Polo Lifestyles - Haiti July 2019: Women + Power

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WOMEN & POWER COLLECTOR'S ISSUE

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SAY "I WANT TO" NOT "I HAVE TO"

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VOLUME III / ISSUE VII / JULY 2019

Haiti Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand

Travel Contributor

Joshua Jakobitz

Wine Contributor

Assistant Copy Intern

Jyoti Paintel

Spiritual Guidance Contributor

Brand Representatives Anne-Isabelle Saint-Pierre - Dubai

Raphael Dapaah

Rudy Volel - New York

Stanley Pierre-Etienne

Contributing Photographers Eva Espresso Jonathan Prewitt KlearPics

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

Sara Ali

Luxury & Culture Adviser

Mark Wine

Fitness Columnist

Joey Velez

Wellness Columnist

Kemissa Racine

Style Contributor

Hans Ebenman Cezar Kusik

Art Contributor

Style Contributor

Kenneth Carrion de los Condes Lifestyles Contributor

Claire Barrett

Head of Photography

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William Smith Philanthropy Contributor Gregory Bertrand

a.isabellesaintpierre@gmail.com volel.me@gmail.com

Olivier Saillant

Polo Lifestyles is a publication of HT Polo Publishing Co. 995 Detroit Avenue, Suite A Concord, CA 94518 Copyright Š Polo Lifestyles 2019 All Rights Reserved.

For information or to advertise Contact editor@pololifestyles.com Read online at www.pololifestyles.com Cover Photo Rihanna wearing a Dior Haute Couture jumpsuit, blouse, cap, veil, socks and shoes.

Photo by Dennis Leupold

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Cowdray Park The Dollar Cup Gold Cup for the British Open Cicero Cup Guards Polo Club Cirencester Park Warwickshire Cup Greenwich Polo Club Monty Waterbury Cup Polo de Paris Tournoi de Printemps Tournoi de la Ville de Paris 125th Open de Paris Maui Polo Club Oskie Rice Memorial Santa Barbara Polo Club Pacific Coast Circuit Intra-Circuit Cup Polo Club St-Tropez Sun Trophy Silver Whips Golden Wave Women's International IPC Open de Gassin Sotogrande Santa Maria Polo Club Torneo de las Apuestas Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club British Polo Day Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly PGH Cup Bourbon Trophy Champlatreux Trophy Inanda Polo Club Inanda High Goal

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SCONE POLO WINS BIG AT CARTIER QUEEN'S CUP POLO LIFESTYLES EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS

Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand

Publisher Polo Lifestyles @haiti_polo_captain

Cezar Kusik

Wine Contributor Polo Lifestyles @cezareatsdirt

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Josh Jakobitz

Editor-in-Chief Polo Lifestyles @joshuajakobitz

Kenneth Carrion

Kemissa Racine Style Contributor Polo Lifestyles @kemissa

Joey Velez

Lifestyles Contributor Mental Wellness Columnist De Los Condes Velez Mental Performance @deloscondes_inspired_living @velezmentalhealth

Mark Wine

Fitness Columnist Functional Muscle Fitness @functionalmuscle

Jyoti Paintel

Spiritual Contributor Polo Lifestyles @jyotipaintel

Anne-Isabelle St-Pierre Stanley Pierre-Etienne Brand Representative Polo Lifestyles @isasaintpierre

Style Contributor Lanmou Pou Ranyon @stanleypierretienne

Raphael Dapaah Art Contributor Dapaah Gallery @dapaahgallery

William Smith

Philanthrophy Contributor Santa Fe Comm. Foundation @willismith_2000

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Gentlemen, Start your Engines page 60

Davidson Petit-Frere's new menswear page 130

Take your Smartphone Abroad & Save page 140

A Picnic to Impress Your Guests page 26

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN Thirty women from all walks of life who inspire us in 2019 Page 82

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Content feedback is one of my most time-consuming, yet rewarding responsibilities as editor-in-chief of Polo Lifestyles. Every month, there are always one or two contributors begging for my feedback. Somehow, texting back “Working on 30 Women + Power profiles for July’s deadline, haven’t read your content yet,” just doesn’t cut it.

This month, it was our wine contributor Cezar Kusik who messaged me relentlessly in the middle of the night about his column. He’s currently 10 time zones ahead of me in Poland, his birthplace and the part of the world my ancestors hail from as well.

Last year, when I met Cezar at 25 Lusk, our first conversation was about Poland. Had I been? Yes. Do I speak Polish? No. “I thought about you the WHOLE time I was writing this piece,” he text me via WhatsApp. “It’s Poland! Home!” I acquiesced, put aside our Women + Power profiles for a few minutes, and read his column. It was good, very good , in fact – full of unpronounceable cities and names with double consonants that don’t work in Romance languages, like “jc” and “lw.”

Back to Women + Power. This month, we roll out our second annual Women + Power edition. The hours that go into selection, refinement, writing, cutting and finalizing are long, but worth it. This year’s final selection comprises an incredible group of global women. We laughed and cried over their stories, trials and tribulations.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern landed the coveted cover spot this month. Her incredible leadership in the face of unforgivable chaos, as well as her swift action to ban most semi-automatic weapons in New Zealand spoke to our group of editors and writers.

There are some repeat finalists on our 2019 list, and there are some names that probably should have been repeated, but so many times, we said, Let’s see what happens in the next 12 months. For right now, our Women + Power 2019 list is complete and balanced. We hope you enjoy the profiles as much as we enjoyed assembling them.

Best, Josh Jakobitz josh@pololifestyles.com

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INFLUENTIAL PHILANTHROPY

WOMEN, POWER & PHILANTHROPY

THE WORLD'S WEALTHIEST AND MOST CHARITABLE WOMEN

Left: Dame Ann Gloag and right: MacKenzie Bezos William Smith, philanthrophy contributor

Philanthropy knows no gender, but historically, it has been the male-dominated titans of industry and their subsequent accumulation of family wealth over generations that has meant it is mostly the men of great charity whose names the history books record.

been a growth in women’s equality over the 20th century. Many women now rank among the wealthiest and most charitable individuals in the world.

The first and second industrial revolutions spawned the Rockefellers, Morgans, Venderbilts and Girards. Perhaps most famous, is Andrew Carnegie, the ScottishAmerican steel baron, who gave away more than $350 million during the latter part of his life in the early 20th century. In today’s dollars, that equates to nearly $6.5 billion.

However, before we get into that, some additional context may be helpful. Philanthropy itself was set on its head when, in 1889, Carnegie authored the essay “Gospel of Wealth.”

In it, Carnegie laid out his vision for how those self-made rich, might “responsibly” have their surplus wealth administered for the betterment of addressing wealth inequality, which had exploded under the transformation of society by the industrial revolutions. Of course, in sharing his views, Carnegie hoped his vision might be adopted by his peers. It was, and contemporary philanthropy came into being.

But, given the topic of this month’s issue of Polo Lifestyles, we are focusing on women in philanthropy. Despite great struggle, there has thankfully

Today a new generation of philanthropists are seeking to make their mark on the world and in not too dissimilar a fashion as the generation that pro-

ceeded them. Only this time, women are at the forefront.

The modern-day equivalent of the “Gospel of Wealth” is “The Giving Pledge.” Launched in 2010 by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet, The Giving Pledge requests commitments from the world’s billionaires (or would-be billionaires if it were not for significant philanthropic investments) to philanthropically give away the majority of their wealth.

Like Carnegie several generations before, The Giving Pledge is a clarion call among the ultra-wealthy to adhere to, in the words of the organization itself, “a new standard of generosity.”

Today, more than 204 of the world’s wealthiest families representing 23 countries have signed the pledge.

Among the many women who’ve signed the pledge is MacKenzie Bezos, who with her now ex-husband Jeff Bezos, shepherded Amazon from its beginnings into the world’s largest page 21

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INFLUENTIAL PHILANTHROPY WOMEN, POWER & PHILANTHROPY

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

retailer. Bezos is now reportedly the third wealthiest woman in the world with an estimated fortune of $36 billion. Signing onto the pledge in May of this year, Bezos’ words on why she is giving are clear.

“We each come by the gifts we have to offer by an infinite series of influences and lucky breaks we can never fully understand. In addition to whatever assets life has nurtured in me, I have a disproportionate amount of money to share...And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.” Though not yet fully defined, Bezos said her philanthropy will focus on the need to “help address society’s most pressing problems.”

Another signer of the Giving Pledge is Dame Ann Gloag DBE, a Scottishborn entrepreneur who started the transportation-related Stagecoach Group in 1980 with her brother.

Considered one of the UK’s leading businesswomen and Scotland’s wealthiest woman with an estimated net worth in excess of ₤1 billion, Dame Ann Gloag’s philanthropy remains true to her early 20-year professional career as a nurse. She founded and supports the internationally focused NGO Freedom from Fistula Foundation, as well as nupage 22

“I was brought up by my parents to believe that wealth creation is about making a difference in society,” said Mazumdar-Shaw about her commitment to the Giving Pledge. merous healthcare related organizations in Africa including the charity, Mercy Ships. The Gloag Foundation is established as a UK charitable trust and “supports projects that prevent or relieve poverty and encourage the advancement of education, health, and religion in the UK and overseas.”

Indian billionaire Kiran MazumdarShaw signed The Giving Pledge in 2015 with her estimated $3.2 billion in wealth as founder and chairperson of the bio-pharmaceutical company Biocon. Through both the corporate responsibility arm of Biocon and through the Mazumdar-Shaw Medical Foundation, both of which she established, her philanthropy has been focused on supporting access to affordable and high-quality healthcare for those in the developing world.

“I was brought up by my parents to believe that wealth creation is about making a difference in society,” said

Mazumdar-Shaw about her commitment to the Giving Pledge.

CEO and founder of the U.S.-based medical records software company, Epic, Judy Faulkner, was named 4th on the Forbes’ list of “America’s Most Successful Women Entrepreneurs” in 2019. Signing the Giving Pledge in 2015 and having an estimated worth of $3.9 billion, Faulkner has promised to give away 99% of her assets to philanthropy for what she calls “roots and wings.” “My goal…is to help others with roots – food, warmth, shelter, healthcare, education – so they too can have wings.”

Of course, those women who’ve signed The Giving Pledge aren’t the only ones engaged in philanthropy, but signing the pledge provides a network of support (provided by staff at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) and collegiality among like-minded peers to bring that philanthropy to fruition. For certain, it is a work in progress, and the June 2019 issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy casts much skepticism that the Giving Pledge has had much of an impact on actual giving.

One prominent figure who was present at the meeting where the Giving

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Pledge was created but has not yet signed it, is Oprah Winfrey. With an estimated wealth of $2.6 billion in 2019, Winfrey’s philanthropic energies are well documented. In 1998, she launched Oprah’s Angel Network, and by 2010, the organization had raised and eventually given away more than $80 million; with at least $10 million from Winfrey herself. The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, established in 2011, has taken over much of the Angel Network’s activity and added to it. Nearly $240 million in assets are endowed at Oprah’s Charitable Foundation.

What all these philanthropic leaders have in common is not just a sense of altruism, but a desire to model for others the need to give back.

Creating a culture of philanthropy is what remains paramount, and many other examples of this culture thrive.

For example, there are also “women’s foundations” long established

Oprah Winfrey

in many geographies to help build a culture of female-focused philanthropy. The Global Fund for Women, founded in 1987, including one of my dear friends and long-time mentors Frances Kissling, has become an international focal point for philan-

The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, established in 2011, has taken over much of the Angel Network’s activity and added to it. Nearly $240 million in assets are endowed at Oprah’s Charitable Foundation. thropy that supports human rights for all women and girls. In 2018, they directly provided 302 grants to over 70 countries worth nearly $8 million.

Through a partnership with two other foundations, another ₤42 million was provided through 212 grants to 35

countries. Many more such examples exist in more local geographies. In the U.S., for example, according to research from GuideStar, women’s foundations exist in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Hundreds of women’s “giving circles” – where women contribute a fixed amount per member and conduct grantmaking together – also exist within community foundations across the globe The power of women in philanthropy is strong and only growing. So too do the needs in our communities and indeed, across the globe. There is cause in giving back and diving in for every philanthropist. As philanthropist Lynn Schusterman reflected in her statement on why she decided to join The Giving Pledge, and in referencing the Jewish sage, Hillel, “If I am not for myself, who is for me? If I care only for myself, what am I? If not now, when.”

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LAVISH LIFESTYLES A COLUMN BY KENNETH CARRION THAT YOUR CONCIERGE WILL LOVE TO HATE

WHETHER IT'S THE 'FOURTH OF JULY' OR 'BASTILLE DAY,' PLAN THE MOST DECADENT, PATRIOTIC PICNIC. EVER.

by Kenneth Carrion de los Condes, lifestyles contributor, @deloscondes_inspired_living Photos by Claire Barrett, head of photography, @clairebarrettphoto

July is a time for celebration on both sides of the Atlantic.

The month holds great significance for France and America, so whether your flag of red, white and blue is striped or includes stars, revolution and independence are the raisons d’être for picnics and fireworks

(les pique-niques et les feux-d’artifice.)

After helping America win its war against the British, the American’s declaration of independence on July 4, 1776 emboldened the French and they decided to undertake their own revolution, which began with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.

We have a lot to thank our

ancestors for, but, putting guts and glory aside, let’s talk about what’s on the menu for these summer public holidays!

It seems we might actually have the French revolution to thank for the naissance of the picnic.

While al fresco dining had long been popular with the wealthy ruling classes in France, it wasn’t until after the revolution that the royal

gardens and parks became open to the public, making picnicking possible for everybody.

Fourth of July This year , why not keep your menu elegant yet simple, so that you can spend more time poolside with your guests. page 27

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LAVISH LIFESTYLES

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ESSENTIAL PICNIC LUXURIES It’s always a good idea to have beer chilling on ice, but as a refreshing alternative, welcome your guest with a delicious and unique cocktail.

My “ Independent Spirit” cocktail is a cucumber-rosemary infused vodka spritz, garnished with a slice of watermelon radish.

For you west coasters who might need an extra kick, add a few jalapeños into the mix.

Watermelon is quintessentially American. It’s the perfect appetizer for a hot summer day, cut into bite-size morsels; the addition of a leaf or two of arugula balances the sweetness of

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the fruit with a touch of bitterness.

If up don’t have arugula, you can use basil in its place. Or, drizzle the watermelon with a balsamic vinegar reduction and some fine extra virgin olive oil.

We often associate the Fourth of July with the Thirteen Colonies, so why not give a New England spin to a southern dish. Perhaps something like a sharable recipe such as a southern low country boil.

Since I am a born and raised Connecticutian, I like to add lobster or Dungeness crab to the cornucopia instead of crawfish.

For me, it’s all about making the extra effort. So, although this dish is usually tossed straight from the pan onto the table, why not elevate your guest’s experience by sacrificing a linen runner and serving the food alongside fine bone china.

As for dessert, on a hot summer’s day; perfect in a pinch Popsicles! Try luscious cherry and blueberry flavors and introduce them as a delightful surprise when your guests need to cool down.

Bastille Day For the French, food plays an essential role in their cultural identity. It is regarded as an art form; from the daily

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LAVISH LIFESTYLES

FOR ENTERTAINING THIS JULY purchase of fresh bread at the local boulangerie, to exquisite dining options. At the same time, the French idea of a picnic seems to be whatever they have in the pantry at the time, still, with their reverence for quality and freshness it always manages to come up to par.

Fresh, simple and local ingredients were key to that first French picnic experience; cheese, bread, fruit, all set against the backdrop of a vineyard in the

golden light of a summer afternoon.

My first celebration of Bastille day was in the Champagne region of Epernay. Nothing says celebration more to me than champagne, served ice cold of course. It can only be improved by the addition of one thing... caviar!

I was 16 years old when I first tasted this delicacy, and luckily for me it happened to be triple zero Beluga (now unavailable,

legally.) It literally brought tears to my eyes, so I think I was smart enough to appreciate it at the time!

Jambon-buerre sandwiches can be made ahead of time and added to a basket of fruits-de-saison, local cheeses and of course the chilled champagne and caviar.

Take a blanket, find the welcoming shade of an old tree and savor good food and good friends.

FRENCH-ENGLISH LEXICON Raison d’être: Reason and justification for existence. Literally, reason to be.

Les pique-niques: Picnics Les feux-d’artifice: Fireworks Naissance: Birth Boulangerie: Bakery Jambon-buerre: Ham and butter

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LAVISH LIFESTYLES

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andersoncooper "In the end, after all else is stripped away, there is only love. My mom believed in love." - AC

access_st_barth A rainbow of drinks in St-Barths, no rainbow required just sun and fun all day and all night

rclayton Sporting all of her favorite rainbow stripe looks for the month of June #walltraveled page 36

agnello_1 Life is a one TIME offer - redeem it well, and make it count @hublot

brownhotevents Glass-enclosure with sheer panels and lights make a magical reception hall on a polo field in Palm Springs

ethanherisse The young Haitian-American stars in Ava Duvernay's powerful mini-series "When They See Us"

naomi A dramatic entrance among an afternoon of "Camp" Met Gala in @maisonvalentino @pppiccioli

rolandgarros The joy ride of @rafaelnadal #RG19 #rolandgarros #nadal #tennis #ballkids #champ

sconepoloclub Scone Polo beat out Park Place at @guards_polo_club to win the @cartier Queen's Cup

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Click and comment on our choices... tag @pololifestyles.

We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.

carlanunez_ Let's go to the beach / Vamos pa' la playa in my @mercedesbenzcb headpiece by @omarcolinacollection

ralphlauren Ralph and Ricky Lauren in London for the presentation of the greatest honor the kingdom awards non-Brits

uspoloassn #LiveAuthentically @sinkthesun in U.S. Polo Assn. gear for the summer

lunionsuite Haitian-American Farah Louis won her Democratic primary in Brooklyn Central distric

raymondbraun Celebrating #stonewall50 around the world as part of Pride month

juneambrose Happy birthday to #rockmom @lala

gulfstreamaero The new G600 business jet debuted at the International Paris Air Show with amenities for days

specialolympicsnca Special Olympics Global Ambassador @haiti_polo_captain officially opened the Summer Games @ucdavis

haitiantimes Les Grenadiers knocked out Costa Rica in New Jersey #grenadieralaso page 37

THE ASTON MARTIN DB 11

UNLIKE ANY OTHER

ASTON MARTIN

VOLUME III / ISSUE VII / JULY 2019

FRENCH OPEN Roland Garro, Paris

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FRENCH OPEN Roland Garro, Paris

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FRENCH OPEN

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ROLAND GARROS

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CARTIER QUEEN'S CUP Guard's Polo Club

Final: Scone Polo 9 / 5 Park Place

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CARTIER QUEEN'S CUP U S POLO AS SN 9. 5 / 8 F L E X J E T

On Sunday, June 16, stylish A-listers and royals turned out for the Cartier Queen’s Polo Cup final.

Dressed in a customary bright pink ensemble, guest of honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented the silver cup to Scone Polo, who beat out favorite Park Place 9-5 in the final. Park page 50

Place also finished runner-up last year.

The Cartier Queen’s Cup is a 22-goal polo tournament played at the Guards Polo Club - often regarded as the highlight of the British social season.

Members of the Royal Family, including the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry, have previously competed in the tour-

nament, though earlier this year it was reported the Duke of Sussex would be scaling back his involvement in the game.

Scone Polo’s James Harper was named Cartier Most Valuable Player. He also received the Cartier Best Playing Pony rug for Twitter, a seven-year old chest-

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CA RTI ER Q UE E N 'S CUP

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nut mare. Other guests included Jenna Coleman who portrays Queen Victoria in Victoria and Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson.

Coleman sat with other VIPs in the lower enclosure near the Queen.

As is tradition, after the match guests took to the pitch to participate in divot stomping.

Cartier then hosted a VIP luncheon before attendees gathered to watch the Queen and Cartier’s managing director Laurent Feniou present the winning cup.

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CA RTI E R Q UE E N 'S CUP

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CARTIER QU E E N 'S C U P

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F1

GRAND PRIX de MONACO

LEWIS HAMILTON CRUISES TO VICTORY page 60

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F 1 GRAN D PR I X D E M O N AC O

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Challenge. Create. Outperform.

See the lineage 1000E at embraer.com

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CELL C AFRICA CUP

Titan Law Zimbabwe 6 / 3 Kego Mining South Africa Inanda Club, Sandton

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JOHANNESBURG - It was a day of African fashion, champagne and riveting polo at the Cell C Inanda Africa Cup, which took place this past weekend at the Inanda Club, located in the heart of Sandton.

The tournament brought a pivotal moment for Titan Law Zimbabwe as they won the clash for the 2019 championship title, clinching the most coveted polo trophy. Distinctive in their team colors, flaunting thrilling action and showing extreme skills of

the highest degree, the esteemed team earned a final score of 6-3 over Kego Mining South Africa. Â The enthusiasm of match commentator, Matt Poll, kept everyone on the edge of their seats throughout the grand finale match. The score was 0-0 at the end of the first chukka, then Gareth Meikle scored his first penalty shot, putting Titan Law Zimbabwe in the lead in the second. Defensive play by female polo player, Lean Spark (0) never wavered, warranting Kego

Mining a goal in the second chukka.

Titan Law Zimbabwe expanded the margin to 5- 1 at halftime. Meikle scored another penalty in the final chukka, and his team maintained a comfortable advantage for the rest of the match, leading to their glorious victory of 6-3. “Polo is a sport with global appeal and one that is very aspirational.

The teams that participated in this nail-biting knock-out tournament, dedicated to showcasing their highest

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quality polo talent and skills, all deserve a huge congratulations.” Gareth Meikle, Titan Law Zimbabwe.

The plate final was between Blue Label Telecoms and Ghana Polista’s.

The match was tense with a score of 3-3 in the third chukka. Teammates Crispin Cheadle (3) and Craig James (3) changed their defense tactics, opening the field for Zac Levy (-1), the youngest player in the tournament, to score consecutive goals.

The 13-year-old Zac managed to score despite being marked by a player 10 years his senior and two handicaps higher.

Blue Label Telecoms took the game with a 6-3 win in the final chukka. page 68

“Participating in the Cell C Inanda Africa Cup has been wonderful, we look forward to coming back again next year, to take the Cup Title,” adds Harold Awuah-Darko Jr. who has played in several editions of the annual Cup and previously lifted the winner’s trophy.

what the automaker called an “honorable contest.” The best polo pony of the day pitted against the luxurious German masterpiece, the BMW Z4.

The winner – the ‘Machine’.

The title for the Most Valued Player (MVP) was awarded to Gareth Meikle of Titan Law Zimbabwe. Titan Law also chalked up another win with David Evans’ Rio, which was ridden by Gareth Meikle, being selected as the Most Valued Pony (MVP).

The Inanda Club grounds and refined Polo Room were adorned with a lifestyle exposé exhibiting the finest car display by the official vehicle partner, BMW Sandton with models 850i and the 750il from their latest range. Top of the range BMWX5’s provided a luxury shuttle service to all guests on the day to the various venues within the Inanda Club.

Further polo highlights celebrated the magnetic ‘horse vs. machine’ race with a polo pony’s speed put to the test in

This year, the polo affair themed #ARTANDAFRICANSPIRIT drew fashion cognoscente to the art life-

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CE L L C I N A N DA A FR I CA C U P

style installation. Bursting with riots of textures, prints and fashion from diverse designers including The African Style Story, Black Coffee, Clive Rundle, De Mil, Ephymol, Floyd Avenue, Helen Asrat, House of Olé, Klipa, Ledikana, MusoMaxwell, Roman Handt, Sies! Isabelle, Sindiso Khumalo, Sober, Thula Sindi and XV

by Ntando.

The showcase curated by Anna-Mari Claasen also boasted an array of eclectic designers such as Airloom, Galago, Indalo Intricate, Kaross, Melweg, One of Each, Rialheim, SMTNG Good X Serati Ltd and The Urban Native.

The day proved a superb guest list of

business elites, polo enthusiasts and A-list guests, which included the likes of Nthati Moshesh, Penny Lebyane, Thando Thabethe, Mihlali Ndamase and orchestrating the day was the charismatic television actor and presenter, Lunga Shabalala, one of the most recognizable faces in South Africa.

As with most equestrian sports, the fashion worn on the sidelines has always been part of the atmosphere of the event and as a tradition, with the best-dressed awards as a highlight of the day. Lunga awarded the Prizes for Best Dressed Female to Jencey Foje, Best Dressed Male to Vuyo Varoyi while Best Dressed Couple went to Lebogang and Yolanda Nkoana.

“The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is a renowned Polo event at Inanda Club and to have sponsors such as Cell C (headline sponsor) as well as BMW Sandton (official vehicle partner ) who all share the same creativity, innovation and boldness, be a part of the event, was exhilarating.” “Guests were treated to a day of #ARTANDAFRICANSPIRIT as they all stepped out in traditional polo style and had the opportunity to create unforgettable moments. And this is what we look forward to each year.” Paul Oosthuizen, Inanda Club General Manager.

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C E L L C I NAN DA A FRICA CU P

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POLO DE PARIS

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THE 2019 BENTLEY BENTAYGA

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BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT CONVERTIBLE UNVEILING AT SHADOWBROOK WINERY

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.

-- Local luxury car and wine connoisseurs gathered at Shadowbrook Winery in anticipation of the Bentley GT Convertible unveiling.

Over wine and appetizer pairings, guests admired a wide selection of the Bentley line, including the Bentayga SUV. The page 78

dramatic unveiling involved frosted glass, mood lighting and champagne. As the baby blue GT convertible was revealed, car enthusiasts flooded toward the shiny automobile, to test its bucket seats and inspect notable detailings at a closer range.

Truly a car worthy of the Bentley collection.

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WOMEN & POWER 2019'S MOST INFLUENTIAL FIGURES FROM ATLL WALKS OF LIFE INSPIRING MILLIONS

2018 WOMEN + POWER HONOR ROLL RIHANNA - GARCELLE BEAUVAIS - AMAL CLOONEY - CHANNING DUNGEY - OPRAH - FRANCOISE ELIZEE - CHER WANG - MAYOR LONDON BREED - AYESHA CURRY - VIOLA DAVIS - WANDA TIMA - AZÈDE JEAN-PIERRE - INDRA NOOYI - VALERIE POMPEE - SERENA WILLIAMS - SHONDA RHIMES - LUBNA OLAYAN - MIA MOTTLEY - MICHELLE OBAMA - MISTY COPELAND - UNEKU ATAWODI TINA C. JEON - ROSALIND BREWER - NINA CLARKIN - MEGHAN, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX - STELLA JEAN - DHIVYA SURYADEVARA page 82

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RIHANNA

AT THE TOP OF THE CHARTS IN MUSIC, BEAUTY & FASHION

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RIHANNA

DEFYING TRADITION AT LVMH

The roll-out continued in Paris on Wednesday afternoon, as an army of international fashion editors descended on a glossy shop in the Marais.

There was a heavy security presence outside and crushed velvet couches within.

They were there for the first official viewing of the first collection from the first black female designer at the first new house introduced in decades by the luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

They were there, in other words, for Rihanna. But she was nowhere to be seen. She was, the gathering was quietly told, running a little late. Almost page 84

three hours, to be exact.

then, the magic happens.”

The woman in question did not appear any worse for wear when she finally appeared — towering in stilettos, practically glowing in a white corset dress, a glass of Champagne clutched in her hand and enthusiasm for the first collection — named Release 5-19 for the month and year it will become available — on her lips.

“It’s about creating a style for women that makes them feel strong yet beautiful,” Rihanna said as she stood next to a floor-to-ceiling tower of frameless wraparound sunglasses in a kaleidoscopic range of hues. “So in my case, and for this particular drop, that is making pieces that embrace my shape, but also make my waist look small.”

Her design inspirations, she said, came from everywhere, particularly her journey as an immigrant, from Barbados to America and now London and Paris. “Angles, textures, colors — I screen-shoot them constantly, bookmark them, folder them, then text them all to Jahleel,” she said. “Later, we have a conversation. And hopefully,

That the sizes offered up by this debut collection, which go up to a French 46 (an American 14), cover a wider range than most traditional luxury houses, was a priority, Rihanna said.

Above her — above it all — loomed the new graphic silver Fenty logo, inspired by a Greek key design.

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JACINDA ARDERN

NEW ZEALAND'S BREAK-OUT POLITICIAN

New Zealand’s youngest prime minister in 150 years made global headlines last June when she became the second elected world leader in modern times to give birth while in office. She has since received widespread praise for her response to the Christchurch terrorist attacks in March.

Ardern’s rise to the highest office in the land was swift, becoming the leader of the center-left Labor Party just weeks before New Zealand’s 2017 election. Her youth, charisma and progressive policies have stirred fervent admiration among her devotees — a phenomenon called “Jacindamania” by the news media.

Ardern’s balance of leadership and motherhood generated discussion page 86

before she became prime minister.

She stood up for working mothers and chided interviewers who asked her whether she would take time off if she had a baby while serving as prime minister. She replied that asking a woman in a professional context if she planned to get pregnant was “totally unacceptable.”

Following the birth of her daughter, Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford with partner of five years Clarke Gaylord, it was he who would become a stay-athome parent In the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attacks in March, in which 51 worshipers were killed at two mosques, Prime Minister Ardern again made world news. Commentators praised her compassion, her decision to wear a hijab when comforting survivors and the families of those killed, and her

swift action to ban most semi-automatic weapons in New Zealand. Not only did she deliver swift action on gun control, she has sent a powerful message around the world about shared values—that those who seek to divide us will never succeed, and that New Zealand will always protect and celebrate the diversity and openness that make our countries great.

Ardern has also discussed the need to end the use of social media for perpetuating terrorist acts, such as the 17-minute livestream of the Christchurch massacre. In coordinated effort with French president Emmanuel Macron, she will be pushing a “Christchurch Call” initiative to ask governments and Internet companies like Facebook and Google to remove terrorist broadcasts quickly when they do appear, and to do more to prevent terrorist acts from being livestreamed in the first place.

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MELINDA GATES

COMPASSION GOES A LONG WAY

If Bill Gates’ superpower is speaking truth to the mighty, Melinda’s may well be hearing the truth of the unmighty, internalizing and then sharing that secret; often in the form of a brutally repressed wisdom.

For a generally soft-toned speaker, her voice has the command of a church bell, but those who know her say her truly uncanny talent is simply the ability to listen.

On one trip with Melinda to India, meeting with a group that was particularly hardhit by HIV; women in the commercial sex industry.

Melinda—as was often the page 88

case—sat on the floor with the women and listened.

In Mozambique, it was the same. The Gateses traveled to a remote rural area, talking with women about their desires for their children, and their fears that they wouldn’t be able to provide for or care for them. Melinda sat on the ground, talking woman to woman about the things that mothers care about.

In Bangladesh, the government pulled out all the stops in welcoming the famous couple to Dhaka, putting their giant faces

on billboards lining the highway from the airport.

The Gateses, however, just wanted to visit the famous International Center on Diarrheal Disease Research—or, as everyone called it, the “Cholera Hospital.”

The hospital had long been a pinnacle of research on ways to help children with diarrhea survive. At the time, there was a cholera outbreak, and every cholera cot(a raised cot with a hole in the middle)had a child on it and a mother next to it. The mothers sat next to their kids and constantly

gave them a combination of oral rehydration, salts mixed with purified water and electrolytes. That ORS, as it’s called, keeps the child from dehydrating and dying during the non-stop diarrheal episode.

Melinda sat down beside one mother and began helping to spoon-feed her child, as the two women—one born in Dhaka; the other, in a middle-class home in Dallas—talked through a translator about what they ate for dinner. She just has the ability to connect with people in a very special way.

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AVA DUVERNAY

DEMANDING INCLUSION IN ENTERTAINMENT Ava DuVernay’s background as a film publicist arms her with an unique awareness about the power structures of Hollywood and how to harness them. She has capitalized on the current push to create a more inclusive entertainment industry, securing groundbreaking jobs for herself and many other women and people of color.

“It’s not yet a movement,” DuVernay says of the inclusion drive. “It’s a trend. And time will tell if it will mature into an era of true systematic change.”

As savvy as she is about image-making, social media and what makes Hollywood tick, she’s also uniquely aware of the people who work quietly behind the scenes to better her career.

At one point, she steps out of an interview to be sure the publicist waiting outside her office has a chair.

“I think some filmmakers, you’re walking down the red carpets and lights are flashing and you’re feeling yourself,” DuVernay says. “I used to roll that red carpet down there on my hands and knees. I see the machinery of it, and that has allowed me to never take any of this too personally.”

Duvernay’s four-part Netflix series When They See Us, about the

five Harlem teenage boys wrongfully convicted of rape in the 1989 Central Park jogger case, premiered May 31 and grapples with ideas the director has been marinating on for decades — ideas about race, criminal justice and who gets to write history.

DuVernay, 46, was a high school junior in Compton applying to journalism schools when the crime became national news.

“I remember for the first time realizing that the news might not be true, that the news is something that you have to really think about and question.”

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MICHELLE OBAMA FIGHTING FOR WHAT'S RIGHT

Loving Michelle Obama wasn’t much of a choice. It was something that came naturally, because of how she carried herself. Because she resembled us and was moving in spaces where, as black Americans, we weren’t exactly meant to be, she seemed so powerful.

When I first met her, I was embraced by a warm, regal, confident woman who possessed a reassuring calm, on the eve of President Obama’s historic first Inauguration.

The way she looked, walked and spoke, in that warm but authoritative tone, we saw our mothers and sisters.

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She was strong and ambitious and spoke her mind without sacrificing honesty or empathy. That takes a lot of courage and discipline.

She would’ve been impactful simply by being in the White House, the first African-American First Lady. But she also used her position of power to improve the world around her. Her initiative Reach Higher, for example, encourages young people to complete their education past high school. She empowers all of us to interrogate our fears and surpass greatness.

I’m honored to know such a bril-

liant black woman who’s spoken about the sacrifice it takes to balance her passions while remaining a supportive partner and mother, and now a best-selling author with Becoming. She has continued to open herself up, even if it meant being criticized. She has continued to be a portrait of grace.

I am so grateful that my daughters and my son live in a world where Michelle Obama shines as a beacon of hope who inspires all of us to do better and to be better.

By Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

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NAOMI OSAKA

THE TENNIS STAR CAN'T BE CATEGORIZED Rookie Grand Slam tournament champs often fall short at their next major. All Naomi Osaka did was conquer the world again.

A little more than four months after shocking the great Serena Williams at the U.S. Open last September, Osaka lost three match points in the second

set of the Australian Open final. If she had wilted, no one would have blinked.

Osaka, 21, is still young. She had her U.S. Open moment to fall back on. But no—Osaka controlled her mind and let her superior power do the work.

She won another Slam.

Osaka was born in Japan, the coun-

try she represents, but grew up in the U.S., in the home of her Haitian grandparents. Some people want her to embrace a single identity.

She’s more concerned with just being herself. No one represents our more globalized, multi-cultural future better than this honest, polite, self-deprecating tennis life force, a potential champion for years to come.

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MALALA YOUSAFZAI STANDING UP TO RADICALISM

Malala Yousafzai defied the Taliban as a young girl in Pakistan and demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. For her activism, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012, but survived and went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Malala Yousafzai’s book, “I Am Malala,” became an international bestseller.

Nine months after being shot by the Taliban, Malala gave a speech at the United Nations on her 16th birthpage 92

day. Yousafzai highlighted her focus on education and women’s rights, urging world leaders to change their policies.

Yousafzai said that following the attack, “The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage were born.”

She also urged action against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism. “The extremists were, and they are, afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women... Let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons.”

In March 2018, Yousafzai returned to Pakistan for the first time since her brutal 2012 attack. Not long after arriving, she met with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and delivered an emotional speech at his office.

“In the last five years, I have always dreamed of coming back to my country,” she said, adding, “I never wanted to leave.”

During her four-day rip, Yousafzai visited the Swat Valley, as well as the site where she nearly met her end at the hands of the Taliban. There, she inaugurated a school for girls under construction with aid from the Malala Fund.

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RUTH BADER GINSBURG FEMINISM SUPREME Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was in the audience for the Broadway play “What the Constitution Means to Me” on a Saturday night in June.

Audience members excitedly reported her attendance at the politically-themed show that examines the U.S. Constitution and how it affects women throughout history.

Ginsburg got a standing ovation when her famous line about women on the Supreme Court was said by a cast member: “When will there be enough women on the court? My answer is, when there are nine.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not just having a moment in American feminist culture. She has rapidly become—in a time that craves heroines—the American ideal of power and authority for millions of women and girls.

Beyond the movies (“RBG”, released in May, and “On the Basis of Sex” released in December) and the biographies, not to mention the memes and T-shirts and mugs that proliferate like lace-collared mushrooms, Ginsburg at 85 is also the closest thing America has to the consummate anti–Donald Trump.

Today, more than ever, women starved for models of female influence, authenticity, dignity, and voice hold up an octogenarian justice as the embodiment of hope for an empowered future.

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ELLEN DEGENERES NOT AFRAID TO TACKLE ANY ISSUE

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, a shining combination of hope and hilarity for decades, recently spoke about her experience being sexually assaulted by her stepfather.

DeGeneres said the abuse took place when she was 15 or 16, after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her step-father told DeGeneres, “He’d felt a lump in her breast and needed to feel my breasts,” she told interviewer David Letterman.

DeGeneres first spoke about the abuse

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in 2005, but said she was now going into more detail “because I want other girls to not ever let someone do that.”

Speaking on Letterman’s Netflix show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, the 61-year-old explained that her late former stepfather had first assaulted her when her mother was out of town, under the ruse that he needed to check for lumps.

“He convinced me that he needs to feel my breasts and then he tried to do it again another time, and then another time he tried to break my door down and I kicked the window

out and ran ‘cause I knew it was going to go more to something.”

DeGeneres explained that her mother did ultimately leave her husband after he kept changing his version of events.

The TV star hopes other young girls will benefit from hearing her tale.

“That’s the only reason I think it’s important to talk about it,” she said.

“Because there’s so many young girls and it doesn’t matter how old you are.

When I hear people speaking out, especially now, it angers me when victims aren’t believed, because we just don’t make stuff up.”

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ANGELA MERKEL HISTORY WON'T BE REPEATED

Following elections in her country, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there is work to be done» in Germany to face up to the dark forces that are finding mainstream support there and in other parts of the world.

“In Germany, obviously, they always have to be seen in a certain context, in the context of our past, which means we have to be that much more vigilant than others,” she said.

Merkel, who has been Chancellor for more than 13 years and outlasted many global leaders, has shouldered much of the blame for Europe’s populist wave, with some pinning the spike

in support for the far-right, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) on her handling of the European refugee crisis.

The Chancellor again defended her decision to allow nearly 1 million refugees into Germany, saying that the best way to manage immigration in the wake of humanitarian crises, like those in Syria and Iraq, was not to «shut ourselves off from each other,» but to be more “vigilant” in making sure that refugees fleeing these countries are “sufficiently cared for.”

Merkel is nearly halfway through her fourth and final term as Chancellor.

Reflecting on nearly 15 years as leader

of one of the world’s most powerful nations, the most powerful politician in Europe and, arguably, the most powerful woman in the world, she spoke of the responsibility she felt to women and girls that looked up to her.

Asked if she sees herself as a feminist, the Chancellor said that, having been asked this question before, the Dutch Queen Maxima helped her find her own definition of feminism.

She said the Queen explained to her that feminism meant “women having the same rights everywhere and this is parity... from politics to the media, to the business community, that must be our objective, we are not there yet.” page 95

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JANE FONDA

MAKING PRIVATE BATTLES VERY PUBLIC

cific fashion choice for the 2016 Golden Globes. “I get out of the car and I have the strange white dress with all the ruffles,” she recalled of her Yves Saint Laurent Couture number. “That’s because I’d just had a mastectomy and I had to cover my bandages.”

During the 1970s, she spoke out against the Vietnam War. In the intervening years, while collecting two Oscars (for Klute and Coming Home), she had become one of Hollywood’s most iconic, politically engaged actresses. Now, she is basking in the realization that there’s a Jane Fonda moment.

Jane Fonda has previously opened up about her past battles with cancer, but in a new interview with British Vogue, the 81-year-old actress revealed her struggle with the disease is an “ongoing process.”

In the Oscar winner’s own words, she’s “had a lot of cancer.” page 96

Back in the day she was a sun-worshiper, now she’s paying for it, “When I have a day off, I frequently go to my skin doctor and have things cut off me by a surgeon.”

In 2010, Fonda revealed she had undergone a procedure to remove a non-invasive tumor in her breast. At the time, a representative told People magazine that she walked away “100% cancer-free.” Six years later, she ended up getting a mastectomy, which led to a spe-

Last summer she jetted to Venice with Robert Redford for the premiere of their movie Our Souls at Night, and filmed Book Club—with Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen. In December she turned an energetic 80 years old. This September, HBO will air the documentary Jane Fonda in Five Acts, directed by Susan Lacy, which premiered at Sundance in January. “I think it’s pretty damn powerful,” Fonda says.

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ARUNDHATI KATJU & MENAKA GURUSWAMY

LANDMARK PROGRESS FOR LGBTQ+ IN INDIA “I am what I am so take me as I am,” said the Chief Justice of India as the Supreme Court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in a unanimous vote. An outdated legacy of the British colonization of India, Section 377 rendered all sexual activities “against the order of nature” punishable by law.

This landmark judgment, overturning a 157-year-old law, was the outcome of a long-term campaign orchestrated

by two amazing public-interest litigators, Arundhati Katju and Menaka Guruswamy. The fight has been hard.

The LGBTQ+ community has battled on both legal and social fronts for decades-—for their fundamental rights, for privacy, for dignity, for safety and for love.

Armed with a well-planned strategy that went beyond their well-researched legal arguments, Arundhati and Menaka became beacons of hope for the Indian LGBTQ+ community.

Their perseverance and commitment led an entire community to a historic win by humanizing their

struggles and giving them the freedom to love. As the Chief Justice said, “Constitutional morality cannot be martyred at the altar of social morality.”

Arundhati and Menaka have helped take a giant step for LGBTQ+ rights in the world’s largest democracy. In their committed fight for justice, they have shown us that we as a society must continue to make progress, even after laws are changed, and that we must make an effort to understand, accept and love. It is who we are as people.

By Priyanka Chopra for Time Magazine page 97

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REGINA KING

PEACE IN CHAOS After nabbing three Emmys in four years, the star of “The Leftovers” and “American Crime” pivoted back to film—and quickly became an Oscar front-runner for her moving performance in “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

“How long has it been like this?” she asks, as she looked over the intense schedule of film festivals and screenings in early 2019, referring broadly to the process of campaigning for film awards—which has, over the last few decades, morphed into an increasingly chaotic obstacle course. Actors must serve countless hours of face time as their studios spend millions to net Oscar dreams, all while understanding that the simplest gaffe can undo these dreams.

King’s disbelief should not be mistaken for a lack of gratitude or total unfamiliarity. She has a trio of Emmys to her name and more than 30 years in the industry under her belt. It’s just that, for her, the relative major leagues of the Oscar race are uncharted territory. For years, she had thought the divide between film and TV—particularly the opinion that one medium was more prestigious than the other—had all but faded away.

“It is very cool to be 47 and [have] this s--- be new,” she says in that familiar voice, the one with the gentle rasp and native Angeleno curl.

“Having this experience now, I see a whole ‘nother regard for film.”

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CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD HER UNFATHOMABLE SACRIFICE

Her story, spoken while holding back tears, shook Washington and the country.

Her courage, in the face of those who wished to silence her, galvanized Americans. page 100

And her unfathomable sacrifice, out of a sense of civic duty, shined a spotlight on the way we treat survivors of sexual violence.

Christine Blasey Ford’s ambition wasn’t to become a household name or make it onto this list. She had a good life and a successful career—and

risked everything to send a warning in a moment of grave consequence.

At her core, she is a teacher. And through her courage, she forced the country to reckon with an issue that is too often ignored and kept in the dark.

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LEOMIE ANDERSON

CALLING OUT RACISM

On top of modeling, running her e-commerce and media brand, speaking out as an activist for representation and inclusion and giving inspirational Ted Talks, Leomie Anderson could also write her version of “The Secret.” The 25-year-old multi-hyphenate is all about “visualizing” her goal and making it happen, and her technique is working.

After being scouted on her way home from school at14 years old, the Londoner walked her first runway for Marc Jacobs when she was 17, becoming one of the designer’s favorites. Her impressive runway resumé includes other heavy hitters like Moschino, Tom Ford, Chloé, Yeezy and Fenty Puma. She has also walked a trio of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, for which she famously auditioned for three times (and practiced visualization, of course) before being cast.

Anderson’s campaign portfolio is just as stacked: Uniqlo, Topshop, Jones New York, Fenty Beauty and Pat McGrath’s revered beauty line, too.

But her societal and cultural impact may be her most inspiring accomplishment of all. Anderson has called out the fashion industry for a number of racist and non-inclusive practices, like when she was dropped from a London Fashion Week show because of her race, and when she was tired of makeup artists not having the products (or the skills) to work with a diverse range of skin tones. Anderson has built up a dedicated following on Twitter and Instagram largely because of her honesty and willingness to speak out.

In 2016, she founded LAPP (Leomie Anderson the Project the Purpose) to empower others to do the same. The two-pronged startup allows young women, who otherwise might not have a platform, to write think pieces on issues important to them, from politics to sex to fashion. LAPP also sells merch espousing its ideals. page 101

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LOUJAIN & LINA AL-HATHLOUL JAILED FOR DRIVING, HER SISTER RAISES AWARENESS

Saudi national Lina Al-hathloul constantly checks her phone for any mention of her sister on social media. On the day of the PEN awards, she and her brother Walid have already done four interviews and sit down for a fifth, because, they say, this is the only way to help their sister, 29-year-old jailed Saudi activist Loujain Al-hathloul.

“We want to raise awareness,” said Lina, in exile in Belgium.

On Tuesday, Loujain was honored with the 2019 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. Lina and Walid were in New York to accept the award on her behalf. Two other jailed Saudi writers, Nouf Abdulaziz and Eman al-Nafjan, were also honored by the freedom of expression advocacy group.

It has been a year since Loujain was detained and arrested for leading a movement to end Saudi Arabia’s ban on women driving and its strict rules against women’s everyday activities without approval from a “guardian.” page 102

A trial began in March in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, but was later suspended with no official date to resume.

Lina believes the suspension is a government strategy to keep the activists out of the news.

“What they are trying to do is that the case will just die because there is nothing new, but we won’t give up,” Lina said.

Loujain has now been in custody at Al-Hayer prison in Riyadh for one year and is awaiting trial along with another 10 female activists on charges including contact with foreign media, diplomats and human rights groups.

In Loujain’s case, the charges rely on alleged confessions which state she admitted to applying for a job at the United Nations and contacting human rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

A six-page charge sheet also lists her “crimes committed” to include activism against the kingdom’s restrictive

male guardianship laws.

“These are not crimes,” Lina said.

“They are the actions of a broad-minded humanitarian with moral courage.”

Several women’s rights advocates said that they had been warned not to speak to the news media about the lifting of the driving ban, in an apparent effort by the Saudi authorities to discourage the idea that activism can bring about social change.

It’s not the first time the Saudi government has reprimanded and imprisoned Loujain. Her first stint in jail came when she was 24-years-old after she live-tweeted herself driving into the country from the UAE. She was detained for 73 days as a result.

“Five years ago, Loujain joined the many heroic activists who for decades have been fighting for Saudi women’s rights,” Lina said. “The following year she was arrested for driving while female. The experience was frightening but my sister is brave.”

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LAVERNE COX THE WORLD TAKES NOTICE

As one of the most high-profile trans women in Hollywood, it comes as no surprise that Laverne Cox, best known for her role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is The New Black, pulled out all the stops for Pride month this year.

In addition to sharing what makes her feel powerful in promotion of Netflix' Prism campaign, celebrating LGBTQ+ characters and stories and making an appearance in Taylor Swifts new Pride anthem “You Need To Calm Down,” Cox is also the star of Smirnoff ’s “Welcome Home” Pride campaign, as well as an outspoken advocate for the rights of trans men in light of restrictive abortion legislation.

As part of the vodka campaign, Smirnoff is hosting a House of Pride pop-up and is welcoming the millions of traveler coming through all of the NYC airports — Laguardia, JFK, and Newark — by broadcasting the Pride Sweet Pride ads starring Cox. “I think it’s just really awesome that a black, trans woman gets to welcome people to New York City for Pride Month,” Cox said.

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KYLIE JENNER

FAVORED BY FASHION & INSTAGRAM In our world, money is power, but influence is earned. Kylie Jenner has lined up all three: money, power and influence.

Jenner’s cosmetic line has reached a net of almost $1 billion, making her the world’s youngest self-made billionaire, according to Forbes, as well one of the world’s richest women. Her step-sister Kim joins her on the latter list.

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As the youngest of the well-known Kardashian–Jenner celebrity family, Kylie Jenner has become a household name known in the celebrity and business life.

Although critics argue that her money was not “self-made,” her entrepreneurial skills are top-notch. She began selling her Kylie Cosmetics via Instagram and SnapChat videos and posts.

Undoubtedly, a large part of the success of Kylie Cosmetics can be attributed to her large following on social media.

As a well-known celebrity, her products can speak for themselves, especially with her own use of the product.

This becomes the great benefit of the branding of the Kardashian fame; with simple recognition, marketing becomes a much simpler process.

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ARIANA GRANDE

SHAKING UP THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

in November, but the version of it It’s Ariana Grande’s world, that became the hit we all know is not and we’re just living in it admiring her brilliance from afar. the only one that exists. “We had like Grande doesn’t do anything based on anyone else’s timelines or standards. She released the Thank U, Next and Sweetener albums just months apart, breaking the rules about how music should be released in 2019.

The single version of “Thank U, Next” came before the full-length album. The song was released back

three different versions of the song,” Grande explained, including at least one take that didn’t name any names.

Although “Thank U, Next” went on to become a No. 1 single, Grande was initially nervous about playing the song for people at all.

Grande also spoke candidly about being in the public eye: “It’s really wild,” she said earlier this year. “Sometimes it takes a really crazy toll on me, and

I’ll be really sad for a couple days in a row when I read something that makes me feel awful because I am such an extreme purist when it comes to people. I want everyone to be my friend. I desperately love and want to hug everyone I encounter. Literally I’m like, ‘Wow, I wish everyone would come over for dinner right now and never leave.’ I’ve had that since I was a little girl.”

Armed with a full comprehension of how the world consumes music today, Grande is an industry game changer.

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NANCY PELOSI

WASHINGTON'S PUBLIC SERVANT On a Sunday night in May, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was honored with the 2019 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

While she was no doubt flattered by the accolade, which has also been awarded to the likes of former presidents George H.W. Bush and Barack

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Obama, we have a feeling that the compliment paid to her by her introductory speaker, Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy, will have a special place in her heart.

“I probably have as great a crush on her as she had on President Kennedy,” said Kennedy. In case that playful commendation wasn’t enough, Kennedy also lauded Pelosi for acting “in service of our highest principles and our most vulnerable citizens. She has suffered defeats but has never giv-

en up. Thanks to her courage we have healthcare for all Americans and the most diverse Congress in American history.”

She called the Speaker, “the most important woman in American political history.”

Kennedy introduced Pelosi along with her son, Jack Schlossberg, who added on Instagram that he was, “Honored to introduce Speaker Pelosi and to present her with the 2019 Profiles in Courage Award!!”

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EDWIDGE DANTICAT STORYTELLER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Edwidge Danticat is a HaitianAmerican award-winning novelist and short story writer.

In 2018, World Literature Today, the University of Oklahoma’s award-winning magazine of international literature and culture, selected Danticat as the 25th laureate of the renowned Neustadt International Prize for Literature, more commonly known as the “American Nobel.”

Danticat has written short story collections, essay collections, travel commentary, film scripts, young adult novels and four novels. In addition to a Pushcart Prize, a National Book Critics Circle Award, the BOCAS Prize, and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, Danticat won a MacArthur Fellowship and holds two honorary degrees.

For over 20 years, she has been a staple at book clubs and on best-seller lists. Her debut novel Breath, Eyes, Memory was an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 1998.

Danticat says that disaster is not the story of Haiti, nor will she focus on natural disaster any time soon in her writing.

“I don’t think I’m ready to write about the 2010 earthquake or the events that followed as they relate to Haiti. I need a little more time to process it so that the fiction is not competing with the facts. My visits to Haiti have been short and intense.

They’re often moments of soaking it up and seeing how some things have changed, a continued search for what is different.

As I’ve gotten older, what I’ve started to notice is the environment — the sea, the trees, the physical landscape and how people adjust to it. If I had written and placed the Claire of the Sea Light story in a time after the earthquake, it would have to be, in some ways, about the earthquake. I didn›t feel ready to write a book like that." page 107

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LADY GAGA

HOW TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE Lady Gaga is our pop laureate, our patron saint of grand entrance. She has never, in a decade of global fame, been content to simply appear in a room; she has to dive into it, shimmying down a cable like a diamond-encrusted spider. Or she hobbles in, a fembot on fake crutches, a high-fashion Tiny Tim. Before performing at the 2011 Grammys, Gaga claimed to have slept in an oversized translucent egg for 72 hours, so that when she finally emerged, she would feel that she had experienced total “creative, embryonic incubation.”

For the first decade of her career, Gaga was often at least semi-nude when descending any staircase.

In her younger, more tenderized years, she trotted into the MTV Video Music Awards in a now-infamous gown and snow boots made of raw beef, not just a sight gag but a full-on olfactory happening, slaughterous-fabulous.

Gaga once described herself as “a show with no intermission,” but it might be more accurate to view her page 108

career as a glorious series of overtures; her curtain is always rising.

The title of “A Star Is Born” is misleading and always has been. It implies spontaneous generation, Athena popping fully-formed out of Zeus’ forehead. In reality, it is a story about hard work, about the grueling machinations behind celebrity. In the film, fame can destroy (by enabling addiction or worsening self-destructive behaviors), but it can also be a sacred rite; it anoints the truly worthy with laurels and fragrant oils.

The narrative takes a nobody and brings her together with a fading legend. He falls in love with her and her artistic potential and thrusts her straight into the crucible of mass popularity. It is a love story as unshakably perennial as “Romeo and Juliet,” except slightly less crushing, because only the man is doomed and the leading lady gets to walk away from her tragedy triumphant, her suffering noble, her name in neon lights.

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KAMALA HARRIS

UPENDING CONVENTIONAL POLITICS

Kamala Harris has made a career of upending conventional political wisdom.

Harris is the biracial daughter of immigrants who met at the University of California, Berkeley, and were active in the civil rights movement.

“I was raised by parents who spent full time marching and shouting about this thing called justice and fighting for equality,” she said at a recent forum on poverty in Washington, D.C. Harris and her younger sister were primarily raised by their mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher who immigrated from India, and Harris often speaks of her influence on the campaign trail. Gopalan and

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Harris’ father, Jamaican-American economist Donald Harris, divorced when Harris was seven years old.

While it was not a traditional career path for a woman of color, particularly one steeped in the civil rights movement, Harris decided to become a prosecutor. In her 2019 memoir, “The Truths We Hold,” she recalls how “I had to defend my choice” to her family and friends “as one would a thesis.”

Harris’ election as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general and U.S. senator from California were all groundbreaking — no women of color had held those roles before.

Harris is also just the second AfricanAmerican woman from any state to hold a Senate seat.

Harris won her Senate seat in 2016 — the same election that ushered Donald Trump into the White House in a shocking upset. And Harris immediately turned her attention to him. “We are making a commitment tonight ... to bring our country together, to fight for who we are and our ideals,” Harris said at her election night victory party.

“Do we retreat, or do we fight? I say we fight. And I intend to fight.”

In her two-and-a-half years in the Senate, Harris has drawn national attention for her sharp questioning of Trump administration officials.

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions famously said at one hearing that her rapid fire questioning was making him “nervous.”

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JOANNA GAINES

BEAUTIFYING WACO ONE HOUSE AT A TIME What started with five seasons of an HGTV show called Fixer Upper has turned into an empire.

There›s the Magnolia Market, a home-renovation business, a bakery, a garden shop, a restaurant, multiple books, a magazine, multiple home decor lines at Target, Pier One, and Anthropologie and an upcoming deal

with Discovery Channel for another TV show.

With Fixer Upper, Joanna Gaines brought the term “shiplap’ into everyday vocabulary while endearing her growing family to loyal viewers.

While the last episode of Fixer Upper aired in early 2019, there is still plenty of Gaines to go around, and one beleaguered city in Texas is reaping the rewards to the max.

Gaines’ influence has dramatically increased tourism in her home base of Waco, Texas, — a town once known for a deadly siege — by millions of visitors each year. Real estate has also boomed in Waco, and a home she remodeled on Fixer Upper with husband Chip was on the market for $1 million. “We loved the idea that we were making Waco beautiful one home at a time,’” Joanna said in an interview earlier this year.

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MEGHAN MARKLE THE MODERN DUCHESS OF SUSSEX

Vegan paint, gender-neutral tones and decor inspired by private members’ club, Soho House: welcome to the nursery at Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor home the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into prior to welcoming son Archie in April. The newly renovated Frogmore Cottage was finished just in time to serve as the maternity base for the world’s most page 112

famous new mother. In lieu of a nanny, Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, was scheduled to arrive to lend a helping hand.

The new member of the royal family, whose British citizenship is still pending, gave birth to the first AngloAmerican member of the royal family.

Unlike her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan did not pose

outside of the hospital in the hours following Archie’s birth. She did, however, opt for a hospital birth.

The Duchess of Sussex, who continued royal engagements and appearances long into her pregnancy, will now have a few months of relative privacy before she’s expected to reemerge and resume her royal duties.

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ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ SHE'S ONLY JUST GETTING STARTED

The year 2008 was a reckoning.

ful while leaving hardworking people behind.

that works for everyone should look like.

While millions of Americans lost their livelihoods to Wall Street’s greed, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lost her dad to lung cancer, and her family fell off a financial cliff. She watched as our government bailed out Wall Street while it ignored families like hers. She learned the hard way that in America today, Washington protects the power-

Her commitment to putting power in the hands of the people is forged in fire. Coming from a family in crisis and graduating from school with a mountain of debt, she fought back against a rigged system and emerged as a fearless leader in a movement committed to demonstrating what an economy, a planet and a government

A year ago, she was taking orders across a bar. Today, millions are taking cues from her. She reminds all of us that even while greed and corruption slow our progress, even while armies of lobbyists swarm Washington, in our democracy, true power still rests with the people. And she’s just getting started.

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CLARE WAIGHT KELLER DESIGNING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Clare Waight Keller has an early memory of being told to hold still while her mother pinned clothes on her little body. Tellingly, Clare credits that experience for her love of fashion.

As a kid whose mother also sewed, and who requested special purple pants, I grew up believing that fashion was personal and expressive. But while my pursuit of sartorial splendor was dependent on my mother’s labor, page 114

Clare was inspired to seek a career.

Armed with incredible talent, Clare graduated from the Royal College of Art, where she was taught the importance of exploring opportunities and learning the business.

Clare stood out because she learned the business so successfully and artfully, and because her clothes reflected the innately human and beautiful.

Clare’s simple wedding gown for Meghan Markle was exactly that—a reflection of the lovely and modern young woman who just happens to

be a 21st century princess. The world gasped when they saw that bride, and everyone wanted to know who had made that dress. One year later, it’s nearly impossible to even get a couture dress from the House of Givenchy.

We are drawn to Clare’s work because she doesn’t design from the outside in, she designs from the inside out. From the place of pinning clothes on a body.

By Julianne Moore

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MARIE KONDO

THE SECRET OF SPARKING JOY I’d heard about Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant, from friends who spoke evangelically about her methods and how they’d transformed their lives.

In case you haven’t, here’s the gist: with her little turquoise book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, Kondo set off a declutter-

ing craze across the globe.

Kondo’s services command a waiting list a mile long in Japan, but for the rest of us, her book breaks down her radical, two-pronged approach to tidying. First, put your hands on everything you own, ask yourself if it sparks joy, and if it doesn’t, thank it for its service and get rid of it. Second, once only your most joy-giving belongings remain, put every item in a place where it’s visible, accessible, and easy

to grab and then put back. Only then, Kondo says, will you have reached the nirvana of housekeeping, and never have to clean again.

All of this sounded wonderful. But as a working mother I can barely keep up with the demands of daily life (laundry! groceries! deadlines!). But once I read Kondo’s book, I got totally sucked in.

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In this world, there are only two things: good food and bad food. What Chrissy Teigen and I have in common is that we like good food. I first met Chrissy on the set of my show, On the Table. The idea was to interview the guest while we cooked a meal together. She was a riot. She was outof-her-mind funny, and we had a blast.

But while she might come off as lighthearted, Chrissy’s cooking is truly excellent. She’s a true perfectionist and extremely precise. She remembers where she came from, and she’s very proud of that. Her father is of Norwegian descent, her mother is Thai and she’s American, and she’s bringing her culture to the food world. Her cookbooks are made for people to cook at home, but they’re not something you just leave on the coffee table—they’re recipes you want to make over and over again.

She may be a top model, but all her life, Chrissy Teigen has liked to eat. She’s not shy about that—or anything else, really. She’s very opinionated, and I love her for it. But what I love most about Chrissy is that she’s very much herself. She may be glamorous and an icon in elegance, but she’s extremely approachable and warm. And above all, she’s a very proud mother and a tremendously supportive wife. I admire her so much.

By Chef Ripert

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CHRISSY TEIGEN

COOKING HEALTHY PORTIONS OF LOVE

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FASHION & STYLE

TROPICS-INSPIRED INSTALLATION IN NYC DAVIDSON PETIT-FRERE COLLECTION page 121

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TROPICAL INSTALLMENT "BRAZILIAN MODERN" AT NY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Last Friday in Rio de Janeiro was the shortest day of the year, the start of a winter that, by New York standards at least, gets only a little bit nippy. In NYC, though, the hot days have arrived, and up in the Bronx, the sun-starved among us have all summer to immerse ourselves in a southern hemisphere Shangri-La. “Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx” has taken over the New York Botanical Garden — and offers an exuberant gust of tropical modernism that will thrill anyone caught in the concrete

jungle. Burle Marx, Brazil’s greatest landscape designer, hasn’t lacked for institutional attention lately; just three years ago the Jewish Museum presented a retrospective of his paintings, tapestries, jewelry and designs for green spaces and public thoroughfares in Rio, Brasília, and even Miami.

But that show could not offer what this one does: a full-scale, fragrant, enchantingly lush garden, complete with numerous flowering plants and philodendrons that Burle Marx himself first identified.

Along with Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer, the master planners of Brasília, Burle Marx (1909-1994) is the designer most responsible for our utopian impressions of the

Brazilian built environment, with its superstructures of swooping concrete ringed by profuse green expanses. The garden here in the Bronx (designed

by Raymond Jungles, a Miami-based protégé of Burle Marx) does not replicate a single Burle Marx design, but fuses the horticultural signatures of his more than 2,000 parks and gardens into a sort of ultra-tropical escape.

A sinuous black-and-white concrete ribbon, echoing his boardwalk along Rio’s Copacabana Beach, leads you past miniature palm trees, drooping ornamental elephant’s ears, and beds of calico plants. The flowers and plants are grouped into bright monochromatic bands — purple or green, fulvous red or Princeton orange — page 123

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that undulate alongside the concrete promenade, a translation of the abstract paintings Burle Marx made as preparatory materials.

By the garden’s edge, a fountain of imitation concrete mimics the curving abstraction he carved in bas-relief for the Banco Safra in São Paulo, and gurgles water into a pond below.

while beside the conservatory’s pool are bromeliads with branching orange blooms that pierce through starchy green leaves. The catalog identifies more than 20 species that Burle Marx first introduced to horticulture — like Alcantarea burle-marxii, whose fronds of the specimen here rocket to the height of a 10-yearold child.

Many of the species are native to Brazil, notably the gorgeous bromeliads: flowering plants with rosettes of long, stiff leaves of pink, orange or green. (The most famous bromeliad? The pineapple.)

The Burle Marx show has been billed as this institution’s largest botanical exhibition ever, and it has certainly gone all in on the Carioca spirit.

The speakers inside the Victorian-style Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which contains more sensitive flowering plants, are

They sit in planters on the steps and nestle in the garden’s chromatic bands,

pumping in bossa nova of a rather cheesy, hotel-lobby substrain. Outside, sandwich boards throughout the garden offer excerpts from Brazilian poetry, in Portuguese and English.

(You already missed the caipirinha-fueled Pride party.)

In the institution’s library, you can see a small pendant exhibition of Burle Marx’s later paintings and tapestries, mostly made during the dictatorship of 1964-1985. Another floor promises to showcase his fabulous Rio home, known as the Sítio, though it underdelivers; it offers just a few pictures and texts, and mostly offers visitors a chance to draw azulejo ce-

ramic tiles with blue markers and Post-it notes. And there is a display highlighting the Botanical Garden’s century-long involvement with conservation in Brazil, mixed in with documents of Burle Marx’s own explorations. A faded photograph from 1974 shows him in Amazonia, holding a newly discovered bromeliad; elsewhere you’ll find a hefty chunk of pau-brasil wood, from the tree that gives the country its name.

The timing of this beautiful show seems both apt and awkward. Apt, since the climate crisis has spurred a renewed interest among young architects in landscape design — and a recent youth craze for suc-

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TROPICAL INSTALLMENT

culents and tropical plants has made Burle Marx look positively hip. If you have to have an Instagram-bait show, better this than the Rain Room.

Awkward, since Burle Marx did much of his major work in government settings, and these days, the Brazilian government is not especially friendly to plants. The far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, has fired one of the country’s top environmental officials and wants to strip-mine the Amazonian rain forest Burle Marx so loved; last month, deforestation rates in the Amazon surged to the highest level ever recorded. Brasília’s Itamaraty Palace, one of Niemeyer’s and Burle Marx’s most important designs, now hosts a foreign minister who believes climate change is a left-wing conspirpage 126

acy whose ultimate aim is to depress western economies for China’s benefit. The new Brazilian government’s environmental record has been so egregious that the American Museum of Natural History recently refused to host an event honoring Mr. Bolsonaro.

Walking through the show’s profuse expanses of flowering plants and stuffing my nose into bromeliad petals, I had moments when I felt irresponsible for being so happy. As Brazil traverses a seemingly endless crisis — whose latest chapter includes a record crime wave in Rio, Burle Marx’s hometown — the Botanical Garden transports us to a special, imaginary country, its culture nourished by influences from Europe and Africa and the Americas, where urban life enmeshes

with unparalleled natural beauty. I love that Brazil; I want to live there; I know it doesn’t exist.

But those delirious utopias that Burle Marx designed, above all with Niemeyer and Costa in Brasília, have always been verdant visions of a future that never comes. What they can offer now, against a backdrop of what the Botanical Garden discreetly calls “acute conservation threats,” is a horizon to dream toward, a little earthly taste of a life in common. Gardens, Burle Marx thought, had that much power. “The sight of that association of plants,” he once said, “gives us the impression of a covenant for living together.”

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DAVIDSON PETIT-FRERE MENSWEAR RUNWAY DEBUT IN NYC

Stanley Pierre-Etienne, style contributor

D

avidson Petit-Frère, the Haitian-born menswear influencer, founder and designer behind the once custom-tailored suit brand, FRÈRE, recently made his runway debut as a full-on designer for gentlemen.

The brand, known worldwide for its well-made suits worn by bloggers and sartorially savvy businessman, already has an identity. The suits, signed FRÈRE, needed no introduction, since they are easily recognizable for both their perfect execution, impeccable fabric and classically chic design.

When news of FRÈRE’s runway announcement first broke, expectations were high. We were anxious and excited to see how Davidson would translate his aesthetics into a more commercial clothing line while still keeping its DNA. And with the results of this first runway presentation, we were not deceived.

With a fashion show whose audience consisted mostly of his faithful clientele, FRÈRE started strong with an assortment of finely tailored clothing mixed with hints of sportswear vibes that we had never seen Davidson present before.

It was a surprise to see those bombers and suede baseball jackets matched with tracksuits in traditional menswear fabrics, but we could still see the essence of what he is known for with every look coming down the runway.

The way he impeccably incorporated trendy elements and luxuriously accessorized with the color palette he’d

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carefully chosen to use was incredible, proving that he didn’t come to play in the menswear arena.

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STYLE

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FREĚ€RE started strong with an assortment of finely tailored clothing mixed with hints of sportswear vibes that we had never seen Davidson present before. It was a surprise to see those bombers and suede baseball jackets matched with tracksuits in traditional menswear fabrics, but we could still see the essence of what he is known for with every look coming down the runway.

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PACK YOUR SMARTPHONE & SAVE ABROAD There are two ways to travel with yoru smartphone - one that will cost you greatly and one that, although involves some extra steps, will save you money that you can spend on more important things like dining and room upgrades.

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PACK YOUR SMARTPHONE OUT-SMART EXPENSIVE ROAMING PLANS

For $15 to $150, you can easily take your phone abroad and enjoy access to apps, maps and the web. But it takes a lot of steps, hence this travel guide.

Don’t even think about leaving your smartphone at home this summer if you are traveling to a foreign country.

As much as we despise our attachment to our phones, we can’t deny it is an indispensable travel companion that solves many problems, from showing us maps when we get lost to displaying restaurant recommendations when we are hungry.

So what are the routes to being able to use your smartphone abroad, given that your wireless service doesn’t generally extend to international travel? page 138

To cut to the chase: There is a way, but it involves a lot of work. Or there is an easier method that will most likely cost a lot more.

Let’s start with that latter path. All it involves is contacting your phone carrier, like AT&T or Verizon, to set up international roaming for access to wireless service abroad. It’s simple. But here’s the rub: The charges for data, minutes and texts can easily exceed $500 (in addition to your regular phone bill) over a twoweek trip.

There’s an exception to this. If you are a T-Mobile or Google Fi subscriber, you get free international roaming in more than 200 countries without having to make changes to your account.

Let’s focus, instead, on how to take your smartphone abroad for a more reason-

able price, which involves setting up wireless service with a foreign carrier’s network. With this method, it will cost $15 to $150 for wireless data for a twoweek international trip.

But this option takes lots of steps and forethought. So here’s a guide for those willing to put up with some headaches to save money.

Step 1: Unlock your phone To ensure your phone will work with a foreign carrier’s network, you first have to confirm that your phone is unlocked.

That means your carrier has removed restrictions preventing your phone from working with other networks. This is not the same as opening your phone with a passcode, fingerprint or face scan.

Modern Verizon phones are generally

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unlocked by default. AT&T, however, requires customers on an installment plan to finish paying off their phones before the carrier will unlock the device.

for your phone.

work when you arrive.

There are two main approaches to buying a foreign SIM card, each with pros and cons:

Whichever phone provider you use, it’s best to play it safe. Double-check with your carrier that your phone is unlocked and ready for taking abroad. AT&T customers can use a web tool to check their unlock status and to request an unlock. Verizon subscribers can call the carrier’s support line to confirm that their devices are unrestricted. Or, of course, you could just take your phone to a carrier store.

Before your trip, you can order a SIM card online and have it shipped home. First, do a web search on the top-rated networks in the destination country. Then on a digital retailer like Amazon, search for SIM cards offered by one of those brands. When you land, follow the instructions included with the phone card to set it up.

You can buy a SIM card at a wireless store at your destination. First, search for a wireless store near your hotel. After checking in, go to the store and tell the representative that you are a tourist looking to buy a SIM card for the duration of your trip. The store representative will help you pick a data allotment and set up the phone for you. The advantage to this approach is getting help from a service representative; the downside is that a potential language barrier could make it difficult to express what you want.

Step 2: Shop for a foreign SIM card After confirming your phone lacks carrier restrictions, it’s time for the tougher part: buying a foreign SIM card

The advantage to this approach is that when you arrive, you can start your vacation right away without having to search for a SIM card. The downside is that if you pick a SIM card from a subpar brand, there is a risk that the service might not

I’ve tried both methods.

Going to a wireless store is probably your safest bet to ensure the cellular service will work properly.

Step 3: Prepare your phone for travel Before you depart, pack and download everything you will need ahead of time for your phone. Here are some must-dos: Pack a SIM card ejector and some tape. When you arrive at your destination, use a SIM card ejector, which is a small metal pin, to eject your SIM card tray and replace yours with the foreign one.

When you arrive home, you will have to eject the tray again to swap back to your domestic SIM. The ejector is tiny, so use a piece of tape to stick it to your wallet or passport holder.

Download offline maps. The Google Maps app lets you store the mapping data for

large areas to your device, which will come in handy in areas with spotty cellular service. Search for your travel destination, and in the app’s settings tap Offline maps and select Custom maps to save the mapping data for the general area.

Install an app for phone calls and texts. Using a foreign phone service means you will lose access to your usual phone number, so you will have to switch to an alternative for placing calls and texts over a data connection.

Messaging apps with voice calling include WhatsApp, Signal and WeChat.

Download entertainment media. It’s wise to download any media you plan to consume, such as movies, books, podcasts and music, while at home on a Wi-Fi connection.

Restrict your data consumption. By default, many apps on your phone download data in the background. If you leave those apps alone when using a foreign SIM card, you could quickly burn through all the data you just bought for your trip. To prevent that, you will have to change some settings.

Here’s how to do that on an iPhone: Open the Settings app and tap Cellular to load a switchboard for apps using cellular data. Toggle off cellular access for all but the ones you need for travel. Similarly on Android, open the Settings app, tap Network & internet, Data usage, and then select Mobile data usage. From here, select the data-hogging apps and disable background data. page 139

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VERNISSAGE {PRIVATE VIEWING}

ft

WOMEN IN ART page 141

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VERNISSAGE { PRIVATE VIEWING }

Lynette Yiadom Boakye, Venice page 142

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The Art of Smashing Records & Glass Ceilings MODERN & CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART Raphael Dapaah | Art Contributor @dapaahgallery

The rise of the female voice and presence in the art world, and the rise in the feminist movement have been inextricably connected over the years.

As women have pushed for equal representation, influence and power across all facets of society, the art world has been one of the most responsive to this noble, and to be frank, long-overdue campaign for change.

However, while there has undoubtedly been great traction made where leading galleries headed by women are concerned, with recent statistics suggesting as much as 60 percent of art galleries have women at their helm, it’s only in very recent times that the push for greater representation has also impacted female artists.

Indeed, male artists across the field of modern and contemporary art are still overwhelmingly represented in contrast to their female counterparts, despite the great rise of female gallery owners

and directors. While progress has been made, and should be celebrated, the art world cannot afford to sit on its laurels and become complacent; rather, it must ensure that female artists are afforded as much exposure and accessibility as males.

In the midst of this dark cloud that still looms over the today’s art industry is a growing silver lining that is represented by one of the fastest growing, dynamic and most-exciting sector of the industry: Modern and Contemporary African Art. The rise of this sector was once pioneered and exalted by the likes of Professor Ben Enwonwu MBE, who is today widely seen as the father of Modern African art. However, the professor, whose most iconic pieces pay homage to the majesty and strength of women, would be pleased to find that the scene that he so ably carried on his shoulders for many years, is now not only being held up by female artists of African heritage, but is being propelled to new and greater heights.

Indeed, some of the leading and most decorated contemporary artists of the day are Lynette Yiadom- Boakye, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Toyin

Ojih Odutola, who between them have individually achieved new artists records and consistently outstripped the sales of the male artists in the Contemporary African art arena.

Odutola, whose work will be appearing at Sotheby’s contemporary art evening sale on June 26, is especially gaining significant acclaim after her 2016 piece, ”Selective Histories” sold at her Sotheby’s evening auction debut for £250,000 after an estimate of £100,00 - £150,000.

So what does all this say about the rise of female artists, and of the art world as a whole?

Well, to me it signals that broadly speaking, while the ball is still very much in the court of male artists, if the Contemporary African Art market is to serve as an indication of the changing preferences and tastes of art collectors and patrons, then it would seem that further disruption is afield, and the winds of change will soon sweep through the Contemporary art world, spearheaded by the growing confidence and dominance of females artists of African heritage.

In the midst of this dark cloud that still looms over the today’s art industry is a growing silver lining that is represented by one of the fastest growing, dynamic and most-exciting sector of the industry: Modern and Contemporary African Art. page 143

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VERNISSAGE { PRIVATE VIEWING }

Toyin Ojih Odutola, Compound Leaf, Sothebys Njideka Awunyii Crosby

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WINE

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My Poland of Today

WHERE THE

FOOD & WINE

REVOLUTION DEFIES POLITICAL STAGNATION

Cezar Kusik, wine contributor

At the risk of sounding like a national self-deprecator—quite a common trait for Poles—I can safely state that Poland’s history has been unusually turbulent.

Its geographic positioning between two ferociously aggressive and greedy empires, Germany and Russia, combined with internal dysfunction often caused by innate provincialism and political

pettiness, has turned Poland into a nation of schizophrenic political instability. Most recently, the post-communist era has been yet another tumultuous trial. After nearly half a century of the Soviet Union’s merciless oppression and human rights violation, Poland, like all other ex-communist countries, was thrown into the unfamiliar territory of a free market economy and democratic governing. Poland managed to transition in a relatively smooth manner; no serious, violent domestic upheavals, no tragic economic unrests. Not to insinu-

ate that the new reality has been void of the difficulties often caused by the clash of the new progressive social groups and the conservative, regressive fractions of pro-communist and Catholic sentiments.

But enough of this stark, grim reality talk. Let’s set the table. We are here to wine and dine.

Aside from some unavoidable social and political adversities, the new democratic reality brought about a fresh sense of awareness and exponentially page 149

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My Poland

broadened possibilities of improvement and progress. Poland’s new generation of young—in body, mind, or both—culinary entrepreneurs and artisanal food producers revive old traditional methods of food production with a focus on ecological consciousness. They’ve made strong, determined efforts to return to the roots of Mother Nature and to reverse decades of communist devastation on the country’s natural resources. The reeducation of the consumer mentality poses other challenges – abolishing myths and misconceptions of overcoming the mindset of quantity over quality.

Instead of trying to tackle the whole country’s trends on the topic I’ll, focus on the area most familiar to me: Lubusz Province, where I grew up and recently visited. This region can be used as an example of Poland’s new direction.

Lubusz Province lies in Central Western Poland near the German border. It’s a gorgeous, mainly rural area of dense forests, with a multitude of reed-lined lakes,natural ponds and flat farmlands.

The Odra river, the third longest in Poland, runs through the province. page 150

Over the centuries, this part of the country has been tossed back and forth between German occupation and Polish liberation. Here, one can still find many remnants of German influence from the ethnic to the architectural. This is where I grew up and lived an innocent, charmed life until I left for the U.S. in 1988, right before the collapse of the communist government.

WINE When leaving Poland at the age of 23, I’d never tasted grape wine. I’d never seen grape wine period. We had apple “vino.”

We called it “J 23” for slang. A hideously sulfured, dirt-cheap concoction with painful consequences. Grape wine was viewed as an imperialistic, bourgeois drink unbecoming of a true communist and completely absent in already scantily stocked grocery stores. Poles, by historic destiny, were condemned to be beer and vodka drinkers. A difficult curse to break. Kissing frogs didn’t work; I tried.

Historically, Lubusz Province grew grapes and made wine. With a similar micro-climate to some German wine

growing regions, the weather here is a factor. It’s cold, meaning that only grapes adaptable to such a climate can reach required ripeness to produce quality products grapes; Riesling, Bianca, Hibernal, Pinot Gris, Regent, Dornfelder and Ronndo, to mention a few. Usually, they originate from German nurseries.

Wineries have sprouted up in the last few decades in Lubusz Province, elevating it to Poland’s leading wine region.

These are still humble, yet ambitious projects, where mistakes are learned from, and striving for improvement seem to be a driving force. Out of financial necessity, wine makers hold full-time jobs, making it an exhaustive task. Two wineries in the village of Mazów, Winery Cantina, and Winery Mazów, are part of Honey and Wine Trail. It’s a 150-mile long tourist attraction of modest proportions showcasing some of the local culinary, cultural, and historic sites. The Pacholaks, a husband and wife team, own Winery Cantina; an unassuming adobe with an old well, wood-burning oven, and long wooden benches for their guests. With a diverse,

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experimental approach to winemaking, they grow a wide variety of grapes and produce wines of different styles from dry, to semi-dry and dessert.

There is a cluster of wineries near the Odra river in the town of Górzykowo which offer a picturesque scenery of bucolic feel with gently sloping vineyards and the Odra river flowing lazily in the background. Before the Second World War, Lubusz Province had about 1,500 acres of under vine, and this tiny town of Górzykowo had 110 acres.

After the war, with the communist government in power, it was all reduced to zero. Now go vote communist, you fool.

Two wineries are leading the way in Górzykowo. Both are of impressive architectural statures worthy of some of the best world domains. Winnogóra Winery in Ogrodzie is owned by Anna and Bogdan Macewicz. After amassing a small fortune in the alcohol distribution business, they purchased and settled on 10 acres of beautiful land, building their residence and a winery of impressive proportions that has a resemblance to some Napa Valley properties. Anna tends to gardens full of rare flowers and trees on the property, while Bogdan runs the winery. Three grapes are grown here, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gołubok, a Cabernet Sauvignon hybrid with flavors of earth, brambly mountain fruit and black pepper. The wines are solid and of a varietal nature. Bogdan approaches his winemaking with honesty and realism; “it’s a never-ending learning process,” he says. “I know little now and will most likely die dumb.”

Marek Krojcig is the proprietor of Stara Winnogóra Winery, a chateau-like building serving as a hotel, restaurant and tasting room. He is the pioneer of the area, owning the first registered winery in the post-communist era.

With 14.5 acres of under vine and 25,000 liters of annual production, 70% of the production is Riesling. The remainder is divided between Pinot Gris, Traminer, Saphira (my favorite) and in the red category, Pinot Noir, Regent and St. Laurent. I tasted only whites. The reds were sold out. The wines were focused, well balanced, full of complexity and worthy of any international tasting.

In 2015, in the village of Zabór, Lubusz Wine Center was opened. It is a 85-acre multi-functional facility which is home to 13 wine makers working in close cooperation. It is an education center, museum, scientific laboratory and conference venue. 21 different grape varieties are cultivated and experimented with here. The center is a testament that winemaking is treated here as a serious investment now and for the years to come. in food and drink. A beekeeper, amateur distiller, cider maker, fantastic cook and most importantly one of the best charcuterie and meat producers in the land. Inspired by his late father, Czesław, he launched his meat business, Salcum MEATS AND BEYOND Fixum (their household nickname for head cheese,) in 2013. The beginnings Poles have always been a nation of meat were tough. His labor-intensive, meticeaters, and pork has always been their ulous production methods and uncomgo-to meat. Jokingly, I call sausage promising approach to sourcing forced Poland’s national fruit. Meet Jarosław Szlachcic to demand higher than averSzlachetko a.k.a. Szlachcic, a man of age prices. Poles’ prevailing mentality many talents, a renaissance man of of value over quality along with some sorts. His passion and main focus lie

The wineries and their stories mentioned here are examples of a large surge of quickly developing wine culture in the nation whose main trait, for better or worse, has always been hope.

When leaving Poland at the age of 23, I’d never tasted grape wine. I’d never seen grape wine period. We had apple “vino.” We called it “J 23” for slang. A hideously sulfured, dirt-cheap concoction with painful consequences. Grape wine was viewed as an imperialistic, bourgeois drink unbecoming of a true communist and completely absent in already scantily stocked grocery stores. Poles, by historic destiny, were condemned to be beer and vodka drinkers. A difficult curse to break. Kissing frogs didn’t work; I tried. page 151

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POLAND'S PROFICIENCY

IN BURGEONING FOOD & DRINK SCENE general economic difficulties kept a lot of consumers at bay. Jarosław’s persistence, integrity and national recognition prevailed. Now, he and his wife Magdalena, a partner in the business, own two stores and a food truck that is a frequent visitor at local farmer’s markets. Here the motto is simple: no chemicals, no preservatives, and traditional handcrafting. His sausages are legendary both in quality and assortment. His cured meats can stand up to some of the best in the world. His pates have won him awards at international food fairs. His pork of exquisite quality comes from a special breed of hog, Złotnicka Biała, bred by Adam Dziurawiec. A special clone of potatoes and a mixture of garlic and oregano for disease prevention is the main source of feed for the hogs, resulting in an exceptional quality of meat with an unusually high content of butter-like, packed-with-flavors fat. Szlachcic isn’t an exception in his devotion to the trade, young Turks like him abound in the area, and the entire country, creating a healthy sense of competition and ensuring high standards.

There is a weekly, Sunday farmer’s market in Ochla near Zielona Góra, Your Green Market, where some of the best artisanal small food producers gather and talk up their produce; meats of wide variety, cheeses and other milk products, pastries, juices from rare forest berries, coffee from local roasters, organic fruits and vegetables. One of my favorites was a pickle stand; jars

of a variety fruit and veggies pickled in different concoctions. Have you had a Polish version of Kimchi? Absolutely delicious! All the vendors are generous with samples and extremely passionate about their offerings. I finished with a homemade ice cream. I’ve never tasted vanilla flavor this decadently sublime.

After the market, I visited a local fishmonger named Grzegorz Koza, whose fishbased restaurant Fish Net (yes, in English) was busting at the seams and running out of menu items by midday.

The place offers a wide assortment of mainly local fish from lake Wojnowo and has become a huge attraction. Pike, carp, freshwater eel, amur, tołpyga and trout; just to mention a few.

They are prepared in various ways: fried, smoked, grilled, or pickled (yes, we Poles love anything pickled.)

At the end of my visit to Poland, I spent a few days in Warsaw. I wasn’t sure what to expect considering Poland’s troubling, present political climate perpetuated by the regressive ideology of the PiS Party. Though I was filled with optimism when leaving the city.

It seems to be dominated by a young-

er generation. Thousands of active, animated, self-assured youngsters fill the streets, walking, scooting, biking and passionately talking, trying to solve the mysteries of the universe. Bars with ambitious cocktail programs, wine bars with impressive wine selections, farmers’ markets and restaurants of various ethnicities thrive. Somethings still need a little polish (no pun intended), especially the professionalism and attentiveness of the customer service sector. But, the city resembles a healthy, determined teenager going through a rapid growth spree; awkward at times and confused in its new self, but on its way to becoming a well-functioning adult with a formidable future.

Emotions were running wild through me while writing this piece. As much as I’d like to reject a notion of patriotic nostalgia within me I can’t, at the same time, afford to deny myself a sensation of a real feeling in this age of apathy and ambivalence. No matter how far or how long you may have been away from your home, it will call upon you, with or without your consent. This land, its people, and everything that came with them shaped me, made me into a flawed human like we all are. And for that, I am immensely grateful. Therefore, without patriotic pride which often smells to me of an emblematic lethal combo of ignorance and arrogance, I am simply hopeful for a better future for this country where I grew up.

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SPIRITUALITY DEFINING THE DIVINE

TWO PART SERIES: AUTHENTIC

COMMUNICATION PART I

“The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.” - Tony Robbins Jyoti Paintel-Bowles Spirituality Contributor

If we can assume that there is some truth to the quote above, it would appear we must learn to express ourselves properly if we want to experience real joy in life.

We must be able to build bridges of communication because these bridges become our connections to happiness.

Communication is at the heart of every meaningful interaction that humans have, but many of us struggle with the ability to speak freely. Authentic communication demands courage, skill, determination and a lot of practice.

Real communication requires you to be honest with yourself, because that’s where the connection begins.

If miscommunication is a common theme in your life, then the comforting news is that you’re experiencing a frustration felt by many people. The first thing you can do toward a solution is to start a healthy but gentle conversation with your “inner self.” Chances are,

you might not be communicating with yourself in a way that makes it easy to speak to others.

It is more than okay to admit that you might need to work on improving the way you communicate. Instead of seeing this process as self-improvement, see it as self-acceptance. Don’t waste this opportunity. Acknowledge that you want to take action to create a better experience for yourself.

While researching for this column, I wanted to give practical and holistic strategies to become better communicators. There isn’t any one certain or surefire way to get to a place where we can speak with confidence and grace.

There wouldn’t be hundreds of books, courses and other self-help material out there if there were, but I can give you some tips on how to be fully engaged and assertive when you speak to others.

Step One in Authentic Communication: Listening Our intent is often expressed without saying a word. Peter Drucker, who was widely famous in American business

history for being a thought leader and as “the man who created management” wrote, “the most important thing in communication is hearing what is not being said.”

Make sure you demonstrate your interest in what the other person are saying by not appearing distracted.

The simple act of sustained eye contact shows sincerity and makes others feel like they are being seen and heard. It is tempting to keep our phones readily in our hands, but try to resist fiddling with your phone when talking to people, whether they are strangers or best friends.

Letting a person know that they are important creates a safe place for them to speak to you. Dale Carnegie famously wrote, “You can get more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years trying to get people interested in you.”

Don’t slouch or appear bored or tired when listening. Poor body language won’t work in a professional environment, but it is also important to avoid page 155

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SPIRITUALITY DEFINING THE DIVINE

AUTHENTIC COMMUNICATION PART I poor posture in our daily interactions because we might be viewed as unapproachable or rude.

It is not necessary to mirror behavior, however, be cognizant of vocal volume, and try to match your levels. If someone is discussing something sensitive, show your trustworthiness and compassion by giving your full attention, lowering your voice and also by making gestures to encourage them, like nodding or smiling.

Timing is everything when being a good listener, use your judgment as to when is the best time to comment. Don’t interrupt the person.

If you are already formulating a response before someone has finished talking, chances are you aren’t listening. Wait a few moments to let your thoughts and feelings “gel” before you pipe in, and if possible, resist the urge to always have a “response.”

Step Two in Authentic Communication: Saying Your Piece Are you clear about what you need or are you leaving it to assumption?

Now that it is your turn to talk, make sure you know what is in your heart. It page 156

might sound like a cliché, but the truth is many of us have a hard time speaking directly. Instead, we dance around the topic, or leave subtle clues and expect others to simply read our hearts or minds, and then we sulk or mope when we feel misunderstood; this might have worked with our parents while we were children, but as adults, this unpleasant behavior can cause others to turn away from us.

One simple fact about authentic communication is that we cannot just hope that others will interpret what we need, instead, we must be completely direct about it.

Another important thing to remember is that we all go through changes that others cannot perceive. It is okay to want something different than what you wanted six months, or even six minutes ago, but make sure that you let others know if the change impacts them.

Step Three in Authentic Communication: Ask Yourself, Have You Received Without Guilt or Insecurity?

The following question nicely complements the one above; do you find yourself feeling guilty for wanting or

asking for something? This guilt creates a counterproductive situation because we then become scared to ask; we don’t want to receive, and those around us don’t want to give because they’ll know we’ll feel terrible for asking.

Sometimes we feel like we need to “repay” someone for the love and support they’ve given us, and that becomes a weird competitive or this-for-that exchange. You don’t want to be worried that every time someone gives you something, you’ll have to pay them back or that you’re unintentionally placing a “debt” on them every time you provide them something.

If you’re in relationships with the right people, giving and receiving is a winwin scenario instead of a win-lose scenario.

This might be a good time to examine your relationships and what feelings they evoke in you. True friendship isn’t about keeping tabs on who did what, so stick to friends that reciprocate generosity and make you feel appreciated no matter what you can or cannot bring to the situation.

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Welcome Home

LORIENT, ST-BARTHS VILLA SBS $15,500,000 USD ABOUT VILLA SBS Located in Lorient Bay, this beach front property is designed for an exceptional indoor-outdoor lifestyle to meet the requirements of the most discerning of guests.

Decorated in a tasteful contemporary style, this luxurious property offers stunning views of the ocean and the neighboring islands. The large sun deck and covered terrace are set in the sand and shaded by Royal Palm trees.

The main living area consists of a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar, interior dining area for 8, and a comfortable living room. This space opens to a covered terrace featuring a mirrored effect pool and a Jacuzzi. It is an ideal spot for entertaining, with a lounge area and a second dining area.

Four bedrooms with private bathrooms and walk-In showers are located on either side of the terrace, all facing the ocean.

A fifth bedroom with en suite bathroom, kitchen and terrace is nestled in the rear garden. This exceptional villa, with direct access to the beach, is graced with amenities of the latest fashion and exceptional design.

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Welcome Home

CAPRI SOUTH BEACH 280 SOUTH COCONUT LANE, MIAMI STEPS FROM LINCOLN ROAD

Adi Dotan Zilberberg

I am very pleased to announce the latest addition to Zilberberg’s Property Showcase.

Luxury super modern brand new Biscayne Bay waterfront home with over 6,000 SF. Dramatic water views welcome you to the open floor plan with expansive foyer, custom staircase, and 20-foot ceilings.

Featuring 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, living, dining, chef ’s gourmet custom kitchen, 90 bottle wine cooler, family room, terraces, atriums and extra space for a home gym at ground level. 2 car garage, elevator, lush garden, Infinity pool, dock and coveted roof terrace for entertaining.

Palm Island living beyond expectations. It comes furnished and ready to go.

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Welcome Home

AUCKLAND CITY, NEW ZEALAND 39 BASSETT ROAD, REMUERA BUILT BY RENOWNED ARCHITECT WITH MODERN ADDITION

In the same family since 1961, this magnificent home was designed and built around 1922 by renowned architect Roy Binney who created homes valued for their distinctive qualities and luxury.

An extensive addition was built in 1990 adding a modern dimension.

The time is finally right to pass this estate to the next generation to create new traditions and memories and lift to a new perfection, while preserving the cherished history. page 166

From the circular drive with flag pole, the home is well known and admired and on 2254 sq m of near flat land, and elevated on the Northern slopes of Remuera the harbour views from this ridge are spectacular.

From the grand entry hall that leads to both the Binney wing and the more modern wing, the home unfolds to a garden and lawn where you are afforded the privacy you seek for a family home. With five bedrooms (His and Her

Masters), there are separate wings to ensure any family size, or extended family, and accommodate the nanny with ease.

The entertainment areas include formal dining, formal lounge, home theatre complete with bar, games room and beautiful character lounge, plus extensive decks and stunning day porch for private relaxation. Other features include sauna, wine cellar, attic storage, and roof top observation / sun deck.

The house contains most of the features

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which characterize Binney’s work, such as the extensive use of wooden shingles, bay windows, French doors, small picture windows, pillared entrance, and stair window filtering light down the stairs. Residences with this heritage, pedigree, size, location and schooling are rare.

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COACH WINE: FUNCTIONAL TRAINING

ABS

EQUAL PERFORMANCE

PRACTICAL EFFECTS FOR INTENSE EXERCISES

The entire balance of your bank account and all the tips on the Internet can't help if you don't follow some basic guidelines.

Mark Wine CSCS; BA; USAW; PT, PES, CES

The title says it all, “Abs Equal Performance.”

Everyone wants them, everyone likes them, but most people cannot get them.

Whether your abdominals are hidden or visible, they lead to improved performance in every facet of life.

As an athlete, having a well-developed core increases your performance capabilities through improved agility, coordination, power and strength.

As an average fitness enthusiast, having well-sculpted abs will improve your workouts, daily life, sex appeal, confidence level and health. I think an early conclusion is, no matter who you are, abs can increase performance in every facet of your life.

Lower- Back- Pain Prevention /Treatment - having a core that is strong and stable is essential to lower back health. The article The Secret to a Healthy Back & Sexy Six Pack explains that “incorporating a core workout routine that safely balances flexion and extension of the spine, functional movements, total body complex movements...” is essential to maintaining a healthy lower back.

Luckily, performing a workout routine centered around complex movements, like farmers walking, dumbbell front squats, functional clean to press, back squats, and many others (check out functionalmusclefitness.com “exercise-of-the-week” to see videos of these exercises) can aid in proper core development while limiting the amount of belly fat.

Fat reduction also leads to increased performance by allowing greater movement patterns through larger Range of Motions, even at higher velocities.

Limits the Amount of Belly Fat - Belly fat (also known as visceral fat or omentum fat) leads to vast health complications, even more than other fats. The article All Fat Created Equal explains the dangers of belly fat. “Belly fat lies deep within our abdomens surrounding the internal organs... Visceral fat may serve as a feeding tube into vital internal organs, thus leading to even greater health complications.”

Although few will argue over the importance of having a well-developed core, there are a few disagreements on how to achieve these results. One might ask, what is the most efficient way to develop a core for performance? Second, is it necessary to have a six-pack that is visible? Both are vitally important questions to ask and understand before one undergoes a fitness program to achieve proper core

Studies have linked abdominals to numerous benefits, including the following:

development.

Abdominals have shown to be greatest served through a well-rounded core program, engaging total body movements (strength, power, and endurance), flexion followed by extension of the spine, all three musculature actions and flexibility training.

First, we need to look at total body movements. Some may ask, if we are looking to develop our core, why would we do full body and not simply focus on our abdominal musculature?

There are two main reasons why the answer to that question is “absolutely not!”

First, when you perform a biomechanical analysis of the body during any and all movements throughout your life, you are performing total body movements requiring strength, power and stability.

The core is the center of all movements; it starts there and ends there. Due to the nature of real-life movements, you must be able to work through these patterns page 171

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ABS =

PERFORMANCE

PRACTICAL EFFECTS FOR INTENSE EXERCISES

with efficiency and performance, whether in sports or everyday living. The goal of total body movements is to re-create functional movement patterns. Second, total body movements have a higher degree of caloric expenditure. They activate more musculature at once, thus requiring higher “METS” (energy cost of an activity) levels than single musculature movements. Therefore, total body movements raise your metabolic rate. This is important because it leads to greater levels of fat loss, which leads to better health and living. Without these exercises, it would be hard to show your abdominals.

The lordosis position has your back in a natural spinal extension position. While performing core exercises, concentrate on those that keep your back in this position more often than not. Follow any possible back flexion exercises, whether there is minimal flexion or not, with back extension exercises soon thereafter.

For example, performing Seal Sit Ups followed by Superman’s. Seal Sit Ups, when executed correctly, put your back in minimal back flexion. Follow them with Superman’s, which place your spine in extension (to see examples of these exercises visit functionalmusclefitness. com “exercise of the week”).

Proper core development utilizes flexion and extension of the spine. Recently, fitness professionals and medical professionals have been arguing whether or not to suggest performing flexion and extension movements. Examples would be basic crunches, sit-ups, hyper-extension on machines at the gym, etc.

These movements create greater pressure throughout the discs of the spine.

Although I concur with this thesis, we should not eliminate flexion and extension movements altogether. Let’s look again at the biomechanical analysis of movements we perform in life, do we perform flexion and extension of the spine? Absolutely, so we should do them in training. However, with that said, there are guidelines when performing flexion and extension movements that can help prevent increased disc pressure and lower back injury. In the article Secret to a Healthy Low back & Sexy Six Pack - Part I, it goes over the importance of following back flexion with extension. This article touches on the importance of the lordosis position as well. “The lordosis position provides optimal pressure along each disc of the spine. Therefore, there will be minimal disc herniation and/or bulging discs.”

Understanding the three muscular contractions is critical to exercising correctly. Concentric is the motion of pushing a force or weight (ex: stand up portion of a back squat). Eccentric is the action of decelerating the weight or slowing a force that is pushing against you (ex: a squat down portion of a back squat).

Isometric is when you are neither pushing nor decelerating, but rather holding a position (ex: pausing in a parallel squat position and not moving up or down).

Developing a base understanding of each of the three muscular actions, you become aware of how to utilize them during each workout. It is important to engage in each musculature action.

Neglecting one or more of the three will lead to muscular imbalances and performance degradation.

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Flexibility training involves both dynamic and static flexibility. Dynamic flexibility is movement, static is non-movement (i.e. holding the stretch).

We advocate both. Performing large Range of Motions (ROM) during exercises, with externally imposed demands (weights), is critical to increasing dynamic flexibility. This leads to musculature balance, allowing for greater core

strength, stability, and power, which increases performance. Static flexibility focuses on the musculature itself. Yoga is a common practice of static stretching that often incorporates isometric strength and balance. Both forms of flexibility training are equally important.

However, when to do perform them is just as important. Perform dynamic stretching pre-exercise and static stretching post-exercise. Another form of flexibility training that has become increasingly more popular, and for a good reason, is Self Myo-fascial Release Therapy (SMR), or foam rolling. Foam rolling involves movement along specific musculature, breaking up any knots in your soft tissue (fascia tissue). The article Secretes to a Healthy Low back & Sexy Six Pack - Part II goes over techniques of SMR Therapy. “The technique involved with SMR is as follows; roll along the muscle until you find a spot that is painful, of absolute tenderness, and sitting on that spot for 20-30 seconds until some of the pain has subsided.” Check it out for further details.

Abdominals are a serious topic, one that is often not fully understood.

Developing a well-rounded core is a discipline that can change one’s life. As drastic as that just sounded, it’s true.

There are numerous health benefits, many were not mentioned in this article, with maybe the most important benefit being treatment and prevention of lower back pain. As for athletes, abdominals have been shown to increase athletic prowess through increased transverse (rotational) power and reactive agility. And if that does not sell you, then this might, having a six-pack or a lean muscular stomach has been shown to increase your sex appeal to the opposite sex. Enough said.

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M U S C L E

F I T N E S S page 173

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MOLD YOUR MIND page 176

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WANT VERSUS HAVE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GUILT & MOTIVATION

Joey Velez, M.A., M.B.A.

Take a second to think the last time you used the phrase “I have to…” or “I need to…”.

Chances are you do this subconsciously without being aware of what you are saying, but I want you to look back at that statement and think about what it is that you had to do, or that you needed to do, and ask yourself: “Did I really need/ have to do that?”

The problem with using the terms “need to” and “have to” is that it applies unnecessary pressure to the situation.

A common phrase I hear amongst my peers is “I have to go to the gym”, but do you really have to? What will happen if you don’t? The feelings of guilt, disappointment, and self-defamation are typically derived from our inability to cope with a given situation. However, if we make a simple adjustment to our vocabulary, we can veer away from these feelings and turn those statements into more of a motivational one.

Personal experience One of my current athletes, who is 11 years old, struggles with this every week at her swim meets. Before every race, she tells herself the things she “needs”

to do in order to be successful. Where she is struggling is that she realizes early in the race that she will not meet those expectations, which she responds by quitting mid-race and not swimming up to her potential, which decreases her enjoyment of the sport. At that age, the enjoyment of sport is the most important factor in their continued participation. According to the National Alliance of Youth Sports, around 70 percent of youth sport participants in the United States stop playing organized sports by the age of 13 because they are not having fun (2016). Over the last month, we have worked on getting her to simply change her vocabulary and getting used to that process. By all it means, it was not a smooth transition and has not been perfected, but what she has noticed as that she feels less pressure while competing, which has allowed her to have more fun. Again, it may be a small change, but the difference it can make can be enormous psychologically.

How to make the change There are scenarios where these negative feelings are more valid, such as making a false accusation about somebody, but there are other situations where these feelings are unnecessarily presenting themselves, like hating yourself for not going to the gym. The act of using “have to” or “need to” places unwanted pressure on our conscious, and if we don’t complete those tasks, we open ourselves up to the personal backlash of guilt, shame, and disappointment. Instead of using the word “need” or “have”, try using the word “want” instead. For example, change “I

need to lose weight” to “I want to lose weight”, change “I have to make this putt” to “I want to make this putt”. By changing one simple word, you take the statement from being more pressure-inducing to motivational. Next time you make a statement that involves the phrase “need to” or “have to”, allow yourself the opportunity to go back and restate the sentence by incorporating a mental cue. This cue can be physical, such as a deep breath or clapping your hands, or it can be verbal, such as saying “start over” out loud or in your head. When you notice yourself make a “need/have to” statement, apply your mental cue, and then follow that up with your “want to” statement. It takes time to change something we have subconsciously done throughout our entire lives, but once we acknowledge it and raise our awareness, we can begin to shift the way we respond.

Final thoughts There are activities that we have to do and need to do in order to survive: breathe, work, pay bills, etc. However, when it comes to activities that are done out of choice and not out of necessity, there are other things we could be doing with that time. You are choosing to go to the gym because you want to, not because you have to. You could easily go hang out with friends, go to the beach, go running outside, or stay home and watch your favorite television series.

When you are making the choice, make it because you want to. Change your vocabulary in these situations and you will instantly feel less pressure to complete the things you set out to do. page 177

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