client’s shoes, feel their concerns

WHY GUYS SHOULD INVEST IN GREAT CLOTHES. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

fashion and FINANCE How did you get into the financial services business?

I initially joined my father’s financial planning business in Texas after graduating from college with an accounting degree. I guess I took the path of least resistance: I knew I didn’t want to work for one of the “Big 8” accounting firms— even back then I preferred a smaller firm where I could have more impact. The financial planning industry was in its infancy at that time, so it proved to be a great opportunity for me to learn a lot.

Was your father your mentor? Yes, as were several of my clients. I’ve had the opportunity to observe

and address them. It’s usually apparent very quickly whether or not there is a fit. As an entrepreneur myself, I naturally work well with other entrepreneurs or else those who have been part of successful ventures. There’s a certain independent mindset that comes with navigating a business over the long haul.

How have recent gyrations in the financial market affected your investment advice? There’s no question that the last 36 months have been difficult for everyone. Most of our clients own businesses plus real estate and investment portfolios, all of which

IMAGES BY EVAN DORIAN

ark Chandik, principal of FDP Wealth Management, is not your typical fashion icon. In fact, were it not for the style influence of his wife Cindy and daughters Caitlin and Madeline, he wouldn’t likely be featured in a fashion magazine. Admitting that his instinct for finance seriously outshines his fashion sensibility, Chandik nonetheless enjoys fine clothing and the aura of confidence that dressing well inspires. Here, we chat with him about investments (both financial and sartorial), and the value of great clothes.

have been affected by the economic downturn. And since many of our clients are in Southern California, they’ve also been hurt by the devaluation in local real estate. While we’ve always used risk management as a fundamental component of our consulting process, it’s become more important than ever. Each of our clients has a portfolio personalized to accommodate their risk tolerance levels. While some have chosen to become more conservative, others have stayed the course.

Do you think individual investors will forgive the market’s past sins and put money back into stocks? Investors have relatively short memories. While the past decade has been difficult since as far back as the dot.com bubble, the reality is

Are disappointed investors reverting to more “do it yourself” investing, or are they changing brokers? Most educated investors understand that their financial advisor wasn’t responsible for the market meltdown, nor did he or she create the mortgage crisis. Nonetheless, they will hold their advisor accountable if they feel that they haven’t been communicated with properly or if their portfolios were not constructed properly. There is a general distrust in large financial institutions as well, which bodes well for boutique and independent firms such as ours. Clients want full transparency, honesty and to work with an advisor devoid of conflicts of interest. Realistically, there will always be “do it yourself investors,” and those who periodically feel that they need

Park and enjoy going to shows and eating at interesting restaurants throughout the city. When we want to really relax, however, Hawaii is our destination of choice, where I enjoy driving around Maui and playing an occasional round of golf. Also, I strongly believe that successful companies have an obligation to support the local community. Over the years, FDP has supported dozens of charitable causes, many based on our clients’ passions.

Speaking of passions, how important has clothing been in your life? I believe it was about 10 years ago that I started to hear comments from my wife and daughters such as, “Are you really going to wear that?” or “Are you going outside of this house looking like that?” I don’t think I dressed poorly for

A LOT OF GUYS HANG ON TO CLOTHING WAY TOO LONG, WHICH SENDS THE MESSAGE THAT ‘I DON’T REALLY CARE WHAT I LOOK LIKE.’” that over the long-term, stocks have always provided greater return than other investments. Yields on fixed income investments historically don’t provide enough return to offset inflation, or grow assets sufficiently to meet a family’s needs. Therefore, some level of equity exposure is required. Factor in the reality that real estate will take a long time to recover, if it ever does, and investors must consider alternatives. Investments that contain hedge characteristics and anything that provides a dependable and tax-efficient income stream should be considered in a properly diversified portfolio.

to change advisors; frankly, these types of clients are not a good fit for us. As long as we continue “drilling down” to determine each client’s financial goals while developing long-term relationships, our clients will stay with us.

What are some of your other interests? My wife and I enjoy trying new restaurants; we’re members of the Newport Beach chapter of a wine and food organization called LaChaines de Rotisseurs. We get together four times a year and are seated with new people who are always interesting to talk to. We also enjoy traveling, especially to New York. I run in Central

business (although my family might disagree), but admittedly my casual style consisted of ill-fitting Levi’s and a T-shirt circa a 1980s rock concert. A lot of guys hang on to clothing way too long, which sends the message that “I don’t really care what I look like.” My wife took me shopping at GARYS a number of years ago and taught me that quality trumps quantity. She (and the great sales associates at the store) helped me understand what looked good on me and what didn’t. Over the years I’ve learned that quality clothing not only helps you feel good about yourself, but also conveys confidence to those around you.

count store. So while you can’t always judge a guy by what he wears, clothing is often a reflection of one’s personal attitude about quality. What’s more, as articulated in the book Dress for Success, a client makes a decision to work with you based on many factors, including appearance. For me, spending the time to dress well, to have my shoes shined and clothing pressed, reflects self-confidence, which becomes evident in my interaction with clients.

In such a volatile industry, how do you deal with stress? Someone told me once that there are two types of stress. The first is the stress that you feel when you have no power in a given situation. I believe the recent financial meltdown is an example of that. The only way you can respond to this type of negative stress is to work hard to overcome it, e.g. working more hours to deepen relationships with clients. The other type of stress is self-

“THERE IS A GENERAL DISTRUST IN LARGE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, WHICH BODES WELL FOR BOUTIQUE AND INDEPENDENT FIRMS.” What were your most recent clothing purchases and what will you buy next? I became an avid road cyclist about three years ago, and have in that time lost about 20 pounds: I’m down a full size or two. At first I had a skilled tailor take in the clothing but ultimately it didn’t look right. I just feel better in clothing that fits well. So for me, my clothing purchases over the past two years have been a total redo of my wardrobe It’s actually been kind of fun to do this: I’ve

purchased suits from Canali and more fitted dress shirts and even a new tuxedo since my old one was literally falling off me! Then as pieces get worn, I replace them.

Have you observed that affluent customers dress better than the norm? Years ago I read the book The Millionaire Next Door and learned that the plumbing contractor with a net worth exceeding $20 million might drive a 10-year-old car and wear clothing purchased at a dis-

induced, such as when you’re growing your business and developing new capabilities. This type of stress provides excitement and anxiety at the same time. You need to continually reinvent yourself and your business to stay current with what’s going on around you, so some level of self-induced stress is okay. You just need to be aware of it, manage it and not let it get the best of you! And of course it’s easier to manage when wearing great clothes!

ROB ERTG R A H A M .US

速

?L;JFEA<8EJ%:FD

giving back

DOES YOUR CLOSET LOOK LIKE THIS?

If so, we can help. Donate your clean, gently-used professional or business casual clothing, footwear and accessories to Working Wardrobes at any GARYS location. Working Wardrobes is a non-profit organization that serves men, women and teens who are emerging from a life crisis and are committed to re-entering the workforce. They also specialize in helping our veterans in transition get back to work. We accept men’s and women’s clothing, footwear and accessories, including handbags, and we ask that all clothes are dropped off on hangers. To learn more or to coordinate a donation, please contact Steve Loucks at GARYS (949.759.1622 / stevel@garysonline.com). He will assist you in getting your donation delivered and make sure that you receive a receipt from GARYS and Working Wardrobes confirming your tax-deductible contribution. You may also visit www.workingwardrobes.org for additional information regarding volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, special events and more. We are proud to support this worthy cause, and we hope you’ll join us in giving back to our community.

GARYS 20

d [ l [ h Y e c f h e c _ i [ $

F[h\ehcWdY[ 8bWp[h

designer profile

NO ORDINARY MIDDLE MAN ISAIA TOES THE LINE BETWEEN CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY. BY WILLIAM KISSEL

Ask Gianluca Isaia to describe his eponymous collection of men’s suits and sportswear and he’ll tell you that it fits comfortably in the middle between classic and contemporary. “We offer the quality of more traditional luxury brands but with the styling of high fashion labels,” says Isaia (above), an anomaly among Italian menswear makers who is known for wearing inexpensive leather fisherman sandals with his impeccably tailored cashmere suits. The offbeat combination is the boyish designer’s way of illustrating the incredible versatility of his clothing. Men today want the freedom to mix denim with their pinstripe suit jackets, says Isaia, whose colorful clothing is made in Naples. Such idiosyncratic dressing, he insists, is not a sign of “a guy who doesn’t know how to decide” but rather that of a man “who is comfortable [enough] in his own skin to create a style that is uniquely his own.”

The line includes jackets cut with the same slightly pinched shoulder and high armhole found on most handmade Neapolitan garments. Yet there are significant differences, including a relaxed but shapely waist and the company’s

own pignattiello pocket, shaped like an Italian pot of the same name typically used to cook beans. Isaia’s trousers are athletic and lean, but not uncomfortably snug, and they are rarely pleated. The style is Neapolitan, with an edge. Since Isaia likes the look, but not the weight, of vintage textiles, he dilligently searches through the 54-year-old company’s treasure trove of archival fabrics to find bold stripes and checks he can reproduce in modern color combinations. He’s also been known to invent his own textiles: After spilling red wine on his pants, Isaia had the idea to develop AquaSpider, the first all-natural wool fabric in which the yarns are chemically treated to resist water and stains while retaining softness. Subsequent experiments resulted in an entire range of Aqua fabrics, including AquaCashmere, AquaChino (cotton) and, most recently, AquaLight, only half the weight of conventional wool. Such fabrics give an incredible lightness of being to many of Isaia’s pieces. By mixing them with old world hand tailoring and modern styling, Isaia has found a way to, as he says, “offer a whole new definition of Neapolitan style to the American man.”

Awaken your senses.

The All-New 2012 CLS-Class Coming soon to Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel.

949.347.3700 mblaguna.com One Star Drive, Laguna Niguel

Showroom Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 9 pm Saturday 9 am - 7 pm Sunday 10 am - 7 pm

AT YOUR SERVICE

PERSONAL SHOPPING

TAILORING

Welcome to GARYS! At your request, one of our sales associates will pre-select garments that fit your style and notify you of their arrival in the store.

Our experienced on-site expert tailors will happily work with you and your sales associate to create the perfect fit.

MADE-TO-MEASURE We proudly offer luxury hand-tailored garments personalized to suit your individual taste and style. Your measurements are kept on file and updated as needed, so a new garment can be specially created for you at any time. A wide variety of models and fabrications are available from the following brands: • Brioni • Canali • Ermenegildo Zegna • ISAIA • Robert Talbott • Samuelsohn

WARDROBE CONSULTING & CLOSET CLEANING In order to help you better integrate your new seasonal purchases with the old, we offer our clients a complimentary closet consultation. One of our professional sales associates will personally visit your home to inventory your closet, providing suggestions on how to creatively mix and match your existing wardrobe. One of our experienced tailors can also be on hand to provide any fitting or re-adjustments you may need. And, if you so desire, we will provide a photographic catalogue of your wardrobe for further reference.

HOME DELIVERY & SHIPPING We ship to anywhere in the United States. If you’re in town, we can hand deliver to your door for added convenience.

GIFT CARDS Our tastefully presented gift cards are available in any denomination you choose.

GIFT WRAP We offer complimentary gift wrap in our distinctive packaging for all your purchases.

SIGN UP FOR E-MAIL AT GARYSONLINE.COM Get the latest information on special events, in-store appearances, trunk shows and promotions.

Garys Island is now at GARYS! Now you can find many of the fine menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resort brands at GARYS you have come to expect from our Garys Island store. Reyn Spooner, Nat Nast, Tommy Bahama, Tori Richard, Bills Khakis, OluKai, Sperry, Maui Jim and others are now available at our new Garys Island Shop-in-Shop at GARYS Fashion Island!

GARYS FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH 949.759.1622 www.garysonline.com

designer profile

THE IDEA IS TO SHOW THE EXTREME VERSATILITY OF THE MODERN SUIT, WHICH IS NO LONGER CONFINED TO THE OFFICE.

TIMELESS CLASSIC

CANALI REWRITES THE MANUAL ON MODERN ITALIAN STYLE. BY WILLIAM KISSEL In the 1960s, when Italy was coming out of a long period of political and economic turmoil, Federico Fellini’s fashionable masterpiece La Dolce Vita brought a new sense of optimism and helped propagate the country’s reputation as an axis of sophistication and elegance. “I like to think of that period as the golden age of Italian style,” says Elisabetta Canali, whose familyowned brand took fashion cues from the 50-year-old classic film. “The suits worn by Marcello Mastroianni had a certain sophistication, but they were not stiff looking at all,” explains Canali, the company’s third generation global communications director. “We wanted to put this vintage sense of style in our [spring] collection, but reinterpreted in a much more contemporary way.” Such innovation has been in the brand’s DNA since cousins Giovanni and Giacomo Canali established the label in 1934 with

the first 2-button notch lapel suit, constructed to be easily adaptable to any body type. Over the years Canali has evolved to include detail-driven sportswear, outerwear and accessories, while retaining its technical prowess for superior suit making. The brand often presents its tailored clothing as sportswear, pairing dress slacks with silky polo knits, and two-piece suits with casual sport shirts and even lightweight sweaters. The idea, says Canali, is to show the extreme versatility of the modern suit, which is no longer confined to the office. “It’s what I refer to as informal elegance,” says Canali, noting that even the classic DB blazer can be contemporary if worn with jeans or 5-pocket chinos. “Of course the silhouette is slimmer, the buttons are higher and the shoulders are more natural,” she says, “but the double breasted is timeless and one of the most elegant expressions of a jacket a man can own.”

New to Canali are the “S” model jacket (a slimmer, shorter, sexier silhouette), and the completely unlined and unconstructed Kei jacket that’s cut like a sportcoat but wears and feels like a sweater. Canali also launched Canali Exclusive, a line of made-toorder tailored clothing crafted from the rarest super wools.

7YVZWLYP[` MVY FDP Wealth Management PZ HU PUKLWLUKLU[ IV\[PX\L HK]PZVY` Ă&#x201E;YT [OH[ WYV]PKLZ H ZLSLJ[ NYV\W VM PUKP]PK\HSZ HUK I\ZPULZZLZ H ZWLJ[Y\T VM ZLY]PJLZ [V TH[JO [OL RL` Z[HNLZ VM [OLPY Ă&#x201E;UHUJPHS SP]LZ ^LHS[O HJJ\T\SH[PVU KPZ[YPI\[PVU HUK [YHUZMLY What makes FDP different? Â&#x2039; ( \UPX\L JSPLU[ L_WLYPLUJL ^OPJO PUJS\KLZ [OL -+7 >LHS[O 3PML *`JSLTM WYVJLZZ HUK 7PUUHJSL :LY]PJLZ 7YVNYHT Â&#x2039; ( NVHS IHZLK PU]LZ[TLU[ WOPSVZVWO` [OH[ OLSWZ JSPLU[Z YLK\JL [OLPY YPZR HUK HJOPL]L [OLPY KYLHTZ

+L]LSVWPUN `V\Y WLYZVUHSPaLK *VUĂ&#x201E;KLUJL )S\LWYPU[ PZ [OL Ă&#x201E;YZ[ Z[LW

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being in the wealth management business for more than 26 years has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of clients during both good and bad markets. This experience forms the basis for V\Y I\ZPULZZ [VKH` 4HU` HK]PZVYZ JHU OLSW JSPLU[Z KLĂ&#x201E;UL [OLPY NVHSZ HUK ZLSLJ[ PU]LZ[TLU[Z /V^L]LY developing a true partnership involves taking the requisite time to really get to know clients and their families and to communicate with them often and openly.â&#x20AC;? 4HYR ( *OHUKPR | 7YPUJPWHS

9LZLHYJO +Y :[L 0Y]PUL *( Â&#x2039; ;LS Â&#x2039; ;VSS -YLL Â&#x2039; PUMV'MKW^T JVT

^^^ MKW^T JVT :LJ\YP[PLZ VMMLYLK [OYV\NO =HS4HYR :LJ\YP[PLZ 0UJ 4LTILY -059( :07* 0U]LZ[TLU[ (K]PZVY` :LY]PJLZ VMMLYLK [OYV\NO =HS4HYR (K]PZLYZ 0UJ H :,* 9LNPZ[LYLK 0U]LZ[TLU[ (K]PZVY :WYPUNZPKL +YP]L :[L (RYVU 6/ -+7 >LHS[O 4HUHNLTLU[ PZ H ZLWHYH[L LU[P[` MYVT =HS4HYR :LJ\YP[PLZ 0UJ HUK =HS4HYR (K]PZLYZ 0UJ

trends

not

SPRING 2011 RUNWAY LOOKS YOU SHOULDN’T TRY AT HOME.

TO WEAR

WHAT

IT’S OKAY TO ADD A POP OF COLOR TO YOUR OUTFIT, BUT TRY DOING IT WITH A BRIGHT SHIRT OR ACCESSORY INSTEAD OF SHINY PANTS.

LAYERING IS A TREND WE CAN GET BEHIND, BUT PLEASE, NO LEGGINGS!

Branch out from a boring black formalwear look, BUT BEWARE OF METALLIC OVERKILL. 30

ADD INTEREST WITH YOUR TIE OR VEST, OR TRY A CLASSIC TUX IN NAVY FOR SOMETHING THAT’S EYE-CATCHING BUT APPROPRIATE.

GETTY IMAGE.NET

We’re all for updating your denim, but go for a slimmer fit and a darker wash; avoid unnecessary bells and whistles.

SWIMSUITS SHOULD BE FUN, BUT LET’S FACE IT: FEW MEN CAN PULL OFF THESE TINY TRUNKS! 31

style

FORMALWEAR RULES TO FOLLOW. BY CARL SLESINGER

THE FINER THINGS When considering an investment, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons. But when deciding whether to purchase a tuxedo, there is simply no plus side to renting. Formalwear is for life’s milestone events: do you really want to spend your important moments in some other guy’s tux? Whether at a wedding, charity gala or professional event, looking and feeling your best is priceless. Besides, the initial cost will be amortized after only a few wearings. Follow these simple pointers to ensure you make the right choice.

ETIQUITTE: Events touted as ‘black tie’ require a

IMAGE COURTESY OF ISAIA

THE LIFE OF YOUR TUXEDO WILL ALWAYS BE LONGER THAN THAT OF YOUR WIFE’S GOWN.

tuxedo. ‘White tie’ or ‘full dress’ occasions call for tails paired with a white pique tie and matching vest. Full dress is only appropriate after 6 o’clock in the evening and is generally requested at weddings, balls or diplomatic events. COLOR: Black formalwear is classic and the most widely accepted, but navy can be worn at festive events, by those brave enough to pull it off with confidence. Historically, white dinner jackets are appropriate between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and are also generally acceptable on cruises. (If you’re traveling south of the equator, remember that summer runs from late-December through March.) STYLE: The tuxedo was originally designed with a peak lapel. The shawl (rounded) lapel, worn by waiters and the maitre d’, has recently grown in popularity and can be spotted on Hollywood’s red carpets. The notch lapel, styled like a suit, is also an option. Regardless of shape, tuxedo lapels should always have a satin or silk faille facing in the same color as the suiting fabric. CARE: If you’ve been wild and crazy and have soiled your tux, send it to the cleaner right away. If it’s only wrinkled and you aren’t using it again for at least a week, put it on a contoured hanger and let the wrinkles hang out. If you’re not planning to wear it again until “I don’t know when,” hang it, cover with a clothing storage bag that’s open at the bottom, and keep in a dry place. This should keep dust off the shoulders and protect it until your next wearing. As long as your tux fits, you should continue to wear it. Minor alterations can easily be made by a skilled tailor at our store. And when it finally becomes time again to invest in an updated model, this should reassure you: the life of your tuxedo will always be longer than that of your wife’s gown.

designer profile

THOUGH WE RARELY LOOK TO SILK AND CASHMERE FOR RAIN PROTECTION, THIS IS ALLEGRI’S SPECIALTY.

THE ARCHITECTS OF OUTERWEAR

ALLEGRI IS BUILT TO LAST. BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE Today more than ever, Americans are on the go. Whether commuting to work or traveling for pleasure, we need clothes that can move with us. Enter Allegri, whose line of outerwear, bags and rain accessories can best be described as functional luxury. Headquartered in Florence, Allegri’s factory employs 130 artisans who perform rigorous quality control tests and constantly adjust fits to achieve the perfect balance between endurance, comfort and streamlined style. The brand offers three collections: Milano, classic designs for the working week; A-Tech, sportier garments for weekend and leisure; and 010109 (which general manager Gian Maria Argentini refers to as the brand’s black label), dedicated to special occasion. Black label products are made entirely in Italy, with all-natural fibers like pure double silk that are 100 percent water repellent. Though we rarely think of precious fabrics like cashmere and silk as suitable for rain protection, this is precisely Allegri’s specialty. Since its founding in 1971, it has experimented with more than

2,000 different fabrics, always in search of the finest fibers (for softness and breathability) that can be technically treated (for durability and strength). Bi-Stretch, for example, is lightweight, water repellent and wrinkle resistant, and was used in Allegri’s spring collection for a jacket that “looks like a sartorial blazer, but you can pack it for 10 days in your suitcase, take it out, and in two seconds it goes back to normal condition,” explains Argentini. Allegri is also the only brand in North America to offer Rain Cashmere, a luxurious (and, of course, water repellent) 100 percent cashmere. With some of fashion’s most venerable designers in its past (Giorgio Armani, Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf) and a future fueled by constant technological innovation, the 40-year-old brand—like its product—is sure to endure. Argentini warns that the brand isn’t for fickle fashion customers looking to throw away their coats after one season. With classic styling and modern fits, Allegri is an investment that stands up in any storm.

Commercial Real Estate - It’s About Time! With prices at 40-50% off peak, it’s time to consider your commercial real estate investments.

Time to Buy: Want to lock in long-term savings for your business? Now is the time to buy, with prices at market bottom, historically low interest rates, and widely available SBA financing creating the ideal scenario for purchasing an office or industrial property. You’ll gain a hedge against future lease rate hikes and realize tax and bottom-line benefits. Time to Sell: Thinking of selling your commercial real estate asset? 360 Commercial Partners has active buyers and investors in the market seeking both office and industrial properties. We can broker your transaction off-market or apply our industry-leading marketing and advertising to expose your asset to the widest pool of buyers.

Time to Call 360 Commercial Partners Commercial real estate’s dynamic new climate presents strong opportunities for buyers and sellers - and requires a new approach to navigate the complexities of a changing market. 360 Commercial Partners is the only Orange County brokerage designed specifically to guide valued clients in this new world of commercial real estate – delivering you maximum bottom-line benefits as well as five-star service. Contact 360 Commercial Partners today and let the industry’s most trusted advisors lead you to your real estate goals.

360CommercialRE.com | 949.296.3650

Photographed by JON MOE Produced by SUSAN F. SIDOR

BRIGHTEN UP! SPRING 2011 IS A SEASON TO LIGHTEN UP, BRIGHTEN UP AND HAVE SOME FUN. ENERGIZE YOUR WARDROBE (AND YOUR LIFE) WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR!

LIGHTEN UP!SOFT FABRICS IN PALE SUNDRENCHED SHADES REFLECT INNER PEACE AND SERENITY. IT’S TIME TO RELAX!

CHEER UP!BOLD COLORS ELEVATE YOUR MOOD. ONCE IN AWHILE, IT’S OKAY TO LIVE DANGEROUSLY…

LOOKING UP!MIX COLOR WITH WHITE FOR A CRISP CLEAN LOOK THAT’S MODERN, FRESH AND OH SO SEXY. IT’S WHAT YOU NEED NOW…

MARKET EDITOR: JOHN JONES; HAIR AND MAKEUP: LAUREN FRENDEN / ARTISTS BY TIMOTHY PRIANO; MODELS: STUART B-WILHELMINA MIAMI; JOSH JOHNSON-WILHELMINA MIAMI; FABRICIO ZUNINO-NEXT MODELS MAIMI; VALESKA-ELITE MODELS; LARISA-ELITE MIAMI; ASSOCIATE EDITOR: TARA FERRI; JEWELRY: ROBIN ROTINIER

CELEBRATING THE ICONIC BLUE BLAZER

A classic wardrobe staple, the quintessential blue blazer graduates from prep school to country club and travels with global sophistication.

Photographed by JON MOE Produced by SUSAN F. SIDOR

NAUTICAL EASE INTO SPRING WITH A KNIT BLAZER FOR THE ULTIMATE IN COMFORT AND COOL. PAIR IT WITH FURNISHINGS THAT POP, CRISP WHITE TROUSERS AND CLASSIC BOAT SHOES. YOU’RE READY FOR THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE

PREP COOL MINIMUM EFFORT, MAXIMUM IMPACT IN AN ITALIAN VERSION OF THE NAVY BLAZER, BOLD PIQUE KNIT POLO, ROLLED-UP TROUSERS AND CLASSIC SNEAKERS. DON’T FORGET THE EYEWEAR: BIGGER IS BETTER THIS SEASON

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: TARA FERRI; GROOMING: MARK LEYLAND; MODELS: PARKER HURLEY-RED MODEL MANAGEMENT; PAUL FRANCIS-Q MODELS; ASSISTANT: JULIO FRIAS; PROPS: PROPS FOR TODAY

EURO-LAYERED PILE IT ON, BUT GENTLY! START WITH A SOFT WHITE POLO, ADD A FINE COTTON SHIRT, SLIMCUT BLAZER, CARGO PANTS AND SUEDE WINGTIPS. CASUALLY DRAPE A CASHMERE SWEATER FOR GOOD MEASURE. MAGNIFICO!

SARTORIAL THE CLASSIC NAVY BLAZER PAIRED WITH BOLD SHIRT AND TIE, ELEGANT TROUSERS AND BROWN SUEDE SHOES TAKES YOU ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE, SCORING POINTS ALONG THE WAY

MODERN YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME! MIX A GREAT BLAZER WITH PREMIUM DENIM (DARK IS BEST), A PATTERNED SHIRT AND FABULOUS SHOES. FLAUNT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND MAKE THE BLAZER LOOK YOUR OWN

world scene

YOUR RIDE’S HERE

BRP

ead to the open road in BRP’s new CanAm Spyder RT. Powered by a Rotax 991 engine with electronic throttle control optimized for touring, the roadster features a BOSCH-engineered vehicle stability system, includng anti-lock brakes and traction control, so you don’t have to be a pro to ride. The latest models come with adjustable electric windshields to protect you from the elements. And so the well-dressed man can bring along his wardrobe, Can-Am offers fitted color-coordinated Spyder RT rolling luggage. Now that’s biker chic.

Experience life’s little luxuries. By Donald Charles Richardson

CORRALING THE RIGHT WINES

TEUBNER FOODFOTO - STOCKFOOD MUNICH / STOCKFOOD

ommelier Richard Patino from The French Room, at The Adolphus in Dallas, offers perfect pairing suggestions for your upcoming barbecues. For a wonderful white, there’s Francois Pinon Cuvée Silex Noir, Vouvray 2008, a Chenin Blanc from France’s Loire Valley that is slightly “off-dry” but retains bright acidity to complement sweet honey BBQ sauce. Another is Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 2008, which matches well with chicken or shellfish. For summer reds, try d’Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2008, a 100 percent Shiraz from Australia. This wine has red fruit aromas with spicy undertones, so it pairs well with short ribs. For beef or pork, drink A. Rafanelli Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2008, with characteristics of jammy fruit and a hint of black pepper. At fancy occasions, Patino suggests Domaine De La Solitude, Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2009. But, he says, the perfect BBQ wine is Lambert Bridge Forchini Vineyard Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2007. This versatile Zinfandel is equally amazing with baby back ribs, brisket, or cheeseburgers.

sports style CHIP GANASSI COMBINES SPEED, STYLE AND BUSINESS SAVVY. BY DAVID A. ROSE

ou might say 2010 was an extraordinary year for Chip Ganassi. On February 14th one of his stock cars, driven by Jamie McMurray, won NASCAR’s premier event, the Daytona 500. On May 30th one of his Indy Cars won the Memorial Day classic, the Indianapolis 500. Two months later McMurray won NASCAR’s high profile race at Indianapolis, the Brickyard 400, making Ganassi the first team owner ever to win the Triple Crown of American motorsports. Ganassi himself raced in the Indianapolis 500 five times beginning in 1981, but in 1984 he suffered a major crash at the Michigan International Speedway that ended his career as a driver. He formed Chip Ganassi Racing in 1990 with primary sponsorship from Target stores. As president and majority owner, Ganassi now manages teams in both the Indy Car Series and the GrandAm Rolex Sports Car Series. He’s also partnered with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. to form Earnhardt

Above: Dario Franchitti clinches the Indy Car Championship for the second year in a row Left: Scott Dixon, Ganassi and Franchitti show off the Borg Warner and Harley J. Earl Trophies

IMAGES COURTESY OF TARGET CHIP GANASSI RACING

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

Ganassi Racing in NASCAR. Here, Forum gets the scoop on what drives this motorsports superstar.

No, we currently have six drivers in five cars, and although I may have the urge sometimes to give advice on how to drive, I don’t. Because I was once a driver I have a connection to what they’re going through, so I think I bring something to the table beyond just being an owner and manager.

When Lotus developed the ground effects car in the late 1970s, James Hunt retired from racing, saying he didn’t want to be an irrelevant part (less than 50 percent) of the driver/car equation. What percentage of the equation are drivers today?

IMAGE COURTESY OF CHIP GANASSI RACING WITH FELIX SABATES

Ganassi and Scott Pruett celebrate after winning the Grand Prix of Miami at HomesteadMiami Speedway

You’ve gone from being a racecar driver to a driving force in motor racing. Which role is more fulfilling? While I was growing up in Pittsburgh, I always had visions of sitting atop one of these buildings and running a company. When I started in motor racing I never thought it would be my career; I figured it would be a weekend activity, nothing more. Although there was no period in my life more exciting than the time I was a racecar driver, it was then that I realized I loved motorsports as a business. So I’d have to say what I’m doing now is most fulfilling.

As a former driver, do you ever have the urge to climb into the racecar yourself?

I have a lot of respect for James Hunt and he was a good driver, but as racing cars evolve technically, it may make some drivers obsolete. At the same time, it will bring other drivers along. These days, you need to have it all: 100 percent car, 100 percent driver, 100 percent crew.

You’ve been at this sport for 30 years; what has been your most memorable event? Qualifying for my first Indianapolis 500 in 1982, just 10 days after I graduated from college. I had just turned 23 and I was the fastest rookie at Indianapolis that year. Since then we’ve had a lot of great wins in great cars with great drivers, but that day in 1982 was when it all began.

The Target Chip Ganassi relationship seems to go beyond dollars and cents. How does a business relationship acheive this kind of synergy? I feel fortunate to have been a part

of Target when their company was growing. When I first met them they had 400 stores; today there are 1700. Target embraces change and they’re often at the leading edge. Our values, our work ethics and our views of things are very much aligned, and when you are that aligned, you end up with a good relationship. It’s that simple.

When Jamie McMurray won the Brickyard 400, you became the first team owner to win America’s triple crown. How did that feel? I’m more pleased that all six of my drivers have won at least one race this year. That to me is more exciting than me winning the triple crown.

Since Forum is a fashion and lifestyle magazine, tell us about your fashion sense. I’m in the sports business and so my personal style is centered on casual sportswear. I enjoy wearing my Zegna suits, but obviously I would look a bit out of place at the race track dressed that way.

What was your last clothing purchase and what might you buy next? My last purchase was that Zegna navy blazer you see hanging on the wall over there. My next purchase will be a Loro Piana scarf.

What do you do to relax? A few years ago I moved out to Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania; I love being around my house, swimming in my pool in the summer and skiing in the winter. I enjoy feeding the fish in my fish pond and also doing yard work. It’s about as far from racecar driving as it gets.

w w w . s u r t e r r e p r o p e r t i e s . c o m

CORONA DEL MAR $1,395,000 Gorgeous, new custom Tuscan-style townhome features three separate, private en suite bedrooms, a chef-inspired gourmet kitchen, a ﬁreplace, upstairs deck, and garden patio off the master suite.

LAGUNA BEACH Just Sold

TJ WALSH C 949.395.1177

Ocean-side home designed by renowned architect John O’Neill.

tjwalsh@surterreproperties.com

1088 North Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

866.762.7169

shopping

Japan TOKYO OFFERS WELL-MADE GOODS THAT MERGE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. BY SCOTT HAAS

The Japanese aesthetic—refinement aimed at balanced perfection —is evident in the country’s traditions and modern practices in art, design and gastronomy. However, in Tokyo, where local consumers are often more interested in Louis Vuitton than Issey Miyake, it’s an enormous challenge to find beautiful products made in Japan. There are several classic shops with pre-

war origins that are worth a visit (if you can find them), but for the most part, the stores are full of high-end, Western goods. That has been changing in the past 20 years as Japan looks inward, due in part to the economic recession. Having traveled to Japan numerous times over the past decade, I have, with the help of Japanese friends, been able to locate several first-rate shops where it is possible to spend hours looking things over, select the best and know you have found exceptional value. My favorite shop in Tokyo is Nuno. The name means ‘fabric’ in Japanese and it’s here that Reiko Sudo sells clothing as well as bolts of fabric stunning in their originali-

IMAGES BY SCOTT HAAS

MADE IN

ty and quality. Her work is museum quality and can be viewed at MOMA. Nuno has several locations throughout the city but the best is in the Axis Building, where the staff is entertaining, friendly and informative. There is often a hardto-resist impulse to buy everything

cheaper versions of this work, but here the products have depth and artistic integrity. The use of space —what is unseen is as important as what is evident—is prominent in the work sold here. Venturing out of this section of Tokyo, known as Roppongi, is a good idea, as the area has less charm than other parts of the city. Roppongi is the part of town where foreigners congregate, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, you haven’t experienced Tokyo until you go to Shinjuku. Shinjuku is, in a word, chaotic. But it’s also fascinating and completely safe. Shinjuku train station is the busiest in the world—people

in the store, and the most marvelous part is that you can suggest products—slippers, curtains, shirts, etc.—and they will help you design them from scratch. In the same building, three flights up, you will find Savoir Vivre, a small, well-lit shop specializing in both new and traditional lacquerware and pottery. Throughout Tokyo you’ll see knock-offs and

watching nonpareil. The reason to come here is Isetan. There are many other department stores in the city, but what makes Isetan different is the variety of exquisite products from all over the country in its food hall. That, and you’re not in Ginza; you’re with the Japanese. You can take home unbelievably beautiful rice, sake, dried seaweed, dried mushrooms, miso,

vacuum sealed packages of salmon and eel and green teas. Plus, the experience of wandering by hundreds of food stalls as the salespeople shout out “Irasshaimase!” and offer you one sample after another is mesmerizing. After Shinjuku, head to Nihonbashi, which means ‘Japan Bridge,’ and is just north of Ginza, to buy paper at Haibara. The shop is delightfully old-fashioned and sells remarkable stationary, calendars, fans and boxes more beautiful than anywhere else in the city. Before calling it a day, Hanada is also worth your time. More traditional than Savoir Vivre, this shop has pottery for display as well as household goods for practical use. What you see here are examples of the best of what is being produced now as well as some work that’s centuries old. Small sake cups, bowls and tureens are very affordable. You can spend as little as $10 and more than $10,000 here. Although shopping is a pleasure at each of these Tokyo retailers, the crowds of people and the experiences of viewing, touching and buying can lead to sensory overload. Which is why I always try to end the day at Orihigashiya.This amazing tea shop in Nishiazabu is the epitome of serenity. On a small street off the main drag, it has a tiny front room where you can buy spectacular teas, and a back room, equal in size, where a tea sommelier suggests, brews and pours you cup after cup of pleasure-inducing tea. And once you have achieved that sense of well being, you will understand the made in Japan principles: refinement, observation, balance.

indulgences

THE LEICA M9 TITANIUM, DESIGNED BY WALTER DE’SILVA, CHIEF DESIGNER FOR THE VOLKSWAGEN GROUP, AND THE CREATIVE GENIUS BEHIND VARIOUS ALFA ROMEOS, AUDIS AND VWS.

shutter RELEASE LIMITED EDITION DIGITAL CAMERAS RESTORE PHOTOGRAPHY’S ALLURE. BY JOHN JONES

Needless to say, at this point, it’s too late to get one. Never fear. Set your sights on the Leica M9 Titanium, designed by Walter de’Silva, chief designer for the Volkswagen Group, and the creative genius behind various Alfa Romeos, Audis and VWs. Again the camera is trimmed in leather—this time using hides typically reserved for the interiors of premium Audi automobiles. The body is made from solid titanium and each comes with a Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, meaning that

your photos, no matter how poorly composed, will come out crystal clear and razor sharp. The camera’s grip is enhanced by a specially designed and embossed diamond structure. Which is good because at $26,500, you wouldn’t want to drop this baby. Magnanimously, Leica upped the limited edition to 500 units, so you might actually stand a chance of procuring one. But if you want to get your hands on the Hasselblad Limited H4D Ferrari Edition, you need to move a bit faster: they limited production to only 499....

Hasselblad’s Limited H4D Ferrari Edition

IMAGES COURTESY OF LEICA CAMERA AND HASSELBLAD

hen Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up premiered in 1966, the life of a “shooter” was depicted as glamorous, exotic—and expensive. Forty-five years later, disposable digital cameras can be had at the corner drugstore for 12 bucks, the top-rated Nikon Coolpix point-and-shoot costs around $250 and even a decent single lens reflex camera can be had for $500. Throw in some free online software and anyone can be the next Ansel Adams. Photography’s allure has become positively democratic. Where’s the glamour in that? In an effort to reinstate the camera as a luxury accessory, German optics company Leica partnered with French luxury goods firm Hermès to create the Leica M7 Edition Hermès last year. Only 200 were produced, each encased in Hermès’s signature orange or “étoupe” brown Swiss calfskin, retailing for about $14,250.

3PRING 3UMMER

w w w. ro b e r t t a l b ot t . co m

end page

AS YOU BUILD YOUR WARDROBE WITH QUALITY PIECES, YOU’LL CULTIVATE THAT DISCERNING EYE THAT RECOGNIZES A GOOD INVESTMENT.

DESIGN YOURSELF

A great wardrobe, like DIY furniture, looks best when the pieces fit. By Hans Gschliesser embraced a designer aesthetic. You’ve trashed the worn futon and are now sitting pretty on a Mies van der Rohe sofa. Gone are the days of piecing together tag sale furniture in the hopes of creating a cohesive look that echoes your lifestyle. And so it should be for your wardrobe. You’re busy, and your time is too valuable to rely on bargain basement sales. Maybe you’ll get lucky and stumble on something that’s the right color or style, if it even fits. Likely not. So take the experts’ advice: find a look that works for you and shop in a store that consistently delivers the goods. Sometimes the best option is to focus on a single designer, like Zegna or Canali or Ralph Lauren. Find one with a fit that works for your body type and a look that reflects your attitude. Once you’ve got the foundation, you can round out your wardrobe with items from other designers and brands. Many interior designers these days choose to strike a balance between modern and classic. This applies to your appearance as well. Learn to make your look work without seeming forced or over-styled. Pare each outfit down to the essentials and you’ll be perceived as confident and competent. And remember: you’re a work in progress. As you build your wardrobe with quality pieces, you’ll cultivate that discerning eye that recognizes a good investment. It all adds up.

PHOTOGRAPHER: JON MOE; MODEL: PAUL FRANCIS-Q MODELS

You’ve arrived! You’ve moved away from thrift shop finds and

paulshark.it

MADE IN ITALY

www.canali.it

GARYS FORUM SPRING 2011