Equ Lifestyle - Ultimate Gifts & Destinations

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2011

Ultimate

Gifts&

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December / January

Staff PRESIDENT/FOUNDER FRANCISCO PASQUEL fpasquel@smgmx.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/FOUNDER ÁLVARO ESCOBAR alvaro.escobar@smgmx.com

FOUNDER

SIMON NIZRI s.nizri@smgmx.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

ALEJANDRO GARCÍA GARCÍA DE LEÓN alejandro.garcia@smgmx.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR PAULINA DELGADO pau.delgado@smgmx.com

JUNIOR EDITOR MARIANA VEGA mariana@smgmx.com

FASHION EDITOR FERNANDA GALDEANO fernanda@smgmx.com

Editor’s letter

T

his year has come to an end, but we at Equ Lifestyle continue with new beginnings. This issue was a challenge we had to face and, in our opinion, we have come through successfully. Everybody in the Equ Lifestyle team has given their best effort in order to bring you what you deserve: simply the best.

Winter makes us think on snow and also on all those exciting sports that come with it.

Even when going skiing or snowboarding, you should never leave style behind. For that reason, don’t forget to check our “Looks” and “Downhill fashion”, where you will find the perfect outfits for this cold season. Once you’ve got the right clothes, get ready to show them off in any of the five super destinations of “Five World Best,” where we offer you a number of options to go skiing in top glamour. But if cold weather is not your cup of tea, you can spend your holidays at any of the “Six Super Suites,” an exclusive selection of the most luxurious resorts, perfect for your particular lifestyle.

Holidays are around the corner and it’s time to prepare the gifts... Relax! We have already made a selection of the best presents for this season. Either if you are looking for the ideal item for your better half, or you are still undecided on what you want under your Christmas tree, take a look at our “Christmas Gifts” section, where you most definitely will find some good ideas for making this holiday season an unforgettable time.

And, as usual, we also have some interesting articles for horse lovers. Check out the highlights of the FEI World Equestrian Games, at Kentucky and the 2010 Las Vegas CSI-W Grand Prix. These fascinating features honor our noble equine companions.

We raise a toast to your long-lasting happiness and wish you the best holidays and an incredible new year.

Alejandro M. García & Paulina Delgado, Editors

EQUESTRIAN EDITOR

JACKIE FREUNDLICH-MCFARLAND jackiemcfarland@gmail.com

ART DIRECTOR LILIANA VIZCARRA liliana@smgmx.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

MARIA MORGAN, JENNIFER WOOD, ANWAR ESQUIVEL, ISRAEL CAMAGO, OSCAR CARRERA, LUCIE CAMPECH, MARILLY MEYER AND DIANA VARGAS

SALES

MONICA WARD HIETT mhiett@roadrunner.com Tel. 949 394 0095

OPERATIONS MANAGER PAOLA ALAMÁN paola@smgmx.com

WEB MASTERS AUREA GARCÍA aurea@smgmx.com

EDGAR HERNÁNDEZ edgar@smgmx.com MARIO CRUZ mario.cruz@smgmx.com

California law applies to and controls all materials contained herein. ORDERING FROM ADVERTISERS: Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. EEL assumes no responsability for claims made by advertisers. EEL makes no recommendations as to the purchase or sale of any product, service, or other item, and publications of any advertisement by EEL is not an endorsement of the product or services advertised therein. EEL assumes no responsability for any failures by its advertisers to deliver any goods or services advertised herein. EEL assumes no responsability and no liability for unsolicited materials. EEL has no responsability for any advertised product or service the purchase, sale, or use of which may violate any law. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of EEL. All letters and their contents sent to EEL become the sole property of EEL and may be used and published in any manner whatsoever without limit and without obligation and liability to the author thereof. Copyright © 2010 by Eq Equestrian Lifestye, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited.

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December / January

Content

EXPRESSIONS NEWS The newest and most exclusive items for you.

HOURS Exceptional white watches for her and extraordinary tourbillons for him.

MUST The accesories you should have for this winter.

THE LOOK Three perfect looks to wear in your three favorite destinations.

THE LOOK - SKI The best fashion for those who want to experience freedom.

WOMAN OF STYLE Carolina Herrera, designer of one of the most prestigious fashion brands.

SPIRITS TEST DRIVE Bugatti Veyron 16.4.

TRAVEL & TIPS Four Seasons Santa Barbara.

DESIRES Three elite tequilas will seduce your senses with their warm flavor.

DIVINE DINING Le Violon d’Ingres.

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PLEASURES

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SPA

59 62

HOT SPOT

10 64 12 14

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HondaJet and Phenom 100.

FIVE WORLD BEST The most glamorous ski resorts that will surely exceed your expectations.

Calistoga Ranch, Four Seasons Punta Mita and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.

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JOURNAL OF Dino Modolo, Director of Creations of Bedat.

FEATURES WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES KENTUCKY 2010 The German team showed their supremacy and Philippe Le Jeune won the first place.

CSIO-W H L CAPRICHO Show jumping in Argentina.

LAS VEGAS NATIONAL Eduardo Menezes, the undisputed gold winner.

SIX SUPER SUITES You have to live this experience at least once in your lifetime.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS Best objects of desire for this season.

GALLERY Galerie Michael in Beverly Hills.

EQUESTRIAN FLASH

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PICTURE PERFECT The most surprising pictures.

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Expressions MUST

Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

A selection of the items that both him and her should have for this holiday season. We know you will be the envy of everyone.

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NEWS

HOURS

THE LOOK

SKI

WOMAN OF STYLE

What’s new and fun for all those who like to live to the limit of luxury.

The most exceptional white watches for her and the extraordinary tourbillon for him.

Three perfect looks to wear in your three favorite holiday destinations.

The best fashion for those who want to experience real freedom and fun.

Carolina Herrera, designer of one of the most prestigious brands for women and men.

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News EXPRESSIONS

Scalpers

Scalpers’s most important feature is its handmade and personalized process. Whether you want your slippers with a round or square vamp, in blue or in black, with your initials, logo or family crest embroider, even if you want to create a unique design, Scalpers will be at your side to assist you in your choices. This is definitely one of the reasons why Scalpers is one of the best shoe brands in the world.

These shoes are so versatile that they can be worn both by men and women. You can wear them with a blazer and khaki pants, or combined with jeans, a dress or even match them with your pj’s.

Gents can also wear them with their suits or even tuxedoes. Scalpers’ velvet slippers are an extravagant mix of classic footwear, reborn with unusual materials and designs, perfect to be worn daily or for a plushy night out. I bet all eyes will fall on your feet... Are you up to the challenge?

Price: From € 285 scalpersblacklabel.com

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Photo: Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne.

AMONG ALL THE SUPERB CLOTHING we have inherited from English aristocrats we must mention velvet slippers, a comfortable and stylish shoe that has never looked so good until now thanks to the new twist by Scalpers.

This kind of footwear has its origin in the 19th century, as a comfortable option in place of traditional oxford shoes. At first, velvet slippers where worn at home, until Prince Albert started wearing these exquisite velvet shoes with leather soles decorated with his initials and emblems embroidered on the upper part of the shoe.

Obviously, this quickly made these shoes fashionable and rapidly spread its use: this is the reason why some people refer to velvet slippers as Albert Slippers.

Scalpers is a Spanish brand that offers a reinterpretation of the traditional concept of slippers. Born in small atelier, this trendy label took a dip into the past in order to offer us a reinvented slipper that still keeps the signature style of embroidered velvet.

Photo: Courtesy of Scalpers Black Label.

ARISTOCRETIC FOOTWEAR THAT WILL PLEASE YOUR SENSES

Classic Tradition 165 YEARS INHERITING PERFECTION

Photo: Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne.

Photo: Courtesy of Scalpers Black Label.

News EXPRESSIONS

A. LANGE & SÖHNE WATCHES are synonymous of perfection and precision. From Glashütte, an idyllic village in the middle of the Erzgebirge, a mountain range between Germany and the Czech Republic, A. Lange & Söhne manufactures highly exclusive watches that are a sign not only of the splendor of Saxony, and the distinguished history of the company, but also of the traditional craftsmanship and the spirit of innovation that live in the hearts of the loyal people who make them. Each of Lange movements reflects the more than 160 years rich heritage of history and is inspired by the characteristics that make A. Lange & Sohne watches masterpieces of distinction and renown.

This year, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the German house brought to Baselworld their Anniversary collection, celebrating the 165th anniversary of the establishment of the brand. This magnificent collection

is composed by three parts, which are also three of the best-known developments in the world of watches: Tourbograph, Lange 1 Tourbillon, and 1815 Moonphase. Although each watch is very different in terms of the complications it exhibits, they all share one common feature: the honey-colored gold alloy developed by the Saxon house, besides to its particular color, is twice as hard as common gold.

The latest edition of Tourbograph, in addition to exhibiting the typical design of Lange, features a “rattrapante” mechanism—the next logical step for the tourbillon when speaking of precision. Since the accuracy of the clock begins by setting it to the right time, the “rattrapante” mechanism stops the tourbillon when the crown is pulled, allowing you to adjust the time with greater accuracy.

Regarding Lange 1 Tourbillon, the watch features a grooved cone, called snail or fusée in the

jargon, that assumes the function of the lever. It is connected to the energy source with a delicate chain composed of over 600 links. Needless to say, of course, the handcrafted décor of the whole movement is true to the elegant tradition of Lange.

In turn, although the 1815 Moonphase watch is the simplest of the collection, it does not lag behind in terms of innovation. Since lunar cycles are about 28 days long, it is extremely difficult to make an exact mechanism for it in a clock. But Lange’s house did not give up research and finally managed to produce this extraordinary watch that only requires to be reset every 1,057 years, making it the most exact mechanism available.

In a nutshell, A. Longe & Sohne excellent reputation and the company’s many specialities in precision timekeeping are important assets that have made this German house the quintessence of precision watchmaking. alange-soehne.com

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Hours EXPRESSIONS

Pure White Pure Style for her WHITE IS A SYMBOL OF PURITY AND PEACE. These watches reflect the winter elegance with this sober yet stylish color, and fantastic designs by the best watch brands from all over the world. You will not go unnoticed during this season with any of these exclusive creations.

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Refined simplicity The Polo FortyFive by Piaget is set to sensual time on this elegantly feminine model, which draws its inspiration from the sporty-chic aesthetics of the collection. It toys with contrasts, blending precious materials with a rubber strap. piaget.com

Artistic excellence and technical performance

For fine watch collectors

Parmigiani’s Atalante Flyback Chronograph features a unique design and technical virtuosity. The openwork dial’s vertical embrasures offer glimpses of the mechanism below. This fantastic timepiece has 50 hours of power reserve.

Premier Large Chronograph radiates the elegant, yet seductive style of Harry Winston. This timepiece brings an ultrafeminine feel to the chronograph by combining horological tradition with fine jewelry design. Simply perfect.

Hublot and Smiling Children Foundation have joined hands for this Big Bang “Smiling Children.” This limited edition watch features a case set with 126 diamonds. Part of the sales will be donated to this Foundation that helps young girls in Morocco and Afghanistan.

parmigiani.ch

harrywinston.com

hublot.com

Altruistic style

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot, Harry Winston, Piaget and Parmigiani.

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Must EXPRESSIONS

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Items you would die for

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All items are available at: Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, Carolina Herrera,

Because we know that every detail is important when you want to look perfect, you should not play down the importance of those accessories that are simply indispensable during this winter season: glamour and coziness go in with hand this time of the year. Winter gives you a wide range of options of clothing and accessories. Grab your coat and get ready to look simply spectacular!

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1. Trendy bag

2. Simply 3. Chunky Cozylicious ring

4. Fit your waist

5. Killer heels

You’d better clear some space in your closet for this exceptional hefty bag that will be your best friend wherever you go.

One of the best ways to keep you warm is with this absolutely beautiful scarf that will add a touch of color to your outfit.

The newest trends say that a simple ring is not enough; you should go for the biggest gem in the market to look trendy.

To show off your curves, don’t hesitate to wear this gorgeous skinny Diane Von Furstenberg belt over your favorite sweater.

Pumps are women’s better halves! We definitely need to have some Christian Louboutin high heels in our closet.

michaelkors.com

emporioarmani.com

carolinaherrera.com

neimanmarcus.com

neimanmarcus.com

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Must EXPRESSIONS

6. Feisty gloves

7. Wild boots

8. Hypnotic 9. Shiny suitcase bracelet

You can balance any look that seems too masculine with these sassy purple gloves that will give you a sensual and elegant look.

Exotic animal prints create a sexy and luxurious welly boot. Equally attractive while shopping or in a relaxed lucheon with friends.

A classic for every woman, this is certainly a must-have for this holiday season! You should travel in style wherever you go.

What would a woman be like without fine jewelry? You should have a diamond bracelet for those exclusive events.

purificaciongarcia.com

gucci.com

louisvuitton.com

berger.com

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All items are available at: Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, Carolina Herrera, Neiman Marcus, Purificación García, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Berger and Burberry.

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Hat attack I could give you a million of reasons why a hat must be part of your outfit this winter. For example, I could start by telling you that this is the best way to keep you protected from the chilly wind. As if that were not enough reason, everybody knows that a hat always enhances

your look, adding a sophisticated and elegant touch to your outfit. Don’t be afraid to be risqué, and dare to wear an original and attractive hat to finish this year with a special touch. Only the most glamorous are fit to survive this season. burberry.com

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News EXPRESSIONS

We’re Obsessed!!!

LOW PASSIONS, HIGH HEELS our best but, in my opinion, it’s really worthwhile.

Trends change every second and we always want to have the latest in fashion.

Contrary to men, we will never be happy with just two pairs of shoes in our closet. I think this is the most important part of any look, the item that defines your personality or rather the accessory that gives personality to whatever you wear.

Shoes should match perfectly with our mood as well as with the clothes we are wearing. The perfect shoes are the special touch that make every outfit just the perfect outfit.

For day or night time, for walking without loosing style, as the perfect match for a designer dress or just for hanging out at your favorite place, every step must be unique. Shoes make the woman, regardless of the season.

Speaking of seasons, you must notice that types of leather and the shape of the shoes are no longer defined by the time of the year. For ex-

ample, you can use sandals in suede, satin shoes by day, open-toed shoes in winter or cowboy boots in summer. You have an infinity of options to combine them and achieve the perfect look.

I think platform shoes are a must-have in your wardrobe. These come in all forms, make any outfit, formal or casual, look great and, without a doubt, they are the only type of shoes that make your legs look longer and sleeker.

Remember: being extravagant doesn’t mean you have to be a Lady Gaga clone. Although eccentric trends are the new “in,” when choosing your next outfit you can go crazy with rhinestones, buckles and colors that you wouldn’t have dared to use before.

Start thinking big, and dare to wear all sorts of shoes: you’ll see that it is not difficult to match them and create the perfect outfit. Don’t be afraid of wearing those divine pumps, you’ll be walking on clouds.

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Photos: Courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

FLAT SHOES, CLASSIC PUMPS, over-theknee boots or trendy ankle boots... there’s no doubt about it: women’s obsession with shoes knows no limits.

Keeping fashion in mind, you should clearly define what your style is and what trends work best for you. We are not saying you have to become a fashion victim, but we believe that a spectacular touch here and there guarantees that when you make your grand entrance at that special event everybody (both men or women) will fall at your feet.

Even though we all would like fashion to be comfortable all the time, we’re aware of how wonderful you look wearing those 7-inch stiletto-style heels. Wouldn’t you have them as the number one option in your wish list, even if they are not the most comfortable shoes you’ve ever had? (And they are certainly not, by the way).

Sometimes we all have to make an effort to look

Photo: Courtesy of Lousi Vuitton.

BY FERNADA GALDEANO.

Crystal Cruises A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO TODAY? Where do you want to read that special

Photos: Courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

Photo: Courtesy of Lousi Vuitton.

News EXPRESSIONS

book, enjoy your dinner or spend the rest of the day? How do you want to live your vacations?

Are you looking for a chance to relax and participate in the various activities of a cruise, or experience numerous exciting adventures?

If you are one of those who love luxury travel over the seven seas, there is no better choice than Crystal Cruises. Their great service has earned them numerous awards from several travel publications. The company has two different types of

cruises in their fleet: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The first has a capacity for 1,080 passengers and the second for 940. The question is: which one would be better for your travel?

Whatever you answer is, both cruises offer great facilities that will make your trip delightful. The main difference when travelling with Crystal is the huge variety of activities you can practice onboard: jogging on the main deck, training in a full equipped gym, swimming at the pool or getting a fabulous tan, relaxing in the spa & salon and enjoying a soothing mas-

sage or special treatment, playing golf or gambling in the casino... the possibilities are numberless. Whatever you want to do, it can be done aboard these magnificent vessels.

Just choose a destination: whether you want to travel to Asia, the Mediterranean, North Africa or Europe, these cruises have the perfect tour for you. Get on board of any Crystal cruise and let the ocean lull you in her arms.

There’s only one thing left to say: Go on and live this great experience! crystalcruises.com

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News EXPRESSIONS

Frosty Luminosity THE STRENGTH OF DIAMONDS

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 DIAMONDS ARE AN ACCESSORY we will never get bored of. These gems are also the best investment we can make because they can be the perfect touch for any occasion, whether it is an anniversary, a birthday or just a party! Fine jewelry is probably one of the most important purchases that you could do in your life. Regardless if you are looking for a ring, necklace, earrings or bracelets, it is important to have an informed decision so as to make the right choices. Diamonds are available in wide varieties of shapes and sizes, and they have extensive designs that may range from the most conservative up to the most contemporary.

When love dreams come true, they can be immortalized in a romantic stone: engagement, wedding and eternity rings are all inspired by female nature, the most perfect and beautiful nature that has ever existed. Diamonds also have the rare capacity of saving fond memories. There can be no better gifts than diamond pendant necklaces. The style, luster and design of these necklaces would

surely leave an everlasting impression in the heart of your lover.

Wearing such pieces will trigger a myriad of memories of that special someone who gave you such a valuable present.

Diamonds are the centerpieces of more traditional creations.

These elegant and simple designs make the diamonds mounted either on a white gold or a platinum band simply stand out. If you live a life of sophisticated decadence and luxurious relaxation, you’re the kind of woman that will fall for classical pieces: solitaire rings, Dshaped rings, earrings, in-line bracelets or diamond princess necklaces are the right pieces for you.

Wearing a classic style does not mean you cannot innovate when choosing your accessories. Here we offer you some exquisite designs in bright colors and flower shapes that give an classic yet special twist, the perfect finishing touches for any outfit and for any season. But if you want to leave behind the eternal classics and give your gems a modern air you should go with the Mazarin Cut. This

Photos: Courtesy of Berger.

ewelry has always been prized by women in perhaps every culture. In ancient days, kings and queens would wear diamonds and other precious metals to beautify themselves. Gold, commonly referred to as the ‘yellow metal’ on account of its color, is undoubtedly one of the most popular metals used to make jewelry. However, if you talk about style and over all appearance, diamond jewelry wins hands down.

Diamonds are, and always will be, the principal object of desire of any woman. Whether we use them to embellish our hands, neck or wrists, there is no doubt that every time we wear even the tiniest sparkler we feel confident, loved and excited. As Marilyn Monroe used to say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

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Photos: Courtesy of Berger.

elegant style is usually the best choice in terms of salability, insurability and desired optics because this particular cut makes the stone look like a flawless piece that can shine on its own.

On the other hand, we are aware that women who already own a colorless stone would prefer to distinguish themselves from everybody else by going with colored gems. You can delight your senses with an endless list of options of matching pieces such as gemstones, emeralds, rubies and the finest diamonds. Impeccable designs that transform this kind of gems in unique pieces.

Diamonds will never go out of style. Any jewel displaying even one of this precious gemstones can become the beloved heirloom your daughter will hold dear to her heart.

These gorgeous pieces, with their exceptional play of light and shadow, and their combination in original forms such as bunches of grapes o raindrops, take us directly back to nature... the true origin of any diamond.

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three looks three destinations

Photos: Courtesy Louis Vuitton.

What to wear in your favorite cities

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All items are available at Brook Brothers, Pierre Hardy, Corneliani and Louis Vuitton.

All items are available at Hugo Boss, Etro, Coach, Ray ban and Marc Jacobs.

EXPRESSIONS

The Look

Casual Elegance

PARIS

All items are available at Brook Brothers, Pierre Hardy, Corneliani and Louis Vuitton.

All items are available at Hugo Boss, Etro, Coach, Ray ban and Marc Jacobs.

The Look EXPRESSIONS

If you are going to be seen in one of the most glamorous cities in Europe you must dress up for the occasion and the place. The weather —that can range from a chilly January, to a very pleasant July— gives you the perfect excuse to wear an ample variety of accessories and clothes.

The look we recommend, perfect for the City of Light, is a casual or semi-formal.

For her, a winter casual dress with tights, a thick sweater that will keep you warm and contrasting accessories which add a little bit of color to your outfit.

And for him, perfect straight-fit pants, obviously without pleats. Suede shoes are ideal for this season. Go for the personal touch by adding a scarf that will keep you warm and give color to your outfit.

Both looks should not go without a nice pair of shades, always the best accessory.

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All items are available at Loro Piana, Pierre Hardy and Louis Vuitton.

All items are available at Purificaci贸n Garc铆a, Chanel, Ray Ban, Saks Fifth Avenue and Louis Vuitton.

EXPRESSIONS

The Look

Smart Attitude

NEW YORK

The most popular city in the United States, and one of the most popular metropolitan areas in the world, is full of events and exceptional places. We will never get tired of its beautiful mix of cultures, activities and eccentric personalities. Its cold winter allows you to dress either elegant or casual.

Here we suggest looks that will go with any occasion that may rise in this ever-changing urban city.

You can mix light tones with gray, black or brown hues and always look classic and fashionable. To keep you warm, don’t forget the must-have accessories for this season: leather gloves, turtlenecks, scarves and coats.

The last trends recommend her to wear skinny fit pants, mixed with nude colored accessories. Gents should not to go out without a pair of comfortable suede short boots, perfect for a walk down Central Park.

All items are available at Loro Piana, Pierre Hardy and Louis Vuitton.

All items are available at Purificación García, Chanel, Ray Ban, Saks Fifth Avenue and Louis Vuitton.

The Look EXPRESSIONS

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All items are available at Corneliani and Loro Piana.

All items are available at Hugo Boss and Etro.

EXPRESSIONS

The Look

Winter style

COURCHEVEL

All items are available at Corneliani and Loro Piana.

All items are available at Hugo Boss and Etro.

The Look EXPRESSIONS

Located in the heart of the French Alps, this is the meeting point for those who look for a unique skiing experience. This small town is famous for the glamour of its sophisticated guests and the great diversity of winter activities. The extremely cold weather— which keeps the slopes perfect throughout the season—, makes wearing warm and comfortable clothing a must.

Your outfit should protect you from the cold wind and make you look fancy and sophisticated. The layer over layer style is the way to go in this place: wool pants, sweaters, jackets, and coats should mix and match but, most importantly, should keep you warm. Without a doubt, the key accessories for your look are a pair of boots: they can be tall or short suede boots for her, or butchy boots with sheepskin lining. Get them in neutral colors so they can match with many outfits.

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Hours EXPRESSIONS

New Tourbillon Watches for him THE TOURBILLON IS THE FAVORITE COMPLICATION of most watch lovers. Although this extraordinary mechanism was invented in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet to counter attack the effects of gravity and other forces that affect the accuracy of clocks and watches, the tourbillon is still as relevant and fascinating today, just as in those days.

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Brilliant masterpiece

Unexpected masculinity

Sophistication and technique

Innovative and outstanding

Without a doubt, the Tourbillon Force Constante à Chaîne by Dewitt belongs to the exclusive circle of great watches. It features a miniature chain that activates the power reserve indicator sliding on a worm screw.

The Richard Mille Tourbillon RM021 “Aerodyne” features a number of technical innovations. This work of art features a sporty sophistication, thanks to the titanium aluminides and carbon nanofibres of the case’s interior.

Bvlgari has joined forces with Daniel Roth for the creation of an extraordinary collection: Tourbillon Chrono Rattrapante has a case in 18-carat rose gold, a splitsecond chronograph and 48 hours of power reserve.

Jean Dunand has launched the Tourbillon Orbital, a piece inspired

by Art Decó. This timepiece features an extraordinary one-minute flying tourbillon that orbits the dial once per hour and a power reserve of 110 hours.

dewitt.ch

richard-mille.com

bulgari.com

jeandunand.com

Photos: Courtesy of Dewitt, Richard Mille, Bvlgari and Jean Dunand.

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Must EXPRESSIONS

Winter Partners Here is a selection of the most indispensable accessories for the last period of the year. From ultra- modern cufflinks to a huge suitcase in which you can take everything you need for that unexpected trip… All the accessories to protect yourself from the cold weather must show your personal style.

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All items are available at: Loro Piana, Lions Rampant, Thomas Pink, Hermès, Audemars Piaguet,

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4 1. Faithful friend

2. Colored neckties

3. Warm touch

4. Perfect smell

5. Suede step

Best friends always tell the truth. What could be better than one that gives the exact time every moment?

Enhance your look with simple color touches.

Simply put, ties are definitely a must for every man.

Even if you don’t wear them throughout the year, soft leather gloves are your best friends this season.

What would you think of a man without a pleasant smell? Great cologne, great personality.

Suede boots are the latest trend for this season; they are super comfortable and will make you look fantastic.

audemarspiguet.com

tomford.com

hugoboss.com

aquadiparma.it

corneliani.com

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Musts EXPRESSIONS

6. Fabulous 7. Smart scarf feet

8. Fierce cufflinks

9. A classic 10. Luxury belt luggage

Protect your neck from the chilly weather. A warm scarf will always add a touch of color to your outfit.

Nobody likes cold feet. Don’t forget to wear a pair of smart, original socks for these nippy, winter days.

Give a dash of originality to your everyday life with these modern, fun and easy to combine silver cufflinks.

A classic that no man should ever forget: a brown belt will give you the perfect, discrete touch you need.

It’s not what you take to your trip, but how you take it. Nothing is better than a leather suitcase.

loropiana.com

lionsrampant.com

thomaspink.com

hermes.com

hermes.com

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10 All items are available at: Loro Piana, Lions Rampant, Thomas Pink, Hermès, Audemars Piaguet, Oscar Carrera, Huggo Boss, Aqua di Parma and Corneliani.

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The Look EXPRESSIONS

Downhill fashion CATCHING THE AIR

Photos: Courtesy of Bogner. Chanel and Kjus.

Real skiers know there’s no better way to relax, experience real freedom and have fun than going to the mountains. And what could be better than having the perfect outfit for this wild journey? Although trends are constantly changing in everyday life and in every activity, one thing remains clear: style is something you cannot afford to lose. BY FERNANDA GALDEANO.

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Photos: Courtesy of Bogner. Chanel and Kjus.

The Look EXPRESSIONS

HOW TO PURCHASE SKI EQUIPMENT When you purchase ski equipment there are some things you must bear in mind. Ski is not all about trends, but technology and innovative ergonomics also play an important role in clothes and items that will make your slide down the slope something extraordinary. In order to achieve perfection in every maneuver, it is important to enjoy the full freedom of movement.

In addition to exceptional design, clothes for winter sports should have lively colors

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that will make you stand out from the white powder snow of the mountain. Luxury fabrics are ideal both for extreme cold, as well as for those hot days when the sun plays tricks on you. These outfits exhibit an amazing energy thanks to their powerful mobility and modern designs: their timeless quality will never be out of style. They are so durable that you could almost think of passing them to the next generations‌ but they are so cool you will never be able to let them go.

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Woman of style EXPRESSIONS

“I love the idea of elegance and intricacy, but whether it’s in a piece of clothing or a fragrance, the intricacy must appear as simplicity.” CH

Carolina Herrera

Fashion Designer

The Carolina Herrera name is well recognized internationally thanks to her prestigious profile, class and style, the success of her business and continual international coverage for her fashion collections. BY BARBARA CELARENT.

“I started doing this because I loved fashion,” she says. “But I had no idea what it would turn into!” Herrera made a gracious transition from her halcyon days as a chic and renowned beauty on the international scene - where she spent days with royals and nights with the Warhol crowd - to a designer with such talent and business acumen that she could not be ignored. In 1981 she moved with her family to New York formed Carolina Herrera, Ltd. Her exquisitely detailed and expertly crafted creations were an immediate success.

IN 1981, WHEN SHE PRESENTED HER FIRST COLLECTION AND FOUNDED HER COMPANY, THE DESIGNER CAROLINA HERRERA WAS ALREADY VERY CLEAR ABOUT HER CREATIVE STYLE.

From her collections, presented twice a year in New York, she has always been faithful to her fashion house entire repertoire from elegant but always comfortable daywear to marvellous evening dresses to breathtaking bridal gowns.

IN 1987 HERRERA EXPANDED HER BUSINESS WITH THE LAUNCH OF HER FIRST FRAGRANCE, CAROLINA HERRERA, A HEADY AND ROMANTIC BLEND OF THE TUBEROSE AND JASMINE ESSENCES SHE HAD ALWAYS WORN.

IN A BUSINESS CLIMATE THAT SAYS “KEEP GOING, OR DIE,” HERRERA THRIVES. FOR THAT REASON, THE BRAND HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY EXPANDING INTO THE LUXURY ACCESSORIES SECTOR WITH HANDBAGS AND EYEWEAR.

The name of Carolina Herrera is also known for her fragrances. In 1988, she created the first Carolina Herrera essence. Since then, and with the collaboration of her daughter Carolina, she launched numerous successful fragrances, which have consolidated her as a rising value in the world of perfumery.

The first Carolina Herrera flagship store opened in 2000 on Madison Avenue in a 4-story landmark building. In July 2006, a Los Angeles Boutique was opened in the exclusive Melrose Place. The design and décor of this vast West Coast flagship store, measuring 3,800 square feet, mirrors the same sense of sophisticated elegance, luxury and modernity that is captured in the Madison Avenue boutique. The brand continued expanding in March 2008, opening a third exclusive boutique in Highland Park, Dallas, where, like its predecessors, the space resonates with elegance, luxury and femininity.

HERRERA IS A RECIPIENT OF VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL AWARDS. But that’s not all. The designer is a Goodwill Ambassador, and is also the 2004 CDFA winner of the Womenswear Designer of the Year and the 2008 recipient of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. More recently she received the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” title for the season spring/summer 2011 collection. The award recognizes designers for their dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design for the past seven years.

Photo: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera.

CAROLINA HERRERA INSTINCTIVELY KNOWS HOW TO DESIGN - THE LEGACY OF HAVING GROWN UP IN A WORLD WHERE WOMEN WORE ONLY HAUTE COUTURE. HERRERA HERSELF HAD ATTENDED HER FIRST COUTURE SHOW, THAT OF CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA, AT THE AGE OF 13 WITH HER GRANDMOTHER.

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Spirits

FIVE WORLD BEST

Photo: Courtesy of the Swiss Tourism Board.

The best and most glamorous ski resorts that will surely exceed your expectations this winter.

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TEST DRIVE

TRAVEL & TIPS

DESIRES

DIVINE DINING

JOURNAL OF

Bugatti Veyron 16.4: The fastest car ever produced. Are you up to the challenge?

Four Seasons the Biltmore, Santa Barbara.

An exclusive old-style Spanish hacienda.

Three elite tequilas that will seduce your senses with their warm flavor.

Le Violon d’Ingres, Paris and Bar Nineteen12, Beverly Hills, two exquisite options.

An exclusive interview with Dino Modolo, Director of Creations of Bedat & Co.

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News SPIRITS

The Poetry Inn

Valley there is a secret hideaway: the Poetry Inn. This is the perfect place for a romantic weekend escape or for a relaxing journey. The facilities are the essence of all the luxury and leisure of Napa Valley. At your arrival into this exclusive five-suite inn you’ll be welcomed with cold champagne and exquisite cheese, the perfect greeting for what I can assure you will be a wonderful stay.

Each suite is named after a great author. Whether you stay at the e.e. cummings, Emily Dickinson, Robert Louis Stevenson, Walt Whitman or the Robert Frost room, you’ll be seduced by the elegant design that creates an atmosphere of intimacy and romance in the spacious and amazing accommodations. Taking a long morning shower at your indoor/ outdoor shower is the perfect preamble for the three-course gourmet breakfast. What a wonderful and tasty way to the start the day!

The Napa Valley is worldwide known for its excellent wine production and the bottles

from Stags Leap District are no exception. Live the vintner experience: take the opportunity to visit the Cliff Lede Vineyards, which are part of the hotel’s property. Book your place for a guided tour around the vineyards, take a walk through the grapevine blocks—named after great rock songs—, and enjoy tasting exclusive wine releases on a gracefully designed intimate cellar. Don’t forget to buy a couple of bottles of Poetry, a cabernet sauvignon with a delightful taste and a unique balance of sweet fatness and elegant softness.

After you try the very best wines of the region, you can hang out at the pool, or spend an afternoon at the Poetry’s impeccable spa, where you can indulge yourself with a “Hot Stone Massage” or an “Awaken Your Soles” treatment. This luxury and exclusive hotel is waiting for you: hit the road to Napa Valley, and start pampering yourself in this unique hotel.

6380 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558 Phone: 707 944 0646 poetryinn.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Chanel.

 LOCATED ON THE ENCHANTING hills of San Francisco’s Napa

Photo: Courtesy of The Poetry Inn.

A PEACEFUL GETAWAY IN NAPA VALLEY

Reinvented classic bag GOOD THINGS COME IN LARGE PACKAGES

IF THERE IS SOMETHING THAT NO WOMAN CAN RESIST, is a big, lovely purse,

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel.

Photo: Courtesy of The Poetry Inn.

News SPIRITS

a lady’s most faithful companion. These precious items are perfect for showing up the personality and style of the person who wears them. In addition, it is the perfect repository for womanly secrets. Always a synonym of luxury and distinction, this wonderful accessory provides us status and a feeling of fulfillment. Moreover, there is a perfect match for everyone.

Throughout the years, members of royalty, first ladies and iconic Hollywood stars have been renowned as figures of elegance and finesse. I think the best role model you’ll ever find is Jackie Kennedy, the favorite first lady of the United States, a wonderful woman whose elegance and good taste made her the most glamorous first lady in

history. Jackie imposed the Chanel handbag fashion, which now we take as an obligated reference for exploring the possibilities of this must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. This is a classic bag that every lady should have, no matter her age or taste: with a Chanel you can never go wrong.

There are a variety of bags of different sizes, colors, sorts of leather and prices: you’ll find an option according to your personal lifestyle and taste. Our ultimate favorite handbag for this fall-winter season is part of Chanel’s collection against global warming: the Chanel Iridescent and crackled calfskin large shopping bag. It comes in a large size 9.8 x 18.5 x 6.3 inches— which is more comfortable and has enough room for all the things you need to carry with you. This incredible handbag is available in a combination

of gray, silver and brown; the modern design of the purse features different textures that will be the perfect contrast for any outfit. The short and long handles of this functional bag offer you the possibility to wear it either on your shoulder or on your arm, making this bag as formal or informal as you want.

This is the reinvention of a brand: while they have kept the stitching and the distinctive crisscross woven handle, they have added a new twist with the new size and rounded shape. If you want your bag to be the key element of your look, go with this Chanel. I personally guarantee you this is the perfect touch for any outfit. Don’t hesitate to steal the limelight and be the center of everybody’s envy.

Price available upon request. chanel.com

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Test Drive SPIRITS

BUGATTI Veyron 16.4 Your life in just 2.5 seconds

For many, this is the best automobile ever produced. For others, it is just one small step in the constant evolution of automotive vehicles. Be it as it may, a road-legal car that can attain a speed of over 250 mph deserves our standing ovation: Welcome Bugatti Veyron. BY ISRAEL CAMARGO VÁZQUEZ. Photos: Courtesy BUGATTI.

What can you do in 2.5 seconds? Breathe deep, light a cigarette, take a look at something… think for a moment on the myriads of things that can be done in a blink of an eye. But only few would be better than riding one of the fastest cars in the whole planet, flying from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reaching over 250 mph thanks to its 1,001 metric horsepower. This amazing car is only surpassed by his brother, the Grand Sport, which can reach this speed in just 2.3 seconds and is on par with other cars of similar characteristics, such as the McLaren F1, the Koenigsegg CCR and the SSC Ultimate Aero.

fastest, the most expensive and the most powerful car ever shown. Cheers and celebrations gave way, however, to doubt and ridicule from the specialized press.

Experts argued that it was impossible to control such high horsepower and, consequently, the speed would become unmanageable. The production model offered a too radical W18 engine with three banks of six cylinders. By 2000, Ferdinand Piëch announced the production Veyron at the Geneva Motor Show. At that motorshow, the sample car had a W16 engine taken from the 1999 Bentley Hunaudieres.

AND THE DREAM CAME TRUE

EXOTIC DESIGN – DISTINCTIVE POWER

Just like in a science-fiction novel, Bugatti Veyron began his walk eleven years ago; in 1999 the first proposals of what this 16/4 would become were shown. Back then it was a concept called EB 18/4, exhibited at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Putting this car on the pavement was a mind-blowing experience: it was the

With 4.47 meters in length, the Veyron is the perfect combination of high performance and exotic design.

Even when it is not moving, the vehicle radiates a tremendous sense of power, mainly because of the impressive engine that rests under the chassis. The Veyron’s

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Test Drive SPIRITS

bold proportions, well-balanced surfaces, and clear line structures give an impression of pure, sleek elegance.

The retro design reminiscent of classic Veyron Bugatti models from the 20’s and 30’s, as well as the two-tone color scheme, contrasting ellipsis and the “crest line”, which runs uninterrupted from the hood to the only 1.21-m-high roof, are stylistic elements used by Ettore Bugatti himself.

The sports car’s distinctive front is defined by the harmonious contrast of its broad headlights and majestic grill, adorned with the hand-enamelled Bugatti emblem.

The rear end (1.99 m wide) features the formidable retractable spoiler and generously designed bumpers.

EXQUISITE POWER Classic lines dominate the interior, and all controls reflect a meticulous attention to detail. Aluminium and leather are the prevailing materials; in fact, a unique alloy was specially developed to guarantee the consistent aluminium shine. Only the choicest leather—free of even the tiniest blemishes—was used for the interior. The steering wheel is a work of art, a composition of aluminium spokes, a leather cover, and convenient rocker switches offering easy access to the car’s sports automatics functions. The satin-aluminium finish of the handcrafted centre console rounds off the elegantly sophisticated look.

“EACH OF THIS COMPONENTS IS A NUGGET OF ENGINEERING GENIUS, A TRIUMPH OF MAN’S INGENUITY OVER NATURE’S INSCRUTABLE AND ENDLESS FEROCITY… THIS CAR IS BRILLIANT NOT JUST BECAUSE WHAT IT CAN DO BUT BECAUSE IT CAN DO THOSE THINGS FOR YEAR AFTER YEAR.” JEREMY CLARKSON

Designers and engineers worked closely together to integrate harmoniously every single one of the Veyron’s many features—from GPS to seat heating. The unique sound experience provided by the integrated sound system was designed by the high-end specialists at Burmester in Berlin. Each component was specially adapted for the Veyron to meet Bugatti’s extremely high quality standards. The true perfection of this sports car that exceeds all expectations results from the harmonious combination of these details—a balance of emotion, reflected by the bold design, and superior craftsmanship.

400 KM/H AND BEYOND Almost every component is as ingenious and unique as it is innovative. Boasting a maximum speed of more than 400 km per hour, the Veyron offers a total of 1,001 HP, and its ample power reserves even at high speeds are the fabric of dreams for luxury-class limousines: for a constant speed of 250 km/h, the Veyron only needs 270280 HP. That means that the seven-speed transmission

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Test Drive SPIRITS

Bugatti’s Veyron 16.4 is the first super sports car with guaranteed ESP functionality at all speeds including top velocity, tested and approved by exceptional racecar drivers.

GERMAN INSPECTION OFFICIALS RECORDED AN AVERAGE TOP SPEED OF 408.47 KM/H (253.8 MPH) DURING TEST SESSIONS ON THE EHRA LESSIEN TEST TRACK ON APRIL 19, 2005.

FOR YEARS, THE BUGATTI ENGINEERS HAD WORKED THOROUGHLY IN ORDER TO PUSH THE 400 KM/H BOUNDARY. generates 1250 newton metres (922 ft·lbf) of torque. more than 700 HP are continuously—on standby—for quick and fast interludes. In other words: at 1,000 r.p.m., only slightly above idling, the Veyron has 730 Newton meter torque available. Between 2,200 and 5,500 r.p.m., 1,250 Newton meter torque are permanently accessible.

No other production vehicle gets even close to these numbers. With this kind of power and pull, the Veyron manages racecourses as easily and competently as any other car in the city. Not only aerodynamic drag plays a crucial factor at very high speeds, but also the precise adjustment of the downforce that holds the car to the road surface. Adjusting the back spoiler, reducing ground clearance, opening and closing the lids—it all adds to the perfect balance between propulsion and downforce.

Such a super sports car may not seem to be brought to a halt easily, but the Veyron’s ceramic brakes slow it down in a mere 2.3 seconds—to come to a standstill from 100.

All of these technical details combine to make the Veyron a truly exceptional super sports car. To reduce the accident-related injury risk, Bugatti imported the concept of security from Formula 1 and adapted it to the Veyron.

HIGH ADRENALINE No wind tunnel can simulate more than 400 km/h, which is why after each of a long series of improvements, the different ground clearance levels and the modifications of the rear bumpers, spoiler and underbody were tested separately on high-speed test ranges. To create the optimum aerodynamics, the Bugatti engineers developed three configuration modes: standard, handling and top speed. The first is used for speeds up to 220 km/h. In handling mode, used at higher velocities, the vehicles nose is pulled down and the monumental rear spoiler deployed. This produces an additional 350 kg of downforce without compromising the Veyron’s exceptional handling. The top speed mode is reserved for velocities beyond 375 km/h, and is activated before the engine is started. In this mode the front diffuser flaps are shut to

make the underbody absolutely level, and the spoiler is lowered and aligned with the chassis, forming a tearing edge. The downforce is reduced to minimize the strain on the tires. The car is held down on the road by its own weight and the downforce. As soon as the driver brakes, the Veyron automatically switches to handling mode. But those who dare to accelerate consistently on a long, straight road will experience the power of the fastest production vehicle of all times

TECHNOLOGY TO THE TEST The first ESP tests at velocities beyond 300 km/h were performed on the dried salt lakes in the American Southwest. Featuring intelligent four-wheel drive and four electronic controls, the Veyron is as safe as it is fast. Two steerage systems, a Haldex clutch, and the rear axle locking differential provide the necessary dynamics, while the brake pressure regulation and active torque control ensure controllability. In addition, double traverse control arms in the front and rear guarantee precise wheel control, with minimal friction and a maximum of stability. The car follows each and every move of the driver, at any speed and with exactly the right dose of servo support. The Veyron 16.4 tires feature a specially developed rubber compound, customized tire tread, and an elaborate tire pressure control system.

EASY DOES IT The Bugatti Veyron exploits the full range of available technologies to allow for ultra-fast deceleration. Such a feat would require the driver to react with nearly superhuman speed. The whole braking process takes no more than 31.4 meters or 2.3 seconds—that is less than the car needs to get from 0 to 100 km. And even the 400-to-0km/h deceleration is a matter of less than 10 seconds.

Made of high-tech carbon, ceramic, and titanium materials, the brake system guarantees consistently high friction values and optimum cooling. Intelligent carbonceramic brake discs with interior ventilation, eight-piston

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Test Drive SPIRITS monoblock caliper units in the front, and six-piston caliper units in the rear ensure the necessary driving agility on a par with professional racecars.

The rear spoiler serves as an additional air brake at speeds beyond 200 km/h. Activated by the brake pedal, the spoiler shoots up and is deployed at a 55-degree angle in less than 0.4 seconds. This brake system is not only the most powerful, but also the most reliable and durable ever built into a serial production vehicle.

LIGHTWEIGHT SPEED Titanium, carbon, magnesium, and aluminum—each part of the Veyron 16.4 is made of the material with the lowest weight and the highest level of functionality.

These combined efforts capped the Veyron 16.4’s weight at a compact 1,888 kg.

Optimum protection is guaranteed by the car’s carbon monocoque construction: weighing only 110 kg, the survival cell withstands enormous crash impact forces.

This principle is comparable to that used in the Formula 1 world, where drivers usually emerge uninjured from their cars even after severe accidents. The maximum impact force reduction is mainly due to the frames integrated in the carbon monocoque. The front part of the monocoque is made of aluminium; the rear consists of a combination of carbon, stainless steel, and aluminium.

Crash tests have shown the Veyron 16.4 to conform to all international safety standards—and to exceed them.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM The Veyron’s central nervous system consists of three data buses: one for the driveline, one for the convenience functions, and one for the internal diagnostics system. A total of 26 control devices are connected to these buses. This digital network comprises the car’s complete intelligence system: from engine regulation

to electric windows; from rear spoiler control to GPS. In place of a traditional network, Bugatti equipped the Veyron with a lightweight onboard network also used in aviation technology. This saves 5 kg of weight and also offers extreme temperature resistance.

The hub of this network is the telemetry computer that constantly collects all vehicle data, checks them for reliability, and monitors battery voltage. As soon as the values become critical, the computer automatically transmits an error report to Bugatti.

In addition, the Veyron features speech-controlled, hands-free mobile phone operation with integrated Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth GPS is controlled via an exclusive Bugatti PDA. Both systems use the Burmerster sound system for crystal-clear audio output. All visual data are displayed on the rearview mirror (such as lap times, tire pressure, gas consumption, and key telemetry data) – a feat made possible by the extremely bright LED display placed behind the semi-transparent mirror glass.

TEST DRIVE The Bugatti test engineers drove more than 1,000 km per day, only interrupted by the necessary service breaks.

And then there were the extensive test drives on the extremely tough Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, and non-stop autobahn drives. In addition to these internal tests, the Veyron 16.4 had to pass all official roadworthiness tests just like any other serial production vehicle for road traffic. Approval criteria included reliability, stability, fine-tuning of driveline, chassis, and transmission, as well as the overall condition of the car after 50,000 driven kilometers. Next, the Veyron was exposed to weeks of heat and cold tests at extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C (-4°F) to 50°C (122°F). The car and its inexhaustible four-wheel drive braved both the ice and snow of Northern Europe and the sizzling South African heat.

Bugatti claim that the car even hauled a support vehicle out of a heavy Scandinavian snow drift during cold weather testing.

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Photos: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Limited.

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Travel & Tips SPIRITS

Four Seasons Resort THE BILTMORE, SANTA BARBARA

Holiday travelers will feel right at home this festive season at this fantastic resort. The historic beachfront Resort is spreading good cheer with experiences designed to help guests make magical memories while vacationing in one of the West Coast’s most beautiful and activity-rich coastal destinations. BY CESARE BOCARDO. green, through the Red Abyssinian banana trees and the exotic palms, and into the rose gardens. To cap a perfect day, you can toast the glorious Pacific sunset at the 110-seat Ty Lounge terrace, then follow with superb wine country cuisine at the aptly named oceanfront restaurant Bella Vista.

In addition to the resort’s many complimentary diversions, “sleigh” rides will be offered this December. Horse-drawn carriage tours through Montecito and along Butterfly Beach–complete with hot cocoa and cider–offer a nostalgic way for couples and families to enjoy time together and take in the area’s scenery. Thanks to its supreme location, beautiful grounds, long history and genuine comfort, this hotel is one of the best choices you have for vacationing this season. fourseasons.com/santabarbara

Photos: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Limited.

This recently restored Four Seasons Resort brings you the opportunity to visit a glamorous 20-acre Spanish-style hacienda that smells both of ocean breeze and old money. This historical resort, where some of the most important Hollywood celebrities used to hang around, now blends perfectly the sophisticated elegance of design and a rich atmosphere. You will find hand-painted tiles, fine textiles, rare marble, exotic landscaping, and uncommon antiques with every step you take. Rooms have a unique and indulgent feel, heightened by light-wood furnishings, high-quality materials, and full marble bathrooms with all the modern amenities. For no cost, you can also get a sense of the hidden wonders by taking a selfguided tour of the resort’s grounds. An illustrated botanical guide steers you past the tennis courts, the croquet lawn and putting

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This edition would not be complete without a selection of the best premium tequilas by Equ. The quality of these three craft-distilled tequilas is enough to surprise and exceed the expectations of even the most demanding expert. We have been seduced by these tequila houses and we are sure you will be too.

Elite Clase Azul Ultra

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lase Azul Ultra is one of the finest tequilas ever produced. This tequila is aged for a minimum of 60 months and is elaborated with organic weber blue agave of over 12 years, carefully selected by the master distillers.

The slow cooking in traditional stone ovens, the refined distillation process and the oak casks previously used for sherry, give as a result a tequila of distinct, smooth flavors and aromas, as well as an excellent balance over the palate.

The elegant decanter is in itself a work of art. Hand-crafted

by Mexican artisans, the bottle is styled with platinum, a sterling silver agave-shaped medallion by sculptor León Fernández, and a 24k gold label by Master Ricardo Barcena. All this makes Clase Azul Ultra a world-class tequila.

Casa Tradición, a 100% Mexican company, has trascended frontiers representing tequila, Mexico’s national beverage, throughout the world.

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Gran Patrón Burdeos

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his special edition double-distilled tequila has an alcohol content of 55%, and is produced with the best agave in Jalisco. To improve even more the final product, the tequilahas been matured in barrels made of a unique blend of American mountain oak and oaks from different regions of France. The tequila is aged for 12 months, then distilled once again and racked in hand-selected Bordeaux barrels, adding the distinct fruity flavors of the finest Bordeaux wines. Dark colored, Gran Patrón Burdeos is a tequila with a distinct and unique flavor.

This masterpiece is packed in a velvet-lined wooden box handcrafted from a single piece of Black Walnut. The distinctive crystal bottle is adorned with the custom corkscrew and a crystal stopper.

Photos: Courtesy of Tequilas Premium, Tequila Patrón/Sara Cuellar and José Cuervo.

Tequilas José Cuervo 250 años

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ne of the most prestigious and traditional tequila makers in Mexico, José Cuervo released a limited edition 250 Aniversario tequila, an exclusive jewel that only a few will be able to enjoy. The blend celebrates the passion and dedication ten generations of the Cuervo family have brought to the craft of Tequila-making since the original land grant was given to them in 1758.

Aged in toasted new American Oak barrels for a minimum of three years, the best of the Extra Anejo are selected by the master distiller and blended together to achieve a superior tequila. The distinctive blend is then stored for 10 months in Sherry casks originating from Spain. This tequila is the proof that not only cognac, wine and whiskey can age with elegance.

Each crystal decanter comes zealously packaged in an elegant oak gift box and has its sequential number etched into the glass, certifying the product’s rarity and authenticity.

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Desires SPIRITS

Divine Dining

LE VIOLON D’INGRES, PARIS

FROM THE TINY KITCHENS of the restaurant, the staff from Le Violon d’Ingres manages to produce small gastronomic wonders in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere that pleases all guests. The open kitchen with a long chef’s table just outside was Christian Constant’s idea for getting closer to his clients and giving them what they want: innovative yet classical French cuisine.

Born in Mountauban, in the foie gras and truffle commun north of Toulouse, Constant started his career as an apprentice in a local restaurant; then he cooked his way to the top in Paris, at the old-school Ledoyen and under Guy Legay at the Ritz hotel, before taking the chef position at the Crillon.

Although he loved to work there, when Constant turned 45 he decided that it was time to make his lifetime dream come true: open his own restaurant. Constant’s dream became reality when Le Violon d’Ingres, with a capacity for 60 people, opened its doors in 1998. The name of this Michelin-starred restaurant is a homage to Jean-AugustDominique Ingres (1780-1867), the French

painter born in Constant’s home-town, and in whose work he has found the inspiration to create fascinating dishes which reveal their delicious flavors just like soft strokes create a delightful painting.

Only by reading the magnificent parchment neo-classical menu and looking at the contemporary décor, one is able to fully appreciate Constant’s concept. The main feature of the restaurant is its wide-open space with a light and bright welcoming atmosphere. The façade is now a delicious mushroom and red wine color, with wide picture windows, to flood the restaurant with light.

It is clear from the food that Constant serves that this is no mere hobby for him.

“My dishes are based on the accents of South-West France, with a modern spin”, says Constant. “I’m always experimenting in my kitchen. The menu changes frequently according to the market and the season, of course.” His mastery becomes immediately apparent with at once rustic and opulent dishes, such as the amuse-gueole of thick, rich Jerusalem artichoke soup enhanced with

tiny butter-fried croutons and melting cubes of foie gras. You can even find signature dishes like the almond-crusted seabass with rémoulade sauce, alongside game and scallops (in season), and comforting desserts like pots de crème and chocolate tart. Sampling these and other typical Constant creations—from turbot roasted with chestnuts and truffled celeriac to foie gras pan-fried in a coating of gingerbread crumbs with quince preserves— show that his ideas are firmly grounded in rural French gastronomy. Constant’s cooking is elevated not by some promiscuous “creativity” that mixes every flavor under the sun but by his obvious understanding of classic raw materials and by the sure-handedness of his technique.

Make sure to reserve, the restaurant is packed for lunch and dinner, you know: good news travels fast, and obviously Le Violon d’Ingres, is one of the best news your palate will find in France.

135, rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 París, Francia.

Phone: 01 4555 1505 leviolondingres.com

Photos: © Kevin Phua.

Christian Constant, ambassador of the New French Cuisine, offers in his excelent restaurant an exquisite mixture of classical ingredients with a new contemporary spin.

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News SPIRITS

Foxhunting in Ireland A TRADITION THAT NEVER DIES

overcome in order not to lose sight of their elusive prey. The hunt continues until either the fox evades the hounds, goes to ground (that is, takes refuge in an underground burrow or den) or is overtaken and usually killed by the hounds.

The best place to go hunting in Ireland is Galway County, known for its rolling hills and fields divided by a latticework of stone walls and quiet country roads–the perfect setting for practicing this sport.

The Association of Irish Riding Establishments organizes a VIP Hunting day on Wednesdays. This will give you the unique opportunity to interact with the huntsmen and see the hounds at work.

What could be better for living the sublime experience of foxhunting than staying in one of the historical castles located in Galway County. These ancient castles have been transformed into modern luxury resorts where the service is excellent and faithfully preserves the tradition of hospitality with their never-ending effort to satisfy each one of your wishes. Your will feel transported to the Middle Ages, but you will enjoy all the amenities of the 20th century.

Photos: Daniel Berehulak / Getty Images.

 THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN RIDING a horse amidst a beautiful countryside landscape, surrounded by magnificent Irish castles. Although some centuries ago only aristocrats and royalty practiced this activity (Prince Charles, for example, is one of the most famous followers of this traditional sport), in this day and age everybody can be part of it. The experience is absolute fabulous, especially recommendable for those who love horse riding.

From the time the party meets at the pub for drinking a toast before setting off, to the moment of “casting” the hounds into coverts, where foxes often lay up during daylight hours or when they hear dogs moving toward them, this event is unforgettable for the partakers. The hounds pursue the trail of the fox and the riders follow, by the most direct route possible. Since this sport involves very athletic skills on the part of horse and rider alike, fox hunting is the origin of traditional equestrian sports including streeplechase and point to point racing. Those who engage in of this sport need to have a great control of the mount because they can find a myriad of obstacles (ditches, fences, hedges, stone walls) to

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Pleasures SPIRITS

EXPRESS TRIPS: TWO GREAT OPTIONS Having a jet for personal travel at your disposal whenever you need it is something priceless. Therefore, Equ Lifestyle offers you two perfect aircrafts for express travel: these cannot fly nonstop to Europe, but are ideal for an incognito getaway or to attend a business meeting. These two jets will not only satisfy your needs, but also do it with all the luxury and comfort you deserve. By Mariana Vega.

HONDAJET by Honda OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

hondajet.honda.com

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Photos: Courtesy of Embraer.

Performance: Engines: model GE HONDA / HF120 Maximum Cruise: 420KTAS IFR range: 1180 nm Take-off Distance: 3120 ft Landing Distance: 2500 ft Passengers: 5 passengers Crewmembers: 2 Price: $3.9 million USD

Photos: Courtesy of HondaJet.

Soichiro Honda, the Japanese engineer and founder of Honda Motor Co., once had a dream: the dream of bringing mobility to heaven, of perfection of performance for speed, efficiency, and independence. This plane employs advanced aircraft design concepts such as the light all-composite fuselage and the HF120 turbofan engines mounted on the wings. With all these features, this jet has set new standards of speed performance. It also offers the best fuel efficiency in its class.

This wonderful aircraft expands the definition of comfort in a light jet with a more spacious cabin, private bathroom and a baggage area of exceptional size. Every detail is important, so it includes blinds that are button-operated, snack center, handcrafted club seating, and personal seat-side amenities. Every inch of this jet has been designed to provide comfort to passengers. The pilot area, which is made of glass, works with cutting-edge aviation technology and provides complete integration of control functions and information to improve the voltage, the operation and flight safety. Besides being attractive, the aerodynamic design of the Honda Jet is the most effective way to cross the skies.

In a word: one-piece fuselage, the pilot area and a luxurious glass cockpit set a new standard in its category. The result is an aircraft worthy of the name Honda and no doubt will cover all your needs, whether traveling on business or pleasure.

PHENOM 100 by Embraer EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN Very few possess the ability to design, build and certify jets, and Embraer is one of the few companies qualified for the creation of light jets. The Phenom100 is the result of a totally new design and experience by Embraer’s renowned team. The interiors, created in partnership with BMW Group Designworks USA, raise the standards of quality and comfort, with ergonomic seats, the most spacious cabin in its class (for up to eight people) and larger windows that provide an illuminated atmosphere. All this features want you to arrive fresh and relaxed to your destination. Your experience is guaranteed to be pleasant, thanks to its entertainment system and intelligent controllers for cool or warm weather, depending on your wishes.

In its silent cabin the aircraft navigation system is integrated with high-tech, a feature that makes flying this executive jet a great and trouble-free experience. Besides all its incredible characteristics, the fuselage composite materials are extremely light which gives great performance and speed.

The Phenom100 provides all these qualities, and more. It is the only jet in its class, which is concerned with providing a space in the luggage compartment that is roomy enough for both skis and golf bags. In the jet’s spaciousness baggage compartment you’ll find room for everything you need.

For its luxurious comfort, low operating costs, performance and avant-garde design, the Phenom100 is not only an excellent choice for your business trip, it also is a jet that flies like a pro, a perfect choice for you.

Photos: Courtesy of Embraer.

Photos: Courtesy of HondaJet.

Pleasures SPIRITS

Performance Engines: Pratt & Whitney – PW 535-E Maximum Cruise: 453KTAS IFR range: 1178 nm Take-off Distance: 3,400 ft Landing Distance: 2,699 ft Passengers: 5 passengers Crewmembers: 1 Price: $3.6 million USD embraerexecutivejets.com

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News SPIRITS

Bellagio Las Vegas

is the perfect place for staying during your next visit to Vegas. At your arrival you’ll feel like visiting a European casino: everything is just luxury and perfection. The lobby has a signature opulent residence design, unlike any other in Vegas. Your eyes will be delighted by the Dale Chihuly blown-glass flower sculpture hanging from the ceilings –which is the largest of it kind. Immerse yourself in this elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

The world famous ballet of dancing fountains that is choreographed with a vast range of music and an incredible play of lights is the perfect scenario for creating a special moment, and a great preamble for a dinner that will leave you speechless. In Bellagio you’ll find a variety of different restaurants, such as Picasso, Le Cirque, Michael Mina, Fix, Sensi, Jean-Philippe Patisserie, Olives and the Bellagio Buffet, which by the way, is the perfect place for breakfast.

In addition of having the best accommodations ever, with real comfortable beds, quality linens and cushy chairs, Bellagio’s features include an enormous pool area with six swimming pools –two heated year-round and two with fountains– disposed in a neoclassical roman style garden. If you want to be near the pools you must ask for a suite at the newer Spa Tower that features a gym and superb spa areas. At any time you can put on your poker face and hit to the casino, you’ll have a blast in this roomy and magnificent property of 116,000 square feet. After winning all your bets, don’t miss “O”, the Cirque du Soleil’s incredible headlining show of water-acrobatics.

When you finally leave the gambling tables make a stop at Via Bellagio, the most exclusive shopping area of Vegas, in which you’ll find the best fashion brands like Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Dior, Fendi & Bottega Veneta. Get to the sin city and live the whole Vegas experience at the Bellagio, you’ll always want to come back. bellagio.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Animo.

 THIS AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD-WINNING RESORT

Photo: Courtesy of Bellagio.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS SHOULD HAPPEN AT THE BEST HOTEL

Equestrian Fashion for Women A PERFECT PAIR THAT CAN NEVER LOSE

BY MARILLY MEYER.

GETTING DRESSED FOR A COMPETITION used to be an extremely awkward expe-

Photo: Courtesy of Animo.

Photo: Courtesy of Bellagio.

News SPIRITS

rience: you wore uncomfortable heavy coats and tight riding breeches in boring colors. The first thought that crossed your mind the minute you finish your participation was to take off those heavy boots and impatiently wait for the moment you could change your outfit. Now everything is different: technology and trends have joined forces to create fashionable yet comfortable clothes for riding in style or even going to lunch with friends.

Equestrian brands have been responsible of renewed and updated colors and trends. Equestrian sportswear has certain requirements that have to be acknowledge thus retaining the elegance of the sport and creating a combination of important factors such as fashion, technology and comfort.

It has become clear that technology and quality of textiles is essential for riders to perform their best on the horse. On account of all these reasons several products have been launched

with significant improvements both in comfort and fashion. Nowadays female riders can wear trendy and cozy clothes such as low waist pants, with modern cuts and pockets, like those by Kingsland, a brand that now offers soft pants that are as comfortable as skinny jeans. On the other hand, the Spanish brand Manfredi has put on the fashion windows gorgeous variations of the classic breeches in a variety of colors and fabrics according to the season.

There are other brands that combine technology with fashion such as GPA, who has innovated the traditional jacket into a machine-washable item with dry fit technology. It is important to be elegant, but as a rider you must never lose comfort, so your participations always leave you satisfied. Therefore, by wearing stretch, light and dry-fit clothes you’ll be more comfortable, fashionable and, best of all, you will stop spending a fortune at the dry cleaner.

There are other brands that, thinking about the health and welfare of the rider, have de-

signed shirts with sun-protective fabrics, such as the Mexican label Human Clever. On the other hand, other brands feature a signature seal of elegance such as the traditionally classic Pikeur, the Italian Alessandro Albanesse or the world renown. Animo, which has revolutionized the concept of horse-riding dressing whit their dressage show coat, an indispensable item for the most demanding riders in the world. Each one of them has different features and identity, each one offering a style that perfectly suits the riders’ personality and needs.

Keep in mind that this is an elegant sport so you must not fall for an informal or overly casual style. Don’t justify yourself by thinking these items are more comfortable than the classics or a fashion trend, because when you wear these, the style-and-elegance pair that this sport represents will not qualify for the finals. Everyone has different tastes and preferences but, at the end of the day, we are all united by a common element: we love horses. animouk.com

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5 World’s Best SPIRITS

1

2

WHISTLER, CANADA

ASPEN, COLORADO THE USA HAVE SOME OF THE FAVORITE DESTINATIONS

FLANKED BY FROZEN MOUNTAINS, WHISTLER sits in a lake-dotted valley in North Vancouver, which until the 1940’s was accessible only by a combination of steamships and trains.

Whistler’s twin peaks (Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain) are home of the biggest ski resort in North America. Due to its low altitude (only 2,214 ft above sea level), the bottom third of the slopes can sometimes get a little slushy, but the peaks remain practically perfect. Thanks to the average of 30 feet of snow per season, the tracks of this vast skiable area never get skied out by the numerous visitors. This beautiful ski mountain, with more than 30 lifts between the two interconnected mountains, counts with more than 1,200 ski instructors from all around the world. Believe me, you’ll have to force yourself to make a stop and go for lunch!

The beautiful town of Whistler served as host of numerous events during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Besides being a wonderful place for skiing, this little town benefits from a charming cobblestoned progression of ample pedestrian plazas. Underground parking runs beneath large portions of the village, and the frequent shuttle buses make cars unnecessary. In this colorful village the buildings are so low that you can see Whistler and Blackcomb mountains practically from anywhere.

After you have proven your abilities in the slopes, don’t forget to please your wildest side by living the exciting experience of heliski or by driving a snowmobile while a guide leads you through the woody trails of Blackcomb Mountain: you will be surprised by the wonderful views of this winter destination.

In addition to this, you can also hop on the peak-to-peak gondola, a cable car that connects the two mountains in a stunning 4.4-kilometre journey. This resort offers amazing possibilities that will take your breath away.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Whistler Fairmont Chateau Whistler Pan Pacific Whistler Mountain Side

Where to eat: The Mallord Lounge Elements Il Caminetto di Umberto

Where to stay St. Regis Resort Little Nell Hotel Jerome Where to eat Montagna Matsuhisa Lounge Cache cache

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Photos: Courtesy of the hotels.

Glamour, elegance and distinction are just a few words that can describe these luxurious top skiing destinations. We have chosen five of the best that will surely exceed your expectations.

Photos: Courtesy of the hotels.

Best Ski Resorts

for ski lovers; the Rocky Mountains in Colorado can boast of a number or cities and towns that seem to be created exclusively for the mountain and ski activities. One of those destinations is Aspen, the main city of the Pitkin County, which became a hotspot for winter sports as early as the 1950’s. From that time onwards its ever-growing prestige has consolidated it as one of the best resorts for winter activities. Formerly a mining town, this skiing station gradually became the favorite cultural meeting point for the rich and famous that came to Colorado looking for a snowy oasis for skiing.

Framed by a mountainous landscape, there is no doubt that Aspen is one of the most glamorous places for skiing, especially from December to March. Arriving to this destination is easy; the Eagle County Regional Airport and the Grand Junction Regional Airport, are just a step away.

Aspen is one of the few resort towns in North America with four separate ski mountains: Aspen Mountain (with some of the best tracks in the world, such as the famous Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Tiehack, each one with an outstanding amount of slopes, suitable for skiers of every age and ability.

Every winter sport you want to try is here. Your visit to Aspen would not be complete if you missed the opportunity to experience an off-limits tour through the four mountains that compose this natural wonder. This resort is known for its versatility: you can ski on ice, or engage in rock climbing, ice fishing or even immerse yourself in the city, enjoy dinner in the top restaurant or empty the marvelous boutiques of Zegna, Gucci and Dior.

BAQUEIRA, SPAIN LOCATED IN THE PYRENEES, in the province of Lleida, there stands the Val d’Aran, the only valley in all Spain with an Atlantic climate and wonderful powder snow. This beautiful vale is surrounded by several peaks— some of them rising over 9,840 feet above sea level— and more than 200 pristine lakes extended throughout an extraordinary forest: such landscape frames the alpine beauty of the villages of the Val d’Aran.

You cannot miss the opportunity of giving a try to the Valley’s rich cuisine which, due to the nearness to the French border, is very much influenced by the haute cuisine of that country. One of the most characteristic dishes is the Olla Aranesa (Aranese Stew), a typical recipe endowed with the most luscious autochthonous flavors.

In the heart of the Pyrenees is hidden the most important town of the Val d’Aran: Baqueira. This snowy place offers superb facilities on and off the slopes, and is a favorite meeting point of the rich and famous, that’s why Baquiera is considered the best ski resort of the Iberian Peninsula. Baqueira offers a variety of options for every age and skill. You can choose between several activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoe walks, guided hikes trough the mountains or a panoramic flight. This ski resort is the perfect place to live the adrenaline rush of the winter sports.

Photos: Courtesy of the hotels.

Photos: Courtesy of the hotels.

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Where to stay Meliá Royal Tanau Hotel La Plata Hotel & Spa AC Baqueira Where to eat Restaurante 1800 Ticolet La Borda Lobato.

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ST. MORITZ, SWISS ALPS

COURCHEVEL, FRANCE

ST. MORITZ REGION is buried deep in the southeast-

IN LES TROIS VALLÉES, SAVOIE, stands

ern Swiss Alps, in the Engadine Valley, part of the canton of Graubünden. In 1928 and 1948 this lovely alpine village was host of the Olympic Winter Games, and since then it has become an obligated itinerary for legendary movie stars and important state leaders.

Switzerland’s largest skiing region is divided into two parts: Saint Moritz Dorf and Bad. The first is a town whose architectural style reminisces of the classic Swiss villas full of shops and restaurants covered with a fine layer of snow, while the most exclusive world class ski resort hotels are in St. Moritz Bad, located at the headwater of the Eno River and the almost always frozen St. Moritz Lake, which holds an annual polo tournament sponsored by Cartier.

This ski resort is one of the world’s most exclusive venues, where visitors wear designer latest trends while discovering the snowy slopes of this station. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, get ready for the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival, Enganin’s ski marathon and the platinum and jewelry week, as well as the horse and greyhound racing, which takes place on the frozen lake.

If you have time, don’t miss the chance of travelling oldstyle, on board of the world famous Glacier Express, where you will enjoy the mountain railways from St. Moritz to Zermatt. This panoramic trip through the heart of the Swiss Alps is a railway classic that offers marvelous sightseeing.

one of the most attractive ski resorts of France: Courchervel, one of the largest winter sports resorts of the world. With over 372 miles of snowy trails, more than 60 hotels, a pair of Michelin-starred restaurants, super exclusive chalets, designer boutiques and a lift system that offers breathtaking views, it is clear why this is one of the favorite spots for the high-end European tourism. After the Second World War, Courchevel became a key destination for elite tourism, attracting the attention of celebrities and rich industrials that were delighted by its immaculate snow and fashionable ski resorts.

This wonderful ski area is spread across four different altitudes: Courchevel Le Praz 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850, composing together a collage of winter memories connected by an efficient lift system. There are a wide range of slopes for intermediate and advanced skiers, and for the experts there are also off piste trails that will keep them busy. The skiing and snowboarding terrain in Courchevel Valley is remarkable.

This is the ideal place to live the full experience of winter sports, as well as the exclusivity of the most luxurious resorts and restaurants. Courchevel is definitely a place to make your wildest dreams come true.

Where to stay Badrutt´s Palace Hotel 3100 Kulum Hotel Gournegrat Hotel Eden Gorni

Where to stay Hotel Bellecote Palace Des Neiges Hôtel de la Loze

Where to eat Diavolezza La Baracca La Marmite

Where to eat Le Bateau Ivre Le Chabichou Boulongerie Gandy

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Travel & Tips SPIRITS

The blissful touch CALISTOGA RANCH

FOUR SEASONS RESORT PUNTA MITA

PARK HYATT BEAVER CREEK RESORT AND SPA

The Spa at Calistoga Ranch reinvents the classic curative “taking of the waters” in a rejuvenating natural Napa spa sanctuary. Nestled away in a wooded canyon in Napa, discover soothing soaking pools overlooking a creek and moss-laden oaks, sample restorative organic treatments in restful private rooms—and enter upon a journey to pure relaxation.

Tranquil treatment rooms feature outdoor garden showers and private soaking tubs. Take to the healing mineral waters and enjoy a variety of exceptional bodywork and unique treatments, soothing soaking baths reflect the true spirit of the Napa region.

The word apuane means “healing waters,” and it is around this concept that the Apuane Spa was created—as a tranquil oasis where the cares of the world are left behind. This exclusive spa offers a full range of treatments designed to encourage relaxation, renewal and recharging. Unwind in the serene environment centred on a sun-drenched courtyard. You can also experience the tranquillity and relaxation of this spa treatments at one of three completely private outdoor locations throughout Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

There’s something about this spa that sets it apart from all others. Maybe it is the irresistible invitation to pamper in a haven of relaxation, now expanded to offer even more luxurious services. From the co-ed Thermae Mineral Pool to the private steamy Caldaria pools and steam rooms, cooling Cascata rainshower and soothing calm of the Tepidarium relaxation room, this experience is designed to enhance spa treatments to follow. Whichever you select, you’ll understand why this heavenly Vail spa resort wins accolades and rave reviews from both guests and media.

580 Lommel Road Calistoga, CA 94515 Phone: 707 254 2800

Punta Mita, Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico 63734 Phone: +52 (329) 291 6000 fourseasons.com⁄puntamita

calistogaranch.com

100 East Thomas Place, CO 81620-1595 Phone: (970) 949 1234 beavercreek.hyatt.com

PUNTA MITA MARGARITA PUMPKIN DELIGHT FACIAL

Tequila, salt and fresh lime juice: a recipe for relaxation. Lime is a soothing natural astringent and skin conditioner, and has a mood-enhancing effect, boosting morale and relieving anxiety. Applied with mineral-rich sea salts and a dash of tequila, this delicious treatment lightens the spirit while cleansing and rejuvenating the body.

CALISTOGA CURE

GOLDEN GLOW

Enhance circulation, invigorate and exfoliate with a therapeutic mineral salt body scrub followed by a private outdoor mud or mineral salt bath. Each bath consists of herbal extracts, essential oils, and minerals, drawn with your specific needs in mind. Rest quietly while receiving a balancing polarity session, which incorporates gentle rocking and light touch to release energy.

Using ingredients derived from golden algae and gold powder, this treatment includes glamorous and sophisticated Vichy shower therapy, designed to revitalise your skin. Treatment begins with a gentle full-body exfoliation and gold algae wrap, followed by a relaxing head and neck massage. Finally, take pleasure in the subtle fragrances of Gold Star nectar as it seals and hydrates your skin.

COLORADO WILD ROSE CURE Warm lavender compresses calm the nervous system in preparation for a rose oil and wildflower body scrub. A chamomile bath of essential oils and flower petals follows. Relax with a full body massage using a rose geranium body butter. A calming body wrap sweetened with a foot and scalp massage takes you to a state of complete relaxation.

ULTIMATE NON-SURGICAL FACE LIFT “The Ultimate” is state of the art anti-aging equipment that utilizes micro-current technology to instantly tone, lift, firm and re-educate tired muscles, leaving skin looking younger and firmer. Includes a hyaluronic mask for deep hydration. Recommended for anyone seeking a non-invasive alternative with noticeably instant results.

Fotos: Cortesía de los hoteles.

Delight your skin and senses with a warm, brightening organic pumpkin enzyme facial. Your skin will be refreshed, your senses warmed and soothed. This ultimate facial includes skin analysis, exfoliation, extractions and custom mask, as well as a herbal hand scrub and massage to soften dry, hands.

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Fotos: Cortesía de los hoteles.

Desires SPIRITS

Hot Spot BAR NINETEEN 12

A great place for drinks with friends, this exclusive bar is one of the best kept secrets of 90210ers.

Every single detail overflows decadent luxury.

NAMED IN HONOR of the year the hotel first opened, Bar Nineteen12 offers two distinct settings: an elegant indoor bar and a beautiful terrace overlooking the pool, gardens and towering palms of Beverly Hills.

Featuring light fare and unique cocktails from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and the wonderful sunset in Beverly Hills. This is the best-kept secret of 90210ers. The crowd at Bar Nineteen 12 ranges from young locals to older hotel guests to the after-work crowd dressed to the nines.

This beautiful bar boasts stunning hard wood floors, luxurious leather chairs and round tables all seeming to glow in the pale yellow light that bathes the room. The outside terrace, which occupies a plush corner of the outdoor patio, feels like an island paradise with large wicker chairs outfitted with comfy white cushions gaze out onto

palm trees and one of the hotel’s luscious gardens, creating a relaxed destination for revelry amid the luxury of the “Pink Palace.”

But the pleasures of this bar do not end with its surroundings.

The wait staff is eager to share recommendations ranging from drinks to appetizers.

Moreover, the leather bound menus that dot each table are filled with a wide variety of choices aimed to satisfy the adventurous drinker as well as the traditionalist. The drinks, served in heavy one-off crystal glasses, are not only cleverly named but they are also delicious.

The highlight of the new cocktail menu, though, comes in the form of jelly shots. If you hold the jelly shots in your mouth long enough for the tastes and alcohol to permeate your taste buds, you will certainly appreciate the care that the hotel takes in

their products. The shots positively glow, and each tastes as good as it looks. Other stars of the night are the Beverly Hills Hotel (a pink watermelon liquer) and the Prickly Pear Margarita, a daring flavor combination.

The wide range of appetizers is simply fantastic: you can choose from spicy nuts and marinated mozzarella to quesadillas, to spring rolls or chicken satay. Our recommendations are the Polo Lounge Caesar salad, Sliders served with fries and some extra-crispy Calamari.

A great place for a date, drinks with friends or a leisurely nightcap, Bar Nineteen 12 is a breath of fresh air and the perfect escape from the urban jungle of L.A. NINETEEN12 at the Beverly Hills Hotel 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills. CA 90210 Tel.: 310 2731912 barnineteen12.com

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News SPIRITS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

model, the most luxurious (and, of course, expensive) of the Mercedes family.

Keep in mind that this is no typical SUV: the Mercedes G50 AMG is a powerful, high-performance vehicle suitable for the most slippery off-road situations and it features a go-anywhere ability. It comes with a strong V8 engine for a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.4 seconds.

The G550 can be also identified by the new 18-inch, five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, whereas the G55 is differentiated by larger 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels.

Although the design still has certain air of its military past, the Mercedes G Class exhibits a timeless look: its premium leather interiors are the perfect match for the burl walnut trim that give it a touch of classic distinction. Its digital Harman/ Kardon Logic7 audio system, can also display maps and directions for the hard-drive navigation system, which are set up for sirius realtime traffic info as well as Zagat restaurant ratings.

Definitely the Mercedes G is a SUV that displays power, style and elegance, the perfect match for you. mbusa.com

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Photos: Courtesy of LVMH.

BECAUSE YOU ARE A WOMAN who deserves to have the best SUV that money can buy, in Equ Lifestyle we want you to know the Mercedes-Benz G Class, the SUV everybody wants but only a few can afford.

This queen of the street jungle is an oldschool Benz build, quality sport utility vehicle that will never break down on you. This G Class, that is celebrating its fourth decade of production, is improving with age. Born as a military wagon the Geländewagen—as it still is called in Europe— reaches 2011 as the G550, an AMG

Photos: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

EVERY WOMAN'S FOUR-WHEELED DREAM

La Grande Dame 1996 EFFERVESCENT DELICACY

 DECEMBER HOLIDAYS are around the corner and there is nothing better than great champagne to celebrate. This bubbly golden elixir is the best complement to this season’s feasts.

There are some exceptional, out of the ordinary moments that require a perfect accompaniment: a wine of extreme refinement, a bottle of extraordinary champagne that will distinguish the occasion with her fascinating magic.

The construction of La Grande Dame 1996 is similar to the most elaborate lace works from legendary Bruges, and is also considered as the epitome of refinement among the wines produced by the famous house of Veuve de Clicquot, known for inventing the process of clarification of champagne around 1816. This magnificent curvée prestige is based on a blend of eight Grands Crus traditionally used for this

wine. The blend is dominated by Pinot Noir grapes (62.5%), which come from Ay in the vallée De la Marne, and Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy in the Montage de Reims. The Chardonnay grapes (37.5%), come from vineyard plots in Avize, Oger, and Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs.

In the mouth, the Pinot Noir reveals its true personality. Fruity notes (white peaches, grapefruit and bergamot) dominate an energetic attack on the palate, which is prolonged by the structure and roundedness of the wine. The balance, a combination of freshness and vigour, is ideal. With a finish that is extremely persistent and clean, mineral notes add force to this noble wine. By agitating the wine, scents of candied fruit (citrus fruits, apricots, quince) and sweet almond emerge, to reappear later in the mouth.

After rotating the wine for a few minutes more, rare notes such as peated malt, tobacco and delicate herbs, are gradually unveiled. As it undergoes aeration, riper notes of vanilla and nougat come to the fore, giving a pleasant roundness to the wine. At this stage a typical Chardonnay characteristic, crisp elegance clearly prevails over aromatic strength. The firmness of the acidity seems to add briskness to the mousse, leaving a clean, chiseled impression of the chalk soils in which this grew.

You no longer need ice or a refrigerator to keep your Champagne cold. To store the antique-style bottle that treasures a crystal clear, pale gold color liquid with jade glints and unbelievably fine bubbles, la Grand Dame of design, French designer Andree Putman has created a fitting match. veuve-clicquot.com

Photos: Courtesy of LVMH.

Photos: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

News SPIRITS

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Journal of...

SPIRITS

Dino Modolo

Director of Creations of Bedat & Co.

Dino Modolo takes inspiration in the feminine mystique exuding beauty and strength. Each piece he creates, embodies the elegance of Italian craftsmanship combined with the essence of function and design, respect for traditional craftsmanship and love of details.

powerful men are very humble and discrete wearing sleek and classical watches, while others wear very bulky movements that express the wealth immediately. Women do not wear watches that way, they are much more complicated. Today they can purchase their own things, they don’t need a man for buying anything, so their criteria and perceptions are totally different. For example, comfortability is a great issue. You cannot ask a woman to take half an hour to wind the watch to get it ready to go out; with a woman you have 30 seconds, so she puts it on her wrist, sees that it works, and then she’s really to go out. The way you conceive a watch for women has to take into account all those little details.

SPECIAL PIECE IN YOUR CAREER I love each one of my 2,500 pieces. Each one of them is a step toward the future.

It’s impossible! I cannot select only one: I remember the first one, the second one…

Every design that you do is always part of your life. I cannot slice a part of my life and say that part is the best. I’m happy with all my pieces.

PARTICIPATION IN BEDAT

WATCHMAKER OR DESIGNER

DESTINATION

I’ve been working with Madame Bedat, the founder of the company, since 1979, when she was working for other brands. When she founded her own brand in 1996, she asked me to design with her. I have been in Bedat since the beginning.

Watchmaking, by essence, is very technical and strong: precise engineering, perfect movement. When you design and you have the base of watchmaking, it is not difficult for you to divert technique into the shapes that are in your head. You can transform technology into something nice or elegant.

My destination is always associated with two things: food and culture. And the people’s attitude is fundamental. In the past, I had the chance to work in Thailand and I think that that is probably the place where I feel most comfortable with people’s attitude in private life and at work. Even if people don’t have money, they take care of everything: nature is holy. They take and enjoy life everyday.

When she created the company, Mme. Bedat wanted to do something that the rest of the watch brands would never dare to do. When thinking of watches for women, most of the brands only offer reduced man’s watches.

But when we discussed those issues, we decided that we should put things on the other side, we said “Let’s do a lady’s watch that has been conceived as such since the very beginning.” A man and a lady are not the same: they don’t think the same, they don’t feel the same, and obviously, they cannot wear the same watch.

NOVELTIES We have five collections in Bedat, each one titled by numbers. Every number is associated with a shape and with those particular characteristics related to numerology. We also have the Extravaganza collection, a collection of very unique timepieces that we use to keep our minds fresh. We have something special every year. No mass production.

DIFFERENT CONCEPTION Man’s watches define two things today: your status and the kind of wealth you have. Some

ACCESSORY My accessories are my pen and my sketchbook. I take them wherever I go, because you never know when inspiration will call.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO BE THE MOST My home and my office. At home I can see all the seasons. You can see the snow, and the leaves that come down from the trees and the first flowers coming out after the snow melts in spring.

Photo: Oscar Carrera.

ONLY FOR WOMEN

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World Equestrian Games Kentucky 2010 Some of the world’s best riders gathered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky for the WEG this year, including Canadian Eric Lamaze and Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa. It was an emotional event where we had the opportunity to admire the skill of the numerous participants in eight equestrian disciplines. BY JOSÉ “PEPE” MADARIAGA. PHOTOS: ANWAR ESQUIVEL.

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Left: Philippe Le Jeune on “Vigo d’Arsouilles”.

Rigth: Abdullah Al Sharbatly, Philippe Le Jeune and Eric Lamaze.

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A

Anyone who has ridden and competed knows that the love for a noble companion such as the horse is never lost. I enjoy attending high level competitions to satisfy my own passion but as well to share this experience both with my dad, who supported me throughout my life as a rider, and with my son, who fortunately has become a promising horse lover. We were lucky to go to Kentucky to see the show jumping at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. I am pleased to share with you some of my observations and personal points of view on this unique Championship:

Monday: Table C In my opinion, the design required more courage than skill to determine the final winner. I do not mean to say that the course design was easy, absolutely not. However, it was rather a design with few options.

The riders could go faster or slower, depending on their strategy. But the design did not offer options to take a shorter and riskier route.

Those who took the risk of high-speed suffered the consequences.

A clear example of this was McLain Ward and ‘Sapphire’, who burnt their bridges and paid the price over the following days. That includes the American team, who after the speed show seemed practically invincible, ended the Nations Cup biting off more than they could chew.

I think that more than a competition, this Table C ended up being a trap in which the most ambitious ended falling on their sword.

On the other hand, there were some nice surprises. The riding level in Asia has risen dramatically and riders are starting to stand out. Although there were still some awkward moments, their performance in the speed test was good. The same can be said for the South American riders who will certainly give a fierce battle during the Pan American Games next year, hoping to obtain their qualification for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Wednesday: Nations Cup

Bottom: McLain Ward.

The design was fantastic with some options that allowed riders to develop a strategy for the course. But there were also some complications that gave no options, and forced the horses and riders to be at the top of their game. The course was big and broad, hard, to say the least. In spite of that, only one rider fell off, demonstrating that although difficult the course was not too much for the field. With such a design, the pack slowly began to separate, collecting enough faults

to see the best emerge. The German team showed outstanding supremacy. The American team—which was considered by some as the almost sure winners—gradually began losing their advantage and unfortunately ended up below expectations.

Here again there were some surprises. Where the Dutch team did not qualify among the top ten, the Australians ended with only four faults in the first round and Belgium finished a close third. These situations are rarely seen, and even less in events at this level.

We saw some of the best rides of the season during the second round of the Nations Cup. Janne-Friederick Meyer on “Cellagon Lambrasco” and Carsten-Otto Nagel on “Corradino” from Germany, made impressive runs, the first thanks to his determination and the second due to his technical quality. Rodrigo Pessoa and Jos Lansink showed the precision and elegance to which we are accustomed.

They make the sport look as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. By the gentleness of their mounts and synchronization with their horses, Rolf-Göran Bengston and Kevin Staut, were what I consider to be the best definitions of equestrian pairs.

Friday: Grand Prize After a day of rest, the challenges changed on Friday night. The first round course required precision, accuracy and strength. It was a well balanced, yet demanding design. Although the second round was great, it was too easy, and turned the tournament excitement and brilliance down. From the 24 pairs who entered there were 13 no fault scores and three pairs with only one time fault.

We witnessed some great things, such as McLain’s attempt to recover, and the incredible level of competitiveness of Eric Lamaze, who has proven to be, by far, the most mindful and competitive rider

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Rigth: Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa.

Bottom: Khaled al Eid.

in the horse world. We also saw one Saudi Arabian rider drop out of the top four to be replaced by a fellow countryman.

Two pairs qualified for the Final Four without any knockdown and the other two scored only four faults over several days of difficult courses. This is a proof of the high consistency required to qualify to the Final Four.

Saturday: Final Four Just to think of this last phase of the Championship usually makes our palms sweat with excitement. Not quite to our expectations, the design of the course took a lot of flavor away from this competition.

The goal of this final phase is to test the capacity of the riders to understand, adapt and execute fault free rides on horses that they likely have never ridden before. But the design didn’t really demand riders to show their talent. Fortunately, the high stakes and speculations kept the excitement in the stands until the end.

Finally, I want to mention the significant lack of charm and emotion during the awards ceremony. Hadn’t anyone from the Organizing Committee been to Spruce Meadows? Or seen a college football game, where the bands rally everyone’s spirits?

The ceremonies have some liveliness there. There was definitely room for improvement in this area.

Overall the Show Jumping discipline at the 2010 WEG offered magnificent, top-notch competition along with some superb and unexpected surprises. And it certainly honored our noble equine companions, most notably the small but incredibly mighty Dutch Warmblood stallion Hickstead.

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CSIO-W haras

Buenos Aires, Argentina. From November 10 – 14, 2010

By Lucy Campech. Photos Anwar Esquivel.

S

ome of the Argentina’s top riders as well as foreign competitors gathered for the twelfth International Show Jumping Competition “Haras El Capricho” CSI-W 4*. In addition to the equestrian competition, spectators and competitors also enjoyed a spectacular musical show, featuring renowned international artists Fito Paez and Diego Torres.

Classes commenced on a picture perfect Wednesday. Javier Fernandez of Mexico designed the courses. Argentinean Matías Albarracín on “Remonta Jamaiquina” prevailed in the 1.40m speed class, finishing in 54.89 seconds, with a tie for second place between Martín Manasco aboard “Celebration” and Chilean Carlos Milthaler on “AS Hyo Altanero”, who both stopped the timers at 56.30 seconds.

Argentinean Alvaro Albarracín on “MM Landa” captured the 1.50m Familia Zuccardi speed challenge. Albarracín was the only rider to finish with no faults in 71.82 seconds.

On Thursday, the competition opened with a 1.30m class for 6 or 7 year old show jumpers. Fifty-four pairs competed in the two round event. Of the twelve double clear, after a fierce tiebreaker Carlos Milthaler with “As de Farfalla” topped the field in 39.93 seconds. The second and final class, 1.45m Swiss Medical Prize, also had a solid number of entrants at fifty. The top ribbon winner was double clear, Brazilian rider Fernando José de Assis Costa, who rode “Tolille Ahorn”, finished the jump off in 50.31 seconds for the win. The 2nd place went to Canada’s team consisting and the third to the Argentinean team.

On Friday the competition began with the 1.30m National Class where Felipe Fuentes grabbed two top ribbons, first and third. The 1.40m International Class also ended in a fierce tiebreaker where Alvaro Albarracín riding “Vatinka” took first in 44.50 seconds. Six teams participated in the star event of the day, the 1.50m Nations Cup. The team representing the USA, Megan Edrick and “Cadence”, John McConell on “Katie Riddle”, Lucy Davis on “Nemo 119” and Saer Coulter on “Chalan” brought the first prize home, with a total of 24 faults in two rounds. The second and third places belonged to Canada’s and Argentina’s teams.

Above: Martin Dopazo

Left: Canadian Team Manager Darren “Dagwood” Roberts with Chef D’Equipe Mark Laskin.

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1

2

3

4

5

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1. Lucy Davis.

2. Davis Family of Los Angeles.

3. John McConell.

4. Angela Covert-Lawrence.

5. Saer Colter and Megan Edrick.

6. Guy McElvain of Rancho Corazon.

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LAS VEGAS NATIONAL

CSI-W Grand Prix, made possible by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

The Saturday class was the first of three World Cup qualifiers on the west coast this month.

Several competitors have their sights set on the 2011 FEI World Cup Finals in Leipzig, Germany. Certainly a spectacular Saturday night in Vegas: twenty-three entries attempted the challenges of Jack Robson’s twisty indoor track.

Quite a few of the thirteen efforts were lowered in height during the course of the night, but the triple combination at 8a-b-c up the diagonal and fence 10, the tall 1.60m wall, on a bending line

coming home caused the most errors. Joining us from the east coast, Kirsten Coe went first on Ilan Ferder’s “Kilkenny Randall Z.” She rode the track beautifully with the just the last jump hitting the ground for a score of four. When the eighth horse cantered in, “Cantano” with partner Susie Hutchison, the four-fault trend continued. Not only did Hutchison and the three who followed her, Michelle Spadone on “Melisimo,” Ashlee Bond aboard “Cadett 7” and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin on “Taunus,” have just one fence down, but four more for a total of nine couples missed the clean ride by one rail.

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Photos: Flying Horse Photography.

T

he 2010 Las Vegas National marked the end of a superb season of grand prix show jumping competition for Blenheim EquiSports. Vegas highlights included three evening events as well as a Competitors Party, VIP treatment at some of Sin City’s best clubs and a rockin’ Grand Prix after party. Competitors and spectators alike came for Thursday’s $30,000 FEI Welcome Jumper Classic, presented by Royal Champion, Friday’s $30,000 Las Vegas Speed Classic, presented

by CardFlex and Saturday’s $50,000 Las Vegas

Photo: Flying Horse Photography.

Menezes, Spooner and Bond “Hit the Jackpot.” BY JACKIE FREUNDLICH-MCFARLAND.

Eduardo Menezes and “Tomba” pictured with representatives from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Richard Spooner and “Lady Like” win the $30,000 Las Vegas Speed Classic and Ashlee Bond and “Cadett 7.”

It seemed a four-fault jump off was inevitable when the second to last to go galloped in. The new team of Eduardo Menezes and “Tomba” toured the track without fault and changed the course of the night. Celebrating his clean ride, Menezes waved to the cheering crowd. Last in, Canadian Tani Ziedler riding “Ranville” were the ninth to score four faults, securing the victory for Menezes.

“It was a tough course in a tough ring; when the jumps get bigger everything comes up really quick. So if you have one little mistake, it adds up,” explained the victorious Menezes. “But I think it suited my horse.” The Champion partnered with “Tomba” mid-summer and has been steadily moving him up through the divisions. “We started in the 1.30m and by Del Mar last week he was winning in the 1.45m.”

Forty-six sailed around Friday’s exciting $30,000 Las Vegas Speed Classic. Early on Sarah Baldwin aboard “Laurus” set the time to beat at 63.56. Midway through

Photos: Flying Horse Photography.

Photo: Flying Horse Photography.

Clockwise

Jason McArdle cut a second off Baldwin’s time, blazing around on Fairbank Valley Farm’s “Viper” in 62.61. Ali Nilforushan with “Warco Van de Halhoeve” slipped ahead of Baldwin in 63.35, ultimately finishing third. Richard Spooner, the Master of Faster, was the last to go aboard “Lady Like.” And master he did, stopping the clock at 62.32 for the win.

Ashlee Bond made her mark with Little Valley Farm’s “Cadett 7” and “Chivas Z.” Taking charge early, Bond and “Cadett 7” won the $30,000 FEI Welcome Jumper Classic, with “Chivas Z” earning sixth. On Saturday night Bond snagged second and third, maintaining her World Cup Points leading status. Lowering the height of fence four, she picked up the pace and was the fastest four faulter aboard “Cadett 7.” Also fast, “Chivas Z” was so close to clean, but had that heartbreaking rail at the final fence. Groans could be heard throughout the arena as the rail fell.

LAS VEGAS CSI-W GRAND PRIX

1 Eduardo Menezes “Tomba” 0/0

2 Ashlee Bond

“Cadett 7” 4/63.30

3 Ashlee 4 Francie Bond

“Chivas Z” 4/64.86

Steinwedell-Carvi “Taunus” 4/67.56

5 Helen

McNaught

“Lariccello” 4/68.30

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six super suites If you are planning your next holiday vacations and want to impress your significant other, we have some recommendations that will surpass your wildest dreams.

There’s no doubt about it, they are the best in the world.

By Paulina Delgado and Alejandro GarcĂ­a. Photos courtesy of Hotels.

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Bvlgari Villa

at bvlgari resort, bali OVERVIEW: Since some years ago, the brand renowned for their spectacular jewelry and watches, has taken on the task of renovating the hotel industry, a great venture that has achieved excellent results. Bvlgari now has three superb hotels located in Milan, Tokyo and the latest top destination for high-class tourism, Bali.

This private property in Indonesia is a spectacular resort where traditional native folkloric style converges with modern Italian design, creating a unique atmosphere of sumptuous pleasure.

Located on the island’s far southwestern tip, near the village of Pecatu and the stunning cliff top site of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, this resort is surrounded by great views of the Indian Ocean. You will enjoy a unique sightseeing position situated over 492 feet above the sea, and embedded between the cliff and the ocean.

From there you can also enter into an ultra exclusive mile-long beach, accessible only through the resort’s lift, a novelty you’ll fall in love with. This 59-villa resort, work of Antonio Criterio and Partners, is a reinterpretation of Balinese traditional style blended with the Bvlgari iconographic signature, and is naturally integrated into the sumptuous environment.

THE SUITE: For a leisure getaway, we recommend staying at the Bvlgari Villa. This elite 1,300 square meter private accommodation has three bedrooms, a large living area with built-in bar, a Bang & Olufsen home theater, an oversized dining room, a luxurious and modern kitchen, a sunken outdoor living room, a 20 meter infinity-edge lap pool, and plenty other exclusive facilities that are simply too wonderful to mention.

THE HIGHLIGHT: Watch the sun set into the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean and forget about the world beyond the horizon.

THE PRICE: $8,000 USD per person, per night. bulgarihotels.com

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Villa Rose-Pierre at the grand-hôtel du cap ferrat, french riviera

OVERVIEW: The Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat is nested between Niza and Monaco, at the top of Cap Ferrat peninsula, on a private property of villas that face the Ocean. Cap Ferrat is by itself a lovely part of the Côte d’Azur, and this resort for high tourism is

the jewel of the crown. The Hotel has been completely refurbished, and all its facilities are stunning with touches of art deco and high tech. Everything around will be the highest expression of gorgeous French style.

Don’t forget to visit the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Cap, which offers a divine selection of haute cuisine. An insider’s tip: have dinner on the terrace—the view over the gardens is just beautiful.

THE SUITE: This exclusive resort offers the Villa Rose-Pierre, a four-bedroom presi-

dential suite that has a private park, a tennis court and a huge swimming pool, in addition to a terrace overlooking the sea, a relaxation room, a fitness room and a sauna. With all this you’ll never want to leave this blissful haven… and you don’t have to. This property can be rented by the week, the fortnight, the month or the year.

THE HIGHLIGHT: After having a delightful evening at the signature restaurant, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat, try Monaco’s nightlife. It’s just a stone’s throw away, so prepare yourself for a night of gambling at the casino. I bet you’ll have a great time.

THE PRICE: $36,000 USD per weak. grand-hotel-cap-ferrat.com

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Private Reserve

at soneva gili, islas maldivas

OVERVIEW: At only 20 minutes away from Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is located an extraordinary water resort that has transformed sumptuous living and tranquil solitude into an eco-friendly, elegant gateway. The Soneva Gili is an exclusive resort surrounded by the most pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. The 45 sumptuous overwater villas, including 7 Crusoe Residences and The Private Reserve, can only be reached by boat.

At your arrival you’ll find a chilled bottle of Soneva Cuvée waiting at your villa. Be prepared, this is only the beginning of exceptional service, the signature feature of Soneva’s staff. The over-sized villas will take your breath away. Everything you have always dreamed about is real in this resort. On the exterior nature and seascapes will delight your eyes, while indoors you will find sustainable woods, natural materials and traditional fabrics that are part of the natural habitat decoration style, the perfect communion between nature and luxury.

THE SUITE: Enjoy barefoot freedom at a 1,400, square meter exclusive secluded villa.

The Soneva Gili Private Reserve is located at a 300-meter distance from the closest

building. This wonderful place will become your Fortress of Solitude over the waters of the Indian Ocean. Composed by five separate buildings, the Private Reserve has two master suites, one guest suite and a Private Spa facility with sauna, steam room, indoor/outdoor treatment pavilion. Believe me, with all these you will forget about daily stress.

THE HIGHLIGHT: Visit the Six Senses Spa. Pamper yourself in this award-winning overwater spa with one of the Six Senses Signature treatments. While all your worries are massaged away, enjoy the view offered by the glass floor-panels. You’ll be delighted.

THE PRICE: $8,500 USD per person, per night. sixsenses.com

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Casa Elar

at ojai valley inn & spa, california OVERVIEW: At just a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles lays one of the best-kept secrets of luxurious destinations: the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Surrounded by the Topa Topa Mountains, this 5-diamond resort offers endless possibilities for relaxation and entertainment.

At your arrival you’ll be surprised by the superb design of the rooms, housed in several Spanish colonial-style buildings scattered throughout the rolling hills of the property.

You’ll be tempted by the four pristine pools, the impressive 3-acre herb garden and the 87

year old Ojai Country Club Golf Course. If you prefer indoors relaxation, hit straight to the spa where the winning award staff will be pleased to pamper you.

TV. Don’t miss the opportunity of driving one of the Bentley-inspired golf carts from the main property to the golf course with your own personal caddie.

THE SUITE: Casa Elar, designed by the noted architect William Mahan, is an exclusive villa resembling a Tuscany style property.

This 10,407 square foot exclusive accommodation provides incredible facilities for luxury travelers: from the private Spa and Pool with shaded terrace, to the Great Room, everything is just perfect. You will be pampered at your own private massage room or you can chill out at the Library/Entretainment Room, where you will find board games, a card table area, a stocked bar and a 61-inch flat screen

THE HIGHLIGHT: Casa Elar’s spectacular facilities are not the only highlight: the always-attentive Ojai Resort’s staff will be pleased to help you if you want to host any kind of event in one of the many entertaining areas throughout the Villa. You can also take a cooking lesson with one of Ojai’s top chefs…

What a delicious way to give a special touch to an already great gateway!

THE PRICE: $15,000 USD per night for a maximum of 10 persons. ojairesort.com

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Villa Cortez

at one&only palmilla, mexico OVERVIEW: Between the towns of San José Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, within a region known simply as Los Cabos, there is a wonderful place, a piece of heaven on earth: the One&Only Palmilla. This resort is an oasis of sublime luxury; you’ll be thrilled by this wonderful experience of surprising relaxation and elegance.

All the great memories of your stay will be framed by spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez, which can be seen from each one of the 173 casual elegant rooms, suites, and the wonderful Villa, all perched above one of the few swimmable beaches in the region. The Palmilla also counts with a tennis club, a spa and swimming pools for adults and children.

THE SUITE: The essence of One&Only experience is epitomized by staying at Villa Cortez, a 10,500 square foot property of luxurious spaces with a touch of Mexican design.

This wonderful house secretly guards four impressive bedrooms, private spa facilities and an infinity-edge pool and Jacuzzi. All your dreams will come true in its traditional hacienda interiors while you take the telescope and gaze at the stars or the whales.

THE HIGHLIGHT: Try your best Tiger Wood’s swings at the sensational 27-hole golf course, one of the best in Mexico, designed by the internationally renowned Jack Nicklaus. So dust off your clubs and get ready to start the round, while you admire the wonderful seascape.

THE PRICE: $9,900 USD per night for a maximum of 10 guests. oneandonlyresorts.com

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Villa North Island at north island, seychelles

OVERVIEW: Set in a wonderful rock landscape, this resort is one of Seychelles’ 42 inner islands. Its exclusive eco-friendly facilities are framed between four breathtaking beaches: East Beach, Anse d’Est Beach, Honeymoon Cove and Dive Beach. You can access this exclusive island resort by a 15-minute helicopter trip from the International Airport of Seychelles, located at Mahé Island. Visiting the Villa Nort Island is a one-life experience of relaxation and leisure in a unique natural space that guarantees total privacy. On top of that, the staff is currently working on a conservation project that aims to re-introduce Seychelles’ natural flora & fauna.

At your arrival you’ll be received with a 20-minute massage—just to relax from the

long travel, you know—, and then you will meet with the executive Chef who will be in charge of designing a personal menu based upon your preferences. Then it’s good time to get to the villas. Spread all over the island and linked by beautiful paths surround with lush vegetation, you will find 10 super exclusive villas of 4,890 square feet each, designed to be a space where you can relax and let your soul get in touch with the island atmosphere.

THE SUITE: If you already made your way up to North Island you must stay at the best suite: Villa 11, also known as Villa North Island. This superb suite is nested at the Takamaka forest, an ultra private area of the is-

land. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Besides hanging out in your own deck and enjoying the views of the Anse d’Est Beach you’ll have at your disposal a buggy to tour the island whenever you want. Don’t be afraid and let yourself go wild on this seagirt paradise.

THE HIGHLIGHT: After you have tried scuba diving in the Seychelles, part of the world’s longest coral reef system, you must visit the North Island Sunset Bar, the perfect spot to enjoy yourself at Anse d’Est Beach.

THE PRICE: $4,250 USD per person, per night. north-island.com

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Christmas Gifts Holidays are here and we know that the only thing you can think about right now is finding an original, perfect gift for your better half—and, let’s face it, you should also think on what present you would like to receive from Santa. In Equ Lifestyle we have taken the mission to provide you with some great gift ideas for you and your friends. Start choosing all the objects of your desire you would like to see under the tree this year.

The Gift CONTAINS THREE BOTTLES OF KRUG ‘CLOS DU MESNIL’, 1995 CHAMPAGNE

 SET OF SIX BACCARAT CRYSTAL-DRINKING GLASSES



Picnick Trunk,

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LIMITED EDITION

 $ 45,000 USD

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New York Theater & Dining Experience The Gift THEATER AND DINING EXPERIENCE IN NEW YORK FOR T WO

 ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT TO NEW YORK IN A PRIVATE JET BY NETJETS

 SEVEN NIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT THE T Y WARNER PENTHOUSE OF THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

 LUNCH OR DINNER AT: LE BERNARDIN • JEAN GEORGES • LE BILBOQUET • IL MULINO • MAREA • CIPRIANI SERVED BY THE EXECUTIVE CHEF OF THE RESTAURANT

 ORCHESTRA TICKETS FOR THE MOST INCREDIBLE BROADWAY SHOWS: AMERICAN IDIOT • RAIN—A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES • LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE

 ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH A PERSONAL SHOPPER FOR HER: BERGDORF GOODMAN • HENRY BENDELS • JEFFREY´S, FOR HIM: BARNEY’S • BERGDORF GOODMAN

 $100,000 USD

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Christmas Gifts Great Style Any Time The Gift SET OF HUBLOT WATCHES

FOR HER “BIG BANG OUT OF AFRICA”

FOR HIM “HUBLOT KING P OWER F1 MONZA”

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38 MM DIAMETER CASE IN MICRO-BLASTED BLACK CERAMIC

48 MM DIAMETER CASE IN MICRO-BLASTED BLACK CERAMIC

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18K WHITE GOLD BEZEL SET WITH 48 BAGUETTE-CUT SPINELS AND 6 H-SHAPED P OLISHED TITANIUM SCREWS

MICRO-BLASTED BLACK CERAMIC BEZEL WITH MOLDED BLACK RUBBER AND 6 RELIEF BLACK PVD H-SHAPED TITANIUM SCREWS

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LIMITED TO 500 PIECES

LIMITED TO 200 PIECES

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$26,500 USD

$26,170 USD

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Seven Days of Golf & Yachting in Cabo The Gift A 7-DAY GOLF AND YACHTING TRIP FOR T WO

 ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT TO SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO IN A PRIVATE JET BY NETJETS

 SIX NIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT THE LUXURY SUITE OF LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO HOTEL, WHERE YOU’LL HAVE A TEQUILA TASTING SERVED BY THE RENOWNED SOMMELIER ALEJANDRO AVILA AT THE HOTEL’S CELLAR

 ROUNDS OF GOLF AT CABO DEL SOL OCEAN AND DESERT CLUBS • CLUB DE GOLF EL DORADO • CLUB DE GOLF DIAMANTE • CLUB DE GOLF PALMILLA

 AN ALL-INCLUSIVE SAILING DAY ON AN ODYSSEY YACHT

 DINNER AT “THE MARKET”, THE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT OF THE ONE&ONLY PALMILLA, SERVED BY THE FAMOUS CHEF JEAN-GEORGES VONGERICHTEN

 $35,000 USD

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Christmas Gifts

Top Destination - Culinary Trip: Paris The Gift CULINARY TRIP TO PARIS FOR T WO IN SUMMER

 FIRST CLASS ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT BY AIR FRANCE

 SIX NIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT THE ROYAL SUITE OF THE FOUR SEASONS “GEORGE V”

 DINNER AT LE CINQ • BRASSERIE BOFINGER • LE PRE CATELAN • L’AMI LOUIS • LE VIOLON D’INGRES

 EXCLUSIVE DINNER AT ALAIN DUCASSE AU PLAZA ATHÉNÉE SERVED BY THE EXECUTIVE CHEF, FOLLOWED BY A WINE TASTING OF CHEF DUCASSE´S PERSONAL CELLAR

 BOX TICKETS FOR THE FINAL MATCH OF THE ROLAND GARROS 2011 CHAMPIONSHIP, AT COURT PHILIPPE CHARTIERE. DURING THE TOURNAMENT ENJOY A T YPICAL FRENCH LUNCH AT THE COUNTRY CLUB’S VIP LOUNGE

 $80,000 USD

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Cloud Number Nine

Royal Pleasures

The Gift ICON A5, A FLYING BOAT-T YPE AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAF T. FEATURES T WO SEATS, RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR AND FOLDING WINGS

 20 HOURS FLIGHT TRAINING COURSE

 SP ORT PILOT LICENSE

 $ 140,000 USD

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World Equestrian Games Lexington, Kentucky.

From September 25 - October 10, 2010 the World Equestrian Games came to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Hosted in the United States for the first time, the city and state lived up to its reputation as the acclaimed ‘Horse Capital of the World’ when hosting this international equine event. Certainly Belgian show jumping rider Phillippe Le Jeune left Kentucky with the win of a lifetime.

Competition aside, from the extensive Alltech experience, fabulously painted horses, shopping galore to the demonstrations throughout the facility, the amount of attractions available for visitors was abundant. Some notable west coast equestrians were among the thousands who went east to see the wonders of our sport.

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PICTURE PERFECT

1. Juan Alconada Brooks & Kasey Ament.

2. Northern California based trainers Lu & Butch Thomas. Their son Guy was a member of the New Zealand Team .

3. Max Doelger & Susan Artes.

4. Meredith & daughter Brianne.

5. Dick Carvin & Francie Steinwedell-Carvin.

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Photos: Flaying Horse Photography.

Equestrian Flash

Text: Jackie Freundlich-McFarland. Photos: Anwar Esquivel.

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Las Vegas National 3

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Photos: Flaying Horse Photography.

Text: Jackie Freundlich-McFarland. Photos: Anwar Esquivel.

1. Richard Spooner and fans at autograph signing table.

2. Actress Eva LaRue with Andy & Susan Phillips of Card Flex.

3. Paige & Paulette Dotson with Keri Potter and Adrian Dollarhide.

4. Kirsten Coe, Laura Santana & Michelle Spadone.

5. Tomas Harlan, Clarissa Stewart, Megan Cavan & Gustavo Guimaraes of Royal Champion.

6. Jamie Taylor and friends.

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The Capital Challenge Horse Show The Best from Both the East and West Coasts

In its 17th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Equitation is also a highlight with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. Jumpers joined the mix with the $15,000 North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show took place on October 2-10, the same week as Show Jumping at the WEG. For more information, capitalchallenge.org

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Equestrian Flash

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Text and Photos: Jennifer Wood Media, Inc / Diana DeRosa.

1. Meg O’Mara and Mianta of Rumson, NJ earned the Best Junior Jumper Rider Award.

2. “Listen,” the Grand Hunter Champion, wants to know what’s in his trophy, presented by BJ Meeks, with rider Kelley Farmer and owner Jane Gaston.

3. Some of the top hunter riders in the nation - Kelley Farmer, Hunt Tosh, Tracy Fenney, John French, Scott Stewart & Sandy Ferrell - competed in the WCHR Pro Finals.

4. California’s John French won the $15,000 WCHR Professional Challenge on “Small Affair,” owned by Iwasaki & Reilly.

5. Victoria Birdsall of Topsfield, MA, won the 2010 North American Junior Equitation Championship.

Text and Photos: Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

PICTURE PERFECT

Equestrian Fun in the City

An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) brings top horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad to the nation’s capital to compete for more than $400,000 in prize money and championship titles. Held October 26-31,2010 at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington D.C., special aspects include Kids Day, Barn Night, WIHS World of the Horse, boutique shopping as well as educational and community events. From President Barack Obama next-door filming The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, to Stewart’s “Rally to Restore Sanity” blocks away, to the Marine Corps Marathon, the week of the WIHS was busy one in downtown D.C. This year’s show saw one of the strongest fields of show jumpers in recent history said California-based horse show manager Robert Ridland. He noted, “It was one of the best grand prix classes we’ve seen in some time with a phenomenal jump-off.”

For full results and more information, please visit wihs.org

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Text and Photos: Jennifer Wood Media, Inc / Diana DeRosa.

Text and Photos: Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

The Washington International 1 Horse Show

1. Rodrigo Pessoa was named Best Jumper Rider. Pessoa dressed as a Formula One driver for the Gambler’s Choice Costume Class.

2. Thirteen-year-old Lillie Keenan won the WIHS Equitation Finals.

3. McLain Ward and “Sapphire” won the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix.

4. Pablo Barrios and “G&C Blanchee Z” won the $25,000 Puissance.

5. Hannah Goodson-Cutt of Beverly Hills, CA, with “Superman” and “Caretano” was both Large and Small Junior Hunter Champion. [ December / January ] 93

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Del Mar International Horse Show From October 20-24, 2010 in the beautiful seaside town of Del Mar, CA several hundred horses and riders gathered for the Del Mar International Horse Show.

Highlights of the week included the $30,000 California Horsetrader Grand Prix, which welcomed 45 entries, a $5,000 Prix de Nations event, a 1.35m Jumper Classic and classes for Young Jumpers as well as a $5,000 Hunter Classic.

See more at jumpdelmar.com

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Equestrian Flash PICTURE PERFECT

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1. Lauren Hester on “Cracky Z.” 2. Chris Pratt and “Cruise” on their way to a win.

3. Josaphina Nor-Lantzman and “Chello Z.” 4. Susie Hutchinson and “Cantano.”

5. Grand Prix winner Chris Pratt with the Wilson family of California Horsetrader

Photos: Captured Moment Photography.

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Last Words

Art in Town

GALERIE MICHAEL SPECIALIZES IN FINE EUROPEAN PAINTINGS, drawings and prints from the 17th century to the present. This prestogious place is the only art gallery in Beverly Hills that has been in business for almost 30 years and is worldwide renowned for its excellent collection of French pre-Impressionist works. Every year, the gallery mounts over 18 exhibitions that are generally accompanied by essays of recognized scholars and art critics.

This exclusive home of the fine arts has been relocated in the heart of Beverly Hills, in a space that blends together the traditionally classic Galerie Michael signature with a new contemporary touch of the internationally known designer and fine artist Cosimo Pizzulli, creating a paradise for art collectors with a unique style that you must not miss.

The museum atmosphere can also be felt

in the two new contemporary wings of the gallery, featuring artists from the Florence School of Art and the New Italian Mannerists. In addition to enjoying an afternoon of leisure and arts, you can chat about the latest art movements over a coffee in the brand new gallery café, a high-class salon for relaxation and a hot spot for critics and artists.

Michael Schwartz has made educating the public and helping others to build fine art collections part of his goals while running the gallery. Therefore, through catalogs and affiliations with diverse museums, Galerie Michael has created great art collections that have been exhibited in several museums throughout the U.S. and Europe.

In order to create an exclusive catalog of renowned artists the gallery has built solid relationships with members of the Renoir, Cézanne and Pissarro families, as well as

with the Mourlot family, printers of Picasso, Chagall and Miró. Other scholars such as Gary Schwartz–known as a Rembrandt specialist and author–Gabriel Weisberg, Dr. Petra Chu, and Alexandra Murphy, –all leading authors and scholars in the field of 19th century Plien Aire painting,– also play an important role in the gallery.

Galerie Michael is a place where collectors are treated like serious business partners. You will have access to all the curatorial knowledge you need, and be in contact with a staff of fine art scholars that will be more than pleased to help you find the perfect art piece that you want. This is the perfect oasis for art lovers.

224 N. Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills CA 90210 Phone: 310 273 3377 galeriemichael.com

Photo: Courtesy of Galerie Michael.

GALERIE MICHAEL

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