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LETTER FROM the EDITOR
INSPIRATION STARTS HERE! Hello and thank you for joining us! People often ask me where I get inspiration for the people, places and things featured in Gio. “From everywhere!,” I always say. Inspiration is a funny thing. It just happens, often when you least expect it (and never when you really need it) at spin class, driving in traffic, while grabbing a juice… Of course, it also pops up during more predictable moments, like while sitting on a plane, hiking, walking through a museum... You know how it goes. It also comes by way of our incredible team and contributors. I’m so grateful for them! In today’s world of information overload, I aim to bring to our pages content that, in some way, offers inspiration to our readers. We interview CEOs of today’s most luxurious brands, as well as actors, philanthropists, chefs, restaurateurs, designers, architects and athletes. These pages are brimming with amazing stories. And the travel... one of our most favorite topics! Join us as we take jaunts from one corner of the globe to another. I was elated to finally make it to Japan. What an incredible destination, and while I only had time to tour a handful of cities, mainly Tokyo and Kyoto, I absolutely loved and would recommend a visit! Let’s just say I’m already planning a return trip! Read about part 1 of the journey in “Travel Notes of a Tokyo First-Timer.” Also inside, see what’s new, notable and worth a visit in Las Vegas, San Diego, Switzerland, Quebec and more! We produce each issue with great excitement and passion. We hope you enjoy what awaits as much as we enjoy reporting on it all and putting this issue together!
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR , TRAVEL & BEAUTY EDITOR---------- BETH WEITZMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR------------------------JOHN RUSSO EXECUTIVE EDITOR---------------BONNIE DAVIDSON SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ----------MARIE LOOK PHILANTHROPY DIRECTOR---------- IRENA MEDAVOY
ART DEPARTMENT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR----------------JUSTIN MILLER ART DIRECTOR-------------------
RYAN CARANDANG
RETOUCHING-------------------------------- JASON BUSH PRODUCTION ARTISTS----------------------
RENE LOPEZ ------------------------------- JOANN ORZECHOWSKI
PARTNERSHIPS & MARKETING ADVERTISING --------------------CHARLENE LASKIN ------------------------------- & FREDERIC FOURNEL PUBLIC RELATIONS -------------BMP BEVERLY HILLS
ONLINE DEPARTMENT WEB DIRECTOR--------------------RYAN CARANDANG WEB PRODUCTION---------------------------ADVANTAGE VIDEO CONTENT-------------------------------TAS LIMUR
Sincerely yours, CONTACT
Gio
ISSUaE No. 3
MAILING ADDRESS
Beth Weitzman
Editorial Director, Travel & Beauty Editor Email me at beth@giojournal.com Follow me @beth_weitzman
8281 MELROSE AVE #307 LOS ANGELES, CA 90046 WEBSITE
GIOJOURNAL.COM INSTAGRAM
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2018©GIO JOURNAL, INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL CONTENT IS THE PROPERTY OF GIO JOURNAL, INC AND/ OR THE RESPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS, WRITERS, ARTISTS, ADVERTISING AGENCIES AND ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK LAWS.
PHOTO BY { JOHN RUSSO
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CONTENTS 56 LOOKINGgood
24 ..... WHAT TO WEAR, WHERE: THE GREATER OUTDOORS 28 ........................ WHAT TO WEAR, WHERE: SPIRIT ANIMALS 30 ......................................MEN’S FASHION: DAPPER DUDES 34 ..............................WATCHES: GAME TIME FOR OMEGA 42 ................................. DOWNTOWN GIRL: OLIVIA PEREZ 46 ....................... FASHION: McGINLAY, CRAIG McGINLAY 50 ..................................... FASHION: MILLENNIAL STYLING 52 ....................................... FITNESS: WERK IT AT FACEGYM 56 ............ FRAGRANCE: CREED MAKES PERFECT SENSE 64 ................................ART OF BEAUTY: SPARKLING GIFTS 68 .........................BEAUTY: M·A·C SHINY PRETTY THINGS 70 ........................................FRAGRANCE: SCENT-SATIONAL 74 ...................................DESIGN: CANDLES OF NOSTALGIA 76 ......................................................BOOKS: STAR TRACKING
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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS
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146 LIVINGgood
106............................................................. DINING OUT: SPAGO 108 ................................................................................CAL MARE 110 ................................................................................INKO NITO 112 ......................................................................... WINDO PARIS 116.....................................................TABLE HOPPING: dineL.A. 118 ...... SEXY, UNIQUE AND REAL: GUILLERMO ZAPATA 120 .......................BIGGER IS BETTER: SUITE BATHROOMS 124.....................................LADIES FIRST: HOTEL FIGUEROA 130...................ITALIAN EXTRAVAGANCE: THE PALAZZO 136 ...................................LUXE GETAWAY ON THE BIG BAY 142................................................. ALOHA FOR ALL SEASONS 146.................. TRAVEL NOTES OF A TOKYO FIRST-TIMER 158.......................................RAISON DE CÉLÉBRER: QUEBEC 168.....................................................................SWISS DELIGHTS 176.............................. HIGH VELOCITY WITH ALEC UDELL 182....................................... PAULA CROWN ARTISTIC APEX 188..................................................... REAL ESTATE: MOD POD 190........................................GREAT ESTATE: SUNSET PLAZA 202............................................................ RADIANT RETREATS 210............................................. SPACE MAN CHRIS MERCIER 218.............WELCOME TO LA-LA LAND: TEN THOUSAND
PHOTOS OF JLO, RAMI MALEK, ANGELA BASSETT AND DAVID GIUNTOLI BY { JOHN RUSSO
82 ................................. REBEL WITH A HUNDRED CAUSES 96 .........................................................................BRIGHT SPARK 100 .............................................................................. PARK GEAR
FEATURES
224.....................................MERCURY RISING: RAMI MALEK 232 ..............STILL GOT HER GROOVE: ANGELA BASSETT 240 ................... AN EMOTIONAL MAN: DAVID GIUNTOLI 246 ............................. SOUTHERN CHARMER: SEAN O’PRY 254................................................ IGNITED: JAINA LEE ORTIZ 264 .................................. FALL FASHION: LA VITA E’ BELLA 276 .........SANCTUARY OF STYLE: MONTAGE LOS CABOS 282......................................................... TIMELY ENCOUNTERS
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294......................................................................FIT FOR TRAVEL 298 ................................ FIND YOUR PERFECT FREQUENCY 302 ................................................ JOURNEY TO WELL-BEING 308 .................................................................... CONTRIBUTORS 311 ........................................................... PARTING THOUGHTS
240 Gio ISSUE No. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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WHAT TO WEAR, WHERE THE GREATER OUTDOORS
Experience true autumnal beauty far and away from the hustle of city life. To fully embrace the visual wonders of the scenic wilderness, bring along the proper gear, even if you’re more likely to snuggle into Egyptian cotton sheets than to climb any mountain. For long treks beneath a canopy of stoplight-hued trees, swap out fur-lined Gucci loafers for insulated flannel boots. And if the weather allows, enjoy a dreamy lakeside picnic or tranquil canoe ride. Warm up and refuel during cozy-as-cashmere fireside nights with cheese and charcuterie, full-bodied Bordeaux and backgammon. BY { CALEE BREAN KILLION Natural, nontoxic squalane and bamboo deodorant, $16, by Biossance at Sephora.com
Alternative Camo running shoe, $79.95, at skorshoes.com
LAKE PLACID LODGE
Cleanser and moisturizer for men, $24.95 each, at ruggedanddapper.com
Cableknit wool-blend sweater, $1,350, by Saint Laurent at net-a-porter.com
Men’s Aviator Bomber II, $600, at danielpatrick.us
Men’s Campshire full-zip fleece jacket, $129, at thenorthface.com
An Hour and A Shower Duffy boot, $435, at shopbop.com
MW50 wireless on ear headphones in brown/silver, $399, by Master & Dynamic at Bloomingdale’s
Teakwood Roamer water bottle, $55, at swellbottle.com
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Leather-trimmed shearling lunch box, $675, by Anya Hindmarch at net-a-porter.com
Jonathan Adler Op Art backgammon set, $395, at jonathanadler.com
Mega Check scarf, $148, by Kate Spade at shopbop.com
Yeti Tundra 35 cooler, $249, at yeti.com
R13 Single Stack boot, $1,135, at shopbop.com
AMANGANI
The North Face Cryos cashmere beanie, $110, at thenorthface.com
Top Picks for a Posh Outdoorsy Autumn Getaway Nita Lake Lodge | Whistler, BC The Resort at Paws Up | Greenough, MT Amangani | Jackson, WI Ventana | Big Sur, CA Lake Placid Lodge | Lake Placid, CA
Moncler Grenoble Armotech quilted shell down jacket, $1,670, at net-a-porter.com
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WHAT TO WEAR, WHERE SPIRIT ANIMALS
Spiritual getaways are tremendously more enlightening when shared with your best four-legged friend and most loyal companion. Open your chakras and travel to an enchanting western destination that holds space for your pet. Find your Zen at a Japanese-style ryokan in Sonoma. Feel the vortex energy in Sedona or Ojai. Or expand your consciousness beyond the adobe walls at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. Be mindful of your packing list with animal-inspired wares that transition from yin yoga to tea and tarot on the terrace. Fill a cheeky tote with CBD dog treats, and Palo Santo and Printed silk-satin shirt, $480, labradorite crystals known for awakening intuition and helping to build harmonious relationships.
by Victoria, Victoria Beckham at net-a-porter.com
BY { CALEE BREAN KILLION
Candied Kingdom in Nutcracker, $13, by OPI at ulta.com
Power printed Dri-FIT stretch leggings, $140, by Nike at net-a-porter.com
Printed satin-twill pants, $540, by Victoria, Victoria Beckham at net-a-porter.com
Utopia cat mug, $32, at jonathanadler.com
Bunny leather-trimmed shearling shoulder bag, $1,650, by Loewe at net-a-porter.com
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AppliquĂŠ printed silk-twill bomber jacket, $2,980, by Gucci, at net-a-porter.com
ROSEWOOD INN OF THE ANASAZI 28
Taryn loafers, $450, by Rag & Bone at shopbop.com
Colibri gold vermeil earrings, $455, by Mallarino at net-aporter.com
High Fidelity Couture Colours & Effects eye shadow palette in Volcanic, $60, at dior.com
Liar Lair cat-eye tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, $60, by Le Specs, at net-a-porter.com
Rose gold yoga mat, $130, at manduka.com
Sequin classic shopper tote, $640, by Ashish at shopbop.com
Leopard-print silk-satin maxi dress, $695, by Nili Lotan at net-a-porter.com
Pets are pampered at Gaige House + Ryokan
CBD dog treats, $39.95, by FOMO Bones at fomobones.com
Sit, Stay: Pet-Friendly Places to Sleep + Meditate
Santa Fe: Rosewood Inn of the
Anasazi
Ojai: Dee Dow Ranch Sedona:
L’Auberge de Sedona
Sonoma: Gaige House +
Ryokan
GAIGE HOUSE + RYOKAN
DAPPER DUDES
Step into fall with gusto, just like that cool breeze coming your way. BY { ERIC RUTHERFORD
A versatile basic made with Italian fabric in a yellow plaid houndstooth pattern and a single pocket by Todd Snyder, $228
Italian suede snap-front Dylan jacket in burgundy by Todd Snyder, $995
The medium knit extra fine merino wool Burley cardigan in camel by John Smedley, $290
Christo three-button single-breasted topcoat in dark camel by Eidos, $1,495
Marshall double-breasted overcoat in beige with white and brown coral herringbone by ISAIA, $4,340
Marshall double-breasted overcoat in plum by ISAIA, $4,340
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As everyone begins to pull out their classic sweaters and outerwear, and dust off their boots, now is the perfect moment to discover some great new options. From trucker jackets, car coats and windbreakers to Western theme shirts and plum overcoats, menswear designers are offering a holiday buffet of items for the stylish guy. If neon or logos aren’t your look, but you still want to have some fun, try the new plaids. Or step outside of your comfort zone and grab a peacoat in a color bolder than black or navy. With each new layer, don’t cover up your style. Brave the cooler temps by bringing the heat to your game.
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GAME
TIME OMEGA PRESIDENT AND CEO RAYNALD AESCHLIMANN
From PGA pros to Olympic athletes, NASA astronauts to Hollywood icons—the elite keep track of hours and minutes with a watch from Omega, the nearly 150-year-old Swiss company with an extremely loyal
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fan base.
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BY { BETH
WEITZMAN
RORY MCILROY
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Its name signifies greatness. Omega. The prestigious Swiss brand offers far more than a watch to sport on your wrist. Omega is a lifestyle. An experience. A timepiece that connects families for generations.
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The emotional attachment that clients have with their Omega watches is intense, according to Omega President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann. “Having a nice watch on your wrist is real life. It makes you feel good and reminds you about a time, a place, a feeling. Sometimes it’s about the history of the watch, too. Maybe it was your father’s, and now it’s yours, so it evokes a powerful memory.” Committed to building long-term relationships with its loyalists, Omega creates some of the world’s most luxurious
SERGIO GARCIA
timepieces, all made with excellent craftsmanship, innovation and precision. Recently, I spoke with Aeschlimann in the VIP Chalet overlooking the 10th-hole fairway at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, where Omega was hosting the 100th PGA Championship. I had met Aeschlimann a couple months earlier, at an exclusive “House of Friends” dinner at Tao Hollywood, hosted by Casamigos tequila partners George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. “Being at that party was incredible,” recalled Aeschlimann. “It was a small get together and I was so proud to have the Omega brand be part of that evening. For me, it shows that there is so much more to these relationships than commerce. I looked around that room and thought, Wow, these people are so much
TOMMY FLEETWOOD
more than just big stars. They are successful because they have strong values. It wasn’t superficial like you might think about Hollywood. I met a lot of people, friends of theirs, that are all probably very successful, and really good people.”
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Demonstrating its commitment to the growth of golf, both domestically and globally, Omega has partnered with the PGA of America since 2011, and is the Official Patron and
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In the world according to Omega, golf also evokes emotion and connection. “I think that the sport is universal. It speaks to a lot of people and inspires them,” noted Aeschlimann. “Thirty years ago, when we started to align with golf, it
In reference to Omega’s alliances with golf greats Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Michelle Wie and Tommy Fleetwood (the newest ambassador in the group), he added, “It’s sometimes hard to explain to people that Omega has much more than just a commercial aspect. These greats have a genuine passion for the brand.”
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Beyond the fact that mega-stars wear its watches, the brand prides itself on connecting people all over the world who share the same values, and by understanding them, on a personal level. “I truly believe that personal interaction is key to everything we do, because real life is about emotion and connection,” Aeschlimann continued.
was because it was a sport where we could link our values. It’s about emotion, and being close to people during the moment when they are emotionally connected to golf— watching it on television, or live here at the tournament, or especially if they are competing.”
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Official Timekeeper of its many illustrious tournaments. Similarly, across the Atlantic, Omega serves as the title sponsor of Europe’s oldest golf competition in Switzerland, as well as two in Dubai. The game of golf has even inspired Omega timepieces, including this year’s Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf.” The new, eye-catching stainless steel 41 mm watches feature a horizontal teak pattern dial, as well as a strong NATO strap designed to stay securely on the wrist even when teeing off. Two styles are available—one with a sun-brushed black dial matched with green and a black-striped NATO strap (worn by Sergio Garcia); the other, a silvery dial matched with a black and orange-striped NATO strap (worn by Rory McIlroy). Powered by the Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8900, both are METAS certified. Omega’s passion for athletics extends to swimming and sailing, too. It has served as the Official Timekeeper for the Olympics on 28 occasions since the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and will continue that role until at least 2032. “There hasn’t been a single Olympics or PGA tour where we haven’t invited select people to share in these special moments. There are some incredible things that happen, and that same emotion will be felt along with the memory later on, and we want Omega to be connected to that feeling,” Aeschlimann told me. “I will never forget when the American team won the Ryder Cup. We are patrons of the American team…. We had Michael Phelps come, and he talked to them. They won after many years. I will never forget celebrating with the people that we had invited. But also sometimes when we lost. You see, either way, it’s an experience, an emotion.” To commemorate the 43rd Ryder Cup, which took place in Paris in September 2018, the brand released its Seamaster Aqua Terra “Ryder Cup” timepiece during the PGA Championship.
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Especially meaningful to the brand was its role as Official Timekeeper in Rio when golf returned to the Olympic Games after an absence of more than 100 years. “I love the Olympic Games, when athletes become the heroes of their countries. Being the official timekeeper is such a huge legacy for Omega, it’s part of our DNA and part of our legacy in the sport. The Olympics is one of these moments where we celebrate sports, celebrate athletes, and celebrate the nations all over the world. It’s an incredibly positive connection.”
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The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo will mark the 29th year that Omega will be the official timekeeper. “To be the witness of that incredible moment when athletes suddenly go from being an unknown to becoming the nation’s heroes, that moment when people are inspired and full of pride for who they are and where they come from… I think that brings a lot to the brand… This is the best kind of marketing you can get over the long term. People might buy a watch 5, 10, 20 years later, but this is also part of our destiny. We’re working for the long term.” In conjunction with the games, Omega is introducing a unique set of five limitededition watches, available only in Tokyo. “We want to celebrate the hospitality of the Japanese with these five watches. And now everybody in the world wants to have them,
TOMMY FLEETWOOD, SERGIO GARCIA AND RORY MCILROY
SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA “GOLF”
100TH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE BELLERIVE COUNTRY CLUB IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
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but we keep them exclusive there, because we consider them to be linked with Japan—the colors, the history and the design that was created together.” There’s already a waiting list on at least one of the models.
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Outside of the sporting arena, Omega continues to have long-term relationships with noteworthy people and events, as well. It has been the watch of choice for James Bond since 1995, and its family of Hollywood ambassadors has long included A-listers, such as George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eddie Redmayne and, most recently, the entire CrawfordGerber family (Cindy, Rande, Presley and Kaia). In fact, Cindy holds the title of Omega’s first brand ambassador, beginning in 1995. And as recently seen in First Man, which follows Neil Armstrong (played by Ryan Gosling) and his Omega on his historic journey to the moon, the Omega Speedmaster has been worn by astronauts on each of NASA’s manned missions since 1965, including all six moon landings.
This focus on brand loyalty has helped Omega pave the way for the next generation of customers. “It’s not only that their father, their grandfather and their uncle have the same watch, but it shows them the value and legacy of the brand. … I think that our success today is partly based on getting close to people and explaining who we are, and sharing our values. Also, investing in technology that sometimes doesn’t make the watch very different, but brings a lot of value to the craftsmanship and precision,” he said. “There’s magic in Omega because it’s a brand that loves to have new ideas implemented. The technology component has always been a strong part of our history. Once you have that established, it’s easy to keep it for the future. Our spirit, our people, our products, they have this inside. I want my brand to be successful by standing out and connecting luxury, emotion and commitment all at once. For people to say, ‘Wow. This is a new way of getting me. I like it.’”
OMEGA CEO RAYNALD AESCHLIMANN (R) PRESENTS PGA OF AMERICA CEO PETE BEVACQUA (L) WITH THE OMEGA SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA RYDER CUP
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Later in the weekend, Brooks Koepka beat Tiger Woods by two strokes to win the 2018 PGA Championship. And thanks to Omega, a great time was had by all.
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I could have chatted with the captivating Aeschlimann for hours, but time did not permit. I have to admit, it’s perfectly understandable why Omega customers are loyal in the extreme. Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps, another Omega ambassador and avid golf fan, showed up to the VIP Chalet and, later, to dinner at Vicia restaurant, where he socialized with brand execs and invited guests like me. Hank Haney, another friend of the brand and legendary golf coach who formerly worked with Tiger Woods, hosted a golf clinic at the nearby Norwood Golf and Country Club. They are all part of the family. And family is all about spending time together and building a powerful connection.
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olivia PEREZ Downtown Girl She created and curates a buzzy website (frndofafrnd. com), influences nearly 100K on Instagram (@livvperez), partners with the coolest brands, and struts her stylish stuff all over New York City. Meet Olivia Perez, every fashionista’s BFF. BY { BONNIE
DAVIDSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY {
JOHN RUSSO
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HAIR, MAKEUP AND STYLING BY {
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OLIVIA PEREZ
“I’ve always considered myself a Swiss Army knife. You can’t label me. I proudly wear a lot of hats,” declares Olivia Perez, 24, the founder and editor-in-chief of fashion, beauty and travel website Friend of a Friend. Three years ago, the ebullient brunette parlayed an internship at Teen Vogue into a personal brand—and a multifaceted career as an arbiter of style. Now, she is not only a content creator for her uber-popular website, but also a forbes. com contributor, brand ambassador for Outdoor Voices, and major Instagram star. She contributed her thoughts on feminism to Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (and other lies), a recently released collection of essays by noteworthy women. And she is a creative consultant to startups in New York City.
The L.A.-to-Manhattan transplant (by way of NYU) lives, works and plays among the trendy shops and boîtes of SoHo. “I tell myself, if you’re going to live in NYC, live in the thick of it. I literally live where there’s constant noise and people and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says. “There’s a misconception that Manhattan people are mean, but they’re truly some of the most interesting, friendly people I’ve ever met.” Perez is perennially in pursuit of undiscovered treasures around town, which she giddily shares with Friend of a Friend’s readers; the site has been called a millennial Yellow Pages. “I’m constantly on the go, trying new places, meeting new people, hearing their stories, and urging my readers to do the same,” says the social butterfly. “There’s so much inspiration to be found in those physical experiences, which is truly the mission of our content.” Inspiring words, indeed. When and how did you first become interested in fashion? I was constantly in uniform as a child. I went to a college prep high school with uniforms and studied ballet until I was 18, so I was always finding unique ways to express my style with a dress code, literally 24/7. I’m pretty sure I got “Best Dressed” as a Senior Superlative! But it wasn’t until I moved to NYC and interned for Teen Vogue that I really got a gauge on the industry and saw myself fitting in from a professional perspective. I was bitten by the fashion bug and ended up working for Teen Vogue for an entire year, then Hermès, Moda Operandi, Glossier and Spring (the shopping app) until launching my own platform.
Your fashion role model? I don’t have one! I follow almost 2,000 people on Instagram and live in my “Explore” page. I get inspiration from everything around me—from interior design to stylists and editors. Street style in NYC has been a huge style inspiration to me. People have no fear on the NYC sidewalks. They wear whatever they want, when they want. I get so many ideas from just stepping outside my door, but also feel free to experiment with my own style and push the boundaries. What is your daily beauty regimen? I’m a freak about my beauty regimen and obsess over products. I use Lancer’s Benzaderm to wash, then Caudalie’s Vinopure line of toner, beauty elixir spray and serum to keep my skin glowing all day. My makeup is usually pretty simple. I use Elta MD’s tinted moisturizer, Glossier’s Wowder for powder, a Chanel eyebrow brush and Dior mascara, topped off with the Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancing Complex. But I believe that it’s important to switch up your skin routine monthly or your skin gets used to certain products, so I’m always trying new things. My must-have hair products are anything by Jen Atkin’s Ouai! I never need to get my hair done anymore because her products do the job. She also makes her products in a travel-size kit, which is great for someone like me who’s always on the go or traveling.
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What is your best tip for anyone on how to look their best? If you look good, you feel good. So dress the way that makes you happy, not what trends or society tell you to wear. elosini
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How do you describe your personal style? California cool mixed with elevated, edgy New York. I’m usually in pretty simple clothes, like my vintage Levi’s and a white tee, but love to accent with statement earrings, bags and shoes. I actually work out of my apartment, so I’m hanging out at home on my laptop most of the time.
Who is your favorite fashion designer? Jacquemus
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Olivia’s NYC Favorites Restaurant: Don Angie
Clothing brand:
I grew up with Roberto Cavalli. His son Daniele is a very close friend of mine and my neighbor in the city! I always loved their prints and dresses.
Stores:
Vintage and consignment shops, like The Vintage Twin,
Hangout:
The Bowery Hotel lobby
Tribeca Med Spa, Caudalie, Y7 Yoga and the Juhi Center. I see Juhi for acupuncture weekly. Each session is done in a salt room where she forces me to meditate for the duration of the treatment. No phone, no talking. It’s really peaceful and forces me to get back in my body.
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Chillaxing spots:
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The RealReal, Tokyo 7, Ritual, Treasures of NYC
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Procell, Awoke Vintage, What Goes Around Comes Around,
Vacation destination: Comporta, Portugal
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McGINLAY, CRAIG McGINLAY From the court of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword to the height of fashion, Scottish hottie Craig McGinlay is charming, dapper—and perfectly suited to play James Bond. PHOTOGRAPHY AND INTERVIEW BY { JOHN RUSSO
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JEANS, SWEATER AND JACKET BY {
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What do you think about the fashion scene in London, where you now live?
When I hear the words “London style,” I instantly think of tailoring and Saville Row. I am so proud of good British tailoring.
How do you feel about London Fashion Week Men’s?
The resurgence has been incredible. It’s been building every year, getting stronger and stronger. I am so proud to support London Fashion Week Men’s and, in turn, they have supported me by kindly inviting me to attend shows, presentations and dinners. Dylan Jones at GQ does a phenomenal job both at GQ and as a driving force, along with Caroline Rush at the British Fashion Council, to put LFWM on the map.
Who were your favorite designers at this year’s shows?
There are so many different strong tailoring brands, including Hackett, and I am a huge fan of Thom Sweeney suits, also. New designer Marc Jacques Burton also does some great jackets if you are looking for something smart/casual.
Who are your fashion role models?
I would have to say Paul Newman and James Dean. When it comes to style, these guys know how to dress and I’d say I have taken inspiration from the likes of them. But to be honest, I never follow trends. I think that is the biggest mistake you can make. You’ve got to wear what you feel most comfortable in and what you like, as opposed to what you think other people might like. SHIRT, TIE AND SUIT
How should a stylish man dress for a party?
BY {
Smart/casual might be boots or smart trainers, jeans, open-neck shirt,
NEW & LINGWOOD
a blazer. However, there are so many different interpretations to this now that you could wear tailored trousers with Chelsea boots, a T-shirt and a double-breasted blazer. I think as long as the invite doesn’t say black tie, you can wear virtually whatever you want. However, if I am chilling with friends, then I might just hang out in trainers, jeans, T-shirt and a hoody. I think you can’t go wrong with a pair of brown or black boots, black jeans, white/black /gray T-shirt and a black leather jacket, such as one from either Marc Jacques Burton or Matchless.
Where does your obsession with film come from?
The Superman movies with Christopher Reeve. Watching them was a really important experience in my youth. I watched those films over and over. I was sort of studying and I believe Christopher Reeve inspired my dream to become an actor. He was a hero on and off screen.
What would you say to someone who wants to become an actor?
Everyone fails many, many times. The key is being able to get back up, dust yourself off and go again. So never ever [be afraid to] try something because you think you might fail. I quit my job and tried acting two years ago, and while it is early days and I am still a long way away from where I want to be, I am so glad I made the leap and tried it. I am having a blast doing it. Enjoying every minute learning along the way and long may it continue. Fear is a very corrupting thing and you have to get beyond those fears to be successful. Go for it.
What do you love most about acting?
I love that the director, writer and actors have their own visions on how the story and characters should play out, and by combining these ideas, you produce something special as a team. While you might ROLL NECK SWEATER
have your own vision as an actor, you must ultimately follow what
JOHN SMEDLEY TROUSERS BY { NEW & LINGWOOD
the director wants from you, which is a great part of the challenge
BY {
[of] becoming a character—trying to successfully achieve exactly what
someone else wants from you. It makes it exciting. As an actor, you must be completely cognizant of that. Conscious and confident, but have your own vision [while also respecting] what we want to do as a team on set. I normally have ideas of what I want to do with the character, and I store them in the attic of my head. Then I can show the director what I want to do. Normally you are given broad poetic license to try things your way and, if the director wants something different, you give them what they want. It’s great fun.
You weren’t specifically asked to bulk up or grow a long, strong beard for your roles in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword or Knightfall. So why did you? I went to great lengths to learn to sword fight, horseback ride, bulk up in
the gym, pack on 25 kilograms of muscle in order to create a much more robust sense of physicality, so as not to feel inadequate. I was able to bring out my inner barbarian, so to speak, by becoming the character.
You’ve worked with Guy Ritchie twice. What was that like?
Guy is one of the most exciting and fresh contemporary filmmakers. He is fun and dynamic. He recognizes that life is too short and that having a fun team to work with is absolutely crucial. He is very professional and I have enjoyed watching him work and learned a lot from working with him. Guy gave me my first shot [in a commercial for Haig Club whisky], so I will be forever grateful to him.
Like you, James Bond is Scottish, has a beard, stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall and is in his early 30s. Do you think you’ll ever get to play James Bond?
I hope so. Let’s see. It’s probably a distant dream, but you never know. Fingers crossed.
JACKET BY {
BUCK MASON ROLEX
TROUSERS AND JACKET BY { NEW & LINGWOOD ROLL NECK SWEATER
JOHN SMEDLEY BY {
WATCH BY {
CRA IG’S FAVORITES
Color: Blue
Cologne:
British fashion designer:
Sunglasses:
There are a few, but I’d say Oliver Spencer.
Cashmere
Trainers:
Tommy Hilfiger
Season:
Autumn/winter. Good time of year to play
Boxers or briefs:
wardrobe and try some
Boxers
Watch:
I change all the time, but for now I am liking
around a bit with your layering
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Grey
ISSUE No. 3
Beige or gray:
Finlay London
Gio
Wool or cashmere:
Tom Ford Oud Wood
Longines.
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MILLENNIAL styling BY { ALFIE WILLING PORTRAIT BY { JOHN RUSSO
Hip-hop-inspired streetwear suits the next generation of trendy fashionistas. Today’s young, social media-obsessed, stylish dressers always strive to look fashion-forward, which makes perfect sense. After all, when you’re constantly documenting and Instagramming your entire life, you want to be seen wearing only the newest, coolest clothing. But comfort is also key, so top designers are producing graphic T-shirts, sweatpants, hoodies, celebrity-branded sneakers and other items of workout-wear so chic they’re nearly red carpet worthy.
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Zayn by The Kooples Backpack Limited-edition, $495, thekooples.com
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Off-White Bag Striped logo crossbody, $1,740, farfetch.com
Gucci Ace Low-top Embroidered sneaker, $980, farfetch.com
Fiorucci Angels Crop T-shirt, Vintage design, $85, fiorucci.com
Burberry Shearling Jacket Funnel collar, blue zipper, $3,490, net-a-porter.com
Rick Owens Jog Pants Drawstring waist, ribbed hem, two cargo pockets, $3,560, farfetch.com
Off -White Hoodie Liberty-print cotton, $635, farfetch.com
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YEEZY Boost 750 Sneaker Inaugural kicks from Kanye West’s line, $6,500, farfetch.com
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WERK
IT
BY { AJA MANGUM
LOOKING GOOD
conceptualized FaceGym, a studio in which you can sculpt and tone the 40-plus muscles in the face the same way you firm glutes, abs and quads in a traditional gym. There are now four FaceGym locations in the UK and a mini studio on the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. Two standalone studios—in downtown Manhattan and Los Angeles—are scheduled to open in late 2018 and early 2019, respectively. A workout with a FaceGym trainer consists of a warmup, cardio, sculpting and cool-down using machines designed to lift and tone facial muscles. Prices range from $70 for a 45-minute Signature Workout to $275 for the advanced 75-minute Game Face. “I want to offer services at a price that allows you to come back regularly to improve efficacy and use advanced technology,” explains the beauty entrepreneur. Also available are skin serums and elixirs, as well as mini yoga balls to promote lymphatic drainage. Rather than zapping wrinkles, Theron strives to make clients feel like the best version of themselves. “If a woman says, ‘My face feels like a baggy pair of jeans,’ we put her into skin tight pants again,” she says.
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In 2017, Allure banned the term “anti-aging” from its pages, challenging the beauty industry to rethink its language. Meanwhile, actress Thandie Newton partnered with RoC Skincare to address ageism with a “For Your Age” campaign. Clearly, the conversation surrounding beauty is changing as women and men are increasingly accepting the fact that growing older is natural, and that the onset of maturity is something to embrace and appreciate, rather than to treat like an end-of-days plague. British beauty journalist Inge Theron, who formerly wrote the column “Chronicles of a Spa Junkie” for the Financial Times, is at the forefront of the graceful aging revolution. In the past, she experimented with a plethora of plastic surgery treatments, until the procedures started to take their toll on her face. A thread lift left her with a puckered jaw and botched fillers left pillows under her eyes. “For three months, I looked like I had a car accident,” says Theron. The wife and mom of two now maintains that looking youthful despite the passage of time shouldn’t come with a steep price tag or disfiguring side effects, so she
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As founder of the first gym for your face, Inge Theron is reshaping our concept of beauty and sharing her holiday gift list.
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Theron’s Beautiful Gift List “The Asprey Pill Box for my husband for his vitamin supplements when he travels... $225, asprey.com
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... and a set of Roemer glasses from the Wolseley (my favourite breakfast haunt in London). They are traditional German glasses made for toasting, hopefully all his many future successes.” $157 for a set of six, thewolseley.com
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“For me, a Lanvin cuff. The Beyond gold brass cuff reinterprets Jeanne Lanvin’s initials in an abstract way.” $1,065, lanvin.com
“For all my besties I’m getting Vivienne Westwood yoga mats. They are made from sustainable plantbased ingredients with a gorgeous “Mirror the World” print, and the bag is made in Kenya of Shuka fabric worn by nomadic tribes.” Mat, $175 and bag, $215, viviennewestwood.com
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“Mary Katrantzou plates for my mum. She is the best hostess and these are great for intimate dinners or shared plates for holiday parties.” $89 each, marykatrantzou.com
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PERFECT
sense
The co-founder of International Cosmetics & Perfumes—the exclusive North American marketer and distributer of fragrances from the House of Creed—explains why mass marketing is the antithesis of his boutique firm’s strategy for success. BY {
BETH WEITZMAN
One of the 100 oldest family-owned businesses (and one of two remaining privately held luxury fragrance companies) in the world, the Paris-based House of Creed began its legacy of elegance in 1760, when James Creed handcrafted the first custom Creed fragrance, Royal English Leather, for King George III and his court. Ever since then, the house has served a most illustrious clientele, including royals, politicos, movie stars, artists and captains of industry. Sixth-generation master perfumer Olivier Creed and perfumer Erwin Creed (Olivier’s son, who will take the reins when his father steps down) follow in the footsteps of their forebears. When creating a fragrance, Olivier takes his cues from a moment in time and often links his work to a particular destination. He travels the world in search of special ingredients with which to create his aromatic works of art. With exclusivity at heart, Creed scents are launched when ready, and not by demands of a typical fragrance calendar. Driven only by fine craftsmanship and art, the brand is presenting its newest scent, Floralie, in celebration of its longtime partnership with Neiman Marcus. The addictive, fresh floral scent pays tribute to the original Neiman Marcus ritual of decorating its floors with lush flowers. A bouquet of top notes—Bulgarian rose, tuberose, lilac and marigold—complement a lavish heart of amber, lily of the valley, cedarwood and seductive base of amber, cedarwood and musk rose.
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By focusing on superior customer service, developing strategic partnerships with retailers and limiting the amount of available product, International Cosmetics & Perfumes (ICP)—a leader in the luxury fragrance space and the exclusive North American marketer and distributor of Creed— continues to elevate the brand. Here, we chat with Los Angeles-based businessman Emmanuel Saujet, the charming French-born co-founder and CEO of ICP, about the past, present and future of the House of Creed.
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Creed’s new scent isn’t the only thing the brand is celebrating right now. Its fourth freestanding U.S. boutique in Beverly Hills has made its highly anticipated debut, adding to existing shops in New York, Las Vegas and Miami.
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When and how did you start ICP?
How did you first get connected with Creed?
Business, I started the company with my brother Thomas
they were looking for new partners in North America.
While I was in the MBA program at the NYU Stern School of
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ISSUE No. 3
and my father—almost 20 years ago—with a brand that we acquired called Hanae Mori, a very prominent fashion designer from Japan. We referred to her as a Chanel of Asia, an absolute icon. She won the Neiman Marcus award in 1973, and was very active in fashion all the way up to the mid ’80s. Today, we retain the license for Hanae Mori. The work that we did in North America and worldwide with this
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brand allowed us to acquire the North American distribution for Creed in 2004. This was a huge acquisition for our company back then. It propelled us into a whole new level of luxury. Hanae Mori was like a mid-level luxury. Creed was a relative unknown brand at the time, except among the very exclusive. Fourteen years ago, we made the brand what it is now—essentially the most renowned, most prestigious luxury fragrance brand in North America.
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Thomas and I first connected with them in 2003 when They increased our business size and got us thinking about how we were going to market this type of fragrance going forward. What we do is unconventional. We don’t do national advertising. We’re very careful with our social media platform. We pride ourselves on being nimble, reactive and understanding of the marketplace, never copying someone else’s package and in delivering a product beyond our clientele’s expectation. In our retailers we focus on one thing: the customer service experience. The brand wasn’t built up until the mid-1970s. Before then, it wasn’t available to anyone but those who asked for a custom fragrance to be made by Olivier, his father, his grandfather or his great-great-grandfather. Fragrances were commissioned by princes, kings, aristocrats, famous
people, prime ministers and so forth. Lots of these original fragrances we still produce and sell today. But in the ’70s, the House of Creed started to market their products. Here we are, almost 50 years later with a wonderful base of retailers worldwide, a ranking that is often No. 1, and a story that is very different.
21 years ago, and the House of Creed has been a family business for six generations. We speak the same language. shareholders that we need to worry about. There’s no one to block you from spending, so your level of creativity is exponentially more. Creed creates, and we market. We market the way we want to and can move very quickly into a market or a concept.
time overseeing our stores. It’s a huge commitment on his behalf, to travel North America almost every week. He makes sure that our platforms are being executed well. I oversee finance and the social media platform. I work with HR and spend a lot of time on that end. And we both spend time with the Creed family to maintain the relationship.
How many fragrances does Creed have today. What’s the shelf life like?
We have about 56 different fragrances. We’re able to launch at least one product per year. And it’s often a product that surpasses the launch of the previous year. Every product that we’ve launched in the last 15 years has been a win, and they’re still on the shelf.
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There are no investors, there’s no public company or
have different roles. Thomas spends an extreme amount of
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As mentioned, I founded ICP with my brother and my father
We are both super passionate about the business. But, we
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Both Creed and ICP are privately held. What are some of the advantages of that?
What is it like to build and run a company with your brother?
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Creed fragrances are not tied to seasons. What propels each launch?
Why open Beverly Hills now?
They are really not tied to anything except the fact that all
opportunity on the corner of Canon Drive and Brighton Way,
of them have a common thread, which is the heritage of
which made a lot of sense, being very close to Rodeo Drive.
the House of Creed, which goes back more than 250 years.
Being off of Rodeo Drive has its own cache because it’s not
And that makes it very unique. We fulfill our requirements
so much the tourists and the big crowds; it’s more personal.
of luxury and heritage by filling every bottle by hand. Our
It’s an old building, so again, going back to our old roots. It
master perfumer, Olivier Creed, and his son spend at least 40
has ivy on the outside; is very welcoming, very light; and
percent of their time traveling the world and finding the most
epitomizes our style.
We have always been looking at the West Coast. We found an
exotic, interesting and luxurious scents. Before Olivier, it was his father. And before that, it was his grandfather. This is six generations of master perfumers. There is no one today that can claim having such a lineage where the trades and the
You also recently launched a special new fragrance, Floralie. Tell us about it.
That fragrance was made for Neiman Marcus. The first 1,907
information on how to make a fragrance is passed down from
units will be numbered because 1907 was the year Neiman
father to son six times over.
Marcus was founded. It is a fragrance that you will only find at Creed boutiques and Neiman Marcus. It’s quite spectacular to
Why do you purposely limit the number of retailers that carry the brand?
have such a partnership with a leading retailer.
Canadian partner, and in the United States, we have
The greatest use of our energy and our money is at the
We are currently in North America with Holt Renfrew, our
How are you attracting new customers?
a full distribution with Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf
point of sale with training and education. We have high
Goodman stores. We have very selective distribution with
expectations when it comes to customer service and
Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. The idea
relationships. When we started our business, we were in
is to have one point of sale in a major city. So, for example, if
stores five days per week. We learned how to really connect
you go to San Francisco, the only time you can find Creed is
with sales associates, general managers and department
at Neiman’s. Even very big players often will find themselves
managers. We focused on that, and now we have wonderful
in at least four or five points of sale in a given city. We have
relationships with the people selling our products. They
less than 120 points of sale in North America. I would say that
understand our passion. We’re in this for our own passion
our immediate competitors are already in 800 or 900 points
rather than the revenue.
of sale in North America. Luxury has been very diluted in the last decade. For us, luxury partly means that you can’t find it in a lot of places, something we thrive on keeping going.
What are your favorite fragrances?
If I’m going to a high-end social event, I’ll put on a Creed fragrance that no one will know, like Neroli Sauvage. It’s
How do you define luxury?
an oldie. It’s really soft yet very distinct. If I feel a bit down
A significant number of brands claim to be luxury. But great
and I want something that’s going to kind of kick me, I’ll go
commercial success is often the endgame. For us, success
for Viking. I spend a lot of time in Spain and Ibiza, so when
isn’t about commercial success. Being in luxury means that
traveling, I’ll take a fun fragrance, like Original Vetiver or Virgin
you have to have an outlook that leads to a long lifecycle.
Island Water.
A long lifecycle in fragrance is very rare. You have Chanel, you have iconic fragrances like Opium or Issey Miyake that
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ISSUE No. 3
will always be around. But we’re talking a handful, and Creed
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What do you like to smell on your wife?
Fleurissimo is really beautiful. It’s a fragrance that was
is one of them. We have worked very hard to do things
created in 1956 in honor of Grace Kelly. Love in White is also
differently because there is more luxury in rarity.
spectacular. If you like a punchier, heavier fragrance, we have Les Royales Exclusives.
How has the opening of the Beverly Hills boutique been received?
So what’s next for Creed?
the local clientele. While we’ve been in Neiman’s for more
not driven to come out with product several times per year.
than a decade and our customers know our brand, a free-
Sometimes we’ll skip a year. Newness is not what our brand
standing store gives them the time to discover the brand
is. It is heritage that drives the business, yet we are very
in a much deeper way than in a department store. We have
forward-thinking as we maintain our deep roots. That is a
an environment where you feel like you’re at home in our
really good place to be, because at any point in time you can
boutique. The idea there is to go through a consultation
choose between using the past or using the future to make a
where our expert will analyze your passion and your lifestyle,
true connection with time.
It has been super exciting. We are building networks with
and recommend a product best suited for you.
There is a very exciting fragrance coming up next year. We’re
“Smelling a fragrance you love changes the way you feel, just as seeing a beloved painting or sculpture can deeply impact you. As a creator, I never stop working on a scent until I feel it is complete. While technically there is scientific know-how required to create a winning juice, at the end of the day, without the artistry of the creation process, it would just be science. Artistry is the key ingredient.” — Olivier Creed
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FLORALIE IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT NEIMAN MARCUS, BERGDORF GOODMAN, CREED BOUTIQUES AND ON CREEDBOUTIQUE.COM, 2.5 OZ FOR $415
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SPARKLING BEAUTY Glamorous metallics and artsy designs make these covetable goods perfect to gift or receive. BY {
AJA MANGUM
Brighten and tighten skin, and receive a $30 gift card and a sparkly cosmetics case for under $100? The Better Skin Co. x Sterling Forever Jewelry Gift Set is only available through the holidays, so move fast. $75, at thebetterskinco.com
Darphin Petal Infusion Lip Oils use omega 6 and 9 for plumping, vitamin E to prevent dryness and apricot seed and grapeseed oils to deliver high shine. $20 each, at darphin.com
Loaded with Camellia oil and 23-karat gold, Tatcha Camellia Kisses Lip Balm Trio nourishes lips while adding a bit of tint. $75, at tatcha.com
Acqua di Parma Colonia Special Edition features the brand’s classic citrus scent adorned with British artist Clym Evernden’s festive illustrations. $200, at barneys.com Do daytime sophisticate or evening glamazon with Clé de Peau’s versatile Tea Party Eye Color Quad. Plus, the argan tree oil and white lily extract formula moisturizes and prevents fading. $80, at cledepeaubeaute.com
Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy formula remains the same, but the brand partnered with world-renowned astrologer Susan Miller to create punchy packaging for all 12 zodiac signs. $26 each, at fresh.com
When LA-based artist Jen Stark and Smashbox join forces, everyday makeup tools become works of psychedelic art. This Holidaze Artist Brush Set is made with high-tech synthetic fibers for superior durability and control, and an easy-grip handle that makes application a breeze. $39, at macys.com
The potent Pitera gets a pop-art design courtesy of artist Karan Singh. The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence KARAN Limited Edition Collection delivers radiant skin in bold packaging. $229 each, at sk-II.com
Artfully displayed in a bento box, Giorgio Armani’s Lip Maestro features 24 fullsize lipsticks in an assortment of nudes, corals, reds, pinks and plums. $825, at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
A countryside cottage calls for this vegetablebased Paul & Joe Beauté Aromatic Soap 001. Relax in a claw foot tub with fresh notes of orange flower and white lily and moisturize from head to toe with hyaluronic acid and shea butter. $17, at b-glowing.com
IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray is made with fine milled glitter particles and moonstone extract to provide club-ready radiance or full-on ’80s glam. $16, at IGKHair.com
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R+Co’s Relative Paradise Fragrance Spray transports tresses to Sardinia with a spritz of crisp Sicilian lemon, tangerine, eucalyptus, green tea, tree moss and amber. $20, at randco.com
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Everyone’s favorite makeup sponge gets festive for the holiday season. Beautyblender’s Sweet Indulgence Beauty Sampler Set includes limited-edition shades and four mini peppermint scented blender cleanser solids. $65, at sephora.com
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The rude gal is celebrating the one year anniversary of her line, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, with the launch of Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil highlighter. Inspired by the barely-there, crystal Adam Selman gown worn at the 2014 CFDA Awards, the cushiony jelly-powder melts into skin for high-definition sparkle. $38, at fentybeauty.com
NARS Hot Tryst Cheek Palette contours and highlights with four blushes and two highlighters in a single palette. $59, at narscosmetics.com
This Grown Alchemist Body Care Kit 4 looks futuristic, but the fragrant bioactive ingredients gently cleanse and hydrate in the here and now. $90, at davidpirrotta.com
Go big or go home. Press this Marc Jacobs See-Quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow onto lids with fingertips for over-the-top sparkle. $28, at marcjacobsbeauty.com Each of French brand Lebon’s toothpaste contains certified organic aloe vera and green tea to protect gums and prevent tooth decay and papaya extract to naturally whiten teeth. And if the brand couldn’t get any chicer, the flavors are produced in Grasse, also known as the perfume capital of the world. $12, at lebonandlebon.com
Three of Cire Trudon’s scented candles—Abd El Kader, Ernesto and Nazareth—are getting super sized this winter. These 105 ounce giants are decorated with rose gold leaf and burn for more than 300 hours. $550, trudon.com
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With over 3,000 Swarovski crystals adorning the Bond No. 9 New Bond St. Amphora, the 42 ounces of rich bergamot, pepper, cocoa, coffee, patchouli and sandalwood seems modest. $7,500, at saksfifthavenue.com
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The king of the red sole goes gold in an epic way. Christian Louboutin’s Goldomania collection is designed to present makeup as gilded objets d’art. Each piece is expertly formulated with richly pigmented powders, high-wattage shine and enough sparkle for any soiree. Loubilaque Lip Lacquer, $85, Lash Amplifying Lacquer, $70, Metallic Eye Colour, $50, Nail Colour, $50, at christianlouboutin.com
The NuFACE Gold Status Complete Skin Toning Kit features spheres dipped in 18-karat rose gold and a 24-karat gold gel primer to boost microcurrents for maximum contouring and toning of neck, jowls and jawline. $325, at mynuface.com
Inspired by the brand’s brilliant diamonds, the Tiffany & Co. Holiday Limited Edition faceted bottle stashes a balanced blend of vert de mandarine, iris, musk and patchouli. $100, at bloomingdales.com
Sisley Le Phyto-Rouge coats lips in saturated hues and protects, nourishes and hydrates using hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil and Padina Pavonica extract. $57, at sisley-paris.com
The biggest statement comes from a small dose of Clarins Gold Mascara Top Coat, which separates, defines and adds glamour in a single stroke. $28, at clarins.com
Wear the FDA-cleared Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite Faceware Pro for three minutes a day and this medical grade mask will transform your skin. This full-face gadget uses a combination of 100 red lights and 62 blue lights to firm, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and reduce acne. $435, at sephora.com
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The new formula of the Beautycounter Hand Cream trio is enhanced with shea butter and jojoba oil, delivering light, nongreasy moisture in three limited-edition scents—lavender, petal and monoi. $30, at beautycounter.com
The heat of the flame prompts this Diptyque Candle Carousel to rotate, making it a dinner party must-have. $60, at diptyqueparis.com 67
CELEBRATE THE
SPARKLE BY {
BETH WEITZMAN
M.A.C.’s Shiny Pretty Things color collection adds dazzle to lips, lids and cheeks with party-perfect, shimmering, hallucinatory hues. Cheers! SHOWN HERE:
LIPSTICK
BOTH CHEEKS BRIGHT FUCHSIA (MATTE) AND A WINK OF PINK MID-TONE ROSE PINK WITH BRONZE SHIMMER (FROST), $19.50 EACH
EYE SHADOW
CHEEKS AND HIGHLIGHTS
EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH OH DARLING METALLIC GOLD, $35 EACH
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JUST CHILLING GREY WITH SILVER SHEEN, MAJOR WIN ASH PINK WITH SILVER SHIMMER AND P FOR PINK ROSE GOLD WITH SILVER SPARKLE, $21 EACH
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ICE ORCHID MID-TONE COOL PINK AND ROSEBUDDY DEEPENED BERRY, $18.50 EACH
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LIPGLASS
ADDITIONAL SHADES OF EACH AND DAZZLELINERS ($22 EACH) ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. ALL AT MACCOSMETICS.COM 69
SEASONAL
SCENT-SATION
Delight yourself and those around you with these fine fall/winter fragrances.
GOLDEN SANDALWOOD
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Expect to be surprised by this intriguing and alluring reinterpretation of the original Acqua di Parma Colonia—Acqua di Parma Colonia Sandalo Concentrée Eau de Cologne, which blends the iconic Acqua di Parma citrus notes with a rare sandalwood varietal from India. Bergamot, lemon, orange and petitgrain open the scent with freshness, while warm accents of tonka bean, amber and Indian sandalwood are revealed at its base. Adding to that are refined notes of cardamom and lavender at its heart, creating an absolutely intoxicating scent. Available exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 100ml for $260, neimanmarcus.com; bergdorfgoodman.com
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BY {
BETH WEITZMAN
MODERN SOPHISTICATION
A modern interpretation of its sister scents, and the first fragrance in the family to introduce a top note of tuberose, Miu Miu Fleur D’Argent dazzles with elegance. Rounding out its feminine qualities are musk accord and Miu Miu signature undertone akigalawood. In true Miu Miu style, the beautiful clear glass matelassé bottle is accented with a gorgeous silver-lacquer interior and signature disk stopper presented in vintage pastel pink. 50ml for $99, sephora.com.
SEALED WITH A KISS
Bold and beautiful, Kilian Do It For Love celebrates the longtime friendship of Kilian Hennessy and Linda Fargo, women’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman. The duo’s loyal partnership began more than 10 years ago, when Bergdorf Goodman took the industry lead as the first retailer to sell Kilian’s maiden perfume collection. In the same spirit, Do It For Love launches exclusively in Fargo’s new concept shop, Noir at BG. The juice has Linda’s favorite base ingredient, vetiver, in the highest concentration ever in a scent, paired with neroli and jasmine. Fresh citrus in the form of bergamot and petitgrain, an essential oil from the bitter orange tree, further complement the floral facets of neroli and orange blossom at its heart. Red lips on the flacon’s face are evidence every bottle is filled with love. 50ml for $325, bergdorfgoodman.com
REBELLIOUS SPIRIT
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male In The Navy is the new oceanic edition to Gaultier’s iconic Le Male fragrance. The U.S.-only launch in the traditional Le Male sculpted bodice dressed in sailor’s stripes recalls oceanic ports and pure freedom. A dose of vanilla and ambergris nicely finish the fragrance. 6.7 oz. for $116, macys.com
END NOTES
From cult Swedish brand Byredo comes Eleventh Hour Eau De Parfum, said to evoke a journey to—and exploration of—the end of time, the last fragrance on Earth. Inspired by the birthplace of Buddha in the Nepali highlands, it has a top note of Nepali pepper (also known ban timmur), a plant native to the area with its peppery and citrusy characteristics, along with wild fig at its heart, with notes of tonka bean and cashmere wood rounding out the base. A limited-edition hand cream ($40) and hair perfume ($70) also join the line. 100ml for $240, byredo.com
JUMP FOR JOY
Inspired by optimism, strength and joy, Tiffany Eau de Parfum Intense is a richer, deeper version of Tiffany & Co.’s adored signature fragrance. Sometimes more is better. The captivating fragrance garners attention with musky and floral notes of verte de mandarine and pink peppercorn on top, while a greater concentration of iris butter at its core is further strengthened by base notes of amber and benzoin. 100ml for $142, bloomingdales.com
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The vivacious new Burberry Her embodies the spirit of London. And who better than Cara Delevingne to be its face? Exuding a sheer sense of playful cool, the fruity gourmand fragrance blended by master perfumer Francis Kurkdijian has an addictive signature amber musk base. Following a nose of black currant, blueberry and raspberry, the heart takes over with floral notes of jasmine and violet. The new pale pink bottle, which is made from smooth curved glass and can be personalized with engraved initials on a gold charm around its neck, honors the archival design of Burberry’s first fragrance, Burberry for Men. 100ml for $121, macys.com
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WRY AND WITTY
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IN THE GARDEN
Reminiscent of a flourishing garden, Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori—the new fragrance by Alessandro Michele, blended by master perfumer Alberto Morillas—is even more intense and woody than its inspiration scent. The original notes of jasmine buds, rangoon creeper and tuberose are still noticeable, but with the added touch of rose, ginger and osmanthus flower, making this an even more intoxicating scent. The sensual base features patchouli and musk to convey warmth and depth. Gucci’s whimsical floral print Herbarium debuts on the bottle in a new black shade, to represent femininity. 100ml for $141, macys.com
ALLURE OF LEATHER
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Ex Nihilo Cuir Celeste is a seductive new leather fragrance inspired by a vintage B3 bomber jacket worn by French photographer Mathieu César. In collaboration with Ex Nihilo, César asked perfumer Quentin Bisch to create a scent evoking the protection of leather mingled with haute couture sophistication. The result is a fragrance that delightfully marries the leather notes of ambrette with a seductive blend of violet leaves, patchouli and musk. Ooh la la. 100ml for $325, saksfifthavenue.com
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PLAYFUL AND LUSCIOUS
Tom Ford Private Blend Lost Cherry Eau De Parfum, with its intoxicating robust oriental blend of black cherry, bitter almond oil, griotte syrup, Turkish rose, Peru balsam and roasted tonka, absolutely commands attention. The tempting fragrance, a study in contrasts—exotic and bitter, bright and dark, fruity and earthy—boasts a memorable finish from the rich blend of sensual Peru balsam, roasted tonka, sandalwood, vetiver and cedar. The exquisite bottle is encased in translucent pink glass, outlining the signature Private Blend silhouette (inspired by the sleek architectural look of a chess piece), with a cherry-red cord tied around the neck. 50ml for $320, shop.nordstrom.com
SENSUAL AND SEDUCTIVE
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Velvet Fatale, with its iconic shoe flacon dressed in red velvet for the holidays, is a limited-edition collectors item. Revealing notes of tuberose, jasmine, tonka bean and cacao, the sensual, floral fragrance —created by the prestigious perfumer Louise Turner— celebrates the complexity of the modern woman, both her good and devilishly good sides. 80ml for for $122, macys.com
OF THE SEA
McQueen Collection Everlasting Dream is part of a fascinating new collection comprising eight fragrances inspired by the artistry of haute perfumery, innovation and contemporary design. Each unique scent consists of rare ingredients, harnessing the essential and mysterious beauty of nature. Everlasting Dream, a woody aquatic scent, boasts hints of cedar that evokes the mineral sea and sunny seashores. A perfect dose of happiness for even those dreary days of fall/ winter. 75ml for $245, saksfifthavenue.com
TRUE TEMPERANCE
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Delightfully fresh and alluring, the Harmonist Yin Transformation is the first Maison de Parfum inspired by the five elements of feng shui (water, earth, metal, fire and wood). Like yin energy before moving into a yang state, energetic initial flowery base notes come alive with creamy notes of sandalwood and white musk. Resembling ancient ceramic vials once used by alchemists to preserve treasured perfume, the lacquered blue bottle evokes the concepts of water movement, unity, spirituality, dreams, escape, imagination, wisdom, truth and creativity. 50ml for $305, The Harmonist Los Angeles Boutique and barneys.com
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SCENTS OF Nostalgia For filmmaker-turned-candlemaker Gregory Caruso, it’s all about remembrance of scents past. BY { BETH WEITZMAN A vintage airstream parked at The Grove in Los Angeles was the setting for the launch of Winford Candles (@ winfordcandles), a new line of locally crafted artisan candles made of natural wax (a combination of soy, coconut and beeswax, rather than paraffin), hand-poured into simple yet elegant reusable shaving mugs. Six scents—Woods No.22, Neroli, River Rose, Sequoia Spice, Casablanca and Apple Tobacco—were formulated to evoke memories of good times gone by, according to founder Gregory Caruso. Here, he tells us about his journey from making movies to making highquality candles in vessels with a midcentury design aesthetic. winfordcandles.com
Can you imagine living anywhere other than L.A.?
My favorite part of the country is the Northeast. Part of me has always thought about living there one day, in a small town on the water. But I’m a filmmaker, so Los Angeles makes the most sense for me right now. I might have to put a hold on my Northeast dream and I’m all right with that. I’m more than happy to visit once or twice a year.
What inspired you to create Winford Candles?
I’m obsessed with the details. I wanted to make a great-smelling candle, housed in a unique, unbranded mug that could be reused. Scents are 100 percent nostalgic. They take
us back somewhere we have been before and remind us of an experience. I wanted to bring to life a few scents that I find comforting, fresh and unique. Whether they take you back to a moment you can pinpoint exactly, or just evoke a feeling, it is my hope that Winford will take you on a journey.
Where does the name come from?
It’s a funny story. It’s where I thought my maternal grandmother was from in England. Turns out she was from another small town that began with a “W.” But I liked the name, so I thought, why not?
What makes the line unique?
We don’t cut any corners and we’re transparent about our process.
Gregory’s Favorites
Grooming product:
Corpus Naturals—a natural deodorant company that has finally done it right
Shop:
The deli at Vicente Foods in Brentwood
We use the highest quality fragrances and make everything in Los Angeles. Our mugs are also reusable.
The line is comprised of six scents. Why these six? Do the scents have any significance to you beyond smelling great? Apple Tobacco is our signature scent, and our most unique. It was
the first candle I created, so I’ve been smelling that scent for years. Scents are so personal and can evoke such powerful feelings of nostalgia. For whatever reason, this scent in particular seems to lower my blood pressure each time I light it.
Do you have a favorite scent?
My favorite is Apple Tobacco. But Woods No. 22 and Casablanca are close behind.
Talk to us about the craftsmanship of the candles.
The ceramics are made by a ceramic company based in Vernon, California. We based the mug shape on a German-made shaving
Thing to do in L.A.:
Drive up the 1 on PCH with my dog
Restaurants:
Apple Pan, Matsuhisa and Forma
Travel destination:
Pendrell Sound, British Columbia
Hotel design:
Greydon House in Nantucket and Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn
Items in your carry-on bag:
A Nikon SLR, Moscot sunglasses and Altoids
mug that I bought at my favorite barber, Fellow Barber, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Are you planning additional products for the Winford brand?
I originally created Winford as a “basics” brand that included clothing
Words to live by:
Always see life around you as if you’ve just come out of a tunnel.
and accessories. I could see myself revisiting that idea a little further down the road. For now, we’re committed to being the best candle company around.
What were some of the challenges you faced in launching this new candle line, and how did you overcome them?
Realizing that just about anything can be achieved. Some people will try to steer you into mediocrity because it’s easy and cheaper, but that is the exact opposite philosophy behind Winford. Our candles are unique and the best possible quality offered.
Can you share some good business advice your dad, real estate developer Rick Caruso, passed on to you? People appreciate quality.
a suit.
Tell us about your work outside of Winford Candles. What’s next for you?
I don’t know if I’ll get to all of them, but I’m thinking of getting an MBA, MFA or both. I’d like to become a professor one day. But in the meantime, I’m working on several scripts while keeping the candle
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I just released my first film on Netflix called Flock of Four.
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I wear a cap, jeans, tee and Converse just about every day. He wears
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In what ways are you similar to or different than your dad?
company moving forward.
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BOOKS:
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Legends never die, and beautiful, collectible volumes are helping to keep three icons—Marilyn, Elvis and Lucy—alive in our hearts and our homes. Their talent, glamour and enduring appeal is on full display in these coffee-table books’ stunning imagery and captivating text. BY {
JESSICA LUZA
Blue Suede Shoes: The Culture of Elvis by Thom Gilbert (Glitterati Editions, 2017)
Taking an intimate look at one of America’s most beloved performers, Thom Gilbert pairs stunning photographs of Elvis Presley with anecdotes from 75 of The King’s friends, fellow musicians and fans. Also included are portraits of people whose lives he touched and some of the objects and artifacts he left behind.
Lucy Comes Home: A Photographic Journey by Christopher T. Olsen (G Arts, 2018)
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Christopher T. Olsen’s love letter to Lucille Ball features more than 100 previously unpublished images of the international superstar’s 1956 return to her hometown of Jamestown, New York, when his mother was part of the welcoming committee. Some of the archival photos depict a surprisingly vulnerable side to the larger-than-life public personality.
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With Marilyn: An Evening 1961
by Douglas Kirkland (Glitterati Editions, 2012)
Some of the most seductive photographs ever taken of the quintessential blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe are from photographer Douglas Kirkland’s 1961 photo shoot for Look magazine, which took place on an unmade bed. The assignment made history for both the photo-journalist and his subject. ALL THREE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE AT GLITTERATIEDITIONS.COM AND AMAZON.COM
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John Russo’s new photography book spotlights 100 inspiring individuals and the charities that ignite their passions. MARIE LOOK KATE JACOBSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
INTRODUCTION AND EDITING BY { PROFILES BY {
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Celebrity photographer John Russo, Gio’s creative director, has spent the last few decades shooting some of the most famous faces in the world. However, the focus of his latest project, a collection of portraits called 100 Making a Difference, is not just stars of television, film or fashion, but also philanthropy.
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The gorgeous tome features photographs and profiles of actors, writers, humanitarians, entrepreneurs and athletes who support incredible organizations, such as Not On Our Watch, The Malala Fund, Oxfam, Harboring Hearts and others. Many of the subjects are well-known faces, including George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Elton John, Dwayne Johnson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Serena Williams and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Others may not be quite as recognizable, but are just as generous with their time and resources. “These people are all humanitarians and all champions of their own cause,” Russo says. “A lot of these people have dedicated their lives to an organization, to creating an organization, nurturing an organization. It’s their passion.” Russo says he’s been contemplating another charity book ever since the success of his photography collection About Face (2010), which benefited nonprofit Smile Train. And while he was certain he wanted to once again incorporate
a philanthropic aspect, whittling down the list of worthy charities to a single one seemed impossible. Ultimately, Russo’s family helped him realize what the project could become. “I was talking with my parents one night at dinner and they said, ‘Why would you pick just one [charity] when you can pick a hundred?’” That was his lightning-bulb moment. With that attitude of giving in mind, Russo decided 100 percent of the proceeds from 100 Making a Difference will benefit the organizations named by the participants. He refused to compromise, even when publisher after publisher declined the project due to the lack of revenue potential. But when Russo met South African entrepreneur and philanthropist Quinton van der Burgh at a photo shoot, the two men clicked and van der Burgh enthusiastically became the project’s publisher. Other close friends helped bring the book to life, including entrepreneur and activist Irena Medavoy, who contributed her talents and connected Russo to some of the world’s greatest humanitarians. “It was fun and informative, just learning about all these different people, having an opportunity to spend time with them and photographing
them and just seeing how truly passionate they are about what they do,” Russo says of meeting and getting to know the many champions of social change. As for what comes next, he’s already focusing on more ways to spread the word about these exceptional organizations and individuals. An awards ceremony is in the works, as well as related fundraisers to take place in Los Angeles, New York, London and South Africa. And a 100 Making a Difference docu-series is in the early stages of development. Russo says it’s been an honor to work on the project with celebrities like Christy Turlington, Maria Sharapova, Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady, who are using their fame to do good in the world. Still, the portraits and the book itself are less about celebrity than about humanity, the causes and the individual personalities. “Not overly styled and not glam,” he says, describing the shoots. “I didn’t want glamour photos in this book because it’s not about that. It’s about their personality, their soul, their aura. Doing the book, for me, encouraged me and inspired me to volunteer more, donate more, just really think about and care about others more.” Here Russo highlights some of the inspiring individuals who are making a difference, featuring their powerful portraits and the causes they passionately champion. 100makingadifference.com
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JENNIFER LOPEZ SINGER AND ACTRESS ORGANIZER, SOMOS UNA VOZ CONCERT FOR PUERTO RICO Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017 and completely decimated the island. More than a million people were without power—some for months— and supplies were scarce. Officials estimate it will cost billions to rebuild the island and its power grid. While the federal government vowed to allot funds to the relief efforts, it’s estimated that will only cover a small portion of the overall costs. When superstar Jennifer Lopez saw the devastation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, she was moved to tears—and then, to action. It wasn’t just the sheer destruction the hurricane caused, or the fact that relief was slow to the tiny island 1,000 miles off the coast of Florida. Puerto Rico is an important part of Lopez’s heritage. Her parents are from Puerto Rico, and their culture had a strong influence in her life and her music. And when she saw people suffering, it broke her heart. She quickly began to coordinate efforts to help those whose lives were turned upside down by the hurricane. “Today, Puerto Rico needs our help. I urge you to support and donate to the efforts of the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Areizaga [Rosselló],” she shared. “Together we can help rebuild our island, and the Caribbean.” Using her star power—and that of her friends—she organized the Somos Una Voz concert (Oct. 14, 2017) and a major telethon to raise funds for those affected by the hurricanes. She pledged $1 million of her own money, too, and advocated for those on the island who were not receiving help from the federal government. Overall, she helped raise more than $30 million.
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Beyond raising money, Lopez—who stars in Second Act (opens December 2018)—is also raising awareness about the plight of Puerto Ricans. In early 2018, she visited the island and promised she would advocate for her people. “I feel hopeful,” she said. “I feel that [the people of Puerto Rico] gave me hope.”
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“Tonight, we are all here as one voice, to declare loudly and clearly in English and Spanish to every man, woman and child in Puerto Rico and beyond that you are not forgotten, you are not alone. We are all here to help, not just because you are Americans, but also because you are family, familia.”
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BUI SIMON MISS UNIVERSE 1988 FOUNDER, ANGELS WINGS FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL
Before Bui Simon was crowned Miss Universe in 1988, she was a humble girl inspired to make sense of the world. Simon was born in Thailand, but her family immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s. She saw how her family struggled, and she strove to receive a good education. So when she had her platform as Miss Universe to pay it forward, she looked to the country she once called home. While she was involved in several philanthropic endeavors immediately after winning her crown, she knew she wanted to do something on her own that spoke to her heart. “I have always said and believed that every child is an angel and deserves wings to reach their potential,” she says. “The classroom is where great minds can grow into becoming future leaders of tomorrow.” That’s why, in 2002, Simon founded the Angels Wings Foundation International, a nonprofit that helps the underprivileged children of her native country of Thailand receive education, health care and various forms of aid. With her team, Simon has opened schools and orphanages, provided medical services and given support to thousands of children in Thailand. The foundation also has several different scholarships, some of which help students of Thai ancestry in the United States.
In addition, after the 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of Southeast Asia, Angels Wings Foundation International constructed 100 new homes and a fleet of boats for families who lost everything. “The experience solidified my belief system that it was all our responsibility to come together from around the world to help one another,” Simon says. “Although it was the most devastating time, it also became the most glorious time for humanity. To watch such selflessness, courage and determination, it reminded me that it’s not just about writing a check or watching someone head to college—it is about the future.” Simon knows there’s so much work still to be done. She wants to expand Angels Wings Foundation International’s scholarship program in both the United States and Thailand. She also wants to implement more programs to support students and teachers in rural Thai communities. Simon says she knows that if people just do their part to help those less privileged in the world, we can make it a better place to live. “Philanthropy is love for humankind and a critical part of our society. A simple act of caring that can be done by anyone to create a positive and endless ripple effect. To be a philanthropist is an honorable title for those who care for others,” she says. “We can all be philanthropists.”
ELTON JOHN MUSICIAN FOUNDER, ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION
Sir Elton John knows he’s lucky to be alive. A rock star for the past five decades, John has made some of the most iconic pop and rock hits in modern music. But he used to party hard with his friends, some of whom died from complications of HIV/AIDS, and he admits living the rock star lifestyle could have had deadly consequences for him, too. “By all rights I shouldn’t be here today,” he told a crowd at the International AIDS conference in 2014. “I should be dead, six feet under in a wooden box. I should have contracted HIV in the 1980s and died in the 1990s, just like Freddie Mercury or Rock Hudson. Every day I wonder, how did I survive? This was the issue that I knew would play a defining role in my life and to which I had to make a difference financially, physically and emotionally.”
“The Elton John AIDS Foundation is vital,” said Téa Braun, the legal director for the Human Dignity Trust. “Without their visionary support, which understands the link between legal work and HIV services, the lives of the people we serve would likely not change.”
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Each year, 1.2 million people die of AIDS despite new medicines and technologies in developed countries
And John is not done. As part of his long-term plan with the foundation, he hopes to help eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030—a goal set by the United Nations. According to John, he plans on funding more medical support to people in need. He also wants to make politicians and world leaders understand HIV/AIDS and put their resources toward fighting the disease, rather than fighting the LGBTQ communities they’re meant to serve.
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“I joined the fight to end AIDS … impelled to make a difference by the frightening, random suffering of people I loved who were dying of a disease that no one understood or would name,” he said. Along with other high-profile celebrities like David Beckham, Sting and Emma Thompson, he raises money each year to support programs in 55 countries around the world.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised more than $385 million for anti-stigma programs, medical and social support, and education. It’s the seventh largest funder of HIV/AIDS programs in the world, and funds programs on six continents. So far, organizers have reached more than 17 million people. Moreover, they’ve battled not only the disease, but perceptions of it in countries where LGBTQ rights and resources are not recognized.
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So he made it his life’s mission to help eradicate the disease. In 1992, John established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, an international nonprofit dedicated to innovative HIV prevention, educational programs, supportive care and research involving HIV/AIDS.
that fight the disease. Many of those affected live in impoverished parts of the world—with a high concentration in Sub-Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS first came into the spotlight in the 1980s when doctors in the United States started seeing a high number of gay men suffering from a mysterious disease. It was—and, in many places, still is—a highly stigmatized disease. Once John realized the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the lack of knowledge about the illness in general he knew he had to step in.
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DEE OCLEPPO HILFIGER FASHION DESIGNER BOARD MEMBER, AUTISM SPEAKS
Having a child with autism changes you. Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger knows this firsthand. In 2011, her son Sebastian was diagnosed with autism, just like his older brother and stepsister. She and her husband, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, have a blended family of seven children, three of whom are on the spectrum. The Hilfigers had questions, but found only a limited number of resources. “At first we were sad, then we were mad,” she says. “Then we just knew we had to do something.” Now, the couple sits on the board for Autism Speaks and they are active fundraisers for autism research. Hilfiger says her family knows what it’s like to wake up every day facing the difficulties of autism and has dedicated her life to finding answers about the somewhat mysterious diagnosis. “What speaks to us about this cause is how little is spoken about it,” she says. “Autism is a very serious issue that affects more and more families every year. People have been afraid to talk openly about this issue for a long time.”
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“We believe research is the most important aspect of what is needed to find a cure,” she says. “There are still too many unknowns as to why someone is affected by autism and why the numbers keep growing.”
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While Hilfiger admits having children on the spectrum presents unique challenges, she doesn’t consider them to have special needs. She says she is going to do whatever is in her power to help find answers for a condition so fundamental to her life.
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One of Hilfiger’s proudest accomplishments has been creating one of the world’s largest genomic databases on autism. The project, called MSSNG, was founded by Autism Speaks and Google. The goal is to sequence the DNA of 10,000 families affected by autism, with the hope researchers from all over the world, who can access the information for free, will be able to find a commonality. It’s already led to new discoveries about the disorder that affects thousands of people worldwide, although the causes and a treatment or cure remain elusive.
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TOMMY HILFIGER
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FASHION DESIGNER FOUNDER, TOMMY CARES
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Tommy Hilfiger doesn’t just make great clothes, he makes great communities, too. For more than 20 years, the iconic fashion designer has used his platform to support community initiatives across the United States through his foundation Tommy Cares (previously called the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation). He helps raise substantial funds for health, educational and cultural programs for at-risk communities and youth, and encourages his employees to use their time to support several different organizations. To name a few: The World Wildlife Fund, the Millennium Promise (a nonprofit aimed at ending poverty in Africa) and Breast Health International.
Winners received a grant of up to $100,000 and were placed into the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program.
Three of Hilfiger’s seven children are on the autism spectrum; he and his wife Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger are huge supporters of Autism Speaks, and she sits on the board for the charity. “I have a tremendous personal commitment to supporting autism awareness and research, and I believe strongly in the missions of these organizations,” he said in 2012, after his company provided $1.2 million in grants to several different organizations, including Autism Speaks.
Hilfiger has also taken a special interest in making his own business more accessible and sustainable. He hopes by 2020 his entire operation will use 100 percent sustainable cotton and be stewards of responsible water use. In 2016, he partnered with Runway of Dreams to create a clothing line for children with disabilities. In 2018, he decided to launch an entire line for adults, called Tommy Adaptive.
In recent years, Hilfiger’s company launched the Tommy Hilfiger Social Innovation Challenge, a global initiative aimed at helping entrepreneurs and startups develop positive social impact.
“Our brand has a strong history of mentoring and supporting talented individuals who have the drive to turn bold ideas into a reality,” says Hilfiger. “The future success of our industry depends on proactively discovering and nurturing innovative projects that can create real social change. The Tommy Hilfiger Social Innovation Challenge is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on incredible ideas that could change the lives of people through a more positive and inclusive fashion landscape.”
“Tommy Adaptive’s mission is to be inclusive and empower people of all abilities to express themselves through fashion,” a press release from the brand stated.
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MARIA SHRIVER JOURNALIST AND FORMER FIRST LADY OF CALIFORNIA FOUNDER, THE WOMEN’S ALZHEIMER’S MOVEMENT
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Maria Shriver is a mother of four, an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning journalist, a New York Times best-selling author, and an NBC News special anchor who is committed to using her voice as a force for good. Shriver has long been a trailblazer for women and, in recent years, she has become one of the nation’s leading advocates for women and the fight against Alzheimer’s. As the founder of the nonprofit The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, she is working to raise awareness of the fact that women make up two-thirds of all the Alzheimer’s cases in the United States. She’s also working to raise funds for important women-based research at scientific institutions across the country. “I see this as the ultimate women’s empowerment issue,” Shriver says. “Women work their whole lives to be recognized for their minds, and Alzheimer’s puts them at risk of losing them. That’s not acceptable. I won’t rest until we solve the problem.” In addition to the important work of her nonprofit, Shriver also shines a light on Alzheimer’s in other 92
ways. In 2017, she released Color Your Mind, the first-ever coloring book for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and the people who love them. Additionally, she is the author of a children’s book about the disease called What’s Happening to Grandpa?; executive producer of the 2009 fourpart HBO documentary series The Alzheimer’s Project; and executive producer of the 2015 Academy Award-winning feature film Still Alice. In 2017, The Alzheimer’s Association honored Shriver with its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for her incredible work for the cause. Shriver believes we all have the power to be architects of change—individuals who challenge what is, imagine what can be, seek to make a difference and move humanity forward. She writes about her passion for making a difference in her 2018 New York Times best-selling book, I’ve Been Thinking… Reflections, Prayers and Meditations for a Meaningful Life. She also elevates the voices of others in our society who are making a difference through her weekly “Sunday Paper” email newsletter and through her digital conversation series, “Architects of Change Live.”
NICOLE AVANT FORMER UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE BAHAMAS BOARD MEMBER, GIRLS INC.
Nicole Avant remembers the moment it all started to click. In 2018, Avant, a former United States ambassador and successful businesswoman, was getting ready to speak at a fundraiser for Girls Inc., a nonprofit that helps empower girls through education and mentorship. She had already seen the wonderful work Girls Inc. does and had been part of the program since 2014. But while she was writing her speech, she struggled with what to say. Then an email came in from a former mentee. The young woman, named Jade, was close to graduating college, had a summer internship, and was proud of what she accomplished. Avant was, too.
Avant says the work of Girls Inc. is extremely important to girls who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Girls who feel empowered are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and are more likely to succeed in school and go on to complete post-secondary education. For young women experiencing things like poverty, homelessness or abuse, Girls Inc. can act as a lifeline. “Supporting Girls Inc. allows me to say yes to young women who show up, without complaint, committed to being their best,” Avant says. “I believe in the power of paying it forward because when you do well, you feel good. And when you feel good, your vibration becomes higher and others then want to follow. It becomes contagious.”
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Avant got involved after the nonprofit named her as an
While serving as a U.S. ambassador under President Barack Obama, Avant experienced firsthand what the power of a woman can do and wanted to make sure she was helping young girls less fortunate than her.
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Girls Inc. works with schools to empower girls to be the best they can be. Currently, the nonprofit helps girls ages 6 to 18 in 400 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Not only does it do a lot of boots-on-the-ground work—including oneon-one mentorship—it also advocates on behalf of girls in legislative policies.
“What I witnessed time and time again was young women showing up as kind, persistent, determined, positive and resilient people,” she says. “And for this to be accomplished, mentors and role models are necessary. If you can see it, you can dream it. And if you can dream it, you can be it.”
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“I know without a doubt that without the love, support and mentorship programs that she received from being a Girls Inc. scholar, Jade would not be the well-rounded and amazing young woman that she is,” Avant says. “And, it’s for this reason that I will stay committed to Girls Inc. and their mission.”
honoree. The moment she met the organizers of Girls Inc., and the girls themselves, she knew it was something she had to be involved in. She has since been named to the organization’s national board.
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TOM BRADY NFL QUARTERBACK GLOBAL AMBASSADOR, BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL
Tom Brady may be one of the NFL’s best-known quarterbacks, but he’s never too busy to take time out for his buddies. Brady is a global ambassador for Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to helping intellectually and developmentally disabled people. Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1987, its mission is to help people with autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy enjoy opportunities for social interaction, find employment and gain interpersonal skills like leadership development. The organization is also designed to help destigmatize people with mental and physical disabilities, and acts as an advocate on their behalf. Currently, there are nearly 2,500 chapters worldwide, and more than 1 million people have been served in 48 countries. Brady first became involved with Best Buddies in 2005 when he donated nearly half a million dollars to the charity. Since then, he’s become personally involved and helped the charity raise millions. One of his biggest contributions, though, is his one-on-one engagements with people from the charity and his Best Buddies Challenge. The challenge is an annual event during which several high-profile athletes participate in either a run/walk or cycling race. There’s also a meet-andgreet that Brady and his fellow New England Patriots routinely attend, as well as a party with A-list musical entertainment. The cause is close to Brady’s heart. He says it’s brought him an incredible amount of joy to know he’s giving back to a group of kind people.
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Brady brings with him, in all he does, his motto, “If you don’t beleive in yourself, why is anyone else going to beleive in you,” he says.
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“You always try your best, lead with love and relentless positivity, and bring the best out of everyone you come into contact with,” Brady wrote on Instagram in June 2018 in a post about the charity. “You are some of the most caring and kind people I have ever met, and that has made you some of the best leaders I have ever met. Thank you for welcoming my family and teammates with open arms all of these years.”
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BRIGHT SPARK
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A gift should fulfill the human need to connect, belong and feel seen, heard, loved and valued. BY { MARIE
LOOK
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L
os Angeles-based producer Amanda Hayward has pondered the messaging of daytime programming and reality TV shows, but lately she’s focused on the deeper significance of something totally different: gifts. “Gifts are given for all occasions and celebrations and are a means for us to communicate with each other and express ourselves,” says Hayward, who has witnessed others struggle to select gifts to adequately express love, friendship, gratitude, regret or loss. She has also observed the role technology and algorithm-driven shopping play in that struggle. In response, Hayward and business partner P.J. MacGregor co-founded Electric Human, a gift-curation company named for the spark they believe is ignited when two people connect through an authentic expression of caring. “A great gift with the right meaning can capture the energy flowing between people,” Hayward explains. In early 2018, Electric Human began offering The Box, a curated collection of all-natural gifts intended to promote positive energy: a selenite crystal, almond and oatmeal soap, coconut oil candle, Palo Santo sticks and
aromatherapeutic oil. The crystals are ethically sourced from Morocco, and all of the other items are handcrafted domestically. An Unknown Pleasures Box, a jewelry capsule collection and other thoughtful items now round out the offerings. Hayward says the positive response proves people are hungry to give more meaningful gifts. Electric Human has recently participated in pop-up shopping events, including a one-day market at The Grove in L.A. and at a 1,200-square-foot gallery of modern gifts in Hollywood. The latter featured the launch of the Welcome Human Box, plus a group meditation, a panel with modern energy influencers, engaging visual displays, a DJ and bar. Hayward says she hopes these experiences inspire more purpose-filled gift-giving, which can benefit both presenter and recipient. “By giving a gift, you’re not only expressing your feelings, but also building a stronger connection to that person,” she says. “In studies in which people were asked to give gifts as a part of an experiment, the result was that people actually felt better and happier about their own lives.” electrichuman.com
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“A great gift with the right meaning can capture the energy flowing between people.” —Amanda Hayward
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PARK GEAR
BY {
ANGELA FAIRHURST
with the iconic National Geographic yellow border on the
National Park Service was created in 1916, it was tasked with
back, T-shirts, top-grain leather field pocket notebook and
leaving all landscapes and wildlife “unimpaired” for future
stainless-steel mug. All purchases from the Nat Geo x Parks
generations to enjoy. Over the decades, people, cars and
Project collection ($18-$80) support the National Geographic
climate change have made that mission increasingly difficult.
Society. With the mantra “Leave it better than you found it,’” the
to exploring, conserving and protecting America’s precious
Parks Project was born from a love of the outdoors and a
parklands. In collaboration with National Geographic, the
mission to promote, protect and preserve public lands. To
Parks Project, a California-based brand of outdoor apparel
date, Parks Project has contributed more than $250,000 to
and accessories, has released a capsule collection of 12
conservancies, funding projects such as habitat restoration,
items emblazoned with photographs of national parks from
animal conservation, educational initiatives and enhanced
the National Geographic archives.
visitor services. Collaborating with National Geographic was
Included are an oversized bandana, explorer hat, a
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The National Geographic Society has long been dedicated
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canvas travel pouch, stone-colored nylon windbreaker
were visited by 331 million people last year alone. When the
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The U.S. has 59 national parks covering 84 million acres that
a natural extension of these efforts. parksproject.us
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LEFT SIDE AD
This morning, from your Four Seasons Private Residence at Costa Palmas, you’ll overlook the yachts of the marina and village, see the vivid greens of the Robert Trent Jones II golf course, or gaze at two miles of beach and the calm, sparkling waters of the Sea of CortÊs. On a thousand acres of elemental luxury, the spirited adventure of life on a sea of dreams begins.
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SPAGO
BELLAGIO, LAS VEGAS, NV BY { BETH WEITZMAN
ALL THAT GLITTERS
Bet on sleek design, gorgeous views, fresh California fare and creative cocktails at Wolfgang Puck’s latest Vegas location.
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A new link in Wolfgang Puck’s flagship Spago chain is shining at the Bellagio Las Vegas, and it attracts stars like J.Lo. on the reg. Puck’s signature California cuisine brings farm-fresh ingredients sourced by Executive Chef Mark Andelbradt on weekly trips to the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Snag a seat at the bar and try a handcrafted cocktail like the Whole Lotta Love (Ketel One Citroen, Italicus liqueur, lychee puree and lemon juice). Then, opt to dine alfresco in front of the glowing Fountains of Bellagio, or inside the chic main dining room. The menu is filled with old-time faves (spicy tuna tartare in sesame-miso cones) and new additions (Crispy Skin Branzino with confit tomato vinaigrette, shaved fennel salad and French beans). Start with chilled seafood salad with poached lobster, squid and prawns, followed by a wood-oven pizza (wild mushroom, prosciutto and fig, or lamb fennel sausage) or fresh handmade pasta. Main courses feature a fresh seafood, all-natural meats and prime steaks. The veal Wiener schnitzel is not to be missed. Desserts are delectable, including The Strawberry (almond salted streusel, strawberry confit and micro basil) and Spiked Lemon (Japanese yuzu cream, chiffon cake and citrus mousse). 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV, 702.693.8181, bellagio.com
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CAL MARE
BEVERLY GROVE, LOS ANGELES, CA BY { BETH WEITZMAN PHOTOGRAPY BY { JAMES CARRIERE
COAST TO COSTA
Chefs Adam Sobel and Michael Mina are fusing the fare of the SoCal and Amalfi coasts.
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Cruise right up to the valet off Third Street and La Cienega in Beverly Grove, and steps away is the recently opened Cal Mare. Among the first of a new wave of culinary offerings at the reimagined Beverly Center, the restaurant is cleverly named for calmare (Italian for “calm”), and also combines the first three letters of California and the word mare (Italian for “sea”). How appropriate, since the menu pays homage to both the southern coasts of Amalfi, Italy, and California. A collab between MINA Group chef Adam Sobel and chef Michael Mina, Cal Mare has a bold design by Bishop Pass that flaunts bright turquoise décor, light wood floors, tall barreled ceilings, an open kitchen, large center bar and plenty of patio seating. With a focus on sourcing locally whenever possible, the menu includes fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, handmade pastas and brick-oven pizzas. For starters, try the amberjack crudo with green apple, nduja and lime; or grilled octopus with chickpeas, guanciale and lemon. Lobster spaghetti with toasted garlic, cherry tomatoes and Calabrian chili is wonderful, as is the classic grilled branzino with peewee potatoes and smoked butter. The beverage program features wines from southern Sicily, limoncello, craft cocktails and house-made Italian sodas. Daily happy hour specials, and weekly live music every Tues. and Fri. from 6-9 p.m. add to the experience. 8500 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 115, Los Angeles, CA, 424.332.4595, michaelmina.net
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INKO NITO
BEVERLY GROVE, LOS ANGELES, CA BY { BETH WEITZMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY { LIAM BROWN AND LATEEF OKUNNU
ALL FIRED UP
Inko Nito heats up West Third with its second outpost in the City of Angels.
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Backed by the London-based Zuma Group and already a fixture in the Downtown Arts District, the second L.A. location of Inko Nito has arrived in Beverly Grove, offering contemporary Japanese cuisine and robatayaki. The 130-seat industrial space, envisioned by local design firm Studio MAI, boasts natural wood, concrete accents, exposed beams and greenery. (Book the Atrium for a perfectly private dinner for up to 40 people.) The focal point, however, is the central robata grill surrounded by casual counter and communal seating. The menu is adventurous, featuring surprising twists in dishes such as Brussels sprouts with sesame furikake and wasabi mayo; yellowtail sashimi with mizuna, yuzu truffle dressing and crispy garlic; and panko fried chicken with chili garlic yogurt. Of course all types of charcoalgrilled protein skewers—scallops, pork belly, Wagyu beef, chicken—are available. Light faves include avocado and quinoa salad with edamame, green beans and apple-wasabi dressing; and Dungeness crab tartare with wasabi mayo, chicken skin and toasted nori. The beverage program boasts specialty cocktails like Mezcal Drift (Korean rice wine, sweet vermouth, plum sake, Campari), plus locally crafted wines. Discerning guests will love the secluded bar pod, where rare Japanese whiskies are poured. Next up, brunch is on the way. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 8338 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA, inkonitorestaurant.comcom
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WINDO
17TH ARRONDISSEMENT, PARIS, FRANCE BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { MATTHEW SHAW AND CASPAR MISKIN
LUMIÈRES DE LA NUIT
High above les belles rues of Paris, an elegant new cocktail lounge offers a sweeping view of the quintessentially romantic city.
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On the 34th floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, 140 meters above the City of Light, swanky bar Windo has just opened after a two-year renovation of the lofty space previously occupied by Bar La Vue. With a complete redesign by New York-based architect George Wong, la vue through the comfortable room’s gigantic windows is as magnifique as ever; it stretches from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, and encompasses Montparnasse Tower, the Bois de Boulogne and its stunning Fondation Louis Vuitton building, and nearly every other landmark on the beloved cityscape. Service is appropriately impeccable in this rarefied atmosphere, where signature cocktails with names like De Beauvoir and Madame Joséphine are mixed with exceptional ingredients (lavender, macadamia milk, coriander seeds); champagne toasts are made with Roederer and Billecart; and elegant finger foods prepared by chef Rafael Casás include vegan dumplings, bao burgers, fried matcha ice cream, and cheese that, in true French style, has been aged for 18 months. All are welcome to spend an evening sipping, savoring and gazing at the Parisian panorama. 3 Place du Général Koenig, windoparis.com
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Š2018 Ojai Valley Inn
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877.809.2801 OjaiResort.com
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Lawry’s famous prime rib (below) and spinning salad (right)
TABLE HOPPING
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Shining a spotlight on the dynamic culinary landscape of Los Angeles, the 15-day, biannual event known as dineL.A. is a highlight on every foodie’s social calendar. More than 400 restaurants across the city’s diverse neighborhoods—from San Pedro to Studio City, and Venice to Highland Park—are set to participate in this winter’s value-driven program by offering specially priced menus at lunch ($15-$25) and dinner ($29$49). Back by popular demand, the dineL.A. Exclusive Series (from $95) includes Providence, Spago Beverly Hills, The Royce, The Bazaar by José Andrés and many more of L.A.’s finest, most revered dining spots. Jan. 11-25, 2019. For info and reservations, visit dineLA.com. —Bonnie Davidson
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At Border Grill, Baja ceviche (above) and wild salmon (right) are stars.
Under the
SUN
Carnivores say “game on” at Saddle Peak Lodge.
In anticipation of the 11th anniversary of dineL.A., the country’s largest Restaurant Week program (set for January 2019), we asked event director Stacey Sun to dish about her top 11 favorite things to eat in the city. Dig in! 1.
You can eat like a college football player at The Lawry’s Prime Rib. Order the Lawry’s The Beef Bowl Cut, a double-sized cut with the rib bone, served to the Rose Bowl teams.
2.
L.A. has the largest Persian population outside of Iran. Go to Farsi Café on Westwood Boulevard for the drumstick kebabs.
3.
Border Grill sources all sustainable seafood
4.
Bar Verde Nordstrom at Westfield Century City
according to Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.
makes all of its pasta in-house and uses flour from Grist & Toll, a local artisan grain mill.
5.
The cheeseburger was invented in Pasadena. You
6.
Belcampo Santa Monica is female owned and one
can literally taste history at Green Street Tavern.
of the only restaurants in L.A. to raise, butcher and cook its own meat.
7.
Chaya invented tuna tartare, which you can still
8.
Some of Old Hollywood’s biggest stars, such as
9.
Pacific Dining Car started as an old rail car in
10.
Saddle Peak Lodge has the largest variety of wild
experience at Chaya Venice.
and bison.
A bicycle becomes decor (left) at M.B. Post (right), where lamb belly (above) is on the menu.
11.
The bacon butter cheddar buttermilk biscuit from M.B. Post has its own Facebook fan page.
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game that I know about in L.A., including emu, elk
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Downtown L.A. in 1921.
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Marlon Brando and Cary Grant, dined at Casa Vega.
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SEXY, UNIQUE AND REAL The setting for TV’s Vanderpump Rules, 20-yearold Hollywood hotspot SUR Restaurant and Lounge remains a celebrity magnet with a dashingly handsome, Argentina-born owner. BY { RACHEL
G
HILL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
uillermo Zapata moved from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles in 1992, intent on developing a career in acting and modeling. Alas, the entertainment industry wasn’t easy to crack. To make ends meet, he found a job washing dishes at former comfort food hotspot Cynthia’s Restaurant, where he quickly rose to manager. In 1998, an opportunity arose to invest in a small, discreet space on the iconic Robertson Boulevard. “Location is key and I knew that I had an opportunity to create something great,” recalls Zapata, who renovated the space and opened the widely popular West Hollywood eatery SUR (short for Sexy Unique Restaurant). In 2005, his restaurant caught the eye of entrepreneurs and reality TV stars Lisa Vanderpump (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and Ken Todd, who joined forces with Zapata to open SUR Lounge and cast the restaurant staff on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. After two decades in business and four expansions, the 8,000-plus square dining and after-dark venue continues to be the go-to haunt of A-list celebrities and celebrants alike. Zapata explains why.
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What does a typical day look like for you?
[I get an] early start with a family breakfast before taking my girls to school, exercising, working on my movie and TV projects with my partners, getting ready for SUR in the late afternoon. Showtime all evening at SUR Restaurant and Lounge, along with my fantastic crew. How would you define success?
Success is just a word. I don’t tell myself I am successful because I am always aiming for more! Who do you consider your greatest inspiration?
My father, a passionate man, is my inspiration.
How do you manage to stay on top in such a competitive space?
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I’ve always welcomed competition. It creates a buzz in the neighborhood and it pushes you to be creative and stay at the top of the game. Having our own TV show, Vanderpump Rules, has also helped us gain both national and international notoriety.
What’s your secret to success?
The secret recipe is creating an atmosphere where our guests feel like they have been invited into the dining room of their friend. The music is soothing, the lighting is perfectly dimmed, the scent of our own candles and the artifacts are transporting you away on an international journey. Tell us about the menu and specialties.
Our eclectic cuisine and exquisite cocktails will make you come back for more. How do you balance being a family man and running your own business?
Having my wife as my partner in life and as my business partner is definitely helping our family to be well balanced. For both of us, family comes first. How do you manage to stay in shape?
Fitness is part of daily discipline. It helps me to stay physically fit but also mentally focused. From energy release in the boxing ring, to concentration and meditation at taekwondo or fun on the tennis court, fitness is a way of life for me.
SUR is now open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, featuring a delicious menu and live DJs from around the world. Personally, I am very excited to go back to my first love, acting. I am currently producing a TV series. Tango G Amargo, and a feature film, Cat Revenge.
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What’s next for SUR and for you?
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Stay consistent and focused. Patience is key and success doesn’t come overnight. A great quote from Zig Zigler: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
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What advice do you have for an aspiring restaurateur?
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BIGGER IS BETTER:
SUITE BATHROOMS Expansive yet private, the grandest luxury hotel lavatories are spa destinations in themselves.
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BY { ANGELA
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FAIRHURST
CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON Westminster, London In the heart of Westminster, wedged between Trafalgar Square, the Royal Horse Guards and the River Thames, is the Corinthia Hotel London, the hotel for those who like to be immersed in both luxury and all the action. The striking triangularshaped stucture was originally built in 1885 and renovated in 2011. With only a few top-tier suites available in London, the huge, luxurious bathrooms found in the Corinthia’s seven ultra-posh Penthouses are real standouts. Each of the opulent guest residences, built within the soaring turrets of the grand Victorian building, has its own distinct style, shape and hand-crafted
finishes, and every bathroom has a unique marble or granite heated floor. The Royal Penthouse has its own mini spa, wine cellar and garden terrace views of the London Eye. Its bathroom is finished in honey onyx and Skyros marble; the mosaic walls and floors are most striking, especially the thin vertical strip tile behind the long oval freestanding Apaiser stone bath. The walk-in shower is rounded, with a seat. The most extraordinary touch in this bathroom is an enclosed gas fireplace. As the hotel is home to the flagship ESPA Life store and four-floor flagship spa, all bathrooms are outfitted with products by ESPA Life. corinthia.com/en/hotels/london
HOTEL ADLON KEMPINSKI
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GUENNEL
Berlin, Germany With its fabulous location next to the famous Brandenburg Gate, the luxurious dĂŠcor and stellar service of the legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski make for an ideal stay when visiting Berlin. The classic building on Unter den Linden Boulevard has 307 guest rooms and 78 suites, with all the hotel floors and halls bordered in limestone. Designed by Ezra Attia Associates of London and AB Living Designs of Sweden, a heavy focus was placed on the ample-size guest bathrooms. The walls and doors are made of mahogany
and the vanities and tubs are faced with cherry wood. There are double vanities, a separate steam shower, bathtub, heated towel racks, an integrated multifunctional dressing table with triple mirrors that make it easy to see the back of your head when blow-drying your hair, and a separate powder room adjoining the main bathing space. The Royal Suite and Presidential Suites take it a step further with the addition of spa features, such as a dry sauna. kempinski.com/en/berlin/hotel-adlon
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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Opened in 2017, the $150 million beachfront oasis Grand Velas Los Cabos is located on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The resort merges with its surrounding landscape of luscious beaches, rocky outcroppings, desert and deep blue sea. Ricardo Elias, principal of Elias and Elias Architects in Guadalajara, designed the half-moon-shaped building with a three-story-high open-air grand entrance, more than 300 feet above sea level. All 304 ocean view suites are more than 1,180 square feet and have private terraces and dramatic ocean views. Offering a contemporary Mexican design and an immense open floor plan, the bathrooms of the Imperial Suite feature elements that blend indoors with
outdoors. The beige represents the desert while the blues are for the sea. The master bathroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows onto the sea. The seated relaxation area poised in front of the windows is a personal favorite. The bathroom features a Jacuzzi® Fuzion® tub that is double-sized at 360 square feet! There is a full-body, 657-square-foot shower system with a Porcelanosa® Nk Logic® head and temperature knobs; smart Toto Neorest™ toilets with tornado flush, adjustable heated seat and air deodorizer; and a large dressing area. L’Occitane bath products round out the numerous over-the-top amenities. Grand Velas Los Cabos is a new kind of all-inclusive resort, with top-notch luxury and high-end food options. loscabos.grandvelas.com
PHOTO BY GASTON ARELLANO
GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS
HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE Athens, Greece
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to match its storied history. The Royal Suite is the owner’s personal paradise, with one of the most decadent bathrooms imaginable—a massive, private sanctuary with two walkin closets, a massage table and a gym, illuminated by an antique chandelier. The rare blue marble soaking tub with massage jets sits regally in the middle of the room, surrounded by a chaise lounge, two ottomans, a double sink and marble vanity and an ornate fulllength mirror. There is a glass enclosed steam shower with three overhead rain showerheads and a marble chaise, so guests can recline under the running water while watching the flat-screen television. Molton Brown bath amenities complete the experience. marriott. c om/hotel s/travel/athlc -hotel-grandebretagne-a-luxury-collection-hotel-athens
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Located in Athens’ city center, across from Parliament and with an epic view of the Acropolis, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is not simply a luxury hotel; it is an institution in itself. Ever since opening its doors to receive the first visitor in 1874, the Grande Bretagne has been a point of reference in the social, political and economic life of Greece’s capital city and, by extension, the entire country. The property, originally a wealthy businessman’s private mansion, housed the first modern Olympic organizers in 1896. A decade ago, it took approximately 82 million euros to turn it into the exquisite, state-of-the-art, five-star hotel it is today. Reconstructed from top to bottom, designers from Hirsch Bedner Associates renovated the hotel’s interiors, including 290 rooms and 31 suites,
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INTERVIEW BY { BETH
WEITZMAN EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON PORTRAIT AND ART PHOTOS BY { JOHN RUSSO
Ladies FIRST
Welcome to the newly renovated Hotel Figueroa, a hip DTLA destination with a most important herstory.
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Attracted to its prime location in downtown L.A., real estate investor/developer Brad Hall and partners purchased a 14-story Spanish colonial property in 2013. Through vintage photographs, newspaper clippings and research conducted by a social anthropologist, he soon discovered the building actually occupies an extremely colorful place in women’s history. In 1926, it was founded by 11 forwardthinking women as a YWCA—an elegant home away from home for female travelers, as well as a hub for the exchange of feminist ideas and female empowerment. “We’re a steward of this place,” says Hall, joint owner— along with GreenOak Real Estate and brothers Jack and Mark van Hartesvelt—of Hotel Figueroa, which recently reopened in the landmark building after a two-year, multimillion-dollar rejuvenation. “We have a great opportunity to create its rebirth, as well as an obligation to tribute its history and the original women who built it.” The property, now a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, deftly marries the past with the luxurious present. “This has become pretty much a project of passion for me,” notes Hall.
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Tell me about the hotel’s beginnings.
The owner was a family trust, which loaned the women of the YWCA the money to build the hotel. Construction started in September of 1925 and it was completed in August of 1926. Unfortunately, the stock market crashed [in 1929] and the women ended up losing the property. The family took back ownership but insisted that the women continue to operate it as a YWCA. There were a number of firsts here. This was the first hotel of this size (originally with 409 rooms) that was built by women. It was the largest investment by women in the United States at the time, a whopping $1.25 million, with another $250,000 dollars spent on furnishings. This was also the first hotel to be managed by a woman, Maude Bouldin. She was a woman of big personality, a real firecracker. She flew airplanes from the East Coast to the West Coast. She rode motorcycles. And she liked to
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race motorcars against men, because she knew she could beat them. Alison Van Pelt did the painting of Maude [at the hotel’s entrance] with such precision that many people think it’s a photo. When the hotel opened [in the 1920s], it became a mecca of artistic and social energy. The space was designed in a way that empowered women. It was built so that they could conduct
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business and social meetings. The women were very progressive
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and courageous. They would host political debates. They would gather to discuss and debate sexism, racism and other social justice issues. They also were big supporters of the art community here in Los Angeles. They hosted salons for artists and musicians.
How do you incorporate art into Hotel Figueroa today?
The art program was put together as a way to pay tribute to the women who built this hotel, to what they were trying to accomplish—giving women a platform for their art. For our rooms, we probably met with and viewed the art of over 50 L.A.-based artists, with help from Tiffiny Lendrum, our art consultant. Our Artist-in-Residence program also supports the art community; we have a suite that artists live and work in for 90 days, and we display their art. Seulgi Burns, our director of experience, comes from an artistic background and experience at Chateau Marmont. Due to her relationships, we’ve had such an outpouring of wellestablished and sought-after artists who want to do a residency here. Our first artist was Estevan Oriol, recognized as one of the world’s top street photographers. We were very fortunate and happy to have him.
Who was on your design team for the renovation?
The architect is Rocky Rockefeller of Rockefeller Kempel
Shangri-La Construction was our general contractor.
Can you describe the redesign?
It’s kind of like this: Today, in the music scene, you’re seeing With the hotel, we wanted to follow the same concept, taking the original, the look and feel of it, and mixing it with the aesthetics of today. We’re not doing a historic renovation, but the hotel today is very similar to what it originally was. We did plaster on
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songs from the ’60s or ’70s remixed by a new, talented artist.
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design was done by Studio Collective out of Santa Monica.
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Architects. Rocky specializes in historic buildings. Our interior
the walls again and painted them close to the original colors, to
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get the authentic feel. We used wood and custom millwork close to what we saw in the original hotel. The updated furnishings give the hotel a more modern look. When we bought the hotel, there were about 288 rooms, and we reduced that [to 268] so that we could combine some of the very small hotel rooms into larger rooms as well as a variety of individualized suites.
What’s the signficance of the emblem above the iconic fireplace? We found this emblem throughout the hotel, basically an inverted triangle. It was above the doorways when you walked in, on the fireplace in the Grand Ballroom and in a couple of other locations on the exterior of the building. We found that it was part of the YWCA, an emblem of female strength. We worked very diligently to preserve all of those original emblems.
What are you hoping to achieve with your restaurants?
The vast majority of travelers who stay at a boutique hotel look for a unique local experience. Do you ask the concierge, “Where do all the tourists go?” No, you ask, “Where do the locals go?” We want and bars] and our public spaces to be as much a reflection of the Lane, our chef, is a four-time James Beard nominated chef. Our cocktail program is led by Dushan Zaric. We’re going to be rolling out a program which will provide a very high-end cocktail experience. We’ve got some very high-quality and rare spirits and liquor; the like and don’t like and create a cocktail based on that.
What’s next for you?
This gave me the bug for the hotel and hospitality business. I’m
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bartender and the mixologist will talk with guests about what they
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neighborhood as possible, a true downtown L.A. experience. Casey
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the food and beverage program [a collection of six restaurants
exploring the idea of urban camping, very high-end, rooftop within the city. Also, I think in Wine Country there’s a need for higherquality boutique hotel experiences that combine not only the wine with the food, but also with a cocktail program. I’m seeking some more projects like this.
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Com’è DOLCE BY { BETH
WEITZMAN
We head to the newly remodeled The Palazzo at The Venetian Las Vegas for 48 hours of nonstop fun while checking out its creative cocktail venues, world-class dining, spacious guest suites and innovative digital art installations.
THE POOL AT THE PALAZZO
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I
arrive at the recently renovated The Palazzo at The Venetian Las Vegas Resort with high anticipation for the updated offerings awaiting me. I check in at the VIP
lounge and am immediately welcomed with a glass of prosecco and delicious cookies. I am even more delighted to find that the VIP lounge also offers cocktails, coffee and snacks pretty much around the clock. Among the many things I’ve always liked about The Palazzo at The Venetian is its central location on the Strip. With its design evolution comes reimagined spacious guest suites, a remodeled casino floor, new dining and cocktailing hot spots, and personalized service through Prestige at The Palazzo, the hotel’s elevated luxury club-level experience. Another
reason
to
love
accommodations—totaling
The
Palazzo
3,066—which
is have
its all
all-suite been
renovated to an absolutely gorgeous state. I enter my room and am awestruck by the large space with separate bedroom and living room featuring floor-to-ceiling glass with breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip. A nice-size couch makes chilling easy, while a large desk allows for perching a laptop. My favorite part of the room, though, is the expansive all-marble bathroom with 20-inch LCD HDTV, Roman tub, glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, makeup area and separate water closet. While it will have to wait until later in the night, the comfy bed, fitted with Egyptian cotton bed linens, is very inviting, as is the Pillow Menu which presents options including type of fill, body pillow and neck roll. I head down to the casino floor, the epicenter of The Palazzo, and can’t help but notice the overhead electric ribbon of changing colors. New marble pathways decorated with historic Italian patterns and medallions lead from one area to another. I make a stop at Waterfall Atrium for an exclusive welcome reception for the weekend’s special invited guests (myself included) showcasing cocktails from Mott 32, set to debut in December 2018. The soon-to-open restaurant will feature a modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine, offering both Cantonese and Szechuan fine-dining delights. Designed by Hong Kong-based Joyce Wang Studio, this will be the third Mott 32 restaurant in
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the world (and the first in the United States). From here, we head to the new Electra Cocktail Club, which is as glamorous and energetic as it sounds. The anchor space at the center of the casino floor, it joins two other cocktail bars, the sophisticated Dorsey and the romantic Rosina, to complete the holy trinity of libations known as The Venetian Cocktail Collective. The sultry design of Electra includes a digital display that spans 40 feet and serves as the focal point. It features original art with rotating content themes that unfold throughout the evening. The chic 127-seat bar, designed by Chicago-based Simeone Deary Design Group, exudes warmth with brass, granite, etched metals, custom wall coverings and a chandelier with more than 1,200 points of light. We relax on one of the large tufted sofas in the center of the bar; for privacy seekers, there are more secluded spots with custom lounge chairs along the perimeter. The bar program, conceived by noted barman 132
Sam Ross, focuses on rums, agricoles and mezcals, with lively cocktails that trend toward tropical flavor profiles.
THE AQUATIC CLUB
ELECTRA COCKTAIL CLUB
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THE TROUBLE MAKER AT ELECTRA COCKTAIL CLUB
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ROSINA
CHICA
PALAZZO LUXURY SUITE
SUGARCANE After cocktailing for a couple hours, we head to Chica to enjoy some delectable light bites at the bar, including mouthwatering chicken chicharrones, grilled corn lollipops, grilled Peruvian octopus and pulled pork tacos. The restaurant by Latina celebrity chef Lorena Garcia is known for its Venezuelan, Peruvian, Brazilian, Mexican and Argentinian-influenced menu and it doesn’t disappoint. After a full night, the spacious suite beckoned and it was time for sleep. Eight hours flew by and before we knew it, we were relaxing poolside at The Aquatic Club in a luxurious cabana while enjoying tasty tidbits (pizza, burgers and chips), delicious Bloody Marys and entertaining tunes spun by the DJ. In true Vegas style, we went from one cocktail experience to another. The afternoon brought with it an Art of the Cocktail class at Rosina, hosted by barman Sam Ross and Philippa Fryman, vice president of food
BLACKTAP
and beverage at The Venetian and The Palazzo. Mixologists Juyoung Kang, Evan Hosaka and Armando Conway gave us a step-by-step lesson in mixing signature cocktails from The Venetian Cocktail Collective. A full day of drinking calls for a decadent dinner, and we opted for Sugarcane. Showcasing globally inspired small plates from
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the raw bar, grill and traditional kitchen, it cured our cravings. Some faves: mini Maine lobster rolls, hamachi crudo, king crab leg, Brussels sprouts with orange and sweet soy, Japanese fried chicken with sriracha aioli and scallions, and sizzling cast-iron domestic Wagyu with asparagus, mushrooms and truffle ponzu. The Venetian and The Palazzo are home to more than 40 restaurants—the most offered under one hotel roof anywhere in the world. The impressive array includes Yardbird (southern comfort food with a modern twist), Once (from acclaimed Los Angeles chef Ricardo Zarate, a one-of-a-kind Peruvian Nikkei dining experience), Bouchon (Thomas Keller’s modern French restaurant) and Black Tap (crazy-good craft burgers, salads, super-sized creative milkshakes, craft beer and cocktails,
will be DTLA’s The Factory Kitchen. After dinner, we hit the casino floor and tried our luck at blackjack until we couldn’t keep our eyes open any longer. While there, we The Palazzo—a 12,000-square-foot lounge located on the 23rd floor offering exclusive amenities for guests who book a Prestige suite, including complimentary prosecco, a daily continental breakfast, afternoon coffee and tea, evening cocktail reception
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chatted with some guests who raved about the new Prestige at
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Joining the stellar roster of rave-worthy restaurants in December
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imagined by Vegas veterans Chris Barish and chef Joe Isidori).
with complimentary alcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres, and more. Note to self: Next time, stay in a Prestige suite, relax at The
BOSINA SECRET JULIP
Venetian’s Canyon Ranch Spa and get some retail therapy at the Grand Canal Shoppes. 3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV,
702.607.7777, palazzo.com
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LUXE GETAWAY
ON THE BIG BAY Welcome to the newly renovated Hotel BY { BY MISTY MILIOTO with a Figueroa, a hip DTLA destination most important herstory.
After a significant renovation and expansion, the iconic Kona Kai Resort & Spa re-emerges as a modern jewel of San Diego’s Shelter Island.
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nce a playground for celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry Lewis and President John F. Kennedy, the historic Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort, is a legend reborn, thanks to a recently revealed $13 million expansion. The resort, which also underwent a $14 million renovation to existing spaces in July 2015, now boasts 170 luxury guest rooms (including 41 brand-new suites) and amenities that are unique to its waterfront location and rich history. At the tip of Shelter Island, only 10 minutes away from the San Diego Airport and the happening Downtown Gaslamp District, Kona Kai Resort & Spa is a prime getaway in San Diego Bay. The resort’s new luxury suites consist of eight Coastal Revival Suites and 33 Endless Summer Suites—each conceptualized by renowned Seattle-based interior design firm Degen & Degen. Standout design features include hand-hewn wooden ceiling beams; spa-inspired bathrooms with dual vanities, deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers; and oversized balconies. The Coastal Revival Suites highlight the resort’s ocean setting with modern wood furnishings, including a double-sided fireplace and private balcony. Meanwhile, the Endless Summer Suites are outfitted with double-sided fireplaces, and brilliant pops of orange and red. Each room features 420 square feet of living space and a private balcony with views of the marina or pool, while the two largest suites offer 645 square feet. Amenities at the intimate resort include a private beach (the only private beach in San Diego where alcohol can be served); two heated outdoor swimming pools (the new Paloma Pool and Bar is adults-only with beautiful private cabanas); and Vessel Restaurant + Bar (helmed by chef Roy Hendrickson, featuring a menu of California comfort fare, a circular bar, an outdoor patio and private dining room offering 180-degree views of the marina). Kona Kai Resort & Spa also features the 7,020-square-foot award-winning SpaTerre (try a massage in the heated quartz sand bed—one of only 16 in the United States and the only one in San Diego); a state-of-the-art fitness center with daily fitness classes; 55,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space; and 518 marina boat slips ranging in length from 30 feet to 250 feet. The resort also offers sailboats, speedboats, paddleboards and Jet Skis for rent; complimentary beach cruiser bicycles on which to explore the 10-mile Shelter Island; a Kid’s Club; and nightly s’mores at the private beach.
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The pet-friendly resort also offers the new IslandPaws program ($150 additional per night), which includes a pet bed for use each night during the stay; pet water and food bowls; a special welcome amenity with treats; a dog-walking map; dog in-room dining options through the resident Bark Butler; and mobile grooming services. 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, 619.221.8000, resortkonakai.com
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Then there’s the renowned private Kona Kai Club, wherein members have access to the property for a one-time initiation fee of $2,500 and monthly dues. Once highly regarded as the crème de la crème of San Diego’s private clubs, Kona Kai Club offers a private lounge; invitations to all exclusive members-only parties and events; reserved poolside and private beach cabanas; reserved members-only poolside sun loungers; unlimited access to the fitness center and group exercise classes; two complimentary guest passes per month; and more.
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OUT AND ABOUT
Three reasons to venture beyond Kona Kai Resort & Spa.
Balboa Park is the nation’s largest urban cultural park in North America (at 12,000 acres), thanks to its 17 museums, lush gardens and world-famous San Diego Zoo all located within its borders. The park, which began in 1868 and is named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, is home to highly ornamental Spanish Colonial-revival style architecture, numerous art installations and cultural events that are held throughout the year. Don’t miss the Museum of Man, The San Diego Museum of Art and the Botanical Building. balboapark.org Born & Raised, helmed by two-Michelin starred chef and partner Jason McLeod, is one of the hottest new restaurants in San Diego. The $6.5 million, two-story steakhouse, is best known for its dry-aged beef, duck and pork, and the incredible tableside service. Every inch of the restaurant Arsalun Tafazoli, founder of CH Projects, to design a space Sleek walnut plumes cover the first floor with brass inlays, while camel-colored leather booths fill the comfortable space. The rooftop has a club-like feel and reservations are
Liberty Station is a 361-acre waterfront urban village that served as a former Naval Training Center. Today, it is home to a variety of art galleries, local shops, restaurants, cultural activities and public parks. Be sure to stop by the
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a hot commodity on both levels. bornandraisedsteak.com
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that combines both midcentury and art deco elements.
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was custom designed and built. Basile Design worked with
new Liberty Public Market, a 22,000-square-foot artisan market with more than 30 local specialty purveyors, such as Rakiraki Ramen, Wicked Maine Lobster and Bottlecraft.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS
ALOHA for all seasons WRITTEN BY { MISTY
MILIOTO RUSSO
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS
PHOTOS BY { JOHN
Four Seasons Hawaii, Maui
Upholding a venerable brand’s commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
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Guest suites include the Elite Oceanfront Suites, which come complete with a selection of fine wines curated by sommelierto-the-stars Christian Navarro of Wally’s Wine & Spirits of Beverly Hills. Special guest experiences include the Ultimate Pairing Dinner (a private, multicourse dinner designed around wine preferences selected during a consultation with a sommelier and chef) and Beyond the Bottle (in which guests meet winemakers and take private winery tours).
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Nestled on 15 oceanfront acres in Wailea, minutes from championship golf courses and luxury boutiques, Four Seasons Hawaii, Maui, is an ideal respite from hectic city life. The eightstory, 383-room hotel (76 rooms are suites) features interiors by San Francisco-based Brayton Hughes Design Studio with a focus on contemporary tropical Hawaiian motifs, koa-inspired wood furnishings and a contemporary Hawaiian art collection including numerous paintings and sculptures. Meanwhile, buildings surround a formal courtyard with fountains and waterfalls—leading to an oceanfront pool complex and beach— with swaying palm trees throughout, leaving guests with an immediate sense of relaxation.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS
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Recreational activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, tennis (and lessons with a superknowledgeable pro), golf and more. The new infinity-edge Serenity Pool offers panoramic views of the island of Lana’i and the West Maui mountain range. There are two additional saltwater pools, plus a 5,700-square-foot fitness facility with Pacific Ocean views. Be sure to try tai chi on the beach for a relaxing, invigorating experience. fourseasons.com/maui
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Of course, the food here is incredible as well, with three onsite restaurants—Spago, Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante and DUO— all offering locally sourced ingredients. The view at Spago is
amazing, especially when paired with the ginger macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi. Meanwhile, the rigatoni with Italian sausage can’t be beat at Ferraro’s, and the 48 hour bone-in short rib at DUO is also pretty spectacular.
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Relaxation is at the heart of the resort, with a spa that features 13 indoor treatment rooms and three oceanfront hales. Located amongst tropical gardens and water fountains, the spa is designed as a peaceful retreat, featuring plenty of natural light, a color palette inspired by Maui’s golden-sand beaches and aqua blue Pacific Ocean, natural bamboo accents and modern Hawaiian artwork. Treatments, which include the signature Hawaiian Healing Wrap, the Lomi Pohaku massage and the Ultimate Cocoon body treatment, can also be enjoyed poolside.
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TRAVEL NOTES OF A
TOKYO FIRST-TIMER Follow our tireless traveler as she checks into the Hyatt Centric Ginza and explores Tokyo’s most glamorous district. BY { BETH
A
WEITZMAN
lthough I’ve done my fair share of traveling to distant corners of the world, saying I was excited about my first trip to Japan is a colossal understatement. The destination had long been on my bucket list, and thanks to an invitation to
the new Hyatt Centric Ginza, part of Hyatt’s fastest growing brand, the time to visit had arrived. While flight time from L.A. to Tokyo is relatively short (about 11.5 hours), the time difference is significant; Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. I landed at Haneda International Airport (closer to Tokyo’s city center than Narita International Airport) in the late afternoon with prearranged transportation to the hotel, which is about a 40-minute car ride away but can also be reached by train.
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As a hotel junkie, I thrive on experiencing new, innovative brands. As part of the three lifestyle brands of the Hyatt family of hotels (which also includes Andaz and The Unbound Collection), Hyatt Centric hotels focus on exploration, discovery and authenticity, and were created for millennial-minded travelers who love being in the middle of the action. Much as the name suggests, Hyatt Centric Ginza—the first Hyatt Centric hotel in the Asian-Pacific region—is situated in the center of Ginza, a district of Chūō, Tokyo, on elegant Namiki-dori street, adjacent to Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Similar to Fifth Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, this area is a shopping mecca, home to virtually every premier brand name for fashion, beauty and technology on the planet. Plus, there are more than 4,000 restaurants, izakayas, lounges, coffee, tea and beer houses of all sizes and types (including 24 total Michelin-starred places), not to mention must-see cultural spots. During Japan’s economic bubble from 1986 to 1992, real estate here was the most expensive in the world. Today Ginza remains one of Tokyo’s most highend and desirable commercial areas, exuding both modernity and old Tokyo charm.
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From 1612 to 1800, Ginza (meaning “silver mint” in Japanese)
the city’s vibrant energy. While a well-dressed bed beckons me
was the site of a silver coin mint. The area was also formerly
to take a nap, I head straight to the spa-like bathroom, where
the headquarters for newspaper and magazine publishers.
toiletries are made by BeeKind (an environmentally-conscious
Today, the 12-story, boutique-style hotel occupies what was
line that donates a portion of its proceeds to the University
the first Tokyo office of The Asahi Shimbun Company, one of
of California, Davis, honeybee research program). Not only do
five national newspapers, founded in 1888.
the products smell great (fresh lemon verbena), but I feel great using them knowing the company gives back. Love that!
Throughout the 164-room-and-suite property, Tokyo-based interior design firm Strickland, headed up by Yohei Akao, pays
The open bathroom design features a separate water closet
homage to the building’s history and neighborhood with eye-
boasting a state-of-the-art Toto toilet and vanity center
catching design and art.
complete with sink and mirror on one side and mini-barstyle convenience area on the other. Nespresso machine, amenities. Attention is paid to advanced in-room technology
gathering spot with comfy seating, book cases filled with
with Bluetooth-enabled electronics, touch-controlled blackout
interesting volumes, and huge abstract art screens that
shades, perfectly placed light switches and outlets, and salon-
change scenes and vibe from morning (bright colors) to night
grade hairdryers.
(black and white). Communal tables, super-fast Wi-Fi and fruitI unpack and head down to the Namiki667 bar and lounge to
down to the third floor, where locals and hotel guests alike are
meet my fellow invitees and our hotel hosts—General Manager
imbibing at the bar and indulging at the signature restaurant,
Tadanori
Namiki667, both of which I will visit as soon as I freshen up in
Mayuko Asai, Marketing Communications Coordinator Maiko
my room.
Mitsuhashi, Hyatt Global Communications Manager Gloria
Uchiyama,
Marketing
Communications
Manager
Kennett and Simona Meynekhdrun of Golin Public Relations, In a nod to the building’s history, artworks in the hallway leading
who made my first trip to Tokyo most memorable. While having
to my guestroom have a printing motif. My smartly appointed,
hosts like these is indeed very special, the entire Hyatt Centric
nicely sized room fuses tradition and innovation, and reflects
brand is known for helping guests make memories. From
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infused water on tap make it easy to do work here. I peer
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tea kettle and refrigerator with bottled water add to the
split-level lobby lounge that doubles as a check-in area and
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A warm multilingual staff greets me on the fourth floor, in the
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restaurant recommendations to hard-to-get reservations to the scoop on local gems, they take concierge service seriously and help guests enjoy an authentic local experience, rather than a totally touristy one (unless that’s what you want, of course). They are always happy to share their intel and experience. We get to know one another over signature cocktails featuring Japan’s Roku craft gin, then make our way into the restaurant, where we’re seated at a large communal table in front of the open kitchen. There’s also an outdoor terrace, which is somewhat unique for the area. Fresh local ingredients are the stars of chef Hayasaka’s delicious culinary creations, including beautifully prepared fish from the Tsukiji Market, Akigawa Wagyu beef, a variety of oven-based slow-cook specialties and super-fresh produce. Japanese wine paired with each course adds to the experience, as does the delicious dessert of Tokyo, rum baba with pineapple and vanilla ice cream. After dinner, jet lag sets in and I sink into my room’s comfy bed.
arranged yoga class in collaboration with lululemon on the terrace of the 12th floor Namiki suite, overlooking Namiki-dori street.
croissant eggs Benedict cooked on the teppanyaki grill in the suite’s full-sized teppan kitchen. The suite also has a full-sized dining and living room and spacious bedroom—perfect when you want grander accommodations. On the following mornings, we enjoy a yummy buffet breakfast at Namiki667, with both Japanese and Western options including fresh fish, made-to-order omelets, salad, cheese, meats, pastries and fresh fruit. In addition to breakfast and dinner, lunch
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We say “namaste” and dig into a delicious breakfast, featuring coconut French toast and
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smoke-free. I head to the fitness center for a quick workout before heading to a specially-
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I wake in the morning feeling refreshed, happy that the hotel is very quiet and all rooms are
is also served at the restaurant, and room service is available.
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GINZA
Hyatt Centric Ginza’s prime location leaves you with more things to do than time will likely permit. The neighborhood is just about two square kilometers, divided into eight sections, one through eight. Ginza Station, about a three-minute walk, offers access to multiple lines including the Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Ginza lines. Also a short walk from the hotel is the Yurakucho area brimming with izakayas and the JR Yurakucho station. Just a subway or quick taxi ride away are financial districts like Marunouchi and Nihonbashi, Shinbashi and Roppong business and entertainment districts, Omotesando, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa and more. Here are some of my favorite discoveries:
PRINTING PRESS FLASHBACK It’s not every day that you get to see the tradition of block printing. Local letterpress printing company Nakamura Katsuji, a family-run business, has been operating in Ginza since 1910. Once surrounded by other printing shops and newspaper offices, it is now one of the only letterpress companies left in Ginza.
PHOTO BY { BETH WEITZMAN
SEE/DO/EAT
TEMPLES & SHRINES Shrines and temples, many centuries old, are scattered
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to absorb and participate in the local culture. Visitors may join in by making an offering and saying a prayer for good luck and fortune. Not-to-miss spots include the Meiji Shrine, one of the most popular, located in Shibuya. This Shinto shrine, surrounded by Yoyogi Park, is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Also memorable are Sensōji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest, a historic landmark that was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy; and Zojoji Buddhist Temple, surrounded by tall towers including the closeby Tokyo Tower, partly made famous by its appearance in The
Wolverine in 2013.
PHOTO BY { SARA HANNA PHOTOGRAPHY
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throughout the city, offering a peaceful respite, a moment
FORGET TEXTS AND EMAILS They had me at “kon’nichiwa” at Ginza Itoya, the 12-story flagship location of the well-known stationery and gift emporium. First opened in 1904 as a stationery specialty store, it now boasts theme-specific floors including letter and desk, schedule, travel, home, fine paper and craft, plus a business lounge and farm where vegetables are grown for its top-floor cafe. Whether or not you’re into pens and paper, it’s a must-see, and the perfect place to pick up cool gifts—pens from about $1 to $10,000; notebooks of every size and color; and traditional and modern Japanese items,
ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY { BETH WEITZMAN
such as origami and washi paper, and so much more!
CUTEST LITTLE COFFEE SHOP
EAT RAMEN…AND LOTS OF IT
We enjoy experiencing the art of artisanal Japanese coffee
Tons of local ramen shops are situated close to the hotel.
at Bongen Coffee, a cozy, stylish, tucked-away spot.
A few nearby favorites are Kyusyu Jangara (tonkotsu ramen), Yakiagoshio Ramen Takahashi (pork bone and fish-broth-based, and salt and soy sauce ramen), and Mugi & Olive (clam, chicken and sardine broth-based ramen). Delish!
are some amazing hidden gems, such as Kobikicho Yoshiya. Founded in 1922 behind the Kabukiza Theater, the Japanese confectionary shop has been making traditional
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Tucked away on the small streets and alleyways of Ginza
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JAPANESE SWEETS dorayaki for more than 90 years. Major brands turn to selected to be an official omiyage (souvenir) at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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Yoshiya and staff for custom-branded sweets, and was
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What a treat it was to dine omakase style at the sushi bar at Tsurutokame, watching the all-female sushi chefs in action. Conveniently located in a building right across the street from the hotel, this fabulous place is always serving up super fresh sushi and delicacies like turtle soup.
ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY { SARA HANNA PHOTOGRAPHY
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OMAKASE DINING
LEFT PHOTO BY { BETH WEITZMAN RIGHT PHOTO BY { SARA HANNA PHOTOGRAPHY
TO MARKET, TO MARKET A major tourist attraction, Tsukiji Fish Market, which just moved to Toyosu, is the world’s greatest fish market (sorry, Pike Place in Seattle). The best chefs and restaurants around the world source their fish here. At auction, a single tuna can sell for up to $30,000. Fruits, vegetables and housewares are also available. Around the corner, Ban-ya Seafood Barbeque is a fun spot for lunch; you pick your fresh fish, vegetables and meats and cook them up right on your table.
MALL WALKING Opened in spring 2017, Ginza Six is the district’s largest shopping complex. It deserves several hours of your time. The architecture, the detail and the design are breathtaking. Truly, it’s one of the most beautiful shopping centers I’ve seen. The super-luxe, modern shopping mall houses the most famous food and designer brands (Dior, Rolex and Valentino, to name a few). While there, head to The Mixology Salon (13th floor) to learn how to make Tokyo’s world-famous tea-infused cocktails and spirits; explore designer Jotaro Saito’s kimono shop, the only Tokyo location of the Kyoto brand featuring the famous designer’s contemporary patterns and bold prints; and get lost in the Tsutaya bookshop. Then chill out on the rooftop garden with views of Ginza and the Tokyo Skytree. Finish the experience at the Noh Theater (basement level).
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PHOTO BY { BETH WEITZMAN
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AUTHENTIC FINDS Three minutes on foot from Ginza Station on the Marunouchi/ Hibiya Line, you’ll immediately notice the Tokyu Plaza Ginza building’s exterior, adorned with a motif of Japanese traditional art of Edo Kiriko cut glass. How could you not? It’s stunningly gorgeous! Here you’ll find a couple of floors of luxury shops, four floors with local brands and genuine Japanese goods (check out Hands Expo on floor 7), and two floors of dining. Both the eighth and ninth floors are duty-free zones for visitors. In the rooftop garden, you can get great photos of the Ginza crossing and all surrounding buildings.
PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY { BETH WEITZMAN
ORGANIC COCKTAILS One thing’s for sure: You won’t simply stumble upon Bar Yunagi, the Holy Grail of cocktails, located in a basement in Ginza. (Thank you, team Hyatt Centric Ginza, for pointing us in the right direction!) Owner and bartender Toshiyuki Kamiki mixes up some of the tastiest cocktails around. Decked out in traditional Japanese dress and armed with knowledge about fresh ingredients from his days working for an agricultural cooperative, he is very particular about his organic fruits and vegetables, which resulted in one of the best Bloody Marys I’ve ever had. The gin and tonic and mojitos got rave reviews
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from others in our group.
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DEPARTMENTAL SHOPPING The Matsuya Ginza department store offers cool fashion, beauty, home goods and amazing food floor with offerings such as Bulgari Chocolate as well as an art gallery among its 10 floors. Free Wifi makes shopping that much more of a pleasure.
HOUSE OF HERMÈS Designed by Renzo Piano in collaboration with Takenaka PHOTO BY { COURTESY OF HERMES
Corporation and completed in 2001, The Maison de Hermès is the flagship store and corporate headquarters of Hermès. It is a 65,000-square-foot wonderland comprised of retail, exhibition areas, multimedia quarters, workshop space, offices and a peaceful rooftop garden.
PUB HOPPING The local izakaya experience is found along the railway underpass from the Ginza Corridor-gai to Shimbashi. Lined with very local, tiny izakaya pubs and unmapped eateries, this
PHOTO BY BETH WEITZMAN
is where the after-work crowd is often found.
PHOTO BY { BETH WEITZMAN
find numerous performances throughout the year, a gallery and shop. The Shiseido Gallery, which opened its doors in 1919, is said to be the oldest art gallery still operating in Japan. Located at
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the traditional Japanese performing art of kabuki. Here you’ll
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Kabukiza is Tokyo’s most famous theater and grand house of
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ON MY ITINERARY FOR NEXT TIME …
the underground level of the Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building, its emphasis is on contemporary art.
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RAISON DE CÉLÉBRER Sitting pretty on the Saint Lawrence River, Quebéc City—the capital of Canada’s largest province—is a fete for all seasons.
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BY {
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BEKAH WRIGHT
PHOTO BY { FRANCIS GAGNON
There’s a joke among the Québécois that the region has two seasons: winter and everything else. When pressed, however, the French/ English-speaking residents will admit it’s the amour of Québec’s (quebecregion.com/ en/) seasons they hold dear. Subtle changes in the temperature (and amount of snow on
the ground) signify whether it’s the season for dogsledding through glacial valleys, sugar maple tapping, dancing at outdoor concerts or watching for blue whales. No matter the time of year, however, Québec invites visitors to take to the cobblestone streets of North America’s oldest colonial city and enjoy la belle vie!
When thermometers plummet in winter months, Québec City doesn’t go into hibernation. Instead, this UNESCO World Heritage Site embraces the chill with events marking the season. Québec is, after all, the worldwide capital of snow. Winter is when Hôtel de Glace (hoteldeglace-canada.com) makes its annual appearance. The 44-room/suite hotel is like a grand igloo located at Village Vacances Valcartier. Tours begin around December 23, with stays possible from the first week of January until the last week of March. Beyond slumbering on a bed of ice, there’s an ice chapel and giant ice slide to discover, an ice bar for imbibing frosty cocktails and Nordic hot tubs and a sauna from which to gaze at the stars.
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The region has been celebrating winter with festivals as far back as 1894, with its notorious Québec Winter Carnavale (carnaval.qc.ca) officially kicking off in 1955. During Carnavale, there’s no huddling fireside and waxing poetic about the snow. Instead, tuques, traditional red attire and arrow sashes, are donned for ice canoe races, night parades, ice sculpting and gatherings at an Ice Palace. Presiding over festivities is Bonhomme, a “snowman” who represents joie de vivre. Post Carnavale, keep joie de l’ hiver at an all time high via Québec’s historic Toboggan Slide, a tradition since 1884. Three runs have daredevils zooming down Dufferin Terrace’s hillside at 43 miles per hour. Still to experience: iceskating at Place D’Youville, dogsledding in Jacques-Cartier Valley and skiing the area’s top four ski resorts: MontSainte-Anne, Le Massif de Charlevoix, Stoneham Mountain Resort, and Le Relais Centre. Joie de l’ hiver, indeed.
WONDROUS
WINTER
SKIING AND ICE CANOEING PHOTOS BY { OLI CROTEAU
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With a Nordic theme in mind, book dinner reservations at Chez Boulay— Bistro Boreal (chezboulay.com), where diners are invited to discover Québec’s Nordic side through regional products based on the seasons. Chefs Jean Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand have crafted a menu showcasing ingredients ranging from elk and trout to a duo of blood pudding and cabbage and leek blood sausage. Request a window table for people-watching the activity on rue Saint-Jean.
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AVENUE SAINT-DENIS PHOTO BY { LUC-ANTOINE COUTURIER; ICE HOTEL PHOTO BY { LUC ROUSSEAU; DOGSLED PHOTO BY { FRANCIS GAGNON
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Snow geese returning from winter migration, blossoming magnolia trees and sugar maple tapping herald spring, when Auberge SaintAntoine (saint-antoine.com), a museum hotel located in Québec’s Old Port, opens its doors and windows to the warming climate. Part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, this unique property is built on an archeological site and is comprised of three historical buildings. The Auberge showcases its rich history with a multitude of artifacts, some displayed outside the doors of all 95 rooms and suites. Guests are greeted with creature comforts like heated floors, goose down bedding and cheery fireplaces. While accommodations lure for lingering, Chez Muffy beckons with seasonal sustenance. During spring months, this means maple syrup. Two entrees to savor: king salmon poached in maple syrup and pan seared foie gras with apple jam.
Spring encourages time spent in nature. An ideal place to do so is outside the city at Île d’Orléans (tourisme.iledorleans.com/ en/), an island devoted to agriculture. The Auberge Saint-Antoine has a garden of its own here and hosts Panache, a pop-up mobile restaurant at Vignoble de Sainte-Pétronille vineyard (vs-p.ca/).
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Not to be missed is indulging in the island’s black currants during lunch at Maison Cassis Monna & Filles (cassismonna.com/ en/). Blackcurrant-vanilla ice cream cones may entice skipping straight to dessert, but save room at the domain’s restaurant, La Monnaguette, for dishes like duck confit and black currant jam paired with the signature homemade black currant sangria. Pure heaven.
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Later, get lost in the beauty of Île d’Orléans’ country lanes that lead right up to the St. Lawrence River. Along the way, scour fields to see what’s due to be harvested next. Strawberries? Tomatoes? Undoubtedly. On the return drive to the city, a stop is called for at Montmorency Falls (sepaq.com). It’s possible to take in this 272-foot waterfall while hiking or riding the cable car. A better suggestion—soaring beside it on the park’s zip line spanning 985 feet. Back in Québec City, end an evening with a funicular trip to the top of the hill en route to La Buche (restolabuche.com), known for “all cuisine maple syrup.” It is, after all, maple syrup season, and this restaurant knows how to bring out its flavor in full force. Some menu suggestions: deer tartare with black garlic and bacon dressing, caramelized walnuts, fresh savory and maple butter paired with a glass of Québec’s finest Kalibu; and pan-fried foie gras and Poor Man’s Pudding and bacon. Oh, happy spring!
MONTMORENCY WATERFALLS PARK PHOTO BY { YVES MARCOUX; OLD PORT PHOTO BY { LUC-ANTOINE COUTURIER
Myriad attractions are within walking distance of Auberge SaintAntoine. Close by is the Musée de la Civilisation (mcq.org/en/), where collections like Secrets Uncovered (400 objects from the museum’s treasure trove of a storage facility) stir imaginations. Walking in the footsteps of Samuel de Champlain can be done in Place Royale whilst strolling cobblestone streets to revel in sights including North America’s oldest stone church, Notre-Damedes-Victoires (ndvsf.weconnect.com), and a mural depicting 400 years of Québec’s history. At Old Port, hop aboard the AML Louis Jolliet (croisieresaml.com) from whence it’s possible to soak in city panoramas and listen to stories about Québec from a costumed guide.
ILE DE ORLEANS PHOTO BY { SEBASTIEN LAROSE; SNOW GEESE PHOTO { LUC-ANTOINE COUTURIER; PLACE ROYAL MURAL BY{ BOB LEE
RESPLENDENT
SPRING
AUBERGE SAINT-ANTOINE
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During FEQ, a certain mood prevails, particularly once the sun goes down. Rue Saint-Jean shuts down to vehicles and comes alive with concertgoers gathering around nearby stages. At every turn, delights wait to be discovered: art installations, street performers displaying feats of derring-do and buskers getting couples dancing cheek-to-cheek. If temps are sultry, another favorite spot is the fountain outside the Parliament Building, where a quick run through will leave one drenched, yet cool.
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Idyllic summer accommodations are within Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (fairmont.com/ frontenac-quebec/). The iconic, 125-year-old castle located on the Promenade des Gouverneurs and Terrasse Dufferin is a mix of elegance, whimsy, luxury and history. Not a cookie-cutter establishment, the hotel’s 611 rooms and suites are as filled with personality as the property is with history. Specialty rooms are named after noteworthy guests, among them Winston Churchill, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Queen Elizabeth II and Celine Dion. Settings straight from novels of yore are Signature Rooms with vistas of both the city and St. Lawrence River.
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Wander the premises to discover a rooftop mecca. Turn a corner to find a chef’s garden and “bee hotels.” And then there are the dining establishments. Dreamy describes Le SAM Bistro, where a table overlooking Terrasse Dufferin is just right for watching summer storms replete with heat lightning. An event unto itself is dinner at the exquisite Champlain. Where to toast over a Sazerac: the 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar. There’s plenty to do in walking distance of Le Château Frontenac, such as the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec (funiculaire.ca), which transports adventure seekers down to Place Royale (see spring). Highly recommended is window-shopping in the Quartier Petit-Champlain, exploring the 1899-constructed La Citadelle de Québec (lacitadelle.qc.ca/en/) atop Cap-aux-Diamants and checking out Plains of Abraham’s museums and gardens. Long live, summer!
SENSATIONAL
SUMMER
FESTIVAL D’ETE DE QUEBEC PHOTO BY { YVES TESSIER; CHATEAU FRONTENAC BAR BY { FRANCIS GAGNON
Québécois know how to celebrate summer—at high volume. The best time to immerse oneself in the city’s party-like atmosphere is in July during Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ; infofestival. com/en/), Canada’s largest music festival. Over the course of 11 days, 2,500 performances get underway at 10 different venues. Lovers of rock, hip-hop, blues and jazz hear grooves from emerging artists, as well as music’s most stellar artists. Taking to the Bell Stage on the historic Plains of Abraham (ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/en/) battlefield since 1968 have been acts ranging from The Rolling Stones and Lady Gaga to Neil Young and Bruno Mars.
FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC
CHATEAU FRONTENAC PHOTO BY { MARIO FAUBERT; DUFFERIN TERRACE PHOTO BY { STEPHANE AUDET
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A Québec fall contains a special magic all its own. Capture the enchantment by taking a road trip on Route 138 to the Côte-Nord region (quebecmaritime.ca). The destination: Tadoussac (tadoussac.com/en/culture-tourism). Plan to visit in mid to late September for catching the countryside awash in the reds, yellows and oranges of fall foliage. Popping up during the three-hour drive are river bends, craggy rocks, grazing horses and weathered barns. In Baie-Sainte Catherine, the road ends where a ferry awaits to transport vehicles across the Saguenay Fjord to Tadoussac. Welcoming upon disembarkation… wildlife. Bird lovers should make a beeline to the Dunes of Tadoussac, home of the annual Côte-Nord Migratory Bird Festival (mid September). Not only is it possible to spy up to 10,000 birds a day, but the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac (OOT) can be observed conducting migratory banding of boreal owls, hawks and passerines.
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When the sun makes its daily dip, stake out an Adirondack chair on Hotel Tadoussac’s (hoteltadoussac.com) lawn. On a hillside above Tadoussac Bay and St. Lawrence River, this grand dame, with its whitewashed exterior, red roof and cupola, first hit the scene in 1864, bringing with it sheer seaside romance. Keep those views coming from the hotel’s accommodations and common areas. Hotel Tadoussac has one bar and two restaurants on-site, including the AAA Four Diamond Award Le Coverdale, an elegant throwback to the past. Within walking distance are other dining options to consider. Highly recommended is the front porch of the charming Le Café Bohème (lecafeboheme.com). Then there’s Chez Mathilde (chezmathildebistro. com), which mixes local art and flavorful cuisine. A pastime not to miss is strolling the boardwalk with a stop at Microbrasserie Tadoussac (microtadoussac. com) to snag an IPA. At low tide, meander down to the beach to scout tide pools and share seaside kisses in an attempt to prolong the perfect fall.
ST. LOUIS GATE PHOTO BY { GUY LESSARD
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The place for getting the 411 on Tadoussac’s marine life is the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center (CIMM; gremm.org). Beyond exhibitions, films and sound recordings, experts are on hand to educate guests about the region’s sea inhabitants. To see these wondrous creatures up close, book a Croisières AML Zodiac (croisieresaml.com/en/ our-boats/zodiac/), whale-watching excursion in Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. From spotting belugas and blue whales in the open water, to cruising close to seals sunning in the fjord, the two- and three-hour adventures are filled with nonstop thrills.
FALL
SUNSET PHOTO BY { MATHIEU DUPUIS/LE QUÉBEC MARITIME
FABULOUS HOTEL TADOUSSAC
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SWISS
DELIGHTS JOLIE COURTNEY
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BY { NADINE
With an abundance of grande dame five-star hotels, Switzerland excels in palatial accommodations. In majestic resorts nestled among alpine peaks or overlooking crystalline lakes, guests can enjoy every luxurious amenity imaginable.
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A sampling of uber-luxe grande dame hotels
Ski season is a particularly perfect time to explore the country’s most over-the-top hotels. “Switzerland conjures up images of fabulous skiing, chocolate box villages and magnificent, iconic mountain peaks,” says Jack Mace, ski expert with luxury tour operator Scott Dunn. “It’s a destination that has long attracted the rich and famous, with its blend of luxury boutique hotels, spas, top-notch mountain restaurants, incredible shopping and high-altitude skiing.” Whatever the pursuit—whether snow polo, shopping, spa, or skiing—a stay at one of Switzerland’s best hotels ensures guests will do it in style. Here, the top luxury resorts to revel in Swiss beauty.
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DOLDER GRAND Perched in the hills above Zurich, the 120-year-old The Dolder Grand is a study in the sublime. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of a massive renovation and reopening, which added fully modernized, tech-forward wings to the historic property, the hotel looks like a palatial chateau—and offers the amenities to match. The Dolder’s museum-quality art collection is renowned, including pieces from Keith Haring, Takashi Murakami, René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Ferdinand Botero, and—surprisingly—Sylvester Stallone. (The pièce de résistance is a 36-foot-long Andy Warhol, “Big Retrospective Painting,” hanging above reception.) Meanwhile, the 43,000 square-foot spa is so next-level that Oprah herself has name-checked it as a favorite, boasting both indoor and outdoor pools, kotatsu foot baths, aroma pools, meditation walk and lounge, snow paradise, sanarium and Japanese-style Sunaburo pebble relaxation pods. For foodies, there’s a fine dining restaurant helmed by two-Michelin-star chef Heiko Nieder, the creator of annual luxury food festival The Epicure, while the hotel also offers sporting options as varied as golf, tennis, ice skating, ice hockey and curling. thedoldergrand.com
CHEDI ANDERMATT Located steps from the train station in the charming, cobblestoned
alpine village of Andermatt, The Chedi Andermatt offers guests a stellar experience against the almost impossibly picturesque backdrop of the Gemsstock and Nätschen mountains. With a surprisingly effective mix of Swiss and Asian influences, the 123-room and suite Chedi is designed by world-renowned architect JeanMichel Gathy and feels at once intimate and grand. Gault-Millau’s 2017 Hotel of the Year, the property offers guests a wide range of amenities, with four restaurants and bars, including a cigar lounge. A 7,874-square-foot spa delights with full hydrotherapy area, including Finnish sauna, steam rooms, cold plunge pool, whirlpool and heated outdoor pool, plus Tibetan relaxation area. Wood-paneled rooms are spacious and stylish, each with its own fireplace, while Asianinspired bathrooms include heated stone floors, rain showers, soaking tubs and Acqua di Parma products. In winter, the hotel offers ski butler service, including delivering and retrieving skis from the slopes, servicing equipment, and organizing transportation.
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thechediandermatt.com/en
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BADRUTT’S PALACE
A Gothic-style castle in the shadow of St. Moritz’s Corviglia mountains,
opulent Badrutt’s Palace has been where the rich and richer winter for more than 120 years. With its over-the-top parade of wealth, St. Moritz is all about excess, and Badrutt’s excels at wowing a jaded clientele who’s experienced it all. After arriving via private jet or helicopter, hotel guests—often clad in fur coats—enjoy complimentary Rolls-Royce rides around town to decadent shops like Hermès, Chopard and Moncler, where they’re sure to see a queue of Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Badrutt’s caters to skiers, too, with more than 350 kilometers of slopes within easy reach of the hotel. After working up an appetite on the slopes, you can choose from seven restaurants, including Michelin-starred Igniv, Chesa Veglia (a rustic farmhouse dating from the 1930s serving Swiss cuisine, beloved by celebrities), and an outpost of Matsuhisa sushi. For polo aficionados, the hotel is also home to the yearly snow polo, while the three-floor spa is literally built around a granite rock, and guests famously dive off cliffs into a pool. badruttspalace.com/en
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GSTAAD PALACE With a romantic, fairy-tale-like atmosphere, 115-year-old Gstaad Palace is perched above stately, sophisticated Gstaad—where royalty regularly vacations and the world’s most expensive boarding school is located half-term. The legendary hotel is third-generation family-owned and caters equally to traditionalists, who return year after year for impeccable service, and glam-seekers, who come to flash their cash. In this winter paradise, guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowshoeing and heli-skiing, although no stay is complete without a visit to the legendary basement nightclub GreenGo, where privacy-loving celebrities like Madonna, Bono and Poppy Delevigne have let down their hair and DJs like David Guetta regularly spin. Legend has it that after a stay, Michael Jackson tried to buy
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the property on the spot. palace.ch
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GRAND HOTEL
KRONENHOF PONTRESINA For those seeking a romantic, atmospheric hotel that calls to mind the Grand Budapest, look no further than Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina. A 112-room-andsuite property dating from 1848, the hotel is located in the Upper Engadine village of Pontresina, only 6 kilometers from glitzy St. Moritz and yet a world away. Here, the pace of life is slower, more refined and Old World, as befitting the Kronenhof’s status as an architecturally significant registered landmark and one of the 19th century’s best preserved hotels. Inside, the neo-Baroque interior offers an impressive lobby, complete with fully restored ceiling frescoes from the early 1900s by Otto Haberer. Two fine dining restaurants include the Grand Restaurant with a jacket and tie dress code for dinner, and award-winning Kronenstübli, with 16 Gault-Millau points and serving Italian-Mediterranean and French cuisine. There is also a three-level wine cellar dating from 1867, with an original collection of wine barrels, wooden skis and bob sleighs. It’s understandable one might never want to leave the 6,561-square-foot spa, which includes flotation room with underwater music, a saltwater grotto, Kneipp footbaths, 20-meter indoor infinity pool with counter-current system, and products from French luxury brand Carita. The hotel also caters to high-end families with its Krönchen Kids’ Club and V.I.K. (Very Important Kids) program. And, of course, no visit is complete without taking full advantage of the Kronenhof’s winter pursuits. The hotel is minutes away from 88 ski slopes, 180 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, 150 kilometers of hiking trails and a natural ice rink, with other activities including moonlight skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. kronenhof.com/en/
BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE Located on Lausanne’s Lac Léman, about 45 minutes from Geneva, the Beau-Rivage Palace has been dazzling celebrities and well-heeled guests for more than 150 years. (Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel were fans.) With views of both the serene lake and the snow-covered alps, the 168-room, 34-suite hotel is spread over 10 acres, somehow managing to feel intimate despite its grandeur. Rooms facing the lake are done in shades of pastel and have balconies, while all rooms offer Bulgari toiletries. Here, the dining is superb, thanks in no small part to gastronomic temple Anne-Sophie Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace. Helmed by the world-famous chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and 18 Gault-Millau points. (Other restaurants at Beau-Rivage include Italian spot L’Accademia, Japanese Miyako Lausanne, and waterfront Café Beau-Rivage brasserie.) Nearby town Lausanne is sophisticated and worth exploration, offering excellent shopping and a relaxed pace of life. For guests who want to stay on property, there’s Cinq Mondes spa. Often cited as one of Switzerland’s best, Cinq Mondes offers two heated swimming pools, a tropical rain walk, hair salon featuring Shu Uemura products, women’s and men’s hammams, saunas, plus a nearly 10-acre park. brp.ch
GRAND HOTEL LES TROIS ROIS Situated in the heart of Basel’s old city, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois’s stunning Rhine views are only matched by the exceptional quality of its dining: Cheval Blanc is the sole Swiss grand hotel restaurant with three Michelin stars and 19 Gault-Millau points. Founded in 1681, the hotel enjoys a history of illustrious guests: Napoleon stayed in 1787, Voltaire and Charles Dickens rested their heads for the night, and more recently, the hotel has welcomed Queen Elizabeth II and the Dalai Lama. Its 101 rooms and suites are the epitome of Swiss elegance and comfort, while even Fido will feel right at home: the hotel is dog-friendly. The Trois Rois suite includes a private rooftop whirlpool with a stunning view overlooking Basel. In addition to wood-paneled Bar Les Trois Rois serving afternoon tea and a wide range of craft cocktails and wine, there’s also Salon du Cigare, with 155 cigar offerings, including classics from Cuba and the Dominican Republic. lestroisrois.com/en
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HIGH VELOCITY BY {
BEKAH WRIGHT
PARTNERS ON THE PIRELLI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CIRCUIT—DRIVER ALEC UDELL AND HIS SPONSOR, TECH ENTREPRENEUR JOHN WISE—RELAY A LIFE LESSON: THERE ARE ENDLESS STARTING LINES, AND MANY FINISH LINES LEFT TO CROSS.
I
t’s in their blood. Talk to Alec Udell and John Wise and both feel the same way about auto racing. Not just racing, but the elements that go into motorsports, from cars to engineering.
Forgive the pun, but even as children, Alec Udell and John Wise were driven individuals. Udell vividly remembers Christmas when he was 18 months old. That’s when Santa delivered a Barbie Corvette to his sister, which he promptly commandeered and voraciously drove around in the basement. “I think I always knew I wanted to go down this path,” he says of racing. “Luckily for me, my parents fostered this natural drive.” Following in the tire tracks of his grandfather and father, Udell began go-kart racing at the age of 5 in his hometown of The Woodlands, Texas. A string of accomplishments ensued: winning the 2008 Rotax North American National
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Points Championship, driving for Team USA in the 2009 Rotax World Finals held in Egypt, and becoming a Rock Island Double Champion by winning the Rotax Jr. and Tag Jr. classes in 2010, the same year he competed regionally in the NASA Spec Miata class and attended the 2010 Skip Barber Karting Shootout. By age 15, Udell entered professional racing, becoming, in 2011, the youngest, licensed race driver in the history of the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC). Over the next few seasons, taking the podium for top five finishes became as familiar for Udell as being behind the wheel. When not racing, Udell helped out at his family’s racing shop, where he found himself gravitating toward the engineers. “They had huge technical knowledge I could learn from,” he recalls. “It was around this time I knew I wanted to design and build cars.” When college rolled around, Udell declared an engineering major at Clemson University. Juggling classes and racing competitions became de rigueur. 178
ALEC UDELL
Similarly, an interest in street racing grabbed Wise
system for buying and selling intellectual properties
at a very young age. By 12, he had the ultimate goal
on the blockchain—a platform for mining and licensing,
of Formula 1 (F1) racing. By the time he was 14, Wise
allowing inventors to make their creations accessible
was working as a mechanic at the local tracks of
to potential investors. “An idea is intrinsically valuable,
Bethesda, Maryland. When a driver flippantly asked
and LOCI makes sure of this.”
the teen if he could do anything about his Porsche lagging behind the others, he gave it some thought. “I
As LOCI was getting up and running, Wise signed
took out the driver’s headlight, found some aluminum
on with James Sofronas to mechanic with Global
foil tape and made ram air duct for air intake,” Wise
Motorsports Group (GMG) for PWC’s 2015 season.
remembers. It worked. Suddenly, the driver requested
Wise was paired with Udell in 2016. That year, Udell
Wise accompany him to every race. “I cut my teeth
won his first career overall PWC podium at the Mid-
by building his car,” he says. “Over the course of a
Ohio Sports Car Course, as well as the “Hard Charger”
year, many late nights and weekends in my mom’s
Award for the most positions advanced throughout
driveway, I turned his semi-street car into a full-blown
the season.
racecar.” A racecar with the capacity to win. Excited about his win in Ohio, Udell asked Wise if he was
was also pumped. “It was just a Sunday for me,” Wise
solely running a three-car team in the BMW Car
responded, in what he says amounted to a verbal
Club of America racing circuit. The year concluded
shrug. But Udell was intrigued and inspired, and
with the team winning SCCA, BMW CCA and NASA
he recalls Wise’s next words: “John said, ‘Driving is
championships. The next season, 2001, the team went
great, but at some point you’re
pro. “We won a championship right out of the gate,”
going to have to transition into
Wise says. A string of championship wins commenced
helping make something more
for Wise, who was supporting some of America’s top
of the sport, or the automobile
racing teams as a mechanic, crew chief, data engineer
in general.’” In other words, “It’s
and team manager. “I didn’t have any context of how
good to have people pushing you
hard it was to win championships because I’d never
to achieve your goals, but it’s also
not won until about 2010.”
good to have people who push
By
the
following
season,
16-year-old
Wise
you further towards what you can Along the way, Wise accomplished his goal of
do for the world.”
engineering for F1 races. He calls the class a Cinderella story. “In Formula 1, the mechanics are at
Wise made Udell a promise. When
such a high level, they’re deemed engineers by the
his
Society of Automotive Engineers. You’re one of the
it big, he’ll sponsor Udell. The
best engineers in the world.” Territory that appealed
opportunity arrived in 2018, with
to Wise. “A mechanic asks what you do and how you
Udell driving the No. 41 LOCI Porsche
do it,” he explains. “An engineer doesn’t. They ask why
911 GT3 R prepared by GMG.
new
company,
LOCI,
hits
something was done the way it was, then respond, ‘Okay, I’ll figure it out from here.’ I’ve always focused
Beyond
on the why.”
next an
for
racing
results,
Wise?
entrepreneur,
“For
what’s me,
it’s
opportunities
as
“Driving is great, but at some point you’re going to have to transition into helping make something more of the sport, or the automobile in general.” —John Wise
about
Retirement followed. Twice. Once after Wise fell from
recognizing
a race trailer, breaking both legs, ending his ability
pushing toward those,” says the 33 year-old. “Only
and
to do pit stops. He’d also realized his dream. “I felt I’d
time will tell where that will lead next.”
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achieved as high a level as I was ever going to,” he
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says. “And I’m not motivated by the idea of winning
As for Udell, graduating from Clemson in December
championship
Additionally,
2018 is a huge milestone. The 22-year-old’s aspirations
several businesses launched by the entrepreneurial-
post-college are already in motion. He is working with
minded Wise were requiring more of his attention, so
his family to develop their current business, Houston
he bid racing goodbye.
Karting Complex, into a Texas-based motorsports
after
championship.”
headquarters. Udell’s personal goal is “to run Le The track continued singing its siren song to Wise,
Mans and win.” He adds, “My dream job is developing,
only in a different way. “Amazing technologies were
engineering, test driving cars and racing for the same
coming to fruition in racing, but out of competitive
manufacturer.”
advantage, there was never any tech transfer,” he says. “I thought it was a shame none of that wisdom
You can almost hear these veteran racers’ engines
was being passed on.” So Wise created LOCI, a global
revving as they speed toward their next finish lines.
G
JOHN WISE
ARTISTIC
APEX Paula Crown is in her zone.
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MILIOTO
DAVIDSON
PAU L A C R OW N
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ultimedia artist Paula Crown—who draws, paints, sculpts and shoots video—has multiple sources of inspiration, from fashion and poetry to environmentalism and philanthropy. However, she’s most moved by “smart people who drop knowledge and make the world more expansive,” she declares, pointing to abstract artists, such as Joan Mitchell, Agnes Martin and Elaine de Kooning, as prime examples. “It’s important to do things that express your true being,” she says. “Creativity is the essence of humanity.” What defines Crown? Her life experiences with people, places and objects, and her desire to make her voice heard. Perhaps she is best known for a site-specific, immersive public installation, “TRANSPOSITION: Over Many Miles,” which was on view in the Miami Design District from 2014 to 2016, and was her favorite project to date. “This large sculpture became the backdrop for performances by the New World Symphony and the Alma Dance Company, among others,” she says. “The work created a platform for the creative expression of others.” Another noteworthy project arose after Election Day, 2016. Dubbed “Mourning in America,” it is a series of works made by burning encaustic on wood. She was drawn to the material, she says, because it allowed her to express her feelings over the election’s outcome. “I could not find the words that morning. Making art provided a means of communication,” she explains.
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Currently installed at the base of Aspen Mountain, Crown’s “JOKESTER” is a 10-foot-tall red SOLO Cup, a piece based on her first solo show, entitled SOLO TOGETHER, at 10 Hanover gallery in London. Both the installation and the exhibition are statements on the social and cultural complexities behind the ubiquitous icon. “It’s a comment on the single-use plastics movement,” Crown says. “It begs the question, ‘Who is going to clean all of this up?’”
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Future projects include billboard-based public art projects with the artist-run super-PAC For Freedoms, and another large-scale installation in Miami’s Design District during Art Basel Miami Beach. As for her personal style, the stylishly slim blonde says, “I’m 5 foot, 7 inches and I like a look that is more tailored. I like the Katharine Hepburn vibe with suits and men’s styling. It’s what works for me. I recently bought a pair of men’s Louis Vuitton sneakers. I like Dior for being the original architect
“I live in a state of creative anxiety driven by the world of possibility.�
of the [bar suit] and defining how a woman can look in space. Balenciaga has some great things that are a little off-piste, and Tom Ford hits all the right notes. My sense of style is about showing layers of information that has shaped me.” Her love of designers goes beyond her closet to her art studio in Chicago, which was designed by renowned architect Jeanne Gang. In addition, “Holly Hunt is a trailblazer. I’ve done some collaborations with her on some furniture and textiles,” Crown says. “David Easton is a friend of mine from New York, and he designed my current apartment. Luis Bustamante, an architectural and interior designer from Madrid, caught my eye for his use of white and contrast. Every room he designs has a bookcase, and I can relate to that sentiment because the center of my art studio had to be a library because my work is about ideas and the knowledge bank that we have as humans.” Currently, she is working on projects with Thierry Despont and Alexandra Champalimaud in New York. At one time, Crown served as vice president of real estate finance at Salomon Brothers in New York, but she can trace her interest in art, and the defining moments that led her to pursue art as a career, back to childhood. “I came across a quote that said, ‘What did you do before you knew anyone was looking?’ and I realized that I have always been a maker, even as a child,” she says, recalling that she once used the needle from her parents’ record player to creatively mark up a Beethoven album, and crafted projects out of pages ripped from the Encyclopedia Britannica. Crown studied business and art at Duke University, and when her four children were older, she took a painting and drawing seminar at Anderson Ranch in Aspen (where she now lives part time). “After the seminar, I thought, ‘Why am I not making art?’” After earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012, she officially opened her own studio in 2014. Crown continues to be passionate about education, environmentalism and philanthropy. She and her husband James have donated to the University of Chicago in order to establish a professorship in molecular engineering dedicated to finding solutions to the global crisis surrounding the shortage of clean, safe drinking water. She is on the board of trustees for the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where she chairs the Education Committee, and she serves on the Aspen Institute Committee of the Arts. Gio ISSUE No. 3
“I look forward to continuing on a path of prioritizing what’s impactful in life and learning what that is,” Crown says. “I’m heartened by what’s happening in the studio and the extensive conversations that it is sparking.”
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MOD POD BY {
MISTY MILIOTO
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Prefab abodes are functional, flexible, ecofriendly and perfectly tiny.
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Inspired by the housing shortage in Los Angeles, a new company called Plús Hús is producing pre-fabricated modular homes that can also serve as pool houses, home offices or artists’ studios. “In anticipation of the 2017 regulatory changes throughout L.A. County allowing homeowners to more handily add accessory dwellings to their property, we wanted to help provide an affordable solution utilizing our building system mnmMOD,” says Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, who co-founded the company with Tryggvi Thorsteinsson. “Plús Hús is designed to go in a backyard. Minimum space needed varies by zoning regulations and site conditions.” The company offers three stylish, modern configurations, each measuring 320 square feet. There’s the Open (with three walls and a sliding glass door, $37,000); the Open+ (including a bathroom, $42,000); and the Full (including a bathroom and a kitchen, $49,000). While Plús Hús can be delivered anywhere in California, architectural and construction services are only offered in the greater Los Angeles area. Plús Hús is built using a highly efficient, nowood prefab panel system (with 30 percent recycled materials), so it’s resistant to fire, termites, mold, rot and warping. The highly insulated and sustainable structures are absent of dyes, formaldehyde and molten-carbonate fuel cells, and they do not release volatile organic compounds or other harmful toxins into the environment. They can also be customized in terms of door and window finishes, exterior color, countertops, cabinetry and more.
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“With increased interest in the environment and eco-friendly, sustainable designs and lifestyle, we believe that people are more aware of their surroundings now than ever before, which will result in people living smaller and more efficiently, minimizing our individual carbon footprint,” Thorsteinsson says. “Our mnmMOD building system outlives the stick-built home, creating a small, efficient and long-lasting sustainable dwelling. Furthermore, [they] are allowing us to densify our neighborhoods, cultivating community.”
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GREAT ESTATE
PHOTO BY: AYA NISEKO
PHOTO BY: TOURISM WHISTLER/MIKE CRANE
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18 things interior designer Erinn Valencich, founder and creative director of ERINN V. Design Group, loves about the spectacular hillside residence she developed on Sunset Plaza Drive. Architecture by Belzberg Architects.
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We built it from the ground up. I love starting a project from scratch and staring at a blank canvas in front of me.
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This piece of land was a rare find—1 acre of flat land in the coveted Sunset Strip area.
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I had free rein to do what we thought worked best with the land we were given. Of course we wanted to maximize the opportunity, and so moved the driveway that used to intersect these three lots and built one large home in the center, with a guest house up on the hill and a detached, two-story, three-car garage.
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Working with the incredible Hagy Belzberg and his team was a dream. His style of residential architecture is warm and unique.
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We took inspiration from some of Hagy’s other work, blending some of our favorite elements from the houses he had done previously.
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The glass box for the floating staircase. It looks amazing during the day and even better at night as the Moooi pendants reflect in the glass and seem to replicate themselves like disco balls in the sky.
The unique, enormous skylight we put in over the main entry that opens to the second floor above and washes down the stone wall that extends from the first floor up to the library.
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I love designing with light. I wanted as many windows as possible, but balanced it out with generous expanses of wall space for art and dĂŠcor.
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A key statement piece is the fireplace between the living room and dining room. I designed this and clad it with custom carved white marble through Soli Stone.
The style of the home I wanted to create was warm, Californian modern. To achieve this, I used a lot of textured natural stone, Ipe on the eves outside flowing into walnut ceilings and floors inside. This helps to warm up the modern lines of the home. The more surfaces you can cover in wood and stone, the better!
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Most of the furnishings in the project are custom-made in L.A. by my furniture company ERINN V.
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I decided on a huge glass wall as the back of the shower to give you the sense of being in the garden. The 11-foot-tall pocket doors open up from the bedroom and align with this incredible shower. Definitely a wow.
The master bathroom is a special room, generously sized with a marble vanity that has hidden drawers with mitered edges to seamlessly integrate.
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Convenience is a big factor in a home like this, which features state-of-the-art Kohler products such as their DTV+ shower system for an ideal shower experience with integrated sound, temperature and pressure controls.
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The house has beautiful indoor/ outdoor living. It has been featured in Architectural Digest Mexico, was on the cover of Objekt magazine and made an appearance in a Cadillac commercial. That commercial was later cited in a New York Times article as being an absolute “scene stealer.”
My father was a landscape architect, and I’ve always enjoyed garden design. The deck is a major feature, covering 2,500 square feet, with a 60-foot-long infinity pool. The sound of the water falling over three edges creates a wonderful ambiance for entertaining on warm summer nights.
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The second floor of the guest house has the best views on the property. I always joke I would happily just live in the guest house! With the lemon grove by the front door, you’re transported by the scents of Italy.
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Aside from being a record-breaking development in the area, I have made many new friends from this home that I’ll be close to for years to come.
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LEFT SIDE AD
RIGHT SIDE AD
RADIANT
RETREATS
WHETHER YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR A PRIMARY RESIDENCE, A THIRD HOME OR, PERHAPS, YOUR OWN PRIVATE PIECE OF VACATION PARADISE, THESE SIX NEW PROPERTIES IN SOCAL AND CABO MAY BE YOUR PERFECT PLACE IN THE SUN. WRITTEN BY { MISTY
MILIOTO
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Los Angeles, California
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OCEANWIDE PLAZA
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THE BUZZ: In the buzzing South Park
with two dog parks, a basketball court,
WOW FACTOR: A 700-foot LED screen
neighborhood of DTLA, where art and
lawns, a running track and swimming
spanning one full block will wrap around
culture reign supreme, Oceanwide Plaza
pool); the 164-unit hotel-serviced Park
the outside of the condominium tower,
is the largest mixed-use development
Hyatt Los Angeles Residences (with
while celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak
in the burgeoning area. The project
a resort-style cantilevered pool and
has been tapped to oversee the
features three glass high-rises, including
fitness facility); and 184-room Park Hyatt
wellness programming.
the 340-unit Residences at Oceanwide
Los Angeles Hotel. There will also be
Plaza condominiums (boasting a
an open-air 166,000-square-foot retail
DETAILS: Pricing to be determined,
100-foot-high, 2-acre sky park outfitted
collection at the base of the towers.
oceanwideplaza.com
West Hollywood, California
RESIDENCES AT THE WEST
HOLLYWOOD EDITION
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British architect John Pawson, known
The building boasts a landscaped
West Hollywood EDITION, developed
for his minimalist aesthetic, is in
rooftop with pool, terrace, bar and
by Witkoff and New Valley, LLC, is
charge of design.
dramatic city views; a lobby-level restaurant with shaded garden
a new, exclusive project consisting WOW FACTOR: Positioned atop
residences at the iconic corner of
the EDITION Hotel, the Residences
Sunset Boulevard and Doheney Drive.
feature a private residential entry
American hotelier Ian Schrager is
and lobby, plus the exclusive amenity
$1.5 million, 310.275.9040,
leading the creative direction, and
spaces for which the brand is known.
wehoeditionresidences.com
seating; fitness center and spa. DETAILS: Residences from
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of only 20 one- to four-bedroom
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THE BUZZ: The Residences at The
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Beverly Hills, California
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GARDENHOUSE
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THE BUZZ: Gardenhouse is the
WOW FACTOR: The building’s
community gathering place. The
first project in the United States
façade is the largest living wall in
townhomes, flats and sky villas
by renowned Chinese architect
the country, covered with native
offer open floor plans and glass
Ma Yansong, founder of MAD
plants and succulents. Residences
walls that recede, seamlessly
Architects. The overarching
are built around a central open-air
blending indoor and outdoor living.
principle is to connect residents
atrium, with a reflecting pool and
to nature—right in the middle of
lush vegetation, while ground-floor
DETAILS: Residences from $3
modern, elegant Beverly Hills.
cafes and boutiques serve as a
million, gardenhousebh.com
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
1 HOTEL & HOMES CABO
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breathtaking views of the iconic Land’s
24-hour concierge; valet parking; catering
End. In addition, an open-air, all-day
a 22-acre, $230-million luxury resort
and private chef services; and personal
restaurant is comprised of a collection of
development that features a 115-room
shopping and delivery services.
cooking stations, like a Mexican mercado; edible gardens throughout the grounds
hotel and 55 oceanfront residences. It’s just a short walk to an incredible array of
WOW FACTOR: Located on 1,600 linear
shops, museums, galleries, nightlife and
feet of beachfront at Medano Beach, one of
restaurants. Other amenities include
the few year-round swimmable beaches in
DETAILS: Residences from $600,000 to
four swimming pools; a full-service,
Cabo, the oceanfront residences offer
$7 million, 888.211.0909, 1homescabo.com
supply fresh, local ingredients.
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12,000-square-foot fitness center and spa;
newest phase of the Hacienda masterplan,
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THE BUZZ: 1 Hotel & Homes Cabo is the
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Los Cabos, Mexico
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CASA HIGUERA AT MARAVILLA LOS CABOS
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THE BUZZ: As one of the only fully turnkey
WOW FACTOR: The five-bedroom, six-
living area that extends out to a covered
custom homes available at Maravilla Los
and-a-half-bath custom home features
terrace with full outdoor kitchen, a fire pit,
Cabos, Casa Higuera offers a unique
6,244 square feet of indoor space and 9,097
barbecue and pizza oven that’s perfect for
opportunity to live in a private residential
square feet of outdoor space. An oceanfront
family gatherings and lively entertaining. In
community situated between San Jose del
Mexican contemporary home, Casa Higuera
addition, there’s a 180-bottle wine cellar on
Cabo and Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of
offers unobstructed views of the sparkling
the lower level of the home and a private
Cortez. Spanning both Las Viudas Beach
Sea of Cortez. A private courtyard with
infinity pool.
and the renowned Santa Maria Bay, the
floating walkways above a water feature
community encompasses two year-round,
allows exterior access to four bedroom
swimmable beaches.
suites. The open floor plan includes a
DETAILS: $14 million, maravillaloscabos.com
Los Cabos, Mexico
CHILENO BAY RESORT & RESIDENCES
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residence is set on elevated pads and has
Auberge spa with hydrotherapy pool, salt
an expansive covered terrace. With a light
Auberge Resorts Collection is nestled in
sauna and state-of-the-art fitness center;
and airy layout, each room easily flows into
the protected cove of Chileno Bay. The
a waterfront sports and equipment center;
the next. Interiors feature marble flooring,
property features a 29-room luxury hotel
and Comal, the resort’s signature restaurant
warm wood ceilings, architectural stone
and 33 contemporary two-, three- and
serving Latin American-inspired cuisine.
walls and full-height windows that reveal the far horizon.
four-bedroom villas. This fall, the resort is adding 28 new beachfront villas, and 12 new
WOW FACTOR: Most spectacular is
hotel rooms and suites. Amenities include
Pacifico 5, a four-bedroom, four-and-a-
DETAILS: $3.05 million, 800.916.1290,
a three-tiered infinity swimming pool with
half-bath villa offering panoramic views of
chilenobayresidences.com
oceanfront hot tub and fire pits; a Tom
Chileno Bay. This luxe 3,234-square-foot
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Fazio-designed golf course; an extensive
residential villa community from the
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THE BUZZ: This beachfront hotel and
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MAN WEITZMAN INTRODUCTION BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON
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INTERVIEW BY { BETH
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Modern architect and artist Christopher Mercier engages natural light, the environment and, above all, his clients, when designing cutting-edge homes, restaurants and commercial properties.
PHOTO BY { KAREN MERCIER—KREATIF PHOTOGRAPHY
SPACE
CHRISTOPHER MERCIER
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ith the goal of designing contemporary spaces for creative clients, as well as reimagining and repurposing existing structures while preserving their history and character, modern architect Christopher Mercier has conceived and built some of SoCal’s most popular restaurants (Father’s Office in Culver City, Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood, Officine Brera and Sixth and Mill in DTLA), as well as some of its most spectacular homes. Among his most impressive residences are the Sherman Oaks home of Smashbox founder Davis Factor, which Mercier expanded from a midcentury post-and-beam home into a sleek, sprawling glass-and-steel estate with 2,600-square-foot deck-patio-pool; and Split Light in Santa Monica, designed with a skylight that runs the entire length of the house in order to track the east-west path of sun throughout the day.
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DAVIS FACTOR HOME
Mercier was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, home of the prestigious architecture and design school, Cranbrook Academy of Art. His own creative juices began flowing in second or third grade, when he started drawing pictures with his mother, an art teacher. He went on to earn degrees in architecture at Lawrence University and Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc); work for masters Daniel Libeskind and Frank Gehry; and establish his renowned firm in 2002. No matter the size of the project, Mercier and his talented team combine environmental sensitivity with trend-setting vision as they strive to develop an easy, free-flowing dialogue between interior and exterior spaces with abundant natural light. We recently asked him about his life, inspiration, thoughts on high-tech tools of his trade, and details of some of his most noteworthy projects. FATHER’S OFFICE
ALL PHOTOS BY { JOSHUA WHITE
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Based in the artists’ district of Inglewood, California, Mercier and his company, (fer) Studio—short for form, environment, research— are also at the epicenter of a new wave of urban renewal and restoration, determined to transform the community into an affordable live/work area for writers, artists, designers and entrepreneurs.
DAVIS FACTOR HOME
DAVIS FACTOR HOME
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SPLIT HOUSE PHOTO BY { JOHN GAYLORD
SPLIT HOUSE
SIXTH + MILL
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SIXTH + MILL
What was your first big break in the industry?
How is the transition of the neighborhood going?
[now called Lawrence University] in Southfield, just outside of
of its branding. I think it’s been in transition ever since we got
Detroit. It’s mainly an engineering and architecture school. Very
here. There’s now the Inglewood Open Studios, the art event
technical school. I had applied to SCI-Arc for a master’s degree,
that happens the second week of every November when 40 or
and that was my plan. Then I got accepted to go to study with
50 artisans open up their studios. We helped Inglewood secure a
Daniel Libeskind; only 10 people were going to be accepted. So it
live/work zoning law within the zoning code. We’ve been intimately
was kind of crazy. I went to Architecture Intermundium, and that
engaged with the thinking about the new Light Rail line, and
led to moving to Italy. I lived in Italy for a year and studied with
helped drive some planning ideas as to where that could go. We
Daniel Libeskind in Milan. We worked on projects in Europe and
attempted to get involved—the city held tight to their stuff, but
ended up in Switzerland, doing a project there. Then I came back,
I think we planted a lot of ideas, at least—in their thinking about
moved to Los Angeles to start the master’s degree at SCI-Arc.
creating Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones around where
All of that was pivotal in terms of getting out of the Detroit area,
the stations should be. And we came up with a whole model and
getting out of Michigan, which I felt at the time didn’t have a lot
design for downtown Inglewood, at one point. Again, it didn’t
going on in terms of contemporary architecture.
go forward, it was our own undertaking. We submitted it for a
There were many. One was when I graduated from Lawrence Tech
First of all, Inglewood’s always had kind of a bad rap, in terms
competition. We didn’t win that, that was for a larger, green city
Coming from the Midwest, how did you like L.A.? Was it culture shock?
thing. But again, I think the ideas and the things we got to present
girlfriend at the time who had an internship here. I was looking for
You’re also an artist. How does that affect your architecture?
helped change what people were talking about.
I had been to L.A. the summer before I went to Italy. I had a a place to work and saw these guys digging this driveway. And I
I’m always working on paintings and stuff like that. Art and
needed money, so I said, “I’ll help you dig.” I got a job for a week
architecture run parallel in a lot of ways. Finding time to do both is
and I did really good, I guess. The guy said to me, “You want a full-
a little tricky, but I try to balance the two things. They feed each
time job?” It was a metal fabrication shop. And so, in the long run I
other in terms of ideas.
became the foreman of this metal fabrication shop. I didn’t do any of the welding or anything like that. I was really just someone who translated the drawings to the guys out on the floor.
Why are you attracted to modern design?
I just feel if you’re going to create something in today’s world, you want to make it responsive to today’s conditions and lifestyle.
How did you wind up working for Gehry Partners?
Everybody has their reasons for what they do and I respect
I came up with some rock ’n’ roll swindle to get SCI-Arc to agree to
other people’s work, but for me I think it’s important that it’s
give me credit for the Libeskind thing. And they did. I met a bunch
contemporary, addresses contemporary issues and helps people
of people at SCI-Arc who were doing things at Gehry Partners, and
resolve or at least understand those conditions. Recently they
so that lead to that scenario.
restored The Forum here in Inglewood. And they did a great job. It’s all beautiful. But as an architect, I don’t know that was the
Tell me a little bit about (fer) studio. What does the name mean?
right thing to do. I think it should have been brought up to today’s
Basically the name stands for form, environment, research. It’s
approaches to entertainment architecture. I struggle that it looks
based on the idea that when you’re creating something, you’re
like a dead monument. I mean, it’s beautiful, it’s a nice building, but
trying to do in-depth research of the site, the client, the conditions,
it doesn’t engage the public. If you’re driving by, you don’t even
the use, building type, all of these things. And you’re trying to
know what’s happening inside unless they post it on the corner
mix that with the environment—be it the new environment or the
sign. I would have loved to see the building open up, so that you
current environment. Ultimately, you come up with a form that
could engage it, see all the visitors coming in besides just in the
really represents who that client is at the moment, and where
parking lot. You don’t need to preserve something just to preserve
they’re going.
it. The aspects of it that are important should be preserved, and then in some way you want to make it grow, too.
Did you ever think that you’d be as successful as you are today? I didn’t have any idea how this was all going play out, but I had
hopes and dreams, and it’s kind of going there. Now our big thing is to make a move into doing much larger projects.
Can you describe your process for collaborating with clients?
The modeling process in terms of physical and computer models is a big part of what we do here. I like to think we aren’t just designing the project and turning it over to the client, but the
somebody, there’s a level of engagement that’s good. But when
I was in Culver City at the time, in a small studio where I lived and
you put a model in front of somebody, if it’s at enough scale and
worked. I had about two people working with me and I needed to
doesn’t feel too precious, they can remove pieces, break pieces
expand, so I had a local real estate agent ... I said, “Look, I wanna
off, turn it around. It just engages people physically, which a
double square footage and reduce rent.” So we looked at a
drawing sometimes doesn’t do, and that helps to really get the
bunch of things and I kept saying, “No.” And then finally he came
conversation opened up. And I think it helps us to let the client
back to me and said, “Look, I own property in Inglewood. Would
crack open and really get, “No, I really don’t like that,” or “I really like
you consider there?” That started the conversation. He actually
that,” or “I think it should do this,” or “I think it should do that.” To
owned the property—a lot with about eight art studios on it. That
me, that’s when you start to get out a really great project.
are. They’re part of the team. When you put a drawing in front of
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Geez, I moved here in 2003? I’d left Gehry Partners in 2002, and
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client is as involved in the design, the decisions and ideas as we
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How long have you lived in Inglewood and why did you move here?
was it. We moved in and been here ever since.
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Are there any cool technological advancements that you currently use or see in the pipeline?
in the day. But structurally it wasn’t so sound, so we ended up
done much with it yet, but it’s something that I’d like to start to
a kid, he would visit them in Rhode Island and go to lobster shacks
We’re trying to get into the VR thing a little bit. We haven’t really play with. All of these tools are fun and sexy, but if the tool isn’t really breaking down a barrier of potential engagement, then it doesn’t really work beyond its sexy fun-ness. And so I question some of these things. I mean, I’m open to them all the time, and obviously they’re great and fun to play with, but I just always caution people and say, “Is somebody opening up and spilling
wave, some people think it’s an upside-down boat. Some people, a sea shell. We definitely wanted to make it so that it became emblematic, and would really stand out on the landscape.
La Canada-Flintridge area. Beautiful site. And when you approach
way. One of the things we always try to do is step back. I think you
it. So it became evident right away that the roof of the house had
two blocks away. Like where is it? How does it fit in? And slowly research that environment before you actually get into the actual nuances of the space itself, to make sure you’re getting these bigger picture connections.
First of all, it’s an amazing sight. I mean, it’s set in this forested the house, the street is above, so you’re actually looking down on to be a strong feature because that’s what you see when you arrive. And so we gave it that big gray metal roof, kind of like a shroud over the whole piece.
Your firm has a focus on environmentally sustainable design practices, correct?
Let’s talk a little bit about your latest project, Sixth and Mill.
Definitely. Daylight harvesting is huge. With a lot of the new
which takes up about 6,000 square feet of the 8,000-square-foot
We’ve played with geothermal, solar orientation, how you deal
That literally shares a portion of the same kitchen as Officine Brera, building. We created a separation wall in that larger warehouse structure so that Brera restaurant could be on one side, and the front piece was going to be occupied by some creative office space. A couple years later, the same ownership came to us, and the same restaurant client, and we talked about, “Well, man, now we want to do a pizzeria here. We want to reconnect this thing.” So, that was a project where we actually cut that separation wall and reconnected the kitchen. So Sixth and Mill, which becomes this really, really great pizzeria space, is connected and shares a portion of the kitchen, mainly dishwashing, with the Brera. And it has its own exhibition kitchen with an amazing wood pizza oven and pasta prep. What’s interesting is that Sixth and Mill and Officine Brera have completely different vibes. Officine Brera is much more of a refined restaurant, with darker lighting, orange hues, more intimate and sexy. And I think Sixth and Mill is much brighter, white marble, white subway tiles on the walls. And it’s a little bit more lively to represent the pizzeria and the more active environment. One of the things we were trying to do with the space was to not close up the 35-foot ceiling. The kitchen ISSUE No. 3
of that building. Some people interpret [the curving roof] as a
From where do you draw your inspiration?
need to look at it from a really urban situation, from blocks away,
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with the crazy kind of roof. That’s kind of what led to the design
As the architect of the Sunnie Kim home, what really stands out to you on that project?
Every time it comes from something related to the project in some
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and grandfather, and [his restaurant] hearkens back to when, as
otherwise?” That’s what you’re trying to get at.
something about what should be happening that they wouldn’t
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taking [it down]. Connie and Ted were the chef’s grandmother
itself required kind of a lid or ceiling from the health department perspective, and so we created this steel and acrylic glass ceiling over the kitchen, and that element allows the ceiling height to be
technologies, there are all kinds of green things we are doing. with the site conditions. That’s a big part of what we do. Just trying to get back to the basics. How you set the structure on the site and how it engages with the local climate and conditions in a positive way is really what it’s all about.
Are there any architects that you look up to or who have been your mentors?
There’s Frank [Gehry]. I mean, having worked so along with him… People like John [Lautner] from years ago, that’s kind of a big one. Gosh, there’s so many, even Eric Owen Moss. I love Eric’s work and what he’s doing.
If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
That is a tricky one. I guess it’d be some artist. ... I know! This is crazy, but what if you could do something with Michelangelo. I don’t even know what that means, but it would be really interesting, especially with his whole pre-classicism.
You continue to push the envelope. What’s next?
We’re finishing Broad Plaza. That’s going to go under construction soon. We’ve done a lot of great work, but I’m really interested in
recognized throughout the space, and yet it doesn’t feel heavy.
getting into some larger things—more museums, more public
What about Connie and Ted’s, the New England-style seafood shack in West Hollywood?
excited about. We also have our fingers potentially in some
That’s an interesting one. It started off as a remodel. The idea was, it used to be the Silver Spoon, a pretty hip little diner back
use buildings, more public accessible spaces. That’s what we’re redevelopment things happening over in Hollywood Park, as part of the Inglewood thing. So that’s coming up, too.
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SPLIT HOUSE PHOTO BY { JOHN GAYLORD
OFFICINE BRERA
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Welcome to
LA-LA LAND Living in the City of Angels is most heavenly at Ten Thousand, a stunning new high-rise where the elite meet to rent sumptuous apartments and live in the lap of luxury.
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INTERVIEW BY { JOHN RUSSO EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON
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Rising 40 stories above Santa Monica Boulevard at the confluence of Beverly Hills and Century City, the angular glass Ten Thousand building (livetenthousand.com), a Crescent Heights Residence® is one of the most coveted addresses in L.A. right now. Described as “Equinox meets Soho House,” the high-rise designed by Handel Architects is an uber-luxurious, amenity-rich rental property, where two- and threebedroom apartments flaunt Pacific Ocean-to-Hollywood Hills views through 16foot floor-to-ceiling windows. A full staff of hospitality professionals—from barista to valet, fitness instructor to technology concierge, robot butler to chauffeur—is devoted to making every pampered resident’s life effortless. Jennifer Monir, the regional director of business development at real estate developer Crescent Heights, considers Ten Thousand her baby; she’s been working on the project “since it was a pile of dirt.” Here, she offers a behind-thescenes look at the “It” place to live.
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The Ten Thousand building has been the talk of the town since it opened. Why do you think it has generated so much buzz? Ten Thousand is a market definer—a five-star, full-service, midcentury modern marvel sitting in what is arguably the best location in Los Angeles. That’s part of why... The other part is due to 75,000 square feet of unparalleled amenities, a house staff nearing 100, and views, views, views.
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How did you develop the incredible array of amenities and services at Ten Thousand? All of our projects are such thoughtful curations. We think about a day in the life of an actual resident. What will interest them? How do we fulfill their needs and exceed their expectations? How can we maximize convenience and create an environment that our community will want to make their own for the long term? After all, that’s our goal. We carefully craft spaces that address residents’ needs and wants. Take our daily Continental breakfast buffet with fresh pressed juices and organic smoothies. We’ve learned that our residents prefer consistency, so that’s what we provide. Bagels and lox, yogurt parfaits, various pastries, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, oatmeal and cereal for the kiddos. We have a state-of-the art fitness facility and complimentary fitness classes, game room, movie theaters, video conferencing centers, kids studio, wellness room, tennis and basketball courts, indoor lap pool and outdoor sunning pool, dog park, dog spa, full bar and 1-acre park. These amenities address the average day-to-day activity of our neighborhood. You wake up, you go to the gym, or take a yoga class, or go for a swim. Then you grab your green juice or protein smoothie, soak up some sun before making a few business calls. You have kids? Great, we have a space for them and services just for them. You have a dog? Great, we have a dog park and a dog spa and we’ve partnered with dog walking services for your convenience. You like weekly massages? Great, we have a masseuse on staff. Just let our in-house concierge handle the details and we can arrange whatever you need or desire. We room service—delivery to your residence during our lunch time hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. There is nothing I would say we ever won’t do.
I understand you are the brains behind some of the amazing programing at the property. Can you tell us more? Our residents’ needs, wants and desires dictate our programming. We send out periodic surveys to assess what residents are interested in and go from there. We’ve done movie nights, complimentary facials, trunk shows, wellness events, Super Bowl, fight night and even Oktoberfest!
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Because your property is at the top of rental market, tenants expect the highest level of service and excellence from your staff. How do you keep operating at such a high level? Training, training and more training. Many of our staff come to us with five-star resort experience, which helps!
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Are there any new and exciting amenities that you plan to roll out? We roll out new and exciting services all the time! One of our more recent rollouts is our partnership with Quintessentially Concierge. We wanted to be able to provide the extra mile to residents, granting them access into coveted restaurants, facilitating exotic travel itineraries at an expert level and sharing some unique opportunities to attend Los Angeles’ most sought-after events— Grammy tickets, floor seats at the Lakers, etc. The partnership furthers our dedication to not saying no, but rather finding a yes.
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What goes on in the wellness center? We have wellness and performance coaches that are on staff to help guide workouts. Our team is functional training and injury prevention based, with the highest honors in their fields. We offer private coaching and daily group classes and group fitness classes—yoga, Pilates, meditation, barre, boot camp and aquatics. Our proprietary app has a schedule of all classes, as well as anything new we roll out. Residents can RSVP through the app, text the staff with questions, reserve spaces and request their car in advance. Post-workout, we have a wide array of wellness services: various massage therapy treatments, reiki and even cupping. Again, our concierge can handle the scheduling. Just use our proprietary app to make your request.
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MERCURY
RISING The planets are in alignment for actor Rami Malek, Mr. Robot’s paranoid computer hacker, who rocks his latest onscreen role as Freddie Mercury in the new biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
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or Rami Malek, embodying legendary rock star Freddie Mercury—the iconic frontman for Queen, who died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991—is a monumental moment in his life and career. In Bohemian Rhapsody, Malek was tasked with talking, walking, singing, dancing and behaving precisely like one of the most famous musical showmen in the world. “I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t know at least one Queen song,” marvels the star of the biographical film tracing Mercury’s orbit, from his Zanzibar roots to the height of his fame.
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As 37-year-old Malek also prepares to reprise his Emmy-winning role on the fourth and final season of USA Network’s Mr. Robot, he rhapsodizes about the making of this new movie, which features a re-creation of Queen’s historic, heartstopping, dramatic performance at Live Aid, the 1985 benefit concert for Ethiopian famine relief. “This film has run the gamut of emotions for me,” he confides. “But the highs have been higher than any you could hope for.”
What do Queen’s songs mean to you?
They’re timeless. Queen’s music is a global phenomenon that transcends generational and cultural boundaries. Two songs—“We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You”—are really audience participation songs and there’s no band that has accomplished stadium anthems in the same way. They perform [these songs] and everyone out there, in those massive arenas and stadiums, is collectively singing and moving in unison. Those songs unite people.
What was your initial reaction when you were asked to play Freddie Mercury?
At first it was shock. As an actor, I don’t think there’s ever this law of depreciating excitement when things like this happen in your career. It’s a moment that halts you in your tracks and it is at once euphoric and thrilling. Then there’s a hit of the magnitude and the weight you have to take on with this legendary man who lives in the hearts of so many people and is revered as being one of the most talented artists of anyone’s generation. So you can imagine the immense weight of that. Now there’s also some ambitious part of me that gets wildly excited and starts thinking about how to begin to inhabit this unique and magnificent creature.
How did you prepare for the role?
I began to look through the songs that Freddie wrote and look for the themes that underlined every track, so that through the songs I could understand the man. My thinking was that if you are going to write something so passionately, you are going to draw on some deep emotions. I tried to build from the ground up, so I looked at his childhood. Here’s a boy who was born in Zanzibar and shipped off to St. Peter’s School in Bombay at a very young age. He returns home to Zanzibar and there’s a revolution going on and his family is forced to seek refuge in England. So there he is with the name Farrokh Bulsara. He refers to his childhood as an “upheaval of an upbringing.” So I just started to somehow appropriate that to my own life in a way, being a first-generation American. My parents moved to America from Egypt to seek a better life for me. When I told them that I was going to be an artist, that was a very difficult stance for me to take. So there were things that I could relate to, which somehow [made it] less of a daunting task [to play] Freddie Mercury, the superstar.
Did you find a theme in his songs?
Without a doubt it’s love; the search and desperate need to find love and how that has escaped him. Here’s a man who, throughout his life, was constantly searching for love. Another theme is identity. There was the man on stage versus this young man who was trying to use any of his God-given talent and the tenacity he had to just make a home for himself in this new land. And then, given the opportunity, rise to be who he inevitably was.
There’s also a physical transformation on screen. We see you, as Freddie, change from a shy young man who joins an unknown band into the incredible showman who captivated an audience of more than a billion people when Queen played Live Aid. How did you do that?
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It gives me chills just thinking about it, because he is exactly that, he
transforms. It’s always Freddie, but there are different versions of him, which I think is beautiful. It’s not Jekyll and Hyde, they are all him. It’s who he wants to be in the given moment and the given situation, which I find so endearing. I saw one interview where he said, “On stage I can be the macho man that everybody wants me to be.” And I think you see that in the ’80s, this performer who throws his fists in the air and holds the crowd with the raising of one arm. Whereas in his younger days, he was very fluid and wispy. So I started to identify that and worked on the progression of the character in that way.
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How did you learn to move the way Freddie moved—onstage and offstage?
Freddie was not deliberate about what he was going to do on the stage before he went on. He didn’t think about what his moves would be the next evening. Things happened in the moment, depending on the feeling, and it was always inspired. Our producers would talk about working with a choreographer, and I said, “It’s not choreographed. There’s nothing about him that’s choreographed.” I wanted to find someone who could essentially understand the way he moved and why he moved the way he did, so I found a movement coach. The way Polly [Bennett] worked was fantastic. She understood how to approach this and we began talking about Freddie’s heritage and his youth and how his shyness would be articulated [for example] in just the way he would sit on the couch and pick up a cup of tea or the way he would cover his teeth because they were a very unique size. And how that would evolve into things that he could manipulate as he got more comfortable with himself. It explained for me why he had this kind of ethereal nature to him early on and how there was an evolution to his stage presence and his physical presence, as he grew older.
Can you describe what happened when Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor first heard you sing as Freddie? Oh, that was an earth-shattering experience. I had to watch
myself [on film] interpreting Freddie, standing between two of the people who know him better than anyone. You can imagine how intimidating that was. Roger was characteristically cool and reserved and Brian, who I noticed had been eying me up and down, came out with such a compliment that I was quite moved. I had put all of myself into preparing for this and trying to do this person justice. Getting acceptance from them was inspiring and propelling.
Can you talk about Freddie’s relationship with Mary Austin?
Mary meant the world to Freddie and surprisingly few people are aware of the impact she had on his life. He referred to Mary as the love of his life and wrote the iconic song [“Love of My Life”] for her. She was his confidante for so much of his life. She was someone who understood him in a way that no one else could or would, and vice versa. They were in a romantic relationship for six years and were tethered together ’til the end of his life. He referred to her as his common-law wife, and the person he trusted the most. Without Mary, I don’t think we would have had the Freddie Mercury we know today.
Freddie kept his sexuality a secret. Why do you think he stayed in the closet? of his life is that he never spoke about it. He transcends all these never confined himself in that way. He just was. And I think that’s what will make him an even greater icon, if that’s even possible. That’s why he is so accessible to everyone.
You know, it’s too difficult to pick a favorite favorite, but I do really love Brian’s “Hammer to Fall” [from the album The Works]. That’s a great song. But for me, it would be like picking a favorite child. They
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What’s your favorite Queen song?
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stringent labels and boxes that we try to impose on people. He
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The most extraordinary thing about his sexuality and that aspect
are all going to last for a long, long time.
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STILL GOT HER GROOVE Best known for her stirring portrayals of Tina Turner, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King and other powerful women, Angela Bassett is forever awesome. INTERVIEW BY { BEKAH WRIGHT EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
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CUSHNIE ET OCHS ALEXIS BITTAR
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Gratitude. It emanates from Angela Bassett, especially when she reflects on family and career. The Academy Award nominee, four-time Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner sounds as joyful about an RV trip through the desert with husband, actor Courtney B. Vance, and their 12-year-old twins, Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah, as she does about a robust slate of upcoming television and film projects.
“I’m blessed to be doing what I love, and able to earn a living doing it.”
Bassett has little downtime between projects. This season, she returns as Police Sergeant Athena Grant in the second season of FOX’s 9-1-1, a one-hour drama in which she is both star and executive producer; and gives voice to a cherry-red Plymouth Satellite named Shatter in Bumblebee, the new Transformers movie. Also on her lineup is the new Netflix Originals film Otherhood, which taps both her acting and executive producing skills. Most of her characters are undeniably strong. Consider her power in films including What’s Love Got to Do With It, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Black Panther; and in TV movies, such as The Rosa Parks Story and Betty and Coretta. Perhaps that strength reflects less on her acting skills than on her inner life. In the words of Queen Ramonda, her Black Panther persona, “Show them who you are.” Clearly, Bassett shows us she is captivating, passionate and downright authentic.
Who or what has served as your inspiration?
Golden B. Wall, my father’s sister. She and her husband Grover didn’t have kids of their own, so when my mother got pregnant with my sister, I stayed with them at their home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Aunt Golden was such a great role model, a hard-working woman of faith. She was always striving to be better, to expand on her knowledge and experiences. I’m grateful for the time I spent with her.
Growing up, what kind of future did you envision for yourself?
At 15 years old, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in acting. My vision was of building a portfolio of quality work on stage and screen, so I focused School (we called it Yale Trauma School), we got a very well-rounded view putting together a stage production, from running lines to building sets. Between that and taking classes, I didn’t get much sleep, but I loved and breathed it. I was proud to grace the stage during commencement at Yale accomplish so much, and I’m still creating, something I don’t take lightly.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A religious leader once told me, “If your outgoing exceeds your incoming,
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last May to receive an honorary doctorate degree. I’ve been blessed to
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of what it meant to be in this business, doing everything associated with
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on getting as much exposure to the craft as possible. While at Yale Drama
then your upkeep will be your downfall. Never live beyond your means.” Very simple, and also very true.
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Tell us about your most memorable trip.
For our 20th anniversary, my husband, Courtney B. Vance, and I took our twins and a couple of friends on an RV road trip from Los Angeles to Sedona, Arizona. The kids are busy now with their own activities, and Courtney and I are often working in various parts of the world, so it was wonderful to have this time together to celebrate our family.
Where do you feel most at home?
As someone who really loves to travel, I feel at home wherever I am, as long as I have good friends and my family with me. My loved ones represent home for me.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I can spend hours on the dance floor! I love to dance. Turn on some good music and I’m hooked. [Editor’s note: A video of the sexy diva busting a move at her 60th birthday party in September 2018 went viral.] Another surprise: I love to cook and eat. I’m very comfortable getting in the kitchen and making something special happen. It’s very therapeutic.
How do you stay grounded?
I’m always reflective of the fact that I’m blessed to be doing what I love, and able to earn a living doing it. I come from humble beginnings, so I have a real appreciation for my family having choices in life and an abundance of resources. I don’t take any of it for granted, and we make sure our children have the same understanding.
Which of your many film and television roles has had the biggest impact on you?
When I think about What’s Love Got to Do with It , portraying Tina Turner really helped me define what I’m truly capable of, how strong I can be. There was so much required of me to bring that phenomenal woman to life on the screen. Nothing I’ve done since has been as demanding as that role, so I’m grateful to have had that experience early on in my career. I often categorize my life and career in terms of “Before What’s Love” and “After What’s Love.” That’s how much of an amazing impact that journey had on my life.
What would you like your legacy to be?
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What has motherhood taught you?
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guidance throughout my children’s lives, as well as an
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loving mother who instilled positive values, principles and actress whose body of work gave people joy and filled their spirits.
Motherhood has taught me I’m not perfect, and that’s okay. Perfection isn’t required for parents. Instead, I’m driven to work hard every day to be the best example I can be for my children. They, in turn, have taught me patience and given me the feeling of the deepest love you can have for another human being.
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A NGELA’S FAVORITES
Most treasured possession: Hmmm…In terms of material possessions, I’d say my art collection.
Comfort mode go-tos:
Good food, a T-shirt and jeans, then settling in for binge-watching a great TV series.
Beauty items:
Eyeliner that’s not too thick that it closes my eyes, and bottled water, because it’s good for internal cleansing, which means glowing and hydrated skin.
Victoria Beckham, rag & bone, Diane von Furstenberg, Max Azria, Tom Ford… I could go on and on.
Courtney just gave me a cranberry red Chevrolet Bolt to match his sky blue one. I love zipping around
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Wheels:
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Christian Siriano, Tracy Reese,
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Designer:
town in it, and since it’s an electric car, not having to buy gas anymore.
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AN
EMOTIONAL MAN
In the hot new dramedy A Million Little Things, as well as in real life, David Giuntoli is learning how to share his deepest feelings. David Giuntoli’s career trajectory goes something like this: The native of St. Louis studied finance at Indiana University; was cast on MTV’s reality series Road Rules: South Pacific and Real World/Road Rules
Challenge: The Gauntlet; spent six seasons tracking down hideous monsters in human disguise (and often appearing sans shirt) on NBC’s Grimm; and can now be seen on ABC’s A Million Little Things, the tear-jerking dramatic series du jour about of a group of male friends grappling with the aftermath of the suicide of one of their own. According to Giuntoli, the show is sad, funny, touching and heartwarming. Married for one year to his Grimm castmate Elizabeth (Bitsy) Tulloch, the 38-year-old actor lives in the Hollywood Hills. He and Bitsy are expecting their first child in February 2019.
INTERVIEW BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO GROOMING BY { SYDNEY SOLLOD AT
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TOPMAN
You were one of the most sought-after actors for pilots this season. Why did you select A Million Little Things? It is the most important script I’ve read in a long time. It is an adult show that deals
with grown-up topics in a grown-up way. The humor is beautiful. It has the power to heal in a time when we all need it.
The show deals with the tough subject of suicide. What were your feelings about being part of a storyline that could be a trigger for some viewers? I believe the goal of storytelling shouldn’t primarily be to “not trigger,” but when dealing with something as serious as suicide, one goal should be to treat the subject as thoughtfully, responsibly and compassionately as possible. We are actively involved with suicide prevention, including working with suicide prevention organizations and running PSAs. I believe the producers and writers have been very careful not to glamorize suicide, like some other shows might have. Our show is loosely based on something our wonderful creator, DJ Nash, went through in real life. After his friend died unexpectedly from suicide, DJ wanted to re-examine how he was living his own life, explore what he could have done differently to have helped his deceased friend, and how he can be more present and helpful to his living loved ones so that he never loses someone to suicide again.
Above all, A Million Little Things is about friendship. What would you say is the difference between male and female friendships?
It depends. I know it’s harder sometimes for men to wear their hearts on their sleeves, and confide in other people. As a guy, there is a tendency to need to “toughen up” when you feel emotional or vulnerable. I personally do feel the impulse to hide my vulnerabilities in most situations. But that’s definitely changed in recent years, and now I think it’s much more acceptable and even encouraged to acknowledge and accept that vulnerability.
Are your own friendships with men “bromances” or activity-based buddy relationships?
I’m pretty lucky to have a lot of great guy friends. They are mostly creative types and I like to develop (and hopefully complete) projects with most of them. My friendships are coffee, hiking or dinner-based. Some I’m somewhat more connected to on an emotional level—the friends who know even the most unsavory things about me and still choose to have my back.
Your Twitter profile says “Hollywood bad boy.” Why?
Ha ha. It’s ridiculous, and I’m not. My friend Cerelina dared me to write that as a joke and I did. Maybe that does make me a bad boy after all.
In what ways are you different from—or similar to—your character on A Million Little Things?
Eddie is definitely more of a hot mess than I am. I consider myself someone who’s on top of things. He believes that everything happens for a reason and I don’t. But one major similarity is how much we value our relationships with our friends. We are also both artistic types, and share an exuberance that people either find utterly charming or utterly grating.
It was honestly just a practical decision, as I knew that finance was something I could use until I figured out what I wanted to do in my life. After Road Rules , I decided to move out to L.A. in my mid 20s, which was a total departure from finance. Part of that decision was learning that my grandfather on my mom’s side had been an actor, and
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You majored in international business and finance in college. What did you expect to be when you grew up…and how did you make the giant leap first into reality TV on MTV’s Road Rules and, later, into acting?
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I’d have to say how protective we are of the ones we love.
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What about Nick Burkhardt, creature hunter, on Grimm? Any similarities?
there was a part of me that wanted to continue that legacy.
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Do you and Bitsie have any pets?
We have an amazing special-needs French bulldog named Henry. He’s 8 years old and has been plagued by health problems his whole life, but he’s a source of great joy and we love him. Two words for Frenchie owners: pet insurance.
What is your most prized possession?
I like to lovingly and jokingly remind my Bitsie that my two favorite souvenirs from Grimm are the old Land Cruiser Nick Burkhardt drove, and her. The order depends on the day. Incidentally, both would run through a brick wall for me.
How do you unwind after an intense day on the set?
The hot towel that awaits me in the makeup trailer at the end of a day.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?
A) Never sign a contract with a man who’s wearing shorts. B)
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Don’t spend your money until Season 3. C) Grit and focus are a greater determination of success than talent alone.
What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Have fun. Work hard but don’t freak out. Travel more than you
Fashion designer:
I wear a lot of Rag & Bone.
think you ought to.
Grimm was kind of scary. In real life, what scares you?
Wardrobe item:
My Common Projects shoes
Anything bad happening to my loved ones. Aside from that, I’m unflappable.
Scent:
I don’t wear cologne. But I guess
A Million Little Things makes viewers laugh and cry. In real life, do you cry easily? If so, what makes you cry?
I wouldn’t say I cry easily, but I’m definitely in touch with my
I’d say whatever perfume my wife wears. She changed it recently and it’s a winner.
emotions. I’m certainly not ashamed of crying.
How would you like to be remembered?
As kind to all stripes, regardless of color, creed or political
Grooming products:
Kiehl’s, Dermalogica, Aesop’s, Kevin Murphy
affiliation.
If you could change one thing about the current state of the world, what would it be?
Workout:
Hiking, hiring a trainer to force me to work out
More phone calls, fewer texts. More Instas, fewer tweets.
Gym bag must-haves:
Apple wireless earbuds. They certainly don’t look cool, but they are a game changer at the gym.
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The bathroom with the Toto toilet
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Land Cruiser is a charmer. They
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I love my Audi SUV, but the ’89 don’t make them like that anymore.
Room in the house: Restaurants:
Little Dom’s in LA Salt and Smoke—the world’s greatest barbecue—in St. Louis
Vacation destination:
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SOUTHERN CHARMER Georgia-born Sean Richard O’Pry is one of the world’s top-grossing male supermodels—and also one of the nicest guys around.
Sean Richard O’Pry’s big break came a dozen years ago, when celebrity stylist and fashion icon Nolé Marin discovered the fabulously handsome teen’s prom pictures on MySpace. Now he’s one of the most successful—and highest paid—male models in the world. With his strong brow, icy blue eyes and angular jawline, the 29-year-old from Kennesaw, Georgia, has graced magazine covers, ad campaigns and runways for nearly every top designer, from Armani to Zegna; heated up music videos for Madonna (Girl Gone Wild, 2012) and Taylor Swift (Blank
Space, 2014); and been the face of fragrances including Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb. Here, O’Pry reveals that he’s beautiful on the inside, too. EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON INTERVIEW BY { JUSTIN MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO STYLING BY { JUSTIN LYNN GROOMING BY { BRIAN CASEY
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What do you miss most about life in Georgia?
I was very fortunate to grow up in Georgia, especially being able to have that small town feel. If we weren’t at a ball park, we were in the woods, at a friend’s or running between the neighborhoods trying to find some trouble to get into. It was nice to be able to leave the house and not have to be back ’til the street lights came on for dinner. Georgia will always have a place in my heart. I’ll always be born and bred southern, and that’ll never change.
Is there any designer, brand or magazine you haven’t yet worked with that you hope to?
At this point in my career, I think it’s less about a certain brand or magazine and more about being able to continue to work with such creative and artistic individuals. That was the goal at the beginning and now is still the same—to keep putting out new ideas and inspirations within this industry through collaborations.
With all the influential people in fashion and entertainment you’ve worked with, have you ever been starstruck? Who were you most excited to meet? Tom Brady and Tom Hanks
Often a modeling career comes with an expiration date. Does this worry you?
I’ve always been under the impression that this job came with a shelf life. Honestly, I expected to get five or six years of solid work, pocket some money and travel. To still be doing this 12 years later just speaks volumes for the representation I have, and shows what a talented team I work with.
Do you get recognized often on the street?
Ha ha. Let’s just say Taylor Nation has a never-ending fan base, and I was very fortunate to be a part of that song and the moment that came with it.
You played boyfriend to a crazy Taylor Swift in the Blank Space music video. Do you have any crazy real-life dating stories? Don’t we all? Ha!
Does your dog Tallulah enjoy life in New York City?
We have morning rituals she really enjoys. If we divert from our bench and coffee routine she gets a bit upset. If you ever see her in the city, she loves attention and a good head rub is always in order. But no treats. She’s on a diet.
Even with the constant travel, your skin always looks clear and fresh. Do you have any skincare secrets? If I don’t hydrate correctly or get enough rest while traveling, it’s almost impossible for me to avoid troublesome skin. Outside of that, I moisturize with Biotherm Aquapower and wash my face every morning and night with Dermalogica cleanser.
While we are on the topic of travel, you’re probably an expert at packing a suitcase. What are your tips for quick and easy on-the-go style?
Less is more. I rarely ever check a bag. I always bring a carry-on and a backpack. What I’ll wear to the gym is usually what I wear in the airport, which allows me more room to pack for other situations.
through.
What is something most people don’t know about you? If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
I wish I would’ve taken more time and appreciated every place a little bit longer, and lived more within the moments that have been given to me.
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I’ll never turn down karaoke.
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Probably go back to the ’90s and ask my mom to skip the rat tail phase I went
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If you could live in another era, which would it be?
If you could change one thing about the world in general, what would it be? Simple. More love, less judgment.
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IGNITED! Catapulted to stardom as the lead in ABC’s #tgit firefighter drama Station 19, JAINA LEE ORTIZ is sizzling hot, yet she couldn’t be any cooler.
BY { BETH
WEITZMAN
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ERICKSON
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It’s a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, the kind that typifies L.A. weather—sheer perfection. We’re getting ready for our shoot in a breathtaking apartment on the 35th floor of the gorgeous Ten Thousand building overlooking the Los Angeles Country Club Golf Course—the views, insane—when Jaina Lee Ortiz walks in. Like a ray of sunshine, she immediately illuminates the space and everyone around her. So down-to-earth. In just minutes, we’re deep in conversation. First, we chat about her life before Station 19, how excited she was to land the lead role (especially considering she had auditioned for For The People, but Shonda Rhimes had other plans for her), the rigorous training the cast undergoes and, well, what it’s like to work with her hot co-stars (I had to ask). And that, of course, brought us to her favorite man ... her husband, television writer Brad Marques. From there, we talked up a storm about how they met IRL (when she was at a salsa competition, preacting career). She’s so open, nice and downright cool—the kind of person you just want to hang out with. Born in California and raised in the Bronx, Ortiz is proof positive that following your gut and your passion, and working hard, pays off.
I was originally interested in being a gymnast after watching the Olympics on TV for the first time. But then my mom enrolled me in dance class because it was cheaper, and once I realized I got to wear heels, I was hooked.
What inspired the transition to acting?
When I was 16, one of my salsa performances caught the eye of two NYU students, who asked me to be a part of their short film. I had a blast and fell in love with the process, though I had no clue what I was doing. I didn’t revisit acting until I was 20, and made the decision to leave dance completely and go full steam with acting.
Do you feel that your dance experience gave you a leg up when it came to feeling comfortable acting? Dance allowed me to have awareness and control of physical expression, which is a huge component to acting. It’s given me the gift of discipline, dedication and good work ethic.
I’m so glad that dance has exploded into what it is today. With various media platforms, the world is now exposed to dance in all forms, and the talent is unbelievably impressive. I don’t think of it as a trend. I think of it as a form of
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What do you think about the resurgence of dance in some of Hollywood’s biggest projects in recent years? Do you think the trend will continue?
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Absolutely. Dance 100 percent gave me the tools to apply towards any craft.
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Dance allowed me to have awareness and control of physical expression, which is a huge component to acting. It’s given me the gift of discipline, dedication and good work ethic.
You started training in dance at 9 years old, teaching by 15, and, by age 16, traveled internationally as a professional instructor and performer. What prompted your initial interest in salsa/mambo classes, and in dance in general?
self-expression that transcends language.
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Any upcoming projects that combine dance and acting?
My dream project would be to do a remake of Flashdance in the world of Latin culture. I lived it.
What’s it like being on a show produced by Grey’s Anatomy icons Shonda Rhimes, Stacy McKee and Betsy Beers?
These women are the cream of the crop. This is the first time in my career where I’m fortunate enough to say that my bosses
How did your previous acting roles prepare you for your role as Andy Herrera on Station 19?
I’ve always played bad-ass characters. I don’t know what it’s
are females. That feels pretty fucking amazing. And this is what I love most about Shonda Rhimes—she gives women the opportunity to rise into positions of leadership and power.
like to play a character who isn’t layered with strength, dignity, tenacity and intelligence. Also, I have really amazing parents who showered me with love and confidence and told me I could be anything I wanted to be.
Did you feel extra pressure about being on a spinoff of such a popular show? The pressure wasn’t there because when you have a storytelling team like Shonda Rhimes, Stacy McKee and Betsy
Tell us about the audition process. We understand that you first auditioned for For The People but Shonda pegged you for the role of Andy on Station 19.
Beers, you know you’re in good hands.
experience I’ve ever had because it’s when I met Shonda
about it is that we are lucky to have an existing, passionate
Rhimes for the first time. I got to sit and chat with Shonda, her
fanbase that’s been around for 15 years [watching Grey’s
It was probably the best and most terrifying audition
How have you adjusted to the show’s rising popularity? It’s been a process of surrendering. And what’s beautiful
producing partner Betsy Beers and their legendary casting
Anatomy]. Not too many shows can say that. It makes me
director Linda Lowy. The room was full of energy, my stomach
happy to hear that most [viewers] who love Grey’s also love
was in knots and I remember stuttering from being so nervous.
Station 19.
I was so excited about For The People.
Tell us about the day you found out you nabbed the show’s lead role? I was walking my dog and wondering how the meeting for For
The People went. And then I got the call. My agent said “This is
How do you prepare for such intense physical days on set? Naps, water, electrolytes, repeat.
What do you in and around L.A. that’s restorative?
Drama TV schedules can be brutal, so I love to engage in
a curveball. Shonda Rhimes wants you for the Grey’s Anatomy
activities that make me feel normal. Quality time with friends,
spinoff. There’s no script, all we know is that it’s a show about
movies, lunch dates, etc.
firefighters.” I felt like I had won the lottery.
Your character, Andy Herrera, is pretty much a badass. What’s it like to own the role of a strong female in this entertainment zeitgeist and on a show focused on the maledominated field of firefighting?
Have you ever been afraid of fire? And how about now that you’re on the show? Not really afraid of fire, except when we work with it on set.
Sometimes the flames are exceptionally large, I remind myself how lucky I am to be wearing the gear.
Playing Andy Herrera makes me feel empowered every day. She is proof that she’s capable of handling anything a man
can. Yes, there are very few female firefighters in the FD, but
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they do exist, and Andy pays homage to the resilient women
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What’s the scariest thing that has happened while filming among flames? Funny enough, the flames aren’t as scary as the amazing
who continue to fight for their place.
crafty table with all the dangerous snacks.
What type of training did you have to undergo before taking on the role?
The show is brimming with hot actors. Does your husband, television writer Brad Marques, ever give you a hard time about that?
Before shooting, I decided to fully engage myself in
understanding the demands for the job. I met with two female
In fact, he loves it. He’s a storyteller. He lives for it.
captains who showed me around the station and included me on ride-alongs. I even took the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) and, yes I’ll brag, I passed!
Speaking of your husband … How did you two meet? We met on the dance floor. Salsa, of course.
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What drew you to Brad?
It wasn’t about all the things he said to me when we first met, it was about what he did.
Let’s talk jewels. Which designer sparklers would you most like to wear to your next soiree to complete a fantasy ensemble? This is not something I think about. However, if it
When did you realize he was the one?
shines, I rock the hell out of it.
After our four-hour-long conversation on the phone.
You took a big leap moving from NYC to Texas to be with Brad. Tell us about that experience. The most wonderful thing about taking that leap was
What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you? I have a weird obsession with staring at people while they eat. And I’m completely fascinated with magic.
that I knew in my heart I was taking it with someone who would be willing to leap back with me. We both ended up leaving everything for California to chase
What do you miss about the dancer lifestyle? Designing and choosing costumes.
our dreams, together.
What do you love most about Brad?
How do you keep balance in your day?
I’m a very organized person and I organize everything
He always makes me laugh. Like, so hard that it’s ugly.
in my life. It’s the only way I can function.
Do you socialize off-set with your co-stars?
With zero thought for the price tag, what luxury accessory would you buy to treat yourself?
As much time as we spend together on set, we also love being around each other in our free time. You
A big ol’ Gucci bag.
know that annoying couple who can’t get enough of each other and it makes you sick? That’s the cast in a nutshell.
Is there a specific cause or charity that’s nearest and dearest to your heart? Step Up, an organization that propels girls living or
You used to be a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics. Do you still like doing makeup?
going to school in under-resourced communities to
Love, love, love makeup. I just did Barrett Doss’s
confident, college-bound, career-focused and ready to
makeup the other day while we were casually lounging
join the next generation of professional women.
fulfill their potential by empowering them to become
at her place. Makeup makes me so happy.
How do you define your personal style?
What are some of your hobbies?
Dancing, cooking, flower arranging.
We all have things we’re good at. Clothing myself is not one of them.
Secrets to having a successful marriage? Making a solid team with your spouse.
How do you deal with the pressure to be “perfect” in Hollywood? Fuck perfection. I’m all about being real. I don’t relate
Who or what inspires you? Sonia Sotomayor.
to someone who has their entire life wrapped in a perfect, shiny bow. I have great days, and not-sogreat days. I break out, I get lazy, I have pity parties, I
What terrifies you? The ocean.
eat like crap sometimes. People want to see people in Hollywood. Not someone who has it all together 24/7.
What are you most grateful for?
That’s a never-ending list. But I’m most grateful to be alive, to be surrounded by people I adore.
I’ll leave it up to my master styler, Sara Alviti. I trust whatever direction she leads me in.
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You have to pick a dress for the Emmy Awards. Which designers do you ring up?
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That’s boring.
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“I’m all about being real.... People want to see people in Hollywood. Not someone who has it all together 24/7. That’s boring.“
JA INA’S FAVORITES
Neighborhood in L.A.:
Santa Monica. It’s the first place I lived when
Workout:
Core Power Yoga is my absolute favorite.
moving to L.A.
Things to do in L.A.:
I love to be by the ocean and explore
Dish to cook:
Eggs. Any way you can imagine. Rice, beans, and pollo guisado.
different restaurants.
Restaurants:
Never leave home without:
Sunscreen, water and lip gloss
Sage, Cafe Gratitude, Loqui, The Bazaar by Jose Andres, True Foods
Date night with hubby: Going to the movies
NYC or L.A.:
I love the food, music, nightlife and hustle and bustle of NYC. I love L.A.’s laidback energy. There’s a calmness and serenity in
Travel destination:
I don’t know, I don’t get out much. But Italy and Spain are on the list.
L.A., and of course, who isn’t obsessed with the weather?
Hotel:
Azulik in Tulum
Beauty routine:
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It involves tons of moisturizer, sunscreen,
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masks and an obscene amount of lip gloss.
Dream trip: Bora Bora
Netflix binge:
Things you’ll never forget:
work with you.
how to love
Food:
Words to live by:
Ozark . Jason Bateman, get at me. I want to
Anything but oysters
My childhood in the Bronx, how to dance and
Find something you love and let it kill you.
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SANCTUARY
Style
of
Locally designed resort style comes to life at the new Montage Los Cabos. All items available at Eclectic Array, the boutique at Montage Los Cabos, eclecticarray.com, 214.392.1775
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Fall brings crisp air and cool fashion for day to night.
TIMELY
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P
ullman Hotels & Resorts, the collection of
overnight and lets Rythm’s technology do the
upscale, cosmopolitan properties under
rest. Built-in speakers diffuse sounds to the inner
the AccorHotels brand, is launching an
ear, and ultra-fine sensors track the wearer’s
inspired wellness program at more than 100 of
brain waves, heart rate and breathing. With long-
its properties worldwide. The program made its
term use, the data and insights collected by the
North American debut at Pullman San Francisco
device could help improve sleep patterns. In the
Bay last summer, and the next, at Pullman Miami,
short term, the Dreem headband enables users
is currently in the works.
to fall asleep with greater ease, enhances deep
Aldina Duarte Ramos, director of well-being for Pullman, worked closely with wellness coach
sleep and wakes them at the best possible time for maximum refreshment. With respect to the food pillar, Hoey collaborated
The new concept, which has been four years in
with Pullman’s culinary team to create health-
the making, is based on four essential pillars of
conscious offerings that support anti-aging,
health: sleep, food, sport and spa. Customizable
energy, balance and detoxification. Menu items,
options focus on anti-aging, energy, balance and
which include dairy-, sugar- and gluten-free
detoxification.
options, will vary among Pullman properties according to the region and seasons, but will
beyond the Pullman Hotels’ fitness lounges and
always include an Active Breakfast, which Hoey
consider multiple aspects of health, rather than
designed to be nutritious and filling—perhaps
movement alone. “The better and more energetic
detoxifying vegetable shots (pineapple, spinach,
guests feel when traveling, the more rewarding
ginger, cucumber, mint, cayenne), an energy-
their stay will be, whether they are traveling for
boosting scramble of egg white, spinach, feta
business or leisure,” explains Ramos.
and chicken, and a side of fresh seasonal fruit or
To support sleep, Pullman makes Dreem
a mixed berry smoothie.
select
In regard to the sport pillar, each guest room
neurotechnology
is outfitted with a Pullman yoga mat, resistance
company Rythm, the Dreem headband is paired
bands and hand weights, and a local jogging
with an accompanying mobile app. A guest simply
map is available upon request. Additionally,
dons the (surprisingly comfortable) headband
Hoey and the brand have produced a number of
headbands
available
properties.
Designed
to by
guests
at
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An overall goal of the program is to take health
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Sarah Hoey to develop the tenets of the program.
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Luxury hotel collection Pullman is fully committed to its guests’ health and well-being.
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4-minute and 7-minute videos, which guests can view on the TV in their room, on a smartphone or tablet (poolside flow, anyone?). Think morning and evening yoga routines, as well as workouts geared toward the four fundamentals. In addition to the hotel’s fitness lounge, these tools are at guests’ disposal to make wellness more efficient and convenient while they’re on the road. Pullman also recognizes the health benefits of a deep-tissue massage and age-defense treatment for travelers. Guests can embrace the fourth pillar at Pullman Hotels’ on-site or partner spas with a morning aromatherapy treatment to gently shake off jet lag, an invigorating afternoon massage to circulate blood flow and provide an energy boost, or a body wrap in the evening to detox and unwind. In addition, Hoey hosts multi-day wellness experiences (programs and pricing, with some activities offered free of charge, vary by location) at destinations across the network. The first was held in Dubai, the second in São Paulo. Open to both hotel guests and non-guests, these immersive retreats can include cooking classes, nutrition workshops and movement sessions. Whether she’s instructing a balance session with Waff stability cushions in Mazagan, teaching paddle yoga in Sardinia or discussing nutrition in Bangkok, Hoey is always espousing the four pillars of wellness. Referring to the program’s genesis, Ramos notes, “It all started in 2014, when I was appointed head of wellness concepts and products for the luxury edition of AccorHotels. What we wanted as a group was to have a more holistic approach when you book your hotel and not cluster every guest experience. … And then I met Sarah in
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Marrakesh. She was there [at Pullman Marrakech Palmeraie Resort & Spa] creating a boot camp. … We shared our vision, our ambition and what we wanted, and actually we have the same ambition about making wellness accessible for all.” As the program continues its worldwide rollout, the four pillars are adapted to suit each property near
and
far
while
maintaining
the
holistic
approach. “Everyone agrees that these are vital fundamental elements,” adds Ramos. “The idea is to make wellness available anywhere you’re staying. Whether you forgot your tennis shoes, or whether you want to practice indoor, outdoor. … Let’s find solutions for you to take care of yourself.”
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SAN FRANCISCO
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FEELING GOOD
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BY { JESSICA LUZA
Find Your
vibrational energy heal whatever ails you.
FEELING GOOD
Slap on these pretty stickers and let their
ISSUE No. 3
FREQUENCY
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Perfect
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FEATURES
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By design, decorative stickers are created to make wearers smile. Now, Body Vibes, a new breed of super-cute “smart stickers” created by Leslie Kritzer and Madison De Clercq of the facial spa Skin Worship in Beverly Hills, promises to electromagnetically restore and rebalance your body and mind.
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Kritzer got the idea for these mood-elevating transdermal patches more than three years ago, when her husband’s doctor, a specialist in alternative medicine, gave him bio-energy discs to help relieve his rheumatoid arthritis. “He was suffering from a severe flare-up, and after seeing the transformation from agony to manageable, I was compelled to find out everything I could about the technology,” she recalls. Flash-forward to the present. Through a proprietary technology, frequencies are recorded, condensed and stored within the Body Vibes stickers. Applied directly to the skin—slightly to the left and above the heart or on the lower arm above the wrist—the Coachella- and Instagram-worthy sticky discs deliver good vibes with a host of feel-good benefits including reduced anxiety, strengthened mental acuity and enhanced relaxation. Several sleek designs are currently available—including Beauty, Focus, Anti-Anxiety, Energy, Self-Love, At The Beach, Flower Power and Mood Boost—each believed to harness a different frequency or chakra and, thereby, target a different system. Incorporate Body Vibes into your healthy lifestyle choices to achieve your perfect harmonic homeostasis— and stick it to bad days forever. shopbodyvibes.com
MIXED SIGNALS Kritzer and De Clercq encourage “cocktailing” the stickers— wearing them in combination to achieve special effects. Here, some of their favorite recipes:
The Common Cold
Ingredients: Energy and Self-Love
First Date Jitters
Ingredients: Focus and Anti-Anxiety Results: Focus helps you check everything off your to-do list
negative thoughts and facilitates an overall sense
before the big night. Anti-Anxiety keeps you calm and lessens
of well-being.
the sense of feeling overwhelmed.
Holiday Stress
Ingredients: Anti-Anxiety and Mood Boost Results: Anti-Anxiety helps manage stress. Mood Boost helps
helps heal conflict and assists in feeling deeper
to balance overall mood and regulate hormones.
connections to others.
Road Rage
Ingredients: Anti-Anxiety and At The Beach
Hangover
Ingredients: Anti-Anxiety and Energy
Results: Anti-Anxiety helps keep your reactions to others’
Results: Anti-Anxiety helps alleviate guilt and queasiness.
actions in check. At The Beach helps you remain grounded and
Energy gives you a boost similar to caffeine that you may need
present.
after a night of overindulgence.
FEELING GOOD
Results: Self-Love eases self-destructive feelings. At The Beach
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Heartbreak
Ingredients: Self-Love and At The Beach
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Results: The Energy sticker helps boost mood. Self-Love eases
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JOURNEYto
well-being
FEELING GOOD
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BY { BETH WEITZMAN
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After witnessing her parents’ battles with cancer (and coping with health issues of her own), Serena Poon turned her attention to healing through food, nutrition and energy. She honed her culinary skills at the Playboy Mansion, launched a private catering business and became a “culinary alchemist,” working with indivduals. Here, a chat with this modern-day marvel.
Your day begins with...?
of 1,200 people with food service for six hours. I had the
out of bed. Then my warm lemon water, juices and elixirs.
the execution of the events, so I felt that I had a very well-
A few minutes of meditation and my gratitude list before I get
Can you name three things you’re grateful for?
First, my heart tribe, which is made up of the people I love and support, who love and support me. They are my mom and sis, and also the souls and energies with whom my heart has
How did that exposure catapult you into starting your private catering business?
While I was working at the Playboy Mansion, I was often approached by guests of the parties and events, with
Second, my path, which has led me to the place I am today.
with my experience, I started to cater dinners and parties
requests for private catering work. As my confidence grew
lighter, wiser and more aligned than I have ever felt in my life. To have the feeling of knowing that my authentic self/truth has a purpose and that it brings value to others is a humbling and gratifying/empowering truth.
in addition to my hours working at the Mansion. After about a year, I chose private work full time and started my own company. With Hugh Hefner, Playboy Enterprises and the Playboy Mansion as the first employer on my resume, along with strong references from happy clients, I built my clientele list strictly by referral only.
Third, our fur babies, my most precious jewels of life. They give unconditional love and trust, and most importantly, they teach us small lessons every day in life and caring (for others
What made you then take the leap from private chef-ing to focus on health and healing as a career?
and for ourselves).
My initial reason for diving deep into nutrition and studying
What are some of your favorite things to cook?
The desire to have a career in health and healing had been
foods—gluten-free and vegan, calorically conscious. So
school and coming out with $60,000 worth of school loans,
the culinary arts came with my parents’ battles with cancer.
I really love making healthier versions of simple comfort everything from cauliflower fried rice, to healthy Italian
in my heart since that time in my life. After going to culinary my mind was in a space of gaining experience, applying what
favorites to 50 different variations of avocado toast.
I had learned in school and trying to pay off those school
How/when did you first realize the connection between food and health?
own health issues that I circled back to why I had truly started
into using food as medicine and food as a healing tool in
sake of helping others. After suffering my own health issues
loans. It was not until I actually started to have some of my
When my parents were sick with cancer, I first began to dive
combination with traditional Chinese medicine and Western
on this journey in the first place. My drive for healing others put me in a place where I was sacrificing my own health for the as a result of that kind of stress, multiple surgeries, two which
medicine.
I nearly died from, and years of self-development, I’ve learned
What are some of your favorite health-benefiting foods?
take care of everyone else around me. During this time, my
vegetables,
alchemy as a private chef and caterer. I became a nutritionist,
to balance my energy, to take care of myself first so that I can
It’s tough to pick favorites, but I’m a big lover of green avocados,
super-fruits
(berries,
acai,
camu
camu, and baobab), and plant adaptogens (lucuma, maca, ashwagandha, holy basil, and rhodiola) which are supportive of our adrenal system.
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I had a very unique experience working at the Playboy
Gio
You began your culinary career working for Hugh Hefner and Playboy Enterprises at the Playboy Mansion. Can you tell us about that experience? What were some of the things you learned during your time there?
kitchen. As a junior chef, I was given the opportunity to
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rounded experience working there.
connected.
Despite the pain, both physical and emotional, I feel stronger,
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opportunity to do all of that, from the prep level to managing
Mansion, beyond being privy to what happens behind the scenes. I chose to work for Mr. Hefner at the Mansion because the environment gave me so much creative freedom in the design new guest menus every week, and create new recipes for every meal if I so chose. The kitchen at the Mansion was literally a culinary playground, with the head chefs giving us so much creative freedom to learn, understand and perfect our craft. It was also a kitchen that covered everything from meals for Mr. Hefner and his private guests, to two-person executive luncheons for Playboy Enterprises, to parties
business evolved to include more than just practicing culinary wellness expert, coach and counselor to my clients.
Doubling now as a chef and nutritionist to your clients, you’ve become known for curating customized healing and wellness programs using integrative health, holistic nutrition and culinary alchemy. Explain what is meant by culinary alchemy. How do all these elements fit together?
Culinary Alchemy™ is essentially the intersection of guidance and education on food nutrition and how it affects our bodies on a physiological level, as well as how it affects the emotional body, along with creating the appropriate recipes and menus to support the nutritional, emotional and energetic/spiritual needs of the client. There is a magic in all of us that not only individualizes us, but also ties us all together, universally and energetically. This universal energy is something that I have learned to harness and redirect into how we use food to heal and nourish our bodies. As a chef and a nutritionist, I’m trained with the knowledge of the physical attributes of ingredients and how to combine them to create recipes that can help support or resolve a person’s dietary needs. As a
healer, I am able to marry all of these aspects together to produce programs and plans that are nurturing, sustainable needs.
I believe that self-care is the foundation for maintaining a healthy balance of energy shared between our work, our loved because of my journey, self-care is absolutely fundamental for my overall health and wellness. It truly took my most recent surgery to “surrender” to this important lesson in my journey through life.
and end my day with a certain pattern of habits. This is when I go through my gratitude list, my affirmations, my mantras and my intentions. My other ritual is starting my day with warm lemon water, celery juice, immunity elixirs and wheat grass. At some point in the day, every day, I’ll have a healthy green juice (my Luminous Elixir), a Just Add Water™ (of course!) and a matcha latte with nut milk. I’m also a big fan of healing crystals! I don’t ever leave home without some in my purse. I also include some form of exercise several times a week.
FEELING GOOD
ones and ourselves. At this point in my life, and particularly
and helps to keep us aligned. It’s important to start my day
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In today’s fast-paced world, how can one obtain balance?
I’m very big on rituals, especially because it’s so grounding
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and that resonate with a client’s physical, mental and spiritual
Can you share with us your daily rituals and their effects?
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You’ve said that detoxing the body on a regular basis is important. Can you explain why that is and how you recommend doing so?
We know you work with many high-profile clients. Can you tell us about any of them?
I have always been a big believer of daily detoxing. I believe
Kanye West to the late Garry Marshall, Jerry Bruckheimer to
in warm lemon water first thing in the morning every day,
our favorite fixer on Scandal. Although I can’t get into the
no matter where you are in the world. I’m also a big fan of
personal details of their programs, I can tell you that what I
a fruit-free green juice every day, or as many days of the
do for them is completely tailored for their particular needs.
I’ve worked with everyone from Hugh Hefner to Diddy,
week as you can do it, and flooding your body with alkalizing and oxygenating greens in any way that you prefer. You can have it in juice form, fresh raw form, cooked, in teas or raw/ dehydrated powdered, or capsule if you can’t have it fresh.
Share with us a little bit about your client coaching and work with individuals. What are your programs like? I offer a wide variety of services to my clients. I design menus
I believe in feeding your body the natural detoxifying plants
and produce events across the spectrum, from small formal
and herbs (like cilantro, parsley, dandelion, milk thistle, etc.)
dinners to large events/parties that require a full staff to
that help your body release everyday toxins we breathe
execute. I also provide meal planning and prepared meals
in, heavy metals, bacteria and waste, on a regular basis.
for some clients. For nearly all of my clients, I serve as their
Daily intake of detoxifying foods helps to keep your body
nutritionist and I curate very specific nutritional and wellness
functioning efficiently and effectively. It also makes it easier
programs designed for optimal health within their lifestyle
to do a deeper cleanse every so often.
choices and scheduling demands.
How important is mindfulness? Why? How do you recommended finding time?
What is your mantra?
Mindfulness is an integral part of my wellness programs
truth.” We too often juggle the needs of others, the imposed
and it’s just as important to fuel and feed our mental and
urgency of time, the expectations of outcomes against
emotional bodies as it is our physical one. Prioritizing a simple
what we intuitively know is the right and best thing to do for
approach to practicing mindfulness makes it accessible and
ourselves. There should be no juggle. Honor your truth. You
sustainable.
are incredibly powerful because no one else is you.
I truly believe that setting aside at least 15 minutes to an
“Honor your authentic voice and embrace your intuitive
What is your philosophy for living an optimal life?
hour to yourself every day can be highly effective on so many
My philosophy for living an optimal healthy lifestyle is based
levels with regards to health and well-being. It can be 10
on integrating nutritional and physical therapy, focused
minutes in the morning before you wake up or while you’re in
mindfulness and balancing the body’s support system.
the shower, going over mantras or affirmations; or 20 minutes while you’re in the car, heading from one meeting to the next; or five minutes of breath work. It helps to slow things down
What’s next for you?
There are so many fun things happening and I’m so excited
for a moment, and sometimes that’s all you need to refocus.
about all of it. I just started filming for my new TV show,
What inspired your creation of Just Add Water?
leaders and brands in the health and wellness, beauty and
While working with clients who have to travel a lot, I realized
entrepreneurial spaces. At the same time, we’re launching my
that their biggest struggle came from the ability to keep
Serena Loves website, which will have loads of information
the healthy routines they have when they’re home. Just
about the different aspects of Culinary Alchemy™, as well as
Add Water™ was created exactly for this. I literally began
a store which will showcase some of the tools for supporting
combining little bits of different superfoods and plant-based
your body, mind and energetic well-being. We are also
ingredients together into an elixir that could easily be added
expanding Just Add Water™ into more brick-and-mortar
to water to make a drink that I knew would be super nutrient-
boutiques and will be releasing new flavors and products
dense for my clients. What I call Culinary Alchemy™. It started
from our product line.
Serena Loves TV, which features some amazing thought
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enzymes to take it all in. Just Add Water™ makes it easy to
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them before long trips. I knew that it would ensure they get
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off in little ziplock snack baggies that I would pack up for
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the right balance of some plant protein, the greenest super foods, beautifying antioxidants, supportive adaptogens for the adrenals and some probiotics, prebiotics and digestive take care of yourself in a few minutes with a few ounces of water, any time of the day. So even though it was created initially for travel convenience, it’s really something that my clients use every day, whether they’re at home or away.
For more informatin and to reach Poon, visit serenaloves.com.
com
John Russo
Gio Creative Director John Russo is one of the top celebrity photographers in the world. He’s spent more than two decades photographing the likes of Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Julianne Moore. His work has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Esquire, and Harper’s Bazaar, and advertising campaigns for brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss and Gucci. One of his current projects, 100 Making a Difference, is a book chronicling 100 philanthropists and humanitarians—including Malala Yousafzai, Maria Shriver, Drew Brees, Sugar Ray Leonard and Cindy Crawford—and the charities and causes they support. Originally from Ventnor, N.J., John now lives in West Hollywood, where he can often be found on the courts, perfecting his tennis game. @johnrussophoto
Angela Fairhurst
Angela Fairhurst is a veteran television and event producer, content creator and travel journalist. Luxury hotel bathroom obsessed, she began writing a column for PeterGreenberg.com that launched in March 2013, bringing the bathroom to the forefront of travelers minds. Two years ago, she added another column, Luxe Lodgings, focusing on special features in upscale hotels. Both are found at LuxeLavs.com, along with @JauntTV and JauntTV.com for experiential travel images, articles and video vignettes.
Bonnie Davidson
Jason Bush
Jason Bush has been visually oriented since his childhood in Oklahoma, and he fell in love with photography while living in Chicago. He moved to Santa Barbara to study photography, and has lived and worked in Los Angeles for close to a decade.
Jessica Luza
An actress and writer from Atlanta, Jessica Luza followed her dreams to La La Land just two days after graduating from Georgia Tech and has spent the past decade enjoying Instagrammable sunsets and trying to avoid street-cleaning tickets. Her credits include House MD (“Yes, Hugh Laurie is really nice!”), The Game, Necessary Roughness, Satisfaction, Men At Work and Let’s Be Cops. She also appeared with People’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive, Blake Shelton, in a commercial for Gildan underwear. Her articles have been featured in regional publications. @jessluza
ISSUaE No. 3
Gio CONTRIBUTORS 308
Gio Executive Editor Bonnie Davidson is a longtime journalist specializing in food, fashion, travel, arts and entertainment, and luxury lifestyle. The former editor-in-chief of a group of publications for affluent visitors to New York City, she also edited the official program of the Tony Awards; worked on staff at Cosmopolitan and GQ; and has contributed articles to national magazines, newspapers and websites. She and her husband Michael relocated from Manhattan to New York’s Hudson Valley, where deer and wild turkeys regularly wander past her home office’s window.
Bekah Wright
Encountering the unexpected is de rigueur for this travel and entertainment writer. Her celebrity tête-à-têtes with everyone from Jane Goodall, Sir Richard Branson, Ludacris, Steve Carell and Celine Dion have appeared in TV Guide, Bon Appetit, Yahoo Travel and Westways. As the founder of Change Your Life Travels VR, Bekah brought viewers along for the ride in the much-lauded 360 film Experience the Majesty: Grand Canyon South Rim. @changeyourlifetravels
CONTRIBUTORS Misty Milioto Based in New Orleans, Misty has spent the past 18 years as a writer and editor working with magazines across the U.S. She is an avid traveler who loves uncovering amazing experiences in luxurious destinations around the world. She also enjoys writing about food and libations, art and culture, design, shopping, spa treatments and living life in the moment.
Nadine Jolie Courtney
Nadine Jolie Courtney is an L.A.-based freelance writer covering luxury travel, royalty and the lifestyles of the 1%. A former magazine editor, her freelance work has appeared in Town & Country, Robb Report and Angeleno, and she regularly creates digital content for Town & Country, Vogue and Architectural Digest. Author of the best-selling guide Beauty Confidential, her fourth book, AllAmerican Muslim Girl, will be published in 2019 by FSG Books for Young Readers. @nadinejoliecourtney (IG), @nadinecourtney (Twitter)
Marie Look
Los Angeles-based writer and editor Marie Look specializes in luxury, entertainment, technology and travel. She’s created lifestyle content for Modern Luxury magazines, Style Salute, Haute Living, DS News, University of California Los Angeles and others. She’s currently the editor of LA Beaches, a quarterly guide by Haute Finds Publishing, and was formerly editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Scottsdale magazine. When she’s not writing, she’s training for her next half marathon or exploring a different neighborhood in and around L.A.
Erinn Valencich
Los Angeles-based designer Erinn Valencich has a keen understanding of the classic California lifestyle. The granddaughter of a fine cabinetmaker and daughter of an architect, her approach to design underscores the importance of craftsmanship and livability. Erinn’s custom 90-piece furniture line, ERINN V, is handcrafted in California and available at fine to-the-trade showrooms around the country. In addition, her signature collaborations with lifestyle brands include Baldwin’s new Hollywood Hills by Erinn V hardware collection. She’s been featured in Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, Town & Country and House Beautiful. @erinnvstyle Gio CONTRIBUTORS
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stacey is an advocate of the city’s culinary offerings and is passionate about bringing Los Angeles to the forefront of dining in the U.S. As director of dineL.A., she has overseen the country’s largest-ever Restaurant Week program since its inception 10 years ago. Her goal is to continue to grow dineL.A., further cementing its reputation as the most important culinary event of the year. This biannual, two-week foodie extravaganza is designed to stimulate business and introduce Angelenos and visitors to the many wonderful restaurants throughout the city.
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Stacey Sun
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Kate Jacobson
Tas Limur
A Los Angeles-based artist specializing in photography and video production, Tas Limur was born and raised in Bangladesh and he received his education in Manchester, U.K., before moving to the United States. When Tas is not behind a camera, he plays bass guitar in a progressive rock band called Kolm.
Los Angeles-based writer and editor Kate Jacobson currently works as a digital content producer and social media manager for Ranker, an entertainment startup that covers everything from true crime to makeup. Before moving to L.A., she worked as a journalist for several major news publications, including the Chicago Tribune and South Florida’s Sun Sentinel. In addition, she works as a voiceover actress and has been featured in several national commercials.
Casey Robinson
Casey Robinson is a Philadelphia-based lifestyle and food photographer. Through her marketing company, RSC Visuals (@ rscvisuals), she creates web content for many restaurants and local businesses, and her photography has been published in Main Line Today, The Town Dish and top East Coast food blogs.
Aja Mangum Eric Rutherford
A top model with IMG, Eric Rutherford is a magnificent multi-hyphenate—social media superstar, event producer for high-profile clients, fashion writer and stylish man about town in New York City and Los Angeles. @Mr.Rutherford
A freelance beauty and fashion editor, Aja Mangum’s work has appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek, Bloomberg Pursuits, Men’s Fitness, Refinery29, Brides and more. Prior to freelancing, she held various titles during her 10-year tenure at New York magazine, and her final role was beauty and market editor.
Gio Production Director Justin Miller found his love for art and all things creative early in life. With a background in graphic design, photography and social media, he works as a photo producer in Los Angeles. In his spare time, he can be found anywhere but the beach.
Calee Killion
CONTRIBUTORS
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ISSUaE No. 3
Justin Miller
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CONTRIBUTORS
A world traveler and wellness enthusiast based in Newport Beach, Calif., Calee Killion was born and raised in San Diego. She attributes her love of mountains and snowboarding to regular trips to Mammoth Mountain and Whistler (and an appreciation of aprés-ski activities). A self-proclaimed Japanophile, she recently had a chance to float through Niseko’s famous champagne powder, and counts Tasmania, Rio, South Africa, Kerala and Biarritz as some of her other favorite (warm) international destinations. @caleebkill
“LIFE IS A JOURNEY. TIME IS ITS DISTANCE. MEMORY IS ITS MAP.”
–John Russo, Creative Director
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