Modern Luxuria Vol 40 SEPTEMBER 2023

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD.

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Elsa Amorim

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Twyla Campbell

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Brandy Belitsky

COPY EDITOR

Lucie Oosterveld

Brandy Belitsky

Mona Rose Butler

Twyla Campbell

Marcia J. Hamm

Steven Hope

Francesca Roznicki

Erin Walker

Emily Welz

Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published monthly.

For subscription inquiries email: hello@modernluxuria.com

No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material. By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.

Thank you

Photography by Erin Walker

Twyla Campbell Executive Editor

Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer, author, and the former food columnist for CBC radio (Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveller who seeks unique destinations both local and abroad. A proud supporter of Canadian wine and sustainable food producers, Twyla is a regularly sought food panelist and judge for culinary competitions in Canada.

Contributors

Erin Walker is a professional food photographer, recipe developer and food stylist, with clients in Edmonton and across North America. When she’s not spending time behind the lens or in the kitchen, you can find her reading, gardening and enjoying everyday life with her husband and her two busy boys.

Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and busy mom of two boys. Always passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't busy shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring the local real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping hot Americano.

Mona Rose Butler, originally from Vancouver, brings with her to Edmonton a background in lifestyle writing within the luxury realm. When not working or training for her next strongman competition, she can be found exploring the restaurants and coffee shops of Edmonton or taking her dog, Pixel, on adventures.

Marcia J. Hamm is a lover of all things wine, but is especially passionate about Italy's native grape varieties. She is a WSET diploma holder, an Italian Wine Scholar and one of only 15 Italian Wine Experts In the world through the Vinitaly international Academy (VIA). Marcia also loves to sing, ride her bicycle, have dinner parties and relax on the patio.

Steven Hope Is an award winning creative, working in commercials and film around the world. He often uses minimalism in his work, allowing the concept to stand alone.

Brandy Belitsky is a mom, wife, graphic designer, photographer, writer, and singer. Her passion for art and design has kept her busy in both the working world and in play. If she's not working, she's probably spending time with her family, creating something, singing, or cooking something up in the kitchen.

Publisher's Note

In our fashion section, discover the allure of fall fabrics—the warmth, texture, and comfort they offer as we transition into the cozy season. Explore the richness of materials that make this time of year so special.

We take you on a culinary journey in “Zula Kitchen and Wine Bar” where Mediterranean-inspired flavours come to life in Glenora. Join us in savouring the artistry of fine dining in a beautifully designed space.

For the connoisseurs of spirits, we explore the world of bourbon. Learn about the intricate process behind this iconic American whiskey and discover some exceptional labels to add to your collection.

In "Face Value," we celebrate the captivating portraits of Valery Filippov, an artist who masterfully captures the essence of his subjects. His exploration of human values through the art of portraiture is a testament to the power of storytelling.

As September's crisp breeze ushers in the subtle transformation from summer's embrace to the enchantment of fall, we are filled a sense of nostalgia as well as anticipation. It's a time to slow down and savour the changing seasons, both in nature and in our lives.

In these pages of Volume 40, you will find a celebration of this season with a collection of articles that captures the essence of September. Here are some highlights:

We hope that this issue of Modern Luxuria will serve as an inspiring and enriching companion during this beautiful transition from summer to fall.

– Elsa

PHOTO BY TATYANA SEMENOVA

Building Homes while Building Relationships

How one home builder is continuing a legacy while adapting to change

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE

Birkholz Homes, a family business that started in 1968, has a reputation for building quality custom homes that are simple and elegant, while keeping in mind the style of the neighbourhood. Kevin Birkholz, along with his wife Penny, took over the family business in 2000 and they continue to adapt the business for the local market. We sat down with Birkholz to discuss how the business has evolved, his favourite parts of Edmonton, and where he sees the future of home building in our city.

Tell us how Birkholz Homes started and the progression of the business.

My mom and dad started the business in 1968 and I worked in their business growing up. They started building on the northside of Edmonton in the early 1970s before expanding into St. Albert and eventually along the river to Terwillegar Park Estates. They built the first showhome in Whitemud Creek and then developed homes in Brookview, Riverside and further southwest. At the time, it was more of a spec model product they were building; they worked on about 100 homes a year.

My parents always had a respected name in the industry, so when we took over in 2000, that was something I wanted to continue but I didn’t want to pump out homes—it isn’t just about numbers, it’s about relationships. I really like the challenges and clientele at an estate level. It's smaller in volume and much more personalized—but more challenging, too, because it’s different every day.

We are building custom homes in beautiful mature

neighbourhoods like Laurier, Crestwood, Windsor Park, and Belgravia. We’re also in some newer areas in Windermere and Keswick. A lot of our work follows the river so it’s fun to go on bike rides and see these homes we have built within our city. We generally have a very simplistic, elegant look with flat roof lines that allow our homes to blend in with the mature neighbourhoods we build within.

We work with trusted architects and designers, or clients can bring their own designers and architects. We find that the most effective way to work with us is from very early on, even pre-design, so we can talk budgets and work towards a common end-goal.

Many home building companies pivoted during the pandemic and Birkholz Homes is no exception. Tell us what changed in your business during that time.

Nowadays, we’re intentionally building less than 10 homes a year, and we’re also doing more renovations. Before the pandemic, that wasn’t an offering, but that was one major way we pivoted. Sure, it’s so much nicer to start from the ground up and know the quality of the work from the start, but renovations are different. We’re going into someone else’s work so it's more of a challenge.

We also had previous clients asking us for small improvements in their homes. What’s cool is that it’s hard for someone not to be happy afterwards because you are reclaiming a space in their home that didn't work. You're giving them what they want in their home in a neighbourhood they already love.

What’s next for Birkholz Homes?

We’re really happy with the market segment that we’re in. We feel it’s balanced right now between estate-sized homes and smaller homes. We’re trying to maintain and find the balance we had pre-pandemic and remain competitive with others.

We also want our clients to know that while our estate homes they see around Edmonton are a representation of what we can do, we also do so much more. Moving forward, renovations are going to be a great option for our clients. A lot has changed in the last few years where there is an opportunity to celebrate how people love their communities and neighbourhoods. People entrenched themselves when there wasn't much of an option to go anywhere. Now we have a new appreciation for community, and what's come out of that is a chance to embrace that in construction.

We’re also excited to be opening our ninth Mighty Millions Lottery Grand Prize showhome this year. We’re passionate about home building and helping others, so this is a fantastic way to help raise money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Having that relationship has been a wonderful experience. We get to show what we can do through them while helping them raise money for a good cause.

When you’re not on the job site, what keeps you busy?

I grew up in Edmonton, on the south side, and I love this city. I actually find it hard to leave in the summer because it’s so spectacular. The season is so short! I love the River Valley. We have one of the longest-running river valleys in North America so I like to take advantage of that. I am an avid cycler and part of a big cycling community here as well.

When our twins were younger (they are now 19), we would grab our snowshoes and carry them down into the ravine and trample through the trails. As I get older, I’m less interested in winter outdoor sports and prefer travelling to warmer climates. Our family’s favourite place to travel is Maui, and we love Italy, Croatia, and Spain, as well.

Tell us what luxuries you need to have in your life in order to be happy.

I’m very blessed to have some great friends. You don’t always stop and think about that, but we are very lucky to have spectacular, supportive people around us. I love being outside and on a bike, so that’s the one thing that I would take with me—and I often do, even when we travel. Being able to hop on a bike creates a different experience. You hear, see, and feel things differently. You sense humidity and temperature variations. It is quite a unique experience when you get to glide down the road in a different part of the world.

WWW.BIRKHOLZHOMES.COM

Autum Reverie

Embracing the season’s fashion tapestry

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE LOCATION PENDENNIS BUILDING

Fall fabrics are a delightful blend of warmth, texture, and comfort. From the softness of cashmere to the durability of tweed, these fabrics embody the essence of the season. Wool provides functional insulation, while corduroy and flannel offer a rustic charm. The plushness of velvet adds a touch of luxury, while knits provide stretch and versatility. Suede exudes timeless elegance, and the ribbed patterns of autumnal sweaters bring a sense of coziness. Fall fabrics not only shield us from the chill but also envelop us in a tapestry of style, making the transition into the cooler months a fashionable and comforting experience.

Mr. Derk

Are there any specific designers or brands that you admire and often wear?

Reflecting on the things that have made an impact, there are two brands that truly resonate with me and have earned a special place in my wardrobe.

Drake's of London: Now, here's a brand that's become something of a secret weapon in my style arsenal. Their accessories possess a unique ability to turn an outfit into a statement. With their knack for blending patterns and colours artistically, Drake's seamlessly aligns with my preference for merging timeless elegance with a modern touch. The meticulous attention they invest in the smallest details and their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship truly strikes a chord with me—it's as though they've honed in on exactly what I seek.

Alden of New England: I've always had a soft spot when it comes to footwear, and Alden takes the spotlight for me in blending tradition with comfort. Their shoes aren't simply footwear; they're stories meticulously crafted stitch by stitch. As someone who values both timelessness and comfort, Alden's creations perfectly cater to these priorities. It's almost as if they've tuned into my style sensibilities, where quality and style coexist harmoniously.

So, when I choose to wear pieces from these brands, it's not merely about donning something—it's about making a subtle statement, embodying the essence of meticulous craftsmanship and style. These brands align with my personal values and preferences, and I've always found that the devil's in the details. These two brands consistently hit the mark when I want to finish a look with impact.

MinkPink Jumpsuit

Bamboo Ballroom

Kyla Kazeil

Fierce. Powerful. Confident. Those are words that Kyla Kazeil exudes both in fashion and in personality. A busy mother and businesswoman, she rocks an elegant style that always seems effortless.

Do you have any signature pieces or fashion staples that you always incorporate into your own outfits?

My favourite staples are a usually a chunky boot or shoe, an oversized jacket, and of course red lipstick.

Luxmrkt

What is your personal style philosophy and how does it influence your work?

I don't have a thought-out philosophy for style, clothing just provides an opportunity for self-expression as wearable art. First, you need to make sure that the basics are covered, to ensure that you are properly equipped for the situation, whether it be in a business meeting or an intense hike in nature. Once you are covered, you can add a personal twist to express your personality.

This philosophy influences my work in this way: first, we must ensure that the client has the basics covered. We ensure that they have well-constructed, well-fitting clothes to meet the requirements of the situation. Once you are properly equipped, you will have the confidence and the framework for self-expression. Without the proper framework, art will not be able to express anything. As you need to ensure that a painting has a proper frame and a statue with a supportive base; you must also ensure your style has the supporting structure. Once the basics are covered, you can let your personality shine.

Simon Budziszyn

Justin pulls his look together with clothing that is easy-going yet visually impactful. Every item at Foosh, speaks to the latest in streetwear and art culture. Sneakers and a ball cap or toque are not only practical and functional but also act as fun accessories. To Justin, expressing one's own style is paramount.

What inspires your personal style choice?

Now that I’m chasing around kids, I’m inspired by what’s comfortable…and (for shoes) always a pair of Nikes

Swish

Angela Larson

How do you stay inspired and keep up with the ever-changing fashion scene?

I am inspired by the women in my community who are constantly evolving, improving and challenging themselves. My work relationship with Natasha (vintage specialist) is all about learning new things and honing our customer service skills and pushing ourselves to try new things creatively on social media platforms and beyond. It’s great when you have someone to bounce your ideas off of! Surrounding yourself with people of every age also helps keep your mind sharp and your ideas fresh.

Oscar De La Renta Silk Jacket Vintage Silk Scarf Black Jeans

Jack Victor Jacket

MIRTO Shirt

GALA Pant

Eddie’s Menswear

Earl Klapstein

How do you balance staying on-trend with maintaining a timeless and classic personal style?

Fashion to me, is about individual attitude and style. Knowing who you are and what you’re comfortable wearing. Staying on top of what’s new in fashion and pairing new pieces with the classic ones makes an outfit look contemporary, layered, and rich.

Trends can be fleeting; I don’t worry about every change that comes and goes. Personally, I believe in ethically sourced, well-made clothing and I’m not afraid of colour, fun patterns and being a bit different.

Vision Reimagined: The Monocle Optometry

Where eye care meets warmth, fashion, and community

WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Located in the heart of St. Albert, The Monocle Optometry is not just a clinic but a place where personalized eye care meets home. The brainchild of Dr. Lauren Zaiffdeen, this optical boutique has been transforming the way residents receive eyecare since its inception in November 2021.

Dr. Lauren Zaiffdeen, the owner and visionary behind The Monocle, is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a BSc in Biological Sciences. Her journey led her to achieve a Doctorate of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University, Florida. Her extensive training equipped her to diagnose and manage various ocular diseases, fuelling her passion for ocular health.

After spending eight years in an overly corporate practice, Dr. Zaiffdeen's dream of creating The Monocle Optometry became a reality. What distinguishes The Monocle is its commitment to personalized service, transforming the clinical environment into a welcoming space simmilar to a cozy living room. A beautiful fireplace, for example, juxtaposed against a backdrop of frames fosters comfort and helps to ease anxieties patients may associate with eye care.

Stepping into The Monocle means stepping into a community where clients are treated like family. Dr. Zaiffdeen's personalized approach ensures that clients receive undivided attention and thorough care. The clinic's eyewear specialist collaborates closely with clients to select the perfect pair of glasses, seamlessly blending style and functionality.

The eyewear collection is a testament to The Monocle's commitment to both fashion and individuality. The clinic showcases a beautiful selection of independent, fashion-forward brands, many of which are handcrafted in Europe and Japan. The emphasis lies not in brand names but in making clients feel great about their choices.

Dr. Kirstin Stayer, who recently joined the team, brings fresh perspectives while enabling the clinic to accommodate more patients. An exciting Myopia Management program has been introduced for children to prevent future eye issues, and the upcoming 2-year anniversary promises a noteworthy eyewear sale.

Dr. Zaiffdeen's vision extends beyond St.Albert, as she aspires to open an Edmonton location allowing her to expand the business and it’s unique approach to eye health and community connection.

WWW.THEMONOCLE.CA

WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Panamera has always set itself apart from the masses, its silhouette and proportions unmistakably Porsche. Athletic, streamlined and with a contoured, muscular stance, it will never be mistaken for anything else.

Is it possible to create a true sports car with four doors while still retaining the dynamism of the Porsche brand? Absolutely.

The Panamera combines sporty, supercar performance with world-class comfort in the sleek confines of a 4-door sedan.

The GTS models are easily recognizable thanks to the use of contrasting black trim. The side window trims, the side air outlets, the badging and the tailpipes are all finished in High Gloss Black. The lower section of both front and rear fascias are finished in Satin Black, while the taillights and the rear light strip are tinted.

Lowered by 10mm, the GTS’ 20-inch wheels are shod with massive tires—275/40 in the front and a steamroller-like 315/35 in the rear. porty, supercar performance with world-class comfort in the sleek confines of a 4-door sedan.

As with any Porsche, it’s what is underneath that counts. The space under the long hood is home to a twin-turbo 4L V8, putting out 473 HP and 457 lb-ft of torque, the latter available from 1,800 RPM. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and an active all-wheel drive system, the Panamera GTS slingshots its occupants from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The Sport exhaust system emits a vicious bark when the car is fired up and settles to a menacing rumble. Under acceleration, the frenetic roar of the V8 is like a drug, where dipping into its prodigious power reserves becomes addictive.

Drivers choose between four driving modes— Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual—that impact engine responsiveness, steering, handling and even the exhaust note.

But it is not just about jaw-dropping straight-line performance. The Panamera’s newly tuned chassis and clairvoyant adaptive air suspension allows it to effortlessly master the delicate balancing act between sport and comfort.

When it comes to safety, there are a variety of driver assistance systems to make driving safer and more relaxing without being intrusive. The massive 6-piston brake calipers at the front and 4-piston brake calipers at the rear make quick work of bringing the Panamera back down to earth, even from ludicrous speeds.

Inside, Porsche has fused sophisticated sports car ergonomics with its ascending centre console and the flat dashboard—and of course the analog tachometer in the centre of the instrument cluster is a nod to tradition.

In the driver’s seat, everything is focused on you and your next destination. And yet, all around you there is generous space for passengers to ride in supreme comfort.

From supremely crafted seats to an intuitive touchscreen system to the staggering 1,455 watt, 21 loudspeakers Burmester sound system to a dual panoramic roof, every detail makes for an extraordinary journey.

Whether you are behind the wheel or occupying one of the passenger seats, every drive feels like sport, not transport.

Even practicality is not lost on the Panamera. A large luggage compartment lives under the wide tailgate. Folding rear seat backrests allow even larger objects to be transported as well.

With the Panamera, Porsche has consistently gone their own way. By staying true to their roots and injecting Porsche DNA into the luxury sedan segment, they have created a masterpiece of driving performance and comfort.

Zula Kitchen and Wine Bar

Mediterranean comfort in a northern clime

WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY ERIN WALKER

Many Edmontonians will know Yuksel Gultekin from Sofra, the Turkish restaurant he’s operated downtown for the past 17 years. In January, Yuksel opened Zula Kitchen and Wine Bar in West Block Glenora where he ventures further afield with flavourful fare inspired by the entire Mediterranean Basin.

A consummate host, people-person, and pioneer of the Turkish food scene in Edmonton, Yuksel has earned one-name status amongst his fans. It is not uncommon to find him in the dining room greeting customers, shaking hands, and making sure guests are having a good experience.

"When people say how much they love the food, it keeps me going,” he says. “It’s the best feeling when clients are happy. I want them to enjoy what they are paying for.”

At Zula, all dishes are made from scratch with market-fresh ingredients. While the menu will change with the seasons, some items, like rack of lamb, calamari, and eggplant-wrapped halloumi will (hopefully) remain as regular options. Kebabs are on offer, as one would expect, and are available during lunch as individual portions, or during dinner as a mixed platter which makes it perfect for sharing.

“There’s something for everyone,” Yuksel says of his food that is as much for vegetarians as it is for pescatarians and carnivores. “After a while, you learn how to read people and know what they like.” With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, and most of it in Edmonton, it’s safe to say that Yuksel Gultekin knows what the people want.

With that in mind, Zula bridges the gap of what to eat and when. Guests can opt for lighter lunchtime meals like sandwiches and salads, or indulge later in the evening with a wagyu steak and pasta washed down with a full-bodied Masi Costasera.

That wagyu finds its way on the menu in a handful of presentations, including meatballs on eggplant puree, dry-aged in hamburger form, or as steak that’s grilled and topped with house-made bone marrow butter. Uncooked cuts can also be purchased from Arpa, the butchery next door that Yuksel opened this spring.

A dining experience should always be about more than the food, though, and such is the case at Zula where cocktail creation and wine curation receive as much attention as what comes out of the kitchen. Sipping a French 75 or a Limoncello Sour on the patio, surrounded by the scent of hibiscus, it would be easy to imagine you’re on a beach in Monaco or a terrace on the Amalfi Coast. And, if you’ve never had a Turkish sauvignon blanc, this is the place to find it. Pair it with the calamari, and you might forget where you are, if just for a moment.

No matter where you take a seat, outdoors or inside the beautiful space where shades of blue bathe the walls, the tiles, and the velvet banquettes, Zula, in its entirety, is a place to feel comfortable and comforted. The food and drink are just two parts—albeit delicious ones—of a very pretty package.

Bourbon

America’s most famous whiskey

WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Bourbon is a North American whiskey that can be made anywhere in the United States, with most of it coming from the state of Kentucky. It is both the laws that define what is a bourbon and the techniques traditionally used in production that effectively govern and protect its flavour: a punchy, full-bodied spirit that is rich with layers of vanilla, coconut, toffee, and sweet spices.

Ask any bourbon distiller about the difference between bourbon and whiskey, and the answer is always, “All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon.”

Bourbon must be made from a mash bill that contains a minimum of 51 per cent corn to which is added a selection of other grains, most commonly rye, while some distillers prefer to use wheat and malted barley. It is the corn that gives bourbon its signature sweetness, while the rye adds spicy notes. Wheat provides notes of honey, and malted barley gives a biscuity sweetness to the mix. In essence, it is the mash bill that captures the distillery’s preferred flavour profile.

Besides the rule of the mash bill, there are other laws to which distillers must adhere. Bourbon must be

distilled to a maximum of 160 proof (or 80 per cent alcohol by volume), and matured in new, charred oak containers. Most distillers prefer the American white oak barrel which gives the spirit its colour and signature notes of vanilla and coconut. The char on the barrel contributes a smoky, sweet flavour, while helping to remove the aggressive elements in the un-aged raw spirit, referred to as white dog.

Bourbon is made through a double distillation process. The first round seeks to remove volatile components; the second round is where the distiller collects the white dog at a strength best suited to their brand. The bourbon, then, must enter the barrel at 62.5 per cent ABV or less. This is a practical requirement, as much of bourbon’s production is in Kentucky, where the hot, dry climate causes alcohol levels to rise. Bourbon must be bottled at 40 per cent ABV (or more) and can be a mix of spirits of different ages, as long as they conform to these requirements (mash bill, distilling, maturation, and bottling). Although there are no ageing requirements for bourbon, the term “straight” refers to a bourbon that has been aged in a charred barrel for a minimum of two years.

Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon:

The term “small batch” is not covered by any regulation, but simply means bourbon from a small selection of barrels blended to create a premium expression. Michter’s dates back to 1753 with roots in Pennsylvania, changing hands several times before finally making its current home in Kentucky, the heart of bourbon production. Bottled at 47.5 per cent ABV, the small batch is smooth and mellow with rich vanilla and caramel notes and smoky nuances.

KOVAL

Bourbon:

This is an Illinois bourbon and one of the few bourbons made outside of Kentucky. Founded in Chicago in 2008 by Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart and her husband, Dr. Robert Birnecker, the distillery was the first to open in the city since the mid-1800s. The unique mash bill of 51 per cent corn and 49 per cent millet offers a smooth and balanced bourbon with notes of mango chutney, vanilla, and peppery caramel. KOVAL is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to appreciate these unique tasting notes.

Woodford Reserve:

The mash bill of 72 per cent corn, 18 per cent rye, and 10 per cent malted barley combines the sweetness of corn, the spiciness of rye and the nuttiness of barley to create a flavourful and nuanced bourbon. The Double Oaked is uniquely matured in separate charred oak barrels, each with different levels of toast to give additional sweet oak character to the spirit, making this the perfect bourbon to create the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.

Shades of life in black and white Face Value

WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY WELZ

Scroll through the online gallery of portraits painted by Valery Filippov and you’ll be sure to recognize some familiar faces: Leonard Cohen, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway. Others won’t be as easily recognized until you read the names below: Tchaikovsky, Dostoyevsky, Chagall, Woolf, Jung...

From mountaineers and mathematicians, to philosophers, photographers, poets, and painters, the list of artists, activists and other historic greats totals 56 in all.

While the eyes are often referred to as “the windows to the soul” and are what usually draws people to a portrait, what makes a face intriguing is more than one specific thing.

“It’s complex,” Filippov offers. “It’s the eyes, the wrinkles, the lines. Each wrinkle tells us a story.”

Tight lips can indicate anger or tension, he explains. A vertical line between the eyebrows can stem from worrying. Crow’s feet can be the result of too much sun as much as they can be from a lifetime of smiling. Combined, these cues are what spurs him to research the subject, but the deciding factor to paint, or not, is based on something invisible: the person’s moral standing.

French philosopher and writer, Voltaire, held beliefs that went against Filippov’s faith and values. The face, he loved; the man, he did not. Renowned as he is, Voltaire failed to make the cut.

Filippov’s artistic talents are rooted in childhood where, as a young boy, he experimented with his father’s cameras and darkroom photo processing. That curiosity led to an education at the Leningrad School of Photography in the early 80s, and a career as a successful photographer afterwards.

After leaving Russia and coming to Edmonton, Filippov enrolled in Gene Prokop’s Art School in the early 2000s to further his love of painting portraits. Faces have always fascinated him.

“When you paint black and white, you care about values (of paint tones). Values of the tones correspond to the values of the human. When I paint black and white, I think of human values like faith, family, children, and so on.” He recognizes that his explanation is a play on words, but it is one that is fitting. Add colour, and the eye is easily distracted.

When asked if he has a favourite of the group, he points without hesitation to the portrait of Anton Chekhov.

“Intellect. Curiosity. Humility. Peace. Almost a burning sense of being good—in everything you do and everything you are,” the artist says of his reasons for including the prolific writer.

On the back of each canvas are words spoken by the subject. For Tchaikovsky, Filippov selected the quote, “Great talent requires great diligence.” An apt choice considering he worked on the collection every day for nearly two and a half years.

For Eugene Delacroix, a French Romantic painter, Filippov chose the quote, “The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.” Delacroix is considered one of the last of the Old Masters, and yet, lauded as he was, his words tell much.

Filippov says it’s tough to know when a painting is finished because there will always be something to fix—at least from the artist’s perspective.

If you take Delacroix’s words to heart, though, where, if you aim at perfection in everything, you achieve it in nothing, then, in the case of the human face, beauty is in the imperfections; the wrinkles, the flaws, and the scars—each a line of a story that tells the tale of resilience, survival, and accomplishment.

The value in that is immeasurable.

Filippov’s portraits are viewable and available to purchase on the Saatchi Art website.

WWW.FILIPPOV.CA

Life Changing Luxury Travel

Experiencing the world beyond the all-inclusive resort

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY STEVEN HOPE

For some, travelling is a way to relax, ignite passion, or escape from everyday life. For others, it is a chance to have an experience that alters their way of thinking and beliefs. For those seeking a specialized travel service—one that can include anything from witnessing the birth of an elephant while on an African safari, to going on a four-day food tour in Italy—professional travel consultant, Anita StefanykMalo, can curate the travel experience of their dreams.

“The world is so open with ideas and ways to experience places. [Travel] is about delving into the culture now, and there are so many tools that we can use to create those experiences,” Stefanyk-Malo says. “I get just as excited about booking them as my clients enjoy experiencing them.”

Stefanyk-Malo’s approach to luxury travel is different from most travel agents. She doesn't have set packages or itineraries from which to choose; instead, she closely works with clients to create a distinctive vacation that meets their specific needs and desires. Working with a network of partners and local guides around the world, enables StefanykMalo the ability to offer clients accommodations in environments where they can immerse themselves in the local culture.

“Creating these relationships with suppliers to come up with unique and different experiences for our clients is truly what it's all about.”

Whether it's staying at a quiet monastery in Kōyasan, enjoying local food in Jamaica, or getting front-row seats at a local sumo wrestling competition in Japan, Stefanyk-Malo is dedicated to making her clients' dreams a reality. She does this by familiarizing herself with each client and learning their preferences, hobbies, passions, and goals to ensure that every detail of their vacation is perfect. From arranging private tours of museums, to booking exclusive dining experiences, Stefanyk-Malo goes above and beyond to create a vacation tailored to her clients’ wishes.

Dedication to creating personalized vacations has earned Stefanyk-Malo a loyal following that return year after year to rely on her expertise. A passionate traveller herself, she loves nothing more than helping clients create memories that will last a lifetime and, perhaps, even change their view of the world. Some things are best left to the professionals; arranging a bespoke travel experience is one of them.

WWW.TIERONETRAVEL.COM

Mortgage Broker Meets

Financial Counsellor

Helping buyers build strong financial foundations for their homes and futures

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY STEVEN HOPE

Purchasing a home can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of a lifetime. It can also be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, particularly when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. As a mortgage broker and a certified Accredited Financial Counselor Canada (AFCC), Cory Knott aims to alleviate some of the pressure for buyers by taking a more holistic approach to the process.

“People just want proper communication,” notes Knott, “especially when dealing with such a major transaction like real estate. It’s really stressful for a lot of people and when you do it every day, you can forget how stressful it is. If that communication piece isn’t there, the relationship can deteriorate quickly.”

Having worked on the new home sales side for five years before moving to the financial side, Knott has a unique perspective on the pain-points people experience when buying a home. This insight allows him to provide tailored solutions to issues that may arise during the purchasing process. With his integrated approach, he ensures that each client is provided with the right advice and support to make sound financial decisions, while also making an important purchase. To Knott, getting a mortgage is not just about the best interest rates, it’s also about keeping in mind the individual's lifestyle and unique goals.

“So often, people get placed into a 5-year fixed mortgage with almost no conversation. Having a finance background and financial coaching allows me to do a much deeper dive to strategize, long term,” he says. “A lot of times, conversations can get stuck on a rate—and it is important to be aware of, but it's just one piece of a bigger puzzle.”

Knott works with his clients to gain an understanding of their lifestyle, family situation, future plans, and career aspirations. He then creates a customized plan that considers their current financial situation as well as their longer term goals, while working to get them into (or closer to) their new home.

Through this process, he is able to provide his clients with comprehensive advice that not only helps them secure the right mortgage, but also sets them up for financial success further down the road.

Having a qualified team of professionals guide home buyers through each step and ensure that they are making informed decisions can make a sometimes overwhelming process a less daunting one.

“If my clients can feel comfortable with a transaction as stressful as purchasing a home, I‘ve done my job,” Knott says.

Designing A Personal Oasis

Arguing the case for beauty and practicality

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

When it comes to renovating, people often focus on high-visibility areas like kitchens, living rooms and dining areas, but when Brenda Brix works with a client, she plans the project so that even the bathrooms fit with the new look. This means prioritizing the much overlooked 2-piece powder room, a space she calls “the little jewel box of the house.”

“Your guests should walk out of your half-bath talking about your half-bath,” says Brix, principal designer at AMR Design.

A powder room has to withstand the rigours of high traffic, which means materials that are sturdy and easy to clean are standard requirements. Standard doesn’t have to mean stodgy, it can mean beautiful, too. Brix brings in textures and colours that may not be typically found in a bathroom, and even though the space may be small, eye-catching wallpaper and mouldings add personality without making things feel crowded.

PHOTO BY STEVEN HOPE

In contrast to a half-bath, an ensuite is tailored to fit the specific needs of a client who often dreams of an oasislike result. For one couple, Brix designed a bathroom and walk-in closet separate from the bedroom so that the husband, a doctor who was frequently on-call, could get ready for work without waking his wife.

For many, the fun begins once the layout is established. The choice of finishings is only limited by budget and imagination, and deciding on them usually happens because of habit and aspiration. For some, a large steam shower with seating and multiple spray settings helps to bring the spa experience home. For others, an undermounted tub with a marble deck provides the means for a long soak with room enough for candles and a glass of wine.

PHOTO BY STEVEN HOPE

It’s not all about the larger fixtures, though. Details and decorations matter. Art can be framed prints on a wall, or it can be the hooks, faucets, knobs, lighting, and other functional elements required to finish the room. The ceiling, what Brix considers “the fifth wall,” should also be addressed. Everywhere the gaze travels, it should land on something beautiful.

“Personally, I love bringing in softer window coverings where appropriate because everything else is such a hard finish,” says Brix. “It really elevates the room, thanks to the texture element.”

A renovation can be a monumental undertaking. To smooth the process, Brix and her team create a phased renovation plan so that every space receives the attention it deserves. Regardless of the scope of the project, every aspect can be personalized to create a haven, as plush or as posh as required. What matters most is to look at each room, even the humble bathroom, from a new (and more artistic) angle.

WWW.AMRDESIGN.CA