HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
BENTLEY SCOTTSDALE POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS The Star-Studded Party
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE LUXURIOUS IDEAS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
ALTRUISM, CREATIVITY & SPUNK
FOUND GEMS ILLUMINATE HAITI'S JEWELS AND INSPIRE A FLOURISHING ARTISAN CULTURE $27.95 USD
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MARIE-GENEVIEVE MORIN THE BLACK SHEEP
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU TRAIN YOUR BRAIN FOR 2019
BELLE OF THE BALL
VINTAGE TO MODERN DESIGN CELEBRATE with CHAMPAGNE
THE BEST VINTAGES TO DRINK NOW
VOLUME II / ISSUE XII / DECEMBER 2018
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VOLUME II / ISSUE XII / DECEMBER 2018
Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand
Contributor
Josh Jakobitz
Kelly Caldwell
Editor-in-Chief
Contributor
Sara Ali
Brand Representatives Anne-Isabelle Saint-Pierre - Dubai
Luxury & Culture Adviser
Mark Wine
Fitness Columnist
Joey Velez
Wellness Columnist
Kemissa Racine
Fashion & Style Contributor
Hans Ebenman
Travel Contributor
Cezar Kusik
Wine Contributor
Jyoti Paintel
a.isabellesaintpierre@gmail.com
Anton Rodionov - Paris anton@antonrodionov.com
Rudy Volel - New York volel.me@gmail.com
Contributing Photographers Mattia Callejo Dave Seibert Milad Payani Molly Scott Polo Lifestyles is a publication of HT Polo Publishing Co. 995 Detroit Avenue, Suite A Concord, CA 94518
Raphael Dapaah
Copyright Š Polo Lifestyles 2018 All Rights Reserved. For information or to advertise Contact editor@pololifestyles.com
Stanley Pierre-Etienne
Read online at www.pololifestyles.com
Spiritual Guidance Contributor
Art Contributor
Fashion Contributor
Tara Cummins
Fashion Contributor
Jennifer Sims
Style Contributor
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Susan Wise
Publisher
On the Cover: Chanel Iman Cover Photo by Katie Trotter
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Cortina Winter Polo Gold Cup Art Basel - Miami Aspen Valley Polo Club World Snow Polo Champions Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel Punta Del Este Polo Internationals Polo Masters Megeve Singapore Polo Club Internationals International Polo Club Herbie Pennell Cup 20 Goals Joe Barry Cup 20 Goals Ylvisaker Cup 20 Goals Paris Haute Couture Shows Thai Polo Equestrian Club La Posta Cup 6-8 Goals B. Grimm Thai Polo Open 10-13 Goals Chinese New Year Cup 8-10 Goals Art Stage Singapore Berlin Film Festival NYFW
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE MAKING HOLIDAYS MERRY & BRIGHT!
Luxurious Gift Ideas for Everyone On Your List - Naughty or Nice Starts on page 104
POLO LIFESTYLES EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS
Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand
Josh Jakobitz
Publisher Polo Lifestyles @haiti_polo_captain
Editor-in-Chief Polo Lifestyles @joshuajakobitz
Cezar Kusik
Anne-Isabelle Saint-Pierre
Wine Contributor Twenty Five Lusk @cezarkusik
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Brand Representative Polo Lifestyles-Milan @isasaintpierre
Kemissa Racine
Fashion & Style Contributor KEMISSA RACINE @kemissa
Joey Velez
Mental Wellness Columnist Velez Mental Performance @velezmentalhealth
Mark Wine
Jyoti Paintel
Fitness Columnist Functional Muscle Fitness @functionalmuscle
Spiritual Contributor Polo Lifestyles
Tara Cummins
Raphael Dapaah
Fashion Contributor Teryn Grey @teryngrey
Art Contributor Dapaah Group @dg_luxe
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Sophie WisemanFloyd page 78
Island Sophistication page 145
Campeonato Argentino Action! page 20
Is he the next Anna Wintour? page 66
SCOTTSDALE PUTS THE PARTY IN POLO The Southwest's answer to driving interest in luxury and the Sport of Kings page 46
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NEW YORK
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SHANGHAI
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WEST PALM BEACH
#LIVEAUTHENTICALLY
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USPOLO.ORG
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@USPOLOASSN
VOLUME II / ISSUE XII / DECEMBER 2018
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Is your tree up? By the time you read this, our wreathes and poinsettias will be making our office festive and bright. The tree, well, we will need a weekend that doesn’t involve publishing an edition of Polo Lifestyles to achieve that. Growing up, the tree always went up the day after Thanksgiving if we were home. If we were traveling, then it was up pretty much between the time we rolled in the door and turned off the final lamps before bedtime that night. Shopping for Christmas ornaments is one of my favorite memories. What would we find to add to the tree this year? Mom was always one to change up the theme, the color, the kind of lights. But, oh! When dusk hit and the lights came on, how the house glowed in warmth and festivity. We lived in the country, so there were few neighbors’ lights to admire, but evening trips into town for holiday concerts, shows and productions gave plenty of time for wheeling around neighborhoods to see who did what, in what color, and to what degree (or lack) of taste. In addition to shopping for holiday decorations, there’s the gift-giving to think about! This December, we present our second annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we’ve curated some of the top luxury items in the world to make this season one to remember. Use one idea or all of them; the idea is to inspire and delight. Along with gift-giving, we’re proud to feature Sophie Wiseman-Floyd this month, whose atelier in Haiti employs, trains, empowers, and uplifts her designers there. Purchases that support projects like Haiti’s Jewels aren’t just pretty things for under the tree; they can change the course of lives for the people who depend on holiday sales to drive revenue. The Holiday Gift Guide is a joy to research (read: shopping) and compile. Our contributors from around the world chipped in with ideas, leads, and sneak peeks of the best that money can buy this year. And while that’s all well and good, it’s equally important to take time to appreciate and love yourself and those around you. Such is the theme of Jyoti Paintel’s column on spirituality this month. Perfectly in line with the upcoming season of resolutions (and the disappointments we’ve all felt in months following), she offers insight into the psychology of change and follow-through in “New Year New You.” And it wouldn’t be much of a New Year without champagne (am I right?) so in-house wine expert Cezar Kusik lays out a fool-proof plan for your champagne toast plans this December 31st in language and terms we can all understand. So cheers! From all of us at Polo Lifestyles, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes in 2019, Josh Jakobitz josh@pololifestyles.com page page12 12
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woowclassy Tiaras, the official eveningwear of princesses and other members of the royal court
raquelpelissier Walking for @jovanalouis in Hanoi #vietnam for Vietnam Fashion Week
kreyolicious Media coverage continues for @mateojumpsforhaiti #olympics page 16
cirenpolo RIP Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and condolences to the @kingpowerofficial group
espnw All gold medals to go with bright white smiles #simonebiles three individual gold medals #kidneystones
robbreport The private chambers of former popes reveal to contain secrets
snoopypolo Ellerstina in Argentina for the spring/ summer season there
sorabelleofficial Looking glamorous in white for the Cartier party
hurlinghampolo Facing major rain delays in Argentina, Sunday matches will be played on Tuesdays
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Click and comment on our choices... tag @pololifestyles. We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.
goldcollectivesf @pololifestyles editor @joshuajakobitz represented regional luxury brands in San Francisco
bakaart telegraph Election night in the USA was full of firsts and upsets in major battles
naomi Attending the reception for HRH Prince Charles at the British High Commission in Lagos Nigeria
maisonvalentino reuters Gwyneth Paltrow stunning in Maison Valentino for her wedding
agnesworldwide The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show filming featuring the standard drama we've come to expect from Vicky's!
starisbornmovie Box office smash "A Star Is Born" is Lady Gaga's first leading role in a film
nicopieres Hurlingham 2018 champions Ellerstina the biggest win of the Argentine season so far
garcelle Cicely Tyson #honoraryoscar is the first black woman to win this award #academyawards
letoyaluckett Season finale of Greenleaf aired after an evental season of twists and turns
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125o Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo HSBC Campo Argentino de Polo de Palermo Finals: 15 December 2018
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125 o CA M P E O N ATO A RGE NTINO AB IE RTO DE P O LO H S B C
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Boasting the highest number of ten-goal players in the sport, Argentina has long been home to the best polo in the world, and the annual Argentine Open in Buenos Aires is considered the most important interclub championship going. The spectacular contest takes place in Buenos Aires every spring, between November and December, at the Argentine Polo Ground in Palermo - a venue known as "the cathedral of polo". Glamorous crowds flock to the event to see the world’s best players display their formidable skills on the field before celebrating at the glitzy post-match parties. Witnessing the speed and dexterity of the players and horses up close on the field, and the incredible accuracy of each shot, make for an unforgettable experience. The 125th tournament takes place between November 10 and December 15, 2018.
ARGENT I NO AB IE RTO D E P OLO H S B C
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USPA National 20-Goal Tournament Grand Champions Polo Club Casablanca 11 / 9 Flexjet
In a tightly-contested game, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Whistle Uys, Julio Gracida, Pablo Spinacci) defeated Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Jeff Blake, Juan Bollini), 11-9. In a repeat of last year’s final, Casablanca broke open a close game in the sixth chukker, outscoring Flexjet, 3-1, to clinch the victory. Pablo Spinacci, 41, was named Most Valuable Player. Playing from the back, Spinacci was the defensive leader and page 26
also scored three goals including a penalty conversion. He finished with seven goals for the tournament. “I am very happy with the game and that we won,” Spinacci said. “It was good game. I liked our team, they were easy to play with.” Said Grant Ganzi, “I have never played with Pablo before, a lot against him. He is a great player. He hit the ball really well today. He was a good drill sergeant for our team and led us well. I thought
he was the best choice for MVP. He was the leader of our team, scored the goals when it mattered and put the ball where it needed to be at the most important part of the game. He was the most solid player on the team, no question.” Bliss, a 5-year-old mare bred and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, played by Spinacci, was named the game’s Best Playing Pony. Tornado, a 7-year-old chestnut gelding played by Uys and owned by Franklin,
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Tenn.-based Graymar Farm, was Best Playing Pony for the two-day tournament. Cupid, a 7-year-old grey gelding owned and played by Julio Gracida, was selected the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony. As defending champion, the pressure was on Casablanca to repeat. Playing together for the first time in the tournament, Casablanca opened with a one-goal lead on handicap and built a 3-1 lead after
two chukkers outscoring Flexjet, 2-1 and 1-0. Behind Blake’s three goals, Flexjet outscored Casablanca, 3-1, to even the score at 4-4 at the half. Uys, making his final appearance of the fall, finished off an outstanding season. Uys was a member of four winning teams during the medium goal season, three titles with Sebucan and one with Whitehall Ranch. It was also his first USPA National 20-Goal career title.
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9th PINK POLO
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club Ghantoot A / Ghantoot B 2 November 2018
Starting the season with the most-awaited polo event of the year, Pink Polo took place at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club on 2 November 2018. With everything pink to represent breast cancer awareness, Pink Polo was open to families, children and, of course, polo enthusiasts.
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The polo match opened with a pink sky as dozens of pink balloons were released into the air in sync with a marching band to kick-start the game. The polo match itself featured two strong teams, one of them being led by HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It was an intensely captivating, yet fun, match.
Maintaining a family-friendly environment, there were open areas for kids’ entertainment and food. In line with the Pink Polo focus, there were free health checkups and mammogram vouchers organized by the health partners The Pink Caravan, Beverly Hills Medical Clinic and Al Rahba Hospital.
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With the extended support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Pink Polo organized a funfilled day for friends and families to enjoy a prestigious polo match amongst many other activities to help raise breast cancer awareness. This event is undoubtedly a clear reflection of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s commitment toward the cause, and most importantly, bringing the community together to be a part of such initiatives. This is the third year that Premiere Motors Maserati are proud sponsors of the event and are very invested in the opportunity to align their brand with an important cause that deserves support and attention in the region.
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Al Amal Polo Day
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club Ghantoot A 5 / 5 Ghantoot B
Fans thronged Ghantoot to help raise awareness about children with special needs. HH Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Khalifa Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan made his debut at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club on Friday when he featured in a thrilling 5-5 draw between Ghantoot A and B teams, a match worthy of the venue’s annual Al Amal Polo Day. page 32
Al Amal Polo Day is an initiative that attempts to raise awareness and build support for children with special needs under the banner of Year of Zayed. Sheikh Tahnoon led Ghantoot A against Ghantoot B. Al Yabhouni fired Ghantoot A’s first goal with Yousaf and Begueeri giving Ghantoot B the edge
as the game sparked to life in front of a captivated crowd at the UAE’s only Royal Polo Club. Ghantoot A drew level at 3-3 in the second chukker when Al Yabhouni, who looks to be in good form this season, Donovan scored as Yousaf helped himself to his second goal of the game.
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It looked to be anyone’s match with the teams looking respectful of each other and were pleased to settle for a 5-5 draw after Yabhouni hit his third goal to emerge top scorer. “It was a game the everyone expected, tough and competitive,” he said. “I think the draw was a fair result.” “I have long believed that sport is a wonderful and easy way to spread the message of charities like Al Amal Polo Day as it has the power to cut cross boundaries.” Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club made special arrangements to ensure that all the fans and families enjoyed a great day out with exciting activities like pony riding, live horse shows, magicians and face painting zones for kids. page 33
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Gabrik Cup
Artesh Polo Club, Tehran Final: Nezaja A 7 / 5 Qasre Firoozeh
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US Open Women's Polo Championship Rocking P 10 / 2 Midland Polo Club
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COMPETITION & COLLABORATION IN WOMEN'S POLO
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by Susan Wise and Kelly Caldwell, Contributors
Women’s polo is the fastest growing demographic in the sport – in every country around the world. On the field, it is as fiercely competitive as men’s polo, but off the field, we are seeing a focus being placed on community, inclusion, balance, adventure, growth and fun. We have many women to thank: women who have been working diligently for decades to get us to this point, as well as a cast of young rising polo stars who are taking the torch and running with it. One of the most exciting developments in the world of women’s polo is a sophisticated online platform that includes detailed player profiles and a comprehensive global calendar of women’s tournaments. The site, wipnpolo.com, was created by the Women’s International Polo Network (WIPN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit - the first independent international network of women polo players. The late Sunny Hale, who paved the way for women’s polo in the US, and encouraged the networking of women polo players worldwide, was the inspiration for WIPN. Sunny was the founder of the Women’s Championship Tournament, which offered opportunities to girls and women to play polo at a variety of levels from beginner to the most competitive. After her unfortunate passing nearly two years ago, Dawn Jones, Erica Grandomcar-Sachs, Pamela Flanagan and several of Sunny’s friends and admirers chose to take her model to another level, formally founding WIPN and launching a website that is the go-to site for women’s polo. We caught up recently with Hazel Jackson-Gaona at the US Open Women’s Polo Championship in Houston where she lead her team Rocking P to capture the championship. She was also awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. We asked Hazel to share her thoughts about the impact the online network will have on women’s polo. “WIPN will give women polo players a welcoming place to connect, organize, educate and mentor in a professional way. I think the WIPN will generate more interest in the sport from the general public, and encourage more memberships in associations like the Hurlingham Polo Association, the Argentine Association of Polo, and the United States Polo Association along with others around the globe." Hazel also noted that the platform will offer the opportunity to foster true community and could provide content (like a blog) that focuses on technique, fitness, and the mental aspect of the game. page 41
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Hazel has an avid yoga practice and loves boxing. She believes a healthy lifestyle, eating and fitness regime profoundly impact her game. “My yoga practice has really helped me improve my strength, balance and focus. I think a lot of women polo players could benefit from this type of content.” At this year’s US Open Women’s Polo Championship, Hazel and her team warmed up before their US Women’s Polo Open games with trainers from Polo and Yoga. Hazel explained that the pre-game warm up gave each team member the opportunity to prepare mentally and physically for the game and, equally as important, it was time that they could connect as a team before they head out onto the field.
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Women’s polo has grown through an ever-expanding group of women encouraging other women to join the fun. The new WIPN platform offers the scope and potential to help accelerate this growth. Women polo players can begin setting up their profiles at wipnpolo.com this month.
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US Open Women's Polo Championship
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SCOTTSDALE POLO WHERE THE PARTY NEVER STOPS page 47
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Polo
PARTYING IN SCOTTSDALE A once-a-year weekend that doesn't stop
Story by Josh Jakobitz josh@pololifestyles.com Photos by Claire Barrett Photography page 48
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SCOTTSDALE POLO THE PARTY DOESN'T STOP UNTIL THE DRINKS RUN OUT By Josh Jakobitz josh@pololifestyles.com
It’s called The Polo Party for a reason – and the enormous party tent “Riot House” complete with trendy lounge seating, Dom bottle service and rotating DJs situated immediately next to the entrance and at the end of the WestWorld polo field was my first clue this was going to be a rockin’ good weekend. Let me rephrase: There would be very little sleep for any of us – fans, sponsors, polo players, and organizers. From the opening night party given by Molina Fine Jewelers to the closing moments of Sunday’s showdown between Talking Stick Resort and Spiritual Gangsters, the pace matched the music: fast, loud and sometimes frantic. In order to throw a party of this magnitude, The Polo Party founder, Jason Rose of Rose Moser Allyn PR, relies on heavyweight polo personalities. This year, probably the best-known player in the world, Nacho Figueras, effortlessly filled this role. The Phoenix fans, not unlike fans around the world, adored Nacho. And he, in typical Nacho fashion, took endless selfies, posed, smiled, exchanged pleasantries, and scored goal after goal after goal, much to the delight of fans and organizers. Playing for Barrett Jackson on Saturday, Nacho led his team to victory over title-sponsor Team Bentley. On Sunday, he led Spiritual Gangsters on a victory lap after defeating Team Talking Stick. Bentley General Manager Beli Merdovic wasn’t phased by his team’s loss to Nacho’s Barrett Jackson. “We had a wonderful team of fantastic players who played well together,” he said from the Molina VIP tent. “I may have loss this year’s bet, but we’re having a great time.” The bet Merdovic referenced is a traditional $20 bet between team sponsors. This year, he was obligated to fulfill the $20 debt.
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The Polo Party, for all its international headlining stars, is, purposefully, a very localized event. The presenting sponsors are regional luxury dealers, brokers, and boutiques, among them Molina Fine Jewelers, Russ Lyon Sothebys, France Luxe, Black Label Lincoln, Riot House, and, of course, Bentley Scottsdale. The latter, and title sponsor, had the brand-new Bentayga SUV on display, making laps around the polo fields between matches. Bentley’s first SUV comes none-too-soon in the luxury market, as Roll-Royce introduced their own SUV earlier this year. The Bentley appeals to a luxury purveyor, while possessing the strength and power of an SUV. It is a perfect fit for the rugged Phoenix-area landscape. Merdovic uses the annual polo event to entertain his current and prospective clients. “Bentley Scottsdale and The Polo Party continue to complement each other’s business goals,” he said. “Jason (Rose) is a visionary, the ultimate organizer, and luxury purveyor.” If Saturday’s event was a rockin’ continuation of Friday’s kickoff party, then Sunday’s schedule was geared toward the slightly hungover crowd. With a lower profile of activities, the brunch tents buzzed; the party tents at the end of the polo fields were much emptier. Spirits picked up for the two matches and the announcement of free glasses of champagne at a local restaurant for party-goers emptied the grounds out quickly after the closing ceremonies. Let the good times roll (and flow). page 52
FROM THE OPENING NIGHT PARTY TO THE CLOSING CEREMONY, THE PACE MATCHED THE MUSIC: FAST, LOUD AND SOMETIMES FRANTIC.
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FASHION & STYLE
EDWARD ENNINFUL TERYN GREY & SOPHIE WISEMAN-FLOYD
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“I ALWAYS FEEL THAT THE STRONGEST STORIES RESONATE WITH THE TIMES WE LIVE IN. SO MY STORIES WILL ALWAYS BE A BIT SOCIAL." - EDWARD ENNINFUL
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IS EDWARD ENNINFUL NEXT ANNA WINTOUR? HE JUST TOOK OVER BRITISH VOGUE. NOW HE’S POISED TO BE THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL FASHION EDITOR OF HIS GENERATION. Robin Givhan Edward Enninful, the new editor-in-chief of British Vogue, is supremely confident in both his aesthetic beliefs and in his worldview. In short order, he has upended a century-old publication, transforming its masthead to be more reflective of the global audience it seeks to serve and crafting some of the most memorable, inspiring and diverse fashion covers of the past year. His work exudes authenticity. He’s made inclusiveness look organic and effortless. And he’s made fashion look glorious. Enninful began his fashion career as a model, an instrument for telling fashion stories. Later, when he became a stylist, he selected the costumes for such nar-
ratives. As a fashion director for glossy publications, he was able to write the visual story itself. Now that he’s in charge of British Vogue, he has the power to determine whose stories are told at all. “I always feel that the strongest stories resonate with the times we live in. So my stories will always be a bit social — they’ll have an edge,” Enninful tells me. “This is a time when the world is so divisive. So many walls are up. It’s so important that British Vogue just says, you know, it’s okay. It’s okay to show beauty.” It’s okay to highlight differences. “Diversity does work,” he adds with emphasis. “It’s okay.” Enninful, 46, took the helm of the highly regarded British glossy in August 2017, marking a litany of firsts. Enninful is the first man to run the 102-year-old fashion magazine and its first black editor-in-chief. But those would be mere footnotes in his biography were it not for the singular perspective he brings to his work. He wants to celebrate art and creativity, of course. But he wants to do so in a way that feels both real and aspirational. He has been unabashed and vocal about the historical lack of diversity in British Vogue’s pages and on its staff, and he’s determined to remedy that specifically and within the fashion industry at large. “There’s such a buzz about him. Normally that subsides after the first couple of issues. You know
people get over it and move on and look for the next thing. But I think they just find it so pleasing, and it’s working in every direction,” says veteran fashion editor Grace Coddington. “I love what he’s doing. I really do... For me that’s the way magazines should look.” Enninful’s take on globalism and his expansive view of culture have gotten him noticed. In the suddenly vigorous guessing game of who will one day succeed Anna Wintour, fashion’s most famous and powerful editor, Enninful is now top of mind. The corporate lords of Condé Nast, Vogue’s owner, have been adamant in batting away speculation that Wintour, 69, is stepping down or even slowing down anytime soon. “She is integral to the future of our company’s transformation and has agreed to work with me indefinitely in her role as [Vogue magazine] editor-in-chief and artistic director of Condé Nast,” said chief executive Bob Sauerberg in a statement this summer. Still. The idea of Enninful as the next Anna Wintour — that is, the next editor to wield outsize influence within the fashion industry and to become iconic outside of it — does not require a move to New York and an office at One World Trade Center. That perch would give him a bigger audience and greater financial might. But he already has extraordinary influence. If Wintour is the producer of studio-financed, big-tent blockbusters, Enninful is the critically acclaimed indie filmmaker whose work punches you in the gut. It is rich and dynamic. It may rile you up or soothe you. It will make you think. page 67
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People also tend to forget that Wintour was not an omnipotent devil-clad-in-Prada when she climbed to the top of the American Vogue masthead 30 years ago. She grew into that role, and the kind of power she amassed reflected a fashion world that was becoming more corporate, more enamored with celebrities, more hierarchal. Enninful is well-positioned for this new landscape. He has an extraordinary, artful eye that makes his work stand out amid the visual chaos. He regularly engages with his more than 855,000 followers on Instagram. He has his eyes set on Africa as a place to expand his readership and is traveling to Ghana this fall to advocate for arts education there. He’s well connected within fashion’s establishment and in the world of entertainment. He knows Oprah, for heaven’s sake. And he’s laser-focused on arguably fashion’s most pressing social issue of the day: diversity. For his inaugural issue of British Vogue, Enninful chose Adwoa Aboah as the December 2017 cover star. The biracial, BritishGhanaian model and activist has a honey-colored complexion, a sprinkling of freckpage 68
les across her nose, the neck of a gazelle and a buzz cut. She is not especially longlimbed or lithe; she exudes solidity. On the cover, she wears a Marc Jacobs minidress in shades of pale pink and brown with a matching turban by the British milliner Stephen Jones. Her eyelids glitter with metallic turquoise shadow, and her lips shimmer in red. Aboah looks as though she has stepped from the 1970s by way of the 1940s. Her style borrows inspiration from the African diaspora while it revels in a slick disco glamour. The image is a striking mix of references brought together by Enninful and photographed by Steven Meisel. It confidently rebuffs street style and informality. It is unapologetically high fashion — knowing, assured, refined. And yet it also says: All are welcome. It was received with lusty applause in the British press, on social media and in the broader fashion world. The heightened enthusiasm was a reaction to the industry’s especially bleak record on inclusivity. When British Vogue’s outgoing editor, Alexandra Shulman, posed for a portrait with 54 members of her staff, the entire
group was white. During Shulman’s 25-year tenure, there was a 12-year period when no black model appeared alone on the cover of the magazine. Until this year, no African American photographer had ever shot an American Vogue cover in its 125-year history. For more than 100 years, no black man or woman had ever served as editor-in-chief of any Condé Nast publication, until 2012 when Keija Minor became editor of Brides. A black woman has never won a Council of Fashion Designers of America award for menswear, womenswear or accessories. And in 2013, the international runways were so disproportionately white that Bethann Hardison, a for-
mer model agency owner and activist, with support from Iman and Naomi Campbell, published an online list of design houses whose actions they characterized as “racist” due to the lack of people of color in their fall shows. In an industry that draws inspiration from the global melting pot, few people of color have had authorship over the tales being unspooled, how beauty is defined, where status is conferred and the way in which femininity is depicted. One might argue that in 2018, Enninful’s emphasis on diversity — which also includes size, ethnicity and culture — is inevitable, obvious or easy. Indeed, many international editions of Vogue have bloomed: China,
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Mexico and Latin America, Arabia. But the truth is that no other editor at one of fashion’s leading legacy publications has treated multiculturalism as a fundamental operating principle. Enninful’s May cover showcased nine up-and-coming
models that included women of color, plus-size and hijab-wearing. They were dressed in shades of khaki, taupe, olive and brown and staring out at the viewer: confident, perhaps a bit defiant. A few critics cried reverse discrimination: ivory-complexioned redheads
and blue-eyed blondes had gone missing. But again, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. June brought the model and actress Cara Delevingne. Ariana Grande was photographed for July. In August, Enninful styled Oprah
Winfrey in an ivory Stella McCartney gown with a ruffled neckline matched with diamond and emerald medallion drop earrings. “For me, it’s a joy to be able to grab Oprah Winfrey and turn her into an empress dripping in the best gowns, dripping in diamonds,” page 69
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Enninful says. A woman who had been photographed thousands of times was revealed anew. By fall, it seemed that Enninful had created a ripple effect. Traditionally the most advertisement-packed issue of the year, the September fashion magazines have long been stubbornly homogenous. But this year, major magazines featured women of color on the cover. But Enninful led the way with Rihanna wearing a dramatic floral headdress, with the hand-drawn eyebrows of a silent movie siren and lips glimmering like lacquered blackberries. It marked the first time a black woman had ever appeared on a British Vogue September issue. “He has a vision and a talent for telling a story,” Newhouse says of Enninful, whom he has known for 20 years. “Vogue is kind of a magic act. How do you describe the difference between a beautiful image and an ordinary image? It’s hard to put in words; you can’t put it in a business plan. But success depends on that.” Enninful, whom colleagues call genial, even-tempered and just plain nice, has the sort of British accent that sounds, to American ears, unfailingly polite, yet delightfully conspiratorial. He describes himself as European, African and British — in that order. “If I wasn’t all those things I don’t think I’d be able to do what I do or see the world the way I do,” Enninful says. “I see it from the perspective of ‘the other.’ Maybe that’s the strength of my work.” His mother was a seamstress, and his father was in the Ghanaian army and worked with the United Nations. “There was a lot of us. Six of us. And we were like a tribe and kind of didn’t need anybody else,” he recalls. “At home, I lived in Africa: the food, the clothes, the people who came to visit my parents. And then I’d go to school. I’d be in England. So there was always that diversity, [but] I didn’t even know what it was called. It’s always been part of me and my family page 70
and my upbringing.” His family wanted him to become a lawyer; they expected something intellectual from him. But Enninful loved art and design. He and his mother would “sketch clothes together. Design things,” he says. “She had a lot of African wives [as clients], so every day the women would come into the house in their heads carves and all these colors. She’d have me zip them into these peplum dresses. I remember that so well, and then later she’d tell me how to make clothes.” Enninful was a tallish, lanky 16-yearold when he was discovered on the Underground on his way to school by Simon Foxton, a stylist who told him that he had a particular, distinguishing model’s “it,” which in this case was full lips, hooded eyes, flawless ebony skin and a bone structure of angles and planes that catch the light just so. His parents grudgingly let him model while he was in school. “I decided that my destiny really was to work in magazines and just to say something, not in the traditional way of, you know, being a lawyer or doctor, but just to say something through art and beauty,” he says. “I was very young. But I knew I had a voice.” Enninful works from a modest office on the fifth floor of Vogue House, a 1958 dun-colored brick and stone building whose exterior is neither as elegant nor as stylish as its name would imply. There are some 40 people on his team. He’s hired stylist Julia Sarr-Jamois as a fashion editor at large, Alice CaselyHayford as digital editor and Donna Wallace as fashion and accessories editor. They are all women of color. There are some dozen other editors, interns and assistants whose ethnicities read like roll call at the United Nations. And beginning this year, the magazine also has a new publisher after 26 years: Vanessa Kingori, who is of AfroCaribbean descent.
Enninful delights in how his team is also diversifying the front row of fashion shows. The mythical front row. In the alchemy of fashion show seating charts, it’s a designation reserved for those who are gatekeepers, decision-makers, news-makers. It is not a diverse place. In 2013, Enninful remarked on this fact in especially blunt terms. As the fashion director of W magazine, he was in Paris for haute couture shows, a civilized realm of one-of-a-kind gowns and made-to-order daywear presented to admiring clients and industry professionals. Enninful arrived at one of the day’s shows to find his counterparts at other magazines all seated in the front row. Enninful had been seated in the second. He was not pleased. And he did not take his designated seat. This wasn’t a matter of wanting an unobstructed sight line to the runway. It was not ego. And while it may have been a minor detail, it was not a petty one. So he tweeted: “If all my (white) counterparts are seated in the front row, why should I be expected to take 2nd row? Racism? xoxo.” It was the sort of remark that might have bubbled up privately over dinner but had never been stated publicly by someone of Enninful’s stature, in part because so few editors of his stature are black. “At that moment, I thought, ‘I’ve been here working all these years, for 20 years. Same as this editor and same as that editor.’ And there’s just a level of respect, really,” he says. “I wouldn’t mind every fashion director in second row. But if you’re putting me behind my contemporaries, then that means that is a problem that we need to address. My parents [said] when these things happen, stand up. So I stood up ... for myself — and for the future, really.” The matter was resolved privately to Enninful’s satisfaction. “I’d do it again,” he says. “I was taught certain things that were right and wrong. It’s that simple. And you know, at the time, I had to right a wrong.”
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BELL OF THE BALL
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EXCLUSIVE
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FASHION PROFILE Belle of the Ball Tara Cummins, Style Contributor Molly Scott, Photographer
A gown is so much more than just a dress; it’s a story, a memory, a dream, a statement. Now, as I mature in my corner of the fashion world, I have realized that the significance of a gown far surpasses sheath silhouettes and delicate details of hand-sewn appliqués. Dresses possess the ability to inspire and empower. Over the years, designs have changed and styles have progressed, but today’s evening gowns still pay homage to an era of opulence. To this day they reawaken every woman’s little girl fantasies to be the belle of the ball — no Prince Charming required. As we head into one of the most anticipated times of the year — holiday season — it’s the perfect excuse to start looking for that next evening gown bound to make an unforgettable statement. From billowing, floorlength skirts and décolleté necklines to luxurious silks and exotically trimmed hemlines, there are plenty of swoon-worthy options that exude regal elegance. We see Hollywood elite strutting the red carpet in the latest designer gowns and most recently Netflix’ “The Crown” has reintroduced us to a generation of exquisite evening wear, which has us interested in paying a visit to the royal fashion archives.
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Ball gowns descend from royal origins. Once referred to as court wear, rich silks, delicate lace, and embroidery adorned the nobility as early as the 15th century. It was a symbol of status and social rank. During the 16th and 17th centuries, there was a large focus on the arts. Elaborate dinners, theatre productions, and exquisite dances made the perfect platform for women to flaunt their finery. Although evening gowns have been around for centuries, there is a common consensus that they were first introduced in the mid1820’s during the age of Romanticism. What’s truly remarkable about evening wear and fashion, in general, is the transgression from visual spectacles to works of art. From the self-portrait galleries in Europe’s royal palaces to special exhibits around the world, women’s finest gowns have been immortalized. Just like any form of art, there’s more than meets the eye. The significance of these gowns goes far beyond the intricate stitches and seams. They are interwoven with unspoken narratives. I remember the first time I visited The First Ladies dress collection at the Smithsonian. It was fascinating to see the progression of design from a fashion perspective, but the exhibit was really created to expand your thinking and encourage you to consider the changing roles of American women over the
past 200 years. Most recently, I found myself at Stockholm’s Royal Palace. At the time, they were showcasing four decades of royal wedding dresses. During the opening ceremony of the showcase, even The Queen started her speech with, “When I look around this room, many wonderful memories are brought to life.” You see, dresses are often intimately associated with joy and celebration. While their intricate details and breathtaking designs are reason enough to celebrate (as I said before), a dress is not just simply a dress. I think what’s so special about evening wear today is that when you first pick a gown it’s simply a beautiful piece of clothing, but later it becomes a work of art. It becomes significant, valuable, and meaningful. So if you’re looking to make a lasting impression with your next evening gown — whether you have an upcoming wedding, débutante ball, black-tie event, or school formal — interweave creativity, fantasy, and nostalgia by taking cues from Queen Elizabeth or Cinderella. Perhaps you’ll choose an off the shoulder stunner that dominated the 1830s, an empire silhouette of the Edwardian era, or a full-flowing skirt from Dior’s New Look that swept the fashion world in the 40s and 50s. The choice is yours.
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EXCLUSIVE
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Written by Kemissa Racine
SOUL DEEP. CHAPTER FIVE.
THE ULTIMATE SIMULACRUM OF BLONDES
http://www.heir-raleigh.com page 78
Instagram: @heir. raleigh
http://haitisjewels.com
Instagram: @haitisjewels
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SOUL DEEP BY KEMISSA RACINE IS AN IDIOSYNCRATIC INTERVIEW SERIES THAT EXPLORES THE INNER WORKING OF INSPIRING CREATIVES AND CREATORS; FIRST AND FOREMOST, AS PEOPLE BUT ALSO VIA THEIR OPUS. SOUL DEEP SEEKS TO DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE, WHY THEIR BRAINS ARE WIRED IN A UNIQUE WAY, WHAT THEIR NARRATIVE IS AND HOW THEIR EXPERIENCE ON THIS EARTH DRIVES THEM EVERY DAY TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO.
SOPHIE WISEMAN-FLOYD
When one meets Sophie, something unusual happens. Everything seems to move faster; some sort of inside-out Matrix effect occurs. When one meets Sophie, something enlightening happens. It becomes more obvious that exposure to different ways of thinking within dissimilar ecosystems cultivates altruism, creativity and spunk. When one meets Sophie, one gets a curious sense of wanderlust. One wants to know what it is like to exist inside of her microcosm. When one meets Sophie, one is overcome with the desire to do more, exude more and exist more fully. page 79
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Sophie possess a breadth of traits that are difficult to sum up in concise paragraphs. Her light is bright, her story is captivating, her mission in life inspiring. She is the woman behind two jewelry brands, Heir Raleigh and Haiti’s Jewels. From delicate pieces that exude femininity to eclectic designs that tell a story deeper than what meets the eye, Sophie’s lines are everything you could want in accessories. But most importantly, in the words of Khalil Gibran, her “work is love made visible.” Dearest eyeballs and minds perusing these words, kindly be forewarned: This is not a white picket fence, lollipops and rainbows interview. This will be a raw, thought-inducing and revealing Q-and-A. Grab your metaphorical scuba gear: We’re going soul deep. KR: Please introduce yourself briefly. Who, in your own words, is Sophie Wiseman-Floyd?
SWF: I am a work in progress, yearning to mold myself into a better listener, speaker, writer, creator, lover, and friend. KR: You were raised in North Carolina and moved to Haiti in your teenage years. How did that multicultural experience influence your identity and life perception? SWF: It’s actually even a bit more complicated and multicultural than that: I was born in Vancouver Canada, raised in Champagne-Urbana IL, moved to NC when I was 11, and then almost immediately moved to the Dominican Republic and later Haiti — returning to the states for three months in the summer and a month over winter break. Growing up we called kids like me “Third Culture Kids” — children who come of age outside of their initial culture and who create their own subculture with other internationals/misfits. It’s virtually impossible to be fully
welcomed into a society where you’ve only been for a year or so. I remember returning home during the summer and noticing how much more attached my peers were to their homes, friends, town — how they experienced homesickness and yearned for consistency. I couldn’t relate at all. I never lived in the same place more than three to four years, so I learned to adapt, entertain myself, and I had a unique opportunity to iterate on my personality and recreate myself in each new place — exploring different aspects of my nature. KR: And how has that influenced your work? SWF: I think that the constant change of environment growing up made me adaptable to circumstances that I can’t control. I strive to remain opportunistic and open to new challenges and environments because I know that’s what keeps my businesses evolving. Perhaps even more importantly, the
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diversity of culture that I experienced made me yearn to understand humans of all walks of life and has made it easier to connect authentically to people with whom I have nothing in common. Adaptability is a powerful thing and I wouldn’t have an ounce of it without the uncomfortable situations that come only from moving every few years. KR: What advice would today’s Sophie give to young Sophie who started Haiti’s Jewels at age 17? SWF: I would encourage her to be the sole definer of her worth and to never allow her value be determined by those who can’t see it. KR: You’re an industrial designer by trade. That seems to be a male-dominated industry. How do you think women in the industry challenge it as a whole? I think there was a small part of me that chose this industry because it would give me an opportunity to redefine it — both for myself, my peers, and anyone who was influenced by my work. Traditionally, industrial design curriculum is structured to push graduates into mass manufacturing of appliances, cars, household products, etc. We were taught extensively about high-powered mechanical manufacturing, spent hours modelling in SolidWorks, had to do free design work for massive corporate tool/hardware companies, and the jobs that were recommended to us kept us behind a computer screen communicating with factories across the planet.
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I approached design from a totally different perspective that I had gained in Haiti and grown to love: that of slow design, small-scale production, sustainability, dignified labor, and familial relations between workers, designers, owners and managers. It was impossible for me to imagine designing microwaves for home goods stores for the rest of my life… and I refused to let my design education put me in a box. I came into school quite cavalier. I had confidence thinking that if I was good enough at what I created, that I could do anything in my program. Although I maintained that mindset, and still do today, it was an uphill battle in which my professors (both male and female) consistently tried to define design for me. I think the issue in Industrial Design is not that it’s male-dominated (it is) but that there aren’t enough people, both male and female, that are willing to challenge the direction this industry has taken. It would be wise to ask ourselves how consumerism is affecting the planet and be willing to explore other means of production. KR: What is that which you call design? SWF: Design, to me, is in everything I do. It’s a matter of choices really. The clothes I wear, the food I eat, my home, activities I choose to participate in, whatever I do, say, and create. Each of our lives is an empty palette, and the things we fill it with help define who we are and what we create.
KR: How do you think design impacts society and ultimately the people you design for? SWF: Design helps us feel like we have a unique place within our community, gives us freedom to express what cannot be spoken, and most importantly, gives us purpose. Everybody creates a persona for themselves within society and the people that I design for, while diverse, all strive to subtly push the boundary — make statements that don’t have to be loud to be heard. KR: What emotions do you feel when you create and how do those emotions physically come into existence through your designs? SWF: I feel really strong and excited… often getting butterflies in my stomach as something new unravels — it feels like the whole world is an endless, wide-open field where I can define my reality and every time I create, I’m tapping into it. I think women who choose to wear my jewelery, bags, or clothes are invited to feel empowered to start tapping into a similar well of opportunity in their own lives. KR: Are you smart or do you work hard? SWF: I think the biggest thing I’ve learned since graduating from design school (this past May) is that busy-ness does not always equate with progression. For the longest time, I would over-fill my plate, commit to wild-goose chase projects, and try to keep my days packed with conference calls, meetings, trunk shows, designing, and whatever else kept me busy. But in the end, I was just spinning my
tires, not realizing that while the engine was engaged, my vehicle stood still. I’ve started prioritizing quiet time during my week, setting aside moments and sometimes days to just read, meditate, think, and exist. Don’t get me wrong, I still work hard for what I want… but I’ve made a conscious effort to start saying NO to things that do not directly serve the development of my design projects and YES to peaceful time that refuels me. That’s the smartest thing I’ve done since starting my business. KR: How would you describe the color yellow to a blind
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person? SWF: Like the warmth of the sun hitting your face on a summer afternoon KR: They say curiosity killed the cat. I think that’s not a well thought-out saying. What if curiosity introduced the cat to more power than it does peril? In my mind, curiosity usually beats common sense. What are you most curious about in life? SWF: I am most curious about what drives people to do the things they do. Life becomes less complex page 83
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when we are able to look beyond others’ actions and into their motivations. KR: Everyone seems to have a different definition of courageous. I find it both revealing and informative to have people share theirs with me. I’d love to hear your take on courage. What is the most courageous thing you have done in your life? SWF: Although I didn’t see it at the time, the most courageous thing I’ve ever done was buying that one-way ticket to Port-au-Prince (Haiti) three weeks after graduating from high school. My parents had moved back to the States so this meant I was completely on my own with a small business I had started a year prior and a few contacts. I think the idea of starting over in a new country is far more daunting to me now at 25 than it was when I was 17. KR: Talk us through your journey from Haiti’s to Heir Raleigh; describe the scenery. How did you get there? SWF: A gap year in Haiti turned into three before I realized how important it was to go back to the states and get an education. So I spent my third year in Haiti training the artisans to do my job so that Haiti’s Jewels could run smoothly without me. Just after my 21st birthday, I moved back to North Carolina to start my degree in Industrial Design at NCSU in Raleigh. I quickly became interested in expanding my jewelry making skills. In Haiti, I tried to minimize how much product needed to be imported, so as a design team we limited ourselves to what we could find/buy locally like grenn majok (tapioca pearls), leather, recycled aluminum + glass, coconut husk, wood, and some found stones. When I moved back to the states, the world of new materials opened up to me. In Haiti I had focused on colorful, chunky, bohemian, craft jewelry but in Raleigh, where I had endless material options, I took a turn towards minimalistic sophistication: fine gold + brass jewelry, luxurious leather bags with wood + brass details, and eventually a fashion collection made entirely with
sustainable wool, cotton, and leather.
in society.
KR: The Heir woman is…
The name Haiti’s Jewels is not about the jewelry as much at it is about the artisans who make up our team. They have faced adversity that I will never truly understand: extreme poverty, malnourishment, abuse, loss of homes and family during the earthquake, and so much more.
SWF: Sophisticated, strong, adventurous, minimal, conscientious, self-aware. KR: The Haiti’s Jewels woman is… SWR: Resilient, bright, considerate, courageous, and outwardly focused. KR: Which one of the artisans working with Haiti’s Jewels inspires you for an unlikely reason? Tell us why… SWF: In my seven years owning a business in Haiti, I only once had to fire someone: a man who had worked with us since the beginning who kept stealing materials from the warehouse and other artisans. It broke my heart. He was one of my best friends but for some reason he couldn’t control the impulse to steal. But upon hearing the news, his wife, Néhémie, came to visit me. She apologized for her husband’s actions and then courageously advocated for herself, setting down a basket of materials and showing me how she had watched her husband make jewelry for a year and could make everything that he could. Now she is one of our highest-earning artisans and she’s able to employ her husband. Since she’s the manager of her family’s relationship with the company, we never have to worry about theft. What’s amazing to me is that instead of using the firing of her husband as an excuse to despise Haiti’s Jewels and blame me for her family’s hardships, she used the situation to make herself better and take on a role of leadership in her community and our family. KR: “Partnering with Haitian artisans to create life changing beauty” that’s the Haiti’s Jewels slogan. Break that down for us. SWF: I started Haiti’s Jewels before I was a jewelry designer. It was entirely motivated by a desire to empower women through design + business. Haiti has a high unemployment rate and those who are employed are often paid little and it’s difficult to get a leg up
But despite all of this tragedy in their lives, they are resilient, have advocated for themselves and their community, and learned a skill that transformed their lives. The artisans are each independent contractors who have ultimate control over their designs and therefore their business and each have used their earnings (which at times far exceeded mine) to build homes, buy land, send their children to good schools, take online classes, and even start their own businesses outside of jewelry design. The beauty that they choose to create each day is transforming their lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the lives of women around the world buying and wearing their jewelry. It’s the most fulfilling work I’ve ever had the opportunity to experience and even as business has slowed, the artisans have all moved onto their own passions and are thriving, healthy leaders in their communities. KR: What is your affirmation for today, for every day? SWF: If today I fall short, I have every other day, for the rest of my life, to prove today wrong. KR: What can we expect from Heir Raleigh and Haiti’s Jewels in the future? SWF: From HEIR — more product development with an emphasis on a luxury line of exquisite one-of-a-kind bags and fine solid gold jewelry. From Haiti’s Jewels — new collections that push the boundaries of business design and artisan manufacturing in Haiti. page 85
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Art Basel
MODERN KEN
December's Art Basel in Miami will debut "Modern Ken" an interactive art exhibit by NYC-based photographer Courtney Charles.
will see how Charles pays homage to the original dolls with visible joint lines. Also, as Ken dolls are nipple-less, so are Charles' male models.
Charles has created a sexy series that deconstructs various stereotypes.
"With the Ken series, I hope to show that there isn’t just one common ideal of the modern man," Charles says.
Ken features male models in plastic form, giving them the doll treatment and representing social media facades in a hyper-realistic style. Careful attention is given to Ken's joints (neck and shoulders) and observant viewers page 88
"Regardless of who you are, you can still be the 'plastic-perfect' version of yourself." Look for Charles' exhibit at Hotel Gaythering in Miami.
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VERNISSAGE {PRIVATE VIEWING}
ft
MARIE GENEVIEVE MORIN
"BLACK SHEEP"
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VERNISSAGE { PRIVATE VIEWING }
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The Black Sheep
MARIE-GENEVIEVE MORIN Raphael Dapaah | Art Contributor raphaeldapaah@hotmail.co.uk
I can’t recall the last time I came across a piece that spoke so candidly to my soul that I felt it must have been made for me, and for me alone. Indeed, I can’t even recall the last time an artist left me so genuinely stunned by the sheer rawness, and emotionally charged nature of their work, that I remained in a trance for what was only a few minutes, but felt like a lifetime. The power of ‘Black Sheep’ by HaitianCanadian artist, Marie-Genevieve Morin (known as M) lies in the fact that in some shape or form, and in varying capacities, we all identify with the black sheep. Amongst family, friends, colleagues, and society at large, although there are many traits, shared values, and interests that bring us together, we are all fundamentally unique, although perhaps some more so than others. Conversely, M’s work is not a celebration of the tenacity or defiance of the often-ostracized and targeted black sheep, but strikes me as more of a silent cry out for acknowledgment, belonging, and acceptance. From the drooping ears, downtrodden expression and bloodshot eyes of the naked sheep, to the black and white target that envelopes its body, indicative of its hunted or attacked status, this piece is a hauntingly sad, yet familiar historic and
contemporary account that we all know too well. I was extremely curious to find out more about the artist behind the bold splashes of color, emotive motifs and concepts that draws expertly from a multitude of styles, harmoniously merged to create what I can confidently describe as masterpieces. Gratefully, M, much like her dynamic portraits, was intensely candid and forthcoming in our extended discussions, and it became increasingly apparent to me that I was dealing with an artist whose work is a physical manifestation of her journey of self-discovery and identity. It was soon no surprise for me to understand and see how – and why – her work pulsates with such life, energy and emotion. Born in Montreal, Quebec, on July 16, 1970, and adopted October 14 that same year, her biological father comes from Haiti and her biological mother is Caucasian-Canadian. “I am the cadet of a family of five adopted children, and the only child of color of the bunch. As far as I can remember, (the only child of color) at the school I attended, too,” she mused. “Growing up in a small town in the suburbs of Montreal made me aware at an early age that I was a ‘visible minority,’ but more so a black sheep as I never felt I belonged in this portrait. I used to try so hard to fit in, to melt, to belong; but in vain. I was precocious, curious and adventurous feeling the town was too small for me – and so was the country.” Studying M’s work further, I was surprised to learn of her childhood expe-
rience in suburban Montreal, especially given the African symbolism and motifs prevalent in her work. I wondered just how her Haitian heritage, and by default her African heritage, informed her work, and what connection she had with both places. ‘’I have never been to Haiti nor to the continent of Africa. I would love to visit and perhaps exhibit there one day if I have an opportunity,” said M. “Africa is the mother earth with so many colors, natural resources, cultural treasures and tremendous talents. It is the land of my ancestors and I believe today after seeing all the unimaginable creativity that rises from there that it is where it all began... If you mix creation, art, culture and spirituality, you can resume to the word ‘Africa.’” “I look at some of my first pieces and they speak an African language to me. The heritage is in my genes. I was not conscious of the recurring patterns or the striking African motifs in my artwork when I began painting. When I exhibited in London at the Gallery of African Art, I met a wonderful woman that came to see me after the show to share with me that a painting I exhibited reminded her of her tribe in her village in Africa. I was quite touched as she seemed to know what she was talking about. I had no clue, but I saw for the first time through her eyes that my work could have the power to bring someone home.” “While looking for my origins, I found my purpose (to paint) so I feel that I have the responsibility and obligation to learn more about my heritage, share
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it and give back through my art,” she concluded. One thing that really impresses me about M’s work was how energetic and vibrant each piece is; from her abstract-inclined work to her more figurative portraits, each vividly communicating a narrative, emotion or viewpoint. I was keen to find out what process she undergoes before facing a blank canvas. ‘’When I start a painting, I usually say that I am going to war, to attack a canvas, chasing myself and facing my demons. It is an endless battle between me, myself, and I, a sort of a ‘cache-misère,’: an emotional camouflage, a loaded gun, a page 94
powerful one that allows me to express myself freely. I am always on the front row standing in front of a canvas like in a survival mode as some paintings are cruel – almost like a drug, they keep me up all night. I am hooked from the first splash to the last stroke.” It might surprise readers as much as it did me that M only started painting professionally in 2014, and in the space of 4 years, has been able to produce 350 paintings. Additionally, within that time, M’s work has been exhibited in the United Kingdom, Belgium, France and Canada, with even more promising international exhibitions in 2019.
Many emerging artists have not enjoyed the early success that M has had in such a short space of time, but I believe it’s extremely obvious to any serious art collector and enthusiast with a good eye that M is by no means your typical artist. Hers is such an inspirational and almost spiritual journey of self-discovery, purpose and affirmation that it is no wonder her work is so widely sought after. M is easily one of the most raw and emotive emerging contemporary artists for quite some time. With her unparalleled work ethic and energy, I can only imagine that the year ahead and her fifth anniversary as a painter will be her most transformative yet.
"RICOCHET"
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GLOBAL WIFI + POWER COUPON CODE: HTPOLO
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PREVENT $1000S IN UNNECESSARY AUTO REPAIRS
Be in the driver's seat for your next maintenance appointment using technology that already exists in your car. Your mechanic will hate this.
Opposite page: Skyroam SOLIS provides unlimited global WiFi at your fingertips in over 100 countries page 99
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In the Driver's Seat
Use technology already available in your automobile to prevent overpaying for unnecessary repairs at your next maintenance appointment Most of us panic when the Check Engine light comes on - mostly because we have no idea what is actually means. Is the car in danger? Should I take it to the shop right now? How much is this going to cost me? Three Georgia Tech grads are taking the stress out of car repairs and routine visits to the dealership or garage.
A new device instantly tells you if there’s a problem with your car, how severe it is, and if it’s an emergency or not (all in simple and easy to understand terms). It's time to leave fasttalking dealership managers and shady mechanics in the dust, no longer ripping you off! page 100
Have you ever gone to an auto repair shop for an oil change, only to have the mechanic say you need a new transmission? Or has the mysterious “check engine” light come on, and next thing you know the mechanic has a list of expensive engine parts that need replacing? Unfortunately, mechanics know taking advantage of people is easy, given their lack of knowledge about car maintenance needs.
FIXD is the first easy-to-use car health maintenance monitor that plugs directly into a port usually underneath the steering column. Every car built in 1996 or later is required to have this port. Three engineers based out of Atlanta, GA were tired of seeing their friends and family get taken advantage of at auto shops, so they decided to do something about it. They created a new
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it! Start Using FIXD In 3 Easy Steps Plug it into your car’s port – takes less than 60 seconds and anyone can do it (even you) – no professionals or tools needed! Sync it with your phone – Using their free app (available on Android & iOS)
device that plugs into your car’s OBD (on-board diagnostics) port – the very same port that mechanics use to figure out what’s wrong with your car. This new device will instantly diagnose your car’s problems for you and translate them into simple, easy-to-understand terms – and much more! Meaning, the next time a mechanic is trying to pull one over on you, you can call them on
Start getting health updates immediately – just like that, your car tells you how it’s doing and what it needs. And based on your car’s make, model, and year, FIXD sends your phone notifications about upcoming oil changes and scheduled maintenance needs, and more! BEST PART: If and when that ‘Check Engine Light’ comes on, FIXD tells you exactly what’s causing it in a way anyone can understand! No more looking up codes or taking it to the dreaded auto shop only to be given a list of unnecessary repairs – never again!
You can also turn off the check engine light right from the FIXD app if the problem is not serious or if you want to see if it will reoccur. How cool is that? REMEMBER: The best way to keep your car out of the auto shop is to take it for service/maintenance when the manufacturer recommends it. Which is why the FIXD maintenance time line is another great feature. It lets you easily see what maintenance issues are coming up. With all the benefits FIXD provides, you’d think it would cost a few hundred dollars, right? That’s what makes this company so great. The founders of FIXD made it incredibly affordable so they can help as many people as possible avoid getting scammed by mechanics, while also staying on top of their car’s health. It’s priced affordably at only $59 and you can purchase it on their official website here. That’s a stocking stuffer we can get excited about.
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2nd Annual
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PRESEN TED BY
Manolo Blahnik Crystal Buckled Heels There are few gifts that will offer more instant delight than a pair of bejeweled Manolos, £760
Taffin brooch A blackened 18-karat white gold frames a luminous piece of spessartite, the orange-reddish form of garnet. From $125,000, taffin.com
Panthère de Cartier watch This mini model from the beloved Panthère collection has a bracelet that wraps three times around the lucky recipient’s wrist. $35,800, cartier.com Burberry Rainbow Scarf $412, neimanmarcus.com
Fendi Peek-a-Boo Mini The Limited Edition Dyson Supersonic hair dryer in 23.75K gold with Gesso red presentation case. $499, dyson.com
Black ostrich leather bag, $8,400
Haiti Rediscovered Coffee Table Book Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Narrow Bracelet Anyone would be over the moon with this elegant red enamel bracelet with diamonds. $55,000, Tiffany & Co.
A book about women by a woman, $70 haitirediscovered.com
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Only 25 bottles in the world, the 1.7-ounce bottle is encrusted in Swarovski crystals is $2,500
Bayco Jewels The 18-karat blackened white gold ring with a sapphire stone is $509,000. bayco.com North Face Nuptse Duster This season, North Face brings glamor to sensibility with this knee-length glimmering gold coat for the coldest of days. $420, thenorthface.com
Balenciaga Bag with Aidan Mattox Sequin Dress Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve? Sparkle all night regardless. neimanmarcus.com
L'Objet Oh Mon Dieu! Gift Set A candle, incense and fun incense holder, $225, l-objet.com
ABCDNA Luminous Velvet Meditation Mat Help someone get their zen on and gift them a luxe meditation mat. $495, ABC Carpet & Home
Grosvenor Small Jewelry Roll For the chic jet-setter in your life, this handy jewelry roll is a must-have that will keep gems safe and undamaged on the road. $385, Smythson
LG CineBeam laser projector Marks & Tavano This dog palace was designed for the Robb Report. $12,500, robbreport.com
It’s less than 20 inches long, but this year’s best 4K home theater can still cast a 150-inch image from 14 feet away. Streaming apps are built in, and a handle lets you carry it to another room or mount it to the ceiling. $3,000, lg.com
Cotteville 60 Luggage Bag by Louis Vuitton There aren’t many more stylish ways to travel than with a classic Louis Vuitton holdall. For additional unique kudos, buy a vintage style such as the pictured monogrammed luggage bag. £26,495, Farfetch.com Regalis White Sturgeon Caviar
Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana juicer The second collaboration between the famous appliance maker and the rowdy fashion brand takes $650; neimanmarcus.com
These rich, creamy sturgeon eggs are the only ones served at Eleven Madison Park, the restaurant ranked No. 1 in the world last year. $6,000/kg or $175/ oz, regalisfood.com
William Yeoward Amethyst Barware
To'ak Chocolate
Inspire elegance and opulence in stunning amethyst.
The rarest chocolate in the world To’ak’s rain harvest variety is made in Ecuador with notes of heather and berries, and boasting a long, dark finish.
williamyeoward.com
£295, Harrods
Jay Strongwater Holy Family Artisans polish each Holy Family figurine before burnishing with two metal patinas: first, antiqued silver for luster highlights, and then the final gilding in antiqued 18k gold. $1,650 jaystrongwater.com L'Objet Celestial Bowl + Stand XL This studded masterpiece will be a conversation-starter. $1,300, l-objet.com
Cobalt Valkyrie X Private Jet The rose gold four-seater plane is the most expensive gift in the guide at $1.5 million. It’s not surprisingly featured in the “fantasy gifts” section. $1.5 million
Hermès Memory Game These Hermès memory game cards will make any holiday party a little more fun. $270, hermes.com
Color-Blocked Cashmere Travel Set Give a gift you can cozy up to this winter with a fine-gauge knit cashmere throw and an eye mask, all stored in a matching top-zip carry case. $395, Barneys New York
Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis Luxury Candle The ultimate home accessory. The luxury candle will infuse the compelling scent of Wild Fig & Cassis throughout your rooms. Burn time 220 hours. Complimentary Jo Malone London matches included, $495
Yves Saint-Laurent Swarovski Annual Edition 2018 Christmas Ornament $79, swarovski.com
This coloring book is $58. Pencils to color in it are $48. neimanmarcus.com
"FIGARO" Fine, white Clay Silky, white glaze 11.5kg 52 x 51 x 18 cm emmatateceramics.com
OVERVIEW
A contemporary take on the romance of train travel and the nostalgia of beautifully crafted vintage travel trunks. The sharply tailored Monaco collection contrasts rich Rango leather panels with a sleek matt black metal trim. Rango leather has a luxuriously buttery texture and deep, solid color, and is distinctive for its natural pebbling, hand-polished with lamb’s wool to bring out the grain. Handsomely coiffed, the Monaco is the perfect addition to the modern masculine lair.
Tom Dixon dumbbell This 5.5-pound weight, handcarved from marble, isn’t the only tool needed for bulking up, but it’ll do as a decorative accessory if exercise isn’t your giftee’s thing. $225; tomdixon.net
Grön CBD moisturizing mask Cannabidiols pair with lavender to act as a moisturizing cleanser. $40, groncbd.com
A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Up/Down lumen watch Limited to just 200 pieces, this chronograph design from the German watchmaker adds an illuminating twist: a bright green, glow-in-the-dark pigment on the hands, tachymeter, seconds dials, and date. $100,500, alange-soehne.com
Giuspeppe Zanotti Coby Sneakers Velvet printed leather high-top sneaker with metal plate, velvet printed upper, black leather inserts, gold metal plate, rubber sole with logo, made in Italy $995, neimanmarcus.com
Loro Piana waterproof vicuña bomber jacket Super soft vicuña is made functional with Loro Piana’s “Storm System” weatherproofing treatment, which means this elegant coat can take a beating from the wind and rain. $16,395; loropiana.com
Large Weekender by Society Misfits
Ottantacinque Yacht by Pininfarina The legendary Ferrari car designer partnered with Fincantieri Yachts to create a 278-foot floating castle with a private veranda, infinity pool, jacuzzi, dining room, and helipad. Price Upon Request, pininfarina.com
A python weekender with an external zip pocket and a detachable python strap. Zip top opens to a micro-suede lined interior with two interior open pockets and one zip pocket. $1,430.00, societymisfits.com
THE LUX DUALSHOCK 4 IS A HANDCRAFTED PREMIUM VERSION OF THE SONY DUALSHOCK 4 CONTROLLER FOR THE PLAYSTATION 4. COATED IN 24K YELLOW GOLD AND SAFEGUARDED BY A TRIPLE LAYER OF DLC PROTECTIVE CLEAR VENEER, IT IS EXQUISITELY PRACTICAL, DESIGNED FOR THE GAMER WITH IMPECCABLE TASTE.
THE DELUXE VERSION FEATURES NINE SOLID 18K GOLD BUTTONS: THE ‘PLAYSTATION’ BUTTON, THE FOUR DIRECTIONAL BUTTONS AND THE TRIANGLE, CIRCLE, X, AND SQUARE BUTTONS. THESE BUTTONS ARE STUDDED WITH GENUINE CONFLICT FREE DIAMONDS OF F/G COLOR AND CLARITY TOTALING 2.85 CARATS, MAKING ANY CONTROLLER RESPLENDENT.
THE LUX DUALSHOCK 4 CONTROLLER IS DELIVERED IN AN EXCLUSIVE BRIKK ALUMINUM CASE WITH A CUSTOM CARBON FIBER AND FOAM INSERT. THE LID IS PADDED BY A LUSH SCARLET VELVET LINING DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM OPULENCE AT A GLANCE. LUX CLEANING CLOTH, LUX PROTECTIVE BAG AND LUX HANDLING GLOVES ARE ALSO INCLUDED. $13,995, brikk.com
L'Objet French Press For the classiest breakfastin-bed ever following your next sleepover. The collection includes salt and pepper mills ($315 for large or $250 for small), and a box of plates ($200), French press: $276, l-objet.com
Shinola turntable This white oak record player is $2,500, shinola.com
Bulgari Men's Keyholder For the man always losing his keys, gift him organization with this key holder. $295, Bulgari
JA Acrylic Chess Set You are never too old to get toys for a holiday gift, especially with a chic chess set like this. $795, JonathanAdler.com
Rolex Baselworld 2018
OY S T E R P E R P E T U A L G M T– M A ST E R I I
T H E
C O S M O P O L I TA N WAT C H
Rolex is extending its GMT-Master II range with a new version in Oystersteel, equipped with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic. The lugs and sides of its Oyster case have been redesigned, and the watch is fitted on a five-link Jubilee bracelet. Two other versions of the GMT- Master II introduce 18 ct Everose gold to the range for the very first time. The first is crafted entirely from this refined, exclusive alloy, and the second is available in an Everose Rolesor version, combining Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold. The bezels of both watches are fitted with two-colour
Cerachrom inserts in a black and newly developed brown ceramic. These new versions are equipped with the new-generation calibre 3285, at the forefront of watchmaking technology. With 10 patent applications filed over the course of its development, the movement is equipped with a Chronergy escapement and guarantees a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Like all Rolex watches, the new versions of the GMT-Master II carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
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WINE
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Champagne THE DEVIL'S WINE Cezar Kusik, wine contributor
It is safe to say that no other style of wine exploded, causing chain reaction of de– no other beverage in modern histo- struction. The cellar tending crew had ry for that matter – is more associated to wear metal helmets to avoid injuries. with the celebration of the human spirit than champagne. From births to depar- Of course, it must have been the devil tures, whether down the street or across himself who caused it. “The devil’s wine” the river Styx, christenings of babies or or as the French monks called it: “le vin ships before their first voyage, birthdays, du diable.” Rather than the impossible task of getting rid of the bubbles, one weddings, graduamonk in partictions, nominations ular by the name and, of course, the Did you know that there Perignon, apparmarking of a new ently unafraid of year – bubbles are about 49 million the devil’s wrath, have been there decided to tame bubbles in a 750ml to add the sparthe fiend by uskle to our journey bottle of champagne? ing thicker glass, through life. and “caging” corks And it all started with a wire wrap. as a mistake, as a result of human ig- The modern bottle of champagne was norance; nature intervened and turned born and from then on, slowly chaman error into a festivity. In the late 17th pagne has become the most celebrated century, the monks of Champagne, who libation in the world. in those days often doubled as wine makers, wanted to compete in the art of Did you know that there are about 49 wine making with their counterparts in million bubbles in a 750ml bottle of champagne? Burgundy. Their intention was to make still wines. Unaware of the importance the ambient temperature plays in the process of fermentation, they… (fortunately) failed. Stopped by the cold temperatures of late autumn the unfinished fermentation awakened with the warmth of spring inside the prematurely bottled, corked, and laid down bottles of wine. The resulting CO2 that built up inside the bottles was too much for the traditional corks and thin glass to withstand, turning them into ticking bombs. The corks shot out as if possessed. Bottles
The three classic grape varieties used in the making of champagne are Pinot Noir (red), Pinot Meunier (red), and Chardonnay (white). By law, a sparkling wine can be labeled champagne only when it comes from the demarcated French region of Champagne. All other sparklers are called simply sparkling wines. So if you don’t want to outrage a snotty sommelier at your next visit to a fancy restaurant, use these terms accordingly. If made by the same laborious process page 139
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Champagne
Our contributor Cezar, saber in hand, at 25 Lusk in San Francisco, ready to demonstrate the Napoleonic method of opening champagne with a soldier's saber.
WINE of inducing secondary fermentation in individual bottles as used in champagne but made outside the region, the wine will most likely carry the terms “méthode traditionnelle,” “méthode ancestral” or “méthode champenoise” printed on its label. It is usually a good indicator of great quality to value product. Cava, a Spanish version of a sparkling wine made by the “méthode champenoise” is a great example and Raventos I Blanc is my favorite producer. California offers some superb alternatives to champagne, as well, sometimes for a fraction of the price. Roederer Estate, Domaine Chandon, Schramsberg, and Mumm of Napa are a few wineries worth mentioning. The French category of “crémants” is another option. These days it is almost impossible to talk about champagne without mentioning the act of “sabering,” a dramatic way of opening a bottle of champagne by “cutting” the very tip of the bottle with a sword or any tool with an edge. I once page 140
sabered a bottle of bubbly with a shovel and a large spoon. It’s the high pressure inside the bottle that allows for this to happen and if successful the resulting feeling is quite exhilarating. Don’t try that at home. According to legend, it was Napoleon’s cavalry that gave birth to this ritual. To celebrate their victories in war, they would use their battle sabers to decapitate bottles of champagnes handed to them while riding their horses. It proved to be the fastest and least cumbersome method. The pressure in a champagne bottle is around 90 pounds per square inch; three times the amount of pressure in an average car tire. As mentioned earlier, the making of champagne is a much more time-consuming and labor-intensive process than the production of still wines. In addition to basic fermentation, a bottle of champagne goes through additional stages
of secondary fermentation, remuage/ riddling, disgorgement, dosage, and recorking. Historically, all of these stages were performed manually. These days, technology allows us to mechanize some steps of production speeding up the process, taking away from sentimental nostalgia without compromising the quality. The longest recorded flight of a champagne cork was 177 feet. Label terms you’ll find useful while selecting your next bottle of champagne. Blanc de Blancs: wine made exclusively from white grapes. In the case of Champagne, it would be 100% Chardonnay, but elsewhere, other regional white grapes can be used. Blanc de Noir: white wine made exclusively from red grapes. In the case of Champagne, it will be either Pinot Noir, Pinot Muenier, or both. Non-vintage: when grapes from multiple vintages are used to make the wine. Most
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champagnes are non-vintage. Vintage: when grapes from one particular year, usually because of its outstanding quality of fruit, are used to make the wine. These normally come at a much higher price and the vintage will appear on the label. Levels of sugar added to champagne from driest to sweetest: Brut Nature or No dosage (no sugar, very dry), Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Sec, Sec, Demi-Sec, Doux meaning sweet. There is also a fairly new category of champagnes called “grower champagne.” It is equivalent to “estate wine” – wine that comes from the grapes of the vineyards owned by the winery which makes it. Historically, big champagne houses purchase the grapes from vineyard owners from all over the region, monopolizing the industry. A few decades ago, some ambitious vineyard owners decide to challenge big champagne labels by launching their own bottling operations using grapes from their own land. You’ll recognize that category by locating the letters RM (short for Recoltant Manipulant) somewhere on the label. This category often offers slightly less expensive wines that embody more ter-
roir-driven style reflecting their distinct macro-climate characteristics and wine making techniques. The largest commercially produced bottle of champagne is 15 liters of wine (20 bottles). It’s called a Nebuchadnezzar. Wine in general has been firmly embedded in the evolution of human civilizations playing a crucial part in our culture – both arts and sciences. Champagne’s notoriety in particular has been unmatched. From its “devilish” accidental birth and its turbulent, shaping years of adolescence guided by the historic, dynamic personalities like Dom Perignon and Madame Veuve Clicquot, its presence at the courts of despotic Tzars, all the way through Marilyn Monroe’s champagne filled baths and Jay-Z’s Cristal-infused rapper orgies. Let’s not forget though that aside from all the glitter, foam, and “blinking’ controversy, champagne at its best can be a sensually riveting experience offering a plethora of styles and wide range of flavors. In its youth, it offers bright and invigorating aromas enhanced by its magically tingling effervescence. With age, especially in older vintage champagnes when the bubbles dissipate and
the flavors develop rich, decadent notes, champagne drinks more like a still wine. Once I enjoyed a 55-year-old bottle of Bollinger and it was epic. So whatever the occasion, whether outrageously bombastic or poetically intimate, enjoy your champagne with reverence and thoughtfulness because a lot labor has been invested in each bottle. Author’s favorite sparklers for the holidays: Vintage Champagne: Bollinger RD (recently disgorged), Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Rosé Champagne: Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, Krug Rosé Brut Grower Champagne: Ulysse Collin “Les Perrières” Blanc de Blancs, Val Frison “Goustan” Blanc de Noirs Non Champagne/Méthode Champenoise: Raventos I Blanc Cava Spain, Roederer Estate L’Ermitage (vintage) Anderson Valley California, Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs (vintage), Antech-Limoux Crémant de Limoux Cuvée Eugénie France (vintage), Domaine Longlois-Château Crémant de Loire France
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THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH GRAND RE-OPENING
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ISLAND SPLENDOR ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH PUERTO RICO
THE $60M RECHARGE & REBOOT When the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort opened in late 2010, it (along with the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve which opened about a year later) quickly became the standard bearer for luxury in Puerto Rico. Like many of the other grand dames hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year, the iconic resort used its forced down-time as a chance to recharge and reboot, pouring $60 million into topto-bottom repairs and renovations to ensure it, along with the rest of the island, could come back better than ever. And when it reopens on December 11, it will do just that: welcoming guests back to its two-mile stretch of golden sand beach with a completely updated look. The property’s revival was led by cel-
ebrated Puerto Rican designer Nono Maldonado and the San Francisco– based Hisrch Bedner Associates, who swapped out its increasingly dated dark woods and warm browns in favor of a neutral palette inspired by—and that puts all the focus on—the lush environment visible from every sweeping window and spacious balcony. Its 139 rooms have been given a chic, residential feel. Walls and furniture are covered in airy white and taupe, leaving either the views of the turquoise Caribbean or the verdant, emerald green gardens visible outside to provide pops of color. Each feature custom glass bar cabinets stocked exactly to your tastes by your dedicated butler, and plush amenities like sprawling terraces and
bathrooms. This same refined feel is found throughout the property’s public spaces, including the Casa Grande, which serves as the heart of the resort. There, guests will find the refreshed Paros fine-dining restaurant, where the restored A Long Awaited Voyage mural by Puerto Rican artist Arnaldo Roche Rabell adds a welcome hit of energy to the elegant space. Outside, the carefully considered landscaping—which, when the resort opened, included the planting of 70,000 native and naturalized plants and left plenty of room for local wildlife to roam undisturbed across the property’s 400-plus acres—has been painstakingly restored. The Tom Fazio–designed golf course is fully operational, and cabanas and sun page 145
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loungers once again dot the beach and network of glistening oceanfront pools. The casual poolside restaurant and new Beach Shack have been built (or in the case of the former, rebuilt) below the tree line to ensure for uninterrupted views from nearly everywhere on the grounds.
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A new partnership with Aquavento Water Sports lets guests take full advantage of the newly-pristine waters just off of the resort, providing equipment and lessons for non-motorized water sports ranging from surfing to fishing in some of the island’s nearby lakes.
And for those who want to pitch in with the rest of Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts, the property is working in collaboration with the Bahia Beach Resort Golf Club and the non-profit Alma de Bahia organization to provide volunteer opportunities that will make a meaningful impact on the surrounding community.
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In addition to renovating all of the property’s existing structures, the St. Regis Bahia Beach has also announced plans for a major expansion—and will
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roll out 30 luxe Ocean Drive beach front condominium-style residences, a collection of new Atlantic Avenue Estates, and 60 new oceanfront rooms over the next
few years—meaning there will always be another reason to head back to Puerto Rico.
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Hans Ebenman | The Rooftop Guide CEO
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PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE
The temperature in Phoenix is warm all year-round with highs around 40 degrees Celsius in summer. Daytime in the winter is still comfortable for Phoenix rooftops. This weather allows the rooftop bars in Phoenix to be open all year round. With the festivities of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships bringing us to Phoenix, we took the opportunity to check out a few hot-spots. Most of the rooftop bars of Phoenix have swimming pools and comfortable lounge furniture. If, like us, you enjoy the combination of luxury, party vibes and nice views, this is a great city to visit. Shade Lounge is a rooftop bar at the W Scottsdale. Decorated in Mediterranean style with white sofas and large wooden floor, Shade Lounge has a large swimming pool complemented by a live DJ during our visit. If you like to swim with a view, this is the best rooftop bar Phoenix has to offer. Make sure to come neatly dressed in the evening and in swimwear daytime.
Great party atmosphere both day, evening and night. The view is great and the drinks are strong, if not pricy. With a stunning view of South Mountain and the Phoenix skyline, Lustre Rooftop Bar is a really chic spot. Furnished with sofas, tables, loungers with a pool in the middle, the location is perfect, right downtown. Here you’ll do best relaxing in a sun lounger with a good drink or beer in hand. When the sun goes down, Lustre Rooftop Garden Phoenix will satisfy party lovers. At Talking Stick Resort you find more than one fantastic Phoenix rooftop bar experience. The Orange Sky is situated on the 15th floor, offering breathtaking views of the desert, mountains and skyline. Try to be here for sunsetwith-an-extra-cherry-on-top views. Orange Sky offers both a lounge with live music and specialty cocktails, as well as a fine dining restaurant. Situated on the fourteenth floor is Degree 270, a weekend night spot with (surprise, surprise) 270-degree magical views of the valley and mountains. Here you can enjoy live DJs, dancing and very good cocktails. For those who
want to splurge, reserve a VIP table for bottle service. Degree 270 rooftop bar is open for the party crowd on Fridays and Saturdays. Both the Orange Sky Lounge and Degree 270 are popular places to visit, so make sure to be here in time or book your place in advance. Bar Smith Phoenix is a rooftop bar in Phoenix located in the city center with a party-dance-hall vibe. Here famous DJs play all night long to a large dance floor and always a festive atmosphere. Bar Smith Phoenix is not the place for those who want to take it easy and enjoy a relaxing drink – you need your festive hat on. Fridays and Saturdays the dance floor is packed with party and dance-hungry people. Come here early if to get in and get a good spot. If you like to party with a view, Bar Smith Phoenix is a perfect choice in this city. Rooftop Lounge and Patio is a nightclub and roof patio in Tempe with great views and always a party atmosphere. Enjoy music, views, and sports on their lounge area and a large terrace. If you are looking for a full night out with some lovely views, Rooftop Lounge and Patio is one of the best rooftop bars in Phoenix. page 153
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SPIRITUALITY DEFINING THE DIVINE
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU IN 2019 Jyoti Paintel Bowles Spiritual Guidance Contributor
Making personal resolutions for a new year can be a poignant and empowering process. If done in a compassionate and constructive way, it is useful in identifying areas in our lives where there is a sense of dissatisfaction, lack, or unfulfilled desire. But it is more than just making a resolution- it is about being courageous enough to take an analytical look at what might need some fine-tuning. Making resolutions is a process of being awake and proactive in seeking out our joy, in whatever form it may be. When we make a resolution we are putting the wheels in motion and igniting the momentum of the possibility to improve some aspect of our life. The general cynicism that comes along with making resolutions, however, is our common inability to keep our resolve, no matter how meaningful the intention. People make promises to start some new hobby or have their body in stateof–the-art shape by a certain time, only to see their discipline and motivation lose steam as the year progresses.
By then, the resolution turns into an optional idea, and within a few months completely falls by the wayside. What goes wrong? Why do most of us fail to keep our resolutions? Surely they typically consist of personal improvement – and who doesn’t want that? One way to start your resolutions on a shaky foot is to commit to something without intention. We rationalize that the disgrace of disappointing someone else will keep us motivated. Unfortunately, one of life’s lessons about disappointment is that it is precisely when we let ourselves down that our psyche becomes hyper-aware and self-critical. Indeed, we are far harsher on ourselves than the whole peanut gallery would ever be. This is why it is important that we make and keep our promises to ourselves. Holding ourselves accountable to our own promises builds stability, integrity, and a healthy dose of self-admiration. A common goal for many is to improve physical health or appearance by making lifestyle changes to exercise and diet. Since these types of resolutions are also the most difficult to maintain, I want to focus this month on ways to keep our promises and resolutions. We will fail at keeping resolutions to change our physical health when we
don’t look at the emotional or psychological reason behind desiring the change. Instead of just desiring to look or feel good, we must first get to the root of why that element of ‘good,’ isn’t already there. While changes on any level can be disruptive, changing our bodies and minds to operate in a new way necessitates a holistic approach. When trying to create time and space for exercise, it is really helpful to look at the reasons why we don’t already have a regular routine. Medical professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise four to five times a week, if not daily. Make a list of all the reasons that you feel you don’t already do this: Is it time? Do you need childcare? Whatever the reason is, be honest, gentle and kind with yourself. Loving yourself is an easier path to the desired-you than the path of self-criticism. For every reason you haven’t achieved your goals yet, brainstorm ways to remove your obstacles. If keeping your resolutions requires extra help from loved ones, ask. Put your schedule in an area where everyone sees when you will be exercising. Ask your family to help you keep exercise goals by remembering to give you time and space, and, if helpful, even some company. page 157
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SPIRITUALITY DEFINING THE DIVINE
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU IN 2019 This is why it is important that we make and keep our promises to ourselves. Holding ourselves accountable to our own promises builds stability, integrity, and a healthy dose of self-admiration. Loss of initial motivation, discipline, and drive derail many resolutions. When life becomes hectic, we prioritize the things in front of us. At times, we feel guilty taking time away from yet another pressing need.
or family member to join you, or take a group fitness class. I’ve found that the support of sharing my journey to fitness with others who have similar goals and who also face the same setbacks has been really helpful.
to several types of foods while keeping a food journal that I noticed what was in certain foods that didn’t make my body didn’t feel good. Through this documentation, we pieced together my intolerance.
Remind yourself how much the promise meant to you on January 1. Keep your goals visible and attainable. Instead of only one big goal, create increments of daily and weekly goals. When you keep and meet your goals, reward yourself in a way that is truly meaningful.
Once you have made a decision to stay on an exercise routine as a lifestyle choice, I strongly believe that making an appointment with a nutritionist could be life changing.
Keeping a commitment to exercise is augmented by our commitment to eating healthier as well, and sometimes losing weight means eliminating a certain type of food your body can’t process. It’s no surprise that our bodies have unique food requirements– make it a priority to know what your body needs and customize your palate.
If you find that you didn’t meet your goals in a given time period, don’t be hard on yourself - look back to a day or week when you did meet your goals and remind yourself that you did it once, and you’ll do it again. The first couple of times you go back to exercising after a hiatus, ask a friend
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For some, diet presents the biggest challenge. From personal experience, the best thing I can say about this is: Know thyself. For a good portion of my life, I didn’t know I had an intolerance to garlic, onions, and all other bulbs; I suffered relentlessly not knowing what was happening to my body or why. It was the combination of explaining to a nutritionist how my body reacted
This proactive approach to goals, resolutions and commitments will open your heart and mind to joy in a new and improved 2019.
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COACH WINE: TRUST YOUR
PROTEIN? PART III
POST-WORKOUT FOR FAT LOSS
By Mark Wine BA; CSCS; USAW; PT, PES, CES
Exercise nutrition focuses on resistance training, protein ingestion and its effects on muscle protein synthesis. Muscle protein synthesis is the stimulation of muscular development and is best served with resistance training and protein ingestion working synergistically. The greatest effect of the two working in unison seems to come when protein is ingested immediately post-resistance training. Resistance training creates concentrated muscular contractions that heighten pathways, which send signals resulting in muscular growth and development. The quality of protein that is selected, along with the amounts, can heighten the significance of the synergistic effect.
All protein is not created equal and must be treated that way. Research continually points to Whey as the superior protein of choice in relation to hypertrophy and stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Whey is a fast-digesting protein with a higher content of leucine, which can enhance protein synthesis for up to a full day. Whey is a derivative of milk, thus making milk the superior protein of choice for fat loss and muscle growth versus other sources such as soy, rice, or hemp. In its natural form, milk contains much more casein than whey protein. Therefore, supplementing Whey with milk is not suggested. In emergency situations this can be an alternative, but do not make this a habit. Post-workout is the single most crucial time that protein ingestion is optimized. In last month’s column, I discussed that massive amounts of protein post-workout are not only unnecessary and expensive, but that they may be actually decreasing
protein synthesis. Just as the right amount of protein is essential, so are all of the other variables. The most pristine dosage of protein post-workout was shown to be around 20-30 grams of protein (Whey and EAA). Most individuals would find this easy to follow, but there is a tricky part. Roughly 5-10 grams should come from Essential Amino Acids (EAA), with nearly half coming in the form of the Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) leucine. It may be possible that higher amounts of protein and BCAAs could be better for more advanced individuals who train multiple times in a day, for example, but I have not found any case studies on this topic. Other nutrients have been suggested post-workout as well; Arginine, glutamine, carbohydrates, sugar, and Creatine. There have been multiple studies done on each of these and results have been mixed in regards to post-workout. The most commonly suggested
post-workout aid comes in the form of carbohydrates. Carbs are important to preserve muscle and allow for optimal muscle recovery (i.e. muscle glycogen). Post-workout carbohydrates that are fast digesting (high glycemic) are often suggested because of their insulin response. Insulin helps with the transportation of protein, EAA, to the damaged and contracting muscles post-workout. However, whey protein is already fast-digesting and carries its own insulin response value. As a result, research has not fully supported high-glycemic carbohydrate ingestion in order to achieve maximal fat loss and muscle protein synthesis. Please note that carbs can be helpful. If your goal is strictly weight loss and fat loss, purely aesthetic, do not choose to ingest post-workout carbohydrates. Intense athletes and fitness enthusiasts should select carbohydrates post-workout on maximal intensity training days that involve near maximal continued on page x page 165
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M U S C L E
F I T N E S S page 167
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CONTINUED...
COACH WINE: TRUST YOUR
PROTEIN? PART III POST-WORKOUT FOR FAT LOSS
weight loads and lengths of time greater than or equal to one hour. On the other hand, athletes with a goal of increasing performance (i.e. power, strength, and hypertrophy) should ingest carbohydrates post-workout to aid in muscle glycogen restoration while increasing insulin sensitivity. If your workout requires post-workout carbohydrates, choose 10-15 grams of high glycemic carbs. Here is a general rule of thumb that should be followed to maximize muscular protein synthesis and fat loss: Pre-Workout: ingest 6-10 grams of protein, with 3-5 grams coming from EAA. Intra-Workout: ingest 10-15 grams of EAA, with 40-50% coming from Leucine. I understand this may be difficult, so start low and work your way up. Post-Workout: ingest 20-30 grams of Whey protein and EAA, with 5-10 grams coming from Leucine.
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MOLD YOUR MIND
DON'T LOSE YOUR MARBLES TOP TIPS FOR SELF-CARE
Self-care can be defined as any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.
Joey Velez, M.A., M.B.A. Have you ever said to yourself, “I feel burned out,” “work is stressing me out,” or something similar? Have you ever experienced guilt or anxiety because you were falling behind in school or work? You are not alone. There are certain responsibilities that we have as individuals that are necessary to be able to live. Whether it is work, school, exercising, taking your children to school or practice, life will find ways to keep you busy. Do these responsibilities need to be done? Absolutely. However, we cannot lose sight of the fact that our lives are precious. In fact, our lives are so precious that we only get one. Therefore, it is important to give bodies and our minds a break from the responsibilities and rigors that this life demands. Actively participating in self-care gives us that balance between doing something we have to do and doing something that we enjoy. page 170
Participating in self-care has many benefits: improved mood, reduced anxiety and the effects of anxiety; preventing burnout, helping shape and re-focus; and is also important for a good relationship with oneself and others. There are those out there that do not enjoy going to work, going to school, or exercising, driving to multiple venues to drop multiple children off, coordinating rides on the regular. These areas can cause people extreme amounts of stress. Actively participating in self-care gives you the physical and spiritual balance that you need to power through those stressful responsibilities.
Personal Experience During my graduate program, I was worked with a collegiate golf team as part of an internship. I was beyond excited to be working with a collegiate team and wanted to make sure that I changed my schedule around so I could be present as much as possible. My daily schedule consisted of getting up at 5 a.m. to go to the gym, followed by work at 8 a.m., then practice at 1 p.m., and I would finish with class from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. most days. At firs t, I felt this would not be a problem, but I soon realized that my plate was beginning to overflow. I was not more than four weeks into my internship before my work began to suffer, I was dealing with minor health problems, I was constantly stressed and exhausted, I was beginning to lose it. It came to a point where, during a group supervision session with my professor and several others, I began to break down. The
flood gates opened and I could not stop, the emotions kept spilling out of me. While this was helpful and necessary, my peers helped me realize that I was not doing anything to take care of myself. I was work-work-work; nothing else. It was at this point I realized the importance of self-care. While my schedule did not exactly change, I started planning activities on weekends to help me relax, I began to meditate more frequently, and I gave myself the chance to sleep in on some of the days I would normally work out. I had realized my biggest mistake: in not wanting to miss out on the opportunity of working with a collegiate team, I took on too much and did not make any time for myself. Self-care is a necessary activity that will help you maintain your productivity levels, as well as your own personal mental and physical state.
What Can You Do? Here are my three tips for participating in self-care. First, when you come home after a long day, whether it is from work, school, or athletics, have a routine you go through to decompress from the day. Examples of this could be sitting in your backyard, lying on bed for several minutes, putting on your relaxing clothes, or cracking open for favorite beverage. The key is to give yourself that free time to relax, de-stress, and enjoy your evening. One thing that is helpful too is to take a nice, deep, relaxing breath either before you exit your car or before you walk into your house. A deep relaxing breath can have a major impact on lowering your stress levels. Second, do something that you enjoy every
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weekend. Examples of this could be going golfing, going on a hike, having a picnic at the park, seeing a movie – whatever helps you relax. Make sure you switch it up to keep things fresh. Another benefit that this has is it gives you something to look forward to when facing the mid-week haze, so that you can push straight through to the weekend
and this takes away from our self-care. You deserve this time for yourself. You deserve to do something you enjoy. Your work will be there when you are finished taking care of yourself, and a fresh, relaxed, recharged mind and body will help you get the work done that is needed.
Lastly, be kind to yourself when you are participating in self-care. At times, we experience guilt because we feel there is something that needs to be done. We experience anxiety because we do not want to fall behind in our work,
One must understand that self-care is not a selfish act. Rather, it is not only about considering our needs, but also about knowing what we need to do in order to take care of ourselves, being subsequently able to take care of others
Final Thoughts
as well. It is difficult, if not impossible, to take care of others if you cannot take care of yourself. Setting time aside to relax, to participate in something you enjoy and to disconnect from your daily schedule, are extremely valuable activities for our mental health. Make sure to alert others that you have time set aside for self-care so that they know to give you your space. Put it in your schedule to do something you enjoy this weekend. Actively participate in self-care and watch your mental health change for the better.
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