COUP BOSTON MARCH 2013

MARCH 2013

EXTREME FASHION SPRING ENOUGH PRETTY LITTLE WALLFLOWERS. LET'S GET SERIOUS.

CONTENTS & DEPARTMENTS

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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CURATED // EMERALD CITY

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COUP DE GRÂCE // THE EXHIBITIONIST As director of Yes.Oui.Si art collective and immersive entertainment company, Miguel de Bragança has made the entire city into a gallery.

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SOCIETY // THE FRONT ROW Who wore what, when, and why. And more importantly, how they made the party better for it.

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ARMOIRE // NEGATIVE SPACE Opposites have always attracted. But this season’s freshest contrasts aren’t just in color, but also in pattern play that creates bold architectural statements in print and silhouette alike.

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ARMOIRE // DIZZYING EFFECT A surrealist’s spin on spring’s heady kaleidoscope of prints. Forget what they’ve told you: Right now, more is definitely more.

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ARMOIRE // orange pop For too long, pastels have ruled early spring wardrobes.

Turn instead to a less expected palette: the jolt of hot-hued accessories against white. Lion, meet lamb.

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COUP D’ÉTAT // tIE GAME How did Roxbury native Christopher Chaun Bennett go from high school ridicule to accessorizing international celebs? One perfectly sewn bow tie at a time.

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ON THE COVER photograph by CORY STIERLEY art direction by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND hair & makeup by KACIE CORBELLE, ENNIS Featuring ANNA MILLS

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“ENORMOUS VIGOR AND DYNAMIC NUANCE.” –THE BOSTON GLOBE

BEETHOVEN

SYMPHONY NO. 7 FRIDAY, MARCH 15 AT 8PM SUNDAY, MARCH 17 AT 3PM SYMPHONY HALL Richard Egarr, conductor Period Instrument Orchestra

After conducting H&H in sold-out performances of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony in 2011, Richard Egarr takes Symphony Hall by storm with Beethoven’s masterful Symphony No. 7.

PHOTO: PATRICIA FEASTER

VIVALDI

VIRTUOSI

“FULL OF ENERGY AND GRACE.” –CLASSICALNET

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 AT 8PM SUNDAY, APRIL 7 AT 3PM NEC’S JORDAN HALL Ian Watson, director and harpsichord Period Instrument Orchestra

Harpsichordist Ian Watson returns to the front of the stage to lead a dynamic program of Vivaldi and other Baroque luminaries. Discover the virtuosity of H&H’s principal players in a breathtaking chamber concert of 18th-century music from Italian masters both at home and abroad.

PHOTO: FLICKR/ANCIENT ART

HANDEL JEPHTHA FRIDAY, MAY 3 AT 8PM SUNDAY, MAY 5 AT 3PM SYMPHONY HALL Harry Christophers, conductor Robert Murray, tenor (Jephtha) Catherine Wyn-Rogers, mezzo-soprano (Storgè) Joélle Harvey, soprano (Iphis) William Purefoy, countertenor (Hamor) Period Instrument Orchestra and Chorus

“MUSIC TO STAGE A REVOLUTION BY.” –THE HUB REVIEW

Considered one of the finest Handelians in the world, Harry Christophers brings Jephtha to Symphony Hall audiences for the first time since 1867. Premiered in the US by H&H in 1850, Handel and Haydn musicians and a stellar cast of soloists will bring to life this dramatic story of passions and redemptions, and showcase the transformative powers of Handel’s music.

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HANDELANDHAYDN.ORG 617 266 3605

Alexandra Hall Editor-in-Chief Joseph Gordon Cleveland Creative Director Austyn Ellese Mayfield Managing Editor Michael Blanding Editor-at-Large MICHAEL TrOTMAN Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katherine Bowers Amanda Hark Robin Hauck Jolyon Helterman Bernard Leed Erin Byers Murray Lisa Pierpont STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Marie Wu CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joel Benjamin Sadie Dayton Conor Doherty Tristan Govignon Christopher Huang Eric Levin Russ Mezikofsky Bob Packert Cory Stierley Dan Watkins Jessica Weiser ART & DESIGN INTERNS Caitlin Coyne Alexa Robertiello EDITORIAL INTERNS Diana Burmistrovich Basia Gordon Valeria Navarro Kelsey Prisby Heidi Rose CHERYL KAUFMAN Senior Client Manager TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT salut@coupboston.com COUPBOSTON.COM 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1105 Boston, MA 02116

PORSCHE OF WESTWOOD 420 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY, ROUTE 1

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

pretty intense In New England, our perennial entry into spring usually goes a little something like this: 1.

2.

3.

Decide to pretend it doesn’t still feel like January outside.

To that end, zealously embrace every last inkling of warmth and optimism at your disposal.

In your haste and desperation to do so, make highly dubious decisions of taste in regards to fashion.

Said dubious decisions usually include, although are not limited to, the following: A) an overabundance of tacky, prissy pastels; B) employment of saccharine femininity (see: gratuitously frilly hems, cutesy collars, and assorted other details that make you look like a doily).

When our creative director, Joseph Gordon Cleveland, first showed me his concept for the cover of this Spring Fashion issue, I flinched. “You want a dark-background, Technicolor-sprayed, big-attitude facial expression for spring?” I replied. “Seriously?”

And then I flipped through the sum of our pages that follow: they’re filled with gloriously lively, loud, intrepid clothing and accessories. The colors are anything but wimpy (Orange Pop, page 60) and are sometimes even nonexistent (Negative Space, page 30). And even when florals do enter the picture, they’ve got real guts (Dizzying Effect, page 50). We are, without doubt, having a take-no-prisoners moment, in even our season of most traditionally pretty dressing.

And why not? Done right, bold isn’t less beautiful, it’s more so—because it’s capable of so more distinctly capturing (and allowing for) individuality. It leans toward drama and throws down gauntlets of intention about how

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>>> The editor, contemplating whether to spray-paint her face with a neon rainbow for spring.

we’re planning to go about our day. It makes unapologetic statements against dressing like human versions of Easter eggs and instead argues for charting new territory. Above all, it opens windows to let in yet-untold adventures. And really, what could be more hopeful than that?

Welcome to your spring, in all its optimism, and its intensity.

Alexandra Hall Editor-in-Chief alex@coupboston.com

84 LEONARD STREET Belmont, MA 02478 (617) 484-4777 leonandco.com

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MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / CURATED

CURATED

What the finicky editorial COUP crew is donning, devouring, hoarding, imbibing, inhaling, and generally lusting after right now.

by JOSEPH GOrDON CLEVELAND, ALEXANDrA hall and Austyn ellese mayfield

1. Spa Suites at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami Reserve one of these six private treatment rooms, and you don’t just get a massage, mani, or pedi.

You also get unfettered, panoramic views of sparkling-blue Biscayne Bay from the spa’s top floor. The next best thing to a natural high.

From $190 at mandarinoriental.com —ALEXANDRA HALL, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2. Jonathan Adler Palm Beach Pillow I’ll be lining my sofa with these comfy little darlings.

So if my seasonal travel plans fall through, I can still honestly report spending a relaxing weekend reclining on Palm Beach. $178 at jonathanadler.com —AUSTYN ELLESE MAYFIELD,

MANAGING EDITOR 3. Ladurée LIMITED-EDITION Green Apple Macarons Get ’em while they’re here: These sweet-tart confections are available from France’s famed Ladurée through March 20.

Price upon request at laduree.fr —JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND,

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 4. Ultra Exfoliating Body Treatment Spring cleaning starts with tidying up my dermis. This rich body treatment combines Dead Sea salt and natural plant oils to both exfoliate and moisturize, so winter-worn skin becomes smooth and supple. $89 at arianna-skincare.com —AEM

5. The Lacoste Easbury Vogue has declared the wedge officially over. If that means I have to choose between such arbitrary fashion dictates and new spring styles this cushy and cute? I’ll be declaring Vogue officially over. $200 at lacoste.com —AH 6. Delano Club Chair A transitional silhouette with sublimely subtle details: waxed and worn calfskin, sleek arms, and unobtrusive nailhead trim. $2,250 at hudsonboston.com —JGC 7. Siirtolapuutarha Bowl The artful illustrations on this simple Finland-born number both tell a story and make a statement. $59 at marimekko.com —AEM 8. The Row Emerald Lambskin Quarny Dress Any lingering thoughts I had about going vegan are officially gone, thanks to MK, Ashley, and this stunning silhouette. $3,450 at barneysnewyork.com —AEM 9. Swatch Irony Diaphane Chrono Watch Never miss another connecting flight with this blast from the past—the wristwatch—rendered in a scene-stealing, 2013-appropriate emerald. $150 at amazon.com —JGC

10. Christopher Chaun Pigalle Bow Tie Supple calfskin leather in saturated Kelly green?

The only statement piece you need for the season.

(For more on Christopher Chaun: TIE GAME, page 72) $125 at christopherchaun.com —JGC BostonMints Lip Gloss Named after Boston landmarks (like Newberry—get it?), these spearmint-flavored wands are the very definition of local color. $15.50 at bostonmints.com —AH Cassées des Baux Olives They’re cracked and cured in Provence, with a triple whammy of fennel (seeds, flowers, and stalks). Little wonder I’ve been popping these fleshy, buttery babies like Jujubes the last few weeks. $10.50 for a half pound at formaggiokitchen.com —AH Live Ivy Globe Topiaries Ah, March in Boston. Too gray to withstand without a hint of warmth ahead; too cold to actually grow much. So here’s the fix: this leafy bit of spring-in-miniature.

It’s happiest inside but suggestive of outdoor garden strolls. $69–$169 at potterybarn.com —AH Avocado Spring romance is in the air, and also on my smartphone, thanks to this app for couples. Avocado keeps you and your S.O. connected with joint chat, lists, calendars, and photos. It’s like always having a quiet table for two in the palm of my hand.

Free download available at the App Store and Google Play —AEM

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ALICE + OLIVIA HOSS HUGO BOSS TWINSET GRAHAM AND SPENCER M I C H A E L KO R S TORY BURCH OGLE V E LV E T S C O TC H A N D S O DA AG JEANS NANETTE LEPORE CROSSING MAIN C ASHMERE EMU

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colorful character Miguel de Braganรงa in his home.

Behind him, an original painting, But The Coat Remains,

by Enrique Flores-Galbis.

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / COUP DE GRÂCE

the exhibitionist As director of Yes.Oui.Si art collective and immersive entertainment company, Miguel de Bragança has made the entire city into a gallery.

by DIANA BURMISTROVICH photographed by JOEL BENJAMIN “Too many people who wear a suit to work have never met a good tailor,” says Back Bay–born Miguel de Bragança, whose time spent in Barcelona and Amsterdam has since translated into his Stateside creation of local art collective Yes.Oui.Si. Not that you’ll often find de Bragança wearing a suit to his meetings. As co-creator of one of the city’s most promising “guerrilla art” and immersive entertainment production companies, the twentysomething leans toward a more bohemian mission. The organization has hosted everything from emerging-artist gallery shows and film screenings to poetry readings and concerts. “It’s the experience of a curated art exhibit,” says de Bragança, “energy of a concert, the weirdness of performance art, with the radness of video projections, poetry readings, live painting, [and] dancing.”

Taking cues from both the classical and the contemporary, de Bragança chalks up his eclectic style and inspiration to his time in Europe (with everyone from musicians and DJs to graffiti artists and puppeteers to fire breathers and hackers) as well as to his artistically inclined mother.

“For as long as I can remember, she’s been involved with the New England Conservatory, the French Cultural Center, the Boston Library.

Wherever she goes, she’s always trying to make

her environment a better place,” he says. “I respect that and have learned a lot from her.”

To balance out the frenzied nature of the emerging arts scene, de Bragança keeps his own style simple. He mixes up vintage finds (Harvard Square’s Oona’s is a go-to) with designer basics from Fred Perry and Ben Sherman and sticks to a neutral palette of blacks, browns, and olives—jolted out of dreariness with a wild scarf. And scarves, not coincidentally, are the subject of Yes.Oui.Si’s in-the-works immersive art project, about which de Bragança is decidedly mysterious.

He’ll hint only that it will involve wearable art and the city’s general public. Brace yourself— and your wardrobe.

EXPERIENCE yes.oui.si: Collective Creature A curated cacophony of characters, featuring work from 12 of YES.OUI.SI's artists in a salon-style show that explores the exterior personas artists create.

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MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / SOCIETY

THE FRONT ROW

At a party celebrating those who've transformed the city's fashion, food, travel, beauty, and home design, it was only fitting that we do some transforming ourselves. So when COUP Boston took to toasting our Lifestyle Visionary Awards winners at Clio restaurant, we turned the normally well-mannered dining room into a swank (albeit no less refined) lounge, with an assist from Uni as a micro-sized speakeasy bubbly bar.

The riot of flowers throughout the place—an unswerving contrast to the blizzard that raged outside—were outdone only by the equally riotous, and equally stunning, crowd decked out in everything from acid-wash jeans and tuxes to Old Hollywood satin. The Tinseltown nod continued a week later at The Feast of Music After Party (arguably the true bash among the night's festivities), with Golden Age gowns filling the Oval Room of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, getting down to nonstop big-band tunes. And given that the whole shebang benefited the New England Conservatory, why not? photographed by MARIE WU

SOCIETY / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

the venue COUP Boston Lifestyle Visionary Awards Ceremony CLIO Restaurant February 17, 2013

This page, top to bottom: SEAN WILLIAM DONOVAN & CLAIRE LEANA; TIFFANY & JOSEPH DOWD; ALEXIS, MIRANDA, AND MATT GAUDET. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: ASHLEY STANLEY, Katy Jordan, Caren Levine Stanley, And Jeannie Hannigan; Michael edmonds, nancy batistacaswell, and loring barnes; JULIE STARR-WOOD, ASTRID BENGTSON, and SAM MONSOUR; PATRICK HASANEN; ALEXANDRA HALL, kellie lynch, and Ronit enos; AN ARRANGEMENT FROM MARC HALL DESIGN.

SOCIETY / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

the venue

NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORy FEAST OF MUSIC AFTER PARTY Fairmont Copley plaza February 23, 2013

This page, top to bottom: EDYTHE DYER & GERARD RIVERON; JONATHAN SOROFF & JULIA PARTYKA; JOAN & MICHAEL YOGG. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Confections from kickass cupcakes; dan gabel & the high society orchestra; kate mccusker & Juan guillermo uribe rubio; ute prevost; susan & bill poduska, wendy shattuck; eric levin & christina tiemann.

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commissioned drawings custom invitations, note cards, and gifts

H E I D I P R I C E . M E 6 1 7 - 2 6 2 - 3 5 4 6

negative space Opposites have always attracted.

But this season's freshest contrasts aren't just in color, but also in pattern play that creates bold architectural statements in print and silhouette alike.

Photographed on location at the Boston Design Center.

photographed by JOEL BENJAMIN art directed & styled by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

tuxedo jacket and shirt, both price upon request at gregory paul. Oliver python bowtie, $250, at christopher chaun. leather gloves, $110, at cynthia rowley. alice + olivia skirt, $297, and tom ford shoes, $980. both at neiman marcus. champs de mars armchair, price upon request, at Baker.

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ARMOIRE / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

a.l.c. sweater, $345, at the tannery.

Robbi & Nikki Skirt, $118, and Alexander Wang shoes, $685. Both at neiman marcus.

this page alice + olivia dress, $597, and pjk bustier, $328.

Both at neiman marcus. klara belt, $75, at Reiss. opposite page Iro leather jacket, $1,309, and Phillip lim Dress, $525. Both at the tannery.

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MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

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ARMOIRE / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

THIS PAGE dress, Price upon request at tatiana cueva. klara belt, $75, at reiss. Alexander wang shoes, $685, at neiman marcus.

OPPOSITE PAGE COMME des GARÇONS top, $595, at riccardi. alexander wang leather shorts, $475, at the tannery.

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ARMOIRE / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

alexander wang top, $195, at the tannery. j brand jeans, $209, and alexander wang shoes, $685. both at neiman marcus.

this page alexander wang leather top, $375, at the tannery. milly pants, $275, at neiman marcus. charline shoes, $285, at reiss. opposite page theory blazer, $335, at neiman marcus. toga dress, $1,760, at riccardi. gerard vosca necklace, $205, at moxie. klara belt, $75, at reiss.

Alexander wang shoes, $685, at neiman marcus. champs de mars armchair, price upon request, at Baker.

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

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ARMOIRE / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

Photographed by JOEL BENJAMIN Art Directed & Styled by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND Hair by JILL COLWELL, STUDIO 28 Makeup by STACEY FRASCA, STUDIO 28 Art Director's Assistant ALEXA ROBERTIELLO Featuring CLAIRE LEANA, MAGGIE INC. / NEW YORK MODEL MANAGEMENT Photographed on location at the BOSTON DESIGN CENTER

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dress, price upon request at gregory paul. nili lotan blouse, $315, at the tannery. klara belt, $75, at reiss. alexander wang shoes, $685, at neiman marcus.

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diz z y ing ef fe ct A surrealist's spin on spring's heady kaleidoscope of prints.

Forget what they've told you: Right now, more is definitely more.

photographed by ERIC LEVIN

art directed & styled by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

double vision PJK BLAZER, $198, M Missoni Dress, $795, and Alice + Olivia Leggings, $398. All at neiman marcus.

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ARMOIRE / COUP BOSTON / MARCH 2013

mixed messages THIS PAGE MILLY DRESS, $375, Alice + Olivia sweater, $298. Both AT NEIMAN MARCUS. OPPOSITE PAGE LAFAYETTE 148 NEW YORK BLOUSE, $498, ELIE TAHARI SKIRT, $348. Both AT NEIMAN MARCUS. 52

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

plum forgot PJK BLAZER, $198, M Missoni Dress, $795, and Alice + Olivia Leggings, $398. All at neiman marcus.

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Photographed by ERIC LEVIN Art Directed & Styled by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND Hair by JILL COLWELL, STUDIO 28 Makeup by STACEY FRASCA, STUDIO 28 Art Director's Assistant ALEXA ROBERTIELLO Featuring OKSANA, MAGGIE INC. >>> WHERE TO SHOP NEIMAN MARCUS COPLEY PLACE 5 Copley Place Boston (617) 536-3660

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For too long, pastels have ruled early spring wardrobes. Turn instead to a less expected palette: The jolt of hot-hued accessories against white. Lion, meet lamb. photographed by SADIE DAYTON styled by JOJI GOTO

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

Wedge Issue Ash Italia high-top sneakers, $195, at Bloomingdale's.

All clothes stylist's own.

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Rocking the Look Bead and crystal necklace, $98, at J. Crew. All clothes stylist's own.

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MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

On the Bright Side THIS PAGE leather clutch, $525, at Barney's New York.

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Middle Ground OPPOSITE PAGE Patent leather belt, $29.50, snakeskin belt, $39.50, wide leather belt, $49.50, and skinny leather belt, $39.50.

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Wrist Action Wooden bracelet, $12, At Suzuki Bean. elastic stretch bracelet, $40, And crystal bracelet, $25. both at Neiman Marcus.

Leather watch, $250, at Kate Spade. All clothes stylist's own.

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MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

Jeff Lahens, Men’s Fashion Director

Men’s

Style

Retail

Strategy

Connect brands to their audience in today’s social media and digitally driving world.

www.DressCodeBoston.com

@DressCodeBoston

SECOND TIME AROUND High-end designer apparel and accessories on consignment

take a bow Christopher Chaun Bennett has the specialty tie market cornered.

MARCH 2013 / COUP BOSTON / COUP D'ÉTAT

TIE GAME

How did Roxbury native Christopher Chaun Bennett go from high school ridicule to accessorizing international celebs?

One perfectly sewn bow tie at a time.

by AUSTYN ELLESE MAYFIELD photographed by TRISTAN GOVIGNON TO ANYONE LOOKING for proof that sometimes vinyl with lace overlay and chain embellishment. (His the best path to success is the least direct one: Meet inspiration was a 2008 visit to Paris’s playfully garish Moulin Rouge district.) He wore the bow tie, appropriChristopher Chaun Bennett.

As a ninth grader in the late ’90s at Brockton High, ately dubbed “The Pigalle,” on a subsequent trip to New a bastion of urban overly baggy street wear, he was York, when a stranger in SoHo began shouting at him saving up money and wearing Prada, Gucci, and Zegna from across an intersection.

“This man yells out, ‘Yo, my man! Where did you to homeroom. (He credits his Panamanian mother’s flair for festive ensembles and his New England–bred get that bow tie? That’s the bow tie I’m shopping for father’s appreciation of quality and craftsmanship.) right now!’ When I told him I made it, he asked, ‘Well, Everyone at school seemed to know who he was. But not can’t you make me one?’ In retrospect, I literally looked at the sky and thought, OK, God. always in a good way.

I get it. I’m supposed to be making

“It was very strange for a black bow ties. And I’m going to start with male in the inner city to be wearing I literally looked at this guy.” tailored clothes before [they] were Now, almost three and a in style,” recalls Bennett. “I got the the sky and thought, OK, really positive side where people God. I get it. I’m supposed half years later, Bennett’s eponyto Be making bow ties. mous brand Christopher Chaun is loved it because it was original. But an accessories house with a burthere was also a lot of negative.” geoning international following.

After high school, he bypassed college and a scholarship to work his way through a The meticulously selected materials are crafted (many number of jobs—everything from business development still by Bennett himself ) into ties and brooches that and ad sales to luxury retail and male modeling. But blend tradition with bold colors, exotic textures, studs, it was a stint in acting that led him to stumble onto spikes, and chains.

And they’ve landed on more than a few high-prohis real calling.

After starring in the 2009 independent film Business file collars; his “Finale” tie, for example, graced the is War, Bennett needed a statement accessory for a film neck of Beyoncé as she serenaded Oprah Winfrey from party. “I wanted to wear a raw denim bow tie. I went to the stage of Chicago’s United Center during The Oprah all of the places in Boston that you would imagine could Winfrey Show final taping in 2011. “It was such a huge have an accessory like that, and I didn’t find one,” he blessing to me, because it wasn’t just Beyoncé wearing my tie,” says Bennett. “I’d been through so much to get says. “And I’m not going to change my outfit.”

So with a four-dollar sewing kit and no pattern, here—experiences of isolation, of being singled out. he made his own. The piece garnered so many com- Had I not had the good fortune of having a strong charpliments that he made another tie to wear to the film’s acter… I wouldn’t be in this place right now. All that was premiere, fashioning the second iteration from sleek worth something, and I’d do it again and again.”

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