Deluxe Version Magazine Issue No.8 Las Vegas

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NEIMAN MARCUS at Fashion Show Mall • THE ATRIUM at the Palazzo • TESORINI at the Bellagio Lobby Shops • RADIANCE at Aria Lobby Shops



*Backpacks shown are for display purposes only, showing a charitable cause. Characters and products are owned by their respective trademarks and do not reflect the views or any association of this charity.


“For it matters not how small the beginning may seem to be. What is once well done, is well done forever.” – HENRY DAVID THOREAU

DELUXE VERSION MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY DLXVRSN MEDIA INC. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.DLXVRSN.MEDIA



EDITORIAL

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: TIM HANCOCK MANAGING EDITOR: JEN CHASE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: STACEY GUALANDI FASHION DIRECTOR: KRISTA WHITE CULINARY DIRECTOR: SCOTT COMMINGS ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR: ANDY GIL CONTRIBUTING PUBLICIST: TYRA BELL-HOLLAND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: JAMILLETTE GAXIOLA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS: JEFF RANKIN & DANNY REYES WRITERS: JEN CHASE, STACEY GUALANDI, ELENA ORSORIO, DANI REEVES, NIKKI MARIE, MARIAH WALTON, CHELSEA ABATE CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS: ANGELES SCORSETTI, AMY WATTS, RESHAWNDA JONES, JENNIFER BRADLEY, RAY GARCIA, BRIAN MOORE, KATHRYN MOSELEY

PUBLISHING & ADVERSTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: CONNIE NEMECHEK CONTACT: MEDIA@DLXVRSN.COM OFFICE: 424.354.3904

COVER CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER: TIM HANCOCK MAKE UP: TIRZA GRANT HAIR: ELLIE REED FASHION BY: DNA2050

MEDIA

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT MORALES VIDEO PRODUCTION: MIGUEL DROZ, JOE JANET, ROBERT MORALES

SPECIAL THANKS

MSD STUDIOS, FRESH WATA STUDIOS, PATRICK LANG, RYAN LABBE, DR. NEVILLE CAMPBELL, JOHN SESSA, SCORSETTI DESIGN ©2017 DLXVRSN MEDIA INC | WWW.DELUXE-VERSION.COM


RED WOMAN: On Location In New York City PG.45

THIS

ISSUE ENTERTAINMENT

20 // VEGAS SUPER STAR SIGHTINGS 2017 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 27 // CELEBRITY SWEET SPOT 55 // SAVORY DINING COAST TO COAST

TALENT

20 // NOTHING FLIP ABOUT REXALYNN WALBERG 38 // LEADING IN LUXURY RESORTS 45 // FEATURE STORY: JEN BARNET’S VEGAS THRILL 56 // BEAUTY & ART IN MOTION WITH ZOE REBELLE 58 // INTRODUCING THE AUSPICIOUS JOHN SESSA 65 // LONDON CALLING WITH MAYLEEN RAMEY 70 // ADAM ROSENFELD: SELLING LOS ANGELES 83 // DR. TED SIM DOES VEGAS BODIES GOOD

FINER LIVING

23 // CONFIDENTIAL NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD 28 // DV APPROVED: TRY OUR FAVORITE COCKTAILS FROM GEORGE CLOONEY & RANDE GERBER’S CASAMIGOS 55 // LAKE LAS VEGAS SUMMER HAPPENINGS 76 // LA PROPERTY REPORT: BEL-AIR VS. BEVERLY HILLS 87 // IMAGINE THAT?! HEALING WONDERS

FASHION

30 // MIAMI BLUSH 89 // RED WOMAN

ISSUE NºO8

SPRING • SUMMER 2017


BLOWIN’ UP THE BILLBOARDS

Vegas rolls out the magenta carpet one night a year for the creatives whose work is music to our ears (literally!) Luxe News Live was there to catch it all!

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LONDON CALLING

What happens when a content-producing tennis expert with a penchant for London gets bored? Read about the dead-sexxxy shoot Mayleen Ramey pulled together to show off the city she loves...just becuase.

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Note From The Publisher

A Bold New Look Birthing digital and print publications that deliver something enjoyable for readers who are thirsty for creativity has always been our goal. And over the course of our first seven issues of Deluxe Version Magazine (formerly titled DLXVRSN), we grew our national online presence to more than 86,000 readers. Our mission has always been to recognize the talent behind things that make for a well-lived life while helping our readers dream of or aspire to embracing the finer things in life, themselves. Today—3 years since our launch—we continue to surround ourselves with so many talented people to profile; so many stories to share, and so much visual artistry…all delivered in an easily accessible publication that everyone can enjoying reading. In This Issue There’s no denying spring/summer pleasures from Miami to York City in our fashion features clothed by world-class designer Willfredo Gerardo. We take a closer look at the worlds’ foremost luxury resorts created by Sands Corp., thanks to marketing pioneer Patrick Lang. Our contributing editor Stacey Gualandi enjoyed a little “liquid medicine” with Lang on a Friday where she learned some methods behind Sands’ genius. You’ll get to see the photos of our team covering this year’s 2017 Billboard Music Awards (...as Drake took home 13 reasons to forever change music history), on the magenta carpet. I had the pleasure of shooting with Vanderpump Pet’s very own Dr. John Sessa as shares his passion for rescuing pups. Our lifestyle ambassador Mayleen Ramey takes on a visual journey to London. Plus, Kylie Jenner makes a daringly-sweet appearance at the brand new Sugar Factory addition. Like what you’ve been reading? The longer you stick with us, the more we’ll have to share. Sincerely,

Tim Hancock Deluxe Version Magazine | 11


Meet The Team Tim Hancock

PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

As a high-end fashion photographer and creative director for the last decade, Tim Hancock has collaborated with clients Angelo Galasso USA, IK Retail Group, and , where he passionately showcases each brand in perfect light, crafting and driving the visual voice of his clients’ brands and visions. A Las Vegas native, Hancock’s work has been sought by the city’s elite print and online publications, from headshot work and stylized shoots to red carpet affairs. Hancock is also the creative director for Vegas Legal Magazine and producer of Luxe News Live, where he produces a product that is crisp, professional and pursuant of perfection. As founder of Deluxe Version Magazine, this is Hancock’s inaugural publication continuing in it’s eigth issue.

Jen Chase

MANAGING EDITOR

From Boston to Las Vegas and places in between, Jen Chase’s food and lifestyle writing has featured the stories of good companies and people doing great things, in more than 500 clips across multiple formats. Owner of Button Soup Consulting, Chase’s work has appeared in content for brands MasterCard®, Breville®, Bertolli®, Lens.com; the television show PBS’ Ciao Italia; publications Forbes Travel Guide, Hard Rock Hotel magazine, Time Out Las Vegas, and lifestyle magazines on both coasts. As content director for Las Vegas-based The Juice Standard, Chase is the online voice for the company’s website, blog and Facebook presence. And as editor of this publication, she works with writers to elicit the very best content for the pub’s very best readers (you!). Find her on Instagram at @ culinarietherapie and her Tumblr blog by the same name.

Stacey Gualandi

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

There’s not much Stacey Gualandi won’t do for a story: The Emmy award-winning journalist (KTNV/Ch. 13 Action News) once went 80 hours with no sleep to test the effects of sleep deprivation; painted the Hollywood sign; and even flew a plane after only 15 minutes of instruction. But her tenacity is tempered with humor and softness that puts colleagues and interviewees at ease…evident in both in her ability to get the tough “get”— she obtained the first interview with Mary Kay Letourneau’s young lover and a rare interview with Kit Culkin, Macauley’s father, about the case against Michael Jackson, just to name a few—and, her graceful, playful way with words. Drawing from her reporter years with Inside Edition and American Journal, Gualandi is Deluxe Version Magazine’s contributing editor.

Tyra Bell-Holland

CONTRIBUTING PUBLICIST

It is an exceptional skill to influence a room of executives and one that Tyra Bell-Holland commands with grace. As DV Magazine’s publicist, her 15 years both as a medical executive and within the hospitality industry have given her the necessary aplomb (and Rolodex) to ensure that any Bell-Holland event is a successful, media-covered one. As president of Ava Rose Agency, with a focus on expert branding, influencing, marketing, and overall “instigating,” clients include Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Nobu, STK, Rent The Runway, and The One Group, among other satisfied clients.


www.deluxe-version.com Krista White

FASHION DIRECTOR

Since being crowned the Cycle 14 winner of America’s Next Top Model, White has walked the runway for Roberto Cavalli, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, and Helen Yarmak, among others. Through her travels and appearances in world-renowned fashion weeks, and through her exposure with the world’s top designers, White now brings her fashion background to the forefront by curating Deluxe Version Magazine’s design and fashion content, blurring the line between couture and everyday beauty.

Scott Commings CULINARY DIRECTOR

As DV Magazine’s culinary director, Chef Scott Commings brings a patchwork of food and beverage experiences to the publication as he educating them on the origins of deeply good food. Good food is something Commings knows: The Season 12 winner of the Fox network’s Hell’s Kitchen, Commings is the executive chef of Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev. Despite the outward glam, his relationship with food began tending chores on his family’s Wisconsin farm, where he gained an appreciation for an honest day’s work and the beauty of in-season harvesting, recipe development, cooking, and eating. Commings graduated from Purdue University’s Hotel Restaurant Management Program.

Andy Gil

ENTERTAINMENT RELATIONS

Andy Gil began his work in Las Vegas radio as Mid-Day Host on Wild 102 FM (Clear Channel), then moving to CBS Radio at 98.5 FM KLUC and Mix 94.1 FM. While making huge strides in the radio industry as a top contender in his craft, he was voted “Best Radio DJ” By Jackcolton.com. With his career track record, it shows Gil’s versatility is his production credits. His most recent work in radio was with Royce Broadcasting where he handled Marketing and On-Air roles for 104.3FM in Las Vegas, NV, 97.7FM KRCK in Palm Springs, CA and 92.7 The Revolution in San Francisco, CA. Andy continues to expand on his formula for success. He currently is Director of Media for Marshall Injury Law and Media corespondent for Deluxe Version Magazine.

Reshawnda Jones MARKETING DIRECTOR

Born & Raised in Las Vegas and proudly holds her Bachelors in business management. Equally passionate in the medical feild Jones has worked all aspects of the medical field over the span of 10 years. With a bigger vision for her self and her family she started Infinity Consulting Co. as a medical/legal Marketing Consultant. As a part of the Deluxe Version Magazine team she is excited to further the value of relationships she has gained with an amazing roster of clients that include some of the top doctors in their fields!


www.scorsettidesigns.com


CONTRIBUTING

RESORT LIFE

WRITERS

Sands Corp.’s Patrick Lang talks deconstructs inception of The Dorsey at The Venetian Las Vegas and what it takes to stay atop Las Vegas’s delicious restaurant game.

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Chelsea Abate

Derek Sante

Mariah Walton

Elena Osorio

Charlotte Evans

Dani Reeves The Dorsey photo by Bill Milne


SUGAR RUSH

Sugar Factory continues its world domination of sweetness, one location at a time (... with the help of sweet thang Kylie Jenner).

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ALL FOR PUPS

John Sessa just might be man’s best friend’s best friend...always ready to help the dogs he loves, four paws at a time.

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PG.



BACKSTAGE ACCESS Luxe News Live Covers the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

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PRE-SHOW POMP // Clockwise: G-Eazy with Luxe News Live’s Dani Reeves; Derek Sante with BTS; and (l-r) Luxe News Live Hosts Stacey Gualandi & Dani Reeves


FRESH FACES // Left: Recording Artist Shawn Hook Right: Actor Aidan Alexander

CATCH THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS at www.luxenewslive.com ON THE MAGENTA CARPET// Above: Recording Artist Daughtry Right: TV Personality Sibley Scoles Below, Right: Music Group R5 Left: Actor Jussie Smollett

&

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There’s Nothing Flip About

Rexalynn Walberg – By Dani Reeves

When I was asked to interview Rexalynn Walberg for this month’s issue of Deluxe Version Magazine I was beyond thrilled! Not only is Rexalynn the top broker for the hit A&E television show Flipping Vegas, but she is also a dedicated philanthropist in the community; she studied opera in school; and if there is a baby grand piano around, she could serenade you into buying a house! With all of that, I knew this story was going to be juicy and exciting.

After several years in The Sunshine State, Walberg wanted to move closer to her family that had retired in Las Vegas. She had moved to the city in 2005, during the “Big Bubble,” which actually lead her to change careers and landed her in real estate. This happened to be a great decision for her as she became a successful real estate agent in the Valley…a decision that lead her to meet two very important people: Amie and Scott Yancey.

The day Walberg and I got together it was a scorching116 degrees in Las Vegas. She had recommended meeting at the Blind Pig, a restaurant that sits directly behind the magnificent view of the Las Vegas Strip. (And besides the eatery’s beautiful ambience, it just so happened to be Taco Tuesday, as well! How perfect!)

When I jumped right into my questions about the hit show Flipping Vegas and working under the GOLIATH umbrella, Walberg mentioned she had met Amie Yancey while working for Woodside Homes earlier in her career and through Amie, she met real the estate Guru, Scott.

Though we’d never met, the moment she arrived I recognized Walberg. She was full of energy, even after walking through the blazing heat, and had a smile that was made for television! She approached the table with open arms almost as if we knew each other. Later, I would realize it was her Midwestern charm and hospitality that made us feel like lifetime friends. We immediately started chatting about our afternoons, ordered some refreshments, and agreed that tacos were our first priority! Soon, we settled in; and because I had so many questions, I wanted to start off easy…so I asked about her favorite sports team! Without hesitation she proudly hoisted her fist and cheered, “Go Sun Devils!” Walberg then explained that although she is from Saline, Mich., she attended Arizona State University where she will forever be a fan. I soon learned that Little Miss Sun Devil studied pre-med at ASU where she would later coown a very successful anti-aging clinic in Florida.

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After years of friendship with the Yanceys, the worst possible scenario in the Las Vegas housing market was about to hit the local real estate world. However, at that time, Scott was working on creating a reality television show that was related to Las Vegas’s fallen market. Walberg vividly remembers a night dining with the couple at T-Bones Chophouse inside the Red Rock Resort and Casino. Amid conversation, Scott casually asked Walberg why she wasn’t working for him. She laughs as she retells this, admitting with a straight face, “I didn’t know if he was serious!” It turns out that Scott Yancey was very serious, and next thing she knew, Walberg was on a hit television show as GOLIATH Properties’ top real estate agent! And boy, was it popular: People like you, me, and my mom all watched this entertaining and almost hopeful show about buying tragically foreclosed houses in the Valley and recreating them into gorgeous ready-to-buy homes! (And yes, when I told my mom who I was interviewing she was so excited.) Walberg shares that although she is best friends with Amie, Scott has been her mentor, motivator, friend, and biggest


HOT PROPERTY

MODEL HOME LOCATION COURTESY OF SUNWEST CUSTOM HOMES

supporter. And although she credits Scott for where she is in her career, Walberg highly admires her meditation coach, Socorro. Socorro has been enormously influential in keeping Walberg balanced, and I loved this part of our interview because while Walberg talked about Socorro and meditation, the restaurant somehow transformed from this cozy brick alehouse into a tranquil hideaway. The music turned nostalgic while we sipped on iced tea and spoke about the powers of one’s mind. Walberg confidently shared that if she manifests something in abundance, she is able to fulfill her needs. Not only does she meet with Socorro one-onone, weekly, but she also enjoys attending a group session called “Create Luck Circle,” hosted by Socorro and created by her very good friend Dani Bald. Unfortunately, as with all good interviews our time eventually wound down. Walberg had a showing across town… yet I wanted more details about the Flipping Vegas fans that would sometimes show up at the office to see if they could meet the cast. I wanted more intel about how it’s possible to find so many homes for a television show on

a strict schedule (but she and the team managed to do it somehow!!). And, I wanted to dive deeper into all the interesting clients she’s had to work with (e.g., a booty-shaking Internet business! Only in Las Vegas!) But when Walberg’s phone rang one last time—her future home-buyer on the way to their meeting—I could tell she was entering work mode, so we said our goodbyes, gathered our belongings, promised to keep in touch, and went our separate ways. It was a pleasure spending an afternoon with such an inspiring and hard-working woman. The reality of Walberg lies in her ability to balance her on-screen persona and her off-screen person. And whether it’s thanks to meditation, manifestation, Socorro, or her own spirit, Walberg makes sure her fans (and clients) always see her best. And that’s no flip. GOLIATH PROPERTIES | (702) 487-6777 10161 Park Run Dr. Suite #228 Las Vegas, NV WWW.GOLIATHPROPERTIES.COM

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A NEW LATIN RESTAURANT FEATURING CHEF LORENA GARCIA

A 50 EGGS CONCEPT

Please visit Venetian.com for reservations and information.


Confidential

NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD – By Tim Hancock

We’ll take credit for introducing you to your

next online binge! It’s not an HBO saga or Netflix-n-chill series, but with 8 years in the making the lifestyle platform The Skinny Confidential will leave you on the edge of your phone browser wanting more. ~ For those who don’t know, The Skinny Confidential (TSC) is all about creating a healthy lifestyle through balance. Launched by style blogger veteran Lauryn Evarts while attending San Diego State University, Evarts wanted to create a community for women to connect and share their tips, tricks and lifestyle betterments. TSC has grown from a health and wellness-focused blog with

over 200,000 views a day to a full-on lifestyle brand with a book, podcast and product line in the works. On the website you will find recipes, workouts, fashion, home decor, travel itineraries, personal stories, and more irresistable day-to-day cravings. DELUXE VERSION: There are a lot of blogs out there. What separates The Skinny Confidential from others? LAURYN EVARTS: TSC will “go there” while other blogs try to project the perfect life. TSC is about breaking down that facade. I’m not afraid to discuss taboo subjects like death, boob jobs and sex. These are things people are dealing with in real life and want to talk about. People are tired of staring at another perfect flat lay of makeup brushes.

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DV: Have you always been entrepreneurial? LE: Definitely. I’ve gone to the beat of my own drum since I was a little girl. I used to think I was lazy and unmotivated because I didn’t want a traditional job. Once I started blogging, it all made sense. Why work for someone else’s dream when I could be building my own? DV: Who else works with you? LE: My team is incredible. When I started TSC I was doing everything by myself—e-mails, editing, marketing, interviews, shoots, content, social, etc. Finding people who have strengths where you have weaknesses is key. I have people help with accounting because numbers are not my strong suit. Also I have an amazing go-to photographer that gets my vision and aesthetic. Finding the right people who believe in your vision is key to building a strong team. DV: Your (relatively new) husband is now working with you, too, yes? Tell us about the podcast and how Michael has been slowly integrated into your brand. LE: The TSC “Him & Her Podcast” was started as a side project and has become one of my favorite platforms. Podcasting is SUCH fun because it allows you to connect with so many interesting people. We’ve had entrepreneurs, authors, actors, and even our family on the show. We answer your questions on entrepreneurship, relationships, marketing, and more. Michael’s role has been fun because he’s providing a male perspective. (We just celebrated our 1-year anniversary!) DV: You two are big travelers, yes? How have you built that into The Skinny Confidential? LE: Traveling is a priceless experience. Michael and I love traveling and exploring new places together. It provides inspiration and expands your perspective of the world. When traveling, we always try to find where the locals go to have an authentic experience. On TSC, we share itineraries on where to stay and eat; what to see; and we share other fun tips and

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tricks. Our next trip is to New York city, which is one of my favorite cities. New Yorkers know how to hustle. DV: How do you showcase luxury on The Skinny Confidential? LE: Luxury, to me, means taking care of yourself and enjoying the little things in life. This means I focus on eating organic food and spending money on workouts and acupuncture. As far as material items, I’m not a brand snob by any means. I believe in investing in high-end pieces that will last you a long time. Don’t splurge on trendy items you’ll forget about in 2 months. Go for classics. DV: Do you ever slow down? What’s a perfect day? LE: My perfect day would be hanging out with Michael, our two dogs (Pixy & Boone), while enjoying a glass of rosé, some bossanova music, and the sunset. Outside dinner, ideally. (For the record I’m obsessed with the hustle so it would include some type of work. HA!) DV: Any advice for bloggers who are just starting out? LE: Find your niche. Get super focused and find what value you can offer the community. Once you figure that out, focus on branding and authenticity. Also, patience. It takes time to build a following. I launched TSC 6 years ago. You have to chip away EVERY day. Success doesn’t happen overnight. DV: What’s next? LE: I’m working on a REALLY exciting product line. The idea is based on something that I love and use everyday. It will be a game-changer to your everyday routine. Stay tuned! DV: Where can people find you? LE: You can find me on The Skinny Confidential or hanging out on Instagram. My favorite place to connect though, is definitely Snaphat. And then there’s that podcast we recently launched, which has been so fun.


CREDITS

Photography by Arielle Levy Make Up by Kelsey Long Hair by Shawn Knudsen

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IS KYLIE THE NEW FRONT-RUNNER? “LIFE OF KYLIE“ PREMIERES THIS SUMMER ON THE SAME NETWORK THAT STARTED HER FAMILY’S TELEVISION EMPIRE.


Celebrity Sweet Spot

ONLINE INTERACTIVE PAGE

SUGAR FACTORY Kylie Jenner Welcomes The New Las Vegas Location Entrepreneur, fashion designer, author, television star, style icon, and CEO/Founder of Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Jenner continued the grand opening celebration of Sugar Factory American Brasserie’s newest location at the Fashion Show in Las Vegas on April 22, 2017. Sugar Factory offers sweet escapes throughout the United States, including the newest location outside of the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas, as well as a goblet bar and retail locations at the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas; retail stores at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY; TCL Theatres in Hollywood, Calif.; Union Square in Washington, D.C.; and at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (at the D Gates). Additionally, Sugar Factory American Brasserie—complete with retail and the brand’s popular restaurant—can be found in New York City; Chicago; Orlando; the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut; and South Beach Miami. The brand will expand into new domestic markets this year with planned openings in Seattle; Northern Virginia at Pentagon City and in New York City on Broadway. The brand’s first international location opened in Bahrain with restaurants at Festival City Mall and CityWalk in Dubai and in Manila, Philippines. Sugar Factory NYC was listed “The Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the United States” in 2016 and Sugar Factory Ocean Drive was the only Florida restaurant to make the list. Pictured: Kylie Jenner on the Sugar Factory Carousel. The hosts of Luxe News Live – Dani Reeves, Jamillette Gaxiola & Tim Hancock. Images courtesy of Derek Sante and www.luxenewslive.com.

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A FEW FACTS George Clooney and Rande Gerber love tequila on the rocks, by the shot, and at times, straight from the bottle. In fact, tequila-filled nights with friends is how Casamigos was born. The idea was to make the best-tasting, smoothest tequila whose taste didn’t have to be covered up with salt or lime. So they did.

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George Clooney & Rande Gerber’s

TEQUILA-FILLED

Deluxe Version Approved

OUR CHOICE IN THIRST-QUENCHING TEQUILA

NIGHTS WITH FRIENDS – By Elena Osorio

Casamigos Tequila is a small-batch, ultra-premium tequila made from the finest hand-selected 100 percent Blue Weber agave. The agave is grown in the rich red clay soil and cool climate of The Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, and the refined distillation process of Casamigos ensures a smooth mouthfeel with no additives (and, as always, thisauthentic tequila is gluten-free).

Want cocktails to enjoy while hosting parties all summer long? We keep Casamigos in our DV Magazine office bar and in our home bars, too, because we know it not only completes the party, it is the party! (Heck: There’s a reason why Clooney and Rande decided to name it “house of friends.”)

AGED TO PERFECTION: Here’s The Difference Casamigos Blanco rests for 2 months. It’s crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla and sweet agave, and it has a long, smooth finish. Casamigos Reposado is aged for 7 months and is soft, slightly oaky and has hints of caramel and cocoa. It has a silky texture with a medium to long smooth finish. Casamigos Anejo is aged for 14 months. With a pure and complex aroma, it has notes of soft caramel and vanilla and perfectly balances the sweetness of the Blue Weber agaves, with the subtle spice of barrel oak. The finish is lingering and smooth.

WHITE SANGRITA

1.5 oz. Casamigos Blanco 1.5 oz. White wine 1 oz. Simple syrup .5 oz. Fresh lemon juice .5 oz. Orange juice 2 Pineapple chunks OR .25 oz. Pineapple juice 2 Mango slices and thyme sprigs for garnish (optional) Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Muddle fruit. Add ice. Shake vigorously for 6-8 seconds. Fine strain into wine glass. Add block ice. Garnish with large thin mango slice and thyme sprigs.

CASA ROSÉ

1 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila 3 oz. Dry rosé 1 oz. Rose Grapefruit Sweetener Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice. Shake vigorously for 4-6 seconds. Strain into large wine glass. Add block ice with dried rose petals as garnish. As ice block melts, the rose petals will fill the glass.

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MIAMI BLUSH FEATURING STYLES BY WILLFREDO GERARDO MODEL: BETANIA GONCALVES PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIM HANCOCK HAIR & MAKEUP BY JUSTIN CESSAC

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THE DORSEY

The Dorsey photos by Bill Milne

AT THE VENETIAN LAS VEGAS


LEADING IN LUXURY RESORTS

Deluxe Version

INSIDER

PATRICK LANG OF LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP. – By Stacey Gualandi

On a recent Friday afternoon, I found the per-

fect prescription to take away the pain from a chaotic week: Penicillin. It was just what the doctor ordered…but to be clear, this Penicillin was a concoction of lemon juice, scotch and honey-ginger syrup poured onto an oversized square ice cube, and one of the fabulous signature cocktails now being served at The Dorsey in Venetian Las Vegas. This elegant 4,500-square-foot lounge opened in December 2016, steps away from the casino floor where it showcases a magnificent “infinity” bar; an intimate library and fireplace space; and a floor-to-ceiling gold birdcage. “We wanted to appeal to a customer who is looking for a sophisticated, elevated upscale lounge experience,” says Patrick Lang, vice president of Global Restaurants and Nightlife Development for the Las Vegas Sands Corp., and one of the executives behind this new cocktail concept that also served as the perfect backdrop for our interview. “One of the things we wanted to deliver [was] not only a really comfortable lounge environment [but] also the same level of cocktails and service,” says Lang. “If you can’t deliver on the experience side of the business—good music, nice lighting and great cocktails—you’re not going to give customers a reason to come back.” Lang has certainly delivered in the 6 years since he first arrived in Las Vegas. Born in Kentucky, he grew up in Atlanta and went to school at the University of Pennsylvania. (“I’ve been around,” he jokes.) His background is in investment bank-

ing and finance, which Lang says exposed him to some restaurant and retail experience, but he wasted no time becoming an innovative force in hospitality. Lang resides in a high-rise overlooking the Strip as well as the Venetian and Palazzo—two of the eight properties (along with dozens of restaurants/nightclubs) in the Sands Corp. family that keeps him jet setting around the globe. When not in Las Vegas, he travels frequently to Singapore, Macao, and Bethlehem, Penn., to oversee the restaurant and nightlife scene he is determined to develop and expand. And on this particular Penicillin-filled Friday of mine, Lang took a quick time out to talk about his success, frequent flier miles … and how it’s possible to be a Vegas man with no vices. Deluxe Version Magazine | 39


Deluxe Version

INSIDER DELUXE VERSION: Was this all part of your initial game plan? PATRICK LANG: I kind of grew into it. When I came here, I got interested in looking at our restaurants, how deals were struck, and getting to know our partners. With a finance background, there were a couple of areas where I thought I could come in and add value. I had to learn about restaurants as I went along. Over time, it morphed into [my] role now, which I love and have a lot of fun with. I think we’ve been able to do a lot of fun things for the company in Las Vegas, but also in Singapore, Macao and Bethlehem, Penn. It’s a great opportunity because you work with the best and brightest people in hospitality. This is the Mecca. Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas are really at the top of the culinary scene right now. Las Vegas is a small city, so the concentration of clubs and restaurants (and the caliber of chefs and talent within a half-mile radius) is unbelievable. DV: How did the idea for The Dorsey come about? PL: We talked to friends in the business and customers, asking, “Where are we under-programmed in the Venetian and what is underserved in the market?” A classy, more aspirational lounge is something that we felt was a niche, something that felt like it was more “nightlife for grownups,” for those who don’t want to wait in a line. We wanted to create something that still gave people who didn’t want the nightclub experience a place to go and feel relaxed, and have a conversation and have great handcrafted cocktails. DV: You didn’t surround yourself with amateurs! PL: I’m a big believer in teams. I’ve played on teams my whole life: When you can do a project and bring the right team together, it helps so much. Everybody has value and an area of expertise. [Award-winning mixologist] Sam Ross did some work for me in Singapore on David Myers’ restaurant The Drift. He launched the bar business and got it off to a good start. When David Rabin and I began thinking about The Dorsey, we had to go back to Sam. He is a great bartender—one of the best trainers in the business...I really do believe Sam is one of the best out there. DV: Do you have a lot on your plate? PL: One constant [in hospitality] is change. We’ve got massive amounts of real estate and we have to consistently reprogram to stay competitive. Trends and the market change and you have to keep up. That’s the biggest thing for us.

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The Venetian opened in 1999 and Palazzo in 2008. They’re both still great properties because we are consistently reinvesting in the business and reinventing ourselves. And, giving guests new experiences. Our competitors in this market are great and everyone keeps us on our toes. DV: Reinvention: Is it by gut intuition or through logic? PL: We definitely bring logic into the equation. If you’re going to invest the dollar amounts that these projects require, you have to have some logic behind it. But you also have to go with your gut. You’ve got to think like an entrepreneur. There’s no way to know until you make the investment and take the risk if something is going to pay off. A perfect example is Yardbird. Southern cuisine wasn’t really here in Las Vegas, and I felt like Yardbird [the concept of John Kunkel, founder of the restaurant group 50 Eggs, Inc.] did it the best. So we took a little bit of a risk. The day we opened in 2014, we watched 500 people come through the door for hours. We just felt like we got it right. We went with our gut. We made the big investment, and it’s paid off. And that’s not always the case. There’s a lot of gut that goes into the hospitality industry, and we try to put as much logic behind our decisions as possible. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to take a leap of faith and open the doors. Hopefully the customers respond well to it. DV: How hard is it working on so many properties? PL: You have to love what you do. I’m on the phone every night with Asia, starting at around 11 p.m. or midnight. I’m constantly taking phone calls. I always joke and tell people that when my Las Vegas day ends, my Asia day begins. My girlfriend hates it. But I care about what I do. I care about getting the best product and investing the company’s money wisely. These are big-ticket capital projects and you can’t just shut off and turn them off. It’s a constantly evolving thing. New challenges come up every day and there’s one fire drill after another until you get the place open…and then there are more fire drills. It gets to be a bit challenging at times but, fortunately, I love what I do and it’s very rewarding. It’s easy for me to stay plugged in as much as I can. DV: Do you have a mantra? PL: Not really, but I’m a big believer in loving what you do and picking the best team. To me, something special comes together when you’ve got the right group and you’re all rowing in the same direction toward a common goal. That’s when you get the best product. DV: What is your definition of taste? PL: Good question. I don’t really have one, but I think our job in the hospitality business is to try to be trendsetters while also giving customers what they want.


Photo Courtesy Of Sands Corp.

THE PALAZZO LAS VEGAS


Right: Venetian Photo Courtesy Of Sands Corp.

Marina Bay Sands by Timothy Hursley

MARINA BAY SANDS

SINGAPORE


Deluxe Version

I think it’s about responding to the taste, desires and demands of our customers and to the market. I have my preferences of places I like and where I like to go and food I like to eat, but that doesn’t mean they’re for everyone. If you can be objective about it and step back and ask, ‘What does the customer want?’ it does make your decision making process a little easier. DV: What makes you successful at what you do? PL: I keep going back to just believing in establishing partnerships with good operators. Relationships are at the core of what I do. You work very hard at establishing trust with your partners. For me, that and having a financial background, and knowing if you partner with good people and do it in a responsible way… everyone should come out ok. There is no secret recipe. DV: What is your most favorite place on Earth? PL: I love Singapore. I think it’s my home away from home. I’ve been going there off-and-on for almost six years. The change there is amazing. It looks nothing like it did 5 years ago. I have a lot of friends there and good memories. It is a bit nostalgic when I go back there. I’ve seen Singapore and the Sands property come so far in such a short period of time. Marina Bay Sands has forced local operators to elevate their game. It has always been a great food city but now Michelin Guide is going there and you see Singapore occupy more slots on Asia’s “50 Best Restaurants” list. It’s really an exploding culinary scene there. DV: What is your go-to drink? PL: Tequila! I’m not a big drinker at all, but there are a couple of tequila-based cocktails that I like.

INSIDER a couple of big projects that I can’t formally announce yet in Singapore that will be game-changers for our property and for Singapore. We’re looking at a nightclub and more restaurants, and Yardbird will be going there too. We also need to stay on our game here in Las Vegas. I have a couple of big projects we’d like to do and are talking about doing. DV: What advice would you give to those folks interested in the hospitality business? PL: I think a lot of operators coming to Vegas think they have to “go big.” I would say you don’t need a 10-thousand-square-foot restaurant to be successful. I think there’s a fine line you have to walk in this city. Don’t lose the intimacy and don’t lose the experience. People will go where other people are and they’re drawn to those spaces….It’s okay to have a line and people waiting at the bar. DV: One last question: Circling back to your love of working out, what do you bench press? PL: I have long arms and weigh 165 pounds, so the bench was never my thing. (Laughs.)

THE VENETIAN LAS VEGAS

DV: What drink do you fancy here at The Dorsey? PL: The Penicillin. Sam created it. You should definitely start with that. (DV: Done!) DV: Do you have any vices? PL: Not really. Honestly, Las Vegas is a market that if you have vices it could quickly go south on you. Maybe [my vice] is too much shopping. DV: What do you like to do when you are not working? PL: I go to the gym in my building. I live a pretty active lifestyle. I like to workout and travel quite a bit and luckily I get to do that a lot with work. DV: Do you know your frequent flyer mileage? PL: Haha! I go to Asia every other month, roughly six to eight times a year. I haven’t looked. Honestly, I don’t track it but it’s definitely up there though! DV: What’s next for you? PL: I think we’ve got a lot of work to do in Asia. We’ve got

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SWEAT-SOAKED

THRILL

Jen Barnet Delivers An Incredible Experience As XCYCLE Founder & Indoor Cyclist To The Stars – By Stacey Gualandi

Photos By Tim Hancock Makeup By Tirza Grant | Hair by Ellie Reed Styled By DNA2050 • Ian DeLeon

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Jen Barnet ON THE COVER

Just 45 minutes. Once the sweat poured out and I realized my stress had been lifted, I realized in just 45 minutes I felt 10 pounds lighter. All it took was for me to survive my inaugural spin class with Jen Barnet. (Barely.) Barnet is the spinner-in-chief at XCYCLE, an indoor cycling studio she opened outside of Las Vegas in Summerlin, Nev., in 2016. In less than a year, the studio is booming, and the 32-year-old is riding high on its success. One look at Barnet—this issue’s cover girl— and you can see that fitness is her passion. She has spent the better part of a decade as a spin student, but when her entrepreneurial wheels started spinning, she decided to open her own studio, having never taught a spin class herself. After several trips to Las Vegas to be with her fiancé, Britney Spears’ manager Larry Rudolph, Barnet decided to stay. Today, Barnet is being referred to as the “Queen of Spin City.” Catchy, you have to admit…but it’s an honor she takes seriously. Barnet’s goal, she says, is to get everyone “healthy from the inside out,” and it’s working. Many XCYCLE classes have a waitlist (but she has good news about that!) and celebrities are making the trek to ramp up their RPMs (hello Mario Lopez!). As someone who has loved spinning since the 90s, I understand Barnet’s appeal: she has energy for days, great taste in music and she truly wants to inspire each and every rider. Recently, we sat down—without bikes—to talk about taking risks, transforming a community, and of course, picking the perfect spin song. 46 | Deluxe Version Magazine

Deluxe Version: It probably never gets old being recognized for all that you are doing for the Las Vegas community, right? Jem Barnet: Honestly, this is all new to me. It’s just all very exciting. This was a huge risk. I’m young and I opened my very own business, so the fact that it has taken off and become such a success—to hear the testimonies from my riders and what we’ve done in their lives—that will never get old. Talking to you and doing these interviews will never get old, either, because what we’re doing is such a movement here in Vegas. DV: You were already a fitness guru, but what prompted you to take that leap and become a teacher and entrepreneur? JB: First of all, I have a huge passion for indoor cycling anyways; it changed my life. I can testify to what it did in my life, which is why I brought it to Las Vegas. I know what it does for people and I knew it could push you through thresholds that you didn’t know you could get through. It helped with my anxiety; it helped with everything. There are so many benefits to indoor cycling, but the reason I brought it to Vegas was that there weren’t any indoor cycling studios here. There’s a certain energy to what we do—what we do is a little different. A little more energy, the music is different, there are no overhead lights in the room, but there are LED lights in the room for lots of distraction because we don’t want you thinking about what time it is. We want to keep you excited, and on that bike. You will sweat and have the time of your life because that’s what its all about. It’s only 45 minutes! DV: Is this kind of a nightclub experience while “getting your spin on?” JB: It’s a sober way of partying. HA! That’s the way I put it. I started offering midnight rides—it’s not an every night thing, it’s a total pop up—but it’s at our studio and it’s for people like me who don’t drink. (I have Japanese in me, so I just don’t do well when I drink…ha!) Nothing wrong with alcohol, but with that said, I’ve created a sober partying atmosphere at XCYCLE for those who are like me, who can come at midnight, ride, and have that whole club experience, but you’re actually doing




something really healthy for yourself. DV: You are celebrating your 1-year anniversary. What have you learned about yourself after taking this entrepreneurial challenge? JB: I’m a lot stronger than I thought. Like I said, I’m a young entrepreneur, which is awesome and cool, but it’s scary. I’m still getting to know myself. I’m actually pretty impressed with who I’m becoming in this community, and I’m seeing myself have a big influence on certain women around me. It’s a touching experience for me and it inspires me everyday to actually want to be better. DV: You mentioned community. Why so much emphasis on building this community? JB: Because when it comes to fitness, cardio especially, cardio is not fun and it’s not easy, it’s hard, and we all can’t wait to get done with it. I really tried my hardest to create cardio that is fun [and makes] you feel like you’re in a club. “Healthy from the inside out” is the way I put it. DV: You’ve said the hardest part is finding the right instructors and playlists. How do you appeal to your entire class? JB: There’s actually one way I start my class every day: I turn the lights off during the first song as they are warming up and I say, “We are 35 people in this room and we are all going through different things: divorces, breakups, best friend fights, our kids...it doesn’t matter. Let it all go. What’s not serving you isn’t going to serve you anymore when you walk out of here. Let’s push through it, let’s ride through it and sweat it out.” Honestly, when they come out of the class, that’s when the testimonies come out. It’s really all about what we’re doing in that room. It’s more than fitness. That is the coolest part. DV: What is your go–to spin song? JB: That’s a good question. If you asked my riders they’re probably sick of it already. But they know when they hear Sia’s Move Your Body, they know there is a really hard sprint to come. I love that song! DV: Do you have a mantra or motto that you live by everyday? JB: Yes, and I say it in class every day: “Do your best and leave the rest.” That’s all I ask. DV: You have a celebrity following. Britney Spears held a charity ride here last year. Is that intimidating, or is everybody equal in the class?

Jen Barnet ON THE COVER

JB: I really look at it like everyone is equal. We’ve had Britney, Mario Lopez, and Mel B. from Spice Girls come in, and you know what? I just want them to be treated as normal as possible because for them to come into a place like XCYLE, it takes a lot for them to do that. They know the paparazzi will be there, so it’s important to me that they are treated normal every time they step into my studio. It’s my home and it’s my riders’ home, and it’s our celebrities’ home, too, when they’re here, so I just want everyone treated equally. DV: So with the success of XCYCLE in Las Vegas, any plans to expand? JB: That’s the hope. Listen, I am one of those girls who wants to just get this one right. And then if number two is a possibility, we’ll get there. But I’m not in a rush. I’m so excited with what I’m doing. I just announced we’re expanding in the studio! We have 35 bikes now, but we’re going to 50 bikes, so I’m so happy. We’ve had waitlists, so I want to let all our waitlist people know, “Hold on tight! We’ll have a bike for you! I’m knocking down walls for you guys!” I really have to thank the Las Vegas community for supporting me. DV: Do you pat yourself on the back now that you are making a difference? JB: It feels really nice. A lot of feedback is coming out on Facebook. I wake up some mornings and there have been riders during the night who have posted something about me or my other instructors, just saying what we’ve done to their lives after their ride. They are talking about how they felt from it, what they experienced, how many calories they burned, whatever their stats were that they challenged themselves. It’s exciting all the way around because it’s evolution, it’s growth and that’s what the world is all about! DV: Well, after taking your class I’m a little sore, but it’s a good sore!

Go For A Spin Yourself Visit XCYCLE to reserve your bike and class time! www.xcyclelv.com

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There’s one way I start my class every day: I turn the lights off during the first song as they are warming up and I say, ‘...Let it all go. What’s not serving you isn’t going to serve you anymore when you walk out of here. Let’s push through it, let’s ride through it and sweat it out.’

– Jen Barnet




www.stephen-f.com



Deluxe Version

Summer Happenings At

City Action

LAKE LAS VEGAS Did you know that Southern Nevada has an oasis, and it’s closer to Las Vegas than you think. That Oasis is none other than Lake Las Vegas. A quick 25-minute drive from McCarran Airport will land you right at the edge of a lakeside so beautiful and pristine; you will wonder why you waited so long to see what all of the fuss is about. Lake Las Vegas is one of Las Vegas’ best-held secrets. The secret is so good, we’ve decided it’s time to start letting more Henderson and Las Vegas locals in on the action. Don’t let the serene scene fool you; a lot is happening at Lake Las Vegas these days.

This could be your view!

LAKE LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE Real estate at Lake Las Vegas is back and better than ever. There are currently six housing developments being built along the shorelines and surrounding areas, including Estates at Reflection Bay, Toll Brothers, Century Communities, and William Lyon Homes. Estates at Reflection Bay are custom housing lots being built along the waterfront on North Shore. Homeowners in this double-gated private community will be able to customize a contemporary home that fits their style and lifestyle preferences. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that the new-home construction everyone sees around the Vegas Valley is a “mirror [of] what’s also taking place at this 3,592-acre desert oasis.” Everyone already living in the Lake Las Vegas community is ready to see this gorgeous desert oasis come to life like never before.

LAKE LAS VEGAS WATERSPORTS If you are into watersports and need to cool down in the Vegas heat, Lake Las Vegas is the perfect place to get away and have fun. From yoga on the lake to moonlight paddle and kayak swims, the Lake Las Vegas Water Sports team created an experience everyone can enjoy, no matter their level of expertise in the water. For those who want to be even more adventurous, try the flyboard and jetpack to fly through the air over the beautiful blue waters. LAKE LAS VEGAS EVENTS It’s not just watersports fans having fun at Lake Las Vegas. The Reflection Bay Golf Course opened a few years ago after undergoing a $5 million renovation, and the Lake Las Vegas Sports Club opened earlier this year. This sports club is reserved for Lake Las Vegas residents only and includes tennis courts, pickleball courts, a lap pool, a resort-style pool, spa and steam room, yoga studio, and all the workout equipment you need. Scott Commings, a winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, is the head chef at Reflection Bay Bar and Reflection Bay Golf Club. New food venues opened in the Village, including the Proof Tavern (complete with video poker machines). Season’s Grocery also opened in the Lake Las Vegas neighborhood earlier this year, and it is the perfect place for residents to get their local shopping and freshly squeezed orange juice. ICYMI: You can see free concerts along the waterfront every Saturday, with other events also happening throughout the month. From Olympic rowing lessons to local Las Vegas art shows and food festivals, there always seems to be something happening at the lake. You can visit the Lake Las Vegas Events page to see all the upcoming events, including events happening this Fourth of July weekend. Lake Las Vegas is not just the perfect place for Las Vegans to staycation or water sports fanatics to hit the lake. It is, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “a tranquil lakeside community where families can safely live and raise their children.” Lake Las Vegas is truly a desert oasis where you can live, eat, and be entertained at just a stone’s throw from the Las Vegas strip.

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Beauty and Artistry in Motion: The Intriguing World of

Zoe ReBelle – By Charlotte Evans

Zoe ReBelle is the sort of woman who subtly glides into a room as if to relish

those brief moments when she can observe her surroundings unnoticed, but with the body of Pocahontas and the voice of Zsa Zsa Gabor, “Good luck with that,” is all we can say. This Hungarian-born beauty is like walking art herself. She’s that neighbor who inspires intrigue, moving through her day—sometimes on rollerblades—on a quest for intrigue and inspiration from the world around her. It’s little wonder that neighbors in her Las Vegas high-rise have been known to whisper, “Who is that girl”? She frequently lounges poolside in a vintage 1920s Kimono (yes, it’s real and it’s spectacular, and she has a collection) with a notepad in hand. Always with a notepad. Zoe ReBelle is an artist, and is one of today’s rising stars in the international art community. Very much a citizen of the world, at age 6—living in a rural Hungarian town— she watched a documentary about beautiful places around the world and announced to her mother that she was going to be a world traveler. And while her relatives may not have taken her seriously, ReBelle stayed true to her childhood proclamation. 56 | Deluxe Version Magazine


ARTIST ON THE RISE

ReBelle landed in Las Vegas by way of Chicago, Miami, Paris, and multiple other cities around the globe, with no formal art training. Her work is varied and poignant, reflecting the sort of reverence for iconic American culture that is often most celebrated by those who did not grow up in the United States. She incorporates genuine Swarovski crystals onto some of her canvases, and draws inspirations from cultures around the world…particularly Asian cultures. Today, ReBelle’s paintings sell for between $3,000 and $15,000. There are some, like her personal favorite “Mizuki”, the geisha, which she has refused to sell despite towering bids. And praise and a sense of accomplishment have come in other ways, too. In Chicago, ReBelle’s visual masterpieces gained widespread notoriety when her masterwork as a painter with no previous pedigree was selected among the best of 89 finalists for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Horses of Honor program. Her creation became one of the top-15 works applauded in a live auction at the Hyatt Hotel. It was a cause, ReBelle says, she was very grateful to be a part of.

When asked by her makeup artist, as she prepared her for this article’s photo shoot whether she ever doubts her own ability, ReBelle replied; “You are an artist right now: Do you ever doubt how you put on makeup? Or, do you enjoy every minute of it?” Point taken. ReBelle’s greatest passions are children and animals. Keenly aware of how visual inspiration can motivate children, she has graciously offered to paint murals on the walls of children’s hospitals, free of charge. Deluxe Version Magazine is privileged to help spread the word that ReBelle is eager to continue this sort of “pro bono” work while she simultaneously gears up for her own showings. As one of the most fascinating rising stars in the art world today, we also absolutely recommend that you check out her inspirations at her upcoming shows, and on her website. Who knows: Her inspirations may well become your own. To dive into more of Zoe’s art visit: www.zoerebelle.com

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Introducing The Auspicious

JOHN SESSA It’s No Game When Pups Lives Are In His Hands – By Chelsea Abate

Living lavishly in Los Angeles doesn’t mean ev-

eryone is skin deep, and John Sessa is a perfect example. Los Angelenos may know him as Vanderpump Dogs’ extraordinaire, but this philanthropist is a Jack-of-all-trades whose thirst for culture and helping others blossomed early, and continues today in both his profit and non-profit work. Growing up in the United States as a first-generation Italian-American, Sessa’s interest in other countries (and the varied people who live in them) pushed him to learn Spanish in high school…a language he fell so hard for, he chose to study abroad in college. It was a good decision. Living in Barcelona gave Sessa the life experience he needed to set the course for his career, and while he went overseas with pre-med on his mind, he returned an international studies major.

58 | Deluxe Version Magazine

The switch led him toward managing different businesses and eventually starting his own, Sessa & Company, a consultancy that helps startups build their business. While launching his own company, the ever-driven Sessa returned to school to earn his master’s degree in international business and global finance…but his interests didn’t stop there. After meeting fellow dog lover Lisa Vanderpump, the two quickly became friends and business partners. The friendship, in Sessa’s words, grew organically. Working together for greater good of canines, Sessa and Vanderpump founded Vanderpump Pets and Vanderpump Dogs. Vanderpump Pets, a company dedicated to styling its clients’ furry friends, is now in over 500 Petco locations and dog-grooming boutiques nationwide. But its sister company, Vanderpump


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John Sessa

VANDERPUMP PETS

Dogs, takes a more touching twist by helping rescue abused dogs and finding them homes. In their development of Vanderpump Dogs, Sessa and Vanderpump embarked (no pun intended) on a journey Sessa says he always dreamed of: producing a documentary called The Road to Yulin, which highlights the destructive nature of the dog meat market in China. “The first time I went [to China], we were surrounded by a meat truck carrying lots of abused dogs,” says Sessa. “They needed a certificate of origin, and we suspected they weren’t carrying one. Over 200 activists surrounded them, calling on authorities to enforce the penal code.” After authorities arrived, Sessa says that the truck was in fact not certified to be taking the hurt dogs. After finding animals inside with broken legs (and even some that had died), Sessa described the experience as “life changing.” He and Vanderpump knew that to bring justice to the animals, they had to educate as many people as they could. Proud of his soon-to-debut film, Sessa hopes it will inspire the masses to take part in Vanderpump Dogs’ efforts in shutting down the Yulin Dog Festival. After filming the documentary, Sessa and Vanderpump held a gala last November to help establish a dog sanctuary in China. Calling upon other celebrity animal lovers like Sharon Osborne—they created a PSA with her—they brought the fight home by raising $150,000 for a new center and for transport vehicles. Sessa describes this point in his life as “just the beginning to what he plans to achieve.” His overwhelming generosity and love for what he does is apparent in how he talks about his projects. The sky’s the limit for this savvy spirit, and we can’t wait to see his documentary, premiering June 2017. Deluxe Version Magazine | 61


Speak when silent.

PLEASE CALL 702.414.1945 FOR RESERVATIONS THE VENETIAN ® LAS VEGAS


SAVORY SPOTS

NEW FAVORITES FROM COAST TO COAST Across the country’s major cities there is no shortage of great restaurants in sight as major food porn rears its delicious little head at every turn. And while good food hides in many a quiet American town, in Boston, New York and Los Angeles, it positively abounds.

LOS ANGELES Los Angeles is a place where diversity thrives. We see it in the architecture, the people and neighborhoods that give us a small window of insight into worlds overseas, but as in almost every culture, there is one thing that brings everyone together: Food.

Manhattan Beach Post – Head about 15 miles south of Century City where you’ll run into one of the area’s most notable brunch spots, known for its 1960s postal office origins and a killer Scotch egg. Aside from the beautifully reclaimed wood seen throughout, this space is the epiphany of “farm-to-table.” (In fact, the menu is so fresh, it will certainly be different between the time this was written and the time you’re reading it.) But, I will say, with categories like “Pass the Bread,” “Eat Your Vegetables” and “Meat Me Later,” you will never be disappointed. Make sure you make a reservation at brunch or you won’t get in!

BOSTON By Elena Castriota

The menu is heavily inspired by Executive Chef Brandon Kida’s travels through Silk Road, which is why we were blessed with one of his signature creations, the butter lobster ramen—possibly the richest, most mouthwatering ramen any Angeleno has ever tasted. And, let’s not forget, a very important detail–the bar. Hinoki’s Bar Manager, Gregory Westcott, utilizes ingredients that fit perfectly the restaurant’s Japanese log cabin vibe, including the cleverly name Miyagi Mule with lemongrass and ginger-steeped vodka and cucumber wasabi boba; and the Century, made with duck fat-washed rye, bitters and Lillet Rouge. (I know I know, you’re suddenly craving Japanese food right?)

DINING namese staples include fare like buns and banh hoi. El Centro – If you like margaritas, look no further. El Centro boasts several unique and classic margaritas (the spicy tamarind is a personal favorite), mojitos and sangrias, along with a solid beer and wine selection. And while the libations are stellar, the food is the real star of this upscale Mexican establishment. Note: It’s not cheap…but the portions reward your wallet with next-day leftovers, and after you’ve tasted the guacamole, you’ll better understand the caliber you’re in for. Of note: the carnitas verdes shines on a menu of all stars as does the bistec ranchero. If you’re a vegetarian, the enfrijoladas—corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and covered in black bean sauce—are one of the best Mexican dishes this foodie’s had to date. Pair it with a sweet corn tamal or the delightfully authentic rice and beans and you’re guaranteed to search for a reason to return the next day.

By DLXVRSN Insider

Hinoki & The Bird – One place that exemplifies LA’s multicultural aspects, perhaps more than any other spot in LA, is tucked away at the base of a luxury condominium in Century City. Known commonly for its eclectic menu peppered with unique dishes like wild boar ribs, Hanami toast garnished with gorgeous spring flowers, and one of the most photogenic lobster rolls in LA which is served on a charcoal black bun, Hinoki offers its guests a passage into Japanese culture without even leaving LA.

Preffered Tastes

Pho Basil – There are few things more stressful to an indecisive diner than an endless menu at a restaurant whose cuisine is unfamiliar. Fortunately, no matter what dish you choose at this tiny Back Bay spot, you’ll be delighted. Pho Basil is undoubtedly one of the best Thai/Vietnamese fusion restaurants in Boston. Need proof? Rain, shine or Boston Nor’easter, you’ll find diners waiting inside for a coveted seat at this spot that’s as bright as it is intimate. You won’t wait long though: service is so fast, you might not to finish that appetizer before your entrée arrives. Must-try noodle dishes include drunken or Saigon noodles, and in the rice department, the mango fried rice is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. Pho Basil offers several brothy pho options, as well as a handful of curries and vegetarian dishes. Other common Thai and Viet-

NEW YORK By Nikki Marie

La Esquina – Pull up to this nook and you think you’ve come across a standard taco shop. But take a closer look, and there’s something much cooler waiting behind the random door that blends into the wall with a sign reading“Employees Only.” Known for its posh playlist, awesome ambiance and mouth-watering Mexican fare, La Esquina is something of a rite of passage into the cool circuit of New York City. Despite its longstanding run as one of the “see and be seen” spots in the Big Apple (at least by NYC restaurant history standards), this sexy subterranean speakeasy is a force to be reckoned with. Come any night of the week and you’ll be sure to rub elbows (and chow down) with the best of them: models, influencers and your occasional celebrity. But you have to play the part, not just anybody gets in. So go ahead, put your downtown best on and make your way to this Mexican must. American Cut – Much like his namesake restaurant, Marc Forgione won over New Yorkers when he brought this New York City steakhouse spot to life in 2013. Known for its prime cuts, killer sides and amazing appetizers, American Cut Steakhouse is a true Tribeca staple. While everything on the menu looks as delicious as the place is beautiful (think Art Deco meets Contemporary Classic), you can’t go wrong with items like the Bone Marrow, Kampachi Tartar, the classic Filet Mignon, and the Cracker Jack Sunday to top it all off. And hey, you may even run into a Mets player or two, as rumor has it, this is where they like to chow down while they’re off the field.

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Deluxe Version

AMBASSADOR

LONDON CALLING Mayleen Ramey’s Travels Are More Than Show & Tell Is an artist by any other medium still an artist? Does mastery in one medium mean we’re destined to stay in that lane of our artistic freeway, or are we allowed to exit a different offramp? Television presenter, producer, and creative director Mayleen Ramey knows the draw of new forms of self expression. Called to dip her creative digits into multiple content pools of storytelling, Ramey likes keeping her followers guessing, and clearly she knows how to werk it. We never know what story she’ll show us next. Or, how she’ll tell it. When Deluxe Version Magazine last sat with Ramey in the fall of 2016, the entrepreneur had just pitched the sale of a series produced by her self-developed digital content channel Outside The Ball, which puts out weekly content about tennis. (Her most recent show in development is about the off-court lives of tennis’ biggest players.) “Since last speaking, we’ve aired the third episode of our TV show which reaches regional sports channels in over 50 million homes domestically,” explains Ramey, “and we recently hit a milestone on our digital channel: Our videos hit the eight million view mark. We’ve also started production on a documentary series and will be following a few players over the next year.”

I was in London for a brief break for my birthday, and an idea came to me: I wanted to make something magical.” The result? Trying her hand at the entirely new form of self expression of producing and art directing a fashion shoot (her first!) that would tell the story of her passion for her favorite city: London. Art direction. You know. For fun. “I wanted to try to tell a Victorian tale about my attitudes about life and London through fashion,” says Ramey in a telephone interview from her home in Los Angeles. Highlighting her fave city while connecting with London’s burgeoning couture design scene— wearing fine fashion while publicizing clothing artists she believes—was a win-win for her. For us, too, since Ramey’s something of a looker. “I love London, and I’m in London a lot,” she says. “When I imagined a modern fairy tale, the first and only place I could picture my story unfolding was there. The team at Stoke Park was gracious enough to welcome me with open arms and gave me the creative freedom to make this dream world a reality. I reached out to some talented friends and within weeks, we made it come true.”

Ramey’s day-to-day involves running her business— managing her social media and marketing team, working with designers to launch to giveaways and sales tools—while producing, directing and hosting weekly videos. Outside The Ball is also a media partner at various tennis events, and covers tournaments like the Delray Beach Open, BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

Ramey admits to flashes of insecurity, having picked fashion as her creative medium (“I’m colorblind and I hate to shop.”). But it’s a creative’s proclivity for puzzle making—fitting pieces together just so—that appealed to her.

Yet amid all that activity, even while on a rare holiday, Ramey admits to a constant desire to create…the very impetus for this feature. “At the end of last year

Follow Ramey’s luxurious, live-action storytelling as she wraps her bod in beauty and unwraps her mind around the city she loves.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: We won’t call liar on you, Girl, but if this shoot is you on colorblind, well we don’t wanna see….)

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THE SCENE: Amid 300 acres of London waterways, greenery and parkland, back in 1908, the James Wyatt-designed mansion at Stoke Park was the United Kingdom’s first country club and hotel (it’s even been the backdrop for two James Bond films). “Stoke Park has a glamorous history… [and] I have a personal, tennis connection to this grand property,” says Ramey. “I first visited in 2012 while I was filming my travel show, Destination Tennis. We were covering The Boodles, an intimate exhibition tennis tournament which also happens to be one of most distinguished events of the summer garden party season. Champagne-sipping guests draped in jewels go to watch the top mens’ tennis players against this unbelievable backdrop. The whole scene is breathtaking, and I instantly fell in love. Since then, I’ve come back each June, ahead of Wimbledon, as well as throughout the year to recharge. It’s my happy place. (www.stokepark.com) THE BACK(HAND) STORY: “I wanted the fashion to be an organic part of the shoot and story by using London designers who also possessed an additional, very special quality: the ability to bridge worlds. This exquisite gown and head piece are bespoke pieces, handmade in England, by designer G. Hasanova. The regal collection takes a modern approach to a time-honored tradition of haute couture. When I first met with the designer, I got goose bumps because it was exactly what I had envisioned. We both felt it was perfect for the concept. (www.ghasanova.com)


THE SCENE: Stoke Park’s gardens are the perfect playground for a girl and her game. Ramey’s smile and passion for her racket lend levity to the image ofsports-playing girl playing dress-up. THE BACK(HAND) STORY: “Tennis is what brought me to London, starting this love affair. I’ve played my entire life, and tennis has also shaped my career. I wanted to incorporate that into this fashion story, and when I tried on this G. Hasanova gown, I immediately thought of Victorian lawn tennis attire. Women in the late 19th century would actually play in floor-length dresses, and while not ideal sportswear, the silhouette was very elegant. I wanted to capture that, while nodding to Monet’s painting “Woman With A Parasol.” We swapped out the parasol for a vintage tennis racquet, while running through the gardens and this image was born. Juxtaposition at its finest.

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THE SCENE: It’s tea time at Stoke Park, where Ramey makes a sport of “holding court” in an entirely different way. THE STORY: “This is my fashion version of Victorian menswear, depicting the duality of the strong, masculine side that sometimes drives my personality…having to live in a male-dominated world of sports and television, while remembering that as a woman, you have to balance so much in your life in order to be successful. It’s presenting a softness and a toughness. That’s why this is staged during a proper high tea. However, if you look closely, cups are toppled and crumbs are strewn everywhere…a metaphor for disrupting the ideals of tradition and perfection. These incredible satin pants were designed and handmade by an American designer living in London, Brett Mettler. She’s a true artist and I’ve been a fan of hers for years. Brett typically works in latex and has created one-of-a-kind pieces for musicians, celebrities and even English tennis player, Heather Watson. (www.brettmettler.com)


CREDITS

Photographer: Tom Fraud Hair Stylist: Sara Chatterton MakeUp: Sara Menitra Designers: G. Hasanova, Brett Mettler , Burberry Special thanks to Nick Downie and the team at Stoke Park!

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Adam Rosenfeld

Selling Los Angeles – By Alicia Mistry

Adam Rosenfeld is a walking contradiction to Los Angeles’ stereotypically pretentious luxury real estate scene.

With an innate knowledge of the machinations that run the city’s high-end housing market, Rosenfeld balances his brimming passion for his career with an authentically calm and collaborative approach to buying, selling and developing property. It’s a sales approach that has sent him and Mercer Vine—the luxury agency he co-founded in 2015—to the upper echelon of luxury brokerages in L.A., and helped usher in an emerging era of transactions that measure success by an agent’s ability to value class and teamwork more than topical glitz and glam. Rosenfeld’s core values have helped make Mercer Vine one of La La Land’s most sought-after real estate agencies. HOW? Deluxe Version Magazine readers are about to find out. Deluxe Version: We love inception stories. How did you land in L.A. real estate? Adam Rosenfeld: Before real estate, I was at a crossroads in my life trying to figure out what to do. I was a practicing attorney in Miami looking for a career change…specifically, one where I could be more hands-on and interact with

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people in a greater capacity. My brother was living in L.A. at the time, so I visited him on a whim and somehow never left. He was in real estate and was starting his first home remodel, and he convinced me that if I got my real estate license, I could start a new career while still utilizing my legal education. I started working as an assistant, moved up the ladder over the course of 4 years, and realized there were things I wanted in a company that couldn’t be found anywhere in the brokerage world. I collaborated with a couple of like-minded agents, and we started Mercer Vine, a real estate firm dedicated to luxury real estate while building relationships on experience, trust and transparency, all while working in a collaborative setting. DLXVRSN: L.A. is known for its high-end brokerage firms. In your opinion, what makes Mercer Vine shine? AR: I like to think of Mercer Vine as a “boutique-at-heart” marketing agency inside a luxury real estate firm. We work and function as family and friends, and we all have a passion for the industry in different, creative ways. We’re always looking for new ways to do the things that have been done the same old way for years. For example, we have a stunning property in Beverly Hills, and we thought, why not make a movie with it? So we brought in award-winning choreographer, Jacob Jonas, and made a sophisticated film using the house as a backdrop for an interpretive dance. This is just one of the many innovations out of Mercer Vine. We’re also building a virtual reality room at our headquarters just for our clients. (More details to be announced soon.) DV: When you aren’t visiting some of the most luxuri-


PROPERTY REPORT

CONSIDERING A CALIFORNIA VIEW? SEE ADAM’S HOT SPOTS IN LA’S TOP NEIGBORHOODS ON PG.76

ous mansions in the country, what do you do in your free time? AR: Besides spending time with family and friends, I like to golf. I used to play baseball and had a dream of being in the major leagues, so I enjoy watching games from time to time. I’m also a major foodie, so I enjoy going out and immersing myself in the local fare. DV: Favorite restaurant in West L.A.? AR: I have to say Angelini Osteria. Its Italian cuisine is second to none in the city. For dessert, I have to go with the ice cream sandwiches at MILK. The pairing of macarons and ice cream will undoubtedly exceed expectations. DLXVRSN: What advice do you have for people who are trying to make it as a luxury real estate agent? AR: There are four main things I’d tell any newcomer:

with the right person. Everything can change in an instant. 2. Know the market really well…better than anyone else and especially better than the average consumer. Your clients are trusting you with one of the biggest financial investments they’re ever going to make, and it’s your job to add value among the immense competition in our industry. 3. Network with other agents and don’t take your relationships with them for granted. That’s the most important networking principle I’ve learned. Pay attention to detail and make everyone you speak with feel like the only person in the room. Those connections are going to dictate your success in this business. 4. Information is king. The best information comes from the people at the top of the game.

1.Stick with it. The first few years are really challenging and incredibly discouraging. Often, when things feel hopeless, that’s when they turn the corner. You never know when you’re going to be in the right place, at the right time,

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www.angelogalassousa.com




www.angelogalassousa.com


PROPERTY REPORT A LOOK INTO LOS ANGELES

L.A. REAL ESTATE, 101: BEL-AIR VS. BEVERLY HILLS


Bel-Air

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BEL-AIR VS. BEVERLY HILLS –By Adam Rosenfeld / Mercer Vine

Welcome to Los Angeles, the entertainment

capital of the world. Here, you’ll find elegant properties with breathtaking views stretching from The San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean and back. On the Westside, you’ll encounter some of the wealthiest neighborhoods – Bel-Air, Holmby Hills and Beverly Hills just to name a few. Bel-Air is a lightly populated residential district founded in 1923, home to the famed Bel-Air Country Club and Hotel Bel-Air. The area is split into three main neighborhoods: East Gate Old Bel-Air, West Gate Bel-Air and Upper Bel-Air. Each contains high-end estates built on expansive lots. Meanwhile, Holmby Hills is an affluent neighborhood in the district of Westwood, bordering Beverly Hills on the east, Bel-Air on the north and home to both Holmby Park and De Neve Square Park. Further to the east sits Beverly Hills, a high-profile city known to house A-list celebrities and iconic locations including Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

scale projects are quickly becoming increasingly difficult to approve. Bel-Air is known for its mixture of luxury and privacy and is quickly becoming the most exclusive part of the city, with many homes pricing upwards of $100 million. Lot sizes tend to be an acre or larger, and the milieu is chic and private. Each property feels like its own retreat full of beautiful trees hidden and secluded from the hustle and bustle of LA life. When compared to Bel-Air, Beverly Hills’ properties are smaller, but the price per square foot is higher. This is due to the celebrity appeal and popularity among buyers, in addition to its proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Century City and Culver City.

Together, these neighborhoods make up The Platinum Triangle.

Situated in one of the best pockets of Bel-Air, is 642 St. Cloud Road in East Gate. This one-ofa-kind, 30,000 square-foot development sits on just over an acre and is being designed by Bulli Architects. Known as the Nikolai Residence, this contemporary villa and guesthouse is served by two garages and a long private driveway.

All three neighborhoods are home to some of the most well known owners with both lavish properties and breathtaking views. However, Bel-Air and Beverly Hills—both known for their sleek sophistication—are experiencing backlash against construction from the city. Bel-Air especially is facing development obstacles as large-

Just north of Sunset Boulevard is 375 Trousdale Place, located in the exclusive enclave of Trousdale Estates of Beverly Hills. Designed by world-renowned São Paulo-based architects, Studio Arthur Casas launches a breathtaking 15,000 square-foot organic, mid-century modern home with beautiful views. Currently under

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Bel-Air

Bel-Air


Beverly Hills

development, this home will feature a dramatic two-story atrium flooding both levels with natural light, bringing nature indoors and enlivening the warm-toned stone and Brazilian millwork throughout, which will exude a feeling of calm sophistication. When completed, this five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home will have westerly views of the Pacific Ocean in all family bedrooms and the master suite. Both of these developments are quickly setting the standard for luxury living. Aside from their locations in premier neighborhoods, the homes exhibit quality of structure that is unlike anything on the market. The developers of these properties pride themselves on craftsmanship and cultivating unique structure. Design is paramount to what they do, especially with is so much competition in L.A. 80 | Deluxe Version Magazine

Mercer Vine’s discerning clientele demand the very best of service. These two properties complement our clients’ sophistication in every way. For us, it’s always about the union between a purposeful lifestyle and the luxury homes that serve it.


Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills



DR. TED SIM DOES LAS VEGAS BODIES’ GOOD – By Dani Reeves

I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting before I was in-

troduced to Dr. Ted Sim. I suppose I envisioned my former chiropractor, or perhaps other doctors who have treated me throughout my life, you know? Maybe he’d be middle aged, perhaps with some salt and pepper in his hair. And he would be wearing khakis, a polo, and since we were meeting for a photo shoot that evening, he would– perchance—bring a grey sports coat of some sort. Boy was I wrong! I first met Sim at his photo shoot for this article. The Deluxe Version Magazine team and I were preparing for his arrival by arranging the studio lights and backdrop, and making sure the wine refreshments were stocked. When he walked through the front door, the studio’s atmosphere changed to pure excitement as we were welcomed with the most genuine greeting (which might have included a little dance, as well). To my surprise, Sim was nothing like what I imagined. In fact, he was the total opposite. Dressed in a form-fitting Under Armour workout shirt and shorts, he entered the building with an unforgettable energy. (After all, he was coming straight from teaching one of his notorious Zumba® classes, so he was pumped!) Before getting started, we all sat in the meeting room to chat about some business. (Actually, that’s where the “refreshments” were, so we were tending to another kind of “business!”) Sim sat at the head of the table, and his bubbly personality was addictive: As he was talking about his day, I couldn’t help but notice him spinning from side to side in the rotating chair, feet swinging. His energy was almost childlike…incredibly inviting! I was definitely intrigued and needed to know more. Raised in San Jose, Calif., Sim decided to join the military where he served in the United States Air Guard for 8 years. While in the Air Force, he was deployed many times; and during one of these missions, Sim injured his lower back while carrying heavy equipment. Upon the advice from his commander, Sim made an appointment with the chiropractor that day. He was so impressed with how fast and

effective his chiropractic therapy was that he began to think about a serious career in the field. Upon returning home, Sim decided to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to earn his bachelor’s in kinesiology sciences. He later went on to receive his doctorate in chiropractic and yet another bachelor’s in human biology at the University of Western States. Sim decided to move back to Las Vegas where in 2010, he began ChiropracTED LLC, where he is the lead chiropractic physician. And after 7 years, ChiropracTED has become one of the leading and most respected chiropractic offices in Las Vegas. Aside from his clinic, Sim has a serious passion for Zumba®. His love for this lively and energetic dance class came while he was studying at UNLV. At the gym, he noticed a class that people were always lining up for. Everyone inside was having a blast…smiling and dancing their hearts out! Sim decided to take a class and from there, was he was hooked. Zumba® ended up being a way to take his mind off his books for an hour. And as if earning a doctorate and two bachelor’s weren’t enough, after graduation, Sim became a licensed instructor. According to Sim, his love for Zumba® was much deeper than the workout itself. This active chiropractor became more interested in how it was changing the lives of millions through Zumba®thon charity events. Inspired, Sim has since chosen to host the largest classes in the nation, all while raising money for charity, as well. Not only has Zumba® helped Sim’s own well being, but it has made him into a more passionate chiropractor. The relationship he has with his patients and his students are most important to him. In fact, many of his patients are also his students! Seeing his patients heal through therapy and his students leave class with a smile is what he lives for. I’ll tell you what: All of my talking with Sim left me wanting to get up, get moving, and dance! If after reading this you feel the same, I’ll see you at Dr. Ted’s next Zumba® class at LVAC, 24 Hour Fitness, or Lifetime Athletic in Las Vegas!

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Offering up privacy and style with a twist, inspired by the timeless swim, racquet and lawn clubs of the past.

Come test the waters.

The Palazzo® Pool Deck Level 3 Friday – Sunday 21 & Up




IMAGINE THAT!

YOUR BODY CAN HEAL ITSELF – By Mariah Walton

According to Neville Campbell, M.D., owner of

the Center for Wellness & Pain Care, it can! Here the staff is sharply focused on regenerative medicine. If you’re like me, you had to Internet search this term. Regenerative medicine is actually quite fascinating. It’s a branch of medical research which “regenerates” human cells and tissues to promote normal and better functioning. For instance, if someone experienced pain or injuries in his or her neck, back, joints, or any discs, the Henderson location would use a form of regenerative medicine—which you may have heard of, called stem cell therapy—which uses one’s own stem cells to establish normal functioning in healing the body. Stem cell therapy is an option, but another holistic alternative would be Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP). This was an Alice in Wonderland moment for me when I learned about this next-generation and revolutionary treatment. Typically, doctors use a steroid to decrease inflammation in damaged joint tissue which Dr. Campbell describes as using a band-aid. He says, “We want to get to the root of the problem rather than cover it up.” On the other hand, PRP is wonderfully more effective because it attempts to fix the underlying problem. A part of our body’s response to injury is to produce platelet cells, and these cells are loaded with healing abilities and act as a magnet for your body’s stem cells which are integrated in tissue regeneration and repair.

PRP THERAPY GOES AS SIMPLY AS THIS: • The doctor creates a mixture of blood platelet plasma from your own body. • The mixture is then administered through injections to the targeted area of pain. • Your body begins an accelerated healing process with no risk of rejection as your own blood is drawn. • After a few hours, you’re back to your normal activities while gradually increasing in well being. Now, we know what you’re thinking: “I need this for my fill-in-the-blank!” Us, too. But before dashing over to see Dr. Campbell and staff at the Center for Wellness & Pain Care in Henderson, know that you are in for a natural healing process, and with that comes patience. The doctor and his staff take time, effort, and are patient with their clients. The ambience alone places one into a calm mental state similar to that of a spa...a far cry from a de-humanized, robotic doctor’s office experience. The goal is for the client to become whole from the inside out, which is a process. Not long, but a process nonetheless. Sometimes it’s required that we simply slow down, breathe, and generally allow and receive our healing. As the Center for Wellness and Pain Care’s slogan goes, “where healing begins… .” My goal is to remind us to take ample time for ourselves. As Deluxe Version Magazine readers, we know one thing for sure: You are worth it!

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red woman featuring Anna Kile & Betania Goncalves Styled By Willfredo Gerardo Photographed By Tim Hancock Hair & Makeup By Justin Cessac

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www.edenbyedensassoon.com





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