GRAZIA Gazette: Aspen, Issue 17, 2022

By Ellen Von Unwerth

JOSEPH ERRICO EDITOR & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

ILARIA SVITIC CREATIVE DIRECTOR CASEY BRENNAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR AT LARGE

AARON RASMUSSEN EXECUTIVE EDITOR AT LARGE COLLEEN KRATOFIL EDITORIAL & DIGITAL DIRECTOR

JACLYN ROTH HEAD OF ENTERTAINMENT

SHELBY COMROE FASHION MARKET EDITOR

HANNAH MILITANO STYLE WRITER

ALEXANDRA SEXTON ART DIRECTOR

DIGITAL

JESSICA BAILEY INTERNATIONAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

KARLI POLIZIANI DIRECTOR, E-COMMERCE

CHARLOTTE STOKES FASHION DIRECTOR

GRACE O’NEILL FASHION WRITER

REBEKAH CLARK FEATURES WRITER

EMILY ALGAR BEAUTY EDITOR

KATE

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

A coterie of Aspen denizens who embody success, culture, change, and the art of living well

DURÉE ROSS

With offices in Aspen and Fort Lauderdale, public relations and marketing maven Durée Ross is a natural leader who has been nationally recognized for her ability to manage crises and develop winning strategies that protect and build a brand’s reputation.

TOMAS PEVNY, MD

A board-certified orthopedic surgeon in ValleyOrtho’s Aspen office since 1995, Dr. Pevny specializes in knee and shoulder injuries, sports medicine, trauma, total joint replacement and joint preservation.

GARY FELDMAN

The founder of the Gary Feldman Group at Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty has over 35 years of experience selling the finest luxury properties in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

LEONARDO DE AGUIAR

As the founder of INTUEAT, Leonardo De Aguiar created the luxury brand and digital marketplace to help bridge the gap between best-in-class chefs and discerning clients with a taste for the very best, providing 5-star dining experiences for clients in the Aspen and Denver areas.

JULIE MACKLOWE

Following a career in finance, Julie Macklowe turned a passion for single malt Scotch whiskey into a reality, producing the very first luxury American single malt whiskey, The Macklowe.

THE SCENE & The Seen

Celebrities flocked to Miami for the city’s annual Art Basel festivities

TIFFANY & CO. LAUNCHED ITS HOLIDAY POP-UP AND CAFÉ WITH A STAR-STUDDED FÊTE IN MIAMI’S DESIGN DISTRICT

Tiffany & Co. dazzled during Art Basel with its star-studded party to kick off its new holiday pop-up and first Tiffany Café in the Miami Design District. On Dec. 1, Hailey Bieber, Pharrell Williams, Lori Harvey, J Balvin, Dixie D’Amelio and more all partied at the brand’s new twostory pop-up. The space was inspired by the 2022 holiday campaign that features archival designs from Andy Warhol, who worked with Tiffany & Co. from 1956-1962. Designed by Kai & Sunny with bright neon accents, intentional paint spills and acrylic framed art, Warhol signatures can be seen throughout the venue. There’s even a quote by the pop artist on the wall: “More than anything, people just want stars.” Shoppers will find a curated assortment from collections by Tiffany T, HardWear, Elsa Peretti, Jean Schlumberger and Tiffany Lock and they can enjoy light meals, coffee, tea and dessert at the café. The Miami popup and Tiffany Café will be open to the public until Jan. 31 at 160 Northeast 40th Street in the Miami Design District.

Clockwise from top le : Izabel Goulart, Valentina Ferrer, Camila Queiroz; Pharrell Williams, J Balvin; Lori Harvey; Dixie D’Amelio; Hailey Bieber

PRESENTED BY

Farm to Shelf CBD www.plant-power.io

THE NEW & TH E NOW

MAX MARA MAKES A VERY GLAM ARRIVAL TO ASPEN WITH ITS FIRST POP-UP IN THE TOWN

A Warm WELCOME

BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

The Italian luxury label Max Mara has been a staple in the outerwear game ever since the Teddy Bear Coat became an instant celeb-loved hit when it was released in 2013. Now, the brand is bringing the Teddy to Aspen with its first pop-up experience in the city — and it’s making its arrival known. A life-size ice sculpture of the brand’s unofficial mascot, Max the Teddy, is situated in the winter garden of the Hotel Jerome, where the pop-up is taking place. The brand is also serving complimentary hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts from a vintage Piaggio Ape cart stationed outside. (Talk about a warm welcome!)

Inside, the modernist, streamlined boutique has

touches of Max Mara’s heritage and legacy and features LED screens playing graphics of vintage Italian ski posters come to life. There is also a curated collection of designer furniture and décor by VERSO, a purveyor of fine interiors, including a one-of-a-kind VERSO assortment by renowned designer Pierre Chapo and rising talents Objects of Common Interest, Ian Love, Jes Paone and designer duo, edxxkat.

As expected, shoppers will find the full assortment of Max Mara’s iconic outerwear line and a curated selection of RTW and accessories. There are signature Teddy styles, as well as quilted puffers, cozy turtleneck sweaters and

fuzzy bags, mittens and more. There are also coats from the Max Mara Atelier collection, marking the first time they’re available to shop outside of a flagship store. Ahead of the pop-up's opening, Max Mara hosted a virtual event with stylist Dani Michelle (whose clients include Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian) to give viewers her expert tips on styling the label’s outerwear selection. For your own personal styling assistance, appointments with a Max Mara client advisor are available at the pop-up. The store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Dec. 16 through Dec. 23. Visit Hotel Jerome; 330 East Main Street, Aspen; maxmara.com

Ralph Lauren is bringing back skiwear favorites

Shopping for the person who has everything can be a tricky feat, but Ralph Lauren is making it a lot easier this year with a curated assortment of vintage pieces (first sold between 1987 and the 2000s) and exclusive collector’s items. Ralph Lauren skiwear is now on display and available for purchase at the brand’s Aspen location on East Cooper Ave. And for an extra-special surprise, the brand will release limited-edition custommade skis, snowboards and collectible ski posters featuring graphics from the ‘80s and ‘90s as well as collectible down ski jackets from the same period. In the 1980s, Ralph Lauren took inspiration from the sporty styles of the times and created ski-themed graphics that became instantly covetable — and they still are to this day. For even more throwback finds, a larger assortment of vintage skiwear drops each week on the Polo-67 app through the end of December. Visit the Ralph Lauren Aspen store; 501 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen; ralphlauren.com

BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

POPPING BOTTLES

Master the ultimate party trick with a champagne sabrage class at St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Uncorking a bottle of bubbly always ensures a great time — but opening one with a saber? Now that is going to be a night to remember. No one knows that more than guests who’ve stayed at a St. Regis Hotels & Resorts property. Every evening, there’s a champagne sabrage performed in honor of founder John Jacob Astor IV. The ritual has been taking place since 1904, when the business magnate first started having a bottle of champagne sabered daily at the original St. Regis in New York to “celebrate the transition from day to night,” St. Regis Hotels and Resorts VP and Global Brand Leader George Fleck tells GRAZIA USA

“Astor was inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte, who would famously open champagne with his saber, both in victory and defeat,” Fleck explains. “Now more than 100 years later, sabrage continues to be a signature ritual of the brand, performed across our global portfolio of hotels and resorts from New York to Rome to Hong Kong.”

Resort guests and locals alike can get a more handson experience by booking a 30-minute private champagne sabrage masterclass. An expertly trained St. Regis butler leads groups of any size, and the unique lesson includes a bottle of champagne and canapés.

“Participants are instructed on everything from how to properly chill and prepare the bottle to how to hold the saber and where to strike the neck to ensure the cork goes flying,” Fleck says. “Before they know it, they have mastered the ultimate party trick.” Luckily, opening a bottle in such a dramatic fashion isn’t as hard as it first appears. “Once you have one of our sabering experts walk you through the steps, sabrage is quite accessible, even for beginners,” Fleck notes.

In addition to the New York City location, sabrage masterclasses are also offered at St. Regis’ portfolio of North American properties, which includes Aspen, Atlanta, Bal Harbour, Deer Valley, Houston, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington D.C. Visit The St. Regis Aspen Resort; 315 East Dean Street, Aspen; st-regis.marriott.com

Maison Ullens is making holiday shopping a little sweeter this season

Amid the last-minute holiday shopping scramble, Maison Ullens is pampering shoppers and bringing the best of Belgium to its Aspen flagship. On Dec. 21, the Brusselsbased womenswear ready-to-wear line is hosting “A taste of Belgium” event at their East Hopkins Avenue location and serving up Belgian chocolate and beers. What better way to refuel and find a few fabulous gifts while you’re at it? When the brand launched in 2011, its main goal was to provide the perfect travel wardrobe of chic, sustainable pieces that transcend trends for women on-the-go. (That means there’s something to delight even those hard-toplease jet-setters.) Browse cozy cashmere sweaters, sporty jersey jackets, comfy jogging trousers and easy-to-gift hats, scarves and more. Visit the Maison Ullens Aspen store; 445 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen; maisonullens.com

BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

Your favorite activewear brand is bridging the gap between wellness and fashion with its first foray into high-end RTW pieces. Alo Yoga's Holiday 2022 capsule, titled "The Aspen Collection," is full of exclusive après-ski styles as well as options to wear when hitting the slopes. The line was created to celebrate the “spirit of adventure” and consists of 17 pieces, including performance-ready ski suits, ribbed cashmere sets, floor-length faux fur jackets and water-resistant outerwear. There are also skin-baring styles perfect for a hang inside the ski chalet, from cropped bra tops and miniskirts to high-cut onepiece bodysuits and sheer white leggings. The Aspen Collection is available to shop now. Visit Alo Yoga; 601 E Hyman Avenue Unit 101, Aspen; aloyoga.com

RARE FINDS A Taste OF BELGIUM APRÈS

SKI CHIC

ALO YOGA’S

from the vault

DUNTON HOT SPRINGS,

Snuggle up in luxury at these relaxing retreats

PONANT CRUISES

From a three-masted 88-meter French sailing yacht gliding around the Seychelles to a luxury electric polar exploration icebreaker cracking its way through drifting sea ice in Antarctica, PONANT has mastered the art of combining small capacity vessels with intimate excursions to create outsized travel memories. Every detail on these bespoke cruises sailing under the French flag is considered and taken care of so travelers can focus on enjoying the experience, whether it’s a guided daytime excursion with a naturalist guide or a sunset dinner followed by an evening of onboard entertainment. Japanese subtropical islands, the Chilean fjords, or even far-flung Greenland — the most stressful part of the journey will be deciding where to go next. -AR

SCHWEIZERHOF ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

Who says solo travel can’t be a richly rewarding experience? The Schweizerhof Zermatt offers what they call “Cozy Rooms” — homey and inviting accommodations tailor-made for single travelers who can’t wait to cuddle up with a good book. Guests staying at this Alpine-chic take on a traditional lodge can hit the area’s world-class slopes or just stay in and fall for the stunning views of the Matterhorn from the hotel’s balconies. The Schweizerhof Zermatt understands the stomach is the way to everyone’s heart, and the property’s dining choices include, among others, Cheese Factory, a traditional restaurant that serves up raclette, fondue and other Valais regional specialties, as well as La Muña, which is only open in winter and focuses on Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine. What’s not to love! -AR

INNESS, NEW YORK

Idyllic views of the bucolic landscape from 28 cabins and a 12-room farmhouse are a huge draw at INNESS, an intimate country refuge and members club in Accord, New York. Just as enticing? The restaurant and lounge helmed by Executive Chef Alex Napolitano, who prepares dishes with produce grown on a 3-acre farm on the grounds. There’s plenty of room to roam at INNESS — so much so that the Upstate destination has a 9-hole golf course and plenty of hiking trails as well as swimming pools and tennis courts. A wellness building housing a spa and gym is a welcome new addition in 2023.

-BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

Catch Steak Aspen brings delicious food and fun times to the mountains

In need of a hearty and delicious meal after a day on the slopes? Catch Steak Aspen is the place to be. From the team behind Catch Hospitality Group, which already operates restaurants in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and will soon open one in Miami, the Aspen outpost is just as buzzy and lively as its other locations. The eatery is nestled in the heart of the town’s beloved village, just steps away from the Aspen Gondola and shops, including Gucci, Dior, Moncler and Kemo Sabe.

The meat-centric menu includes prime, dry-aged and American Wagyu steaks, as well as large format items, such as a 40 oz. prime tomahawk, a Japanese Wagyu trio flight, and Japanese Kobe varieties. There is also a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. The heated year-round rooftop dining terrace affords diners stunning mountain views — even during winter months. There’s also a main bar, dining room and private cellar event space — ensuring the perfect setup for any celebration. 515 E Hopkins Avenue, Aspen; catchrestaurants.com

BY CASEY BRENNAN

Everyone from novice snow bunnies to seasoned pros knows showing off ski skills on the powdery slopes requires the perfect gear to look and feel great in — and Moncler is rising to the challenge. Throughout its 70year history, Moncler has been a staple in snowy-weather essentials, especially when it comes to alpinewear apparel. Thanks to its technically innovative skiwear line, the Moncler Grenoble collection, the tradition continues. This year, the brand is evolving Moncler Grenoble with the addition of new High Performance pieces, skiwear the brand notes is “designed for pros and styled for impact.” High Performance joins the other two dimensions of Moncler Grenoble, Performance & Style and Après-Ski. The brand’s full range of items cover every aspect of mountain life — from the summit to the chalet. Pieces in the new High Performance line include jackets in colorblock hues and cinched silhouettes, plus gloves with PrimaLoft Bio insulation and Gore-Tex membrane. Visit the Moncler Aspen store; 432 E Hyman Avenue, Aspen; moncler.com

-BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

WINTER ESCAPES GOOD EATS PEAK PERFORMANCE

COLORADO

Nestled 8,600 feet on the West Fork of the Dolores River in the San Juan Mountains, the exquisitely restored 19th century ghost town Dunton Hot Springs seamlessly melds luxury with Wild West rusticity and authenticity. Original hand-hewn log cabins that once housed miners now serve as accommodations with names like Major Ross and Forge. The resort’s main hub is a saloon where well-booted guests can mosey up to the long wooden bar on which Butch Cassidy etched his name while holed up here after robbing a bank in nearby Telluride. Skiing, soaks in the hot springs and long lazy afternoons reading by the fire in the library thankfully have taken the place of showdowns and shootouts.

-BY AARON RASMUSSEN

Moncler is expanding its alpinewear line with pieces to take your ski style to new heights

Geox white jacket, geox.com; 1 Moncler JW Anderson vest, pants, moncler.com.

BY SHELBY COMROE

MICHAEL

RICH WITH MOISTURE

Max Mara coat, $1,750, us.maxmara.com; Emilia Wickstead cardigan, $541, mytheresa.com; Khaite skirt, $1,740, modaoperandi.com; Gia Borghini X RHW boots, $745, fwrd.com; Missoni beanie, $145, farfetch.com; Raf Simons gloves, $454, fwrd.com.

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello coat, $15,000, belt, $475, ysl. com; Max Mara turtleneck, $545, saksfifthavenue.com; Khaite jeans, $340, boots, $744, modaoperandi.com; Jennifer Fisher earrings, $395, jenniferfisherjewelry.com.

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, $69, tatcha.com.

Khrisjoy jacket, $1,680, pants, $960, farfetch.com; Fusalp turtleneck, $178, farfetch.com; Moon Boot boots, $275, moonboot.com; Tom Ford sunglasses, $520, saksfifthavenue.com; Jacquemus headband, $80, farfetch.com.

DiorAlps vest, $4,000, sweater, $2,450, pants, $3,000, boots, $1,790, beanie, $660, snowboard, $7,200, dior.com.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, $34, sephora.com.

Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer, $45, paulaschoice.com.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, $280, augustinusbader.com.

Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré, $29, us.embryolisse.com. www.knewz.com

SK-II SKINPOWER Cream, $235, sk-ii.com.

Through the LOOKING GLASS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH CREATIVE DIRECTION BY DANÉ STOJANOVIC & MARNE SCHWARTZ

Miu Miu jacket, skirt, boots, miumiu.com.

BY ALISON TAY

Picture this Parisian mise-en-scène. Perched atop a mirrored table laden with delicate macarons and ornately decorated confections, British supermodel, actress and activist Jourdan Dunn coquettishly throws a handful of cake at the camera. Iconic photographer Ellen von Unwerth waltzes around the 19th-century, chandelierstrewn surroundings of La Galerie Bourbon with a startlingly realistic replica hare as her unlikely dance partner. A giant clock rests against an antique fireplace, keeping a watchful eye over the proceedings, and a super-sized game of chess is in progress on the checkerboard floor. This can only be GRAZIA’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party celebrating the color, joy and surrealism of the season by way of the most fanciful creations the fashion world has imagined, and everyone’s invited...

CHANEL cardigan, turtleneck, (800) 550-0005; Agatha Ruiz de la Prada headband, agatharuizdelaprada.com.

ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

Jourdan Dunn’s journey from Primark-to-Prada is something of a modern-day fairytale. She was scouted by Storm Model Management in 2006 in London’s Hammersmith outpost of the fast-fashion emporium before becoming the first model of color to walk for Miuccia Prada in over a decade and winning the British Fashion Award for Model of the Year in 2008. Yet despite her accolades and achievements, her biggest pinch-me moments are far more modest.

“Do you know what? It’s still seeing my face in a magazine or on a billboard,” Dunn admits. “People say to me, ‘Jourdan I’ve seen you on the tube or on the bus or in Selfridges or in the airport.’ Even when I walk down my local high street and I’m just being Low-Key J and I see myself, I still think, ‘Oh yeah, that’s me.’”

Wait a minute, who’s Low-Key J? “I have my moments when I’m just in my tracksuit and I just want to try to be low key,” laughs the model and mother of 12-year-old Riley. “My son says, ‘Mum, of course people are going to still recognize you. That’s not a disguise, mum. That’s not low key!’ But yeah, LowKey J is just no makeup, sunglasses, and just very, very chilled.” Dunn is now at the stage in her career where she can pursue the projects that truly resonate with her. “Everyone has a choice, it’s either yes or no. I really prioritize what is important to me. So just because something comes up, I don’t feel pressure to go places just because I was invited or to take that job or do that show. I just do everything with intention, with purpose and what feels right to me and authentic to me.”

Take the GRAZIA cover shoot, for example. “It was so much fun!” she recalls. “When I saw the concept of Alice

“I’ve always been quite insecure about speaking, but now as I’m older, that concept to me of using my voice is a gift. Getting a message across is a blessing.”

Givenchy dress, boots, givenchy.com.

in Wonderland, I knew I was going to be living a childhood fantasy. On set, there were cakes everywhere! I just love it when the team is creative, when there’s a theme from the glam references to the props on set. For one scene, I was laughing like a villain, then having a food fight – actually getting messy and being creative. Everything was magical. It’s wonder, it’s mystery, so automatically you’re going to feel that you want to bring it alive.”

DOWN THE REPRESENTATION RABBIT HOLE

Like so many trailblazers before her, Dunn found herself on a path that she says she felt she often had to walk alone. At the start of her career, the model cites a sense of having to compete against other models of color. “I did see other models — there was Joan Smalls and Chanel Iman but the industry kind of separated us,” notes Dunn. “Sometimes if it wasn’t going to be me doing a show, it would definitely be Chanel. So, in one sense, I wasn’t alone because I used to see the girl, but the fashion world created this rivalry or allowed this tension between us when it really wasn’t necessary at all. So that in another sense, yes, I did feel alone.”

“In my first season, I remember Chanel came up to me and she was so sweet. But [the dynamic between us] started to change once I began doing shows because people were in her ear and in my ear. So we just had a conversation. We agreed, ‘Girl, this is silly. What are we actually doing?’ We said, ‘We actually like each other. Why are we listening to outsiders and why are we breathing energy into this when there’s no beef?’” she continues. “There’s room for everybody, not just one.” Today, Dunn sits in a better place and doesn’t look at others’ success as a reflection of her own. “I don’t think, ‘Why not me?’ I genuinely believe when one door closes, another one opens,” she says. “That has happened throughout my career. And I think it’s important that you stay focused on what you’re doing. Like in life in general, comparing yourself to others is never a good idea. You never know what their journey is or how they had to get there.”

According to Dunn, this shift came about thanks to the supportive spirit of social media. “If someone does a cover or a campaign, others are reposting and commenting and everyone’s championing each other,” she says. “It really does feel like a sisterhood. And when we go to shows or on set, there’s more of us now. It’s hard to be standoffish or have that kind of tension. It used to be very cliquey, but because of social media, the girls have come together now and it’s not, you know, the Russians or the Black models, it’s just everybody supporting everybody, which is beautiful to see.”

With the rapid rise in representation, there’s no question that brands are being more diverse in their casting, but does it feel authentic to Dunn, and does this matter? “I think at this point, it’s just beautiful to see that I’m not just counting one model of a color. There’s 10 or more and also different shades, and models wearing braids. I love that. Does it feel like it’s a bit forced sometimes? Yes. And maybe in time, it’s just going to be the norm, because if it wasn’t going to be forced, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” she sighs. “I feel like it’s going to take some time until it’s not going to be a thing where I’m going to be talking about it. It’s just going to be normal.”

For change to be permanent and not performative, she believes that diversity needs to start in the design room with a wider inclusion of cultures in the roles that matter. “We’re seeing a lot more designers of color now. That’s also the problem. It’s not just about on the runway, it’s the editorial, and behind the scenes. We’re not fully there, but we’re definitely making really big strides.”

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Reflecting on her years in the industry, Dunn’s words of wisdom to the next generation would be to look after yourself. “You don’t need validation from others. You validate yourself. You love yourself. You trust yourself. I think that’s very, very important,” she says.

“It’s hard especially when you’re a young model and you’re maybe from a different country, or you don’t speak the language. You might have responsibilities at home, and then you’re putting your trust in other people when it comes to your career and your life. I think it’s really good that people are learning the power of saying no. Creating boundaries even in a workplace is very, very important.”

But her own self-love manifesto goes far beyond repeating a morning mantra. “For me, it starts with going to bed listening to affirmation music, then waking up at 5 a.m., meditating, reading, and journaling. I surround myself with crystals and, every time I travel, I take sage. That keeps me grounded.” It’s her intuition that continues to serve her well. “If I feel

Thom Browne jacket, shirt, corset, tie, pants, hat, shoes, thombrowne.com; Cartier bracelets, cartier.com.

any tension, I take a moment to acknowledge it, go outside, and breathe. And even if I’m in the middle of my hair and makeup, if I feel a certain way, I would just honor my body, honor myself, and do that,” she says. “Because I’ve always noticed whenever I don’t do that, I regret it and I have a breakdown or experience anxiety. For me, it’s just really listening to my body, taking the time, not rushing, not people pleasing, and setting healthy boundaries.”

“Boundaries is a new thing for me. I realized that I didn’t know what boundaries really were,” she adds. “Putting those in place with family, friends and work is very important.”

Dunn also credits her son Riley for teaching her patience and the concept of unconditional love. “That’s the one relationship I’ve been in where I love him regardless,” she says. And at the age of 12, Riley is beginning to realize what an empowering role model his mother really is. “Recently he said to me, ‘Mum, I’m so proud of you. You bought this house for us, you do this for us. I’m proud of you,’” she says. “He gets it. He lets me know that he’s proud of me all the time and that he’s very appreciative of everything, so that fills my heart with joy because I do it for him, for us. So for him to acknowledge it, that fills me up.”

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MIRROR

With little left to achieve in the modeling world, Dunn enrolled in London’s Identity School of Acting, a company which counts John Boyega among its alumni. “It was the most humbling experience for me because I was always told that I have a natural, raw talent [for acting] so I thought, ‘I’m going to just like breeze through this, I got this!’” Dunn recalls. “They put me in the advanced level, and when my end-ofthe-term performance was graded, I actually dropped down. I went down to intermediate while others either stayed the same or went higher. Then my ego started to come into play. ‘That person over me?’ I really started to question everything. And then that’s when I had to stop. I saw what I was doing, and I told myself, ‘No, I’m comparing someone else’s journey to my journey.’ And when I really looked at it and asked myself, ‘Jourdan, can you honestly say that you were putting in 100 percent? Would you turn up every week knowing what you were supposed to be doing? Were you doing the homework, were you practicing the lines for two days or on the day?’ These are all the things that when I had to break it down, I realized no wonder they chose that person because they were putting in the work and you can’t charm your way through it and look pretty. You really can’t fake it. It was a humbling lesson.”

During the process, Dunn discovered her supermodel muscle memory wasn’t an advantage at all. “It’s so different because I realize as a model we’re so aware of our angle, of our face. When you’re acting, you have to just let go and not be so aware. You can’t be scared to do an ugly cry or look stupid. You just have to let go. It can help in some ways, but no, I had to unlearn some things.”

Along with her ambassadorship for Sickle Cell Disease Association of America — a condition that affects her son Riley — and fronting campaigns to promote Black Love, Dunn’s career pivot from modeling to acting feels part of a conscious effort to rewrite the script and amplify her voice on behalf of her communities.

“I think if anyone has a platform, it’s a gift. So I do believe my gift is to speak on matters like sickle cell and Black Love, and I feel if I were to not say anything, it’s a slap in the face to the universe. It’s actually a privilege, and not everybody is able to do that. I’ve always been quite insecure about speaking, but now as I’m older, that concept to me of using my voice is a gift. Speaking and getting a message across is a blessing.” Finally, the fairy tale ending we all deserve.

PUT A TM® ON IT

avid L. Hecht isn’t your typical lawyer. In fact, one of the reasons Hecht decided to start his own law firm, Hecht Partners LLP, is so he and his team could “zealously advocate and assist our clients in achieving, and exceeding, their objectives. We litigate to win,” he exclusively tells GRAZIA USA.

“In the past few years, I have defended the rights of clients including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro, along with choreographers JaQuel Knight and Kyle Hanagami, saxophonist Leo P, dancer, social media personality Russell ‘Backpack Kid’ Horning, and rappers 2 Milly and Blocboy JB, among others,” he says of his impressive roster.

BY JACLYN ROTH

DHecht says he was bitten by the entrepreneurship bug long before he went to law school. “I was eager to switch to the plaintiff’s side and bring the kind of cases I typically found myself defending against at Biglaw,” he says.

David L. Hecht

Hecht made a name for himself defending the rights of dancers and choreographers, securing a copyright registration for the choreography to “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” on behalf of his client JaQuel Knight, one of the most notable choreographers in the world. “This is about putting the power back in the artist’s hands,” he notes.

“We are ready, willing and able to assist the next generation of creatives — and inventors — affording them the resources and representation necessary to protect, and enforce, their work.”

As a result, Hecht Partners LLP was founded in 2020, made up of mostly ex-Biglaw attorneys with impressive credentials. “The firm is honored to represent plaintiffs, ranging from genocide victims to tech startups. We love our clients, and our clients love the firm: for example, since 2020, clients have consistently recommended me for inclusion in the ‘Patent 1000’ as one of the leading patent lawyers in the world. I have also been listed as a ‘Billboard Top Music Lawyer’ in connection with my work for choreographers,” he shares.

Hecht and his eponymous firm also taut a bevy of impressive “wins,” including significant victories against some of the largest companies in the world.

Now, Hecht, who turned 40 in November, is “focused on the future.”

“My goal is to ensure the firm remains on secure footing so we can ensure a lasting legacy. Part of that legacy is to provide access to justice for both current and future potential clients,” he states.

Meet the legal eagle who’s found a niche trademarking some of your favorite dance moves

ON THE

SLOPESSlaying

BY AARON RASMUSSEN

French entertainer and socialite Claudine Longet likely caught some mourners off guard when she attended a memorial service in Aspen to grieve her dead boyfriend, the Olympic skiing champion Vladimir “Spider” Sabich. After all, just six days earlier she had shot him to death under questionable circumstances.

On March 21, 1976, following time on the slopes, Sabich, 31, returned to the home he shared with Paris-born Longet and got ready to shower. What happened next remains in dispute. Longet claimed Sabich was showing her how to use an imitation .22 German Luger when the World War II firearm went off and a bullet struck the sports hero in the abdomen, piercing his pancreas and stomach.

Longet, then 34, insisted the shooting wasn’t intentional, but in the days, weeks, months and years that followed, Aspen locals questioned her innocence and turned against her in droves. The social cache she previously enjoyed because of her entertainment career and still-close relationship with her former husband of 13 years, the singer and actor Andy William, quickly proved worthless.

The debate raged around town: Was Sabich dead because of a tragic accident or something far more sinister? Rumors swirled Sabich was seeing other women and on the verge of leaving his reportedly jealous girlfriend. Saturday Night

Live skewered Longet in a sketch that showed an actor portraying her “accidentally” shooting skiers at a slalom competition. Even the Rolling Stones weighed in on the controversy, recording the song “Claudine” with lyrics that include “There’s blood in the chalet” and “Washed her hands of the whole damn show.”

Whatever the case, Aspen police charged the chanteuse with felony reckless manslaughter weeks after the deadly shooting, and she went on trial in January 1977. On the stand, Longet testified that the day of the slaying, “I picked up the gun and walked toward the bathroom, saying to Spider, ‘I would like you to tell me about this gun.’” According to Longet, her boyfriend reassured her the shoddy weapon wouldn’t go off. It did.

Frank Tucker, the district attorney who prosecuted the case, later called Longet an “over-the-hill glamour puss” and suggested a possible motive for the shooting: She “was not going to lose another man.”

Tucker would have a tough time proving Longet was culpable. Procedural errors during the investigation made potentially damaging evidence against Longet inadmissible, from a blood test that came back positive for alcohol and cocaine to alleged entries in her diary that purportedly contradicted her version of events. Instead,

Tucker had to rely on an autopsy report to contend it was impossible the shooting was accidental since Sabich was bent over and not facing the gun when it discharged from what a ballistics expert estimated was up to six feet away. Longet’s attorneys, paid for by her famous ex-husband, Williams, countered all evidence presented in court was purely circumstantial and proved nothing.

Some jurists agreed, and a panel of her peers found Longet guilty of the lesser charge of misdemeanor criminally negligent homicide. The judge handed down a mere $250 fine and 30-day prison term, which he allowed the defendant to serve at the Pitkin County jail on weekends.

In 1985, Longet married Ronald Austin, one of her trial defense attorneys. The socialite and her husband opted to continue living in Red Mountain in Aspen despite her ostracization from the local community. The 80-year-old recluse has never spoken openly about Sabich’s murder, only hinting once: “I went through a very painful and difficult time…in 1976.”

Sabich’s brother, Steve Sabich, saw it a bit differently. “It’s a shame, because Spider accomplished so much in his life,” he has said. “Claudine accomplished only two things: marrying Andy Williams and getting away with murder.”

Did Claudine Longet murder famed skier Spider Sabich in cold blood at their Aspen home, or was it a tragic accident?

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IS ON A MISSION TO COMBAT THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS BY MAKING PSYCHEDELICS

MAGIC HOUR

CHRISTIAN

ANGERMAYER

BY JACLYN ROTH

s soon as Christian Angermayer, one of Europe’s most successful entrepreneurs and investors, signs onto our Zoom call on a Saturday morning, he’s upbeat and excited to dive into various topics he’s passionate about, one of them being his quest for longevity and happiness.

The self-made billionaire founder of Apeiron Investment Group, a global investment firm focused on tech and biotech investments, grew up in a 90-person village in Germany and has stayed busy from a young age.

At 14, he had his first entrepreneurial idea in the form of a tutoring company. Today, Apeiron owns stakes in more than 100 companies globally including well-known brands like CBD beverage TRIP, hotel group Aethos and home fitness device company FORME LIFE.

But his main passion is biotech. With more than $3 billion under management through his Apeiron Investment Group, the entrepreneur created biotech companies ATAI Life Sciences, Cambrian BioPharma and Rejuveron Life Sciences, building on his belief that everyone wants to live healthier, happier and longer lives.

“I’ve always believed aging in itself is a disease, so why not find a cure for it?” Angermayer, 44, exclusively tells GRAZIA USA. “With Cambrian and Rejuveron, we are working hard to discover therapeutics to mitigate

Athe aging process. I am very confident we soon will be able to slow down and even reverse aging and push life expectancy up significantly.”

Though the products won’t be on the market for some time — anywhere from five to 15 years — Angermayer is hopeful that 20 years from now, “we’re going to have the potential to live some hundred years. I don’t think we will want to live forever though. I envisage a future in which people will decide themselves when they want to die. This for me is the ultimate freedom.”

“While there are no therapeutics on the market yet which would make us live some hundred years, there is a lot you can do already today to increase the probability that you are still around when our drugs will come to market over the next 20 years,” says Angermayer, who takes about 40 supplements a day.

But supplements are actually not his main secret: “The big five are sleep, no drugs, diet, exercise and a fulfilled social life. I get a lot of sleep, and I don’t schedule meetings in the morning, so that I can wake up naturally and not with an alarm clock. I don’t take any drugs, and especially I’ve never drank alcohol. I eat well and follow a Mediterranean diet, so lots of fish and vegetables, no meat, and I exercise at least four times a week. Lastly and

most importantly, you need to have good relationships with your family and friends. A healthy social life seems to have the biggest influence on your health and life expectancy.”

Over the years, Angermayer had many realizations, with one being that longevity and mental health go hand in hand. “The desire to be happy and healthy is one of the few dreams we all share. Or you could say that the total addressable market is 100% of the world’s population.”

In this day and age, most health care systems are overburdened and unable to deal with the rise in mental health issues — more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression while more than 264 million suffer from anxiety — but once Angermayer was introduced to the idea of taking psychedelics, things changed.

“In 2013, I was at a friend’s dinner party seated next to a very famous German neuroscientist,” he recalls. “I told him I have never smoked, never drank alcohol. We spent the whole evening talking about the brain, and he spoke to me about a study by Professor David Nutt from Imperial College London, which evaluated legal and illegal drugs and what harm they might cause on one’s body. The study concluded that the most dangerous drug is alcohol, but the least risky was magic mushrooms.

Angermayer owns an extensive art collection that includes ancient artifacts highlighting the role psychedelics played in human history.

The entrepreneur loves to travel, which is one of the many reasons he built his own boutique brand Aethos Hotels, which focuses on well-being, authenticity and understated luxury. Aethos Ericeira, found in Encarnação Portugal, is one of their flagship properties. Also, travelling and getting in touch with new people, new impressions and new ideas is one recipe for happiness he is sharing in the interview.

At the same time, my seat neighbor pointed out that magic mushrooms have the potential to cure many mental health issues, and in fact, had been an approved medical drug in the last century in some countries.”

“I said, ‘Look, I’m happy, I don’t have mental health issues, I don’t need anything, and for sure I won’t take an illegal drug.’ However, the conversation made me interested, because I’m a naturally curious person, and I started researching the medical potential of magic mushrooms. Of big help in this research process were my best friends Julian Morris and Landon Ross, who had advocated for the therapeutic use of psychedelics to me for a while. And then, in 2014, when my rational mind was convinced that if taken in the right way these substances have very little to zero risk, but tremendous upside potential, Julian and Landon were my guides for my first experience on

a wonderful beach in the Caribbean.

It was hands down the single most meaningful, important, positive experience of my whole life. Nothing comes close to it.”

From there, Angermayer knew he was onto something. “I thought, ‘If it’s making me as a happy person this more positive and happier, I can totally see how it might cure mental health issues,’” he shares.

He subsequently started two biotech companies — ATAI and Compass, which are both listed on Nasdaq stock exchange in the meantime - to further develop the active compound in magic mushrooms, which is called psilocybin, and several other psychedelics. However, Angermayer doesn’t want these substances to become legal as a consumer product. Instead, he is redeveloping these substances as FDA-approved, medical therapeutics: in order for people to use them, they will have to be

Aethos Saragano is a boutique hotel in the heart of Italy, built within a medieval village.

Below: AURORA INSTITUTE is a mental health charity Angermayer launched together with Louise Tabbiner, Henry and Souraya Chalhoub, which had its inaugural fundraising event at Le Beauvallon on July 23, 2022 in Saint-Tropez, France.

under their therapist’s supervision.

“If you look back at human history, humans have used psychedelics for healing purposes throughout all times and cultures, but they were always regulated,” he notes. “You had to go to a shaman or priest. The priests and shamans of our time are psychotherapists. You should only take these substances with them in a controlled environment and in the right setting. As I had my friends Julian and Landon as my guides for my first experience.”

Today, magic mushrooms and other psychedelics are legal in some parts of South America. If Angermayer succeeds, they will be available under a doctor’s supervision in the U.S. and Europe within some years.

While his focus is on making these substances available for people with mental health issues, it might well be that down the road everybody might want to take a trip: “One of the big flaws of the Western healthcare system is that we are mostly focused on curing issues once they arise. It would be much more efficient to focus more on not getting sick in the first place. Hence, it could well be that people will seek out psychedelic-assisted therapy in challenging moments in their life before they actually slide into a mental health issue.”

Asked what a trip is like, he explains: “The experience you have under psychedelics is not always a fun one and can be challenging at times. It is very hard to describe, but simplified said it is a deep, spiritual experience, and often people face and overcome their fears, inner demons and trauma, which we all have. You learn a lot about yourself, you heal, and you grow as a human being.”

“But the hardest part is to take these learnings and change your life,” he adds. “The trip is just the realization, but it’s at least equally important that you take the learnings from the trip and incorporate those into your life. That can be tough, and this is one reason why it is so important to have the experience with a trained therapist together, who helps with integration work after.”

In fact, Angermayer is sure his learnings from his psychedelic journeys are part of why he’s so successful. “I feel psilocybin helped me improve as a human being. It also made me more creative, open and innovative. It made me a better entrepreneur and investor,” he states.

For Angermayer, longevity, mental health and psychedelics all go together: “Once we’re happy and healthy, we want to live for as long as we please. Psychedelics are the most important tool we have to stay mentally healthy and to cure — or at least improve — mental health issues. If we don’t start now, the mental health crisis will only get worse. It’s already the number one disease out there and the numbers will just grow, as the modern world around us seems to be toxic for our mental health, so we need to solve the problem.”

Before signing off our hour and a half call, I simply ask: “Would you say you’re happy?”

Angermayer replies, “Yes, I think I’m very happy.”

Angermayer is one of the owners of TRIP, UK’s best-selling CBD drink. TRIP is about to expand into the US in partnership with Gopuff and is already available in New York, Chicago, and soon in California, Colorado, Arizona, Texas and Florida.

Styled by ADELE CANY Photographs assisted by MARIANA DEROUDILHE Grooming by PHOEBE TAYLOR

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