Garys by Fashion Forum Magazine

Forum/The Substance of Style/SS 2016

HOW TO DRESS NOW

PALM SPRINGS

DESERT DELIGHT

SPECIAL GOLF SECTION

FEATURING BRANDT SNEDEKER AND DAVID FEHERTY

GARYS Fashion Island, Newport Beach 949-759-1622

Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar 858-794-0740 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Karen Alberg Grossman DESIGN DIRECTOR

Hans Gschliesser MANAGING EDITOR

Jillian LaRochelle PROJECT MANAGER

Lisa Montemorra DESIGNERS

Cynthia Lucero, Jean-Nicole Venditti CONCEPT DIRECTORS

Andrew Mitchell, Russ Mitchell MERCHANDISING DIRECTOR

Bob Mitchell DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

FEATURES 18 Profile: Samuelsohn 36 Profile: Luciano Barbera 62 Resorts: The Avalon Palm Springs

Peg Eadie DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS

John Frascone

BUSINESS JOURNALS FASHION GROUP PUBLISHER

Stuart Nifoussi

FASHION 24 Dressing for a Good Time 32 Upgrade Now! 60 Style: Normal to the Core

DEPARTMENTS 6 10 12 38 64 66 68

Welcome Letter Ask Forum The Fashion Forum Travel: Brijuni Wheels: A Horse With No Mane At Your Service End Page: Loose Threads

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Britton Jones CHAIRMAN AND COO

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Resorts: Sea Island Dreaming Players: Brandt Snedeker Interview: David Feherty Tech: Greens Machines History: Style Evolution

Rubensteins NEW ORLEANS, LA Stanley Korshak DALLAS, TX Wilkes Bashford SAN FRAN/PALO ALTO, CA FASHION FORUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN 11 REGIONAL EDITIONS FOR MEMBER STORES OF THE APPAREL FORUM © 2016. PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS JOURNALS, INC, P.O. BOX 5550, NORWALK, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • FAX: 203-852-8175; ADVERTISING OFFICE: 1384 BROADWAY, NY, NY 10018-6108, 212-686-4412 • FAX: 212-686-6821; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE PUBLISHERS ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ADVERTISERS CLAIMS, UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR OTHER MATERIALS. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS. VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

LORO PIANA “EXTREME” PERFORMANCE FABRIC

Welcome to the spring 2016 issue of GARYS Forum magazine. To everything, there is a seasonâ&#x20AC;Ś This is our favorite time of year at GARYS. The days are getting brighter and longer, so it's time to match your wardrobe to the mood and colors of the season. We've been bringing in new selections each week, to ensure that you'll see something fresh and different each time you visit us. We're particularly excited about a couple of recent additions. Come in and check out the many spring/summer styles from Faherty, a growing brand that's a great fit for GARYS. The company was founded by brothers who really understand the coastal lifestyle and present it in a sophisticated, comfortable and easy-to-wear collection. We think you'll love it. Lanvin menswear and accessories comprise another collection we are really proud to have snagged for GARYS. It combines sleek European styling with modern sensibility, and the results are amazing. This is a line that you have to see to fully appreciate. We hope you enjoy this spring '16 edition of Forum magazine. It's filled with features and fashion that we hand-picked to appeal to our customers and friends, much like the way we choose the clothing and accessories we sell in the store. Those of you who golf will enjoy our special section that includes interviews with rising star Brandt Snedeker and TV personality David Feherty, who has recently moved to NBC for the 2016 season. There is also plenty of fashion and some tips on looking your best. However, there's nothing like coming into the store and letting our experts help you find exactly the right items. They go the extra mile to make sure you are always appropriate, comfortable and stylish, in every situation. We hope to see you soon and often, John Braeger and the GARYS team

The Art of Tailoring

ask

SPRING 2016 FASHION TIPS FOR HIM

I see a lot of my favorite suit brands offering made-to-measure suits and sportcoats. Is it worth the extra time and money? Yes! You get to pick the fabrics, the model and the details (linings, buttons, monograms), and the fit is sure to flatter. Depending on the maker, delivery is usually within four to six weeks of getting measured, and we guarantee that this will become your go-to favorite suit! Our suggestion: select a pattern (subtle or bold) rather than a solid, or perhaps a seasonal fabric. If you’re going for special, why not make it really special?

plan on taking several long weekends this Any packing tips for a carry-on bag? Q: Isummer.

When is, and isn’t it, appropriate to wear sneakers?

Except for formal occasions and business meetings with conservative clients, it’s almost always okay to wear sneakers, especially contemporary leather or suede styles that look nothing like gym shoes. Modern sneakers might have contrast soles or colorful laces; they can cost as much as leather shoes and serve as a sort of hybrid between work and play. They’re certainly comfortable, and add a touch of personality to pants and a sportcoat. That said, while some guys can pull it off, wearing sneakers with a suit takes a certain panache. If you’ve got it, go for it! But if you’re at all uncertain, stick to the updated leather shoes currently on our selling floor. Modern footwear will elevate your entire wardrobe.

Light and casual are the buzzwords for weekends away. For travel, wear the pieces that take up the most room: long pants (lightweight five-pocket styles are perfect for most occasions), a long-sleeve woven shirt in cotton or linen and either a soft sportcoat or cardigan, depending on your weekend agenda. Then throw the rest into your carry-on—a short-sleeve woven shirt, two short-sleeve polos, two T-shirts, shorts, a swimsuit, underwear—and you’re good to go. If there’s room in your bag for sandals and grooming products, toss them in too. If not, hotels (and considerate hosts) can generally supply shampoo, moisturizer and flip-flops. If you’re a guest in someone’s home, don’t forget to bring a bottle of good wine. (But never pack sparkling wine in your checked bag, as it’s likely to explode. We know from experience!) If you’re struggling to zip your overstuffed carryon, you need a new travel bag! Come in and let us show you our favorite designs.

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the FASHION forum

NEVER TOO LATE FOR A CHANGE We’ve seen a complete changing of the guard in the late-night talk show world, with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, James Corden, Seth Myers, Jimmy Kimmel and Trevor Noah among the funnymen now sitting in the interviewers’ chairs. But if the faces have changed, the uniform has remained mostly the same: dark suit, white or blue shirt, boring tie. While these guys certainly look dapper, one can’t help but feel they could push the sartorial envelope a bit more. Corden is one of the faces of Burberry, so where are the cutting-edge designs and pops of plaid? Fallon recently signed a deal with G-III for licensed athletic wear, so perhaps he’s saving all his creative juices for that collaboration. And would it kill Myers to borrow something more casual and creative from Stefon, his former flame from Saturday Night Live? The time is ripe to start a trend. —BSL

ooking at the current high-fashion uses for denim, from threepiece suits to stylish coats, it can be hard to imagine just how utilitarian the cotton fabric was in its earlier days, when it was worn during the California Gold Rush and used to make early 20th-century prison uniforms. That latter usage surprised even fashion historian Emma McClendon, author of the new book Denim: Fashion’s Frontier and curator of the exhibition of the same name at New York City’s Museum at FIT. Still, McClendon admits that denim’s constant permutations really shouldn’t be shocking. “It’s the rare fabric that’s relatively inexpensive to produce, extremely durable, and easy to care for,” she says. —BSL

TOP: GETTY IMAGES. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF MUSEUM AT FIT

DURABLE DENIM

The Fashion Forum

THE MAN, THE MYTH Italians are known to be superstitious, none more so than the Neapolitans.

In addition to the distinctive touch Isaia’s red coral pin adds to the brand’s garments, they believe it also brings luck to the wearer. "We still keep the original piece of Isaia red coral, given to me by a friend, in our Milan flagship store,” says Gianluca Isaia. “And every jacket we make comes with a red coral lapel pin to bring good luck to he who wears it.” The coral motif can also be spotted elsewhere throughout the collection, on buttons, under collars and in stitching. As Isaia recounts from ancient mythology, Perseus slayed Medusa and delivered her head as a gift to the king of Seriphos, who was to wed his mother. During his travels home, Perseus fell in love with Andromeda, whom he found chained to a rock about to be eaten by the evil sea-monster Cetus. To prove his love and save her life, Perseus killed the terrible beast. As he sat to wash his hands in the sea, Perseus laid down the sack that contained Medusa's head. Her blood dripped into the water and instantly hardened into the form we recognize today as red coral. Just as the head of Medusa brought luck to Perseus in his battle with Cetus, red coral brings luck to the distinguished man who chooses an Isaia garment. —JL

FASHIONABLE FRIDA Is there anything more to know about Frida Kahlo? The great Mexican artist has been given the filmic treatment by Julie Taymor (and played by Salma Hayek), and her work has been displayed everywhere from LACMA to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the New York Botanical Garden. But another side of this groundbreaking woman is explored in Frida Kahlo: Fashion as the Art of Being (Assouline, $195), a new book by journalist Susana Martinez Vidal that was inspired by an exhibition of Kahlo’s own clothing at her home, La Casa Azul. As Vidal deftly illustrates, Kahlo’s fashion aesthetic is something neither time nor death can diminish. —BSL

STREET SMART Amsterdam’s Tassenmuseum gives the term “bag lady” a whole new (chic) meaning. Inside a beautiful canal-side building, you can view hundreds of purses in various shapes, sizes and designs, spanning from the 1500s to the modern-day. This spring, the museum’s Street Couture exhibition (through June 5) offers an enlightening perspective on these accessories as it showcases colorful, playful and inventive bags by such top fashion names as Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior, sometimes pairing them with international fashion ranging from Japanese “Lolita” clothing to American hip-hop outfits to illustrate how one influences the other. It’s definitely worth crossing the Atlantic to witness these crossovers! —BSL

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ÂŠ The Irvine Company LLC, 2016. All Rights Reserved. Fashion Island is a registered trademark of Irvine Company. Assorted Sushi Rolls and Bulleit Proof Cocktail from Sushi Roku. Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes, Canali Suit from GARYS.

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profile Samuelsohn:

The Big Reveal

Tailored clothing’s best-kept secret comes out of the closet! BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

These days, as business dress codes remain relaxed, men are choosing to wear fine tailored clothing because they want to, not because they have to. And men in the know are choosing Samuelsohn, an exceptional but low-profile clothing company that’s been crafting beautiful suits in Montreal since 1923. But low profile no more, new ownership at this Canadian company relaunched the brand in 2011 and business has more than doubled. Much of the credit goes to the company’s new president and chief creative officer, Arnold Brant Silverstone, a talented designer and visionary executive who lives and breathes the clothing business. Upon taking over, he quickly recognized a “diamond in the rough” and immediately updated the label, the logo, the fabrics, the fits, the colors, the buttons, the linings, the marketing and

more. What remains constant: Samuelsohn’s commitment to exceptional quality, and the “expression” of its full-canvas handtailored suits that both fit and flatter the wearer. “I feel like I’ve come full circle,” says Silverstone, a third-generation clothing guy who grew up in his father’s suit factory in Montreal. “I’d always known and respected the Samuelsohn brand, Canada’s quintessential quality suit maker. (My father wore Samuelsohn suits!) As my career moved forward—from my father’s company to launching my own clothing label (that I ultimately sold to Oxford) to becoming design director at Nordstrom—I always dreamed of returning to manufacturing. When Samuelsohn was bought by Stephen Granovsky in 2010, I was recommended for the job of president, and felt it was exactly where I belonged.” hat makes Samuelsohn clothing so special? Silverstone could go on for hours. “First of all, the suits are a rare combination of modern styling and classic tailoring, featuring fully basted canvas construction and hand-tailored details. Since all garments are produced in our own factory, we control every step of the process. Second, we are known for innovation, e.g. we were the first to come out with luxury performance fabrics that are cool, comfortable and wrinkle resistant; we’ve even developed clothing with carbon fiber! Third, we have the cleanest distribution in the industry: we don’t sell to outlets, only the best specialty stores in North America. Fourth of course is our tremendous intrinsic value: there’s more craftsmanship in a Samuelsohn garment than in most Italian brands that are double the price. (Canada’s duty advantages and exchange rates offer additional value for American customers.) Fifth, our made-tomeasure programs are the best in the industry. Sixth is our company culture: although we’re privately owned, we’re run more like a family business than a large corporation, with emphasis on customer service, personal relationships and employee appreciation. “I know it sounds counterintuitive, but making money is not our number-one priority; we’re more concerned with providing the best goods at the best value and satisfying our customers so they’ll keep coming back.” And come back they do! For spring ’16, check out the beautifully tailored Samuelsohn clothing arriving on our selling floor now. For practical types, we love the performance suit in a Loro Piana Storm System fabric with stretch. (It’s waterproof, wrinkle resistant and amazingly comfortable!) Or try the updated luxury travel blazer with 12 pockets and extra zippers. For nights and weekends, there’s an amazing washed cashmere sportcoat. And to make a bold fashion statement, why not a beautifully tailored striped DB suit in a hot shade of blue? Which is his favorite? “It’s like asking a parent to choose his favorite child,” Silverstone responds. So we’ll let you, our customers, be the judge…

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DRESSing FOR A

GOODTIME Bring on the season of fun! Add style and charisma to spring and summer with bright colors, breathable linens, light sportcoats, fun prints and great shades.

PHOTOGRAPHY:SERGIO KURHAJEC HAIR:MARCELINO GONZALEZ MAKEUP:CLAIRE BAYLEY STYLING:WENDY MCNETT

SCENE WITH STYLE

MAKING a

Lightweight sportcoats with colorful pocket squares and great accessories bring life to the party.

LOSE THESE OUTDATED LOOKS AND UPGRADE NOW!

WHAT TO WEAR NOW

THE NEW BLUE SUIT Black and charcoal feel too heavy for the warmer months, and the fit of your older suits is likely doing you a disservice. To show you mean business, choose a blue slim-fit suit that follows the natural slope of your shoulder, nips in at the waist and breaks just slightly at the shoe. This color is less inky than traditional navy but is just as easy to wear. Pair with brown monkstraps and furnishings in seasonal hues.

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WHAT TO WEAR NOW

THE KNIT BLAZER Some guys have taken the â&#x20AC;&#x153;casualâ&#x20AC;? part too far. Stay professional in a linencotton blend sportcoat that keeps you cool under pressure. This versatile knit blazer is unlike anything else in your wardrobe: polished and sophisticated without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Tailored fivepocket pants are just formal enough, and a dress shirt and knit tie complete the look.

BUSINESS CASUAL

WHAT TO WEAR NOW

THE LUXE POLO

P R O D U C E R / S T Y L I S T: M I C H A E L F U S C O . P H O T O G R A P H E R : E VA N TAY L O R G U N V I L L E . G R O O M E R : A M Y Z D U N O W S K I - R O E D E R . M O D E L : J U S T I N M C M A N U S @ F O R D .

Don’t give your style the day off just because it’s the weekend. Stick with wellfitting jeans or khakis and a trim polo, and don’t forget to accessorize! Wear with a sleeker sneaker or chukka boot—save your running shoes for the gym and flipflops for the beach.

WEEKEND COOL

profile

A Better

Barbera An illustrious Italian brand reimagines itself for the shifting 21st century. BY KAMAU F. HOSTEN What does it take to bring an already well-loved brand into the future? An industry veteran and menswear enthusiast can’t hurt. Luciano Barbera has, over the past four decades, become synonymous with its venerable founder and sartorial cognoscenti, Luciano Barbera, who has remained as chairman emeritus since former Brioni North America CEO Todd Barrato took the helm in October 2014. “My goal is to make Luciano Barbera a global lifestyle brand,” says the always-genial Barrato. And he believes the atmosphere is rich with opportunity to fulfill that goal. “It’s nice to see more and more men wanting to dress up,” Barrato observes. “It’s not limited to the height of formality. Dressing up is more than a suit; it’s about wearing what works and what’s appropriate for the way the man lives.” Working in tandem with Carola Barbera, creative director and Luciano’s daughter, Barrato hopes to maintain the quality and craftsmanship the Barbera wearer is accustomed to, yet inspire a new generation of men who’ve come to appreciate fine dress over the last decade. Comfort is one way into a younger man’s heart. “My favorite addition is our new Soft Suit,” Barrato says. Characterized by natural shoulders, fully canvassed and half lined (inside the chest, shoulders and roughly a quarter of the way down the back), the jacket is meant to echo the relaxed elegance with which Barbera has come to be associated. Offered in striking windowpanes and checks, it’s woven in airy silk and linen for maximum breathability, with a bit of wool added in for structure and to reduce wrinkles. Seasonal mainstays like linen trousers in pale blue and tan, cotton and linenblend polo shirts and Panama hats are also among the offerings. Inspired by the colors of Biella in Northeast Italy, home of Luciano Barbera and his eponymous label, the collection takes its cue from Barbera’s concept of refinement in dress. “Barbera…has always embodied quiet confidence and low-key style,” notes Barrato. “I believe the Luciano Barbera brand and Luciano himself have always been influential, but quiet, forces in the direction of menswear.”

travel

Brijuni

The elusive islands of Croatia. BY STAN WILLIAMS

ne of the first decisions youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to make when planning a trip to the secluded archipelago of Brijuni off the Istrian coast of Croatia is whether to book a Socialist-era room or an updated one in the only hotel on the main island of Veli Brijun. (Anyone who knows of my love of history and vintage style can guess what my Croatian-born partner and I chose for our late-summer stay.) Part of Italy until after World War II, it was originally called Brioni, the name inspiration for the chic Italian menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line that was founded in 1945. Previously the private getaway of the late Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito, the islands, designated a national park and opened to the public in 1983, now go by their Croatian name, Brijuni. Over the years, friends who have visited this oasis urged us to prioritize it as a destination, as rumors have circulated about a large hotel chain or moneyed developer eyeing it as a prime location for an exclusive resort. So far, the chatter has been just that, and a stay today continues to recall the mid-1950s, accented with a splash of modern luxury. But the allure of a bygone era remains, from the original

Above: An aerial view of the Brijuni islands. Left: A column from the remains of a 1st-century Roman villa.

IMAGES COURTESY OF BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK

light fixtures in the bar to the Mid-century headboard in our pleasant, semi-Socialist-era room in the Neptun-Istra building. It was a step up from rooms in the Karmen, where bare-boned but comfortable rooms start at €33 (about $38) a night. But even in the Istra wing, which has undergone a thorough renovation, the most expensive rooms cost €292 (about $330), a bargain for many U.S. travelers. Lodging includes a generous breakfast buffet. (Pay an extra dollar and order coffee from a waiter; it’s worth it.) Transfers to and from Veli Brijun, the main island among 14 smaller islands, are also included. It’s reachable only by ferry from the town of Fažana, where those arriving by car must leave their vehicles in a private parking lot reserved for Brijuni guests. What our room lacked in updates—no air conditioning (didn’t need it!), thin mattresses, uncoordinated furniture—it made up for in pure charm. Ceilings soared; the space was more than 450 square feet including a gigantic bathroom; and our spacious private terrace offered a to-die-for view of the entire harbor spotted with yachts bobbing dreamily in the Adriatic Sea. Besides, why spend any more time than necessary in a hotel room

while vacationing in a lush national park? Days are better spent swimming, both on a nearby beach and in the many hidden nooks around Veli Brijun. There’s also a safari park that prides itself on protecting endangered species, world-class golfing and tennis, and romantic pathways among ancient Roman ruins. The sole way to get around the island, other than on foot, is by bicycle or golf cart. There are few restrictions on where visitors are allowed to venture, but private residences reserved for Croatia’s political elites and areas used by the military are off limits. Since the island can accommodate only those who arrive via ferry, overcrowding is never a problem. While riding over the paths that loop through the island, it felt as if we were the only ones there. A rainy day is a good excuse to walk through the Tito Museum, where photographs of high-profile visitors are on view; Liz Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida were among the president’s many guests. Museum-goers can even take a spin in Tito’s restored 1952 Cadillac Eldorado, which he endeared with the name “Victoria,” or just take a photo with her for a couple of dollars. Dining options are limited, so reserving an outdoor table for the Hotel Neptun-Istra’s evening meal is strongly suggested. While not extravagant, service is excellent and meals run about $35 per person, including a delicious glass of Istrian white Malvazia. But then who’s thinking about food when a spectacular view of the sea beckons attention? At 11 p.m., a sudden stillness settles in as the last ferry makes its way back to the mainland, leaving us to ponder the mysteries of this magical island.

The island, part of Italy until after World War II, was originally called Brioni, the name inspiration for the chic Italian men’s line that was founded in 1945.” Clockwise from top left: An updated room in the Istra hotel; an ancient olive tree dating back to the 4th century; guests at the entrance to Brijuni’s Safari Park.

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GOLF

A Forum Magazine Special Section

Sea Island Spotlight David Feherty Keeps it Real

Brandt Snedeker

Talks Pop-Style Putting

GETTY 1

Teaching With Robots Golfwear: Then and Now

resorts

Sea Island Dreaming

The history and tradition of this spectacular resort fulfill a golf-lover’s fantasy. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

’m sitting on the waterfront veranda of The Lodge, one of two luxury hotels at Sea Island Golf Resort. (The Lodge, adjacent to three golf courses on St. Simons Island, feels like an old English manor; The Cloisters, built on Sea Island in 1928 but reintroduced in 2006 after a three-year renovation, blends the history and aesthetics of Mediterranean revival style.) I’m sipping a Jack Daniels, taking in a brilliant sunset, and listening to the soulful sounds of a solitary bagpiper who’s been strolling the shoreline for the past hour. Enchanted by the music, the scenery, the wildlife, the canopy of oak trees and the genteel and gracious hospitality throughout the resort, I’m more relaxed than I’ve been in ages. (I had intended to go for a massage at Sea Island’s famous spa, but after only a few hours at the resort I no longer need one…) Truth be told: I’m not a golfer but since I’m married to one, I looked forward to a mini-vacation at this renowned Forbes Five-Star resort, home to one of the top-rated golf schools in the country. Little did I know how much the property has to offer above and beyond golf! James Gibson, Sea Island’s VP of operations, lists a hunting lodge, a shooting school, a yacht club featuring fishing, sailing and kayaking, a pristine beach, numerous swimming pools, an award-winning 65,000-square-foot spa, an indoor atrium, many fabulous restaurants (including the five-star Georgian room and my favorite, Colt & Alison) and numerous bars (I loved the Oak Room!) among the resort’s amenities. “Our demographic is multi-generational,” he explains as we sip tea in the historic Trophy Room. “Guests come with their children and grandchildren, couples come for romantic getaways, groups come for golf outings, and of course many PGA golf pros have chosen to make this their home.” Asked to articulate the essence of Sea Island, what makes it truly special, Gibson talks about the employees. “At least 80 of our people have worked here more than 25 years, which is unheard

of in our business,” he explains. “Robert, who works in our men’s locker room, has been with us 50 years. Ask him how he’s doing and he’ll always respond ‘Mighty Fine’ which is what we now call him. Our repeat customers always make it a point to visit with Mighty Fine…” Brannen Veal, Sea Island’s director of golf, grew up playing golf in Macon, Georgia but turned to baseball at Auburn University (his dad had been a professional ball player with the Detroit Tigers). “After college, I went back to golf, starting out as a golf cart attendant as many of us do. I’m a good golfer (Editor’s Note: He’s being modest; he’s actually a scratch golfer.) and I’ve taught in Golf Digest top schools, but my passion is the service aspect: I love helping people enjoy the game.” Discussing Sea Island’s celebrated state-ofthe-art Golf Performance Center (featuring 3D capture, 13 top-rated instructors, three fitters, two fitness experts and its own psychologist), Veal talks about an individualized approach tailored to personal goals and skill levels. Focusing on five core competencies (long game, short game, fitness, club fitting and mental game), Veal notes that each competency has its own instructors. “Our goal at this Performance Center was to create the ultimate golf experience: the best courses, luxury accommodations, fine dining, top fitness programs, exceptional instructors (who currently work with Davis Love, Matt Kuchar, Harris English, Zach Johnson and other pros) and our own sports psychologist, Dr. Morris “Mo” Pickens. Veal points out that while many professionals frequent the Performance Center, it’s not just for five-handicappers. “I’d say the average handicap is mid-teens, and of course we also welcome beginners. And that’s one of the paradoxes we struggle with: because we have so many pros and so many top-50 teachers, people sometimes assume they’re not good enough to be here. So we’re trying to make the experience less intimidating. It’s essential for us to

grow the game and not be so focused on professionals and top amateur players. Sure they’re great, sure we want them here, but it’s just as important to get those beginner golfers who’ve never held a club, to make them feel comfortable so they want to be part of the game.” Delving a bit further into the mental game, Veal jokes that “it’s the one place where I could destroy Dr. Mo: if he knew what was really going on in my head, he might never recover…” More seriously, he explains the process: usually a 30-minute initial assessment followed by Dr. Mo accompanying the golfer on nine holes and then coming up with suggestions. “It’s not earth-shattering stuff: it’s generally about how you compartmentalize, prioritize, focus and then let go. I know that’s oversimplified, but it works. And it’s as applicable to business, and to life, as it is to golf…”

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A HIGHLY RANKED PRO GOLFER WITH A UNIQUE PUTTING STROKE, BRANDT SNEDEKER SHARES SOME SECRETS. BY TERRY C. GROSSMAN

a passion for it so I played all the time and practiced all the time.

You’ve had enormous success with your pop-style putting stroke: why do few other pros use it?

Distinctive

Style

That’s a very good question, and I haven’t the faintest idea. I guess because it’s difficult. It’s something I’ve always done but I suppose it’s hard for others to teach themselves to do it because the way I hit the ball is so counterintuitive. But it’s something I’ve always done so it feels natural to me.

Did others try to dissuade you from putting that way? Yes, when I was younger they did. As I got better and better, I refined it over the years and made it a little simpler and easier to repeat.

Which course has the toughest greens?

is nickname is Sneds, the Nashvillebased pro golfer with the unusual putting style, and at age 35 he’s one of the best there is. A candid and down-to-earth family man who’s as fun to interview as he is to watch on the course, he and his wife Mandy started a foundation in 2013 that helps underprivileged kids who need a break in life. He’s also known for his charity work to benefit victims of natural disasters, and for his memorable MasterCard commercials in which Tom Watson mispronounces his name. Here, we chat with Sneds about his passion.

What first piqued your interest in golf? I started playing when I was about six years old and just kind of fell in love with it. My brother and I played a lot growing up; I had

Augusta National. They are so severe and so fast and the margin of error is so small that it’s extremely difficult to be aggressive: because they’re so fast, you have to be defensive.

Some friends from Nashville want to know how you rate the greens at the Hillwood Golf Club, which you play when you’re home. They re-did them with Bermuda a couple of years ago and they’re extremely fast. They’re difficult to read and they have a bunch of small slopes that are tough to understand. Playing there has definitely contributed to my green reading skills.

Regarding green reading skills, is this something you’re born with or can it be learned? It’s a bit of both. I think that I was definitely born with an innate ability. But as I played more and more, I refined my green reading over the years by learning to hit the ball consistently at a desired speed. The trick is learning how hard to hit the ball so as to produce the desired speed and to be able to do that consistently until it becomes automatic. If you can’t hit the putt the same way every time, it’s not going to matter how well you read the greens.

Can you give us any tricks of the trade? Do you take notes and reference them during the round?

You won $10 million at that FedEx Cup in 2012; would you change that playoff system if you could?

One of the things I love to do before the tournament starts is play in the pro ams and try to read other people’s putts, so I can tell if I’m misreading or if they’re hitting them poorly. This gives me a general idea of what’s going on around the greens. I take notes when there are certain undulations that are tricky or counter to what you’d think. At times, some putts are faster while others are slower than they look. It just comes with experience.

No. Maybe I’d tweak it a little by giving out the points a bit differently, but the tour has done a great job by giving everybody a chance to win. I wouldn’t change much.

Your biggest regret as a touring pro?

I actually changed putters for about two months last year but I’m now back with my old one.

Not having the experience as a 26-year-old to know what’s important and what’s not, what to worry about and what not to… That’s just part of the stuff you learn out here on the tour. This being my ninth year, I’ve kind of figured out what’s important and what’s not. As a 26-year-old, you really have no idea; you’re just trying to figure it out. I wish I could have kicked my younger self in the butt to have figured it out a little sooner.

I used that model for 20 years but now use it to move logs in the fireplace…

How are you feeling these days and what’s your fitness regimen?

Ha! Not what it was designed for, but I use some shafts at home to do different things with so I get what you’re saying...

I had some injuries for a few years but that’s in the past and my body is now feeling great. I have a pretty stringent workout routine, a clearly defined program including an hour and a half a day of stretching and working out… soft tissue stuff to keep my body pliable. Off weeks I do more weight lifting and during the week more stretching and core stuff. Then there’s paying attention to diet, keeping myself hydrated, and I’m good to go.

I read that you changed putters. Think you’ll ever return to your old Odyssey Rossie II?

Who do you consider the best putters of all time? That’s a tough one. I think Jack Nicklaus was probably one of the best putters of all time just because of the amount of putts he made to win tournaments. And Tiger’s up there too due to the amount of putts he had to make under severe pressure and his ability to make them. Billy Casper and Jackie Burke were also among the best. Out here on the tour right now, I love watching Steve Stricker, or Brad Faxon when he gets out.

How about Crenshaw, who you didn’t mention? Yes, Ben. We play a practice round together at Augusta every year because I love watching him putt on those greens. I love seeing how he reads them, how he hits them, his stroke… it’s a thing of beauty. It’s so natural and free flowing, which I’d love to be…

Describe your fashion style on and off the course.

“I SUPPOSE IT’S HARD FOR OTHERS TO TEACH THEMSELVES [MY PUTTING STYLE] BECAUSE THE WAY I HIT THE BALL IS SO COUNTERINTUITIVE.”

Who do you consider the greatest golfer of all time? Jack Nicklaus, although I think Tiger has a chance to be right up there with him. Tiger had the most impressive run in golf: he led for seven years. I’m not sure he’ll end up winning as many as Jack did since he’s been so injured and his body has broken down. I really hope he gets healthy and comes back in his 40s: it would be great for him and great for the game of golf. So I hope to see him challenge Jack’s record but right now, I’d have to go with Jack.

Well I’ve been partnering with Peter Millar for four years now and I’ve got to say they make it easy to look good. They’re a quality brand with an unbelievable array of great clothes. So whether I’m wearing them on the golf course or for my off-the-course casual lifestyle, their stuff looks great: golf shirts, button-down shirts, sweaters, sports blazers. When I’m home with the kids on weekends, I’m most often in a T-shirt and jeans.

Any other interests?

What do you think about the impact of modern equipment on classic courses now that you pros can hit much further?

Being with my kids, who are right now at fun ages: five and three. I like getting outdoors. I love fishing and hunting.

You know, it’s just like anything else in life: technology enhances but also makes some things obsolete. We redo buildings, we redo cars to accommodate technology, so why not golf courses? We modify everything else! People get so hung up on traditional golf courses, but they just need to be tweaked a bit by adding some yardage. I think golf has been given an unfair rap: technological advances aren’t such a bad thing.

Are you introducing your kids to golf? They’re already both into it and they love it. My little man especially, who is only three years old, wants to play every day. I love that they’re liking it!

Do you dream of them becoming pro golfers? No, I wouldn’t push them. It’s ironic that a lot of guys on the tour push their kids away from golf rather than towards it because we realize that it takes lots of hard work, lots of luck and the chances of turning pro are so slim. But if my kids end up being passionate about golf and that’s the goal they want to pursue, then I’ll do everything in my power to help them.

What was your single best moment on the golf course? Winning the FedEx Cup. That was obviously a huge day for me, for my career, and most importantly for my confidence. Beating the best players in the world at their best—wow!

interview

KNOWN FOR HIS WIT, WISDOM, CANDOR AND CRAZINESS, BROADCASTER DAVID FEHERTY ADDS SOME MUCH-NEEDED PERSONALITY TO THE GAME OF GOLF. BY TERRY C. GROSSMAN that Tiger Woods was starting out when he broadcast his first Masters and Jordan Spieth appeared on the scene for his last. Upon leaving CBS, Feherty signed contracts with NBC Sports and the Golf Channel, where he still does his highly rated interview series, launched in 2011. Here, we talk to him about the state of professional golf and the turns his own career has taken.

Changing the Game uch has been written about David Feherty’s demons: a past tinged by drinking, drugs, insomnia, instability and other evidence of a dark side. Not enough has been written about his brilliance: an extreme work ethic, tremendous generosity (his Troops First foundation has raised millions, providing assistance, counsel and training to wounded soldiers), incredible charm, self-deprecating humor and a unique ability to get inside the heads and hearts of his interview subjects to showcase a little-known side of even the best-known celebrities. His is a talent that is very rare indeed. Growing up in war-torn Northern Ireland, Feherty turned pro at 17 (with a five handicap) and played in the ’91 Ryder Cup and the ’92 Masters. He finished top 10 in three majors but retired from his professional career in ’97, just when CBS was looking for an on-course analyst. He attributes his 19-year tenure at CBS to good luck, noting

What is it about golf that attracts so many different personality types? Can you articulate the appeal of this game?

It’s like no other sport in that it has an addictive quality. Not everyone can throw a 60-yard touchdown pass but everyone can hit a ball in the middle of the clubface down the center of the fairway. There’s an indescribable feeling the first time it happens: you feel like the master of the universe because you’ve influenced a small object to go a long way, exactly where you want it to. There’s a sweetness to it. And once you’ve done it once, you want to do it again. Kind of like heroin.

Do you feel you lived up to your potential on the course? Oh I think I went way past it. Not that I was ever one of the top players in the world, but I got close at times and I have no idea why.

Who do you consider the greatest golfer of all time? Tiger Woods. And it was harder to win in his era than it is today.

Do you think there will ever be another player who will dominate the tour for as long a stretch as Tiger did? Not in my grandchildren’s lifetimes. It was an extraordinary spell.

Who has the sweetest swing in golf today? Boo Weekley. There are players who line up behind him just to watch him hit on the range. It’s just gorgeous! He’s not a clothes horse; he’s not in great shape (he’s got issues with his back). In fact, he’s got a body like a ruptured sofa. But what a swing!

Well I kind of resemble him: the body, not the swing... I’ve been there as well. When I quit drinking, I lost 75 pounds. I

modern courses. I find it a shame that for the pros, the new equipment has taken the teeth out of these classic courses.

had been close to 250. I was six inches taller if I’d lie on my back…

You’re famous for your very insightful interviews. Which are your favorites?

But all they’d have to do to make those courses relevant again is make the surface of the ball a little bigger. We did it once before when the diameter went from 1.62 to 1.68 inches. It makes the ball sit up around the greens a little better so it becomes easier for the amateurs to chip. But for the pros, it’s harder to hit it in a straight line. It spins more and won’t go as far. But that’s way too simple a solution for the ruling bodies, who just want to be members of each other’s golf clubs and don’t care about much else.

Well, I’ve interviewed a couple of presidents, most recently George W. I’ve also interviewed Bill Clinton and I love the fact that these two are polar opposites but great friends. Then there was Bill Russell, the greatest winner in the history of American sports. I’ve also interviewed Nicklaus, Watson, Samuel L. Jackson, Larry David… a tremendous cross section of people. But if I had to pick a favorite, I guess it would be Lee Trevino, my first interview, and my hero growing up. I remember watching him win the 1968 U.S. Open: there was just something special about Lee Trevino… I was only 10 years old at the time but I loved his style, his attitude. Then when I got a little older, I learned his story. He came from nothing: that’s my kind of people.

What took them so long to bring the British Open back to Ireland, where Royal Portrush will host it in 2019? You’re right: it’s not been there since 1951. Of course we had The Troubles in Northern Ireland and it has to be in Northern Ireland: It would break tradition if it were in the South. There are only a couple of viable venues in Northern Ireland, Royal County Down Golf Club being one of them. But it doesn’t have the infrastructure: you couldn’t get the crowd in and out. I think it’s taken them this long to get back to Royal Portrush because they were unwilling to spend what it would take to make it more accessible. The golf course is spectacular, but they still have a lot more work to do around it.

Which golfer, living or dead, would you most like to have interviewed? I would love to have interviewed Seve (Ballesteros). We lost him, but he would definitely have been on my list. He was a magician, a warlock. He could change the weather with his face.

Here’s a tough one: Spieth, McIlroy or Day? That is a tough one! I mean it’s so hard to pick between Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. Rory has more majors and he’s a little older but Jordan…the last time we had a child this special, there were three wise men and a donkey involved. So I can’t really choose. By the way, you should know that I’m not really an expert on golf; I just play one on television.

If you were stuck playing on one course over and over, which would you pick? St. Andrews. Hitting to the 18th green, you feel like you’re playing into the soul of golf.

What do you think of McIlroy’s decision to play for the Republic of Ireland in the 2016 Olympics? Whether you’re British or Irish, if you come from Northern

“THE LAST TIME WE HAD A CHILD AS SPECIAL AS JORDAN SPIETH, THERE WERE THREE WISE MEN AND A DONKEY INVOLVED.”

Do you think technology has ruined or enhanced the game?

Ireland, you have to make a decision. I had two passports for a long time and exchanged them both for an American one. I’m very happy with that decision. It’s not political and it’s not geographic: who you are is mostly an emotional issue. I didn’t know who I was until, at age 32, I captained the Irish side at the Dunhill Cup; when they raised the flag after we won, I got this huge lump in my throat. I remember thinking, “Sh*t, I’m Irish!” I hadn’t thought much about it until that point but it’s definitely an emotional thing.

It’s definitely enhanced the game. For anyone who thinks it’s made the game too easy, just take a look at your score card. The amateurs are the important people in the game. Professional golfers are in the stratosphere where it really doesn’t matter. It’s the people who watch the game and pay for the 30-second commercials who drive the industry. They’re the important ones.

Is there any room in golf for tournaments played with older clubs and balls, like those used 25 years ago?

What’s the toughest part of your job?

I think it’s a great idea; there’s room for a tournament like that for sure. I know they have this Hickory event that brings guys to their knees. Something between present day and Hickory would be interesting as well. I was using a wooden driver at the end of my career…

The constant travel. I get worn out with it: airports, hotels, being away from home…

And what, in your career, has been your biggest regret? I don’t have regrets. I was a 17 year old with a five handicap and I decided in a geography class to drop out of school and become a professional golfer. When I look back, it was a miracle. Then, after I left professional golf, I was the right drunk in the right bar at the right time when CBS wanted to hire a course reporter. So I’ve been astonishingly lucky throughout my career.

Today, the pros are carrying the ball over 240-yard fairway traps. With a five iron!

Correct. I recently played the gorgeous Sea Island golf course where the pros play the RSM Classic and which is, like older classic courses, relatively short compared to the

They say it’s better to be lucky than good… No sh*t!

tech

“The flashiest entry into the world of golf training aids is RoboGolf Pro, which resembles something we might sink drop on Mars to dig through rocks.”

Greens

Machines

Artificial intelligence offers a supposed shortcut to the hard work of learning golf. BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD

n the 1996 film Tin Cup, Kevin Costner plays a washed-up golfer who loses his swing (a common plot device in golf movies). When he finally hits rock bottom, co-star Rene Russo discovers him shackled in swing aids, plastic gizmos and rubber straps latched to every part of his body in his desperate attempt to remember how to move properly. Since the days of yore when Scottish shepherds invented the absurd game of golf, there has been a quest for a magic move, a cure-all panacea that would instantly fix the veteran when his swing mysteriously goes awry, and allow the novice to bypass the traditional learning rout (which basically consists of banging tens of thousands of balls over the course of years). The flashiest entry into the world of golf training aids—it’s certainly the largest, priciest and most technologically advanced—is RoboGolf Pro, which resembles something we might sink drop on Mars to dig through rocks. Developed in Germany and distributed in the U.S. by Scot Nei under the name RoboGolf Pro, the machine features a golf club on the end of a computer-driven hydraulic arm. Custom data is input into the computer, the club is gripped and the robotic arm takes the user through the path the club should ideally follow in order to hit the ball long and straight. It's a way of not only teaching the proper plane on which the club should travel, but of

ingraining muscle memory at the subconscious level, says Nei. RoboGolf Pro is priced at $150,000 and its target market is professional golfers (even they want to get better), teaching academies and private golf clubs. There are currently 12 locations in the U.S. where you can book a learning session, but all that technological input doesn’t come cheap. RoboGolf suggests package deals, stressing repetitions to build muscle memory, with packages typically running $2,000. One of the unique challenges of golf is recognizing that human beings are not machines, and that every day you feel a little different. The key thought that worked yesterday fails to work today. And it bears repeating that throughout history, great golfers have possessed every possible body type, tempo, style and every other variable, and yet the only thing that mattered was that they all got themselves into the same position at impact, golf's so-called moment of truth. For as long as there are golfers, there will be those willing to resort to anything to learn and improve. But science fiction always cautions us that artificial intelligence is hardly the same as human intuition, and there's no individuality inside the moving limbs of a robot. Mankind has yet to devise a guaranteed shortcut to perfecting the golf swing, for, as a celebrated book says, “golf is not a game of perfect.” And neither is being human.

S S 16 . B E A N E W G E N T L E M A N .

Evolution

Golf attire then and now. BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD

GETTY1 THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION

Right: Ben Hogan, 1955 Below: The Duke of Windsor (left) with Lord Castleross, 1933

GETTY1 HULTON ROYALS COLLECTION

history

Style

When I took up golf at the age of 41, the first thing I did was order a pair of shoes. Not just any shoes, mind you, as golf presented the perfect opportunity to bust out brownand-white spectator wingtips. When my Millennial-generation instructor saw me, he cast a doubtful eye. “The way it works,” he said, “is you’ve got to have game to wear stuff like that.” I can see where he was coming from. I’ll never forget being in the group behind a freshly minted hacker. He hit every ball out of bounds, insisted on looking for it, and when he finally found it, took five strokes trying to hack it out of thick brush. But even more memorable than the

colossal waste of time he imposed on everyone behind him was his bubble-gum pink sweater. There was something offensive in his assumption that he could wear fun clothes despite having no skill nor sense of etiquette. But the problem with golf attire today is not that it’s too flamboyant, but that it’s too serious. Crazy pants show up now and then, but for the most part golf clothing embodies the game’s obsession with professionalization, technology, corporate sponsorship and branding, leaving few traces of its aristocratic origins or Caddyshack hijinks. If we were to gather a metaphoric foursome representing the past hundred years of golf attire, we would see a sartorial mirror of change in both the game and society at large. Let’s say that first on the tee box is the Gentleman. His hero is the Duke of Windsor, and he is clad in argyle knee socks, tweed plusfours (knickers), tattersall shirt, wool tie and Fair Isle sweater. For him golf is a game played on the vast acreage that surrounds a country estate—land that is used for farming (golf was invented by Scottish shepherds, after all), hunting, riding and keeping everyone else—save for the servants—as far away as possible. The clothing hardly differs from that worn for other country activities. Yet despite how it seems, there’s still a touch of the modern: for when the Duke of Windsor, the biggest fashion leader of his era, first donned a Fair Isle sweater in 1921, it was something new. Next on the tee is the Classicist, from whom I take my personal inspiration. Whereas the Gentleman looks anachronistic, the Classicist is inspired by the past but stylistically relevant. The shoes are traditional, but the trousers are pulled from the man’s everyday wardrobe. The necktie is no longer customary, and in place of a dress shirt is a fitted short-sleeve polo shirt covered by a cashmere Vneck. A flat cap tops off the outfit. This simple, modern, timeless look was personified by Ben Hogan in the 1950s. Wisecracking his way to the tee box next is the Country Clubber, even if he’s playing his local muni course at the discounted twilight rate. This guy’s hero is Bill Murray, and he resides in a sunny suburban community. He exemplifies the era when golf courses sprouted up across America, and middle-class desk jockeys took up golf to climb the social ladder. The clothing symbolizes a life of carefree suburban leisure: loud pants clash with brightcolored shirts and alpaca cardigans, and the clown colors seem to perfectly reflect the comedy of errors that is the game of golf. Hats are dispensed with altogether. Finally stepping onto the tee box—and shooting from the blacks— is an imposing figure, so teched-out he simply must be a single-

ISTOCK: CHATCHAI SOMWAT

Right: Sergio Garcia, 2013 Below: Bobby Jones, 1920s

digit. He doesn’t wear wingtips, but shoes that look designed for skateboarding. His clothing is loaded with performance attributes and splattered with manufacturers’ logos. He wears a baseball cap, where yet another logo blares its brand loyalty. Everything is color-coordinated, from his glove to his belt to driver head, which comes with 12 hosel adjustments. This is the Technocrat. In the near future, research will find that pants and zippered pullovers create wind resistance, and that a spandex bodysuit—the kind speed-skaters wear—can increase clubhead speed by an average of 1.2 miles per hour. This guy will be the first at his club to wear one. On the surface it would seem like little in the game of golf has changed: you still try to hit a ball 400 yards into a four-and-a-half-inch hole in four strokes. Yet golf has always been driven by change and technology—the old balls were called featheries precisely because they were stuffed with feathers. And the world of golf instruction is increasingly accepting that there is no perfect onesize-fits-all swing, and that it’s more a matter of finding your own unique way of achieving the desired result. Dressing for golf should be no different: you can wear whatever the hell you want, so long as it works for you.

to the CORE

Why your wardrobe needs quality basics. For centuries, luxury fashion pushed the limits of wearability. Fussy styles and decadent details by famous designers were said to reflect wealth, extravagance and certainly status. Fast-forward to 2016. Those almighty fashion houses still stand, but the look of luxury has taken a different course. The most notable influencers of the past two years? Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. Yes, these two have put simple sneakers, tapered denim, casual sportcoats and a function-over-fashion lifestyle on the luxury map. It is, without a doubt, their version of wealth, success and status that has altered what we are seeing today on runways and sidewalks alike. Normcore is the name. Hardcore normal is the game. The term was first coined by K-Hole, a New York-based cultural reporting agency that suggested Millennials wanted to seek out individual identities by blending in versus undertaking the exhausting effort to stand out. Thus the “more-going-on-inside-than-meets-the-eye” look has become wildly popular. And big luxury brands are picking up what Larry and Jerry have (unwittingly) put down. Fendi released its spring/summer 2016 collection in Milan, showcasing its take on this trend with an array of minimalist shapes, colors and comfortable silhouettes. Other industry pioneers of normcore include Prada, Celine, Vince and Chanel, so be prepared for others (including the fast-fashion copycats that clothe the masses) to follow suit. The desire for high-end basics is definitely happening and it will likely continue for some time. Recently, Harvard researchers conducted an interesting study revealing customer behavior in luxury retail stores. They concluded that people shopping in tracksuits are actually perceived as more confident and likely to splurge than those waltzing through the doors in fancy clothes or otherwise contrived outfits. While we’re not advocating that the trend be taken to the tracksuit extreme, we must admit that unpretentious people dressed in simple, well-made attire seem to be the epitome of cool these days. For surely, looking confident and appropriate while staying comfortable is a luxury in itself—and in a society that has become less formal, it makes perfect sense. Now that upscale brands are presenting more relaxed, well-styled basics in luxury fabrics, it’s easier than ever to look great without trying too hard. In fact, you don’t

BY NATALIE GALAS

need to flaunt a lot of details or patterns or status labels these days. Consider instead a soft white cotton T-shirt under a washed linen sportcoat, worn with a light denim pant and a plain white sneaker (sans logo). The air already feels lighter. The quality of these simple pieces is what stands out, and the less “branded” the look, the better. So who’s the new hero of high-fashion normcore? Might it not be the shleppy-looking fashion designer taking a bow at the end of his runway show?

Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld have put a function-over-fashion lifestyle on the luxury map.

GETTY1

style

NORMal

resorts

Desert Delight

The Avalon Palm Springs is a California Dream come true. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

You may not be able to put your camel to bed at the Avalon Hotel Palm Springs, but this stunning desert resort, nestled between Downtown’s main drag and the foot of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains, is definitely an oasis from morning until after midnight. Famed interior designer Kelly Wearstler has refurbished this 1930s hotel, which boasts 67 luxuriously appointed guest rooms as well as 13 deluxe villas complete with furnished private patios and fully stocked wet bars, with a nod to Hollywood Regency style. And even with all that Palm Springs has to offer—from world-class golf clubs to the wonderful McCallum Theater—you may never want to leave the Avalon, thanks to its three pools, top-notch spa and superb restaurant, all set amongst four acres of fragrant, beautifully manicured gardens. The Estrella Spa (which takes its name from the original moniker of the hotel) is the ideal health and wellness experience, whether you’re looking for a massage, scrub, facial, or all of the above, thanks to its well-curated selection of thoughtfully assembled options. In addition to such traditional pampering, the Estrella offers alternative treatments that stem from the time-honored traditions of alchemy, holistic health and global herbal medicine—all of which use only handmade herb-infused oils and butters combined with custom-blended essential oils provided by American Medicinal Arts. At the hotel’s much-loved Chi Chi restaurant, chef Tara Lazar’s menu evokes her childhood summers spent south of the border. She creates soulful Latin standards with a dash of cheeky California wellness, using the freshest local ingredients. There are whimsical if potent cocktails such as the “Ango Mango Ango” and “Desert Jewel”; tempting brunch options ranging from cheeky chilaquiles with chorizo to avocado toast to yam and pork belly hash; and such delectable lunch and dinner specialties as beef picadillo empanadas (perfect for sharing), a fermented yerbe mata salad, coconut oil fried chicken, and scallops al pastor served with Lazar’s “miracle rice.” Believe me, this is one hotel you’ll want to spring for, again and again!

wheels

A Horse

With No Mane

If driving is your passion and performance is your goal, the Shelby Mustang GT350 is sure to please. BY DAVID A. ROSE The 1960s saw automobile manufacturers pushing the limits when producing performance cars. The public loved these machines: the more power under the hood, the more love. In 1965 one of the most desired performance cars was introduced: the Shelby GT350 Mustang. With a modified 289-cubic-inch V8, this car produced 306 horsepower. To enhance the hype, 34 of these cars were built specifically for racing in the Sports Car Club of America’s B Production class, where they won the national championships in 1965, ’66 and ’67. In 2015 the Shelby GT350 Mustang celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where dozens of these magnificent vehicles were on display and on the track at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. For sports car enthusiasts who reminisce about the glory days of the 1960s, there’s good news: Ford Motor Company has resurrected the iconic marque with an all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang. Carroll Shelby’s original concept of transforming an excellent road car into an extraordinary road racing car is apparent in this sixthgeneration Mustang, the most nimble, best-balanced and most powerful Mustang to date. Ford offers two engine options: the 2.3liter EcoBoost with twin-scroll turbochargers (310 horsepower and 320 ft. lbs. of torque) and the 5.2-liter V8 (producing over 500 horsepower with more than 400 ft. lbs. of torque) matched to a lightweight six-speed manual gearbox. Like the models built in 1965, there’s one color only: Wimbledon white with Guardsman blue rocker stripes.

I recently drove the Shelby GT350 Mustang with 2.3-liter EcoBoost at Lime Rock Park, and although this is the milder version, it felt like a race car as it traversed the 1.5-mile course. The vehicle scored high marks for handling, braking and acceleration. Performance is crucial to a car lover, but so is styling. “Everything we changed on the GT350 is purely function-driven design,” says Ford design director Chris Svensson. “We optimized the aerodynamic shape of the car and then fine-tuned what was left to increase down-force and cooling airflow. All bodywork from the windshield forward is unique to this high-performance model, and up to two inches lower than the Mustang GT.” More than 9.2 million Mustangs have been sold since being introduced in 1964. The new Shelby GT350, true to its heritage, might be the greatest of them all.

Left Coast Dress Polos & Tee Shirts The perfect year around shirts to dress up or down, adds style and comfort to your everyday lifestyle.

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GIFT CARDS

For the ultimate clothing experience, indulge in made-to-measure suits, sportcoats, shirts and trousers. The world’s finest fabrics and designers mean yours will truly be a fit like no other.

For that hard-to-buy-for kinda guy, give the gift of GARYS. Stop in or give us a call. We’ll take care of the rest.

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CLOSET CONSULTATION Is the closet full, but you still can’t find anything to wear? Call in the style pros of GARYS for a personal closet consultation. You’ll get an objective view of your entire wardrobe and a friendly nudge to gently help you weed out the old, tired and worn to make room for the new. We’ll be happy to donate any unwanted items to our friends at Working Wardrobes.

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A RELATIONSHIP UNRAVELED. . . BY HOLLY ADAM

A few weeks into that year, he hitchhiked thousands of miles just to see me. I was thrilled, but it tossed a real monkey wrench into my settling in. I couldn’t sort out who I was, who we were. Later that spring, I lied to him. He had moved to a closer college, more suited to him. I visited there, and told him I was going south with some friends. He knew I’d been trying to decide between him and another guy. We were at a breaking point, and I broke his heart. Badly. Unfairly. He never went dark on me, despite my bad choices. We spent a summer together in our hometown a year later. He made a life-altering decision then, and I had to sit back in silence. My beautiful man was going into the military, into a very specialized unit. It would transform the rest of his life. And mine. And so we parted. I recently discovered a treasure he had sent me decades ago, something I thought should go to his children. He emailed me back with his address, noting that he was soon coming east, would I like to have dinner? Thankfully, I didn’t have time to think about it. The trials and tribulations it took both of us to get there (flat tire for me, missed flights for him, cash and passports left behind) were inconsequential. I pulled up in my old car with the spare in the backseat; he was instantly beside me, holding my cheeks and kissing me as if no time had passed. Miraculously, we still had our connection, as natural and spontaneous as me removing that thread from his sportcoat long ago. Made me look in the mirror. Very closely.

I should have known he needed saving: the basting stitches had not been removed. I pulled them out, discreetly.” n a recent set of crazy circumstances, I had the opportunity to reconnect with the first love of my life, 35 years later… Back in the day, I spent more time with him and his father than I did with my own family. They had a glamorous bachelor pad for two, with an amazing view. Dinner was almost always “out.” On our first official date, he had on a new sportcoat. I should have known he needed saving: the basting stitches had not been removed. I pulled them out, discreetly. (Who would have guessed that, years later, I’d end up an arbiter of men’s fashion at Bloomingdale’s?) There was a painful parting at the airport when he went off to college. Weeks later, my father drove me to college and on the way told me that he and my mother were getting divorced. I was in escape mode, and Daddy was horrified that I brushed off something so important. But I didn’t really brush it off, devastated that the love of my life was a million miles away instead of there by my side when I needed him.

IMAGE BY THADDEUS ROMBAUER COURTESY OF HICKEY FREEMAN

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GARYS FORUM SS 2016