Oak Hall by Business Journal, Inc

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 OAK HALL FORUM MAGAZINE his issue of Oak Hall Forum magazine focuses on articles about people, fashions and lifestyle that we thought you’d find of interest as well as our Must-Haves feature, which highlights selections our buying team has made with your input in mind. As Oak Hall enters its 152nd year in 2011, it’s important to note that the business landscape is changing drastically. We have embraced this through our website, with an active presence on Facebook, and through sending emails to thousands of our customers, to inform you of in-store special events, trunk shows and special offers throughout the year. Furthermore, we have opened our new “Vineyard Vines by Oak Hall” store in Nashville, at the Hill Center in Green Hills. We cannot possibly tell you how much your loyalty, support and friendship over the years means to us and how proud you’ve made us feel to be included in so many of your special occasions and celebrations. We thank you and look forward to seeing you many times in the coming months at one, two, or all three of our stores.

With best wishes always, Bob, Will and Bill Levy and your friends at Oak Hall

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

OAK HALL 6150 Poplar Avenue Memphis TN 38119 901-761-3580 www.oakhall.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Karen Alberg Grossman DESIGN DIRECTOR

Hans Gschliesser 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

FEATURES 2 Welcome Letter 76 Shopping: Made in Japan 80 Sports Style: Chip Ganassi

PUBLISHER

Stuart Nifoussi PRESIDENT AND CEO

Britton Jones CHAIRMAN AND COO

Mac Brighton

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

FASHION 10 46 48 50 54 58 66

Oak Hall Must-Haves Designer Profile: Boglioli Designer Profile: Hugo Boss Designer Profile: Canali Trends: What Not to Wear Brighten Up! Celebrating the Iconic Blue Blazer

DEPARTMENTS 42 52 72 84

Ask Forum Humor: The Shopping Gene World Scene End Page: Design Yourself

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 FASHION FORUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN 12 REGIONAL EDITIONS FOR MEMBER 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: 212-6866821; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE PUBLISHERS ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ADVERTISERS CLAIMS, UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, TRANSPARENCIES OR OTHER MATERIALS. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS. VOLUME 14, ISSUE 1. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

ScottBarber.com

Memphis • Poplar and Ridgeway at Regalia NOW OPEN Nashville • The Hill Center in Green Hills

MODERN MINIMALIST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN BLOEMER

Karolina Zmarlak waffle silk jacket and reversible power skirt, Lolo Jewelry amethyst ring

Oak Hall MUST-HAVES FOR SPRING 2011

THE NEW SUIT Zegna navy pinstripe suit with flat-front pant, dress shirt and silk tie

GRAY IS HERE TO STAY Canali two-button suit with flat-front pant, Charvet knit tie

GO WITH THE FLOW Ports 1961 linen ruffle-back dress, leather belt and necklace, Alex Woo gold earrings and cuff

RELAXED MOOD Canali windowpane sportcoat, AG denim, Torino brown crocodile belt

STORMY SKIES La Via 18 trench and printed dress, Lolo Jewelry leaf drop earrings

MIXING WORKWEAR WITH SPORTSWEAR Isaia sportcoat, Eton pink dress shirt, Hiltl 5-pocket pant, Torino belt

PASTEL PALETTE Alice + Olivia stripe sequin dress, Gorjana wrap leather bracelets

TONE DEFT Lida Baday ponte jacket and skirt, Lida Baday silk shell, Ted Rossi clutch

EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE St. John white silk blouse and highwaisted long skirt

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;50S STYLE TIKI PARTY On him: Jack Victor sportcoat, Eton gingham shirt, Bills Khakis pant, Torino belt On her: Rebecca Taylor chiffon ruffle dress, Ports 1961 belt, Lana link earrings, Haute Hippie necklace

LIGHTER THAN AIR Kroon soft jacket, Eton windowpane shirt, Hiltl blue 5-pocket pant, Torino belt

SUMMER SUITING Jack Victor white suit, Rufus turquoise sport shirt

COOL CASUAL On her: Lafayette 148 silk embroidered tunic and cotton pant, Alex Woo earrings On him: Billy Reid summer suit, Bills Khakis chambray shirt, Ray-Ban sunglasses

PRETTY PRACTICAL Sissi Rossi Napa leather and cloth satchels

MAXIMUM IMPACT Zacchero jersey and silk dress, Montage Collection pearl bib necklace

THE TRAVEL BLAZER Kroon jacket, Peter Millar sport shirt, Hiltl 5-pocket pant, Torino belt

GINGHAM IS GOOD Zegna navy blazer and gingham sport shirt

BAG IT UP Clockwise from top left: Rebecca Minkoff classic clutch, handheld clutch, quilted clutch, laptop bag, zip messenger and pleated satchel

BOHO CHIC A.L.C. chiffon shirt dress, Lolo Jewelry gold leaf earrings, Gorjana tassel necklace and leather wrap bracelets

FEMME FLOURISHES Halston Heritage one-shoulder silk dress

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;70S-INSPIRED See By Chloe off-the-shoulder silk dress with vintage patterned skirt, Ports 1961 belt

PATTERN PLAY Kroon plaid soft jacket, Peter Millar striped polo, Hiltl 5-pocket pant, Torino belt

NAUT-Y AND NICE Peter Millar striped polos

TAKE A BREAK Tailor Vintage reversible shorts

OFF DUTY Masons plaid sport shirt, Tailor Vintage seersucker short

CHECKING IT TWICE Masons patterned cotton sport shirts

SOUTHERN COMFORT Scott Barber sport shirts Southern Tide washed cotton polos and sport shirts

POOL TIME Peter Millar sunwashed polo and swimsuit

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?

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

F[h\ehcWdY[ 8bWp[h

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….)

designer profile

lived-in LUXURY

BOGLIOLI DECONSTRUCTS THE MODERN SPORTCOAT. BY WILLIAM KISSEL Time, tradition brands were producing garand precision ment-dyed T-shirts, knitwear, “OUR GARMENT-DYED have long held or trousers, but no one had UN-CONSTRUCTED sway over the tried it on jackets,” recalls JACKETS HAVE Italian tailor’s youngest brother and creCREATED THE NEO-FORMAL STYLE craft. So when ative director Pierluigi FOR THE NEXT brothers Boglioli, who came up with GENERATION.” Mario, Stefano the idea to take a classic and Pierluigi Neapolitan-style jacket with all Boglioli defied tradition by taking its sartorial underpinnings and essential components (padding, toss it in the washer. Although the inner linings) out of the classic immediate results were not as he men’s jacket and then doing the had hoped, through trial and error unthinkable (garment washing it), and some construction tweaks, the third generation clothiers liter- the company eventually develally took the stuffiness out of oped its K Jacket, an un-conItalian suit making. The Boglioli structed cashmere blazer with a boys not only rethought how the washed look and the feel of a wellsuit is made, but how it’s worn. worn sweater. In the early 1990s, “many This spring Boglioli continues to

add to its list of accomplishments with the introduction of the Dover 2 jacket, a versatile topper incorporating small shoulder pads, and the K Jacket 2, which is updated in cashmere, linen and new cotton crepe versions. Though the company has a 100year history, it was the current generation, who began making clothing under their own family name in 2000, that gave the brand its international presence with their unsuit-like sense of style some have dubbed “worn-in luxury.” “I take pride in the fact that our garment-dyed or un-constructed jackets have created the neo-formal style for the next generation,” concludes Boglioli.

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.

H SMCloɞȥȨȽȝѱȃɄȹ

J^[ =h[Wj 7c[h_YWd If_h_j

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.

W W W.ESCADA .COM

humor

Women are compulsive shoppers. It’s more than a passion; it’s an addiction. Last week, as we were dressing to go out, I watched helplessly as my wife tried on a dozen pairs of black pants, ripping each off her body as she became increasingly frantic. “Nothing works!” she cried in frustration, as she asked me which looked best. Knowing this was a trick question, I told her only that they all looked fine. She eyed me skeptically like I was denying a felony charge for which she had hard evidence. “The skinny pants make me look fat; I don’t have the right boots for the boot cut pair; the flannel trousers are too heavy for this weather! How can you possibly say they look fine?” Now I’m starting to understand: she not only discerns difference among them, but she actually believes these nuances matter! Perhaps this explains why she owns dozens of black jackets and white blouses and infinite pairs of jeans, not to mention the shoes and handbags.... The following Saturday evening, I put on a pair of gray trousers. They have lots of pleats, and suddenly, I’m not feeling so many pleats. I pull out another pair, which seem fine until I put them on and notice that the cuffs are dragging on the floor. (Either the pants grew or I shrunk….) Since there are no more gray pants in my closet, I take out some black ones, only to notice that the fabric has become inexplicably shiny. And when I throw on the navy blazer, it’s obvious (even to me) that it would look much better with gray pants. At that moment, my wife walks in from shopping, exuberant and exhausted. “I’ve found the perfect black pants,” she exclaims with a sense of joy I’d not heard from her since I proposed 20 years ago. And for the first time in all those years, I understand her excitement. “Next time,” I suggest with trepidation, “maybe I’ll come with you....”

SOMETIMES, STYLISTIC NUANCES DO MATTER.

’ve figured out the main difference between men and women. It’s not that men can’t watch TV without tapping the remote, not that women prefer foreplay to actual sex, and not that men can’t communicate (though these things may be true). After getting gradually crowded out of every closet (and every drawer in every dresser), the difference is clear:

WOMEN HAVE IT, MEN COULD USE IT… BY MIKE SAMUELS 52

TRUNK ARCHIVE / DANIEL JACKSON

The Shopping Gene

coppley.com

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. 54

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! 55

*chic inconventionnel

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.

Austin-Lehman Adventures specializes in explorations that combine outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting and horseback riding with nights spent at distinctive inns. Or they’ll craft a special trip and you can see the sights in your own way. For a family reunion, the company flew guests to a Montana ranch where they enjoyed fishing lessons, horseback riding and a tour of Yellowstone National Park led by a private wildlife expert. On another occasion, the company arranged for a gentleman to treat his twin grandsons to six national parks in five days by private jet. And when a Chicago businessman wanted a unique celebration for his wife’s 60th birthday, Austin-Lehman set up cocktails in the surf of Kauai at sunset and sent a helicopter to release hundreds of pounds of rose petals around the couple as they toasted. Where in the world do you want to go?

AUSTIN-LEHMAN

THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF...YOU

JOE TABACCA PHOTOGRAPHY

LEFT TO YOUR OWN DEVICES The CEO of a Fortune 500 company wanted a TV he could view from his bathroom sink, but didn’t want to see it when not in use. Joshua Rich, president of Rich AV Design, which specializes in unique and one-of-a-kind electronic installations, created a vanity mirror that turns into a television. When the TV is off, it’s a regular bathroom mirror; when the TV is on, a portion of the mirror becomes a 19” HDTV. Rich has also handled the installation of custom anamorphic movie screens that adapt to the varying aspect ratios of movies and TV shows, and arranged media rooms with motorized chairs and automated lights. He can even make a ‘butt remote,’ a simple control that powers on your entire home theater when you sit on the sofa. It gives the term ‘smartass’ a whole new meaning.

HELLAS BENT

KISTERNA HOTEL, HISTORIC HOTELS OF GREECE

bout four hours from Athens, in the Greek Peloponnese, is one of the most fascinating hotels in Greece: the Kinsterna Hotel and Spa. Once the estate of an Ottoman judge, now grandly refurbished and elevated to membership in the Historic Hotels of Greece, this Byzantine-era mansion sits on the side of a hill, sequestered amid vineyards and olive and citrus groves, facing Monemvasia Castle and the Aegean. The main buildings are a historical assortment of Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian and modern Greek architecture. Inside the restored stone walls the 27 suites have fireplaces and marble bathrooms, the spa offers a purifying traditional Ottoman hammam, and the swimming pool begins as a brook feeding off the ancient cistern and grows to run like a river through centuries-old orange trees. Opened just last year, the Kinsterna has already become popular with celebrities and heads of state who relish the solitude of the tranquil Mediterranean environment.

JACKVICTOR.COM

shopping

MADE IN

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

Japan

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.

BOSS Black

HUGO BOSS FASHIONS INC. Phone +1 212 940 0600

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.

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

www.canali.it

OAK HALL FORUM SPRING 2011