Malouf's by Fashion Forum Magazine

Malouf’s Forum/The Substance of Style/Fall 2015

FALL’S FANTASTIC FASHIONS WHY YOU NEED A NEW TUX! DECIPHERING MODERN FITS

CONTENTS

Malouf’s Kingsgate Center 8201 Quaker Avenue #106 Lubbock, TX 79424 806-794-9500 Southlake Town Square 190 State Street Southlake, TX 76092 817-416-7100 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Karen Alberg Grossman DESIGN DIRECTOR

Hans Gschliesser INTERIM MANAGING EDITOR

Brian Scott Lipton PROJECT MANAGER

Lisa Montemorra DESIGNERS

Cynthia Lucero, Jean-Nicole Venditti CONCEPT DIRECTORS

Andrew Mitchell, Russ Mitchell MERCHANDISING DIRECTOR

Bob Mitchell DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

Peg Eadie DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS

John Frascone

BUSINESS JOURNALS FASHION GROUP PUBLISHER

Stuart Nifoussi PRESIDENT AND CEO

Britton Jones CHAIRMAN AND COO

Mac Brighton CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Christine Sullivan

APPAREL FORUM Andrisen Morton DENVER, CO

FEATURES 38 44 48 50 52 54 72

Furnishings: Fit Fanatic Designers: Giving Season Profile: Above the Fray In Living Color Style: Family Matters Collections: The Spirit of Style Travel: Experience Needed

FASHION 10 28 30 32 34

A Fall Feeling How to Wear: One Dress, Three Ways Seeing Red Accessory Spotlight Down to the Last Detail

Garys NEWPORT BEACH, CA

36 56 58 64

Denim Dreams Tuxedo Tune-Up Formal and Fabulous Out of the Woods

DEPARTMENTS 4 6 8 40 70: 74

Welcome Letter Ask Forum for Her Ask Forum for Him The Fashion Forum Profile: Improving With Age Destinations: The Buyer’s Guide to Florence 76 At Your Service

Hubert White MINNEAPOLIS, MN Kilgore Trout CLEVELAND, OH Larrimor’s PITTSBURGH, PA Malouf’s LUBBOCK/SOUTHLAKE, TX Mario’s PORTLAND, OR/SEATTLE, WA Mitchells/Marshs HUNTINGTON, NY Mitchells/Richards WESTPORT/GREENWICH, CT Oak Hall MEMPHIS, TN Rodes LOUISVILLE, KY Rubensteins NEW ORLEANS, LA Stanley Korshak DALLAS, TX Wilkes Bashford SAN FRAN/PALO ALTO, CA FASHION FORUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN 10 REGIONAL EDITIONS FOR MEMBER STORES OF THE APPAREL FORUM © 2015. 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: 212-6866821; 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 18, ISSUE 2. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

ask

FALL 2015 FASHION TIPS FOR HIM

I have a perfectly good winter coat from last year; will it work this season?

What’s up with the flowers I’m seeing guys wear on their suit lapels?

Today versus yesterday

What’s the correct length for a modern man’s pants? My girlfriend is complaining that I’m wearing my pants too short (I recently had my tailor shorten them all) but I often see models in magazines with socks showing. Who’s right? Like most things in life, it’s not black and white: European designers are showing pants shorter than American designers and fashion experts continue to debate length. Our opinion: because pant styles today are slimmer than they were a few seasons back, pant legs worn too long tend to “accordion” from ankle to calf, a truly unattractive look. The most flattering length has the bottom of the pant leg just caressing the top of the shoe, with no creases down the pant leg and no breaks at the bottom. If your socks or skin are visible, the pants are too short.

Lapel flowers, lapel pins, tie bars, cuff links, wrist jewelry, pocket squares, scarves, bags, interesting belts—men’s accessories are increasingly important and allow you to make a personal statement about who you are. If this seems a bit out of your comfort zone, try wearing just one accessory and see what it does for you. A beaded or silver bracelet that barely shows from under your shirt cuff is a good starting point, as is a pocket square that adds a touch of class to your suit or sportcoat, or a cashmere scarf that adds a luxe touch to anything you wear. If nothing else, you need a great leather bag this fall to replace that beat-up briefcase (and to save your pockets from getting over-stuffed). Remember too that accessories make great gifts since you don’t need to deal with sizes. Pocket squares for all the guys in the office? Interesting umbrellas? Cool socks? Happy shopping!

IMAGE BY EVAN TAYLOR; TROUSERS BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA; SHOES BY JOHN LOBB

It probably will. Since menswear designers believe in investment dressing, they’re usually careful not to change styles dramatically from one season to the next. That said, one coat no longer fits all occasions or all lifestyles, so you might want to consider alternating among several different styles with different functions. Options include a wool or cashmere topcoat for dressing up, a three-quarter-length wool coat for business, a leather jacket for looking cool and a quilted down parka (or vest) for activewear and maximum warmth. Many of today’s fabrics are also specially treated to be waterproof and heat-retentive: come in and we’ll show you a great assortment. (And check out our outerwear fashion shoot in this issue!)

FALL ‘15 COLLECTION

furnishings

fit

Regular, classic, slim, trim, skinny, modern, contemporary, fitted—how to know which shirt is you.

FANATIC THE GOOD NEWS: These days, you’re very likely to find a ready-made shirt that fits. Designers have eschewed yesterday’s loose flowy styles, eliminating excess fabric so that today’s shirts lie closer to the body. Comfortable, flattering and perfect for today’s trimmer suits and sportcoats, the new slim shirts are often worn without the coat and tie.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ROBERT TALBOTT

THE CAVEAT: Each manufacturer has its own definition of “slim” so sizing varies greatly from one maker to the next. With a little trial and error (or one of our great sales associates), you can readily find the right cut from the right brand, but fit labels can be confusing if you’re shopping on your own. THE SUGGESTION: For a nearly comparable price, consider made-to-measure. You’ll get numerous collar options, and you can choose from among thousands of swatches, buttons, stitching details, monograms, etc. And most importantly: a perfect fit designed and detailed just for you!

the FASHION forum

SINATRA STYLE

He coined the phrase “Saloon Songs”—those poignant tunes of unrequited love, sadness, and heartbreak that, according to contemporary crooner Michael Feinstein, are meant to be experienced “with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other…” In celebration of the centennial of Frank Sinatra’s birth, it seems the entire country is focusing on not just the music of America’s favorite cultural icon, but also his influence on fashion. The fedora worn at an angle, the soft shoulder suit with a slightly shorter length jacket and trouser, the loosely knotted tie all still look as fresh and appealing as they did a few decades back. A recent exhibit at the New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, “Sinatra: An American Icon,” confirms our theory: Sinatra’s style is as timeless as his eversoulful songs. —Karen Alberg Grossman

While few dads in recent years have shown excessive enthusiasm for the prototypical Christmas gift—the dreaded necktie—today’s fashionable fathers appreciate the value and versatility of this timeless accessory. They know natty neckwear can be worn to the office, to a weekend party, or to a casual dinner out. Clearly narrower than in years past, ties now use fabrics ranging from smooth silks to textured wovens in everything from vividly-hued solids to subtle patterns. For extra oomph, try a tie bar, which can add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Just make sure it extends no further than the width of your tie and that it holds the front and back of your tie to your shirt placket. A new tie is the perfect gift for a new generation, and a great way to stand out from the crowd! —Jillian LaRochelle

SINATRA: KEN VEEDER/CAPTIOL PHOTO ARCHIVES; KNOT: COURTESY OF ETON

KNOT A PROBLEM

The Fashion Forum

BROADWAY’S BEST DRESSED MEN Men looking for sartorial guidance need look no further than Broadway’s current leading men. Celebrities who know how to dress-to-impress showed their sartorial style on opening nights and the awards circuit last spring. Tony Award winner Alex Sharp lived up to his last name in natty tailored suits and sportcoats, often in whites and off-whites, which play well off his slim frame. Tall, dark and handsome dancer Robert Fairchild was not just quick on his feet, but always impeccably groomed from head-to-toe. Meanwhile, 2014 Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart (left) was a true friend to fashion, proving that larger men can look spectacular in checks, stripes, and patterns. And fan favorites such as Brian d’Arcy James (far left), Andrew Rannells, Tony Yazbeck, David Burtka, Max von Essen, Matthew Morrison and Andy Karl were among the latest crop of stars who redefined dashing while showing off their impeccable taste in both classic (and not-soclassic) formalwear. Bravo, gentlemen! —Brian Scott Lipton

CULT OF CELEBRITY BROADWAY: GETTY IMAGES; CLOONEY: COURTESY OF OMEGA WATCHES

In recent years, top-name designers of fashion, accessories, and fragrance have begun using more A-list celebrities to convince us to purchase their worthy wares. John Varvatos featured the faces of rock n’ roll gods Kiss and Ringo Starr in two recent ad campaigns; soccer superstar David Beckham, New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, and teen idol Justin Bieber have bared almost all in underwear ads; and Chanel even convinced Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt to pitch their perfume to both men and women. Now, famed watch brand Omega has asked brand ambassador George Clooney for some modeling time, filming the silver-haired stud on a motorcycle to promote the company’s Speedmaster ‘57. Of course, it might be hard to focus on the watch while your eyes are fixed on the face of Tinseltown’s most handsome leading man. —Brian Scott Lipton

designers

GIVING SEASON

FIVE MEN OF STYLE SHARE THEIR HOLIDAY GIFT PICKS. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

ROBERT STOCK,

Robert Graham What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? My wife and children.

What’s on your holiday wish list this year? A vacation to someplace warm!

What item from your collection would you suggest as the perfect gift? Our herringbone suede quilted vest.

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, Brunello Cucinelli What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? I couldn’t live without my books and the lessons that they hold. For this reason, I really appreciate every book that was given to me. Among my favorites is Meditations by Marcus Arelius. It is one of the most inspirational, not just for its philosophical messages, but for its universality and sincerity of self-reflections.

What’s on your holiday wish list this year? I am attached to my home and I am blessed to live in a charming Medieval village where nature is all around. I don’t need to go far to find peace and relax; rather I like to sit quietly with people or spend time with them. I’m always fascinated by the human soul.

What item from your collection would you suggest as the perfect gift? We have many beautiful and timeless pieces in the collection, but I always recommend a classic cashmere sweater. It’s a thoughtful and meaningful gift he will keep and treasure for a lifetime.

SEBASTIAN DOLLINGER, Eton

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? My girlfriend gave me an antique silver ring from Nepal covered with red coral and turquoise.

What’s on your holiday wish list this year? Good health for my family. I never really wish for any special gifts; I prefer to go away on holiday with the people that are close to me. I would like to visit the Falkland Islands this year.

What item from your collection would you suggest as the perfect gift? I would really recommend one of our fantastic prints to add some flair to the modern gentleman's wardrobe.

GIANLUCA ISAIA, Isaia What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? The gift of passion for the Neapolitan tailoring tradition I received from my father before I could walk…since I still had a pacifier in my mouth!

What’s on your holiday wish list this year? Finding the strength to switch my cellphone off for at least one week…

What item from your collection would you suggest as the perfect gift? For the man who needs to stay warm it’s our down Babbà jacket in green Aquacashmere. I never take it off when I am visiting New York City in the winter. It gets freezing! (Which also means I cannot wear my Isaia leather flip flops with suits when walking on Madison Avenue during the cold season…)

ARNOLD SILVERSTONE, Samuelsohn What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? A sense of passion and integrity that I received from my parents; it defines who I am today and what I bring to everything that I do, including designing and my work.

What’s on your holiday wish list this year? Quality time spent with friends and family during the holidays. Given my busy schedule and constant travel, that would be the ultimate present.

What item from your collection would you suggest as the perfect gift? Our new travel top coat in pure cashmere (Loro Piana Storm System) is water and wrinkle resistant. It will keep you warm, dry and stylish; it’s the perfect travel companion.

SJ K .C OM

profile

ABOVE THE FRAY

REVOLUTIONARY STRETCH TULLE FABRIC SETS FUZZI APART IN THE FASHION WORLD. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

In 1954, the Fuzzi family opened a modest knitwear factory in Cattolica, Italy. But it wasn’t until the founders’ daughter, Anna Maria Fuzzi, joined the business in 1971 that the company’s interest in fabric innovation truly began. She believed that women should be able to express themselves with the freedom and ease of a ballet dancer, and so she began to experiment. The result is the brand’s one-of-a-kind stretch tulle fabric, which is functional as well as beautiful. It can be hand-washed (and never needs dry cleaning), can be packed and unpacked without wrinkling, and miraculously stretches and conforms to flatter all body types. Moreover, Fuzzi’s tulle tops, dresses and skirts can even be hemmed at home with scissors without ever fraying. This innovative fabric drew the attention of several major design houses, and in 1983, the Fuzzi factory began producing ready-to-wear collections for Jean Paul Gaultier. The legendary designer’s avant-garde aesthetic and Fuzzi’s unmatched technical know-how made for a perfect partnership, which endured until his brand shuttered last year. However, the designer’s influence can still be found in the Fuzzi label’s embrace of color and pattern, along with its fearless use of embellishments and mixed prints. Anna Maria continues to operate as the company’s president from Fuzzi’s factory in Cattolica, while North American operations have come under the creative direction of Marianne Hicks. Recent collections have stepped up the fashion factor with the aim of attracting a more diverse female audience. (Fuzzi’s factory also produces some of the best jerseys and merino knits in Italy.) “We’re constantly thinking from a woman’s point of view. Our fabrics conform and camouflage in all the right places,” says Hicks. The fall 2015 collection is feminine yet highly wearable, dominated by dark, moody prints and tasteful embellishments including lace and fringe. Inspired by the idea of “illusion,” Hicks played with zippers that open and close to reveal underlying pattern, as well as fused garments that look like separates but are actually one piece, taking the guesswork out of fall layering. Jacquards and animal prints give merino outerwear pieces the illusion of winter-like texture, but are made in seasonless weights that work for southern climates. “We try to inject added value into each piece, so every collection includes five or six convertible items: long skirts with fold-down waists that double as maxi dresses, pants that convert to jumpsuits, or ponchos that can also be worn as scarves,” says Hicks. “We’re not a basics company. Fuzzi is designed for women who aren’t afraid to stand out.”

style

IN LIVING COLOR

yellow or rose will be found as subtle accents on shirts, colorblocked pullovers, or casual slacks, all designed to be worn with neutral-hued jackets, knitwear and vests in a way most American men will easily embrace. Likewise, boldly-striped knitwear, boat-style (and even banded) collared shirts, quilted vests, and lightweight outerwear made of technical fabrics allow one to live the lifestyle of a seaman without ever having to leave the docks. And such everyday staples as the familiar hooded sweatshirt, drawstring trouser or pull-on short are often rendered in opulent fabrics like cashmere, silk and micro-wool blends. They’re so extremely luxurious that it’s hard to imagine wearing them for any sport, unless it involves a remote control.

SAMANTHA BERNACKY

When there is any sort of disturbance in an Italian city, or merely an unexpected curve in the road, the locals are fond of calling such incidents "a manifestation.” So one might say there is a “manifestation” happening in menswear this fall–and especially next spring. Top Italian clothing brands such as Brunello Cucinelli, Isaia, Kiton, Belvest, and Brioni are taking such familiar warm weather ideas as bright color, nautical styling and even luxury leisurewear and adding their own unexpected twists. Judging by the "Living Color" theme at the latest round of Italian menswear shows, color will be at the forefront for the next several months, including on skinny, short-cropped trousers, richly-hued belts, and shirts with collars large enough to land a jetliner. Moreover, Pantone shades of apple green, chamomile

ISTOCK PHOTO

ITALIAN DESIGNERS ARE USING COLORS AND FABRICS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

ÂŠ2015 A Genesco Company

style

family MATTERS ZEGNA, THE WORLD’S LARGEST MEN’S CLOTHING BRAND, CONTINUES TO INNOVATE. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

I believe passion is most integral to our success. I am constantly driven by the legacy I received from my father and the vision I would like to transmit to the next generation of the Zegna family.

What are Zegna’s most notable recent accomplishments? Stefano Pilati’s appointment as head of design for Ermenegildo Zegna Couture was a bold step for our business. Moves like this set Zegna apart as a pioneer in menswear, continually pushing boundaries. With Stefano, we are expanding our product range to address a more fashion-oriented consumer. Our latest innovation within Z Zegna is Techmerino, our natural high-performance wool project, now offered as a complete wardrobe. Techmerino is highly breathable and provides perfect thermo-regulation against both hot and cold climates, keeping the skin dry and the body temperature constant as it maximizes the natural features of wool.

One doesn’t become the world’s largest men’s clothing maker by resting on one’s laurels. In fact, since Gildo Zegna’s grandfather bought his father’s textile looms in 1910, the company has done nothing but innovate. They were the first to focus on fabric technology, the first to provide a successful made-to-measure program, the first to embrace sportswear, and one of the few family businesses left in the fashion industry. Here, we speak with Gildo Zegna, part of the fourth generation of family to run the business, about challenges and change.

What do you see as your greatest challenges today? The changing dynamic of international customers is certainly a challenge today, due in part to currency fluctuations. This past year we’ve seen volatility in the currency markets, which requires us to navigate wisely. And of course, the role that online plays in today’s business challenges us to re-think how we provide the best shopping experience for our customers. Inevitably that leads us to an omnichannel approach, which we are embracing as the new reality.

What’s special about the Zegna brand? First and foremost, our dedication to fabric innovation and our pioneering spirit have driven our success. We are unique in that we are a completely vertical, multi-generational family-run business that is truly global. We now have a presence in over 100 countries around the world! More than anything else, our people and our collaborative culture differentiate us from our competitors. We always want to be the best at every business we enter so we strive for nothing less than the highest standard.

Zegna is a company that asks a lot of question of our customers, business partners and of ourselves. We’ve always listened closely to our local markets; this helps us to be better partners. In our constant drive for excellence, we not only challenge ourselves daily but we also welcome challenges from our customers.

We all recognize the challenges of a family business. So what makes yours work?

ISTOCK PHOTO

Could you talk a bit about your corporate culture and how it differs from other companies?

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collections

“It’s not just the clothes, it’s the spirit you feel when you wear them.” Geoff Schneiderman, president and CEO, Eleventy USA

THE SPIRIT OF

STYLE

A CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN COLLECTION IS DESIGNED FOR FUN! BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

collection for fall/winter ‘15 offers luxury Italian-made clothing at value prices, with quality and detail second to none. We love the soft grey-camel-indigo color palette, the unstructured sportcoats, the sheared mink vest, the luxurious cashmere knits, the slim but comfortable pants (specs adjusted for the U.S. market), the sexy cashmere blend athleisure looks, the down-filled flannels, and much much more. Mostly, we love the way individual pieces easily mix and match to create a look that’s fabulous and fashionable, but not fussy. “Tradition coexisting with innovation,” says Eleventy CEO Marco Baldassari. We couldn’t agree more!

New to the U.S. this year but successful in Europe since 2007, Eleventy is a modern Italian collection with classic inspiration designed to “elevate life.” Explains U.S. president and CEO Geoff Schneiderman, who has worked in the men’s clothing business for many years, “When I used to wear expensive Italian clothing, I often felt like I was dressing old. Wearing Eleventy, I feel younger, more comfortable, more like myself… It’s not just the clothes, it’s the spirit you feel when you wear them.” Designed to provoke thought on how to dress “creatively casual” (e.g. a cardigan over a sportcoat instead of under it), the Eleventy

fashion

Extends beyond natural shoulder, creating a stiff, boxy look. Shirt is baggy and billowy.

Jacket is too wide, adding visual bulk.

Cummerbund is outdated.

Pant rise is much too long. (Saggy crotch is never a good look!)

Sleeves are too long and wide.

Pants are too big, causing bunching and adding bulk.

TUXEDO TUNE-UP YOUR ONCE-STYLISH FORMAL SUIT IS DUE FOR AN UPDATE.

Jacket follows natural slope of shoulder. Black is always acceptable, but why not try something new in blue?

Sleeves are slightly shorter to expose a bit of shirt cuff.

Peak lapels are still a great choice, but newer styles are slightly narrower and higher on the shoulder.

Shirt is sleek and fits close to the body.

No cummerbund is more modern.

Bottom of jacket hits at mid-hip.

Hem just grazes top of shoe.

IMAGES BY EVAN TAYLOR

Pants that fit closer to the leg take off pounds (and years)!

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN TAYLOR GUNVILLE

formal&

FABULOUS! UPGRADE YOUR STYLE WITH THESE FRESH TAKES ON THE TUXEDO. (OR GO CUSTOM TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN...)

We put on formalwear, “and suddenly we become extraordinary” –Vera Nazarian

Update your look with blue or navy, a slimmer fit, a shawl

or peak lapel collar, or your own special customized details.

WOODS

out of the

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SERGIO KURHAJEC STYLING BY WENDY MCNETT

HAIR & MAKEUP BY CLAIRE BAYLEY

DIFFERENT COATS FOR DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES. DIFFERENT SEASONS, DIFFERENT REASONS.

THE MAN MAKES THE COAT AND THE COAT MAKES THE MAN

profile

One of the oldest continually operating companies in the world, Faber-Castell remains the leading manufacturer of wood-cased pencils, along with a wide assortment of luxury writing instruments, leather accessories, art materials, creative craft kits and luxury cosmetic pencils. To recount the history of Faber-Castell, one must begin with Kaspar Faber, who lived from 1730 to 1784 in a small village outside Nuremberg, Germany. A cabinet maker by trade, he had a side business producing pencils, which he sold from a basket in the village market. Its success soon made pencil-making the family’s primary business, and Kaspar’s son Anton Wilhelm took it over upon his death. Remarkably, the site Anton Wilhelm acquired on the outskirts of Stein to build his first workshop still remains as the company’s global headquarters. In 1849, Lothar von Faber became the first family member to expand beyond the borders of Germany. He set up foreign subsidiaries first in New York, and then in Vienna, London, St. Petersburg and Paris. In 1870, A.W. Faber became the fifth entry in the U.S. Trademark Register, and today bears the distinction of being the oldest active registered trademark in existence. A roughly $700 million business, Faber-Castell currrently employs 7,000 people in 100 countries around the globe. As if surviving (and growing) for more than two centuries wasn’t enough of an achievement, Faber-Castell is also credited with helping pass the first trademark laws to protect brand name products; inventing the hexagonal pencil shape; founding Germany’s first life insurance company in 1884 (which is still in existence today); and being the drawing tool of choice for artists including Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Klee and cartoonist Carl Barks. What hasn’t changed over Faber-Castell’s long history is its serious commitment to making the world’s highest-quality writing implements. The eighth generation is currently at the helm, led by Count Anton Wolfgang von Faber-Castell. His wife, Countess Mary, serves as managing director of FC Cosmetics, a division for which they both have a special affinity, while the couple’s four children are preparing for their own futures within the company. Faber-Castell continues to be a family business like few others.

A.W. Faber bears the distinction of being the oldest active registered trademark in existence.

Above: Anton Wolfgang Graf von Faber-Castell.

IMPROVING WITH AGE FABER-CASTELL CONTINUES TO MAKE THE ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY.

FABER-CASTELL

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

travel

EXPERIENCE NEEDED

I OBSERVED THAT MY FRIENDS WERE REDIRECTING THEIR TRAVEL PLANS TOWARDS LIFE-ENRICHING EXPERIENCES.” — TREVOR TRAINA 72

Decades ago, the standard in luxury travel was staying in five-star hotels, dining in Michelin-starred restaurants, and perhaps getting a private tour of a museum, led by an art expert. These days, high-end travelers are looking not just to spend a few nights in Paris, but to indulge in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They may still go to Paris (and even stay at the Four Seasons), but that trip might now include a front-row seat at a Paris fashion show followed by a visit to designer Coco Chanel’s atelier. Celebrity worshippers might prefer to not just attend the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, but also go to one of those buzzed-about private parties with the stars, while thrill-seeking travelers will not pass up a chance to go ballooning over the Napa Valley before sipping wine in its famous vineyards. “I observed that my friends were redirecting their travel plans towards life-enriching experiences,” says Trevor Traina, explaining why he founded Californiabased membership-site ifonly.com three years ago. “So I built a website offering some of the coolest experiences available. I’m always amazed by how broad people’s interests are, and how many people want to do things that enrich their imaginations.” To make his

LUXURY VACATIONS REACH THE NEXT LEVEL. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

Right: Tibetan monks; Left: books by Diane von Furstenberg

I TRAVEL CONSTANTLY, GOING EVERYWHERE I CAN, ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE MOST INTERESTING EXPERIENCES I CAN OFFER MY CLIENTS.” — VICTORIA HOFFMAN the world’s most coveted events, including the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television) Awards, Art Basel and golf’s Ryder Cup. She will also make sure you’re lodged luxuriously no matter which experience you choose. “I make sure the tourism offices of these countries let me know about their newest and most extraordinary properties, so I can check them out personally when I visit. Whether you want to stay in a private castle, a villa or a fivestar hotel, I can make it happen.” Another excellent option for those seeking the up-close-and-personal experience is to attend local charity events that include extraordinary auction prizes. For example, as part of the Grand Auction held every September in New York City as part of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ annual Flea Market, you can purchase backstage visits and walk-on parts to Broadway’s hottest shows (bcefa.org), while the New York Pops, one of the world’s finest symphonies, serves up a chance to conduct the orchestra on the stage of the legendary Carnegie Hall as part of the auction held at their star-studded Birthday Gala each spring (nypops.org). You can also bid on the many auctions held on charitybuzz.com. Earlier this year, in the same day, you could place dibs on a visit to the set of Downton Abbey at London’s Ealing Studio, complete with a meet-and-greet with some of the cast members; a chance to be interviewed by talk show legend Larry King in Los Angeles (as well as receive a personalized voicemail recording); lunch with television star Mark Feuerstein on the set of his TV show Royal Pains; the opportunity to spend four days learning to be a Grand Prix race car driver in Arizona; or a ride on the Goodyear Blimp. Like many of the offerings now available to the savvy traveler, the experience will give you an all-time high.

clients’ dreams come true, Traina works with organizations like Sotheby’s and American Express, as well as many charities, to help create his one-of-a-kind packages. They have spanned from that Napa Valley balloon trip to having tea in Manhattan with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, cooking with San Francisco-based chef Gary Danko or sitting down to a private dinner at the Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy. The IfOnly team spends many hours in the lead-up to each trip making sure everything meets the highest standards. “Every experience is vetted before we offer it,” says Traina. “Sometimes, we send someone with the client to make sure everything goes perfectly, and our team always spends a great deal of time with clients beforehand so they know what to expect.” Moreover, while the website offers thousands of experiences at any one time, members are encouraged to come up with their own vacation-of-a-lifetime ideas. “Even if it’s not listed on the website, we can make it happen,” he promises. Victoria Hoffman, owner of conciergebyvictoria.com, is also among the entrepreneurs who specialize in making fantasy vacations a reality. Hoffman, who has an extensive background in travel and marketing, creates customized, experience-based trips for the most discerning customers using her large network of friends around the world. As a result, Hoffman can arrange anything from taking part in France’s famed Tour de France bicycle race, going on a guided tour of British artist’s Damien Hirst’s studio, visiting a monastery in Tibet overseen by the Dalai Lama, cooking with one of Europe’s greatest chefs or learning to blend your own cognac. “I travel constantly, going everywhere I can, always looking for the most interesting experiences I can offer my clients,” says Hoffman. Her site also offers the chance to grab the “in” ticket for some of

destinations

THE BUYER’S GUIDE TO

FLORENCE WHERE THE DISCERNING TRAVELER SHOULD SLEEP, SIP, SHOP, AND SIGHTSEE.

Our buyers travel extensively around the globe to bring you the best tailored clothing, sportswear, accessories and more. And in their travels, they also find the finest places to stay, eat, shop and visit in the world’s fashion capitals. Here, they’ve scouted out the best places to go while in Florence, Italy, home of Pitti Uomo.

BEST PLACES TO DINE & DRINK:

BEST PLACES TO STAY:

Address: Via del Porcellana 25/R, 50123

The Hotel Berchielli is perfect when in town for business. It’s casual, friendly and conveniently located off the Ponte Vecchio. The Westin Excelsior and The St. Regis, five-star hotels located in the historic Piazza Ognissanti, are also excellent choices.

There are so many wonderful restaurants in the city, but these are two of our favorites, because they’re authentically Florentine, delicious and unpretentious.

Trattoria Sostanza Phone: +39 055 212691 Dishes to Try: Chicken in butter, artichoke omelet

Cantinetta Antinori Address: Piazza Antinori 3, 50123 Phone: +39 055 292234

BEST PLACES TO SHOP: There are numerous treasures to be found in both the city’s many tiny specialty stores and large outdoor markets. Florence is best known for its leather goods, beautiful stationery and Tuscan ceramics, many of which can be found on the Via Tournabouni, which is the Madison Avenue of Florence.

Coco Lezzone Address: Via Parioncino 26/R, 50123

Mercato Centrale is where the locals

Phone: +39 055 287178

shop for fresh produce, hand-made pasta, olive oils and much more. Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale

Dishes to Try: Ribollita, pasta with shaved truffles

The Hotel Berchielli The rooftop bar SE•STO on Arno is worth a visit for its incredible panoramic views of Florence. The Cantinetta Antinori is locat-

The Westin Excelsior

ed on the ground floor of the Antinori

Address: Piazza Ognissanti 3, 50123 Phone: +39 055 27151

Mansion, and it’s a cool spot to enjoy cheeses and other light bites along with some of Italy’s finest wines.

The St. Regis Florence (formerly The Grand Hotel) Address: Piazza Ognissanti 1, 50123 Phone: +39 055 27161

SE•STO on Arno at The Westin Excelsior Address: Piazza Ognissanti 3, 50123 Phone: +39 055 27151

San Lorenzo Market is known for its extensive selection of leather goods. Address: Piazza San Lorenzo

BEST CITY VIEWS: Classic sightseeing spots like the top of the Duomo and the Piazzale Michelangelo are hard to beat. But if you have time, take a day trip to Fiesole, a small town in the hills above Florence, and look back in awe at a city that has survived since 59 B.C.E.

ISTOCK PHOTO

Address: Lungarno Acciaiuoli 14, 50123 Phone: +39 055 264061

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