Dolce Magazine - 2022 Vol.26, Issue 2 by Dolce Media Group

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A LEGACY OF ARCHITECTURAL BRILLIANCE NESTLED IN TORONTO, CANADA

An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Watford since its inception. A new classic in bespoke luxury living in the prestigious neighbourhood of Richmond Hill. A private gated community of elegantly appointed residences, featuring “The Penthouse Collection” exclusively styled and furnished in Ralph Lauren Home. Encompassing inimitable walled gardens, serene rooftop green space, and grand private terraces. These homes, offer exceptional living experiences with state-of-the-art luxuries and traditional touches, including large-scale windows that bathe the finely curated interiors in an abundance of natural light. A live-in porter, twenty-four-hour on-site concierge, personal valet service and gold-standard security. Discover the heritage, innovation and pioneering craftsmanship that make The Watford the landmark it is today. Welcome to your legacy.

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TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH REDEFINING SPACES

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Follow us at: twitter.com/dolcemag facebook.com/dolceluxurymagazine @dolcemag 2022 • VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 2 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA michelle@dolce.ca Director of Operations ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca ART DEPARTMENT Co-Founder/Creative Director FERNANDO ZERILLO fernando@dolce.ca Senior Graphic Designer CHRISTINA BAN Senior UI/UX Designer YENA YOO Web Developer JORDAN CARTER Junior UI/UX Designer MARIA KOROLENKO Digital Content Designer MARCO SCHIRRIPA Multimedia Assistant MASSIMO SOSA EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Fashion & Home Décor Editor MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA Beauty & Travel Editor ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO Copy Editors and Proofreaders SAMANTHA ACKER, BARBARA FELDMAN, JENNIFER D. FOSTER, ROB TILLEY Contributing Writers RICK MULLER, DONNA PARIS, CECE M. SCOTT, JOSH WALKER, ESTELLE ZENTIL Contributing Photographers CARLA GULER, THOMAS LOUVAGNY, JESSE MILNS, EMAD MOHAMMADI, JOSEPH MONTEZINOS Contributing Videographers DANIEL COOPER, EMAD MOHAMMADI Social Media Manager & Content Creators ALEXANDRA AULICINO, ANASTASIIA HORBULOVA, MONICA MARANO PR Manager & Editorial Assistant ESTELLE ZENTIL Office Administrator HOLLY ADVERTISINGPOTTS Director of Marketing ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca Senior Account Managers MARIO BALACEANU, CHRISTINA BONO ADVERTISING INQUIRIES T: info@dolce.ca905-264-6789•www.dolcemag.com Front Cover INDIA HICKS Portrait by JOSEPH MONTEZINOS Dolce Magazine is published quarterly by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789, info@dolce.ca, www.dolcemedia.ca Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675. All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publisher. Dolce Magazine reaches over 900,000 affluent readers annually through household distribution across Canada. Dolce Magazine is also available to over 100 million digital consumers of Magzter Inc. and Issuu. Inquiries about where else Dolce Magazine is available for sale may be directed to Dolce Media Group: info@dolcemedia.ca or 905-264-6789. Visit www.dolcemag.com for single copy and yearly subscription fees. The opinions expressed in Dolce Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Dolce Media Group does not assume liability for content. The material in this magazine is intended for information purposes only and is in no way intended to supersede professional advice. We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 26 years without any government funding or financial assistance of programs to cover editorial costs. It has all been possible thanks to the wonderful support of our readers and advertisers. ISSN 2370-4063 Next Issue: 2022 Vol. 26, Issue 3 ©2022 Dolce Media Group. Printed in Canada. DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 20

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Michelle Publisher/Editor-in-ChiefZerillo-Sosa Fernando Co-Founder/CreativeZerillo Director @dolcemag / @amorebagstoronto / @fernandozerillo

Today, just a few months after his ordeal, De Lio is lled with positivity and gratitude. He is ready to help others nd ways to live with motivation. Dare I say, then, God also resides in De Lio’s heart. See his story on page 32. Of course, it’s possible you do not agree with my thoughts on the whereabouts of God. We all know that one should not speak casually of politics or religion, for these are sensitive topics (although the weather isn’t exactly a safe topic anymore, either). But perhaps you will be interested in our story about the Bahá’Í Faith, a relatively new religion with 5 to 7 million adherents practising globally. If you believe in the betterment of the world, in unity, love and service, you might nd your place here. Bahá’Í’s believe in equality of all sexes, races and creeds, and in the harmony of science and religion. Story on page 74. In this day and age, we could all use more unity, love and faith, regardless of what form it takes. May you enjoy this edition of City Life Magazine. It, like life, is yours to experience and do with what you will.

natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, one could ask the same question now. In De Lio’s case, where was God when deadly bacteria infected his body, nearly taking his life and resulting in the amputation of both of his legs?

In a world that is fast becoming soulless Be challenged to ﬁnd your own soul When the television portrays only tragedy Be challenged to turn it off Spend your time working on your own humility.

is is a woman who dreams up cakes for a living — not traditional tiered shapes and avours, but cakes that look like hot dogs, huge candy apples, watermelons, in avours like the ultimate red velvet and chocolate cake … You get the idea. Sweet mother of God, this lady has the power to tempt even the strongest-willed person with her cakes! Her belief is that anything is possible, and with the love and support of family and friends, the highest levels of success are attainable. Read her story on page 38. Speaking of belief, we all pray that our faith need never be tested the way Paul De Lio’s is. Many of us go through life without ever having to question why tragedies strike our lives or the lives of others in the world. A few years back, we published an article about the de nition of God. I remember asking the writer to pose this question to various religious leaders: “Where was God in moments such as 9/11?” Given the recent state of

— Ruth Bader Ginsburg Strive to be notorious Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director F or some, the fire can start off as a small flame of friendship that turns into giant flames that engulf you. That’s what happened with India Hicks, designer, humanitarian, mother and now, wife, as she recently married her husband, David, after 26 years together. She wanted to do something during COVID that would let her five children know that although most people were unsure of the future and faced with the unknown, there was still something to be done to anchor the family, something traditional. You may remember the little 12-year-old girl sitting in the golden horse-drawn carriage as she made her way to St. Paul’s Cathedral for Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s wedding. Fast forward to today: Hicks lives on Harbour Island, an endless source of inspiration for her creative designs, known mostly as a vacation spot for billionaires with New England–style architecture, pink sand and swaying palm trees. She speaks to us from her home about, yes, the fairy-tale life she has crafted for herself and her family over the years. She attributes her greatest joy to being a mother. And her love for humanity was the reason she partnered with Global Empowerment Mission, a disaster-relief agency that rushed in when Hurricane Dorian hit. And later, this love also led her, when she visited Ukraine, to volunteer and share with others firsthand the scope of what was happening. The fire can also be the spark that ignites our wish to help others. Being born of privilege is only meaningful if you do something meaningful with your good fortune. Enter Catherine Nugent, who has used her good fortune, empathy and skills to raise millions of dollars as one of Canada’s leading philanthropists. You may have heard of, or perhaps even attended, the legendary Brazilian Ball. A fundraiser that ran for more than 45 years, the Ball raised over $60 million for hospitals, educational institutions and cultural organizations in Canada and Brazil. Her take on la dolce vita is living life to the fullest, taking pleasure from within to spread it around. We love that she is always thinking about how she can make a difference in someone else’sWhenlife. we asked the Duchess of Rutland what heritage is, her reply was simple: something that money can’t buy! Our conversation led us to believe that heritage is also a sense of stability, as you look at castles, stately homes, halls and monasteries and see they have survived famines and wars for more than a thousand years. The Duchess’s dolce vita is the gift of being a mom to five children. She lives in a magical place and feels incredibly gifted. For artist Anna Weyant, her gift was being discovered on Instagram. Recently, one of her works, which was valued between US$150,000 and $200,000, sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $1.6 million. Now that is sweet! Soon, architect and designer Frank Gehry’s masterpiece, Forma, will rise in Toronto and become an iconic statement. Gehry has a unique way of working with metal and glass, and when the sun hits the building, it will shimmer and sparkle. It’s the perfect address for those who do not merely wish to buy a piece of art, but to immerse themselves and live in it. Our spaces are a constant source of joy and influence when it comes to our moods and happiness. Author Ingrid Fetell Lee delved into a 10-year journey to answer the question What is joy? Her observation that things like balloons, butterflies and cherry blossoms can create joy led her to write books to inspire others to identify people, places and objects in our lives that bring us joy! For Guillaume Benezech, Toronto RitzCarlton’s general manager, and most of the guests, the custom fragrance that you inhale as you enter the hotel is a reminder of morning memories that he cherishes from his grandmother’s farm in the South of France. Each of these candidates were stubborn in their own way. But perhaps Francis Mallmann, part poet, philosopher and chef, and owner of nine restaurants worldwide and author of the recent book Green Fire, summed it up best when we asked him to describe his definition of la dolce vita . He said one cannot sleep in a castle or under a tree all the time … for either of these would become boring. But it’s the ability to experience and appreciate opposites that will allow you to live well. This philosophy is also the cornerstone that is the basis for the art of his cooking. And it is refreshing to hear him describe himself as the most disobedient and irreverent chef in the world. The ability to stand by one’s thoughts that are not fitted to what others do or think — that is the tool for change behind la dolce vita according to your own standards. We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Dolce. May you find it a source of joy and inspiration as you go about your daily life.

WithintheIgniteFire

Furthermore, the media’s attention on women in the spotlight is often problematic, focusing more on who wore less than who did their best. But the unforgettable woman gracing our cover, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was both a role model and a pop culture icon. Soon after graduating from Cornell University, Ginsburg married her husband and gave birth to their fi rst child. Societal values in the mid-fi fties demanded that Ginsburg quit her career to become a housewife and a stay-at-home mother, but she and her husband were equal partners in life. The next year, Ginsburg enrolled in Harvard Law School, one of only nine women in her class of 500 men. There was only one women’s restroom on the entire campus, one of the libraries didn’t allow women inside, and the dean himself questioned the female students’ right to be there. The blatant sexism Ginsburg faced throughout her career became the core of her legal work. A pioneer in gender equality legislation, she rose to prominence in her field, eventually reaching the pinnacle of her profession in 1993, her appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. For 27 years, she ruled on issues of constitutional law, becoming well-known not only for her fight for equality, but also for the eye-catching collars made of beads, lace and even shells that she wore with her robes. These collars came to symbolize the substance of her work or her position, such as the collar she wore on days she dissented. “Justice Ginsburg inspired leagues of men and women to fi ght for equality based on gender, race and basic civil rights,” says Shana Knizhnik, a lawyer who created the blog (and, later, book) “The Notorious RBG,” which compares Ginsburg to beloved rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Designer Frank Chi and writer Aminatou Sow created the famous “Can’t Spell Truth Without Ruth” image that graces posters and stickers. Fans of Ginsburg have tattooed themselves with images of her face, worn her most famous quotes on shirts and pins, and dressed up as her for Halloween. On the popular comedy show Saturday Night Live, Kate McKinnon’s impression of Ginsburg delivered sharp put-downs with the catchphrase, “That’s a Gins-bur.”Sadly,Ginsburg passed away in September 2020 at the age of 87 due to complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Even in death, she made history as the fi rst woman and the fi rst Jewish person to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Building. She told NPR in a 2019 interview that she had no regrets about her professional life, and her trail-blazing legacy will be remembered by generations to come. We hope you enjoy our spring edition and feel empowered and inspired to follow suit.

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Michelle Publisher/Editor-in-ChiefZerillo-Sosa Fernando Co-Founder/CreativeZerillo Director @dolcemag / @amorebagstoronto / @fernandozerillo

“I do think I was born under a very bright star”

In that article years ago, one of the questioned religious leaders replied that God was in the remen going up the stairs to rescue the people in the towers. It’s a response that to this date gives me comfort. Likewise, now, God is in the rescue workers bringing relief to Puerto Rico, Mexico and Florida. And God was in the doctors who fought to save Paul De Lio. He was with the family and friends who prayed for De Lio’s life and later, for his recovery.

Michelle Publisher/Editor-in-ChiefZerillo-Sosa @dolcetweets @amorebagstoronto

Stubbornness makes us persevere. It helps us stand our ground when everyone else is trying to tell us that we are wrong. Used with discernment, stubbornness can be a strong leadership quality and a key determinant of success. Because stubborn people know what they want, they tend to be more decisive.

CAN YOU HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO?

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

W ell, in the case of Yolanda Gampp, this could be a real possibility. If you’re not yet familiar with her work, she is a multi-millionaire YouTube baker (3.3 million subscribers, that is) … all thanks to her incredible imagination.

If you’re surrounded by people who are envious Be challenged to cull the herd around you Fill your life with those who bring joyousness. During the times you feel utterly hopeless Be challenged to claw your way out Understand that genuine happiness is timeless. Find your soul. Believe in yourself. Trust in your God. Love your family. Share your plenty. Lean when you need. Live out loud. Love heartily. Grow your humanity. Infect the world with your faith.

— from The Wife by Iris Imeneo A ll too often these days, people are publicized for the wrong reasons, such as their popularity on social media channels, rather than actions they’ve taken to improve the world.

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CON TENTS 2022 / VOLUME 26 / ISSUE 2 80 ACCOMODATING STYLE: How Hospitality Guru Guillaume Benezech’s style and skill have led him to being the Ritz-Carlton’s general manager 114 FOR THE LOVE OF PASTA: Meet Mateo Zielonka, the talent behind Gucci-inspired pasta More stories inside . . . 70 LET’S HIT THE ROAD: The ultimate summer escape with Porsche IT TAKES TWO: A star-studded duo take on summer’s most enchanting trends 34 84 LUXURY DINING WITH A VIEW: How Nadia and Nick Di Donato are elevating ﬁne dining at Don Alfonso 1890 OBJECTS OF DESIRE: Flamboyant and fun picks that will zhoosh up your summer 108 INDIA HICKS: Designer, Humanitarian, Mother, and now, Wife 54 CATHERINE NUGENT: One of Canada’s leading philanthropists 46 94 MOUNTAINTOP MASTERPIECE: A look at legendary Italian architect Fabio Mazzeo’s sculptural villa in Sardinia DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 24

2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 25 (905) Not@thepapousekteaminfo@pp990-5500reteam.comintendedtosolicitpropertiescurrently listed for sale or buyers under contract. We Know Luxury.

WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER In every major global city, there seems to be that “secret gem” of a hotel. These are certainly not the largest, or tallest, or flashiest, but, by contrast, these gems are often secluded, traditional and ornate sanctuaries, prized as a reward by the guests who discover and revel in them. In Toronto that hotel is the Windsor Arms, a heritage property tucked away on a secluded side street in the heart of the city’s stylish, midtown Yorkville neighbourhood. The grande dame of Toronto’s luxury boutique hotels has held that title since its opening in 1927, a neo-Gothic urban oasis of tradition, elevated elegance and high style. Befitting that crown, the hotel is also known for its stylish and traditional Afternoon High Tea, served in either of its acclaimed tea rooms. The tea service is offered in either its Parisianinspired lobby tearoom or by the fire in the historic, lush Purple Room. For those who appreciate a and a variety of preserves, all freshly prepared inhouse on a daily basis.

little history with your favourite blend, it was in this very room, and beside that very fireplace, that Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor, for the second time, in 1967. Celebrity is no stranger to the Windsor Arms, as the now world-famous Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was founded in the hotel in 1976.

Stars such as Katharine Hepburn, Woody Allen, Richard Gere, Britney Spears and Tina Turner have also been guests, attracted by not only its finishings, quality and personal services, but by its seclusion in the heart of one of the city’s most fashionable and desirable neighbourhoods.

HOTELARMSWINDSOROFCOURTESYPHOTOS

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The Windsor Arms is also known as one of Toronto’s most preferred locations for elegant weddings or celebrations, especially in The Courtyard, with its 50-foot-tall limestone walls and breathtaking sky-high ceiling. The Courtyard seats up to 250 guests for a seated dinner or up to 400 for a cocktail reception. The environment is both elegant and versatile for any type of event. We can all get caught up in the sometimes frantic and hectic pace of our modern world. Every now and then stepping away from the mayhem and revelling in the traditional, calming world of the Windsor Arms is the perfect way to savour a delectably elegant and distinctly luxurious high-tea experience or any elevated experience or celebration.

DOLCE EXCELLENCE TRADITIONS

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Afternoon High Tea at Toronto’s Windsor Arms Hotel is a delicious blend of enchanting elegance, high style and more than a sense of history

Afternoon high tea at Toronto’s historic and legendary Windsor Arms Hotel is the very deﬁnition of luxury paired with old-world traditions, a welcome respite from today’s frenetic pace and a step back into a simpler time

The Afternoon High Tea is the perfect way to mark any special occasion and a chance to indulge in old-world style and grace. It features 30 loose-leaf teas, with flavours ranging from Russian Caravan to Sencha, and organic fair-trade blends.

The tiered tea-service plates feature handcrafted pastries, traditional tea sandwiches, English scones windsorarmshotel.com @windsorarms

E.D. meds prescribed online, delivered to your door. Start your online felixforyou.cafelixforyou.ca/dolcevisit

“W Toronto is a microcosm of the people, culture and history of this incredible city,” says Craig Reaume, W Toronto’s general manager.

HOTELSWOFCOURTESYPHOTOS

“From the intentional design of each guest room to the music and vibe of each public space, we are offering a long-overdue alternative to the luxury hotel scene.” W Toronto offers 254 guest rooms including 30 suites, each with creative and inspirational furnishings and artwork. The property also includes five event spaces encompassing up to 4,700 square feet and a FIT Gym at 3,300 square feet. W Toronto will be something different on Toronto’s luxury hotel scene and sure to make its mark as the hip, loud, new kid on the block.

The tribute to music, culture and creativity begins with Canada’s first W Sound Suite, located just off The Living Room, the W brand’s signature lobby/lounge. W Toronto’s W Sound Suite is outfitted with professional equipment where accomplished and novice musicians, podcasters and other creatives can work and draw inspiration from Toronto’s vast arts and cultural mosaic. The Living Room’s curved lines and velvet furniture pay tribute to Toronto’s hippie movement, and the 5,000-square-foot space includes a communal “fire pit,” a circular destination bar featuring cascading amber lighting and access to The Yard, which is an outdoor terrace. The hotel features three distinct beverage and food venues, beginning with Public School, its ground-floor coffeehouse, continuing with The Living Room and climaxing with Skylight, the rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking Bloor Street. Throughout the property, the vibe is fun, whotels.com @whotels

DOLCE EXCELLENCE OPENINGS

WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER T he explosion of new luxury hotels in Toronto just got a lot louder with the July opening of W Toronto, the latest property of W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands around the world. W Toronto has turned the volume up to ‘11’ with its celebration of Toronto’s music and arts scene, paying homage from its new Yorkville location to the sounds and counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s in an area that spawned the likes of Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot and JoniTheMitchell.11-storey property, located on Bloor Street in the heart of fashionable Yorkville, is designed by global creative agency Sid Lee and, with its distinctive LED lighting, is sure to wow any guest, visitor or passerby. The building features a glowing, opaque orange exterior elevator to take guests to the rooftop bar and restaurant. vibrant and playful, reflecting its location in the heart of the city.

From the trademark ‘W’ at its entrance to the curved lines and velvet furniture of its signature lobby/lounge The Living Room, W Toronto is bringing an eclectic sense of fun, music and excitement to the city

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W IS FOR “WOW!”

The opening of W Toronto brings a tribute to the city’s rich cultural history and a playful interpretation of luxury to the hotel scene

2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 29 TMB M.D.Born,M.Trevor Real TMB Patients YOUR PREMIERE DESTINATION FOR LUXURY AESTHETIC BEAUTY TREATMENTS & COSMETIC SURGERY WWW.TMBCOSMETICSURGERY.COMINFO@TMBCOSMETIC.COM Looking for beautiful, natural results? Book a consultation with one of North America’s TOP plastic surgeons - Trevor M. Born M.D.

HISTORY Belvoir Castle is located in the English county of Leicestershire

G rowing up in the Welsh borders as part of a farming family, offering bed and breakfast in the house, Emma Manners, the Duchess of Rutland, grew up far from aristocracy. At 18, she left the farm for London, to start training as an opera singer at the Guildhall School of Music. However, she instead decided to train as a land agent and ended up following a career in interior decoration. Then, age 28, she met the 11th Duke of Rutland, David Manners, at a dinner party in London. On 6 June 1992 they got married, and so began her introduction to a new world, where she wasn’t just responsible for her family and raising ﬁve children, but preserving Belvoir Castle. Translating to “beautiful view” in French and pronounced today as “beaver,” the name Belvoir does the place justice. Situated on the top of a hill, the castle, in the English county of Leicestershire, is often described as something lifted from the pages of a fairy tale, with 16,000 acres of woods and arable land, and sweeping views of Leicestershire and the surrounding counties of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. It’s also where the Duchess resides“Livingtoday.in private heritage, in order to keep it together for the public, the future and everyone to enjoy, it’s a full-on job. I wouldn’t say you sit in your ivory tower and have your nails painted and wait for breakfast in bed. You hit the road running every morning until night, and often in the evenings we have events and dinners.”

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e Duchess of Rutland talks about highlighting the unheard stories of women leading some of the most historic homes in Great Britain

At the time of our interview, the Duchess talks about two weddings that are upcoming on the weekend, the catering operation, the garden tours

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER | INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL HOMEHERITAGEFOR

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The Duchess’s journey from Wales to Belvoir has been a fascinating one. The work is ongoing, for the castle, its grounds and the podcast, but it’s clear the Duchess loves it. “I’ve had a sweet life and been absolutely gifted. I’ve been given ﬁve wonderful children. I live in a magical place. Every day, I feel incredibly grateful.” The Duchess of Rutland founded the Duchess podcast with her daughter Lady Violet Manners in 2020 www.belvoircastle.com www.duchessthepodcast.com @duchessrutland

and exclusive groups who get the opportunity to stay at the castle. She shares that she starts her day at 5:45 a.m. and, after a cup of tea and a three-mile run, is at her desk by 8 a.m. She also talks of her charity work: she is patron of a hospice in Leicestershire and set up her own charity that brings young people from local cities to visit the home and learn about the countryside and heritage. It’s all of these experiences and anecdotes that the Duchess pours into Duchess, a podcast founded with her daughter Lady Violet Manners in 2020. “It was my daughter Violet’s idea. She went to university in Los Angeles and was nostalgic for everything that surrounded her at home, as well as after-dinner conversations she’d hear,” the Duchess shares. “She realized there’s so much that happens in private heritage that she’d like to share with people through the spoken voice, and I was learning about my job through the help of other women who’d been in it longer or been born into it all the time. Violet thought it would be wonderful to have that become a podcast.”

One project steeped in history the Duchess is currently working on is restoring the gardens from plans originally drawn up by Capability Brown for the 4th Duke of Rutland in 1780, recently discovered in the Belvoir archive. “We found the plan,” the Duchess says, looking over to where it’s hanging on the wall, “and I’ve spent the last 20 years restoring this lost landscape.”

was founded in the 12th century and used as a monastery for 400 years, and Lady Inglewood of Hutton-in-the-Forest, a Grade I listed historic house with parts built as early as c. 1350. Together, they discuss everything from the history and hidden treasures of these grand places they call home, to the gardens on the properties, as well as the trials and tribulations of being a woman living a life balancing family and the weight of the past. When it comes down to heritage, the Duchess describes it as “something money can’t buy,” recalling a time when Victoria and David Beckham stayed at Belvoir Castle and were “blown away with it all.” She continues to talk of the layers of history that come with heritage, particularly when

THERE’S A SENSE OF

To date, the series has had an impressive roster of guests. In May of 2022 alone, the Duchess spoke with Alice Kennard of Forde Abbey, which the same family has been living in it for hundreds of years.Forcontext, the Manners family has been living at Belvoir for over 500 years. “In times of difﬁculty, you look at castles and stately homes and halls and monasteries. You see they’ve survived all the famine and wars of the last thousand years,” she says. “There’s a sense of stability with heritage.”

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WITHSTABILITYHERITAGE‘‘‘‘

What’s on trend now? Well, it’s not so much themes, says Gibson, and not so much neutrals, either. “It seems that people want happy and colourful, and that seems to be the trend, just lots of colour,” he says. He’s good with that, he adds, because they’re taking colour to the next level at the new Gibsonstore.and Pellegrino work hard but they like to chill out, too … in the garden, of course.

Although “there are days,” laughs Pellegrino.

W hether you’re looking for a fresh bouquet or need fabulous flowers for a party or are simply looking for a unique gift, take an online, or preferably in-person, trip to Teatro Verde for a journey of colour, textures and exquisite offerings. “My directive is always to keep it as simple and as beautiful as possible, very pure,” says Michael Pellegrino, co-owner of Teatro Verde. The shop has flourished because Shawn Gibson, also a co-owner, and Pellegrino don’t stand still. Instead, they have carefully curated a shopping experience like no other in the city. How do they keep it fresh, with such luxe feels and signature looks? “You have to be connected with popular culture. Look at the news and see what’s going on in the world, and that will dictate to you what the trends are going to be,” says Gibson. And Teatro Verde has become a constant source of inspiration to the design community and lifestyle media. If you’re ever feeling a little down, just scroll through their Instagram and see if your mood doesn’t pick up because you can’t be unhappy when you’re looking at these posts. Their creations, defining global style for all kinds of events, are showcased at some of the best hotels and hot spots, like the Four Seasons Hotel and The Hazelton, and at some of the city’s favourite restaurants, like Sotto Sotto. Now that life has opened up once more, they are happy to be doing events again everything from 500-person weddings to smaller luxury weddings, too, along with flowers for special gifts and corporate events, regular rotations for homes and offices, and bereavement arrangements. Where does this kind of creative mashup come from? Probably not from where you’d think and that’s really what makes Teatro Verde so unique. Pellegrino’s family had a grocery store/ nursery in Italy. Then he eventually opened a landscaping business here. As for Gibson, he was a theatre producer, working on such productions as Miss Saigon in different places in the world, like New York, Chicago, and in places as far away as Japan, for instance. When the two men met, they other cultures, like ethnic blending, he says. “It’s like a big mixing bowl we put in our ingredients to come up with our recipe,” says Gibson. It’s a very bohemian approach to merchandising, in fact, and the shop itself is presented as a large garden, using the product itself as “art” on display. Gibson and Pellegrino love working with each other, with Gibson handling the front end, getting the particulars and dealing with the logistics, and Pellegrino designing the arrangements. “I love that we have no partners, we make all the decisions,” says Gibson. “We respect each other so much: it’s been 25 years and we’re both still standing here.”

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

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Twenty-five years ago, Teatro Verde, a little flower shop in Yorkville, opened its doors. Today, Teatro Verde is the go-to for breathtaking luxury floral arrangements, unique gifts and home décor, with a devoted local and international following. Now, owners Shawn Gibson and Michael Pellegrino are welcoming friends and clients at their new location in Yorkville Village teatroverde.com @teatroverde WRITTEN BY DONNA PARIS | INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL ENTREPRENEURS came up with the idea for Teatro Verde, or green/ nature’s theatre, as the name means. “We could go in any direction we wanted, but if we had called it The Plant Shop or something like that, we would have to stick within those realms,” says Gibson. “By saying green theatre in Italian, we could sell soup to nuts.” They did exactly that. What started as a flower and garden shop led to a second store, filled with lovely home and décor items. And now that they’ve blended these two stores into their new location, it has become a sort of marketplace inspired by LIKE A BIG MIXING BOWL, WE PUT IN

“Michael has this incredible vegetable garden, and he has expanded it it’s massive,” says Gibson. “Everybody thinks it’s for commercial purposes and it’s for us,” he laughs. And Gibson’s cooking has evolved over the past few years because he’s had more time. There is a time for everything, says Gibson, like dealing with problems as they come up, for example, but not letting them overwhelm you. And that’s what la dolce vita means to him: “The sweet life is to enjoy life in the moment,” he says.

IT’S

INGREDIENTSOURTOCOMEUPWITHOURRECIPE‘‘‘‘

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Shawn Gibson, co-owner of Teatro Verde, is happily throwing open the doors at the new location in Yorkville Village

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IT TAKES TWO From sunrise to starry night, a star-studded duo take on summer’s most enchanting trends from bright tulle to wild prints TEXT BY ESTELLE ZENTIL SHINING BRIGHT Earrings: Shourouk Body and gloves: Leandro Cano Shoes: UGG Tights: FALKE Yellow dress: La Métamorphose DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 34

TWO BE WILD Body: Trousers/scarf:TESEI Nocturne Bag: Renaud Pellegrino Earrings and necklace: PDPAOLA Jacket: Nocturne Tights: FALKE Boots: Barbara Bui 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 35

HOOPS & CHAINS Dress: Necklaces,Wadersbracelet and earrings: Barbara Bui Belt, jacket, top trousers and boots: Barbara Bui DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 36

COOPED UP White top: Juana Martin Earrings: Shourouk Boot: UGG Hood and shorts: Juana Martin Collar: Etienne Jeanson Jacket: t.vdb Socks: FALKE Bags: Nadia Chellaoui Shoes: UGG

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OPPOSITES ATTRACT Dress: Dice Kayek Tights: FALKE Boots: Barbara Bui Earrings: Sister Morphine

@CHRISTINAROSEWILHELMWILHELMCHRISTINA

@THOMASLOUVAGNYLOUVAGNYTHOMASPHOTOGRAPHER:

@ANNEARNOLDMAKEUPARNOLDANNEMAKEUP:ANDHAIR

@LAURELTHEKIDDKIDDLAURELMODELS:

@VERONIQUEDROULEZDROULEZVERONIQUESTYLISTS:

@MARIEREVELUTREVELUTMARIE

Q: Who was your inspiration and mentor while you were growing up? A: For sure, my family, my father and my mother. Nobody more than them.

Q: How has your family played an important role in the success of your business? A: My family started our business. My father founded the company and designed all the collections. My mother took care of the marketing department. They still are super active in the company.

Q: Name three things you cannot live without. A: Love, foot massages and, of course, jewelry.

Q: What is your favourite saying or quote? A: “Panta rhei.” It’s from Greek, from my classical studies. It means that everything changes, everything ﬂows and nothing ever stays the same. Everything is a constant becoming, and we have to face, in the best way possible, all the changes that life brings to us. rebecca.it @rebeccagioielli

Q: How would your friends best describe you? A: I’ll ask them and make you know. I strongly believe we often see ourselves in a different way, respect who we are. We tend to create a wannabeversion of us, which does not reﬂect the reality, or sometimes we underestimate ourselves and we can’t see our value.

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A: The truth, nothing but the truth.

A: Looking for beauty everywhere and making any woman feel beautiful and powerful wearing Rebecca jewelry.

Q: What is your favourite city to travel to that allows you to connect with your creative side?

Q: What is one quality you admire in people?

A: What makes us different is innovation: we have no fear, we are trendsetters and we continue on innovating in materials (we are trying to use aluminum for a new collection), in shapes (you can see this in the Ludi collection) and in people (we are a very young team, and we invest in the best students of the best universities). Innovating is risky sometimes it works, sometimes the market is not ready. The point is to keep on going.

EYE CANDY For Rebecca Testi, an ideal client would be a woman wanting to distinguish herself, looking for something original and noticeable

WRITTEN BY ESTELLE ZENTIL

Q & A REBECCAWITHTESTI 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 39

A: I prefer the idea of “affordable luxury,” which also is the philosophy behind our brand: something aspirational, but achievable, something so beautiful and well-made to seem like real luxury, like ﬁne jewelry, but at a reasonable price. I love the luxe of the design and the achievability of the price.

Q: What is the brand philosophy?

Based in Florence, Italy, in the heart of Tuscany, Rebecca, founded in 2000 by Alessandro Testi during the gold crisis, o ered something di erent from ne jewelry: a totally new concept of jewelry, made with non-precious or semi-precious materials, with bold shapes and fashion design. Today, his daughter, Rebecca, carries on his legacy in a modern and innovative way

Q: What separates your brand from any other jewelry brand?

A: I love exploring the world, seeking new trends and inspiration, but I also love my country so much, and Sicily has always been a place of deep inspiration for me. We also named a collection “Palermo,” which is the capital city of Sicily.

Q: What is your deﬁnition of luxury?

Q: Tell us about how the brand ﬁrst came to life. A: It was more than 20 years ago, during the gold crisis, when my father came up with the idea of offering something different from ﬁne jewelry: a totally new concept of jewelry, made with non-precious or semi-precious materials, with bold shapes and fashion design. Jewelry became prêt-à-porter.

DESIGNSENSUS&BUILD:

are the founders of Sensus Design & Build, a design, interior design, and construction firm based in Toronto, Ont. DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 40

John-Luke Sahlani (left) and Jesse Sahlani (right)

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A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS By fusing their expertise in architectural design and SahlaniSahlanibrothersconstruction,John-LukeandJessehavefounded a company brimming with vision and creativity PARTNER CONTENT

This level of care, attention to detail and creativity are particularly apparent in the way they work with clients. Typically, a project will start with a series of sketches from Jesse to capture the initial ideas for both the exterior of the home as well as the floor plans. After that, they’ll move on to sun studies, always refining and reworking the original sketches and keeping an open channel for collaboration and communication. After that, Jesse’s team creates 3D renderings, followed by the landscape designs and technical detailing. From there, John-Luke leads the construction division in order to see through the design vision, resulting in the final product directly reflecting the sketches and detailed 3D models with skilled precision.

There’s something about Torontobased Sensus Design & Build that elevates it from being just another design or construction company. Run by brothers John-Luke and Jesse Sahlani, its secret comes from its ability to bring together design, interiors, landscapes, construction and furnishings to curate a true luxury experience. Having the experience and resources to offer these services under the same roof means John-Luke and Jesse are able to curate every detail of the projects they commit to, which are typically between 3,000 and 15,000 square feet. The benefit of this approach is that they can offer their clients a service where they treat every project as a passion project, while having the resources and expertise to successfully see them through. Their approach also allows clients to have a hands-off experience where the management of multiple facets of the process, or of different consultants, is not required because Sensus acts as one touch point. John-Luke explains that having the capability to merge the technical with the creative is the only way to mould and shape the conceptual design of a development into a tangible, constructable structure. He explains, “The creativity that goes into designing every facet of the home is only valid if we have an ability to execute successfully in every phase of a development. Having the capability to manage it all with calculation and grace is the only way you will be able to design and develop truly amazing structures that characterize some of the best neighbourhoods in the city.” You could say the idea for the brothers’ company started when they were young. After working together in their father’s mechanic shop, they started underpinning and landscaping to support themselves through school. After meeting builders and architects and seeing how the process works first-hand, Jesse decided to pursue architectural design, while John-Luke steered toward project management.Then,after a unique opportunity came up for them both, they put their heads together and Sensus Design & Build was born. The company started with bathroom renovations, progressed to main-floor renovations and large additions and eventually went through the ranks until it reached its status today: a design-based development firm that’s worked on some of the most impressive luxury custom homes in the city. “We’re two brothers, two experts, but one company,” John-Luke continues. “We specialize in different areas of the industry and we collaborate in lockstep. This allows us to be critical, ensuring that each project is looked at with an eye for improvement throughout the entire process until we are satisfied that it is timeless.”

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Looking through their portfolio of past and current projects you can clearly see their visions come to life. Their Forestview Bungalow project is a luxuriously modern home that takes full advantage of the nearby surroundings, integrating a full 12’ floor-to-ceiling wall of windows framing the mature trees that this prestigious area is known for, and using strategic placement of interior windows to capture all the natural light that this southfacing property has to offer. The interior, which was purposely finished in a traditional theme, offers a juxtaposition to the exterior modernity achieved by Jesse that the clients believe is a true representation of their style. The English Cottage project in North York, Ont., is an ode to the timeless and proportionate English-style cottage, incorporating the second floor into the roofline to mute the height of the home in relation to its width. The exterior was designed with texture and longevity in mind, featuring an authentic cedarshake roof, a rustic exterior stone facade, and a rear kitchenette and pool area with limestone canopy. Inside, the fully automated home is just as luxurious, including a waterfall staircase finished in the same wood species that lines the entire home, a large entertaining kitchen, a stunningly large fireplace feature in the family room, a pubstyle basement bar, lavish his and hers ensuites that feature bookmatched marble slabs, and a dropdown TV housed in the roof. When speaking to John-Luke about how they tailor each home to the needs of a client, he explains that it’s very much based around the client’s lifestyle. John-Luke shares stories of working with clients to include exciting features that his clients believe are integral to their lifestyle and schedule including hockey rinks in basements, Raptors-style basketball courts in garages, and collaborating with famous spas in downtown Toronto to recreate miniature versions of their steam saunas in their projects. At Sensus Design & Build, the duo doesn’t just want to bring the ambitions of clients to life, but also want to do so in a way that stands the test of time. “Every project we do is unique,” John-Luke says “No two projects are the same, so it’s important we approach it with passion, creativity and without an ego so we’re not afraid to say our first idea wasn’t as good as it should be, but this new idea or concept is.”

“Whenever we take on a project, our No. 1 goal is to make it timeless,” John-Luke explains. “When you drive by that house, you shouldn’t be able to tell when it was built. The proportion, materials and design should stand the test of time.”

WHENEVER WE TAKE ON A PROJECT, OUR NO. 1 GOAL IS TO MAKE IT TIMELESS — John-Luke Sahlani

With a name inspired by the Latin word for “perception,” Sensus Design & Build is led as much by feeling as function. John-Luke talks about how much design leads the pair, and how

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of others and huge logistical collaboration. At present, the business works with over 400 suppliers, has 150-200 people working in the field at any given time, and is home to 25 staff. Jesse explains how his interviewing process is rigorous, and sometimes rough around the edges because of the sheer complication of the tests provided, but doing so ensures everyone at the firm is on the same playing field, and that equates to a more streamlined workflow. “We can take on developments with such a huge range, and we can execute smoothly on them because we have flow and an extensive network of suppliers, tradesmen and in-house designers we’ve directly trained and held to our standards of excellence no matter how challenging.” Despite having this team, Jesse insists on personally interacting and collaborating with every client who commits their time to working with his Whenfirm.weasked the duo what their definition of success is, they both responded in an eerily similar manner. “This is such a creative process that it’s difficult to measure,” says Jesse. “I guess success for me is being able to collaborate with unique clients to create inviting, exciting and comforting spaces, each with their own stamp and style that enhance our clients’ lives and the neighbourhoods they’re situated in. If I can do this and have fun seeing it through, then I’d say I’m pretty successful.”

sensusdesignbuild.ca@sensusdesignandbuild

creative the development process can be. Whether it’s leveraging a room’s placement to capture the most sunlight, sketching new exterior facade details, curating the landscape so it wraps you in a sense of luxury no matter where you stand on the property, or creating a certain feeling as you enter the front door, every detail matters.

ART ANNA WEYANT: FROM INSTAGRAM GRIDS TO GALLERIESINTERNATIONAL Calgary-born, New Yorkbased artist Weyant DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 42

Bottom: Cheerleaders, 2021, oil on canvas, 60 ¼ x 48 inches

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER A nna Weyant’s rise to fame has been meteoric. After being discovered on Instagram three years ago and capturing the attention of fellow artists and dealers, her work hit the international stage, with auctions selling her work for values far exceeding the asking price. To put it into perspective, one of her 2020 pieces, Falling Woman, which depicts fear on the face of someone tumbling down a flight of stairs in both a serious and comical way, sold at a Sotheby’s auction for US$1.6 million, compared to its estimate of between US$150,000 and US$200,000. Since May 2022, Weyant has been globally globally represented by Gagosian. The artist’s first solo exhibition with the gallery, scheduled to open this fall, will celebrate a selection of Weyant’s paintings and drawings. Her signature style is something Weyant herself describes as “low-stakes trauma,” placing often young female figures in situations that are ethereal yet speak to frictions in today’s social and popular culture. A statement from the gallery talks of Weyant’s first work as “a sequence of darkly cinematic vignettes depicting a dollhouse and the strange, cloistered lives of its inhabitants.” Another series of images looks at the topic of American suburbia. While most of the artist’s work focuses on people, there are also stilllife pieces of flowers, fruit and revolvers, always delivered with a surreal and unsettling undertone. The gallery itself has worked with a number of living artists, as well as presenting the work of those celebrated in history, such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. It was also the first gallery to establish a publishing house that printed artists’ books, exhibition catalogues and limited editions. With locations in spanning New York, London, Los Angeles and Europe, the gallery has an expansive reach. Its spaces have been designed by worldrenowned architects, and has served as the venues for extensive cultural programs and events. Some of its current exhibitions include a survey of works by Nam June Paik and a series of paintings by Pat Steir. Altogether, Gagosian’s representation of Weyant marks a pivotal milestone in the artist’sWeyant’scareer.artistic journey has seen her study painting at the Rhode Island School of Design and the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou. When she moved back to New York, she started leaning into her own practice. Between then and now, she’s taken part in a series of group exhibitions, including Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Artists Inspired by Music: Interscope Reimagined and Women of Now: Dialogues of Memory, Place & Identity at the Green Family Art Foundation in Dallas. In terms of inspiration, she looks to 17th-century Dutch artists like Frans Hals, famous for his free brush strokes and portraiture, and Judith Leyster, who enjoyed putting together lively scenes. More modern painters, like Ellen Berkenblit and Jennifer Packer, have also made their mark on Weyant.

Born in Calgary in 1995, Anna Weyant is the youngest artist to be represented by Gagosian, the prestigious gallery that specializes in modern and contemporary art

gagosian.com/artists/anna-weyant

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Top: Feted 2020, oil on canvas, 60 x 48 inches

With the opening of Weyant’s exhibition fast approaching and with impressive sales figures behind her, no doubt the pressure of what’s next for Weyant will be mounting. In the meantime, only time will tell whether the public is as enamoured with Weyant’s work as the art world already is. @

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WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL

Legendary architect Frank Gehry’s homecoming masterpiece, Forma, is set to rise on Toronto’s King Street West and become an iconic statement in one of the world’s most vertical cities

HIGH DESIGN W ith a population growth of between 70,000 and 100,000 people per year, and the geographic restraints of Lake Ontario to its south and a protected greenbelt area to its north, Toronto has become one of the world’s most vertical cities. The city is reaching skyward to accommodate this growth with 70-, 80- and 90-storey residential condominiums announced seemingly every month, if not weekly. The city now leads North America in the number of construction cranes, and people rarely look up anymore at another new condo reaching into theUntilsky. now. Until Forma. A planned shining, gleaming, two-tower mixed-use residential development in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District on King Street West, the project marks the triumphant return to his hometown of world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and will become perhaps the most Mitchell Cohen of Westdale Properties (left) and Paolo Ferrari of Studio Paolo Ferrari (right) stand beside a model of the 73-storey East Tower

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ARCHITECTURE

Frank Canadian-bornGehry,Americanarchitectanddesigner

in the evening, so it will always have movement. People will not just want to buy a piece of art, but live in a piece of art.”

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Forma is being developed by Great Gulf Group, Dream, and Westdale Properties, with interior design by internationally recognized Studio Paolo Ferrari of Toronto. While there are plans for a future 82-storey west tower, the first phase of the project, the 73-storey East Tower, is Gehry’s first residential tower in Canada and marks his tallest building designed to date, and that significance is treasured by those involved in the development of Forma.“Thisbuilding will be renowned around the world and people will talk about it for generations,” says Mitchell Cohen, chief operating officer of Westdale Properties. “Frank Gehry has a way of working with metal and glass in which he collects nature’s colour palette. When the sun shines, this building is going to shimmer and sparkle. It will reflect the moonlight and lights of other buildings

THIS PEOPLEAROUNDRENOWNEDWILLBUILDINGBETHEWORLDANDWILLTALKABOUTITFORGENERATIONS‘‘‘‘

Interior spaces at Forma have been created by Studio Paolo Ferrari. Drawing on Ferrari’s reputation for designing five-star luxury hotels and resorts, Forma marks Ferrari’s first condominium residence in his studio’s hometown of Toronto, and he built upon Gehry’s initial inspiration. “Forma is a metaphor for Toronto,” says Paolo Ferrari. “We wanted to do something that felt global, but also captured the exuberance and subtle nuances of the city. So it’s a balance with more restorative aspects. We wanted to use wood to balance Gehry’s incredible facade and the use of oak and walnut is synonymous with Ontario and Canada and speaks to a sense of place and always interpreting it in a subtle but global way.” Forma will be purely iconic and Forma will be purely transformative. And in every way and from every angle, it will be pure Gehry, and people will most definitely look up. With its gleaming facade of metal and glass, Forma will reflect the lights of the city by day and by night formatoronto.com @formatoronto

significant structure built in Toronto in decades. A stunning masterpiece of urban design and vivid imagination, Forma is more art than structure and will be a signature statement of architecture certain to dominate the ever-changing Toronto skyline. Its facade of metal and glass will capture the light and reflect the very essence of the metropolis, which was the intention and inspiration of the hometown architect who knows his beloved city so “I’mwell. a Toronto traditionalist, because I remember Osgoode Hall, University Avenue, the Ontario parliament buildings and the Royal York Hotel,” says Frank Gehry, principal of Gehry Partners, LLP. “There is a feeling of Toronto that I had as a kid and I wanted that to be in the DNA of our design. Every city in the world has its own light and the light is modified by the buildings in the city. I wanted this building to capture the essence of Toronto. It’s not like everywhere else. The light is different. The heritage is different. It’s a different place. I hope that is what people see when they look up.”

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She married David Nugent, whose company, Riviera Concepts, manufactured and distributed such bestselling fragrances as Alfred Sung, Bob Mackie and Nina Ricci. But it was when she met Anna Maria de Souza, a fellow native of Brazil, who connected Nugent to the Canadian Opera Company’s Women’s Committee, that she began to gain access and introductions to many of Toronto’s business and social elite, and this sparked Nugent’s passion for philanthropy.

WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER | INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL PHILANTHROPY

LIFEPURPOSEOF

A woman of considerable style and grace, Catherine Nugent has been using her good fortune, empathy and skills to raise millions of dollars as one of Canada’s leading philanthropists

“I like to give parties and why not give them when the result is also helping groups and causes?” she says. “I think people like to get dressed up, see their friends and attend big parties. And we’re seeing that again after COVID.”

After some time at Mount Allison University, she longed to return to life in a big city. As her goal at that time was to become an interpreter at the United Nations, she moved to Toronto to begin her studies at York University, which offered an international program in language studies.

T he blessing of being born of privilege is really only meaningful if you do something meaningful with your good fortune. Catherine Nugent, one of Canada’s most respected and admired philanthropists, has spent a life of purpose, doing justShethat.is an international force who moves in the world’s most exclusive social circles, yet her primary focus for more than 40 years has been to give back to causes and organizations that have had the benefit of her considerable fundraising talents. A global citizen who has lived for decades in Brazil and France, she has turned her philanthropy into an art form. “I speak four languages fluently, but I can shop and dine in six,” she says with a smile. Born into a wealthy and prominent Brazilian family, Nugent moved 18 times in her youth because, as she recalls, her mother “liked setting up new houses.” The almost-constant moving also exposed her to new places, people, things and experiences, and she would use the things she observed and learned later in life while always carrying the spirit of her birthplace with her. That spirit held her in good stead when her parents sent her to Netherwood, a boarding school in Rothesay, outside of St. John, New Brunswick. “I went from Copacabana Beach in Brazil and the warmth and sunlight to the Maritimes because my parents wanted me to be a proper young lady,” says Nugent in a recent interview with Dolce. “I loved the Maritimes and I loved the people. It was a difficult adjustment, but we became good friends, the Maritimes and I I learned independence and strength and what I was capable of.”

De Souza had recently started the Brazilian Ball, and now, in its very early days, Nugent began to work on the event together with her. The two women realized that to stand out they’d have to dig deep into the weeds to rethink and reinvent philanthropy. These two Brazilian dynamos completely reshaped Toronto’s fundraising scene by bringing the colour, music and spirit of a hot and alluring Brazil to a cold and conservative city in February.“Westarted in the basement of a restaurant in Yorkville and we were all volunteers trying to get everything donated,” says Nugent. “I actually made some of the decorations myself in my ownThebasement.”Ballgrew to the point where it was the biggest and most highly anticipated annual fundraising event in the city. Everyone wanted to see what Nugent and de Souza, along with Cathie Bratty, Carole Grafstein, and other members of the so-called “Glitter Girls” could stage every year: eye-popping costumes, incredible music, over-the-top décor and samba dancers reflecting and capturing the pulse and pride of Brazil. Many a CEO was plucked from their chair to join conga lines well into the early hours, only to return to their seat covered in body makeup. The purpose of fundraising is to raise funds, of course, and in that regard the Brazilian Ball was without peer. Over its 46-year run, the Ball raised an estimated $60 million for hospitals, educational institutions and cultural organizations in Canada and Brazil. Much of that is due to the creative outof-the-box thinking that Nugent and others in a position to make a difference have brought to the art of “I’mfundraising.apeople mixer I love to mix people up,” says Nugent. “I also raised money for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the University of Toronto, Bridgepoint Health and all the hospitals, almost every institution in the city,” she recalls. “But listening to the Brazil national anthem at the Brazilian Ball is probably my proudest moment as it’s in my Nugent’ssoul.”personal philosophy is revealed when she is asked to describe what la dolce vita means to

Unlike the cosmopolitan, ethnically diverse behemoth it has since become, Toronto in the 1970s was a provincial dowager seeking greatness a pair of brown shoes in search of a formal affair. “I had come from this colourful life in Brazil, of parties and carnivals, and Toronto was seriously boring,” recalls Nugent of her early days in the city. “So I started to give parties and it was hard, as Torontonians were not warm, welcoming people. I was young and I had a hard time.”

Photographed at The Windsor Arms Hotel, Nugent exudes the warmth, grace, elegance and style that has become her trademark MY MIND IS SOMEBODYWORKINGALWAYSABOUTHOWDOIMAKEELSE’SLIFEBETTER‘‘‘‘ 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 47

As a global citizen, world traveler and unabashed ‘foodie,’ Nugent’s list of some of her favourite restaurants from around the world should be required reading for her fellow gourmands New York • La Grenouille • Cipriani in theParisSherry-Netherland • Lasserre • Au Moulin à Vent (known just as Chez Henri) • Café Voltaire • Le Mougins,Saint-TropezStresa•Club55France • Moulin de •VeniceMouginsDaIvo Rio de Janeiro • Cipriani - Copacabana Palace Toronto • Café Boulud • One • ScaramoucheRome • Roof of the Hassler Roma CATHERINE’SRESTAURANTSFAVOURITEFROMAROUNDTHEWORLD her. “It’s living the dream, enjoying your life to the fullest, happiness and taking pleasure from your environment, the people you’re with, your family and taking pleasure from within in order to spread it around,” she says. “And my mind is always working about how do I make somebody else’s life better? What can I do to make a difference? That’s my aim in life.” As evidenced by her philanthropy, her giving, her friendships and her life of purpose, Catherine Nugent has perfect aim. @cmnrio DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 48 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2

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DESIGNINGAJOYFULLIFE LEEFETELLINGRIDOFCOURTESYPHOTOS INSPIRATION Joy isn’t one-size-fitsall. Ingrid Fetell Lee explores 10 esthetics of joy in her book, including abundance, harmony, play and celebration DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 50

t wasn’t as if Ingrid Fetell Lee was drawn to design as a child. To be fair, she didn’t even know that design was something one could do. “When I was a kid, I said I wanted to be an inventor. I wanted to make things and would always come up with crazy ideas for inventions,” says Fetell Lee. Her parents were doctors, and that’s where the science side of her comes in but she did grow up in a creative family: her grandmother was a milliner and she taught Fetell Lee a lot of crafts like quilting, knitting and sewing. Every summer, Fetell Lee would spend a month with her grandparents where they would go to the craft store. “We would come home with a bunch of supplies, and they would let me play with whatever I was interested in at that moment,” she says. “She was really a big influence, but I had no idea that there were careers that drew from that.”

So, when graduated from college, she worked in marketing and, as the design director at IDEO, led teams of designers to create products and services for clients like American Express, Condé Nast and PepsiCo. Then she started to look at different fields of design. “I thought, I don’t want to be a graphic designer or fashion designer, but industrial design, product design, that’s the right space for me.”

As the author of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness and the founder of the popular website The Aesthetics of Joy, Ingrid Fetell Lee is trying hard to help people find more joy in life and work through design. Seventeen million people have tuned in to hear her TED Talk, “Where Joy Hides and How to Find It,” and listening to her is an aha moment. Lend an ear and bring a little more joy into your life

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Fetell Lee returned to graduate school to study design and ponder the question: could simple objects, material things, bring meaningful joy? This launched a 10-year journey into the exploration of joy. She noticed that certain things, such as cherry blossoms, bright colours, balloons and butterflies, created a feeling of joy. She started to make a wall of images in her studio, wondering what these things, things that cross age, gender and ethnicity, might have in common, why fireworks or swimming pools or ice cream cones with sprinkles, for instance, brought joy. “I just started arranging them and rearranging them and realized there were attributes common to many of these things,” she says. “Sometimes they had round shapes, or bright colours, or a sense of abundance and multiplicity, or sometimes symmetry and harmony that’s what became the esthetics of joy.”

For Fetell Lee, putting together these kinds of things changed everything. More than 10 years ago, she founded the design blog The Aesthetics of Joy to shed light on the relationship between our environment and our emotions, and to inspire others to live a more joyful life through design. It is packed with posts on how to plan for joy, reduce anxiety at home and use what you already have to create more joy. And in 2018, she compiled her research into a book, Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, to explain why some experiences are full of joy, how we can cultivate these experiences every day, and how to identify the most joy-inspiring people, places and objects in our lives. “Too often, we move through the physical world as if it were a stage set, a mute backdrop for our daily activities. Yet, in reality, it is alive with opportunities for inspiration, wonder and joy,” she writes in her book. And that is the power of joy: small moments that can spark big changes. “A whimsical outfit might prompt a smile, which inspires a chance kindness toward a stranger, which helps someone who is struggling to get through her day.” Even the tiniest gestures add up over time and, before we know it, we have not just a few happier people but a truly joyful world, sheJoyadds.isn’t one-size-fits-all, either. Fetell Lee explores 10 esthetics of joy in her book, including abundance, harmony, play and celebration. “You can look at them as a palette for creating the kind of environment that really feels good to you,” sheFetellsays. Lee really wants to help people find the joy. “I’m working on a school of joy because my feeling is that we don’t learn about joy in school,” she says. And that’s what she wants to give kids the tools to be able to create joy and spread it in the world. “I think we have a culture that venerates success … but there is a big awakening now around mental health,” she says. For adults, she is offering a brand-new “Design a Joyful Home” course, available through her website, so people can find their style and create a home theyWhatlove.brings Fetell Lee joy? The rituals, or routines, that she and her husband have with their two-year-old son. Many families do family dinner together, she adds, but for Fetell Lee, the three of them do a bedtime routine. “All the doctors and all the parenting experts say that you should have a very calming bedtime routine, but our child likes to just run around right before bed,” she laughs. “So, we call it the Wild Rumpus, because it’s like anything goes for 30 minutes before bed and it’s really fun!”

Ingrid Fetell Lee really wants to help kids and adults everywhere find the joy in life

aestheticsofjoy.com @ingridfetell WRITTEN BY DONNA PARIS | INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL I THINK WE HAVE A CULTURE

AWAKENINGSUCCESSVENERATESTHAT…BUTTHEREISABIGNOWAROUNDMENTALHEALTH‘‘‘‘

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

BRAIN POWER KNOWS HOW TO SPOT POTENTIAL!

Abraham Lincoln

Brain Power is an innovative leader in after-school education. By helping students to achieve their full potential, Brain Power is giving creative, curious kids the tools they need to stand out and make their mark on the world.

Above are some of Brain Power’s instructors and alumnae (from left to right): Dr. Oscar Jarzmik, Eden Schneider, Dr. Jason Boulet, Dr. Cassandra Chapman, Dr. Jenn Chenkin, Vanessa Iarocci, Dr. Joel Benabu and Michal Moshkovich

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PARTNER CONTENT MOHAMMADIEMADBYPHOTO

Brain Power delivers dynamic on-site classroom instruction for students in Grades 1 through 12, complemented with virtual learning that was adopted soon after the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in 2020. Inperson classes are held evenings and weekends at its headquarters in Vaughan, Ontario, as well as at Hillfield Strathallan College in Ancaster (Hamilton area). A new location is slated to open in September 2022 at the Prosserman JCC (4588 Bathurst Street, North York) — and classes in both locations will be restricted to 12 students or less. As a result, instructors will be able to carefully monitor the progress of their students, a feature of Brain Power that clients“Wecherish.offer academic mentorship by PhD instructors who are experts in their respective fields,” says Iarocci. “This isn’t traditional tutoring, of course! We also extend our learning beyond the classroom. For example, after every class, parents get an email about their child’s performance, the material covered, and details about the weekly homework. The instructor gives feedback on student submissions online within six days of assigning homework!” Brain Power is a very tightly knit community. We often say that once you join Brain Power, you’ll be attending each other’s graduation and wedding. The program was formed 30 years ago when Dr. Reuven Rashkovsky developed a teaching method that caters to students who have a learning level of three to four years above their age. The method is scaffolded by design and provides students with accelerated learning that is essential for success in an increasingly competitive world. “Our students excel in developing critical thinking skills and they learn how to channel their energies and creativity in the direction of success,” says Dr. Joel Benabu, head of Toronto Campuses.

Brain Power’s innovative curriculum does so by transforming students into proficient problemSpeaking course focuses on rhetoric, presentation and speech training, interview skills, body and voice coaching, debate, and even addresses the power that humour and wit can have on the intellectual growth of students. Brain Power also offers a University Preparation course (UP), as well as an Entrance Exam Preparation course (EEP), which helps students successfully navigate high-school admissions applications. This course focuses on exam-taking skills, practicing multiple-choice tests, stress management, test-time management, interview readiness, study skills, goal attainment and turning weaknesses into strengths.

In each field of study, Brain Power allows students to undertake exciting challenges in areas of interest not normally offered in their schools or other after-school programs. For example, its Math & Problem Solving curricula include problem-solving strategies, memory development, logic and reasoning, reading comprehension, managing stress and test anxiety, and creative lateralBrainthinking.Power’s English Language Arts program, spearheaded by Karine Rashkovsky, offers reading analysis, sophisticated vocabulary, forays into philosophy, advanced writing skills, grammar and fascinating topics across the humanities. Its Public

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WE OFFER ACADEMIC MENTORSHIP BY PHD INSTRUCTORS WHO ARE EXPERTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS — Vanessa Serra Iarocci CEO, Vanessa Iarocci, and Head of Toronto Campuses, Joel Benabu (PhD) are committed to preserving Brain Power’s peerless reputation and standards of excellence. They will continue to admit, selectively, only high-potential students across all campuses, and in Toronto, specifically. solvers, creative thinkers, avid readers, exceptional writers, passionate speakers and empathetic listeners. The wide range of knowledge and skills Brain Power imparts to students is at the core of the Program’s success! Very simply put, award-winning Brain Power programming provides kids with an early competitive edge. With the investment of personal attention in their learning, Brain Power alumni have used their skills for transformative social change, thereby improving the quality not only of their own lives, but also the lives of others in their communities and the world at large. “At Brain Power, I was encouraged to think proactively about impacting my community,” says Michal Moshkovich, notable Brain Power alumna. “I ended up getting into the University of Toronto’s Medical Program (2022/3). As a doctor, I’ll be able to impact others positively.”

All of Brain Power’s instructors are experienced professionals with graduate degrees, and many have PhDs. “We employ individuals with advanced degrees who have dedicated their lives to instruction,” says Iarocci. “They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter. This is how we prime students to express their ideas freely and nurture a profound love of Itlearning.”isestimated that the world’s population will hit the eight billion mark on November 15th, 2022. That’s a huge number of young people applying to university and looking to start careers in their chosen fields. By helping students to achieve their full potential, Brain Power is giving creative, curious kids the tools they need to stand out and make their mark on the world.

uman beings are born with the same common attribute — they possess potential. Some fulfil it early in life while others need guidance and nurturing to achieve their full potential. Unlocking potential is the goal and purpose of Brain Power, an innovative leader in after-school enrichment education for bright, high-potential students. Despite common belief, highly intelligent kids do not always shine in the classroom. “This is why we open doors to opportunities for highpotential kids,” says Brain Power’s CEO, Vanessa Iarocci. “Our research shows that 60 per cent of high-potential kids actually underachieve based on their potential, and grow at a slower rate compared to other kids. This is likely happening because they are bored in the classroom and their particular type of intelligence isn’t being recognized and nourished.”

www.brainpower.ca@brain_power_enrichment

ON HARBOUR ISLAND INDIA HICKS Living la dolce vita Designer, humanitarian and mother to five beautiful children, India Hicks shares her life on Harbour Island, a place she has called home for the past 26 years WRITTEN BY ESTELLE ZENTIL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH MONTEZINOS INDIA HICKS DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 54

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Dress by hesterbly.com

Hicks and her mother have a lot in common, including their love for dachshunds

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D o you remember what you did the summer before you turned 13?

India Hicks found herself in a scene borrowed from the pages of a fairy tale, as a horse-drawn golden carriage transported her to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where she served as a bridesmaid to Princess Diana in her marriage to Prince Charles. As you might imagine, it’s a moment etched vividly and forever in her mind a rare moment where an individual reminiscence intersects with the national collective memory. From that 12-year-old girl, India’s life has carried her from one island to another, as she crafts a fairy-tale life for herself on Harbour Island, an island in northeastern Bahamas. Known perhaps most famously as a vacation spot for billionaires, Harbour Island’s New England–style architecture, pink sand, swaying palm trees and turquoise water create a dreamscape of colours, scents and scenes, and provide an endless source of inspiration for India’s creative designs. As the daughter of interior designer David Nightingale Hicks and Lady Pamela Mountbatten, second cousin to Prince Charles and lady-inwaiting to the Queen of England, India has learned from both of her parents’ dynamic lives. And family connection is what continues to anchor India, both physically and spiritually, to this day. The mother to five children daughter Domino, sons Felix, Amory, Conrad, and adopted Bahamian son Wesley, all of whose parenting India shares with her long-time partner and nowhusband David Flint Wood she takes pride in the unique island life in which her children have been raised. “I like that I have created my own island life. I recognize how lucky and privileged I’ve been in my life. If I had lived a more traditional life, I would have never met a lot of the people whom I now consider my very close friends and as the world becomes more and more unsettled, being part of the community is very nice.”

India has taken the notion of community to heart and has involved herself in the Harbour

As a former Ralph Lauren model, Hicks embodies carefree island style, and looks incredible doing so

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or advocating for philanthropic initiatives abroad DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 58

Hicks fills her life with whether that’s horseback riding, playing pickleball,

adventure

Q: There are very few people who have seen and experienced the incredible life you’ve had thus far. What have been the most memorable and important experiences for you? A: That’s a really interesting question. I think I’ve had a really unexpected life. There are definitely standout moments visually, and one would obviously be riding in a golden carriage at an early age as a bridesmaid to Princess Diana and Prince Charles. That was a pretty spectacular fairy-tale moment for any 12-year-old girl, to be in a horsedrawn golden carriage. I think another visual that stands out is island life. This idea that we’ve created a home, and in that home there are children, dogs, and friends and family I visualize our home, with the palm trees, animals, and children running around, as another standout. And I think, much more recently, what has been very impactful is the visual of me standing in combat gear in these destroyed cities in Ukraine. And I think that has had a very profound effect on me. There are times now that I think, How is the value of my life really being spent? and Am I spending my time in the right way? Having seen people lose everything, you re-evaluate yourself a lot. So I think those three visuals are very strong: golden carriage, island life, and standing in destroyed and devastated cities.

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Q: What a contrast. A: Yes. I think we’re in a very strange time right now, where some very big decisions have been made about the way women should lead their lives. I think America, as a superpower, is very influential, and the message that they’ve just sent out is a shattering one, and as women right now, it’s very important to have our own voice. And also, strangely, at this time in my mid-50s, it’s a time where many women find their children are growing up and their role as a mother is less needed, and they find themselves at a loss: What do we do next? How can we make our own chapter? I think it’s very important we move our lives forward in a very productive way, and I’ve found that for me it’s philanthropic work. I think many women could also get involved perhaps they don’t necessarily want to be in a war zone, but I think there are many things that we could be doing or courses that we could be championing or using the experiences we’ve had. Living 54 years, now, I do have experience to draw from, so I think it’s very important that we move our lives forward.

Q: Yes, the news of the U.S Supreme’s Court overturning Roe v. Wade was disheartening, and I imagine this is close to your heart as someone who advocates for women. Your family has such a distinguished history, and your mom has had an extraordinary life. What have you learned from her? A: That’s something very interesting, because my mother has lived much of her life in the shadow of very great people. She grew up in the shadow of her parents, who were extraordinary people. The fact is that they were war heroes, very dynamic, and they were very famous in their time. So, she had the shadow of that, and then she was a ladyin-waiting to the Queen, so always two steps back, and very much in the shadow of the Queen. Then she married my father, who’s a very dynamic, flamboyant character who was always in the front, so she was always in the shadow of him. She’s a very private and fascinating character, but she’s very modern in her own thinking and very well-read. You could talk to her about almost anything, and she would know exactly about the timeliest things, from Glastonbury to I can’t even think what she would be current with it. But, I tell you the simplest thing whenever I’m travelling, particularly when I’m going through airport security, and I’m just in line, and my patience is coming to an end, and someone is just hustling me and not in a particularly polite way, and I’m about to lose it, I think, How would my mother handle this? And I know that she would handle it with incredible grace and patience, and I think that that, for me, is something I need to work on, my patience, because I don’t have much of it.

Q: Your father was also iconic, of course. As you witnessed your father in his interior decoration and Island community by sharing her philanthropy as well as her creative design work. For example, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, India co-founded the Harbour Island Food Bank, an organization that has provided the island with food when the lockdown exacerbated food insecurities for many islanders. She also serves as an executive board member of the Global Empowerment Mission and as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, both of which provide her with meaningful platforms to passionately pursue her aim of shining light on important issues, including, most recently, the war-crime atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. An unexpected life event to come out of the pandemic was India’s decision to marry her long-time partner, David Flint Wood, after a 26year (and counting) relationship. Their marriage ceremony was everything she had dreamed of and more. “It really was the happiest day of my life.”

The best fairy tales need not involve horse-drawn golden carriages after all. India spoke to us from her home on Harbour Island about her dynamic family, the greatest joys of motherhood, her philanthropic work and, of course, that horse-drawn golden carriage.

Hicks and Flint Wood have five children together: Felix 25, Amory 23, Conrad 19, Domino 14, and adopted son, Wesley 25 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 60

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Hicks loves the turquoise waters and pink-sand beaches of Harbour Island, but what she appreciates most is the tight-knit community she has become a part of over the years living on the Bahamian island Dress by hesterbly.com

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Although the pandemic has imposed many hardships, Hicks and her husband solidified their love by officially tying the knot on Friday, September 10, 2021, when they had an intimate wedding, surrounded by their closest family and friends

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A: He was utterly unique. Very difficult as a father, but utterly unique as a designer. He never compromised; he was always filled with drama, not only in his everyday life, but also in the way he worked and talked to clients, and I think people responded to that in a good way. When you had a David Hicks-decorated room, you knew it was David Hicks. He also really branded himself, long before anybody was really using that word. He had that big H sign, the four Hs together that became his logo, which was so significant way back in the ’60s and ’70s he put it on everything. He put it on houses, on books, on the bottom of his shoe everything had that H logo, and it was very, very strong as a brand. But I think it was that he, as a designer, was very confident in the way that he designed, and I think that we see less of that. I think we see an awful lot of grey. I am guilty of that, for settling for something that doesn’t feel uniquely individual. I think he was very good at bringing out the personality of the person whose home he was decorating, and how often do you walk into people’s homes and you don’t feel their personality at all?

Q: Speaking of marriage, after 26 years of being together with your partner David, you decided to tie the knot. Can you share why you waited this long to marry and everything that went into the details of the day?

Q: Of your two parents, who do you believe has influenced you the most and how? A: I was very close to my mother growing up and I’m still particularly close to her now. We share the same sense of humour, we love to travel, we are passionate about ducks and rose and violet creams. So we have a lot in common. My father is innately in me; there are parts of my personality where I think, Oh goodness. That’s a strong reaction that’s a David Hicks reaction! So, I’m definitely a blend of the two of them, but having spent so much more time with my mother, I’m probably a mix of both hopefully, the good sides.

A: I think [the question of] developing, creating, publishing books is an interesting one, because again, with life experience, I’m a better storyteller, I’m a better art director, I’m a better photographer, because I have more experience at it. I’m much better at understanding the audience I’m talking to and what they want. My books are very easy; they take about half an hour on the loo, basically. I like to think that I come from a dynamic background, and obviously my father’s work has influenced me, but I like that I have created my own island life, and I think island life is uniquely my own. Mothering five children, one of them Bahamian, is uniquely my own, uniquely my story. I hope that I do bring this message out in these books, that they feel uniquely mine. I love to write and I love to tell stories, and I think there are lots of stories in my latest book, An Entertaining Story It’s not just your average entertaining book where you say, “This is how you lay a table, this is the napkin you should match with your tablecloth.”

A: You know, I’ve known David for a very long time he was a friend of my older sister, so I’ve known him since I was about 12. We had a brief flirtation when I was about 19 and then we got together when I was in my late twenties. When I discovered that I was pregnant, he said, “Why don’t we get married?” and I said, “Absolutely not!” I love the idea of marriage, I love the idea of family, relationships, but it just wasn’t something forItme.was after COVID, after being locked down on the island with my five kids for 15 months on and off. We were lucky that we had space and we had some freedom that other people didn’t have during COVID, but nevertheless, it affected us as much as its affected everybody else, in the fact that you’re unsure of the future and you’re suddenly facing something that’s unknown. With that comes questions and complications, particularly for children, and I had five children between the ages of 24 and 14, and there were a lot of questions that they were asking, and I just thought, There’s so much uncertainty around this right now. Is there something that I can do for them that makes them feel there’s something in life that feels very sure? and I just said, “Why don’t we get married? Why don’t we do

There are some fun, crazy stories in there, too, just about life experience.

Q: What did you admire about their relationship? What did you notice growing up that made you think, I want to bring this into my future relationships?

“

MOTHERING FIVE CHILDREN, ONE OF THEM BAHAMIAN, IS UNIQUELY MY OWN, UNIQUELY MY STORY”

Q: You’re the author of four design books. Which of all your books did you enjoy working on most?

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A: They had a very complicated marriage, I think because they came from very different backgrounds and they were completely different personalities. There wasn’t much blending. There wasn’t much softness around some of the difficulties of married life, but they respected each other, and they respected that they were such different characters, and even though it was fraught with complications, I don’t think either of them really thought of leaving the other. They managed to find their way through that in living independent lives and yet still remaining together. So it was not an easy marriage but it was one that was definitely founded on respect and love for each other.

design practice, what were some of your biggest takeaways? How has he influenced your work?

I went to Bucha, which is one of the main cities that was devastated early on. And that’s really where we began to see Russia’s war crimes, when they killed the civilians for no reason at all,

Q: You’ve been able to partner with the disasterrelief agency Global Empowerment Mission, as an on-the-ground force in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and on their advisory board today. What makes you passionate about philanthropy?

Q: The Emilia Wickstead dress was beautiful, and I read your post on the inspiration for it. Did you always know you wanted your dress to look like that? A: No. Growing up it was very traditional to do a sort of Princess Diana [style] and have a long train and a big dress, but I was very conscious that I was getting married at 54, and I was an older and first-time bride. I knew I wanted to wear a whiteish dress, but then I thought white seemed too virginal, and we can definitely say I’m not a virgin! I thought cream was a nice variation. I wanted to work with Emilia because I knew I wanted to work with an English designer, and she’s a friend and I knew she would understand my body type and the simplicity of the dress that I wanted. As soon as she showed me the lace, I said, “That’s definitely it; the lace will speak for itself. We don’t need to have much more going on.” I also knew I didn’t want to wear long, because I thought that would be absurd at 54. So, I knew I wanted a sort of tea-dress length, and Emilia did an amazing job, being able to interpret everything I wanted.

this, which will anchor our family completely and it will show that there is something traditional?”

There is just a message of love that feels strong, and so I think David was very surprised, because by then we had been 26 years unmarried. It was the most wonderful day. People said to me, “It’ll be the happiest day of your life,” and I said, “That is a Hallmark card. I’ve had many amazing remarkable days in my life, and this will not be,” but it really was the happiest day of my life. I think that having my daughter as my bridesmaid and having my eldest son walk me down the aisle and having Wesley drive me to the church and having Amory speak the night before at our dinner and having Conrad read in church it was really, really remarkable. And I also think there was something very timely about it, that it was our first wedding, and after 26 years together, we really knew what we wanted to have. We kept it quite small it was very difficult narrowing that list down, because obviously we have a lot of friends and family we’d have liked to include, but it just felt very, very meaningful, every single detail of that day.

Q: You’ve lived in the Bahamas for the past 25 years. What do you love most about it?

A: When Hurricane Dorian came through it wiped out two neighbouring islands. I thought, I need to get involved. I have time on my hands and I am able to fundraise, and that was when I sort of bumped into the Global Empowerment Mission. I really liked the way they were working, I liked that they were doing one-, two-, three-phase [relief]. They’re a disaster-relief agency; they’re normally first on the ground. But they don’t just come in and go out; they build foundations so that local teams that’s where the “empowerment” part comes in they build local teams to continue the projects. So, for example, a school is devastated, and they came and gave what was immediately needed: battery packs, warm blankets, food, all of that immediate disaster relief, but then they recognized that we’re going to need to rebuild the school, and when we rebuild the school, we can get the communities back up and running. We can bring hope, and hope is very important after a disaster. Then they say that we’ll have to build the school as a hurricane shelter as well, so now that they’ve done the first bit of disaster aid, now they’re building the team on the ground that’s going to be able to manage the project of rebuilding. Then they go back and make sure that project is completed, and so it’s one-, two-, threephaseAndaid.they do this everywhere, but never during a war before. During the Bahamian part of rebuilding the two islands I sat on their advisory board and think I was able to prove to them that I was fully invested in what I was doing. I wanted to continue my role with them, and so was elevated to the executive board. I did a couple of other small missions with them: the tornadoes in Alabama and the Surfside Tower building collapse disaster in Florida. When they went into Ukraine, they were there very early on, about 10 days after the invasion, and I realized this wasn’t going to be a short mission. This was going to be a long one. Again, I called the founder, Michael Capponi, and I said, “What can I do?” He said, “You should come here and see for yourself what’s happening and then you can tell your audience, your followers, your network, exactly what you’ve seen,” which is a much more effective way of raising money, because I can say to them, “You’re not just giving to an agency; you’re giving to people who I know, and [I know] where your money is going to go, and how it can be helpful.” I went, and we were on the Polish border, and that was where I first saw the women, the children and so many cats coming through, and it was emotionally overwhelming, seeing these people completely shocked, from one day going to the cinema to the next day losing their homes. They’re just herded onto buses and they have no idea where they’re going. And they’re going to massive shelters and churches or gymnasiums or shopping malls, and they’re sitting on the floor wondering what on Earth is happening. It’s really staggering to think what one man can do, the devastation he can bring to hundreds of thousands, millions of people. And like the one-, two-, three-phase, I don’t want to go just once. It’s my duty and my loyalty [to the cause of] Global Empowerment, which they have earned, that I stayFrominvolved.that trip on, I’ve been fundraising a lot, talking to people, showing them what I’ve seen. And then I went back, actually going into Ukraine so I could witness what the devastation was like and learn how we could start to rebuild communities. My part is very small.

Q: You’re the mother of ﬁve beautiful children. What has been your greatest joy as a mother and your greatest struggle?

A: I love the Bahamas as a whole because there’s pink sand, swaying palm trees and turquoise water. But what I love is that I’ve made a life here, and I think what I love most about that is that it’s introduced me to all walks of life. I think it is very valuable to have a broad spectrum of people from all walks of life as your friends, because I learn so much fromForthem.instance, during the lockdown, I was part of a small committee of people, five very extraordinary characters who came together to set up Harbour Island Food Bank. There was a lot of food insecurity there had been a lot of food insecurity anyway. You live in a place reliant on tourism and then suddenly overnight the tourism had shut off. People had not necessarily been saving, had not been anticipating a two-year COVID restriction on their income. And so we were able to raise about a million dollars and were able to feed 3,000 people every single weekend, so that nobody on the island went hungry, nobody on the island was anxious or felt insecure during the lockdown. And I’m very grateful for that time, because it gave us something to do, and that was an amazing project to be a part of.

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A: The greatest joy as a mother is that you feel complete, that I was here to mother. And I think the greatest job now is seeing these different personalities coming, and how they begin to think for themselves, make their own choices, and how their lives are beginning to move forward away from us, but also, hopefully, taking what we have instilled in them with them. The greatest difficulty was actually having children on a small island, where there wasn’t much option for education. We had to make difficult choices in how the children were going to be educated, and that was always tricky, because as much as I wanted them to feel as though the island was their home, they needed to have a bit broader education, and so some of that was hard. But island life was an amazing education for them as well; living on a tiny island was quite an amazing start. They are very individual and think very differently, in a much broader way, than if I had them growing up in a more traditional way.

“. . . THERE WAS SOMETHING VERY TIMELY ABOUT IT, THAT IT WAS OUR FIRST WEDDING, AND AFTER 26 YEARS TOGETHER, WE REALLY KNEW WHAT WE WANTED TO HAVE” After 26 years together, Hicks and her partner decided to get married in her home village of Oxfordshire 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 65

A: Utterly. You know, I travelled a lot when I was younger, and you go to Kolkata [then Calcutta], you work in a slum and come home thinking, How can I justify my privileged, white, saved life? The re-entry is very difficult. Coming back home from Ukraine, back into my life, I do feel the guilt. But there is no point in me sitting with regret and remorse and feeling the safety of my life and feeling guilt around it. I think I have to use it and say, “Right, because I have this privileged life, how can I work that into helping those who haven’t been able to help?” I work a lot with Global Empowerment Mission particularly because of the war, but I also work for the Prince’s Trust. The Prince’s Trust was founded back in 1976 by Prince Charles, and it was so forward-thinking. I’m very much a part of the women-supportingwomen side of it, because they more recently realized that they were more heavily inclined toward men, and that actually more women now needed help, particularly since COVID. I’m very focused on that as well. But it is complicated because people are very tapped out. I mean, just yesterday I posted what I thought was a very emotional video of my time in Ukraine. Just yesterday, Kyiv, where I was staying, got hit and attacked again, and people would prefer to see a picture of my dog than they would people grieving after having lost their homes. It is hard when you want to use social media as a vehicle for messaging and fundraising. You do have to balance it, so a little bit of frivolity is needed to keep your audience engaged. If I was only talking about devastation and loss, and the sort of appalling atrocities that people were experiencing, we would zone out, because we can’t take it all the time. I try to balance it, but I do recognize that social media is a very valuable tool in this day and age, and you need to use it. I’m very grateful for people who follow me and who I engage because I am able to ask them, “Can you give here? Can you help there?” And I have met extraordinary people through social media, and that has been useful. It is this balance. It’s this balance of going back to Ukraine and coming back into my safe life; it’s also the balance of using social media to share the things that I’ve seen to also bring in a little light and humour, as well.

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EVEN THOUGH MY SOCIAL MEDIA MAY LOOK LIKE I’M HAVING A LOVELY TIME IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE OR DOING A POP-UP IN PARIS OR DESIGNING SHOES IN SPAIN, I’M ALSO FUNDRAISING AND WORKING FOR GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT AND TRYING TO BE A VALUABLE TEAM MEMBER”

Q: You’re a goddaughter of Prince Charles. What is something most people don’t know about him and/ or your relationship? A: He’s incredibly fit. Perhaps people don’t think about that too much. And I think the Prince’s Trust is another great example of [his philosophy of health] he was thinking in a different way than so many people so early on. Now we’re hugging trees and using curd to run our car, and he was doing that, and people were going, “Is this guy crazy? What’s he doing?” And now we’re actually, like, “He saw this coming before anybody else did.” Having a green and sustainable life, talking to your plants, and hugging the trees are now actually the messaging that we are hearing everywhere, so it’s quite remarkable how ahead of his time he was.

where people were crossing a bridge trying to get out, and the Russians just attacked without any warning at all, even though it was a green corridor. So Bucha is a landmark city that we’re now going into, [planning] to identify the buildings, churches, schools that we can get back up and running. Of course, all of that takes huge funding, huge energy, huge dedication, and so that’s what I’m doing all the time. Even though my social media may look like I’m having a lovely time in the south of France or doing a pop-up in Paris or designing shoes in Spain, I’m also fundraising and working for Global Empowerment and trying to be a valuable team member.

“

Q: When you’ve experienced something like that, do you feel guilty coming back home?

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. indiahicks.com @indiahicksstyle

Hicks’ most recent book is called An Entertaining Story, where she shares her charming take on entertaining, featuring swoon-worthy tablescapes, and family anecdotes

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A: I definitely ride whenever I can. I probably rode before I could walk. Any opportunity to ride is exciting to me. I have played pickleball for about a year, but now I’ve completely become addicted to pickleball. It’s the fastest-growing sport in America, but not very well-known in England. I love it. It’s really fun, very quick and involves all ages.

A: That it takes a team. I loved being a part of the team, being part of a group of people who were all there, from all different walks of life, with all different skill sets.

“I AM HUGELY

”

Q: What is one thing you learned while you were modelling?

Q: Who do you most look up to? A: David, my other half, now my husband, is very remarkable in the fact that he has never tried to be anybody other than who he is, and I have huge respect for that. I also ask him every day, “What do I have to think?” Because he takes both sides of an argument and then distils it down to what he feels is the right answer between the two. He watches Fox News as well as CNN. He balances life by taking the two ex tremes and then deciding for himself, and I think a lot of us are influenced by one thing or another and we don’t do that. We don’t do the work between two points of view and then decide for ourselves. So I am hugely admiring of who he is as a person.

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A: There is more in you than you think.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

Q: What does la dolce vita, the sweet life, mean to you? A: Happiness, health and www.globalempowermentmission.orgcontentment. ADMIRING OF WHO HE [DAVID] IS AS A PERSON RAPID-FIRE

Q: What advice did you neglect when you were younger that is valuable to you today?

AUTOMOTIVE

Driving along winding country roads in a Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo to the idyllic Langdon Hall Relais & Châteaux country house estate is the ultimate summer road trip WRITTEN BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA

DOLCE ROAD TRIPPING

PORSCHEOFCOURTESYPHOTOS DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 70

With its sleek and distinctive styling, this all-electric sports car cuts a commanding presence in the country or city

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we could enjoy the beauty, peace and serenity of Langdon Hall. This included a special tour led by the head gardener, Jeremy Gehl, of the estate’s acclaimed 75-acre vegetable garden, the source of many of the foods and herbs that make it world famous. The knowledge of this man is astonishing. We tried herbs that tasted like green apples and licorice, too. Who knew? Not to mention, I had to fight the urge to go home and spend the rest of the week gardening, thanks to Gehl’s love and passion for harvesting magic in the garden. A highlight of this ideal day in the country was a luncheon prepared by chef Bangerter. He now enjoys a world-renowned reputation and is the World Culinary Council representative for Relais & Châteaux. Bangerter has received many awards during his distinguished career and is the author of a recent and highly praised book, Langdon Hall: A Cookbook, a collection of seasonally inspired recipes he features there. My Ōra King Salmon was served with Holland Marsh Leeks, Ox-Eyed Daisy Capers, and Brown ButterWhateverHazelnuts.your station in life, we all have what we would consider that ideal day. Being able to drive a new Porsche electric sports car through the countryside, discovering vintage shops like Feather Nest Furnishings and enjoying a decadent and delicious luncheon prepared by a worldfamous chef at beautiful Langdon Hall is as close to perfection as possible — a.k.a. la dolce vita/Dolce road-tripping. As is tradition with Porsche, the exterior and interior are distinctive. There are numerous black or dark details on the exterior, such as the front apron, the bases of the exterior mirrors and the side window trims. The interior provides both an elegant and dynamic ambience with numerous black Race-Tex features and the standard brushed aluminum interior package with a black anodized finish. Once inside the gates, and in stark contrast to the speed and power of our mode of transport, The Porsche Taycan GTS Sport can achieve 100 km/h in just under four seconds

A DELICIOUS LUNCHEON PREPARED BY A WORLDFAMOUS CHEF AT BEAUTIFUL LANGDON HALL IS AS CLOSE TO PERFECTION AS POSSIBLE – A.K.A. LA DOLCE VITA

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‘‘‘‘

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa

Driving to Langdon Hall in southwestern Ontario, a Relais & Châteaux hotel and one of North America’s finest country house estates, at any time of year can be a special experience. But having the opportunity to do so along winding country roads about two hours from Toronto behind the wheel of the 2022 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo can be a thrilling summertime experience. This was the experience recently enjoyed by me and my guest and dear friend, Carla Zingone. And what better choice than to have a flight attendant as my co-pilot. I was invited by Porsche for a day of speed, style and splendour by driving its new version of its electric sports car to enjoy a tour of Langdon Hall and a glorious luncheon prepared by Langdon Hall’s acclaimed chef, Jason Bangerter. The Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo is the third body version of the first all-electric Porsche model series, and the newcomer shares its sporty silhouette and the distinctive rearward-sloping roofline with the Taycan Cross Turismo. With a retail price starting above $150,000, the Taycan GTS is the sporty all-rounder of the model range and boasts considerable power. It has an impressive 590-horsepower of overboost power when using Launch Control, and the sprint from zero to 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) can be achieved in 3.7 seconds, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h. This commitment to engineering excellence has helped Porsche achieve some 30,000-plus worldwide motorsport wins to date.

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa (top left) and her road trip companion Carla Zingone (top) arrived at their destination in style, only to be treated to a tour of Langdon Hall’s 75-acre gardens by head gardener Jeremy Gehl (bottom left) followed by a sumptuous luncheon prepared by world-famous chef Jason Bangerter (bottom right)

ZERILLO-SOSAMICHELLEOFCOURTESYPHOTOS HALLLANGDONCOURTESYPHOTO 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 73

ART Manu Campa is a automotiveMadrid-basedartist CAMPAMANUOFCOURTESYPHOTOS THE ARTIST CONNECTING WITH CAR COLLECTORS AROUND THE WORLD DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 74

Currently, he’s working on a show dedicated to historic Formula One cars, having visited the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year. It looks at cars from the 1950s to the 1980s and Campa’s using it as a chance to move away from his signature realism style. Of course, Campa’s success didn’t come without hard work, dedication and feelings of insecurity. “At the beginning, I always had work to do, but it was rough and I wasn’t sure whether I was taking the right path,” he shares. “To be a believer in yourself is important. I am today and know I’ll sell my paintings in 10 years, but back then I wasn’t certain.”

B orn and based in Madrid, Manu Campa brands himself as an automotive artist. His portfolio includes paintings of everything from professional racing Porsches to classic Jaguars, as well as urban landscapes and bikes. He’s engaged in collaborations with brands among the likes of Coca-Cola and Huawei and he’s a brand ambassador for MINI and TAG Heuer. His work is detailed, intricate, highlighting moments captured in a vehicle’s window as much as the glint of sun bouncing off a vehicle’s paint. His work has been described as hyperrealistic, photorealistic and some have even called it pop art. But, for Campa, there are no mentors or individual inspirations. When he’s asked how he’d describe his style, Campa admits he never knows what to say. “I’ve always been inspired by pictures and things I see around me, but I don’t follow style or get inspired by other artists,” he says. “I try to do everything my way and be honest with myself. If you follow a trend, or what artists do today, that forces you to be fake to who you really are and, in the long term, it forces you to follow a path that might not be honest in the future.”

Campa always knew he wanted to make a career out of art. He graduated in Fine Arts from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2008 and, soon after, started focusing on subjects he was passionate about. He started out by painting animals, then bicycles, and moved onto working with urban landscapes, giving particular emphasis to the way light worked. It’s his focus on cars that got notable attention, appealing to collectors, art specialists and even those living in cities with a big car culture, like Los Angeles. As a car lover himself, one of the best things about his work is travelling the world and meeting all these like-minded people. “All of a sudden you go to Miami or Tokyo, and you have people who’ve followed your work for five years who want to invite you to their homes, let you drive their cars and want you to become part of their lives,” he shares. “You build up very good, real, long-term relationships.” His work has become so popular that he currently has a one-year wait for a commission. He spends 12 hours a day in the studio (though admits that’s the only way to improve his craft) and is typically working on a number of pieces at the same time, which proves useful when inspiration fails to strike. “I have up to 10 paintings at a time that are halfway done around me,” he says. “It’s a good way to keep inspiration coming. When you’re working on something you’re not happy about, you look around and say, ‘I know what that’s missing.’ So grab that and finish it.”

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER | INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL

Many of Campa’s pieces focus on realism manucampa.com @manucampart

It’s clear Campa is a family man. During the call his son and daughter jump on and off camera, showing drawings and joining the conversation. He tells us if he could share any wisdom and experience with them, it would be “to believe in yourself and follow your passions. If they do that and have fun, that’s, for me, what’s most important.”

As both a car lover and painter, Manu Campa never thought he’d be able to bring the two worlds together. His success proves otherwise

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Another way Campa keeps things fresh is by working on his own projects when he has time.

Lauren Parente is the founder of LP Enterprises, the umbrella for over 15 separate business entities

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The Sorrento Peninsula: An Unforgettable Journey Through History and Food

www.italia.it@italiaitTURISMOCAMPANIAAGENZIAOFCOURTESYPHOTOS

Above: Hotel Villa Franca Positano Right below: The Sorrento Peninsula, Sunset at Michelin-starred Li Galli Restaurant

Whether it’s the region’s welcoming small towns, the scenery that’s inspired generations of artists or the variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s a lot to love about the Sorrento Peninsula S tretching into the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Sorrento Peninsula separates the Gulf of Naples and Salerno. It’s a place filled with natural beauty, thanks to coastal roads that make the most of the Italian landscape, winding through citrus groves, olive groves and vineyards, offering sweeping views of Vesuvius and the island of Capri. When it comes to food, there’s a lot on offer. The Sorrento Peninsula is packed with Michelin-starred restaurants including La Torre del Saracino in Vico Equense, a region that has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Campania region. Don Alfonso 1890, located in the village of Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, is another. It epitomizes the high gastronomy of food made in the Campania region with dining areas derived from a 19th-century Neapolitan palace, dishes that celebrate local ingredients, heritage and creativity and a pre-Roman cellar home to 25,000Whenbottles.you’ve sampled the region’s tastes, culture should be next on your list. With a name that translates to “land of the mermaids” and with tales that stretch back as far as Homer’s Odyssey, the town of Sorrento is steeped in history. The town’s centre, Piazza Tasso, is named after the monument dedicated to the poet of Jerusalem Delivered (Gerusalemme Liberata), Torquato Tasso, who was born here. Historic artifacts are preserved at the Correale Museum, opened in 1924 in the 18th-century mansion donated by descendants of an ancient and noble Neapolitan family, Count Alfredo Correale and his brother Pompeo. Highlights of the museum include a collection of impressive 17th- and 18th-century paintings and a beautiful hall of clocks. If you’d prefer to spend your time outdoors, Sorrento is home to lovingly presented and maintained parks. The Villa Comunale, also located in the town’s centre, overlooks the sea, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples. Close by you have the Marina Piccola, a bathing area where, according to legend, Ulysses was seduced by sirens, and a port where ferries and hydrofoils depart for the island of Capri andOnNaples.thetopic of coastal experiences, Sorrento offers a stunning range of seaside stays on famous shores. The Bagni della Regina Giovanna, named after Queen Giovanna D’Angiò, who lived there between 1371 and 1435, entertaining lovers in the secluded natural pools, includes the remains of a 30,000-square-metre Roman domus, Villa di Pollio Felice, dating back to the first century B.C. Whatever sights, smells and tastes you choose to spend your time with in Sorrento, rest assured you’ll be treated to a memory that lasts a lifetime.

in the school of life

PHILOSOPHER KING Argentina’s most celebrated

is equally at

is running some of the world’s best kitchens WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER | INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL CUISINE DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 88

Mallmann’s innovative techniques, such as introducing live fire to fruits and vegetables, has made him a global trendsetter chef, Francis Mallmann, home as he

Influential food writers in the world have asked, “Is Francis Mallmann the most interesting chef in the world?” for his creative use of live, open-fire cooking and unparalleled creativity and experimentation in the kitchen. To that notion, Mallmann scoffs and says no. However, with a twinkle in his eye, this chef and philosopher does admit something. “I think I would say that I’m the most disobedient and irreverent chef in the world — that I agree on,” says Mallmann with a wry smile.

Mallmann brings this opposite philosophy to his cooking, which has made him one of the world’s top chefs, an author and a television star. Most of us would never think of introducing live fire to fruits Mallmann does. His book contains a recipe of roasted strawberries with ricotta and mint, paying homage to a long history of strawberry and dairy pairings around the globe, which certainly extends far beyond Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream. His Green Fire book features more than 60 vegetarian dishes that showcase Mallmann’s impressive seasonings, sauces and finishings, paying tribute to his Argentine influences. The book is also divided seasonally because, as Mallmann believes, the seasons are the engines of cooking.“Inspring, you have the beautiful small green beans, in the winter you have delicious spinach, kale and cabbages, in the summer you have the flowers and fresh zucchinis and in the fall you have the most delicious pumpkins. So, that’s cooking, kneeling down and picking up what is in season, because that is when those ingredients are at their best,” he says. Mallmann ran his first restaurant at the tender age of 20 before moving to Paris and learning from some of the great masters. He is definitely a citizen of the world, speaking four languages and currently running restaurants in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Miami and France, with celebrity clients such as David Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow. He is fiercely passionate and always inspired by the art and beauty of cooking, as well as continuing to make his dreams become reality. “The beauty of cooking is not that you have a favourite recipe,” says Mallmann. “The beauty of cooking, for me, is that every day you are in love with a favourite ingredient or recipe, depending upon how you woke up or how you dress — all those things influence your thoughts for the day and to have a life that is inspired by hope. That will change every day, according to the spirit of the day. My dreams are always based upon everything possible. That’s the way I live. I like to live and dream about impossible things.”

O n Francis Mallmann’s Instagram page appears a sentence that may best describe one of the world’s most acclaimed chefs: “Dreaming things no mortal ever dared to dream before.” In a wideranging interview with Dolce, Mallmann revealed himself to be part poet and part philosopher, as well as a chef in charge of his nine restaurants worldwide and author of his most recent book, Green Fire: Extraordinary Ways to Grill Fruits and Vegetables, from the Master of Live-Fire Cooking, a celebration of the art of cooking over fire and vegetarianMallmann’scuisine.ability to see the wider world far beyond his famous kitchens stems from his upbringing in the Patagonia region of Southern Argentina, where he developed what he calls a “silent language” that comes from being in touch with his natural surroundings. “We were very lucky to be raised there, as we lived in a very remote place in the mountains and we learned to live outside,” recalls Mallmann. “We learned a silent language, which is the language of Patagonia, related to the wind, the snow, the rain, the rivers, the trees, the mountains and that is unexplainable because it went into us in the most beautiful way and has been with me ever since. It has become my biggest companion in life. Whenever I face adversity in life, I recall this beautiful past I had in the mountains, which is part of my present and will be of my future.”

MALLMANNFRANCISOFCOURTESYPHOTOS I THINK

@francismallmann Mallmann’s spirit is infectious, especially while celebrating the cherished art of communal dining to enjoy great food

“Irreverence is when you have a stance on your thoughts that are not accordingly fitting to what other people do or think, but you stand for it, you defend it, you explain it and you do it. I like that because that’s what brings change into the world. That’s the tool and engine of change.” I WOULD SAY I’M THE MOST DISOBEDIENT AND IRREVERENT CHEF IN THE WORLD

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Mallmann also learned to embrace the ability to live a fuller life based on the theory of welcoming the “opposites” in our experiences. “The most beautiful things are opposites,” Mallmann observes. “If you always sleep in a palace in an incredible bed, it’s very boring. If you always sleep under a tree, it’s also very boring. So, you have to sleep under a tree and in the palace, and those contrasts are the ones that teach you to live well, to measure things and to respect things. For me, opposites are very important.”

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A handful of mint sprigs, tied together with kitchen twine

• Young carrots are long and slim. So-called baby carrots — which have become popular for dipping in hummus or salsa — are not babies at all. They are made from mature carrots that are cut into sections and turned on a lathe-like machine. I don’t use them. Serves 4 to 6 2 to 3 pounds (1 to 1.5 kg) young carrots, assorted colours if you can find them

•Notes:Ifyour young carrots come with their tender greens attached, by all means grill them as well.

Mix in the parsley and drizzle generously with olive oil and splashes of vinegar to taste. Season this salsa carefully with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Wipe off the plancha or griddle and brush with olive oil. Spread out the carrots on the hot surface and cook for several minutes on both sides, until tender. To serve, transfer them to a serving dish and spoon the salsa over them.

Prepare a fire for medium heat and warm the plancha. (Or pull out a large cast-iron griddle if cooking indoors.)

Young Carrots A La Plancha with

A handful of tender green garlic shoots, garlic scapes, garlic chives, or scallions

About 2⁄3 cup (160 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Young carrots cook up relatively quickly on the plancha — sweet yet crisp. At the same time of year that one harvests these carrot infants, green garlic and garlic scapes make their appearance as well. When carrots are tossed with a charred herb salsa, the effect is bracingly fresh, crunchy. Mint, though not sweet, has a way of encouraging the sweetness of other ingredients to come out for a visit on your palate. If you can’t find green garlic or it’s not in season, use scallions.

A small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Trim the tops of the carrots, scrub them well, and slice them lengthwise in half. Brush them with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Set aside on a sheet pan with the bundle of mint. If the green garlic is on the thick side, slice it lengthwise. If using garlic scapes, cut crosswise into 6-inch (15 cm) lengths. If using garlic chives, pat them dry and tie them lightly together with kitchen twine. Whichever you are using, add them to the sheet pan and drizzle everything with olive oil. Brush the hot plancha with olive oil (if cooking indoors, heat the griddle over medium heat, then brush with oil). When the oil shimmers, add the mint and the green garlic and cook until partially charred on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Baste the uncooked side of the herbs with olive oil and turn them over with tongs; cook for another minute or so to lightly brown the other side. The green garlic or garlic scapes should be somewhat softened. As they are done, transfer them to a large cutting board, then cut and discard the twine. Trim off and discard any tough stems and chop the garlic together with the mint. Scrape into a bowl and drizzle with the lemon juice.

Charred Mint and Green Garlic Salsa

Excerpted from Green Fire by Francis Mallmann (Artisan Books).

Juice of 1 large lemon 1 bunch parsley, chopped Good-quality red wine vinegar

The Center for Architecture + Design’s new space in San Francisco

DESIGN

FRANCISCOSANARCHITECTS,OFINSTITUTEAMERICANOFCOURTESYPHOTOS

C onstruction on the Center for Architecture + Design’s new space will begin this summer. The Shape Your City campaign, launched in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco (AIASF), seeks to tap into the transformative power of design and advance the public conversation surrounding it. The campaign will help fund the construction of the Center and support the expansion of public design programs. “If you look at most first-world countries, whether it’s Latin America, Canada, Europe or Asia, their cultural understanding of the power of design is quite sophisticated,” says Joshua Aidlin, FAIA, a founding partner of Aidlin Darling Design and lead architect of the project. “There’s a reverence for the value that design

THE PLAYING

SAN FRANCISCO’S NEW CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN IS HERE TO LEVEL FIELD

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Left to right: Amy Ress, Joshua Aidlin and Stacy Williams

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER | INTERVIEW BY ESTELLE ZENTIL

e team behind the city’s Shape Your City initiative discuss creating a home that celebrates the universal power of design

While this project is based in San Francisco, and a lot of the work will be focused on innovation and progression within the city, for the team the international appeal is undeniable. “If this beta works,” says Aidlin, “I think we can roll it out in every city across the country.”

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www.centersf.org @centerarchdesignsf www.aiasf.org @aiasf brings, whether that’s a bus stop, a bench on the street, graphics on the subway, or parks and buildings. In America, unfortunately, that’s been stunted, and there’s more of a focus on capitalism andThemoney-making.”AIASFand the Center for Architecture + Design are here to change that by creating a cultural hub that focuses on design in all mediums, whether that’s graphic, industrial, interior, landscape or something else. As Aidlin continues, “It’s really aggressive public outreach to raise the bar and understanding of what design can contribute in every walk of life, every day.”

The more you discuss the centre with this team, the more you understand the level of detail that went into it. For example, they talk about working with an acoustics consultant. “Acoustics touch everything, from the theatre to the overhead HVAC, and how you minimize the sound,” Williams says. “It permeated the entire project.”

Ress shares how much she enjoyed that collaboration. “We’re working with large firms and sole practitioners, an A-list architect, and everyone’s part of this barn-raising effort to bring this project to life,” she says. “I sense a commitment, dedication and special place in everyone’s heart to make this dream a reality.”

Ress talks about the challenge of finding a solution to the fact the space was set on different levels, and the process of coming up with numerous proposals to solve it. The trio also shared how the pandemic had an impact. “We had an interesting opportunity because of COVID,” Williams says. “We started from scratch with the HVAC in the space, so we were able to design it with the pandemic in mind. It’s a brand-new filtration and movement system, which has all been taken into account.”

their daily lives and how we can make it better.”

However, it’s clear these challenges and solutions all came from collaboration and a meeting of minds that worked in unison to push the envelope. Williams reiterates that “design is not for the select few, or the wealthy. Design is for everybody, and it’s an important aspect.”

The facility itself will be located on the ground floor of San Francisco’s historic Hallidie Building, at 140 Sutter St., and has been crafted from the ground up to cater to the huge variety of programs and initiatives taking place, including lectures, rotating galleries, youth programs and walking tours. Technology has also been integrated into the process so conversations can be shared internationally. “In a way, the architecture drops away to create a very flexible space that serves programming all day into the evening, five to six days a week,” Aidlin continues.

As an organization, AIASF has been working in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 140 years, representing members in the architecture community but also acting as a resource for the general public, constantly looking at how design can enhance quality of life. This new centre marks the next step in the institution’s journey. Stacy Williams, executive director at AIASF and the Center for Architecture + Design, shares that, to her knowledge, this is the first attempt of its kind, and emphasizes the importance of wanting it to be a catalyst for conversation. “We want to be the first place the discussion happens, and a safe place where people can come and just throw crazy ideas around to see what sticks,” she says. “Let’s just talk about design and how it affects people, Networking & Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner What WhereWhen Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, Richmond Hill, ON October 22, 2022 | 1700hrs to 2200hrs northernlightsaerofoundation.com

Amy Ress, deputy director of the AIASF and the Center for Architecture + Design, agrees, saying the centre has the potential to “level the playing field, bringing new audiences to learn about these things simply by pointing to the room and talking about how it was built and the goals behind it.”

ARCHITECTURE

Sleek and contemporary in its creative design, the villa ideally embraces its natural surroundings

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arely has a residence so ideally fit into its natural surroundings as the villa at Cala Volpe, Sardinia, created by the famed Italian architect Fabio Mazzeo and his design team at Fabio Mazzeo Architects of Rome.The1,500-square-metre villa sits on more than 5,000 square metres of terraced gardens, commanding an envied location on the promontory of Abbiadori, overlooking the magnificent Cala di Volpe, providing one of the most beautiful panoramas of Sardinia. Here is a villa created by skilled Italian craftspeople, which is a delicate balance of art and design resulting in a beautiful and harmonious sanctuary of glamorous living at its finest. The residence is a masterpiece from a maestro. With 20 years of experience and a significant international presence, Fabio Mazzeo Architects designs and creates extraordinary spaces, including villas, mansions, fine hotels and offices, as well as yachts. The firm prides itself on taking a tailor’s precision in its approach to architecture, bringing clients’ dreams to reality. It was this continuing philosophy that it brought to this Sardinian villa. “Our way of designing and building is deeply rooted in an ideal of Italian beauty that is never static,” says Fabio Mazzeo. “But, rather, is translated each time into a unique style that grows out of the customer’s desires. We achieve this goal by engaging cross-functional talent and skills, including artists, artisans, decorators, painters and all the creatives and designers of the Fabio Mazzeo team, in a holistic and organic version of architecture.”Theunifying theme of this particular design is travertine, which completely covers the villa and continues in its interior. A palette of fine marble, which alternates between Navona travertine, walnut, sandblasted, bush-hammered Legendary Italian architect Fabio Mazzeo has developed an international reputation from two decades of brilliance

MASTERPIECEMOUNTAINTOP

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CAMPLONEMASSIMOBYPHOTOS

WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

This sculptural villa, created by the design brilliance of Fabio Mazzeo, overlooking the Mediterranean in Sardinia, is a creative blend of art, design and nature

The main entrance on its north side immediately catches the eye with a marble moulded frame converging toward the portal in polished and sandblasted steel, giving the impression of a panorama of sails on an ocean.

and polished finishes, brings movement and light to the structure, long with full-height windows to capture ever-changing and forever views of the Mediterranean. There is a sense of sculpture to the residence, perhaps formed by the wind, which follows the contours of the land, so that it seamlessly fits upon it. Perhaps the most striking feature of the villa is that it evokes new emotions from every side.

The two-tiered pool is an example of how the villa fits into the contour of its location The villa’s mountaintop location affords forever and stunning views of Cala di Volpe, Sardinia

The west facade, visible from afar and much more symmetrical and regular than the other sides, offers the classic and imposing image of a fortress silhouetted against the sky, yet that starkness has been softened by the presence of ancient olive trees and the organic development of the architecture. In contrast, the south facade is almost completely transparent and opens to the view of the Pevero and facing islands, while

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metal vases by De Castelli to the elegant Porada mirrors in the night areas of the second floor. The bedrooms feature bedside tables, chairs and chests of drawers by Opera Contemporary, which are paired with beds by Twils, fabrics by Rubelli and armchairs by Fendi Casa. The master bedroom includes two crystalline marble bathrooms with sea-toned mosaic decorations by SICIS and elegant washbasins by Villeroy & Boch. The surrounding gardens offer dramatic views where light and greenery become an integral part of the architecture, and this continual dialogue with nature reaches its conclusion in the relaxation areas of the gardens and swimming pool, with its evocative floorboards that reach toward the Mediterranean.It’softenbeen asked if humankind and nature can co-exist in harmony. As Fabio Mazzeo and his team have demonstrated with this mountaintop masterpiece in Sardinia, the answer is a resounding, thoughtful and beautiful “Yes.”

The care and dedication in choosing each object are evident throughout the villa, from the With different facades from every angle and full-height windows, the residence is a showcase of style fabiomazzeoarchitects.com @fabio_mazzeo_architects

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OUR WAY OF DESIGNING

DEEPLYBUILDINGANDISROOTEDINANIDEALOFITALIANBEAUTYTHATISNEVERSTATIC‘‘‘‘

the east facade’s large windows act as a light filter between the interior and the garden. Design this creative and inspiring takes visionary character in thought and emotion, continually weaving an interplay to emphasize the links between the building and its natural setting. This connection to the natural world continues throughout the building’s interior and its thoughtful finishes and furnishings.

Theatrical details, such as a backdrop that surrounds the home theatre room with handplastered panels with gold and silver leaf decorations, echo the skyline of Cala di Volpe, again paying homage to its location. Many of the furnishings are designed specifically for this project by the finest Italian artisans and craftspeople of Mazzeo’s team, such as the Living Divani seats in the living room, or the sumptuous and delicate chandeliers by Vistosi, jewel chandeliers by Lolli and Memmoli, and ultra-modern walls lights by Catellani & Smith.

With a experiencedpassionatededicated,andteam of knowledgeable staff, Ed Hand became a Client Relations Specialist and helped hundreds of people and their families Ed Hand is a founder of Helping Hand Inc., which provides immediate support and assistance to victims of injury or accident. With his sons Adam and Peter, and the law firm of Daniel J. Balena, Ed helps families that experience trauma after catastrophic accidents to overcome the countless hurdles between accident and recovery.

A: It definitely did. After the car accident, my original career was ended. To this day I suﬀer from permanent hearing loss in one ear and received a cochlear implant in order to help with my condition. I also suﬀer from tinnitus, where I experience intense ringing in my ears. This accident made me realize how traumatic the recovery period can be and what physical and financial costs people must pay to heal their trauma. Now my family and I work very hard to help victims of such accidents, as I know from personal experience what it takes to rebuild a life.

FITZGERALDGEOFFBYPHOTOS

ED HAND:

A: We are dealing with almost all types of personal injuries, including car and motorcycle accidents,

His reputation in the industry is above reproach and he has built a network of contacts to help his clients with their needs. His clients are his No. 1 priority, and they benefit from his 24-hour, sevenday-a-week access and availability.

Q: You were a victim of a serious car accident. Did it have an impact on your career?

Q: What types of personal injury cases does Helping Hand deal with? Can you highlight the most signiﬁcant type?

PARTNER CONTENT

Ed Hand founded Helping Hand, a firm dedicated to helping victims of injury From First-Hand Experience with Personal Injuries to Rebuilding Helping Hand Clients’ Lives

Dolce recently sat down with Ed Hand to discuss personal injuries and their impact on a person’s life.

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A: Following emergency personnel being called, and quite possibly the police, it is important in most instances that the injured party seek legal assistance from a personal injury law firm. As indicated earlier, that law firm will likely employ a personal injury team to address the injured party’s injuries and economic and financial needs Upon being contacted by an injured party, and once again depending upon the seriousness of the injuries, arrangements will be made to see the injured party as soon as possible and to ascertain both the injuries and that individual’s need forWhenservices.the injuries are more serious, arrangements are made to employ a personal injury team to address the injured party’s needs. This generally includes an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, and in many cases a case manager. The team ensures that the injured party receives the treatment they need. It is also particularly important that the injured party has access to legal remedies when issues arise with respect to first party accident benefits claims and a tort claim. Once again, an ongoing dialogue with the personal injury lawyer and his team, is essential for the eventual resolution of an injury claim. brain and spinal injuries, slips and falls, children’s injuries, amputations, etc. All of them have a significant impact on a person’s life. It’s impossible for me to underline just one. Victims of such injuries face costs associated with medications, hospitalization, ongoing medical treatment, and lost wages or income, and we help them to maximize their compensation.

A: Mr. Balena’s office frequently works on a contingency fee basis. Essentially this means that a client would likely not have to pay any fees unless an accident benefit claim or a tort claim were to settle. Upon successful settlement of the claim, legal fees are generally paid from the settlement award and are usually quantified based upon a percentage of the award.

helpinghandinc.com@edhand_helps

A: In my view, an injured party should seek a personal injury team that they are comfortable with, and which they trust. I have learned over the years that it is extremely important that the injured party be able to freely communicate with their lawyer as well as the entire personal injury law team. When choosing the right personal injury lawyer, the ability to readily communicate with that team, in my view, is essential.

Q: Despite the decreasing number of total injuries caused by car accidents in Ontario over the past several years, we still hear about the auto accidents on our roads. Can you please navigate what to do after a car accident in Ontario?

A: Even in a situation where the accident was your fault, the law still entitles you to advance an accident benefit claim in most cases. You will likely be entitled to benefits paid by your own auto insurance company, however you may also be entitled to other sources of benefits including short-term and long-term disability benefits. Ed Hand, together, with his sons Adam, Peter, and the law firm of Daniel J, Balena, have first hand knowledge of the trauma a family can experience after a catastrophic accident

A: If a party is injured and unable to work following the motor vehicle accident, and depending upon that person’s employment status at the time of the accident, he or she may be entitled to the payment of income replacement benefits calculated on that person’s pre-accident earnings. Benefits are generally paid at the rate of 70% of the injured party’s pre-accident gross income to the maximum of $400.00 per week.

Q: Let’s imagine that the accident was my fault. In this case, does it make any sense for me to make a claim for compensation?

Q: What if the injured party is unable to work after an accident?

Q: Many people decide not to claim personal injury compensation, as they think it can take too long to receive it and, therefore, might not be worth the effort. Is it true? How long does injury compensation usually take to proceed?

Q: Let’s talk about prices. How much would it cost to proceed with the lawsuit?

Q: How to choose the right personal injury lawyer? What to pay attention to?

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A: There is no set amount of time for the completion of a personal injury claim. The time the claim will take is based upon a number of factors which include the complexity of the claim and the quantum of the loss being claimed. Modest claims can frequently be handled more quickly and brought to an early resolution. On average, larger more complicated claims take longer to resolve.

WRITTEN BY

| INTERVIEW BY

Q: What prompted you to become a cosmetic plastic surgeon? A: My father, Dr. Gunther Born, was also a plastic surgeon. He founded the first burn unit in Canada and continues to be a great inspiration to me, so it was only natural that I followed in his footsteps. I’ve also always had an appreciation for classical art, and I think that greatly informed my decision to become a plastic surgeon. Plastic surgery isn’t just about the technical; it requires an understanding of beauty and esthetics. That artistic aspect of the field appealed to me.

BEAUTY DR.

TIUMARKBYPHOTO

Q: What would you consider to be your expertise within cosmetic plastic surgery?

Q: What does la dolce vita, the sweet life, mean to you? A: Living in the moment and enjoying the things that bring happiness.

www.tmbcosmeticsurgery.com @trevorbornmd Dr. Trevor Born heads up TMB Cosmetic Surgery

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A: The esthetic I am known for is subtle. It’s natural but noticeable. Patients come to me when they want to see a significant change in their appearance, but don’t necessarily want to be called out for “having work done.” A friend once referred to my approach as “effective minimalism.” In terms of my specialties, I would say facelifting, combined with fat grafting, is something I have really homed in on. I call it the “3D” approach. Facelifts of the past focused only on lifting and tightening, which can result in an overly pulled or tight look that lacks dimension. With fat grafting, I am literally “sculpting” the face to achieve a more natural result.

Cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Trevor Born talks about his clinic, TMB Cosmetic Surgery, beauty and following in his father’s footsteps JOSH WALKER ESTELLE ZENTIL TREVOR BORN: MINIMALISMEFFECTIVE

Q: What do you love most about the work that you do? A: Our patients make it all worthwhile. I love seeing them transform, not just physically but emotionally. Being a part of that process is an honour and very rewarding.

Q: What should a consultation patient expect when visiting your office for the first time? A: My approach is to ensure that every patient looks and feels beautiful. I believe my patients would say that I personalize my approach for every patient — there isn’t a “one size fits all.” Every patient is different, and, as such, every consultation is unique.Eachconsultation has two objectives: a) to provide a level of detail and expertise that goes above and beyond and b) to ensure they feel fully informed and educated about the procedure(s) they are interested in.

Q: Do you believe that beauty comes from within? A: Absolutely, and wellness is such a large part of beauty. Healthy people generally look, and feel, more beautiful. If a person looks in the mirror and isn’t happy with the way they look, that will affect their overall health. I think beauty is holistic, which is why my practice really focuses on helping patients achieve inner and outer wellness.

Clark’s latest collection embodies a strong sense of femininity with a timeless glamour and elegance BRITISH COUTURE WWW.CARLAGULER.COMGULERCARLABYPHOTOS Meet the man behind Thom Laurence, a luxury British brand renowned for producing designs that are both contemporary and timeless TEXT BY ESTELLE ZENTIL 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 101

Tom Clark, the couture designer, recently marked the launch of the Spring-Summer 2022 collection under his label, Thom Laurence. Thom Laurence is the realization of Clark’s vision to create a couture label that produces unique designs that are both elegant and timeless and constructed to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Clark, who was born and raised in the United Kingdom, assumes a broad lens to design and finds inspiration from multiple different angles — even those that are not immediately obvious to the casual observer. As he explains, “Let’s say I was walking the dogs, and I quite liked the look of some flowers. I’d take a photo, hand it over to one of my embroidery designers, and we’ll create a full embroidery out of it.” These whimsical details, which are just as likely to delight Polo and Otis as they are Thom Laurence’s target audience, are peppered throughout Thom Laurence’s SpringSummer 2022 collection, which features such materials as crystals, sequins, pearls and feathers. Despite his early successes in fashion, Clark initially wanted to be a stockbroker. However, and fortunately for the fashion world, Clark realized that a profession in finance was not the romantic life he was searching for after paying a visit to a trading firm. After that visit, Clark leaned into his passion: “I have always loved the process that goes into creating fashion articles.”

For SS22 Thom builds on the materials used in AW21 - lavish displays of crystals, sequins, pearls and feathers

Y ou know the type: a handsome, 20-something man walking confidently down the streets of London wearing a grey, oversized T-shirt, black jeans and black Saint Laurent boots. But what distinguishes this particular man is what can’t be seen — a keen eye for elegance, sophisticated design and the feminine form. Oh, and his two walking partners, the working cocker spaniels, Polo and Otis.

Clark has always believed it to be more important to learn in the real world than at college and, as a result, he did not pursue a formal education in fashion. Instead, Clark learned craftsmanship and creativity by interning at one of London’s most celebrated couturiers, Bruce Oldfield, and on London’s Savile Row, the world capital for men’s bespoke tailoring. In this way, Clark’s training in fashion is indelibly tied to London. Naturally, Thom Laurence emphasizes the fact that every piece is handmade in London. But beyond even that, its designs are very much informed by the strolls of a 20-something

TOM CLARK

(MARIANOVIVANCO.COM/)VIVANCOMARIANOBYPHOTOWRITTEN BY ESTELLE ZENTIL DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 102

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Clark’s ambitions for Thom Laurence include expanding the brand into different markets across the globe and creating a flagship boutique in London, enhancing the “human connection” he speaks of. With each collection shown seasonally for Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter through private showrooms and trunk shows based in London, a high level of customer service will be offered to each client, ranging from home visitations around the world to private viewing experiences. Clark sees himself mainly as a creative director for his brand and has learned the hard way that you can’t do everything yourself. “You have to start delegating different roles to different people.” He takes inspiration from fashion leaders, such as Tom Ford: “What he did at Gucci, turning the brand around from Dawn Mello … to his provocative marketing campaigns.”

man down the streets of London with his two cocker spaniels. As Clark explains, “I think, for me, a brand has always got to be connected to a place, and, for me, that’s London. It’s the capital of the U.K. Chanel and Dior have Paris. If you’re making it in-house, it helps protect your intellectual property as a brand, as well as heightens the craftsmanship and quality. The main thing really is the human touch and human connection to what goes into that product. I think if it doesn’t have that human connection, it loses that luxury part of the product.”

At the moment, Clark is focusing on luxury womenswear, but naturally, with experience on Savile Row, one may ask if he would consider designing menswear. “Not at the moment, but never say never. If I were to do menswear, it would have to be a mixture of street style and Savile Row tailoring. So, completely different from what I’m doing at theWhatmoment.”isan important fashion lesson that he’s learned? Always staying true to himself. “Stay true to your vision even when not everybody agrees with you or sees it. Just stay true to your vision, and if you do, it’ll pay off at the end.” To Clark, having a successful brand isn’t the only thing that matters. For him, life is about being around the people you love. But that isn’t to say that luxury doesn’t figure into his vision of la dolce vita: “I would be lying if I said I didn’t want a couple of luxuries in my life.” Don’t we all? Throughout the collection, Clark introduced textures created through multilayered tulle and intricate fabric manipulations thomlaurence.com @thom_laurence

It comes as no surprise that a mutual muse for Ford and Clark is Bianca Jagger. It’s items like Jagger’s YSL smoking jacket she wore on her wedding day or Jacqueline de Ribes’ quintessential Parisian elegance that inspired Clark’s collection. “I think, for me, the women of today have so many different faces, and, with that, they all have their own femininity within them. They all have their own personal style, and, for me, it’s not always the garments; the femininity has to come from the person, not generally what they’re wearing.”

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An array of classical crystal embroideries can be seen throughout Clark’s collection, along with intricate flower motifs, drawing inspiration from organic flower petals

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Thom Laurence couture focuses on creating pieces that are stylish and elegant. All garments are handmade in London with a focus on craftsmanship

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Thom Laurence pieces exude timeless glamour and effortless elegance with a strong sense of femininity at its core

Ave Motorsports of Mooresville, North Carolina, will ﬁeld two race cars from Torontobased GRS Autosport in the full 2022 IMSA Prototype Challenge season, starting with the three-hour Scouts of America opener at one of America’s most famous racetracks, Daytona International Speedway. The race is a part of the IMSA Roar Before the Rolex 24 event leading up to the historic Rolex 24 race. Numerous backers are supporting the program including GMS Excavating of Belleville, Ontario, Staikos Homes of Belleville, Ontario, and Corum, the legendary watchmaker of Switzerland. “We are extremely excited for Hanna Zellers to demonstrate her incredible performance on the track as she represents Corum,” says Richard Louis, Corum vice-president, North America andTheCaribbean.fulldriver lineup has yet to be determined, but along with Zellers it will also include George Staikos and Tony Ave, whose Ave Motorsports is the manufacturer of the most successful Trans Am chassis of the modern era. Ave is a two-time Trans Am champion and has a history of wins in Pro Atlantics and was the 1993 Pro Sprint World Snowmobile Champion. “I’m looking forward to getting back into Prototype racing after a few years away,” says Ave. “And am looking forward to building a team with GRS Autosport that can compete in professional sports car racing for years to Foundedcome.” in Switzerland in 1955, Corum’s claim to fame came early when the company introduced a watch made of a $20 gold coin, which became an instant bestseller. It is also known for its “World Premiers,” as each year it produces a restricted number of limited-edition pieces. In 1960, Corum became world famous for its Corum Admiral’s Cup watch, celebrating the renowned sailing race. As Corum Ambassador Hanna Zellers will experience at the 2022 IMSA Prototype Challenge, in motorsports, as in sailing, timing is everything. MULLER Hanna Zellers stands as one of the most promising racers in the sport and will be competing in the 2022 IMSA Prototype Challenge

Corum Watches Ambassador Hanna Zellers to race in the 2022 IMSA Prototype Challenge M otorsport results are measured in milliseconds, so perhaps it’s appropriate Corum Watches Ambassador Hanna Zellers, one of America’s most promising up-and-coming young racers, has been named a participant in the 2022 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Prototype Challenge season. After all, the timing of motorsports takes accurate timepieces such as ZellersCorum. participated in the 2018 Prototype Challenge season among many other singleseat and sports car series, with podium ﬁnishes in Formula Atlantic races and a karting season championship. “I am beyond excited to make my return to the IMSA Prototype Challenge,” says Zellers. “I feel like I have so much more to accomplish and I’m ready for the challenge.”

WRITTEN BY RICK

FAST TIMES MOTOR RACING

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OBJECTS thesewatch,embellishedemeraldantotableeecoﬀwildaFrom twicelookyoumaketoboundareobjects of BYPRODUCED ZERILLO-SOSAMICHELLE BYTEXT| HORBULOVAANASTASIIA BarsChocolateNostalgic5. ChocolatesPlumSugar www.sugar-plum.com @sugarplumchocolates |Vase6. S.A.L.I.RFornasetti,Piero FranchiElisabetta www.1stdibs.com @1stdibs CharmWatchBeehiveGold7. |Bracelet Verdura www.1stdibs.com @1stdibs 1 |DressWomen’s1. MarrasAntonio antoniomarras.com cial@antoniomarrasofﬁ |TableCoffee2. DesignADistrict districtadesign.com @districtadesign |PaperonPrint3. SherAlex www.1stdibs.com @1stdibs Jade,Gold,Yellow18-Karat4. WatchDiamond&Emerald, GirodBueche www.1stdibs.com @1stdibs 2 3 4 5 6 7 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 108

DESIRE |JacketMen’s8. MarrasAntonio antoniomarras.com cial@antoniomarrasofﬁ TopStrapless9. McQueenAlexander www.farfetch.com @alexandermcqueen @farfetch LeatherPolishedMedusa10. |Bag Versace www.farfetch.com @versace @farfetch |FieroMartini11. Martini www.martini.com @martini |TableDining12. Koket demoraisinternational.com @demorais_international |QuartziteNoirOro13. SurfacesCava cavasurfaces.ca @cavasurfaces |WatchRed12.12Unisex14. Lacoste www.lacoste.com @lacoste PumpsPlatformRockstud15. GaravaniValentino www.farfetch.com maisonvalentino@ farfetch@ 8 9 11 13 14 15 12 2022 VOL. 26, ISSUE 2 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 109

ARCHITECTURE

Victorian Pride Centre, by BAU Brearley Architects & Urbanists and Grant Amon Architects, in

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THE BEENSHORTLISTFESTIVALARCHITECTUREWORLD2022HASANNOUNCED

This year’s festival, the first in-person event in three years, will celebrate the theme of “Together”

DUIVENBODEVANOSSIPBYPHOTO

The Rajasthan School by Sanjay Puri Architects Ras, India

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, by MVRDV, in Rotterdam, Netherlands

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T his month, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) announced its shortlist as part of the world’s largest live-judged architectural awards event. The shortlist stands at 420 entries, selected from projects from over 50 countries, including Malaysia, Mexico, Canada and the U.K. The shortlist covers multiple categories and design approaches, from rural villas to state-ofthe-art city buildings. The categories include Completed Buildings, Future Projects and Landscape, and they give impressive scope to the talent on display. In Completed Buildings, you have the Jatobá House in São Paulo’s countryside. Designed by Studio Guilherme Torres, it celebrates a sustainable approach to living, running on photovoltaic energy. BEEAH Headquarters, by Zaha Hadid Architects in the U.K., is a project equipped with

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER

Paul Finch, WAF program director www.worldarchitecturefestival.com worldarchfest

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THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF PERSONENCOURAGING,THISENTRIESYEARHASBEENVERYANDWEARELOOKINGFORWARDTOMEETINGINTOCARRYOUTCATEGORYJUDGINGANDTHENOURBEST-IN-SHOWAWARDS‘‘‘‘

The live-judged awards, which will decide the winners from this shortlist, will see the chosen architects and designers compete for 43 category prizes. Following that, category winners will compete against each other on the festival’s final day for awards in their specialty.

next-generation technologies, celebrating a netzero future while setting an example for other workplaces.TheFuture Projects looks ahead, making the most of technology and originality to champion innovation. For 2022, you have Toronto’s Indigenous Hub. Conceptualized by Stantec Architecture, the hub provides health and social services to Indigenous groups across the city, addressing community needs through a “landscape-first” approach.

The festival will take place between November 30 and December 2 in Lisbon and, under the theme of “Together,” will host a number of live events and panels with international speakers, exploring topics including post-pandemic life and climate change. Previously, other cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Singapore and Berlin, have played host to the festival.

“The number and quality of entries this year has been very encouraging, and we are looking forward to meeting in person to carry out category judging and then our best-in-show awards,” says Paul Finch, WAF program director in a statement. “WAF, the outstanding live event in the world of architecture, celebrates its 15th year in 2022. We are delighted to be hosting the event in the magnificent city of Lisbon, and we look forward to re-engaging with our architect and designer friends from across the world.”

The Village of Ancient Trees by the Water, by IAPA PTY. LTD. in China, is another. Situated in Huizhou, the concept revolves around connecting ancient trees to village living. It does so by creating treehouses that give the essence of living among the trees, as well as houses with ecological courtyards.TheLandscape category includes the Paseo Mallorca, by OHLAB in Mallorca. It’s a residential complex that manages to reduce air-conditioning needs by 90 per cent, making it a low-energy solution with design choices that focus on top-tier materials.Yuandang Bridge in Shanghai, by Australiabased architect BAU Brearley Architects & Urbanists, wants to blur the lines between structure and sculpture, creating a new take on the traditional bridge. As a design that places importance on connection, it’s split into three lanes for cycling, walking and local vegetation, giving the appearance of a floating garden.

11.

DOLCE WAS THERE BEST ANNUALCANADABUDDIES–14THTHRILLOFASCOT

Over 250 guests gathered at Magna Golf and Country Club on Saturday, June 4th, for Best Buddies Canada’s 14th Annual Thrill of Ascot. After not being able to host the event for two years due to the pandemic, guests were eager to come out and support the charity. Best Buddies Canada is a registered charity that helps create lasting one-to-one friendships for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). Buddies, an individual with an IDD, are paired with Peer Buddies, neurotypical students, to enjoy all the aspects of friendship – like a quick hello in the hall, coffee together or going to a movie as well as group events with their chapter. The event was an incredible success, raising over $580,000. The much-needed funds will support the Best Buddies Canada program and the 18,000 annual participants. Best Buddies Canada wants to create as many one-to-one friendships as possible for individuals with an IDD –because everyone deserves a friend. www.bestbuddies.ca@bestbuddies Rene Pantalone and Daniel J. Greenglass Vanessa and Mark Mulroney Olivia Laham, Deena Pantalone, Taya Kent, Hannah Hurwitz and Reighan Cameron Robert and Rosanna Ciccolini Margaret D’Agostino and Ellen Contardi Cathy and Perry Dolente Sarah Kaufman and Belise Deffet Jennifer and Pat DiCapo Kim and Joe Mimran Kim Appelt, Dinah Deif, Lilly Li, Jennifer Taylor, Dema Najjar, Tamara Bahry, Amanda Petrovic and Jessika Fink Marwan Rizek, Michelle Zerillo-Sosa and Sergio Sosa Rocky Pantalone and David Laren Jacquie Baldassarra, Melissa Baldassarra, Trish Verbugge and Sabrina Montemarano

12. Don Jackson,

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10.

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WRITTEN BY ESTELLE ZENTIL

Zielonka’s passion for pasta all started when he was gifted The Sopranos Family Cookbook by his brother at 16 years old. Since then, his fascination for the series ignited something in him, perhaps it was the big Italian-style dinners and generous portions of pasta being served. “It’s kind of interesting because The Sopranos is about the mafia, but actually, there’s a lot about food, about eating together and about going to Vesuvio.”

Mateo Zielonka was dubbed The Pasta Man by his Instafans and is chef at 180 The Strand, a collaborative studio and arts space with Soho House

Q: Can you speak on some of the basics of pastaA:making? I think it’s very easy, very simple and basic. Either you use semolina flour and water, or egg and 00 flour. The method is the same to make the dough. Knead for 10 minutes, and that’s it. It all depends on what pasta you’d like to make. If you’d like to make egg pasta, you can either use a rolling pin or a pasta machine. It’s so good for your mental health, and it’s so good to share pastamaking with your children and grandchildren.

Q: Can you speak more on the mental health aspect of making pasta and why you believe it’s so therapeutic?

It was only until years later, when Zielonka left his home in Poland to visit his friend in London, where his culinary journey began. From washing dishes to working in the kitchen, he eventually worked at a fresh pasta restaurant, called Padella, that he learned the foundational techniques of pasta-making.Today,Zielonka is head chef at 180 The Strand, a collaborative exhibition, events and office space in central London. Dolce sat down with “the pasta man” to learn more about his pasta-making obsession and key to living la dolce vita

I think food is like art; there’s a very fine line in between,” says Mateo Zielonka, a.k.a. the pasta man, known on social media for creating intricate, mesmerizing and colourful pasta creations like Gucci-style ravioli or Banksy-inspired taglierini.

What screams la dolce vita more than indulging in a beautiful plate of pasta?

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PASSION FOR PASTA FOOD

2. Lay out the pasta on a work surface or table. Cover with a damp dish towel or clingfilm (plastic wrap). Repeat the above process with a quarter of the coloured dough.

200g/7oz classic or rich egg dough 200g/7oz any coloured egg dough

1. Cut roughly one quarter from your disc of classic or rich egg dough, then flatten it a little and guide it twice through the widest setting on your pasta machine (0 on mine). Move to the next widest setting, then take the dough through twice. Fold the dough in half from end to end, flatten it slightly and roll through the machine twice again on the widest setting, then guide the dough twice through each subsequent setting. For filled pasta such as ravioli, tortellini or cappelletti, you want a fine, pliable dough, so stop roll ing on setting 8.

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3. Lay the coloured sheet flat on the table and, using a sharp knife, cut strips of around 1cm/ ½ in wide across the width of the dough. I use a metal ruler to keep the strips straight. Now arrange the coloured strips across the width of the egg dough sheet, laying them 1cm/½ in apart for nice, even stripes, or play around with alternate thick or thin stripes, diagonals or checkerboard patterns. Some of the coloured strips may overhang the edges of the sheet of egg dough, so trim to tidy up.

Recipes excerpted with permission from The Pasta Man by Mateo Zielonka, published by Quadrille Publishing, June 2021

ONE-SIDE-ONLY STRIPES

4. Using a rolling pin, roll gently over the whole sheet to connect the coloured stripes to the egg dough sheet beneath.

5. Finally, guide the dough through the pasta machine again on setting 8. This will give you the finished, striped sheet of dough.

Q: How do you achieve the colours in your A:creations?

A: There are plenty of places: art galleries, museums, going for a walk in the woods, in the countryside, foraging, meeting people who are foragers and trying new things, trying new foods in restaurants, for sure, gives you an idea of how to create new flavour or a new pasta dish. Also, social media.

Q: Do you eat pasta every day? A: Five to six times a week.

Q: What’s next for you? A: Lots of exciting things are coming up next year. I am thinking of trying to create a food platform for creatives from around the world.

Q: What is your life motto? A: I think simplicity. Going back to basics. People are trying to overcomplicate a lot of things in life, and I’m just thinking, “Be happy.” I have lots of tattoos from Pixar, and I just think that a lot of the cartoons teach you something amazing about life and what is important: family, simplicity, friends and not hustle.

Q: What would your biggest tips be for basic A:pasta-making? My neighbour brought me fresh tomatoes yesterday from his greenhouse, and what I did was sauté some garlic, chopped the tomatoes and some greens, and I just cooked this down for seven minutes and the pasta was ready. Simplicity. If you have a busy day, and you want to eat something delicious and a bit creamier, just make vodka sauce. It takes 15 minutes, and tastes so delicious!

A: For sure, pasta makes me happy. I can eat pasta five days a week, I love it. You can make pasta sauce in 10-15 minutes and have a meal made from scratch. You don’t need to make your own pasta sometimes when you’re busy; you can use dry pasta, but you can make your own sauce, for example. I think it definitely makes you happy and makes you feel a bit like being on a holiday if you make a good sauce!

Q: Where do you feel you are most inspired?

A: I love a bit of a challenge. Last year, I made pasta for Burberry. They approached me, and we did Burberry icon-striped pasta. Making pasta like that for a shoot was amazing. Two days ago, I made some Gucci pasta, pushing the boundaries a bit. I like to say the sky is the limit. I made Banks pasta, the lady with the balloon. I think food is like art; there’s a very fine line in between.

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Q: What does la dolce vita, the sweet life, mean to you? A: It’s kind of interesting. I always romanticize about Italy and their style of living. Work is very important in life, but what’s really important is spending time with friends, eating good food, drinking good wine, because we only have one life! Zielonka’s pasta comes in almost every shape and colour everything from striped, spotted, red, green and black, making it one of the most original pastas you’ve ever seen @mateo.zielonka @180pasta

Q: The interesting thing about pasta is that it’s so versatile, right? A: The beautiful thing about pasta is that you can make it gluten-free at home, you can make it vegan, with egg, there are so many possibilities. I think in the years to come, we need to push a little bit more. For example, how can we substitute Italian sausage as a vegan dish? And you can do that. It’s all about using spices and different vegetables. But things are going in a very good direction. I think it’s very exciting!

I truly believe that less is more. Having good quality produce, you need to use less in the end. It’s like buying a kilo of average cheese and you buying 200 g of very good quality cheese; you need less because it’s so flavourful. I try to buy produce from local suppliers as much as possible. The only thing which I source from abroad is flour. It is Italian flour, Molino Pasini.

If you have leftover beetroot, spinach or peppers, you can blend them and add them to egg or water, and you can make the dough with them so you can use leftover vegetables or dehydrated vegetables. I truly believe in using only natural ingredients. You can use whatever you like actually. You can use cocoa powder, as well, to make brown dough … I started experimenting with colourful pasta, which some people like and some people don’t. If someone is going to stop for five seconds to look at my content, and say, “Wow, that pasta looks cool,” that’s already mission complete. I want to encourage people to cook at home a little bit more and eat good food.

A: I think there are a few things which are good for your mental health, from a kitchen point of view. Let’s say making bread or pasta, you are totally on it. You make the dough, you mix ingredients, you make your hands dirty, and then you feel how the consistency of the dough is changing. It’s just you and the dough. It’s very hard to think of something else, about your problems. It’s a very relaxing process.

Q: Where do you source your ingredients from, and how important is it to you to have quality A:ingredients?

Q: Can pasta fix everything?

A: The portion size … just joking! I think you have so many talented people in Canada and the U.S. It’s massive because there’s such a big influence from American-Italian culture. It’s been a dream of mine to go and check how things are done there because there are plenty of good places.

Q: If you were pasta, which one would you be? A: That’s a good one! I could be two! Culurgiones, which is like a dumpling, and I would swim in tomato sauce, for sure. Or I would be taglierini in pesto. I think simplicity is key. Simple is best.

Q: What are some of your favourite designs you’ve created thus far?

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between American pasta and European pasta?

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