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19-06-28 17:14
Chronograph measuring elapsed time from 10 minutes down to 1/100th of a second
Ref. CT2 - Centigraphe Case and bracelet in Gold, also available in Platinum or Titanium Manual winding movement in 18 K rose Gold Geneva made
“I invented and made it”
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“I invented and made it”
INVENTED AND MADE FOR THE PAST FOUR DECADES, FRANÇOIS-PAUL JOURNE HAS BEEN CREATING INNOVATIVE WATCHES THAT MARRY HIS DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE HISTORY OF CHRONOMETRY WITH MODERN INGENUITY TO CONQUER AGE-OLD HOROLOGICAL CHALLENGES.
The F.P.Journe Manufacture building
The Maison F.P.Journe Miami
François-Paul makes it a point to use his unmatched technical skills to create watches that honor traditional processes and craftsmanship with ultimate precision, performing many tasks manually and assembling each watch individually- not in a production line. Each watch is completed entirely by one watchmaker, from assembly through testing. While this isn’t the most cost or time efficient process by any means, it creates a direct relationship between each watch and its watchmaker and this traditional way is the only way François-Paul sees fit to complete his watches. Every day, FrançoisPaul himself is at his bench, creating the next F.P.Journe innovation. Because of the intensive manual work performed on the watches and the one-to-one production method, F.P.Journe produces fewer than 900 pieces per year.
The striking mechanism watchmaking atelier
While creating never before seen avant-garde movements, F.P.Journe keeps traditional assembly techniques and philosophies alive, including the ultimate goal of chronometry- precision. François-Paul Journe remains the designer and master watchmaker of his eponymous brand along with being the majority owner and president, giving him freedom and independence to create and release the watches he, the watchmaker, desires. Along with fabricating 95% of all watch components, the Manufacture owns their own dial and case-making facilities, further controlling and integrating the process from conception to production. Beneath the F.P.Journe logo on each watch is the line ‘Invenit et Fecit’, Latin for ‘Invented and Made’. Through FrançoisPaul’s extensive control and the full integration of the production process, F.P.Journe confidently states that their watches are entirely conceived and created in the Geneva workshops.
Yet François-Paul manages an impressive innovation streak: 26 distinct calibers have been released in the 20 years since the company’s founding! Of these, 7 have won awards at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) including 3 Golden Hands, the most coveted prize and the most of any watchmaker. F.P.Journe exists in a state of balance between history and modernity, art and horology, with all four being important and indivisible from the watch. François-Paul has said he does not wish to create what has been produced before, but his watches have authentic historical ties. The innovations reimagine the function, design, and purpose of the watch. By starting the conceptualization of a watch with a design of the dial, design garners an importance comparable to technical excellence.
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Miami +1 305 993 4747
Los Angeles +1 310 294 8585
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FPJ_GioJour_Edito_431,8x279,4.indd Toutes les pages
VERTICAL ENDEAVORS IN 1977, A 20-YEAR-OLD FRENCH WATCHMAKER EMBARKED ON AN ATYPICAL QUEST — TO CREATE HIS OWN TOURBILLON, NOT TO SELL OR SHOW, BUT TO PROVE TO HIMSELF THAT HE WAS ABLE. NEARLY SIX YEARS LATER FRANCOIS-PAUL COMPLETED THIS FIRST WATCH, A TOURBILLON POCKET WATCH WITH A SPRING DETENT ESCAPEMENT. IN 1999, THE 1ST WATCH BEARING THE NAME F.P.JOURNE IS, A TOURBILLON NATURALLY, THIS TIME FITTED WITH A CONSTANT FORCE MECHANISM, THE REMONTOIR D’ÉGALITÉ. THE PURPOSE OF THE REMONTOIR IS TO MEDIATE THE POWER DELIVERY FROM THE MAINSPRING TO THE ESCAPEMENT BY RELEASING ENERGY ONCE PER SECOND TO THE ESCAPEMENT, AVOIDING THE INEFFICIENCIES OF A WOUND SPRING.
20 years after, François-Paul revolutionized the tourbillon by rotating it 90 degrees. Mounted perpendicular to the rest of the movement, the 30 seconds tourbillon remains true to the original concept of the tourbillon, to counteract the concept of gravity on the escapement. In a pocket watch, a traditional tourbillon performed this task, however, on the wrist, the most common positions of the wrist leave the tourbillon operating horizontally. By being placed vertically, the functions of the tourbillon remain
constant with equal amplitude whether the watch lies flat with a pin buckle or is placed on its side when fitted with a folding clasp. The tourbillon rotates in 30 seconds, faster than the usual time of one minute, making the technical prowess even more visually astonishing. Surrounding the cage, a cone-shaped mirror-polished ring concentrates light, reflecting the tourbillon cage. A second reflector was created on the movement side to provide light around the tourbillon cage.
— THE 4N ROSE GOLD BRIDGES THAT FORM THE DIAL ARE DECORATED WITH “CLOUS DE PARIS” GUILLOCHE F E A T U R E S A N 48 - H O U R P O W E R RESERVE AT 12 O’CLOCK AND SMALL SECONDS AT 6 O’CLOCK; THE REMONTOIR D’ÉGALITÉ IS LOCATED AT 7 O’CLOCK. THE 42 MM CASE IS AVAILABLE IN PLATINUM OR IN 18K 6N GOLD. LIKE ITS PREDECESSORS, THE VERTICAL TOURBILLON FEATURES A REMONTOIR D’ÉGALITÉ FOR CONSTANT FORCE AND A TIME DISPLAY AT 3 O’CLOCK IN GRAND FEU ENAMEL TO REMIND THE VERY FIRST F.P.JOURNE TOURBILLON POCKET WATCH.
17.12.19 16:45
This issue is a labor of love and our first published issue since the pandemic hit. It’s filled with incredible people who are doing even more incredible things in life. From Academy award winners Helen Hunt & Adrien Brody to supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. So many incredible actors and talents make up this issue. We also have a portfolio of fashion images from a group of talented young photographers that was shot on magical Capri. We will continue to produce each issue with excitement, passion and enthusiasm. We hope you enjoy what we created for you!
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ISSUaE No. 7
Until next time, John Russo Founder/ Creative Director
CREATIVE DIRECTOR------------------------JOHN RUSSO EXECUTIVE EDITOR-----------------------RACHEL HILL PHILANTHROPY DIRECTOR---------- IRENA MEDAVOY
ART DEPARTMENT ART DIRECTOR-------------------
RYAN CARANDANG
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PHOTO BY { JOHN RUSSO
LETTER FROM the FOUNDER
To say it’s been a crazy few years would be an understatement. But hey that’s life, unpredictable and changing every day. All we can do is roll with it and make the best of each day. It’s been 3 years since we started the Gio, 3 years filled with heartache, happiness, triumph, travel and uncertainty. Happiness and travel seem to go together so I’m going to focus on them. I had the opportunity to travel the world with my best friend. We jumped in a sprinter van and traveled throughout the US exploring the National Park system. It was a life changing experience and something we will never forget. And if that wasn’t enough we decided to spend the the next summer in Italy on the island of Capri. I can’t even tell you how enriching and fulfilling it was to leave all of the worry of life behind and just explore the world, eat incredible food, swim in the sea and meet new people. I spent the last 25 years working my ass off only to a get a bigger house, more cars and more pressure. In the end, all we have are our memories. I want my memories to be of the experiences I had with the people I love, not the material possessions I accumulated. Ahh the things we learn about ourselves.
Imagine those memorable moments where time stands perfectly still. MONTAGE.COM
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PHOTOS BY { JOHN RUSSO
TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS
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7 .................. A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF GRATITUDE: .................................................................ADRIAN BRODY 17 .................................................. SPOT ON: HELEN HUNT 25 ........................ ART IMITATING LIFE: JESSICA COLLINS 27 ....... THE SHAPE OF THINGS: KATHERINE MCNAMARA 37 ........................... ALWAYS IN THE GAME: KEVIN BACON 47 .............CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: MATTEO BERRETTINI 59 .............................................. NEW BLOOD: JULIA JONES 63 ...................... TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: ZACHERY LEVI 73 ........HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO: RONEN RUBINSTEIN 81 ...................RAY OF SUNSHINE: KRISTIN CHENOWETH 85 ...............................ALL GOOD THINGS TO REMEMBER: ............................................................. KYRA SEDGWICK 93 ....................... A PLACE IN THE SUN: MICHAEL YERGER 111......................A DROP LIKE NO OTHER: PAULA CROWN 115............... ON HIS “A” GAME: PATRICK MOURATOGLOU 121............................... A HELL OF A RIDE: HENRY PORTER
LOOKINGgood
133 ...... THE ART OF FASHION: ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO 143 ................................................ IN THE SPIRIT OF ASPEN
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LIVINGgood
157 ................ THE RIGHT NOW: MONTAGE HEALDSBURG 167 ................................................... THRILL OF THE HUNT 175 ................................................................DIVE IN: CAPRI
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A D R I E N BRODY
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GRATITUDE
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BURNEY FOR THE WALL GROUP STYLING BY { JENNIFER AUSTIN FOR OPUS BEAUTY LOCATION { LOS ANGELES
TREMENDOUS PLACEof
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN GROOMING BY { RACHEL
a
Academy Award winning actor, Adrien Brody, shows that art really does imitate life in the French Dispatch
Take me back to playing, Władysław Szpilman, in The Pianist. Could you have ever imagined such an incredible career at that point?
patience for our differences, and joy and a sense of
Szpilman, was such a tremendous task. I poured every
a degree of autonomy that allows me to create works
Taking on the responsibility of playing Wladisaw
ounce of my being to the project and, in turn, gained an enduring sense gratitude and appreciation — and also a great deal of love and respect from the world. That shift and feeling of connection to so many human beings was so profound that it triumphs the concept of it merely being about an acting career. It has been truly life changing in so many ways and continues to awe and humble me.
You have played so many different roles in your career. Which roles have stood out for you as the most challenging to play and why? Obviously, portraying Szpilman in The Pianist took
the greatest responsibility and discipline of the many roles I’ve played. I felt a great burden to represent that horrible time. It was essential to approach the work with truth and to respect and honor the tremendous loss and suffering of the Jewish people, and for all
for a whole production. I work feverishly when I’m inspired, I rest when I can’t work and work when I can’t rest.
I thought your performance as Dmitri Desgoffeund-Taxis, in the Grand Budapest Hotel was quite Oscar-worthy. What is it about Wes Anderson’s quirky and sometimes bizarre films that brings out some your best work? Thank you, that is very kind of you to say. I am so
happy to have gotten to play and collaborate with Wes on so many occasions, and lucky to be lifted up by his greatness. He is such a visionary Director. His work is so unique and funny and precise. I love the strangeness and charming, insightful moments of all his films.
something strong within the genre. I have been a long
required an intense physical transformation. There was quite a bit if pressure to honor the awesome stage presence and technical mastery, and fearlessness of Harry Houdini. Recently I had to embrace a haunted madness to portray Charles Boone, in Chapelwaite, and the pressure is on now as I step into the shoes of the Iconic Pat Riley, in the HBO project I’m working on now about the Los Angeles Lakers.
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that speak to me and at my pace. There isn’t a need
A conficted outsider named Ritchie, in Spike Lee’s
Summer of Sam. Royce, in Predators , which also
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such a gift for me. It affords me a creative outlet with
come to mind are:
I have had many other challenging roles. A few that
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sharing each other’s inspiration. Painting has been
You are set to executive produce and star in Chapelwaite, based off of the Stephen King short story Jerusalem’s Lot. What was your research process for the role? Did you read the short story?
of humanity.
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peace and purpose in the beauty that comes from
In addition to acting, you’re also an artist. How does creating art help you in your life? Does it create balance? Are you planning any new exhibitions of your work? I believe all forms of creative expression help us find our way — as individuals, and as society as a whole. We commune through art in all of its many forms. We find purpose for suffering, understanding for loss,
I am really honored to have an opportunity to do
time fan of Stephen King and horror films are a guilty pleasure. Jerusalem’s Lot is such frightening and foreboding tale and the evolution of King’s material into Chapelwaite gave me a chance to play a heroic father fighting against demons in all forms to protect his family. He, and the story, is utterly relatable and remarkably contemporary even though it is set in the 1850’s. I can’t wait for people to get to enjoy it.
You’re no stranger to the horror genre with films like The Village and Predators. How was the process of adapting and filming the supernatural horror elements in this series?
On Chapelwaite we were supported by believers and professionals. It began with great source material the producers assembled a team of fantastic special supervisors, strong actors and great writing. None would be possible without the tremendous support from the Michael right, the head of Epix, and his team.
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In your new film, The French Dispatch you have teamed up with Wes Anderson yet again. This is such a highly anticipated film. The cast is insane in terms of star power & talent. As art imitates life, you play Julian Cadazio, an art dealer, based on Lord Duveen, an art dealer born in the late nineteenth century. Did being an artist and knowing the mentality, struggles and idiosyncrasies of an artist help you in bringing this character to life?
players in the league, he’s a former basketball star
I grew up in New York steeped in her beautiful and
the many trials and tribulations they must overcome
My mother, Sylvia Plachy, is a gifted NY photographer. haunting images of my city. Photos of the streets, the culture, great artists like Basquiat, Warhol, Keith Haring. She went to art school and is truly an artist herself. My father, although he was a school teacher by profession, is also a gifted self-taught painter. I am an actor, but painting has always great meaning in my life. I grew up with many friends in the art world and even more friends who are gifted and yet are not a part of that world. I have lots to “draw from,” so to speak. There’s much beauty and talent, and tragedy and absurdity, and all the colorful characters I have encountered somehow help me depict the ones I
himself, and is beloved. Those are big shoes to fill. What’s been most exciting about the Lakers show, aside from the privilege of working with great actors, writers and producers on an expertly crafted series, (shot on film for HBO) is to really understand the journey and the many difficult roads that all of these iconic people have traveled to get to where they are as we know them. Our heroes’ lives are full of great challenges and the insight into their personal lives and are fascinating.
One of your upcoming films is Blonde, a fictionalized take on the life of Marilyn Monroe. What drew you to that project?
I’ve loved Andrew Dominik‘s work since I saw Chopper, and have always wanted to work with him. He’s just such a phenomenal filmmaker, with tremendous insight and understanding. Marilyn Monroe’s life was one of the greatest and most tragic stories of an actor ever. She was someone
portray. Cadazio is no exception.
who literally worked herself to exhaustion to be
Season 3 of Succession is coming back this Fall. You play Josh Aaronson, a billionaire activist investor who becomes pivotal in the battle for the ownership of Waystar. Were you a fan of the show before you joined this season? What was it like working with the cast?
get past her beauty and magnetically seductive
television. It’s such an honor to get to come and play,
for me not only as an actor, but also as someone
I love Succession. It is one of the best shows ever on
even for a little bit, with so many talented people. It’s also delicious to play such a powerful, unscrupulous character. I’m grateful to Adam McKay for his great
appreciated for her craft while most people couldn’t persona. Although so many people have emulated her, she had it really hard. Ana De Armas’ interpretation of her is just spellbinding. It’s a tour de force. Arthur Miller remains one of our greatest playwrights ever and he too had an amazing, and challenging life in Hollywood. I loved the experience of making this, it was a feast who appreciates the enormous contributions of the characters we portrayed, and the collaborative experience while witnessing my peers reach great
You’re currently filming an untitled Lakers series for HBO where you’ll play legendary coach Pat Riley. How has filming been so far? What are some challenges of playing a real person?
The classic question…what’s next for Adrien Brody?
coaches ever. He’s inspired and elevated the best
a blessing.
Pat Riley is one of the most iconic and memorable
I am at a place of tremendous gratitude. I, of course, hope to continue to find inspiring work on so many
varied projects. I have a few things up my sleeve and so much I aspire to accomplish but each day is
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heights before my very eyes.
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work and inviting me in on this and our Lakers project.
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Academy Award winner Helen Hunt on getting Loud & Awkward, in Starz, Blindspotting
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN MAKEUP BY { STEPHEN
RUSSO
SOLLITTO FOR TMG-LA FIELDER STYLING BY { LINDA MEDVENE
HAIR & MAKEUP BY { DARRELL
You have had and continue to have a career that most actors dream of. How have you stayed in the game consistency without burning out? I think I haven’t burned out because I love what I do.
Also, I still have to search for stories and parts that mean something to me. I think that keeps me hungry. Plus, I’m curious...about the world, the country, what it means to be alive during such a challenging time. Looking for stories to tell, as an actor, writer and director that mean something to me keeps me interested in what I’m doing.
Winning an Oscar is the pinnacle of success in the world of acting. After your 1998 win for “As good as it gets” did you feel like you had peaked in your career? Do you think your best work is still ahead of you? I have to believe my best work is ahead of me or I’d quit. I don’t know that winning that wonderful award was the pinnacle. Getting to work on that beautiful story with those wonderful artists was ONE OF THE high points for me for sure.
Of course, we have to talk about Twister. I hope you are not over talking about it!Such an iconic film that still resonates with the younger generations. So many people are waiting for the sequel. Well, I know I am! Do you think the one and done scenario works best for this film? Meaning its already epic and needs to be a one-of-a-kind film. But…if they did ask you to do a sequel would you consider it? I watched that movie not long ago. Oh my God Jan Debont did such an incredible job! I don’t think there are rules like, “one and done.” if you have a reason to tell a story, tell it, even if the reason is it would be SO MUCH FUN to watch! My friends Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs and I got excited about the idea of making a sequel to Twister that would be as big and fun and wild as the first one (if we did it right) and would also look at climate justice. There’s a newer phenomenon that Tornados are hitting densely populated cities. Many of those cities are home to black and brown families and the infrastructure to withstand the storm isn’t there. We got excited about the idea of a young, female, black storm chaser leading a merry band of HBCU
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rocket science students chasing tornados and saving
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their cities. Sadly, they didn’t’ want to make it. Maybe someday...
The current Hollywood is quite cause driven. Everyone has a cause, a stance, an opinion. What is your current cause? Or causes? To raise my kids in a way that brings them hope and joy
and to tell stories that are entertaining and gives voice to people who don’t often have one...if only because as an audience member I want new stories to watch!
The current Hollywood has also adapted a strong, “you are either with us or against us” stance on issues. So, if you have an opinion that is not in alignment with the current popular movement or trend you are called out and potentially cancelled. Do you think this has gone to the extreme and is forcing people to confirm to get work? Yes, I see the imperfections with what you’re describing. However, I don’t think the remedy is to go back to the way it was. I hear, regarding sexual assault for example, people complaining about a “trial by Facebook” culture. Yes...not ideal. However, this is what is left given the lack of options for most survivors. The statute of limitations laws for example leaves little room for people to come forward on any clock that a survivor can live by. I heard Levar Burton describe “cancel culture,” as “consequence culture.” I like that.
The world has changed a lot in the past two years, some things for the better and some things for the worse. If you had to identify a few silver linings, what would they be? I can only speak for me when I say if I ever had any
illusion that I can get through life alone, it’s not true. I need friends, family, community. My life depends on your choices. I can feel how connected I am to the rest of the world.
When you were first approached to play Rainey in, Blindspotting, what was your first reaction? Any doubts in taking in the role?
I wanted to be sure that me, as a familiar face, wouldn’t take away from this deeply authentic, personal story. But I love my show runners and together we decided it was worth a shot.
You are one of the only Caucasian members of this culturally diverse ensemble cast. Has this experience given you an even greater opportunity to learn about and experience a different culture? Is there anything you learned about your own culture by being immersed in another way of life? I get to play a loud, awkward ally. At first, I thought the part was a stretch. But as has happened so often in my work, by the time we’re shooting I see she’s just an extension of me.
someone’s writing it right now!
I loved what I did.
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In 100 years when a class of young actors are discussing your iconic career (and they will) what is the one thing they should know about Helen Hunt.
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I’ve had them and I can’t wait for the next one. Hope
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The dream role, some actors have had it and other are searching for it. Have you had your dream role? If so, what was it? If not, what would you like it to be?
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JESSICA COLLINS
ART IMITATING
Actress Jessica Collins heads back to “1984” for some eighties fun in “Acapulco”
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN MAKEUP BY { KAREN
MITCHELL COLLINS BY { LISA CERA
HAIR BY { RICARD STYLING
LIFE
RUSSO
You are forever a part of history for starring on the highest-rated Daytime drama, “The Young and the Restless”. How does it feel when you get recognized from that role? After all, ‘Avery Bailey Clarke’ was a huge fan favorite and oddly enough this happens in your new show “Acapulco.” Talk about Art imitating life!
We know you have a degree from Le Cordon Bleu! Tell us your favorite thing to cook for your family.
I’m so proud to be part of that history. And soap fans are the
moment are Eggplant Parmesan, a Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, and
greatest…they still come up to me or find me on social media to tell
on Sundays, we make these gorgeous platters with cut up veggies,
me how much they loved Avery, and that really warms my heart. “The
specialty cheeses, and freshly- baked breads with dipping oils and
Young and the Restless” changed my personal life forever too. It’s
vinegars from our favorite vendors.
I’m a big supporter of local farmer’s markets, so naturally, I do a lot of farm-to-table meals. My daughter Jemma is already a budding chef at 5 years old, so we cook a lot together. Our specialties at the
how I met my husband Michael Cooney – Justin Hartley set us up on a blind date when he and I were both working on the show togetherand that introduction led to me becoming a wife and mother the following year. I had no idea when I took that gig it would lead me down a path to the best things in my life. And yes, isn’t it funny that I’m now playing a former soap opera star on Acapulco? It should be
There have been so many unbelievable personal success stories coming out of the pandemic. If you had to identify one silver lining from your experience with the pandemic, what would that be?
I would say that I experienced gratitude in a way I never have before.
no surprise that I’ve based the character of Diane on some pretty
Grateful for my health and my 50 trips around the sun. Grateful for
fabulous women I knew from my soap days early on in my career.
how much I enjoy my husband’s company. And for this priceless time I’ve had with my daughter where I got to dance and draw and be silly
In “Acapulco” you star as ‘Diane,’ as a former actress and workout guru who is the new owner of the hottest hotel in Acapulco. Tell us about the “Jane Fonda-esq” tie into your character? Were you a Jane Fonda fan growing up?
As confident as I was to play a former soap star, I was equally terrified to play a fitness queen! I love Jane Fonda and I remember those tapes very well and I’m certainly no aerobics expert in real life! We shot those workout scenes on my first day and I was so nervous. But
and not wear shoes. I made a promise to her at the beginning of the pandemic that we would not lose our joy. I’m most grateful that I kept that promise.
Every actor has their dream role? The role they want to play. What is your dream role? And if we could go so far to say… your dream co-star?
I’ve always dreamed of one day being on stage in London’s West End.
then I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror with my hot pink tights
And if I’m dreaming big, I’d be on stage with British Theatre Royalty.
and sweatbands- wardrobe had done such an amazing job- and I just
I’d love to be Dame Helen Mirren’s long lost American daughter!
pretended I was a fitness goddess like Jane.
How did this role come about?
With the world being so unstable and divided, If you could solve one problem in the world, just one, what problem would you solve?
terrific and I also felt this beautiful connection to the character of
whole lot of other problems.
The first time I read the script, I thought the whole thing was just
Education. And I believe the trickle-down effect would take care of a
me- like visiting with an old friend. I immediately sent a text to my
When you are not working, where do you most want to be?
During the pandemic, we did something really crazy and bought an
manager, my fingers were actually shaking, telling her I had to play
RV so we could safely get out and see the world a bit. We had zero
this role. Thank goodness, in the end, the powers-that-be agreed!
motorhome or camping experience but we absolutely fell in love with in our tiny house on wheels, is one of my favorite places to be. As the
with the character but with Diane’s whole image. I worked very closely
Finish this sentence….I don’t regret much in life, but if I had a chance to do it over again, I would have…….
saying goes… “Home is Where You Park It”
Part of the fun was being able to make such bold choices- not just
with our makeup, hair and wardrobe team and I feel like we all created Diane together- I couldn’t have done it without them. And when you
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the whole lifestyle. Being on the road with my family, anywhere really,
What a dream it is to play a character in the 1980’s! How much did you enjoy being transported back to 1984?
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I’ve known in my own life which made the role incredibly personal to
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Diane. I heard her voice right away, and it was coming from women
Worn sunscreen starting at age zero!
talk about being transported… that’s really true! We were all bubbled together- the entire cast and crew- and we lived in that big pink resort you see on the show for 3 months. It was never hard to get into character or believe it was 1984 because we were living in it 24/7.
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K AT H E R I N E MC NA M A R A
the
SHAPE
of THINGS Actress Katherine McNamara knows the important of Health & Well being INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN MAKEUP BY { BRI
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BERLINER LIMUR STYLING BY { MASSIMO LORENZO LOCATION { MONTAGE LOS CABOS HAIR BY { MICHAELA
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You are one busy woman, Miss Katherine McNamara! Between your crazy filming schedule & flying around the world for photo shoots, how do you stay disciplined in your diet and exercise regime? After all, our body is a temple.
Is there a certain food you want to eat more of and incorporate in your diet?
Why thank you, Mr. John Russo! I thrive on staying
into my diet. For me, it’s all about getting the right
busy and proactive - that extends to my physical
kinds of nutrients, protein, etc that will give me the
activity as well. Staying active and eating well fuels
fuel I need to keep going and keep building the
me in a way that allows me to keep up with my work
strength and skill for which I am striving. I also look for
hard/travel often lifestyle, so I have always been
things I can quickly meal prep at the beginning of a
determined to find a way to make it work. It’s all
busy week and eat on the go. Truth be told, I also look
about prioritizing time management. By taking the
for ways to make it delicious as well. Filling and fueling
initiative to think ahead, I can find those little pockets
is important, but food should also be delicious even if
of time to fit in a workout here and a grocery store
it’s healthy!
A: I’m always attempting to learn about nutrition and how certain foods affect my body and energy levels. The more I learn, the more variety I can incorporate
trip there to stay on task. I was lucky enough to have an amazing trainer in the beginning of my fitness journey (who I still work with today remotely) who is so inventive and gets excited by the challenge of finding
What is your physical activity of choice to stay in killer shape? Yes you can go there!! Lol Well… since you said I can go there… ;) ha ha Aside
creative solutions for time and locational constraints
from the obvious, I actually keep quite a bit of variety
for people who are motivated to stay in shape no
in my fitness regimen. Switching it up not only keeps
matter where life takes them. This inspired the same
me entertained, but it keeps my body challenged and
motivation in me to do the same. In the end, I have
always working on something that feels “new.” Boxing
learned that the more stamina I build and the more
and kickboxing have been favorites of mine for a while.
good quality fuel I give my body, the more I am able
I started training in them on SHADOWHUNTERS to use
to continue pushing myself beyond my previously
the skills for my on-screen fights, and then carried on
conceived physical or creative limits.
in ARROW as my character was a cage fighter. I love how it blends strength and cardio so seamlessly in
I think we all love to indulge in a treat from time to time. Are there certain foods that are simply non negotiable? Regardless of how bad it is for you, you still manage to incorporate them in your diet.
a way that still feels creative. It is truly a total body
Oh yes… there are several - but I’ll give you a few
exhausting but also such an exhilarating reset. You
of the “greatest hits.” Butter for one - I’m a good
sweat so much and work so hard it clears the body,
southern girl. I will eat butter on anything. Seriously.
mind, and soul of anything that ails you. When I’m
Oatmeal butterscotch cookies, ice cream, mashed
traveling, I do a good amount of HIIT as it can often
potatoes (or any potato dish really), candy corn, and
be done with body weight and minimal equipment
Mexican food are other front runners. Oh and Paris
from anywhere. I also have taken to running outside
as a whole, I will eat anything and everything in Paris.
- especially when I travel. It’s such a great way to
Calories don’t count for me in that city. I have also
explore a new environment and get lost in nature.
had a lot of fun in recent years getting creative and
Nothing clears my head and energizes my body more
finding ways to bake even relatively within any healthy
than running a trail without knowing where it leads, a
boundaries I’m trying to keep. For example, this year,
good podcast or audiobook in my ears to accompany
I learned how to make a gluten-free, low sugar fruit
me on my adventure.
studio I go to here in Los Angeles. Again, it’s utterly
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divinely naughty.
if you are out of practice. I also love this heated spin
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crumble that is still utterly glutenous and
workout that will leave you oh so sore in the best way
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When you look back on your life, when do you think you were in the best shape? And why? I think I was in the best shape of my life right as I was finishing ARROW and beginning to work on
We had the pleasure of shooting at the amazing Montage in Los Cabos, What is it about the resort that will keep you coming back? The Montage was nothing but lovely. The property
THE STAND. I had been heavily training for fights in
is breathtakingly beautiful, the rooms feel fresh and
SHADOWHUNTERS and ARROW for the better part of
luxurious without being intimidating, and amenities
seven years and my body was an absolute machine. I
are more than one could dream of. The staff and
kept it up during THE STAND as I was in the habit of it
management are so beyond wonderful as well. Every
and my character liked to show a LOT of skin. There’s
person I met there went out of their way in their
something that I just love about being in the zone of a
hospitality, kindness, and willingness to answer any
workout schedule and knowing that you can take the
question. The whole resort just exudes relaxation and
time at the gym to do something good for yourself.
joy. I will definitely be back to Los Cabos and would
My fitness is my “me time.” It fuels me, energizes me,
love to explore the other Montage locations as well.
resets me, and truly keeps me sane in the wonderful
Truly I could not have had a lovelier time.
chaos of my demanding work and life schedule.
Which actress do you think has an insane body? May I also ask which actor?? Do tell...
You experienced the breathtaking Spa Montage during your stay. How important is it for you to have Spa days while vacationing?
I love that in the media now we are also seeing so
vacations growing up largely consisted of hiking,
many diverse types of beautiful bodies on screen.
fishing, painting, and stargazing in a tiny mountain
Everyone is built differently, there are as many body
town in Colorado so needless to say a luxury spa
types as there are people, so I don’t believe there
was nowhere close by. However, I have gained a real
should be one standard ideal for what a body should
appreciation for them in recent years, especially
look like. I actually used to be really insecure about
with as much as I train. Recovery and rest days are
my body because I’ve always been small and lithe. I
just as important and it always helps to treat your
never thought I could have any modicum of significant
body to some deep rejuvenation. The Spa Montage
physical strength because of my small frame.
is truly excellent. The facilities are gorgeous and all
However, I was soon proven wrong by my trainers who
the treatments are of the highest quality. You simply
opened my eyes to the fact that it doesn’t matter
cannot go wrong.
There are so many actresses with insane bodies!
I am new to the whole world of spas. My family
what shape you have, if you train in a way that suits your body, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. For me and the way I’m built, Catherine ZetaJones and Renee Zellweger in CHICAGO have always been what I look to. They are so toned, you can see
nothing more than a hotel with a killer gym and the
Given the fact that I’ve worked on a fair few projects
Montage does not disappoint. It was actually my
where folks tend to keep fitness at the forefront of
first time back in a “real gym” that wasn’t my home
their minds, I could give you a whole list of folks who I
equipment setup since the pandemic. I felt like a kid in
admire - the SHADOWHUNTERS gents, ARROWverse
a candy store with all the top notch equipment. I was
heroes, and the MAZE RUNNER crew to name a few
overjoyed by the TRX setup and the indoor/outdoor
- for their dedication to fitness and health. We often
aspect of the space. It’s always such a relief when a
even make it fun by training together as a team - no
hotel has such lovely facilities. I seek out hotels with
matter how exhausting the shooting schedule, you
24 hour gyms - especially when I travel internationally.
can commiserate, celebrate, and push each other
In doing so, it allows me the freedom to fit in my
together to keep exceeding physical goals.
workouts whenever I can. When I change time zones
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“What are the fitness center hours?” Truly, I love
are many who do a great job of staying in shape.
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The first question I ask when I get to any hotel is
show stopping numbers. As far as actors, I think there
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how strong they are as they execute those incredible
You spent a lot of time at the gym during your stay at Montage Los Cabos. How important is it to you to have such an incredible work out facility when traveling?
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often, sometimes those pockets come at 4am when I can’t sleep because my body thinks it’s noon… Suffice to say, it is of the highest priority for me when I travel.
We got to eat some incredible food at the resort, of the three epic restaurants: Mezcal ( under the lobby) Marea (by the beach) and the new addition Talay ( Thai street food truck). Which was your favorite? Ooh that’s a tough choice. They were all utterly
mind-blowing. If I had to choose, I would have to say Talay simply because of the experience. The food truck atmosphere was so transportive and gave an ambiance of creativity and innovation - plus the food was amazing. Exploring new aspects of cuisine is one of my favorite parts of travel. You learn so much about a place, its people, and their culture by experiencing the local cuisine. Plus, the perpetual student in me is always searching for something I can learn to make back home.
Covid has taught us to take a step back from the grind and enjoy our lives more. What have you been doing to enjoy your life? Or what do you hope to do more of? I’ve gotten a lot better at taking time to pick up the
phone and call people. Whether a quick catch up or a game of zoom mafia, catching up with loved ones (even virtually) is always fulfilling. When life is moving so quickly, it can be easy to forget to stop and check in with family and friends. This year has given me the time to make that a habit - one that I plan to take with my as life starts back up again. I also have gotten back to reading books which I have sorely missed. As I child, I always had a book in my hand - some fantastical world at the ready in which I could escape and explore at any given moment. Another creative way I’ve found to have adventure even in the limits of the pandemic is through exploring trails on hikes and runs. Sometimes I don’t even look at a map and just know what beautiful vista or pretty dappled sunlight back, I hope to do more of catching up with people in person, more travel, more adventures, and more work! I miss telling stories and am getting back to it very soon thankfully.
work because you never really know exactly what is in store until it’s happening. It can be tricky to manage, but mostly I find the boundless possibilities exciting. This past year has required a bit more creativity than usual as at least seven projects were subject to an on and off holding and seemingly endless postponement due to the pandemic. Currently, THE STAND is still streaming on Paramount+ and UNTITLED HORROR MOVIE, the experimental horror-comedy we filmed remotely during the quarantine, premieres June 12th. Next, I’m starting to work on a few of the film projects that are re-emerging with the rest of the world and am so thankful to get back to work. Looking farther into the future… who knows. I would love to get back to television as I love building a work family and developing a world as we embark what is hopefully a years long journey together as a cast and crew. I also would love to dip my toe a bit deeper into the world of film and push the boundaries of the roles I have played thus far. Additionally, I would love to get back to the world of theater that started it all for me be it Broadway, the West End, or another locale and tread the boards once more. Performing live and sharing the story from start to finish night after night for a new audience is a thrill I dearly miss. I have been exploring the possibility of directing more seriously as well and seeing in what ways I can stretch my creative skills behind the camera as well. Overall, I am looking for projects that excite me, challenge me, push me to grow, and allow for a new creative experience and an interesting story to explore and share. I am a storyteller through and through - it’s what drives me to create, but also to travel and explore this wonderful world in which we live. After all, in order to tell stories, we have to live a few of our own, right? To learn more about Katherine, follow her @kat. mcnamara
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you might discover around the corner… As life comes
That’s always an interesting question in my line of
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get lost on a new trail to see where it leads. You never
From a career perspective what’s next for Katherine McNamara?
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ALWAYS IN THE
GAME Kevin Bacon takes it back to the streets in Showtime’s “City on a Hill”. INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN GROOMING BY { BEATE STYLING BY { JENNY
RICKER FOR STARWORKS ARTISTS
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LOCATION { DOWNTOWN
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RUSSO
PETRUCELLI LOS ANGELES
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K E V I N BAC ON
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So take me back to playing, Chip Diller, in Animal House. Could you have ever imagined such an incredible career at that point?
never been on a movie set to fly out to Oregon, where we shot
have been, but I certainly had dreams. I had dreams and
to agree to shoot it there (laughter) But it was probably an
Well, I mean I couldn’t have imagined what the career would
delusions of grandeur for sure. I mean, I think I’ve always had this kind of dual approach to acting and career, one is that I had these big, big sort of fantasy dreams that exist, that I don’t really share with anybody too much, because they are all sort of embarrassing, ever since I was a kid. They were things like seeing my name in lights or having beautiful women and being on the Tonight Show and all these kinds of things. And then on a daily basis, on a more practical basis, I would work towards whatever it was that I needed to attain those kinds of fantasies, such as trying to become a good actor first and foremost, getting better, because you don’t really start out good, I don’t think. Trying to make a living, become an extra, get an agent, all those little things. So I was in that kind of baby steps situation and I had left Philly when I was 17. I had gone to Circle in the Square Theater School and I was in the middle of my, I believe it was my second year, I think it was my second year and there was a casting director who came to New York. He was casting this movie that John Landis was doing and he came by Circle in the Square and he spoke to the head of the school. He said we are casting this movie that has a bunch of College kids in it, so do you have any kids that sort of look like they could be College age? I was really the only one that the school sent over, only because I think most of the kids at Circle were kind of older and I was a baby really. I was the youngest kid that they’d ever had there. So I was probably about eighteen or nineteen when I met John Landis. I had so few lines that I wouldn’t even call it an audition cause there really wasn’t anything for me to say so much, but he just kind of had me make faces. Honestly he said, show me, make a smarmy face. I honestly really didn’t know what the word and I just kind of went. I just made a face that I thought maybe love it, I love it! I had no agent, I was living in a really crappy apartment on the Upper West Side with a roommate, paying $150 dollars a month. I got a call on that phone saying you got
the University of Oregon a doctored script in order for them underfunded school at the time and they were willing to have us there. To arrive at a hotel and come onto a set and see all these people, cameras and lights and this insane carnival of filmmaking, I was completely overwhelmed but I also felt like okay, this is where I’m going to be for the rest of my life.
I have to talk about The River Wild, because it’s literally one of my favorite movies. It is one of those movies that you can watch over and over again, it’s a classic. Where does that rank on your favorite projects? Loved it. Well I loved it for a number of reasons, people are
sometimes surprised to say, but if I was to pick an actor that I most wanted to model myself and my career after, it would be Meryl. Because to me, she inhabits roles in a way that is completely surprising and transcendent and such a variety of different women that she’s played and played with such reality and honesty. I mean there’s a lot of people that we sometimes ascribe versatility to in our acting business, but if you really break it down, sometimes they’re doing different versions of the one or two characters that they have in their arsenal, really well I might add. But she’s someone who just has surprised me again and again and again. So when there was this opportunity and this role, of course I was just thrilled about it and I loved the screenplay and I loved Curtis Hanson, who had done some fantastic work, who sadly was taken from us way too soon. I remember that it took a long time to convince Curtis that I was the right guy, I think it was one of those gigs that I was kind of up for and he just was not pulling the trigger on it. So when he finally did I was absolutely thrilled. And I believe that we started out in Montana and went out there and walked into a room and it was myself and John C. Reilly and David Strathairn and Meryl. I am not usually intimidated by other actors, I get a little bit nervous around rock stars, if I meet a Beatle or something, (laughs) but actors, I don’t know, they don’t really intimidate me. But in this case, she was such a hero of mine. And what’s so great about her is that she knows that and immediately disarms everybody and you immediately
That’s awesome! Animal House is a piece of history, it’s the coming of age movie for people who are hitting 50. Do you think it was ahead of its time?
and become an ensemble. We will play this scene and we will
ways, because it was a fantastic, hilarious film. It also spawned
incredible experience of going up and down these waterfalls,
Sure, yeah, it was a real kind of groundbreaking movie in a lot of a whole bunch of really shitty kind of copycats, (laughter) where basically they started a level of gross out humor or T-n-A humor that really didn’t have the same kind of, I don’t know, the same kind of heart that Animal House did. But for someone who had
get the impression that we are just going to roll up our sleeves play the play and we will deliver the movie in a way that will give Curtis an opportunity to have his vision presented. And
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this part in this movie. And that... was a pretty big deal for me.
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would look like smarmy might sound. And he’s like I love it, I
once they had seen this, (laughter) but I think they had to give
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“smarmy” meant, but I kind of looked at it as an onomatopoeia
it, they couldn’t get any kind of East Coast Schools to agree
so that was very disarming. And on top of that, we had this flying in helicopters, being rescued countless times and being thrown out of the boat. It was fantastic, I mean I loved it, I love the outdoors. 40
So you have consistently worked in an industry that’s constantly changing, yet you remained extremely relevant and in demand and that’s like a testament to your talent, you simply always deliver. Like what is it about your work that keeps you in the game? Well I love to work, I really do, even at this ripe old age. I just still absolutely love the time between action and cut. I love preparing and thinking about parts and trying to figure out a new way to walk in another man’s shoes. It’s very life affirming, it’s therapeutic, I just love it. I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude that I am able to continue to work and that I have been able to hang in there for all this time. As I like to say, I’ve seen a lot of roadkill down this long road. When I think back on the people that I have seen come and go and sometimes be lost to drugs or alcohol or scandal or whatever it happens to be, it’s hard to stick around as long as I have. I have nothing but gratitude for the fact that I’ve been able to do it. And also for the fact that when I do get offered things, they are varied. I don’t just have one kind of guy that I play, and that’s something that when I first started out, looking at Meryl and looking at Nicholson, Dustin and De Niro, I mean, that’s what I wanted. I didn’t want to just be someone to do the same thing over and over again. You kind of have to sort of fight for that to a certain extent, because Hollywood sometimes has a narrow imagination when it comes to casting. So I feel a lot of gratitude for the fact that things will come to me and they are
Your performance in Mystic River, in my opinion, was the highest level. It’s one of those films where everyone was cast brilliantly. Have you ever been on a film where the casting, how could I say this, where the casting director maybe just didn’t get it, or without kind of dogging anybody of course, where the casting wasn’t where it should have been? And how does that affect you when you are trying to play your part. Yeah that is a good question. Sometimes something is just
so well cast like Mystic River. I look at Mystic River and I look at Diner and I guess I look at them both because they were a bunch of guys, and there are great female parts in Mystic River as well, but in terms of the core group that I was working with. And yeah, sometimes, there’s so much that goes into casting, between the casting director, the director and then the studio sometimes pushing somebody because either they feel like they are about to be hot or they’ve just been in something or they are sleeping with the producer, whatever it happens to be. (laughter) You just go, wow, this is just not happening. I mean you know, people talk a lot about this idea of chemistry right, do these people have chemistry? A lot of times it’s traditionally
sleep together? But then there’s also chemistry of fathers to
when I started out, I felt like whether I called it that or not, I
parts actually doing a good job together. To call it chemistry
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what my true calling was, which was as a character actor.
So is there one defining film in your career that you think changed the perception of what you can bring to the table?
on Broadway and in films like Diner, before Footloose.
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Good Men and all of those things. All of a sudden now I found
been couples, straight couples, do they have chemistry,
wanted to play characters. And that’s what I did off-Broadway,
“man” loosely. (laughs) But I was the guy. The films after that were my, I mean, they were either self-sabotaging to a certain extent or that wasn’t really where I was meant to be, it wasn’t really my sweet spot. I saw my career kind of starting to slip away, in a way, I mean I was in enough unsuccessful films. The sort of perception in the business was that I was starting to dwindle. So when an agent of mine decided that I needed to
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like, The River Wild, things like Murder in the First and A Few
just out of left field and that’s great.
Yeah hands down it was JFK. (laughs) I was a character actor
switch things up, she sent me to Oliver Stone. I sat down with Oliver and he said I’ve got this part and it’s not a big part, but will you be transformational? He basically said, will you try to surprise us and try to transform yourself? I’m like yeah I’m in, definitely. A prison, an inmate, gay, fascist, very just kind of a little bit of a lunatic. I did maybe four days on JFK. When the movie came out, I definitely saw a turn in my career and a turn
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in the way that people perceived me. It led directly to things
it’s really to me that it implies well, do they actually want to sons or best friends, whatever. I don’t know, for me, I feel like chemistry is really a result of two really good actors in the right almost implies, it almost takes away from the actor’s job to me, or it almost makes it say well of course they have chemistry because they wanted to sleep together, as opposed to they are actually in a scene and listening and hearing. There’s been plenty of people that I’ve had chemistry with and I’ve been in scenes with and felt it and I’ve never seen them again or since and we’ve never even hung out, we never even got a beer. So yes, to answer your question, there are times where you turn around and go what were they thinking about this casting choice? Listen, I think it’s my job and my responsibility to still try to, as opposed to try to pull away and say well then I’m just going to worry about my shit, I think it’s important to keep trying to play the scene or play the play and I feel like any performance that I’ve ever given is really only been as good as the people that I’ve been with. That’s what enables you to step up and do good work, the people around you.
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So we are now living in a world where we cannot have an opinion publicly and if we do and it’s not one hundred percent in alignment with the current Hollywood political correctness, we are cancelled or we are attacked. Do you think it’s getting a bit out of control?
once in a while, even after living in New York since I was 17
with impunity. They have done and said hurtful things and
years, but I tend to try not to think about accents as accents.
Well I mean I think that for many, many years people have acted have been abusive or whatever. Things have turned pretty sharply and pretty quickly in Hollywood in terms of that. Did the pendulum swing too far to one side, maybe. I think it will swing back, things will even itself out. So I’m not one of those people that looks at the world and says hey wait a second, I can say that, I’m allowed to say that, oh God, I can’t say anything, that’s just not the way I approach it. I literally feel like if there’s something that I am doing that is truly making someone uncomfortable or unsafe or hurting someone, I have to think to myself, what am I getting out of saying that. I think, do I really, really need to say that? Look I love America and I’ll never live anywhere else and we have this point of view which is sometimes kind of just overblown. I think about how, it’s my right, it’s my right, it’s my right, you know what I mean? I get it and we don’t want to turn into a complete cancel culture. On the other hand, you have to take a beat and look at each kind of instance as a separate instance as opposed to, oh this is just
years old. Every once in a while my Philly comes out. When it comes to Boston, I have done so many movies up there now, I did Mystic, RIPD, Patriots Day, Black Mass and I met Kyra up there with a PBS film. I ended up spending a lot of time in Boston. It’s not an easy one, I think I’ve gotten better over the I try to think of them more as the voice of that particular character so that it’s all inclusive in a way that says the music of it, the movement, the way the body, the placement and the head where that voice is coming from. As opposed to in Philly every time I say “Coke,” I’ve got to say (says with Philly accent) “Coke.” (laughter) I mean the A’s in Boston, that “Caaar” “Paaark the Caaar.” Not everybody in Boston does that, so there are people that have strong Boston accents but they don’t have that sound. So even within any area there’s always going to be variations. So when it comes time to do the accent, I kind of think of what is the overall voice of this character?
So looking back on your career, are there any projects that you wish you would have said yes to and on the flip side, are there any projects that you wish that you would have said no to? (laughs) Well listen yeah, I would say that I honestly don’t have
what we’re doing now.
regrets. I just feel like every bad project, every bomb, every
With the unbelievable success of shows like, Law and Order, TV crime dramas have proven to have such an incredible loyal fanbase. What is it about City on a Hill that you think has viewers so intrigued or what you find so intriguing about this particular drama?
stopped reading my reviews probably 30 years ago, give you
things are so popular. I think because they are in life or death
outcome would have been. Let’s say you turn down a part and
Well this is what I like, this is why crime and hospital type
situations. Life and death situations are inherently dramatic. The thing that I like about City on a Hill and what I look for in any kind of crime or legal or military based show or movie, I want to see these people go home, I want to see them without the uniforms on. I want to see them when their badges are off and their guns are off or their hospital gown is off ,because to me, that’s how you learn about characters and their relationships outside of the job. It also informs the way that they exist in the job based on the actual personal experiences that they’ve had. So City on a Hill, we have been very careful and diligent about going home with these characters. My guy is a corrupt FBI agent, but you also see his relationship with his wife and his own life, my relationship to my mother-in-law for instance complex and interesting characters as far as I’m concerned.
Yeah, what I do find is that in my life my Philly slips out every
regrets about those. The other thing is if you turn down a part, if somebody offers you a part and you turn it down, there’s no way to know that if you had had that part, what the somebody gets an Oscar nomination, which actually happened to me once, I’m not going to say what it was, but it did actually happen to me once. Well, I could say, shit, that was my only chance for my Oscar nomination, but I don’t know that I would have gotten an Oscar nomination with that part, maybe I wouldn’t have, I probably wouldn’t have, I don’t know. That’s all part of the puzzle of the universe, you can’t really move one piece around like that. And conversely, when I’ve been in things that have been a disaster, they’ve made me stronger, tougher and more knowledgeable, wiser and all those things. The third thing I will say is that I really don’t look back. The only time that I’m asked to look back is when I’m doing interviews. I don’t watch my movies, I don’t reminisce and go through old photos or articles or whatever, I’m looking at what’s happening next. This is part of what keeps me alive basically.
So if someone came up to you now, today and said we’re making a movie about your life Kevin. At this moment, which actor would you choose to play a young Kevin Bacon? A: Harry Styles.
If you had to sum up your life with a song title, what it be called?
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I am actually from Philly as well. How do you go from the Philly accent to the California accent, to the Boston accent in City on a Hill? Do you ever wake up and think where the hell do I live, (laughter) like how am I going to talk today? Do you ever slip from accent to accent?
the journey and part of the education. So I can’t really have
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in the first season was kind of fascinating. That makes for
a sense of what they are. This is part of the process, part of
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daughter. You see their relationship to each other outside of
uncomfortable set situation, every terrible review, although I
(laughs) That’s a good one. “Also Ran.” (laughs)
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CATCH ME IF YOU CAN INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN GROOMING BY { RACHEL
RUSSO
BURNEY FOR THE WALL GROUP AUSTIN FOR OPUS BEAUTY LOCATION { LOS ANGELES
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Take me back to Rome when you were a kid. When did you know you wanted to be a professional tennis player? I remember watching the ATP event in Rome at the
Foro Italico when I was a kid. I would try to sneak into Centre Court when Roger (Federer) was playing. I think that event and the experience of watching the players compete are reasons I am a professional tennis
As I grew up and improved, I started to realize what the entire professional tennis life is like – spending 10 to 11 months on tour without coming home much. It
Now I am dating a WTA tennis player, Ajla Tomljanovic,
game has always been there.
Growing up, did you idolize any tennis players? Did you get to meet that player?
which helps as she understands me and the demands of the tour. And my family tries to travel with me as much as they can. I don’t see them as much as I want, but that is the way it is. It is my passion, I am lucky, I am doing what I love, and I take the positives.
story as we get on very well now.
In 2017, you made your first ATP prominent draw appearance at the Italian Open. And then you see that you are playing the top Italian player at the time, Fabio Fognini, in the first round. Mentally, how did you go into that match? Did you think I could beat this guy, or were you so excited to have this opportunity that you just wanted to enjoy the moment?
I think that’s why one of the first times I played him
at all tennis-wise. I didn’t play my best match. I was
I grew up watching Roger (Federer) and cheering for
him. I supported him as much as I could, watching him on TV whenever he was on. But then the day came when I realized I was playing the same tournament as he was in the same draw. So I couldn’t support him anymore from that point on. I have told Roger this
on Centre Court and Wimbledon, he destroyed me, because I couldn’t believe I was playing against my
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wanted most.
One of the other reasons is that my whole family
professional tennis player in my family, my love for the
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sacrificing anything as I was doing what I
does take a lot of getting used to.
still playing. Tennis is in our DNA. Nobody has been a
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enjoyed playing tennis, so it never really felt like I was
player today.
plays tennis, loves tennis and my grandparents are
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things. I would hang out with my friends. I’ve always
It was great in one way but in another way not great
very nervous, very tight, but I was happy to be there. I grew up watching games on that court, and I couldn’t
idol on one of the most iconic courts on tour.
believe that I was there. If I remember correctly, I think
Teenage years can cause huge distractions in a person’s life. Between hormones raging, dating, and wanting to enjoy being young, I can see many people losing focus on their dreams. How did you remain so focused throughout your teenage years? Was there ever a point when you doubted this career choice?
and then lost the first set 6-1, and then 6-3 the
a teenager, so I lived a normal life. I was living in Rome,
prepared because I knew what to expect because of
I hand’t labeled myself a future tennis star when I was enjoying life, but I never really went out or did crazy
I actually double-faulted on the first point (laughing) second set. Fabio was playing well at the time, the day after he beat Murray, so he was on good form. But overall, the match and experience have helped me throughout my career so far; I learned how to handle high-pressure situations. The following year in Rome, I was more how much I learned from the first experience.
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In 2018, you won your first ATP singles and doubles title at the Swiss Open Gstaad. Did the taste of winning give you the confidence and belief that you could be a top player?
Even without the media, players would still feel the
expecting to win even one title, never mind two. I
how significant their achievements are and potentially
Yeah, Gstaad was a crazy week. I went there not
don’t think I lost my serve once in singles the whole tournament. I was playing the best tennis I played in 2018. It was a memorable week. I went there with a friend rather than my coach. Vincenzo (coach) stayed at home, and at a certain point before the finals, he asked me if I wanted him to come. I said, “no, no, no, the whole tournament, we’ve done this without you, so I will just continue with the same setup,” of course, this was about superstition rather than not wanting Vincenzo there.It went well, of course; it was a great memory. And then, after that, I found out I could keep improving. So, I see it in a way as the start of
pressure. They have trained their whole lives to win trophies, achieve personal goals, and break and set incredible records when it comes to Serena and Novak. So they also put pressure on themselves. They know how important they could be to whatever they are trying to achieve.
Which other tennis player, who is currently playing, thinks it’s the best ambassador of the sport? And why? Roger. I admire the example he sets, and the time he gives to the sport off the court and away from the cameras. I feel he understands that he has the power to have a much more significant impact on the world in general. Whether it is his charity work or sitting on the ATP player council for so many years, he utilizes the
my career.
sport and his popularity to impact as many lives as he
In 2021, you skyrocketed to the top of the game. The pressure is now on. How do you handle the pressure and expectation that the media puts on you?
If you could go back in time and play against a player that has retired, who would it be?
from the media. The most stress comes from me,
a left, really talented and coming to the net a lot. And
I honestly don’t feel too much pressure, particularly
ensuring I fulfill my potential and a desire to make my
can positively.
I think it would be tricky to play against John McEnroe, I’d also like to play against Adriano Panatta, a true
family, team, and country proud.
legend of Italian tennis.
I believe that sports commentators put unnecessary pressure and expectation on players. It’s no wonder players crack under pressure. Serena Williams is a prime example. If I had a nickel for every time, Patrick McEnroe said, “Serena is still pursuing the 24th grand slam that has eluded her. Not to mention how the other commentators built up enough pressure on Novak to sink ten ships. Tennis players are human beings that have feelings. Do you think there is a point where too much media coverage and hype can be detrimental to your performance?
Best mover?
me, media and being in the spotlight are something
The most gracious?
the hype and pressure and perform better with it, whereas others prefer to go under the radar more.
Best forehand past or present?
Now, this is a tricky question. I believe I have a good forehand. I don’t know if it’s the best on tour but let me be confident for once (laughing). For past players, I remember Sampras had a great forehand and also a great serve. There have been a lot of players with amazing forehands, but let’s go with Pete Sampras.
Roger. Without a doubt and from previous players, maybe Edberg or Bjorg. All three are and were incredibly gracious.
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that comes with the career choice. Some players like
say, Novak. Incredible mover on all the surfaces.
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I think it depends on the player and personality. For
There are a lot of great athletes, but I would need to
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The most likely to talk shit and cause a diversion? Ummmm, tough one. No one trash talks, well to me
anyway, but a few can cause a diversion. I, of course, have never played him but based on reputation and having watched a few matches, I would need to go with John McEnroe.
Hardest to play?
I would need to go with Djokovic, Nadal, or Federer. Arguably the three greatest players of all time. It has been exciting to be played simultaneously as all three, but also slightly annoying (joking) as I’d probably have a few more trophies at home.
A backboard?
I would say either Novak or Daniil Medvedev. It always takes something extra to win a point against those two. The ball keeps coming back from all corners of the court.
If you weren’t a tennis player, what would you be and why?
I honestly don’t know what I would be as I have always wanted to play tennis and never really thought of a backup plan. I love animals, so maybe if I weren’t playing tennis, I would be doing something related to animals and ideally helping animals somehow.
You are now 65 years old and had the most incredible career to look back on. You are asked. In an interview, “what was the best part of being on tour”? What is your response? I would generally say just being lucky and privileged enough to travel the world, meet incredible people, and hopefully inspire or bring some happiness to people along the way. That is rewarding. There are times when you meet kids, and they have copied your technique or wear the hat backward as I do on the
than winning tennis matches.
To stay up to date on Matteo follow him at @ matberrettini on instagram
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lives. That’s when you realize it is about much more
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court, and it brings happiness and positivity to their
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new BLOOD Julia Jones takes control in Showtime’s Dexter New Blood INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN MAKEUP BY { STEPHEN
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Take me back to high school, the Boston Latin school, (oldest public school in the United States) were you the girl who dreamed about Hollywood. The girl who thought, it’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when I’ll get there.
In terms of preparation and research on the role, how does this role differ from past roles you’ve played?
I was a theater nerd in high school. And just generally
the way the season was shot. It’s 10 episodes, so
a nerd. I was very focused on doing plays and
approximately 600 pages of material, all of which we
performing. I liked watching movies but Hollywood
filmed as if it were one 10 hour movie. We also shot
felt foreign and unrelatable to me. I loved going to the
all of the exteriors first because it was winter and we
theater. I think I dreamed of Broadway.
needed the snow. This meant that within the first
My process was very different on this because of
few weeks of shooting we were filming scenes that
Tell us about your ride so far, was it everything you’d hope it would be?
happened at the very end of the last episode. The
Most people probably feel this way, but my ride has
the scripts over and over and over again. Getting it in
felt very much like a rollercoaster. In retrospect, I
you and trusting that it would come together and that
appreciate the variety of experiences I’ve had. It’s
you would be prepared.
majority of my preparation for Dexter was just reading
much more than I ever hoped it would be.
Ah, the obligatory pandemic question. You knew it was coming. What is the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
If you could change one thing about entertainment industry of today, what would it be? And how would you change it? The world is an incredibly diverse place and I wish the
I learned that I love puzzles and that I had really
industry would unequivocally recognize the benefits of
missed playing the piano.
reflecting that on screen and off, across the board, at every level. It is changing, but it is quite the process.
Dexter, who knew! How cool they brought back such an amazing show. Did you watch the show in its heyday? Be honest, I’ll test you. lol I had heard wonderful things about the show but had
If you could solve one problem in the world, just one, what problem would you solve? Climate change
never seen it. I actually decided not to watch it before we started filming but as soon as we wrapped, I binged all 8 seasons.
What was your gut feeling after you read for the part? Did you think you nailed it?
I didn’t have to read. They sent me a number of scripts, which were page turners – very smart and dark and
to me.
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Michael, but ultimately they just wound up offering it
To learn more about Julia Jones @juliarjones
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fun. There was talk of doing a chemistry test with
Finish this sentence…. Yes, I sat next to Julia in homeroom my senior year in high school. The one thing I remember about her was the way she was rarely on time.
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TRUST YOUR
INSTINCTS INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN GROOMING BY { MARISSA STYLING BY { WARREN
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Sports play a very important role in the developmental stages of youth. How important were sports to you growing up? Sports were important to me - though not as important to me
as the arts. Obviously, I found myself diving into being an actor more than an athlete. But I love sports, and have always loved sports. I played little league baseball, was a diver my freshman year of high school, and then played some volleyball my senior year in high school. I continue to play that today as well as pickup basketball and other things. I think sports and athletics are incredibly important not just for our bodies but for our hearts
she was at the time. Her two kids, and the relationship that Kurt formed with her son Zac and how meaningful that was to their own relationship - so there was so much more to uncover and unpack.
The “Underdog”. We have all, at one point in our lives, been exposed to this term. Do you find the word to be a positive or a negative? I don’t find “Underdog” to be a negative word, I also don’t
equally find it to be a positive word or term rather. I think it’s from what position you are looking at it from. You know if you
and minds.
are the “Underdog,” it can feel very negative and that the odds
Take me back to Buena High school in Ventura California. Would you say you were a jock? Did you play any sports? If so which sports and what impact did they have on your life?
are looking at someone who is an “Underdog,” you can feel pity
and played some volleyball a little bit – more I played left bench
positive or negative spin to that.
I was not a jock in high school, I did diving my freshman year for the volleyball team but I was definitely more of a theatre
nerd. But those sports did have an impact on my life in various ways such as character-building ways and building friendships
are against you – or you can also be very inspired by that. If you for them, and have more of a negative feel for them. Or you can feel encouragement for them and root them on. It’s really how you choose to see being an “Underdog,” and are you applying a
Have you ever been the “Underdog” in a specific situation in your life and went on to triumph?
particularly with team sports.
Yeah, I have been an “Underdog,” in certain specific situations
In your latest film, American Underdog, you get to play Kurt Warner, who overcomes years of challenges and setbacks to become a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl Champion and Hall of Fame quarterback. How did you prepare mentally and physically for this role?
along the way, whether it’s close family or close friends, people
green light. I was able to have a month and a half of physical
a kind of an “Underdog,” when they begin that journey. The
Physically, the movie came together pretty fast once it got
training learning how to be a quarterback which was an intense little boot camp. It was very cool, helpful, and informative. Mentally, I only had a few days of hanging out with Kurt before we started shooting the movie. Fortunately, he and Brenda were on set quite a bit while we were shooting the movie, more of his essence and personality and the truth of their
Before I was offered the role, I knew a good amount of Kurt’s
story. When I was a somewhat younger version of myself and Kurt was a somewhat younger version of himself, was when this whole thing went down. It was Nashville news and also as a person of faith, it had an even more relatable aspect to it. Just an incredible true sports, Cinderella story, that everyone was in awe about. It was just incredible – so I knew all that but after accepting the role I learned so much more about his relationship with Brenda and who he was at the time and who
the odds counted against us - no matter what the situation that might be, that might make you an “Underdog.” I think that trying to tackle a career in Hollywood – everyone is essentially odds are definitely not in your favor. Regardless of how good looking you are or talented you are or even people who are well connected, a lot of things need to come together in a magical way. So trying to take on even this journey I have been on is kind of like that, and even scoring some of the roles that I have been so grateful to have gotten that I thought would have easily gone to people that were more famous than me and yet I was able to be the guy that was chosen. I guess it’s all really context.
Thru playing this role, what did you learn about yourself?
I learned to trust my instincts even more and my understanding and talents that I have built over many years as being an actor. I felt very comfortable being able to trust those more. I also learned that even at 40 I could throw a spiral – that was fun.
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Before being offered this role, how much did know about Kurt Warner and his inspirational story? After accepting the role, what did you find out about Kurt that made his story even more remarkable?
way. I think we all have been underestimated ultimately or had
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relationship and applying that as much as I can into the movie.
in our community or our society that might see us in a certain
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so I was almost able to prepare on the go. Getting more and
in my life. I think we all are on some level. There’s always people
Is there a person, athlete or actor that you have always thought of as the “Underdog” and now think of as the favorite?
Steph Curry of the Golden States Warrior’s is a solid example of someone who came into the league - people had low expectations of him. He did not go to a massive college before
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he got drafted even though he came from some physical
come, they come on a case by case basis. My hope is that I can
pedigree because his father played in the NBA – he was a
get to a point as an actor, and producer, and even as a director
small dude. The game wasn’t exactly the game that he ended
to bring more inspirational stories to people. Whether they are
up helping to create which was this long distance three point
true stories or completely fiction.
game that the NBA has become. So, I don’t think people gave him much of a look – and now he is dominating. He will be one of the greatest that played the game, so I think he is a great example.
If you could tell someone who has passed away one thing, who would it be and what would you tell them? It would be my mom - and I would tell my mom that she was
truly and genuinely loved, no matter what went down in her life
Are there any stories that haven’t been told that you want to tell? (in terms of a film)
and how it ultimately ended – that she was truly and genuinely
that I would love to tell as far as filmmaking, or even a mini
To learn more about Zachary Levi follow him at @Zacharylevi
loved and to help her understand that.
I am sure there are so many stories that have not been told
series or limited series or things of that nature. I haven’t dug
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them all up yet. I don’t really know exactly, as these things
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RONEN RUBINSTEIN
HOLDING OUTfor a
HERO Actor Ronen Rubinstein saves the day on Fox’s hit series 9-1-1 Lone Star
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN GROOMING BY { MICHAELA
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LIMUR AUSTIN PRODUCED BY { PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS STYLING BY { JENNIFER
What a ride it is for you. Young, handsome and most importantly a super nice guy. How are you feeling about life right now?
Thank you, that is very sweet of you. I’m feeling pretty damn good. Lots of amazing Life stuff is happening. Career stuff. Hustling my little butt off as much as I can. Definitely the most creative I’ve ever been.
From playing a gangster in one of your first films, “Detachment” to now saving the world in the “9-1-1 Lone star. You have come a long way in ten years. Tell us about your journey. Oh man, 10 years! I guess I’m somewhat of a young Veteran lol. It’s been a wild ride. Detachment was my first on screen appearance ever and it was across the LEGEND James Caan. Now I star in Ryan Murphy’s Fox TV Show as Rob Lowe’s son. I would call that an epic full circle.
You are quite vocal about inclusion and supporting the many movements that are happening. Why has this become such a passion for you?
I guess I’m vocal because I truly believe in this kind of stuff. I hate seeing people suffer. I hate seeing animals suffer. I hate seeing people discriminated because of how they look or who they are attracted to. I absolutely hate seeing our one home, Planet Earth, slowly crumbling beneath us. I think these are things that every one should stand up and fight for. Because at the end of the day, all we have is our fellow Humans, and our collective home, Mother Nature.
Currently we live in a “cancel society” where whatever you say can and will be used against you. Being in the public eye, the level of scrutiny is off the charts. Believe it or not, people will dig into your past to see if you said or did anything that they feel currently is inappropriate. At what point does it become too much? Do you think the notion of free speech is just that, a notion? I think whenever you choose the “Public Figure” lifestyle,
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it comes with tremendous responsibility and humility. It is
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extremely important what we say and do because of how many people look up to us for guidance, support, inspiration. If people in this super privileged position feel strained about wanting to say gross or hateful things, then maybe this isn’t the right career choice for them.
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I applaud you for playing and embracing a gay character. Some actors feel that this would be a detriment to their careers. How do you think Hollywood views actors who take on these roles?
This question seems to imply that one is straight or an ally; however I identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ Community. For me, playing T.K has been cathartic and somewhat of an awakening. For the first time ever, I finally feel comfortable and truly free to express myself, both in my life and career. Representing a LGBTQIA+ character on television is an honor and privilege – and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Is there a specific story you want to tell?
Yes. 100% YES. I have a deep connection to a very specific time in high school that I feel needs to be told and shared with the world. It would be a beautiful cocktail of “KIDS” & “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”
If you could choose two iconic actors to star opposite in a feature film who would you choose and why?
BRAD PITT. LEONARDO DICAPRIO. I feel like if I put it out into the Universe enough, it will happen lol. These are the two that I grew up watching, studying, idolizing. I still watch their films for a sense of escapism as well as a masterclass in Acting.
If I went back to your high school and asked one of your friends to describe you in one word what would they say? WILD.
Finish this sentence… Being an actor is great. But honestly if I wasn’t an actor I would have definitely been … Musician.
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RAYof
SUNSHINE Actress Kristin Chenoweth finds her light in the magical town called Schmigadoon
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I just think you are the funniest person I know! Where you always the funniest girl in the room as a teenager?
No, definitely not. There were definitely way funnier people, but I was the most petite person. And when you don’t feel you can be seen, you figure out ways to be seen. And for me
I think most actors have their dream role. A role they are dying to play. What is your dream role and who is your dream co-star? Cast well!
Hello Dolly for sure, or Mame, and anything with Brian D’Arcy James.
it was humor. Thank you Carol Burnett.
When I was photographing you, you transformed from hysterical, comedic, loads of fun Kristin to sexy as hell, blonde bombshell Kristin in like seconds. How on earth do you make that split second change? It’s really remarkable. I look at every photoshoot, especially with you - Maestro,
that it is a character. So when you put it to me like that as an actress, I understand.
As we all know 2020 & the beginning of 2021 have been quite dreadful, over the last year and a half what have you learned about yourself? That I missed a year.
The classic LA question…What are you working on now? I know you always have something brewing young lady! An Apple series, Schmigadoon this Summer and a new
album coming out this Fall, which I can’t wait! And beyond - I have no idea what the future holds but yet I know what the
If you had to credit one person for inheriting their sense of humor who would it be? My mother, Junie Chenoweth.
You have the wonderful reputation of being sweet as pie, do you think your southern upbringing contributed to your sweetness? Yes, but people are always surprised when I have a brain.
Hollywood is notorious for their roles for women. Either you’re a 20 something girlfriend, the 30 something young mother or the grandmother. It seems there isn’t much in between. Do you find this to be true and if so, do you think the climate of this is changing? I think the climate is 100% changing. And I’d like to thank
future holds. And we will see which marathon wins.
I small bird told me you are leaving LA and heading to Nashville to take residence. What is it about Nashville that is such a draw for you? Music City. Period. Not about looks. About music!
If you could close your eyes and click your heels together right now where would you go? To say hi to my grandma and grandpa.
Finish this sentence… Oh yes, I worked with Kristin many years ago on Broadway and I must say she was always…. Kind
Cecily Strong for producing Schmigadoon! and not seeing any age at all, just character.
To learn more about Kristin follow her at @kchenoweth Don’t miss Schmigadoon on Apple TV
Of all the roles you have played in your career, which role do you have a special place in your heart and why? known to myself.
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Lily Garland, On The Twentieth Century, for reasons well
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all GOOD THINGS to REMEMBER Actress Kyra Sedgwick takes on the joys and tribulations of motherhood in the ABC sitcom, ”Call Your Mother”. INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN MAKEUP BY { STEPHEN
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What has this past year, 2020, taught you about yourself?
How did this role come about for you?
adaptable I am but, really, all humans are. What I
the project it was an easy yes for me.
It has taught me how incredibly resilient and
Kari Lizer (show creator) has been a friend for years. I’m obsessed with her writing. When she came to me with
thought was impossible is not. It also helped me to wrap my arm around this notion that any idea of control that I think I have is just an illusion. There is no control in life, in the world, and in being a human
Are there any similarities or parallels to your character’s life and your life?
For sure. I have adult children and I’m involved in that
being. I can’t control the world, I can’t control my
dance of being inside their lives but from the outside.
feelings, I can’t control other people and I can’t control
It’s a neat trick being the mother of adult children.
a pandemic! All good things to remember.
The truth is if you do your job well as a mother your children leave you and hardly ever want your advice
If you had to take to take one silver lining from this pandemic what would it be?
about anything but, when they do, you want to be
I’m quite sure that my husband and I have gotten
they were little you used to be able to fix everything
closer. Nothing like facing impending doom and
and you were supposed to. But as adults you’re not
realizing that the person that you have chosen is the
supposed to fix everything - you can’t even if you
person you want with you if you were stranded on a
wanted to. You get to be a part of their lives to the
deserted island.
extent that they want you to be. You absolutely have
there to provide it. It’s frustrating because when
to have your own life too because the alternative is
Has this new, lighthearted role, as Jean Raines in “Call your Mother”, been a fun distraction from the current state of the world? Absolutely no question about it - that is a resounding
just too sad. In a way, you’re becoming a slightly muted version of the mother you once were and that’s a hard balance to strike. Jean is having the same issues so she and I are very similar in that way.
yes! I have had the time of my life exploring Jean, understanding comedy in a different way and being able to put something joyful and funny in the world that also explores the complications of family and being a mother.
You seem to have one of the most beautiful marriages in Hollywood with Kevin. How have you managed to keep your love strong? Honestly, I wish the answer to this question was anything other than we just got really lucky. My
How was the transition from playing a tough as nails deputy chief, in the wildly successful, “The Closer” to playing a fun-loving mom, in a comedic sitcom?
On the surface of it, it’s a totally different animal. The
love for him remains strong because my love for him remains strong. It’s not something I have to work at, it’s just there. I’m really grateful that, even during a pandemic, we still have things to talk about when we sit down to dinner! I’m just a very lucky girl.
jokes have a certain music to them that you need to play in order for the jokes to be funny. Drama has more room for the pauses and what’s in between the
If you had three wishes what would they be?
Boy I have a lot of wishes. Mostly my wishes are for the 1) Moving away from fossil fuels as soon as possible
balls-out comedy you have to keep it grounded and in
2) An end to hunger
the truth.
3) Environmental and social justice for all beings
Go to ABC.com to learn more about Call Your Mother
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planet:
they are similar. You have to tell the truth - even in a
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a PLACE in the
SUN INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN MAKEUP BY { LALY
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ZAMBRANA BY { GUY ROMEO / HER- STEPHANIE HARPER STYLING BY { JOHN BENIGNO
MICHAEL YERGER
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I sent you a message a few years back and told you I wanted to work with you. Finally, we make it happen, are you happy with the results?
We shot an incredible estate from the 1930’s. What were your thoughts on the house? Could you see yourself smoking a cigar in the library?
thrilled with what we came up with. I am grateful to
charm and character and made me feel like
finally get to work together on this story that you
we took the delorean back a few decades!
Happy would be an understatement! I am absolutely
The estate was absolutely breathtaking. It had such
beautifully articulated.
I love the 1970’s collegiate theme of this shoot, I was so happy to see you and Helena bring the story to life. Tell me your thoughts on the concept?
Besides football did you play any other sports? You look legit in tennis gear, has learning tennis ever crossed your mind?
In addition to football, I trained several forms of martial
This shoot was particularly exhilarating because I
arts resulting in a 1st degree blackbelt. Also, I earned
got to embody that iconic and prestigious ivy-league
the rank of Eagle Scout in The Boy Scouts of America,
persona that I have seen over the years. I remember
so I spent a considerable amount of time engaging in
being so excited when you first mentioned the
outdoor sports such as hiking, kayaking, cycling, etc.
concept to me. Sometimes it’s hard to connect with
I remember playing tennis a bit when I was younger,
certain editorials, so this was fun because it came so
and enjoying it too. But, I catered more to volleyball
naturally. Helena was such great energy and loads of
when it came to recreational sports with friends.
fun to work with, too!
Do you like the old school preppy look? Do you ever rock it? I totally do! While wearing that attire, you can’t help
What’s your favorite “old school” movie?
I’m a huge sci-fi fan... so naturally I would say that my favorite old school movie would have to be the film that defined the genre, Ridley Scott’s 1979 “Alien”.
but have a posh sort of feeling. I can’t say I’ve ever intentionally rocked the preppy look, but I did go to a private Christian school growing up and southern prep
Who is your favorite “old school” band?
I would have to go with Earth, Wind, & Fire or Heart.
was the social norm when it came to style. So, it was
Those were two of the many bands my parents would
pretty natural for me to wear that sort of clothing.
play growing up and I have great memories listening to them together.
If you had to choose one vintage accessory, what would it be? Watch? Leather jacket? Sunglasses?
I’d have to say that a cool vintage piece of luggage would be my first choice. I feel like it would have more
If you had to choose one Ivy league school that you would have loved to attend which would it be? Even though it’s not technically in the ivy league, I’d
of a story to tell with the history attached to it. They
have to say MIT. I am more geared towards science,
are also pretty hard to find, so the exclusivity of
technology, and mathematics over history and
owning one makes a statement.
literature and think I would’ve thoroughly enjoyed an experience there.
I know you said you like newer cars better, but that yellow vintage 911 was sick. If you had to choose a vintage car what would it be?
When you think of preppy, which designer do you think wrote the book on it?
my taste follows innovation, especially whenit comes
me, are the epitome of preppiness!
You’re spot on! I am such a fan of technology that
a hard one for me to choose, but I’d likely go with a Lamborghini Countach or a Ferrari F40.
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today would exist without its predecessors. This is
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to the automotive industry. But, nothing that I love
My mind immediately thinks of Ralph Lauren. They, to
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a DROP like NO OTHER
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN
RUSSO PRODUCTION BY { KENNETH WALLER MAKEUP BY { KARAN MITCHELL FOR TMG-LA HAIR BY { RICHARD COLLINS FOR TMG-LA STYLING BY { JACQUELINE ZENERE
FOR THE WALL GROUP WEARING PRADA VIDEO BY { TAS
LIMUR
What is your vision for Aspen X?
tuned to managing a global pandemic and addressing climate
Aspen be, as a place and an idea expounded? How might 75
creative solutions for our industry, and most importantly for our
AspenX is about possibilities…the X is a multiplier. What can years of leadership and experience be parlayed into innovation in the ski, hospitality and retail arenas? Aspen ski company is a privately-held family business. As such, we are focused on a long-term investment horizon, our
change. AspenX is continually adapting and pivoting to find visitors.
Can you talk about sustainability and how it relates to AspenX?
Aspen brings people and nature together. Sustainability and
communities, and a sustainable environment.
environmental stewardship are part of our DNA. We lead the
ASPENX as a vision embraces our legacy and operating
even before sustainability became socially pertinent.
philosophy. It is an extension of our brand, which is our promise. ASPENX looks forward…addressing accelerating change in technology, climate and business. We are a customer centric business, and anticipating needs of our guests is of primary
industry in sustainable practices and have always done so,
How could we not do so? This place and its natural inhabitants require attention, respect and preservation for future generations. AspenX extends this philosophy into broader
importance.
applications in product and experiences. We have a number
ASPENX is a concept brand where we imagine alchemic
tuned for more exciting drops.
combinations in bespoke experiences, collaborations, and performance product. ASPENX brings a research and development sensibility to materials and products. ASPENX prioritizes athletic performance and design, but will work as cool streetwear as well. We are excited about our new ASPENX Prada line of limited edition mountain wear. It functions
of potential co-ventures underway for the next year, so stay
How did the Paula Crown/AspenX /Prada collaboration begin?
I considered the natural brand extension of resort operations and hospitality. Any new product, had to be of exceptional design and performance. Our “value add” to any venture
In response to customer demand for unique experiences,
innovative POV.
ASPENX will deliver your dream itinerary. Whether your “bucket list” items includes extreme powder skiing, wine tastings in a chic mountain hut or a special celebration, ASPENX will deliver
potential partners that shared our goals, values and had an
Aspen’s ski and outdoor professionals have extensive functional knowledge. They know the terrain, understand changing weather and safety protocols. Our guests want
ASPENX formalizes many things that we have being doing for
Aspen pros are world class athletes, (including Olympians).
seven decades. Our customers are our priority and we listen closely to their interests and needs. Presently, our radar is
growth experiences and to develop proficiencies. Many of our They have the skills and are well suited to guide, explore and the expand a visitor’s comfort zone.
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the extraordinary.
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would be our ski/sport and hospitality expertise. We met with
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beautifully on and off slopeside.
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Working with a talented team of business multi-hyphenates
Artwork from my Fractal series was printed on the fabric
(all women, mothers and athletes) we developed a business
of our initial designs. Seeing the artwork proportioned and
thesis and an execution strategy. Our daughter Torie
executed on the apparel was a dream come true. I expect
Crown brought her consulting and marketing insights. Erin
that our collaborative work will meet the needs of our most
Sprague, Aspen’s brand and marketing executive provided
demanding customers and will reset standards of luxury
expertise on fit and messaging. My studio practice and
and performance.
investment experience informed the final decision to proceed with ASPENX. With respect to Prada specifically, I reviewed past Aspen
Tell me how you think AspenX will be positioned in a market that is driven largely by e-commerce?
The last two years have been destabilizing as we all have
ski uniform designs. My attention was drawn to a decades-
had to reckon with the uncertainty of a global pandemic. A
old Prada proposal. (We did not proceed with the proposal
shift away from brick and mortar retail has been underway
at that time due to quantity and delivery issues). Prada’s
for a while. The pandemic delivered a disruptive blow
material was waterproof, while being notably lighter and
to traditional models of commerce and in- person work
softer than traditional waterproof fabrics.
models. In Aspen, we chose to adapt and pivot rapidly in our operations. This was simultaneously intimidating and
I wanted to learn more. Besides Prada’s exceptional design
liberating. It remains so. Change is the only constant and
and reuse of sustainable nylon, they designed competitive
we need to move forward despite the uncertainty.
gear for the World Cup sailing team. I expect that those sailors, like our pros, have the highest performance
I am not sure that ASPENX would have taken form so
standards, and that Prada delivered.
quickly without the pandemic. It was like a new space opened to new ideas like global collaborations. A favorite
Craig Robins of Miami’s Design District, introduced me
Japanese epigram reminds us that “a reverse side has a
to Lorenzo Bertelli, who runs Prada’s marketing, digital
reverse side”. It is important to imagine what is possible in
strategy and sustainability efforts. Across thousands
both the light and the dark.
of miles, multiple languages and a global pandemic we hatched the idea of a co-branded skiwear product. I believe
Presently, ASPENX is delivering exceptional food and
in imagination as a force to connect ideas and people.
wine, and hospitality experiences, as well as new lines
Lorenzo and I aligned on many goals and agreed to
of performance gear. We forsee further investments in
proceed.
technology and product development that will enhance performance and safety.
In development discussions, Team Aspen led with its legacy brand and “sport” orientation while Team Prada brought exceptional design and “body” sensibility. Last spring, Prada
everything feels different. When I land in Aspen, I literally
into our ASPENX Prada inaugural drop in December 2021.
come back to my senses. I take a deeper breath, look
The iterative creative process of design mirrored my studio
more closely and pay attention to my environment. Aspen
art practice. It was a privilege to observe so many talented
provides a gift that is healing and “sense-sational”.
players in the mix. Our teams discussed each product
This month we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the
feature including the design of waterproof zippers, proper
founding of the Aspen Ski Company. We remain grateful
closures and powder skirts. Prada’s materials, durability and
to be in this community and in this place. It is a profound
feel won over our most skeptical pros. The prototypes were
responsibility to preserve it for our collective future. Come
not restrictive and enabled temperature regulation.
experience Aspen. Return transformed.
Aspen has a long-established commitment to the creative
To learn more about Paula Crown follower her
culture. Each year, an artist(s) is featured on the ski pass
@paulacrown_art @aspenx
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when you are standing in the same place, yet suddenly
was relayed to Italy. This experiential data was incorporated
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I think about moments in life that are transformative,
field. Our pros stress-tested them and detailed feedback
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sent us possible ski wear prototypes to test in the (snow)
What are your thoughts on Aspen and how it plays into the collaboration?
along with on mountain installations and programs. Now in its 16th year, this program named ArtUP brings art to unexpected places. Fine art and design are proven competitive advantages to our brand.
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PAT R I C K M O U R AT O G L O U
ON HIS
“A” GAME Patrick Mouratoglou is not a Tennis Coach, he is “The Tennis Coach”.
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN PRODUCED BY { KEN
RUSSO
WALLER AT PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS. PHOTOGRAPHED EXCLUSIVELY AT {
THE MOURATOGLOU ACADEMY IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
I don’t think you are “A Coach”, I think you are “THE Coach.” How do you handle the pressure and expectation that goes with being at the highest level of your field?
When you take the decision to work in sports at the highest
level, it is all about pressure. We all feel it, players and coaches, we all live with it on a daily basis. Especially in a sport like tennis, pressure is our daily companion because players compete all year long. I personally love pressure. Because our job revolves around handling it and using it to our benefit. Pressure can either boost you, or kill you, and the difference between a good player and a top player is often the way they
Was anyone a driving force of support for you on this journey?
I started with another coach, and then I continued by myself a
few years later. But throughout this journey I met many people who have been either incredibly supportive or who have helped me become better. I think of Bob Brett for example who I have worked with for 6 years and who has shared a lot of his knowledge with me. Some other people who I have met along the way have become very important to me and I am still working with them
I have a lot of expectations and because I do, pressure is
high level of consistency and quality.
years ago), I did a lot of press interviews and a very common question I got was how I handled the fact that collaborating with Serena was an achievement for me. Even though I was very proud and blessed to be able to work with such a champion, I answered by saying that I saw it as a start and not an achievement, and the results she would make with me compared to before would say if we could talk about achievement or not.
When did the idea of creating a tennis Academy come to you? How long did it take you to go from concept to reality? When I had to stop playing tennis, I was 16 and it was the
worst moment of my life. I was destroyed. I felt like the reason why I was living was taken away from me. It took me 10 years to recover from it, grow and be ready for the next chapter of my life. After working for 6 years in renewable energies, being 26, I
20 years later. That is how I have been able to guarantee a
You not only developed a world class tennis academy, you also have a wonderful Resort with a luxury hotel, student housing, several dining options, a wellness center, a fitness center, a pro shop and a knowledgeable and dedicated staff that makes sure the experience is the highest level. There are so many moving parts. You really took this concept to the highest level and with operating at such a high level comes the pressure. How do you sleep at night? That’s a lot. (smile) Well, I believe that I am lucky to enjoy myself a lot in doing what I am doing. I am working in a field that I’m passionate about and I am helping children succeed on and off the court. I also had the opportunity to create a paradise for sport lovers. Mouratoglou Resort is one of a kind. We are
took a big decision.
located in the heart of the French Riviera, on a 12-hectare
I decided first to go back to what I loved the most, tennis and
only 20 minutes from Nice International airport. We offer a
piece of land dedicated to tennis, fitness and well-being and
spend my life doing what I’m passionate about.
wide range of sport and exercise activities including, padel,
Then I decided that I wanted to create a tennis academy
spa, 4 pools and 34 tennis courts including 8 indoors. We
to give the opportunity to help young athletes fulfill their potential and help them achieve their dreams and goals. At the Mouratoglou Academy, our mission and purpose is to give our students the tools and the support to succeed in tennis, in their education but most importantly in their personal ISSUE No. 7
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journey. The chance I had not been given, I wanted to give to
negotiated the rate.
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that welcomes everyone from beginners to world champions.
process it.
very high. When I started working with Serena in 2012 (10
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International school, country club and sports medicine center
It took me just a few weeks. I went to all the tennis clubs around Paris and looked for courts to rent and then
I literally started my tennis academy by renting 2 courts for 8 hours a day in a tennis club back in 1996. Now 25 years later, the Academy has become a Resort that includes 360 services: a four-star hotel, 2 restaurants, a spa, a French &
yoga, pilates and much more, as well as a luxurious 700m2 are also very proud to have an innovative sports medicine center that can includes physical therapy, cryotherapy, balneotherapy, osteopathy and specific supportive treatments for all athletes. And after the effort, our clients can enjoy a sophisticated and creative meal in our L’Emblème restaurant, overlooking our iconic racquet shaped pool, or enjoy Asian flavors at our Japanese pop-up restaurant, managed by our Japanese chef. My latest project which is the creation and launch of UTS, a revolutionary professional tennis league doesn’t help me get more sleep ! So, to answer your question, yes it is probably a lot but I believe that as long as you have the drive and passion, you don’t feel as though it is too much.
How do you balance time training your main athletes, (Serena, Stefano and Coco) your Academy, your other business ventures and family time? Are there multiple Patrick’s in existence we don’t know about?
Why do you think your Academy is widely considered as the best in the world? What are you doing that you feel sets you apart?
I believe that organization is a key. I love to do a lot. I love to
First, our coaching methodology is based on the
create. I also love to spend time with people and give them
customization of the training. We take into consideration
time. That is why, I am currently working on writing my third
what the player needs, rather than simply applying a
book which is about personal development.
method.
First, I really love to work. I have always loved it and I need
Second, all our team is following very clear guidelines both
a lot of time to do so. That is why my schedule is tight. It
in terms of behaving and discovering the player’s profile to
starts every morning at 6 and it finishes every night at 11.
make him progress and have an impact on his game on a
It is a choice. Not everyone has the desire to live that type
short period of time.
Definitely a few things.
of life and I totally understand that, but when one wants to achieve a lot of things, it is necessary. At the end of the
Third, we have a very strong culture of excellence that we
day, the only thing that matters is to be able to live the life
have demonstrated with our results in the last 25 years,
that fits best with your concept of it.
bringing players to the top of the game every year. Lastly, our infrastructure is quite unique in Europe and our
Having experienced the hotel and the tennis program I have to say it’s pretty seamless. I love the stretch in the am and the two different training sessions, morning and afternoon. Having the wellness center there for massage and stretching is a game changer. What is your secret for not only attracting tennis enthusiasts to the Resort / Academy but getting them hooked on returning year after year to maintain their game?
location is one of the best, being in the heart of the French
Our expertise is to offer guests experiences. That is our
the biggest and best resort of Dubai and the second in
main goal. Whoever will come to a Mouratoglou venue, must
Costa Navarino, one of the best resorts in Europe. Together
remember it as something special, whether they are kids,
with them we have created a unique experience for the
teenagers, or adults, coming for a weekly camp or on a full-
clients of those resorts centered around tennis leisure.
time basis, whether they join our restaurant, or one of our
We are just starting our International expansion and have
concerts.
big plans for the future. We just always make sure that
Riviera. For the clients who come for a week of intense training, they can also enjoy the best restaurants and feel the magic of the region, it is a unique experience.
Are there plans for another Hotel/ Academy concept in other parts of the world?
We have already opened two tennis centers: one in Dubai and one in Greece. The first one is at the Jumeirah Hotel,
wherever we go, we are able to deliver the same quality and From day one, I have decided to be able to adapt to the
we are always partnering with top level resorts that share
needs of each of our guests and propose a personalized
the same standards as us.
experience. I have seen too many times systems in which people had to fit in. I never trusted those systems and I wanted to offer a totally different experience.
What has been your biggest personal satisfaction from creating this incredible Resort? My only satisfaction lies in the quality of the service that
we offer to our guests. I want people to feel special, to feel
Mouratoglou Training Camp, you spend a week feeling like
at home, and to experience something unique.
a pro, being taken care of as a pro and having a personal
We have a fantastic infrastructure, we have an incredible
experience that is unique. I want everyone in the family to
Team, and we always strive for more and better. Every day I
have its place and its own activities in the Resort, so that
feel grateful to see my dream come to life.
that is fulfilling. And most importantly, I want people to feel the unique energy from our team and be satisfied from our services. The loyalty of our guests is the best proof that we are providing a very special experience.
Finish this sentence… It would be incredible to have… Serena Williams & Novak Djokovic play an exhibition match here for charity. (and we
have already had that for our official opening ceremony in
To learn more about the Academy log on to www. mouratoglou.com
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2016.
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the end at the day everyone had an amazing experience
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a HELL of a RIDE British Polo Prodigy Henry Porter has his sights on 10 Goals
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN
RUSSO
INTERVIEW BY { KEN
WALLER GROOMING BY { HOLLY LOGAN GROOMING BY { BENECIO AMBROSIO
WEARING MATCHLESS LONDON, LOUIE VUITTON, NAKED CASHMERE, GUCCI LOCATION AT { SANTA
BARBARA POLO CLUB
H EN RY PORT ER
What a “ride” it’s been so to speak! You started riding horses at five years old and playing Polo at eight. Can you tell me where this drive and passion came from at such a young age? I’ve always felt a connection with horses and I am an animal lover in general.
However it wasn’t until I had my first polo lesson in Dubai when I was 8 years old, I became absolutely hooked on what is now my career. I practiced every day after school. I am just as passionate about the sport today as I was when I started.
Looking back on your childhood, was Polo a curse or a blessing? Meaning did all of the hard work, practice and dedication prevent you from having a normal childhood? I’ve never looked at polo as a curse, It’s been such a passion for me that I’ve loved every minute of it. Obviously it comes with its sacrifices as does all professional sports, missing out on family vacations, birthdays and social events. Weekends I was at the stables rather than hanging out with my friends. I travelled for tournaments and had to continue with school work at the same time, however it was all worth it.
At seventeen years old you won the European Championship gold medal. I can’t even imagine how proud both you and your family must have been. Did having this taste of victory add more fuel to your fire to be the best you could be? Winning the FIP European championship was a huge achievement for me, it
qualified us for my first World Cup representing England. I completed that year with a European Gold medal and a Bronze from the World Cup in Australia. These big wins always add fuel to the fire, it keeps you highly motivated to get better and keep climbing the ladder.
You were the youngest person to be on the English National Polo team. What was the acceptance level like by the other players? Were you treated differently because of your age? Although I was the youngest on the team, I had a great relationship with my
teammates, I had previously played with all of them in different tournaments, we had a great team spirit and we all got along very well with each other. Our chemistry definitely helped the team excel.
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in sport is definitely healthy in my opinion, as long as it’s not too much that it
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There’s definitely always pressure in every game, it’s something all athletes have
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At the ripe young age of nineteen you won the East Coast open. How did you handle the pressure and expectation? I mean people are now probably expecting you to win more and more and that can be a lot of weight on a young man’s shoulders.
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to deal with one way or another. Being one of the youngest I felt had a little extra pressure because I wanted to prove myself every game, but this is the kind of pressure I like, it motivates me to perform the best I can every game. Pressure becomes haunting.
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You had the honor to play in several charitable tournaments with Prince Harry and Prince William. Tell me about those experiences.
I’m very honored that I’ve had the privilege to play alongside both Prince William and Prince Harry. They have been for charity matches, which all turned out to be highly successful events for all charities involved which is fantastic. They are both a lot of fun to play with, and they both give as good as they get on the field.
You are THE ONLY non American global ambassador of the US Polo Association. That is pretty impressive. What is your involvement with the association?
I’ve been very fortunate to sign with U.S POLO ASSOCIATION as a Global Ambassador since 2019. We have created a great partnership over the past 2 years and they have been very generous and supportive, kitting me out with the best polo gear on the market and really good apparel. I love the brand, it is very comfortable to wear.
What is the name of your favorite horse for competition and why is this horse more special than the others? It is always hard picking a favorite horse since I build such a close
relationship with them all, the more I know the horse, the better we both perform together on the field. However I would have to say my favorite is Macacha, she’s a 12 year old chestnut mare. Macacha has always played her absolutely heart out every time she gets onto the field, she has incredible acceleration and speed yet very agile. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep her blood line going and breed her in the future.
You and your family are very big on philanthropy and giving back. You are an ambassador for 4Ocean which helps purify the ocean by removing plastic. Why is this charity so special to you? 4Ocean is a charity that is crowd funded through selling plastic
bracelets. These representing each species 4Oceans are striving to save and every bracelet sold ‘pulls a pound’ of trash from the ocean, most of which is plastic and fishing lines. This issue has always been close to my heart, I love the sea and I’m always looking at new ways to get involved to help fix this crisis in the oceans. Plastic is climbing the food chain through the ocean killing hundreds of thousands of fish,turtles, dolphins, whales, all species are effected. Including us. Go to www.4ocean.com and use my code HENRYP to get involved! Wear a bracelet.
are only currently 5 players worldwide with this handicap, and there hasn’t been a British 10 Goal player in over a 100 years. This has been a goal since my day one of playing polo and everyday I aspire
To learn more about Henry Porter follow him @Henryporterpolo
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through training on and off the field to climb this ladder.
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My ultimate career goal is to reach a handicap of 10 goals. There
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Tell me your ultimate career goal?
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FASHION Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio wears Monsoori PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN
RUSSO WALLER FOR PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS DIGITAL TECH BY { TAS LIMUR FOR PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS SHOOT COORDINATION BY { ANTONIO ESTEBAN & CHRISTIAN MAGANA AT STYLE PR LA TALENT COORDINATION BY { COLIN FORD FOR MAYFLOWER ENTERTAINMENT STYLED BY { MARIEL HAENN & ROB ZANGARDI MAKEUP BY { GEORGI SANDEV FOR TMG-LA HAIR BY { RUSLAN FOR INFINITY CREATIVE AGENCY NAILS BY { TOM BACHIK FOR A-FRAME AGENCY LOCATION { LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA DRESSES BY { MONSOORI PRODUCED BY { KENNETH
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in the
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ACUNZO HAIR & MAKEUP BY { MICHAELA LIMUR
STYLING BY { NAKED
CASHMERE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN
RUSSO
GROOMING BY { MICHAELA MODEL { KEN
LIMUR WALLER
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THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO ESCAPE TO THE NEW MAGICAL MONTAGE HEALDSBURG INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN
RUSSO
MCFADDEN HAIR BY { GUY ROMEO STYLING BY { JENNIFER AUSTIN PRODUCED BY { PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
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We sat down with the legendary Doug Kaminski, Director of Sales & Marketing for Montage Healdsburg, to find out about the newest luxury addition to Sonoma County. What makes Montage Healdsburg different from other properties in the region?
One thing that sets us apart is offering a true sense of place for our guests. With 15.5 acres of vineyards throughout our resort, an acre and a half of newly planted hazelnut trees, Heritage Oaks trees and unobstructed views of Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas mountain region, we really have a 360-degree view of genuine wine country. We did not move existing beauty to build the resort; we built this resort within existing beauty to celebrate its natural topography. Our resort neighbors are some of the most storied, multi-generational farming, wine-making families whose histories go back five, six generations.Our location in Healdsburg is also a big differentiator: While the resort can feel worlds-away, tucked up along the hillsides on the northern end of the city, we are just minutes from downtown Healdsburg, where guests can enjoy shopping, Michelin-starred dining, wine tasting – you name it. And, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our very own Canine Ambassador, Beau Alexander! Beau is a Lagatto Romagnolo (an Italian breed), bred to hunt truffles. Although he is only a puppy now, our hope is in several years, Beau will take our guests out truffle hunting on our property. Until then, Beau enjoys meeting and greeting our guests in the lobby and playing with all of his dog friends.
Since the property is built around a vineyard will there be an exclusive Montage brand of wine harvested from the property? If so, how many different varieties will there be? The vineyards were integrated into the landscape after the buildings were built. We are very excited to work alongside Aperture Cellars winemaker Jesse Katz, who also recently opened his new winery in Healdsburg. Jesse oversaw the planting of the 15.5 acres of Bordeaux varietals throughout our resort’s 258-acres. He will continue to oversee and tend to the onsite vineyards throughout their lifecycle. It was important to bring the vines right to the Montage guests and incorporate the vineyard plantings throughout the property in an immersive way. The resulting wine from these vineyards will be bottled under a new stand-alone label, not a Montagebranded label. The label is currently in discussion. Jesse will begin with a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc. As more of the Montage vineyards come into production, the
Sauvignon Blanc.
Will the wine be made available to the public or exclusive to just Montage guests?
to guests through our dining outlets and the wines will also be made available to homeowners of Montage Residences Healdsburg.
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As this will be a limited production, we will plan to offer the wine
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Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and
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offerings will expand. Grapes planted onsite include: Malbec,
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The property is unique in that guests get their own private, stand alone, mini modern suite. This is so timely in the age of Covid. What other precautionary measures has Montage Healdsburg taken to ensure the safety of their guests? Fortunately, Montage Healdsburg was already
pandemically prepared by design. We have more inherent space to spread out on 258 acres, and our guest rooms are nestled along the hillsides and not on top of each other. Wide open spaces throughout the resort provide a backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities for our guests to enjoy. It is paramount our guests feel safe while they are staying with us and our associates are comfortable working here. Therefore, as a company, Montage International developed our Peace of Mind Commitment, setting new standards and protocols starting from arrival and throughout the entire guest experience. We implemented the Peace of Mind Commitment here in Healdsburg when we opened our doors. This includes the integration of the latest sanitation technologies, including the use of electrostatic sprayers, UV wands and devices and particulate level air filtration systems. For full details, please visit our Peace of Mind Commitment on our website: https:// www.montagehotels.com/healdsburg/ health-safety-protocols/
With travel starting to heat up again, so many people are looking for exciting things to do. What unique experiences are being offered to your guests?
A: We are seeing more and more people feeling comfortable to travel, even if it is just for a night away to get out of the house and be in a new environment. For those seeking to explore the breathtaking landscape and enjoy time outside, we offer countless on- and off-property activities, including road bike and e-bike rentals, bocce ball, pickleball courts, archery, and a hiking trail. Additional resort amenities include an 11,500-square-foot Spa Montage; a zero-edge pool overlooking the resort’s vineyards; a family pool; Montage Hotels & Resorts’ signature Paintbox children’s program for children 5-12 years of age. ISSUE No. 7
of all ages are invited to an educational, hands-
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of creatives who call Healdsburg home. Our
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We are also excited to work with a new generation partnership with our resident beekeeper, Candice Koseba of Sonoma County Bee Company, comes to mind. Candice oversees our onsite apiary. Guests on experience where they learn the fascinating impact of bees on our ecosystem. Candice’s passion for bees is infectious! We also offer a weekly Meet the Maker series every Friday that highlights local winemakers and gives the guest the opportunity to hear the story behind every bottle of wine.
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What sets your Spa apart from other Spas in the region? Any special treatments that are exclusive to the property? Spa Montage embraces the natural serenity wine country offers, with treatments and wellness experiences inspired by the land. Our Spa features an array of services and amenities with 11 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, as well as outdoor classes on the Yoga Lawn surrounded by vineyards, a zero-edge pool and full-service Salon Montage, which features a range of hair and nail services. Having a full-service salon onsite is also a strong differentiator for us in the ultra-luxury hotel space. We offer several signature services that are reflective of our unique location. One of the first to come to mind is our Harvest Honey Ginger Infusion Ritual to restore hydration using the healing power of honey. The honey used in this ritual is hand-harvested from the property and coupled with the immuneboosting benefits of ginger. We also partner with a local Northern California brand, ODE by McEvoy Ranch, which is featured in our signature massage, the Sonoma Blend.
How many dining options does the property currently have? Montage Healdsburg offers a variety of
dining experiences that celebrate all that this surrounding region has to offer. With a terroir-totable philosophy, our signature restaurant Hazel Hill features locally sourced, seasonally driven cuisine infused with wine country flair alongside an extensive selection of fine wines—complete with al fresco dining overlooking the resort’s vineyards. Our lobby’s centerpiece, Scout Field Bar, offers creative cocktails, local craft beers, an impressive array of wines and light, comforting bites to share. It also has both indoor and outdoor seating. Our seasonal, poolside Hudson Springs Bar and Grill will offer a coastal-inspired menu of fresh seafood and other upscale classics. Our resort’s very own marketplace, Healdsburg Country Store, features local Flying Goat Coffee and talented baristas creating seasonal drinks; as well as house made pastries, locally made goods, artisan gifts and specialty foods. Perfect for grab and go before heading out for a day of wine tasting
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and exploring.
For those travelers who want to do physical activities, what does the property offer to get the heart pumping? We offer an array of physical outdoor activities
including road bike and e-bike rentals, bocce ball, pickleball courts, archery, yoga and a hiking trail on property. We can further provide hiking, biking and running maps for guests who are looking for more rigorous activity. Our state-of-the-art fitness center, where we feature Technogym and Peloton equipment is also available. As COVID restrictions continue to ease, we plan to offer fitness classes, as well. Based on the level of adventure our guests want to engage, the possibilities are endless starting with seaside adventures along the Sonoma coast to mountain trekking in the Mayacamas.
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If guests want to explore the region does the property have the ability to facilitate a luxury guided experience? We are fortunate to have access to stunning
memories. Our expert Concierge team is available to help secure reservations at exclusive wineries and restaurants. Our team can also work with trusted local, third party companies in Sonoma based on the guests interests.
If you had to sum up the property in three key words what would they be?
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County to help facilitate a more guided experience
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chefs who will curate one of a kind Montage
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private estates and gardens along with private
Natural, Peaceful and Dynamic….and one more: local!
To book your stay at Montage Healdsburg visit https://www.montagehotels.com/healdsburg/
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HUNT PHOTOGRAPHS AND WORDS BY { JOHN
RUSSO
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When I am on vacation or exploring a new region I am always looking for new and exciting things to see and experience. While staying at Castelfalfi, in Tuscany, the GM, Isodoro DiFranco suggested (well insisted) we go Truffle Hunting. I was like, what the hell is that? lol I had no idea what is was or why it was even called a “hunt”. So my friend Ken and I said what the heck let’s do it. We were picked up in a cool vintage Land Rover and driven to a remote part of the forest by the Master of the Hunt, Cristiano Savini. Cristiano comes a family who are passionate about Truffles. Since the 1920’s the Savini name has been synonymous with Truffles and the art of Truffle hunting. The harvest mainly concentrates on White truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico), the most refined, and in second place other species available all around the region, like the March truffle (Tuber borchii Vitt), Summer truffle (Tuber aestivum Vitt), Tuber uncinatum, Prized truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt) and Winter truffle (Tuber brumale Vitt). The importance of truffle is also given by the remarkable number of truffle hunters, about 3500. Its’ a very popular sport to say the least. Many people in the region make their living by hunting Truffles. To say it’s competitive would be an understatement. After the hunt we went back to the restaurant of the Savini family and the chef, Zelindo, (the patriarch of the family) prepared us lunch with the truffles that were found that day. I have to say I was not a fan of truffle until I tasted it in Tuscany. Now I am hooked. This was definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had on a trip. I highly suggest it.
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To find out more information about Savini Tartfufi follow them at @savinitartufi
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Magical Capri has always been the destination for the rich and famous. From the scenery to crystal clear water Capri never disappoints. 15 Photographers captured the essence of this fabled island. STYLING BY { MARTINA
ACUNZO HAIR & MAKEUP BY { MICHAELA LIMUR
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