Iconic Concierge Vancouver Fall 2018 by Iconic Concierge Magazine

FALL 2018

COMPLIMENTARY SUMMER 2014

ICONIC

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR THE AFFLUENT GENTLEMAN

VANCOUVER

THE HOLY GRAIL

FERRARI 250 GTO

The Champagne and Beyond - A Trip to Europe

BEYOND BRILLIANT. ABOVE ORDINARY. Certified Fancy Yellow & Colourless Diamonds

DILAWRI. TOGETHER IS BETTER.

START YOUR JOURNEY AT BC.DILAWRI.CA

492 kilometers. 89 crossroads. 5 on-ramps. 3 detours. 1 drive.

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publisher’s LETTER

time for champagne!

c’mon, after you have seen us wearing kilts in scotland you were wondering what would come next, right? well, we were pretty close to wearing lederhosen but we only spent 2 days in germany and the oktoberfest was still far away. no, we picked up the new porsche panamera in stuttgart and drove to the champagne in france. nothing better than having champagne in the champagne! the trip didn’t stop there as we made another stop in geneva, switzerland, meeting up with maximilian büsser of mb&f watches. you can read all about it in this edition. the last few weeks have been quite busy anyways. warm and sunny days made the transition from summer to fall easy and with all the events and the great outdoors it was never boring. speaking of events - with ‘smoke on the water’ we finally did our very first event. in collaboration with jill sinclair, 100 guests celebrated one of the last sunny late afternoons and evenings on a luxury yacht, enjoying champagne, wine, cocktails and some fine tequila, smoking a cuban cigar. we do things in style!

olaf robrecht publisher olaf@iconic-concierge.com

finally - when you are reading these lines we are getting very close to the end of the year. and we hope that yours was as good as ours. we wouldn’t be where we are without you and our great clients. thank you! this is the last edition of 2018 so here’s to a fantastic 2019!

wait a second?! “Wait, when did you guys do this? I didn’t know we had a 250 GTO in town?” Yes, we heard this many times ... and truth be told, we did not have the most expensive car in town for our cover photo shoot. “But isn’t that Vancouver Club it is parked at?” Yes, and no. We actually commissioned a very talented 3D artist, Russ Schwenkler, to create this scene for our cover. Yes, this is a 3D rendering, not a photograph! Gotcha! You can read more about “The Holy Grail” of the automotive world on pages 30-32.

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hublot.com

Techframe Ferrari Carbon Yellow. Carbon fi ber case inspired by the car brand's iconic lines. An innovative watch equipped with an in-house mono pusher chronograph tourbillon with a 5-day power reserve. Rubber strap. Limited edition of 70 pieces.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

vol. 10 [2018]

www.iconic-concierge.com

+ On the cover: Ferrari 250 GTO, Vancouver Club

PUBLISHER:

OLAF ROBRECHT olaf@iconic-concierge.com

AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR:

ROBBIE DICKSON

FASHION EDITOR:

JASON SARAI

LIFESTYLE EDITOR:

NATALIE LANGSTON

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR: CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

PHOTOGRAPHY: COPY EDITOR: DESIGN/ LAYOUT: ADVERTISING SALES:

OLIVER FINLAY JASON BOUDREAU, KEITH TRUSLER, AMANDA WOOD, JESSE DEAN COOK, JIM GORDON, JASON SARAI, DR. CHRISTIAN BRIX DAVE HAMILTON, TODD DUNCAN MIKE STRAUS YADA-YADA MEDIA please contact iconicconciergemagazine@gmail.com

iconic_concierge Iconic Concierge is published by

GROOMING SUPPLIES + BARBERSHOPS

barberandco.com

Printed in Canada.

barberandco

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All rights reserved. No part of Iconic Concierge Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. The views expressed in Iconic Concierge are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publishers do not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication or on the website. Iconic Concierge reserves the rights to ads produced for advertisers.

dreamT E A M

OLAF ROBRECHT publisher

An entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for new projects he is passionate about, Olaf has run several businesses since he came to Canada 18 years ago. These days you will find lifestyle and car magazines as well as a design & marketing company connected to his name, although he might be better known for his little collection of spirited automobiles.

ROBBIE DICKSON chief gear head

Born in England, Robbie is a selfstyled entrepreneur with a passion for exotic cars, boats and watches. He owned pretty much every car you can imagine although he still calls a Lotus Elise he once owned his favourite. Tracked extensively, Robbie claims it was “the most affordable fun you can have with your clothes on ...”

JASON SARAI

bespoke stylist & fashion editor When Jason found the world of bespoke suiting and styling, he had little choice but to turn it from a passion project into his life’s work with Style by Sarai. He has gone from being fashion advisor for family and friends, to the trusted bespoke stylist for professionals and grooms-to-be, by enhancing their confidence and helping them become their own style icon.

CRAIG STOWE luxury events

Craig is recognized as Vancouver’s #1 creator and producer of luxury events bringing together affluent buyers and sellers of luxury brands in an engaging business social event setting. He is the President of Luxury Alliance Group, Luxury & Supercar Weekend, Porsche Rally, Hublot Diamond Rally and VP of Partnerships for Pacific Polo Cup.

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NATALIE LANGSTON

AMANDA WOOD

lifestyle editor

creative muse

Natalie is an accomplished Canadian TV Host and Lifestyle Expert for Global BC, Breakfast Television + JRfm. Fitness & Health Reporter for BC Living. Freelance journalist and Emcee with a passion for all things Fitness, Fashion and Fun. Volunteer and Spokesperson for Dress for Success Vancouver, member of Ladies Who Lunch Global Network for female entrepreneurs and Style Ambassador for the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards.

Amanda Wood is a professional jazz and pop singer, social influencer and real estate assistant to Jesse Dean Cook. She is soulful, sexy and sophisticated with a passion for travel and living life to the fullest. Amanda contributes to Iconic Concierge in many forms from writing, editing, modeling and general creative input.

JESSE DEAN COOK

JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU

luxury real estate specialist

wealth advisor

Having worked as a Global Executive for a multi-billion dollar corporation, Jesse has a decade of international business experience and is now one of the top luxury real estate agents based in West Vancouver. He truly cherishes the relationship he has with his clients, helping them navigate the process of selling and buying their spectacular residential properties.

As the founder of VELA Wealth, Jason is fuelled by watching clients fulfill their vision of life success for their family, community and legacy. Focusing on inter-generational wealth transfer, life insurance, legacy and estate planning, he advises successful entrepreneurial families on how to make meaningful choices at the intersection of their life and their wealth.

KEITH TRUSLER

BARRY McNABB

imbibing authority

wine expert

The Brand Ambassador for The Glenlivet and Aberlour for several years now, Keith is a veteran of the restaurant industry in Vancouver and has extensive experience as a bartender, mixologist and chef. As a Connoisseur of single malt whisky he tirelessly pursues the finest dining and imbibing experiences the city has to offer.

It was a bottle of 1989 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet that changed his life. That was in 1990. The addiction to wine was set. And the journey to know everything and anything about wine. Today, after many travels to all notable wine regions in the world, Barry has a broad knowledge of the nuanced interplay between food and wine.

sport, health & fitness

OLIVER FINLAY

JIM GORDON LEETA LIEPINS

Having traveled the globe, working with pro teams & athletes in sports environments as diverse as F1, EPL soccer, NHL & ATP tennis, to attain peak performance, Oliver arrived in Vancouver for his PhD, exploring how the World’s best sports teams manage change initiatives. Passionate about human performance & sport’s impact on community, he highlights the industry’s latest & greatest developments.

They are the hosts of the weekly, national TV show “Our City Tonight”, covering Vancouver’s entertainment, fashion, nightlife, food & wine events, interesting people and exciting places. Jim is also the co-host/producer of “The Travel Guys”TV show and a film/ TV critic. Leeta is also a columnist for several other publications.

city experts

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CONTENTS COVER

FEATURES

AUTOMOTIVE

The Ferrari 250 GTO

The MB&F HM9

The Bugatti Divo

Exploring Germany, France & Switzerland in Style

The Ferrari X Taschen Book

The 70th Anniversary Rally

Zeigeist and Marketing in the Watch World

Best of Show at Pebble Beach

Stay Healthy & Fit While Traveling

The Ferrari 250 GTO

The History of Champagne

Canada’s Premier Luxury & Lifestyle Event

Hotel Vancouver

Retro Style Electric Bikes

EVENTS

The Holy Grail

The Champagne and Beyond

COLUMNS

Publisher’s Letter

The Specter Journal You Want This!

Get Laid. Tonight!

The Top 6 Scents for You.

The Gentleman

They Should Have Taught You This In School

Financials

The Next 1-5 Years

Real Estate

Vancouver Dream Estates

Real Estate

A Buyer’s Market

Dynamic Profiles

Il Fascino Ferrari

The Big Bang

Truly Unique

Bursting Bubbles

The Castle in the City

Men of Style

The Hottest in Fashion

110

Dream-Team Dinner An Evening at Social Corner

DESTINATIONS

The Champagne and Beyond Exploring Germany, France & Switzerland in Style

100

... are a Girl’s best Friend!

Christian Chia

EY Entrepreneur of the Year Pacific

102

Forget Chocolate and Roses!

Making Waves in a Sea of Plastic

What Women Want

112

Our City Tonight Bodega on Main

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Porsche Rally 2018

From Vancouver with Love

The Holy Grail

Luxury & Supercar Weekend

Vintage Iron

FW18 LEONE Fashion Show

Porsche Rally 2018

Ferrari X Taschen Book Launch

A Luxury Lifestyle Event

Arts & Music

Diamonds ...

A Coachbuilding Tradition

Smoke on the Water

PERSONALITIES

Vancouver’s Art Scene - Review

/ fall 2018 /

Chloé Dubois

113

Brett Archibald

Ask the Concierge - Hotel Le Soleil

The Pacific Polo Cup

The Deighton Cup

104

The Monaco Yacht Show

107

Summer Soirée

CONTENTS

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“Divo is the modern interpretation of Bugatti’s coachbuilding tradition.” Curtains up for the Divo1. Bugatti has presented its latest model as a world premiere at the exclusive “The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering“ in Monterey, California. With the Divo, the French luxury brand has developed a super sports car tuned for agility, nimbleness and optimum handling performance on winding roads. It is powered by Bugatti’s iconic eight-litre W16 engine with a power output of 1,500 PS. The aerodynamics of the model have been intensively fine-tuned and the suspension and chassis settings have been modified. As a result, the Divo is 35 kilograms (77 lbs) lighter and has 90 kilograms (198 lbs) more downforce than the standard Chiron2. The lateral acceleration of the Divo has been boosted to 1.6 g. Its maximum speed is limited to 380 km/h (236 mph). The result: The Divo can lap the Nardò handling circuit in southern Italy eight seconds faster than the Chiron. The series will only consist of 40 vehicles. Upon the start of presentations to selected customers, the Divo, homologated as a road vehicle, with a net unit price of €5 million, sold out immediately.

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BUGATTI DIVO 8 litre W16 | 1,500HP | Limited to 40 | â&#x201A;¬5 million | SOLD OUT

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LOUIS VUITTON COFFRET 8 MONTRES

B&O BEOSOUND EDGE And this is...? A loudspeaker. But not just any loudspeaker. It is the strikingly minimal (and ironically titled) ‘Edge’ by Bang & Olufsen. About the size and shape of a car wheel, the Edge is built around a large 10-inch woofer and two pairs each of 4-inch midrange drivers and 0.75-inch tweeters.

Louis Vuitton has created a beautiful trunk-inspired watch case, a fitting home for your timepiece collection The ultimate 8 watch case is crafted in classic Damier Garphite canvas. It easily goes from safe to suitcase and has a removable tray to hide other valuables. C$ $7,350.

It outputs sound on both sides and can be used either as a floorstanding speaker or mounted on a wall. Oh, and tilting it in either direction adjusts the volume!.There are also touch controls at the top of the speaker to change tracks. The Edge supports direct Bluetooth control via your phone or tablet as well as AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. US$3,500. www.bang-olufsen.com

ca.louisvuitton.com

CAKE CALK E-DIRT BIKE

ROCKET PORTA VIA

Available from February 1st 2019, the Cake Kalk is blurring the lines between a gravity bike and a motorcycle. At just 150 pounds, it’s far lighter than any gas-powered bike. It is powered by a15 kW mid motor, powered by a 51.8 Volt, 50Ah battery that propels it to a top speed of 75km/h, while travelling up to 50kms on a single charge. US$15,000.

Travel just got a whole lot more interesting: With the Rocket Porta Via, the world’s first truly portable espresso machine, you won’t have to leave your hotel room for the best tasting espresso. The Porta Via comes enclosed in a classy travel case. US$3,995.

www.ridecake.com

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www.rocket-espresso.com

LIVEWIRE: THE E-HARLEY-DAVIDSON The Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle, hailed as “the first in a broad, no-clutch ‘twist and go’ portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of the sport,” has been a long time coming and, finally, it looks as if the LiveWire will be available next year. The LiveWire is expected to come with a longitudinally mounted three-phase engine with 74 hp and 52 pound-feet of torque. www.harley-davidson.com

BELL & ROSS X2 SKELETON TOURBILLON MICRO-ROTOR The new BR-X2 Skeleton Tourbillon MicroRotor is the evolution of the BR-X2 Tourbillon introduced last year. The concept behind the BR-X2 models is simple: the movement is worn directly on the wrist. The mechanism is brought to the forefront, while the case disappears. Set between two anti-reflective sapphire crystal plates, the 4.05mm thin manufacture calibre BR-CAL.381 is thoroughly visible. The skeletonized dial displays hours and minutes with Superluminova-filled hands and indices. Furthermore, it features a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Bell & Ross launched the watch in a limited edition of 50 total pieces. US$79,000. www.bellross.com

VOLKNER MOBIL PERFORMANCE S Called Volkner Mobil Performance S, the luxurious motorhome comes from Germany and could best be described as a wheeled luxury resort complete with its own garage. Everything in this beast, featuring a double bed, complete kitchen, lounge and a generous bathroom, is finished and appointed to the highest standard . The best part, however, is that you can take your car along with you in its hydraulically-operated sliding platform garage. Well, as long as it’s an ultra-low car - the company has used the BMW i8 and a Porsche 911 at events.

www.volkner-mobil.com

The price for all this home-away-from-home luxury is the equivalent of US$2-million - if you throw in the obligatory underbelly sports- or supercar. ICONIC CONCIERGE

DYNAMIC PROFILES HOROLOGICAL MACHINE N°9 by MB&F MB&F enthusiasts have been following the Horological Machine series since 2005. The latest opus in the series, the Horological Machine N°9 ‘Flow’, has just been unveiled and it is another masterpiece. Inspired by the dynamic profiles of automotive and aviation mid-century design that brought us some of the most beautiful man-made objects ever created, like the Mercedes-Benz W196 and the 1948 Buick Streamliner, the HM9 is reminiscent of a jet engine. A highly complex titanium case in alternating polished and satin finishes encloses an equally complex manual winding movement, developed fully in house. Independent twin balance wheels beat at a leisurely 2.5Hz (18,000bph) on each flank of Horological Machine N°9, visible under elongated domes of sapphire crystal. A third pane of sapphire crystal on the central body reveals the gearbox of the HM9 engine: a planetary differential that averages the output of both balance wheels to provide one stable reading of the time. Sitting perpendicular to the rest of the HM9 engine is the dial indicating hours and minutes, driven by conical gears that ensure precise engagement even when motion is put through a 90° planar translation. The winding and setting crown is located on the rear of the central body, its deep fluting providing ergonomic grip as well as aesthetic coherence with the overall design. Two satin-finished air scoops are mounted alongside the pods containing the oscillating balance wheels, evoking the raised vents that allow continuous airflow to high-performance motor engines.

THE ENGINE Manual-winding in-house movement Two fully independent balance wheels with planetary differential Hours and minutes on vertical dial display Frequency: 2.5Hz (18,000bph) 301 components / 44 jewels / 45 hours power reserve

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HM9 Flow treads the path first opened by the HM4 Thunderbolt and subsequently by the HM6 Space Pirate, utilising a geometrically complex combination of milled sapphire crystal and grade 5 titanium case elements. However, HM9 goes beyond its predecessors, redefining what was thought to be possible in case design – illustrated for example by a patented three-dimensional gasket ensuring water resistance. The MB&F HM9 ‘Flow’ debuts in two limited editions of 33 pieces each. The Air Edition comes with a typical pilot’s watch dial (with a triangle at 12 o’clock and propeller-shaped hands) and is powered by a dark NAC-coated movement. The Road Edition features a rose gold-plated movement and a dial reminiscent of vintage dashboard speedometers. The HM9 is worn on a hand-stitched calf leather strap secured with a titanium folding buckle. Price is set at CHF 168,000 (before taxes).

"The crystal clear sound on Fazioli pianos create

endless possibilities for all musical collaborations."

Lisa Tahara, pianist & Brenna Hardy-Kavanagh, violinist

W W W . S H O W C A S E P I A N O S . C O M

out & about FW18 FASHION SHOW LEONE VANCOUVER

On September 27, LEONE Vancouver had invited their clients and fellow fashionista to have a first look at the arrival of the new Fall/ Winter 2018 collection. From Brunello Cucinelli to Alexander McQueen, Versace, Prada, Dior and Valentino, to Philipp Plein and Dsquared2 - if you are looking for the hottest brands in the luxury fashion world then this evening was for you.

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+1 604.683.1133 | Leone.ca

757 West Hastings Street | Sinclair Centre

out & about PORSCHE RALLY 2018 VANCOUVER | WHISTLER | PEMBERTON

2018 marks the 70th anniversary of Porsche, and so on September 22 for the second annual Porsche Rally, 70 mostly Porsche 911s from all model years made their way from the Porsche Centre Langley to Whistler and Pemberton. A fantastic day, and the clouds and few rain drops actually added to the driving experience and gave photographers the opportunity for some very dramatic pictures. A cocktail reception, dinner and awards presentation at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler rounded off an amazing day. Iconic Concierge took part in a beautiful 1979 911 SC Targa, courtesy of Autoform Vancouver.

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Photo: John Lamm

FROM VANCOUVER WITH LOVE 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinett - restored in Vancouver wins Best Of Show at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance One of the stars at this years 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, an early production 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta, actually came straight from Vancouver! Owned by David and Ginny Sydorick of Beverly Hills, California, the Alfa Romeo underwent a complete restoration by RX Autoworks in North Vancouver. The specialists at RX returned the car to the state it was in when it made its first appearance at the 1938 Berlin auto show. Finished in an original deep blue paint, the Alfa had two other strong contenders in a field of exquisite automobiles: a 1929 Duesenberg J Murphy Town Limousine; and a 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Figoni Fastback Coupé. In the end, the judges decided for the Alfa. Congratulations to the owners - and to RX Autoworks! The original Concours held at the Pebble Beach Lodge, dates back to 1950, and was the beginning to what would become a mecca for period-correct classic automotive dreams. Over the last few years, with more and more carmakers unveiling new models, the Monterey Car Week started to change, and this year the traditional internal combustion engine got quite some competition: Several manufacturers teased future concepts that are largely centered on electric powertrains, making the show a testing ground for how their next moves are seen by staunch critics, discerning enthusiasts, and core customers. We picked our favourites ...

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The one-seater MercedesBenz Vision EQ Silver Arrow is an homage to the record-breaking W125 from 1937. The strikingly beautiful electric car has an output of 550 kW (750 hp) with a battery enabling a calculated range of over 400 km. The interior is dominated by traditional materials such as genuine leather, polished aluminium and solid walnut, whereas a digital cockpit points directly into the future: It includes a curved panoramic screen with back projection, as well as a touchscreen integrated into the steering wheel.

The all-electric, high-performance Genesis Essentia Concept made its world debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. Essentia is the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first battery electric vehicle and features a lightweight carbonfiber monocoque, a robust, multi-motor electric powertrain, and a custom-tailored interior.

For the first time, Audi was presenting a design and technical concept car at Pebble Beach. The all-electric Audi PB18 e-tron presents a radical vision for the high-performance sports car of tomorrow. Broad and flat, visibly inspired by the wind tunnel and the race track, its very presence signals that it is destined to push boundaries.

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THE HOLY GRAIL SETTING RECORDS: THE FERRARI 250 GTO With nameplates such as 250 Testa Rossa, 288 GTO, F40 or LaFerrari, the company from Maranello with the Prancing Horse badge has given us many great sports cars that became as famous as it gets, but one Ferrari model sits above anything else that left the factory: The Ferrari 250 GTO. The 250 GTO model was the pinnacle of development of the 250 GT series in competition form, whilst still remaining a road car. Essentially a factory conversion of Ferrari’s Testa Rossa 250 open sports racer into a closed GT coupe with regulation windshield size and luggage capability to compete in GT racing, the design of the car was a collaborative effort and cannot be ascribed to a single person (although Bizzarini and Scaglietti are often mentioned). It made its public debut at the annual pre-season Ferrari press conference in January 1962, and was the only front engine model on display, with its monoposto and sports racing counterparts all having a mid-engine configuration. The power unit was essentially a 250 Testa Rossa specification version of the Colombo single overhead camshaft per bank 3-litre V12 engine, with factory type reference 168 Comp/62. It produced a claimed 221 kW (300 hp) at 7400 rpm. The engine was coupled to a new 5-speed, all synchromesh gearbox, with an

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open gate gear-change tower in the cockpit. The overall shape of the aluminum bodies changed very little during the production period from 1962 to 1964. All of the examples produced, apart from the ’64-bodied cars, had three removable ‘D’-shaped panels, retained by quarter turn fasteners, on the upper face of the nose, for increased radiator air throughput, the pattern being repeated with three similar uncovered openings in the underside of the nose panel. The ’64-bodied cars and re-bodies again have detail differences between individual

cars, but these relate more to the roof shape, which was either long, short with integral spoiler, or short without spoiler and the bonnet, which either had a long slim bulge tapering into the nose panel or a cold air intake. A number of cars were modified during their competition careers, notably with the addition of a third front wing exhaust air slot, and occasionally louvres were added to the bonnet to aid heat dissipation. Only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs were manufactured, the production relating to 250 GTO models consisted of: Two 1961 Prototypes, 32 1962–63 SI 250 GTOs, three 1962– 63 330 GTO with a larger 4 litre engine, one 1963 250 GTO with LM Berlinetta style body and three 1964 SII 250 GTO (outright new cars - not including the 4 S1 cars which were re-bodied) . All of the cars still exist today apart from 1 of the prototypes which was dismantled in period. Amongst the numerous international successes of the 250 GTO were wins in the Tour de France in 1963 and 1964; GT class wins in the Targa Florio in 1962, 1963 and 1964; victories in the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1962 and 1963; with GT category wins at Le Mans in 1962 and 1963, and in the Nurburgring 1000 km in 1963 and 1964. There is no doubt – the Ferrari 250 GTO has achieved legendary status amongst aficionados of the marque. When new, the GTO cost $18,000 in the United States and it was only in 1986, when the first 250 GTO (chassis number 3589GT) was sold for US$ 1 million. The very same car sold for US$4.2 million just two years later.

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Record 1:

The Most Expensive Car In The World David MacNeil, the founder of vehicle accessories producer WeatherTech, just paid a record-breaking US$70 million in a private deal for a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO. MacNeil, himself an experienced sports car racer and car collector, who also owns the WeatherTech Racing team, which will compete in the year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, now owns chassis number 4153, a car so pristine it is regarded as the third or fourth best example in the world by well-known Ferrari historian, Marcel Massini. According to Massini, this particular 250 GTO is the same car that won the Tour de Francine 1962, regarded by race experts as one of the most famous and historic motor races in history. MacNeil’s car collection, aside from the 250 GTO, is said to include other gems such as a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, a Ferrari F50, F40 and Enzo, to name but a few.

Record 2:

The Most Expensive Car At Auction Another Ferrari 250 GTO set a record at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey, California. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number “3413 GT,” is the third among all 36 units of the 250 GTO and was used as a test car by Ferrari before embarking on a racing career that began at the 1962 Targa Florio where it was driven by 1961 Formula One World Champion Phil Hill. It is also one of only four Ferrari 250 GTOs that were upgraded in period by Scaglietti with series II GTO/64 coachwork. As expected, it beat its own expectation: The winning bid ended at $44 million with fees bringing up the total to $48.405 million. The sale not only beat the previous auction record for a Ferrari 250 GTO — chassis #3851 was sold by Bonhams for $38,115,000 in 2014 — it also became the most expensive car ever sold at an auction.

REBORN: A MODERN REINTERPRETATION OF THE 250 GTO “It’s a modern reinterpretation, not a copy,” says Dany Bahar. Bahar is the co-founder and CEO of Ares Design, a boutique coachbuilder based in Modena, Italy, a unique facility catering to all processes in the design, development, production and client handover of bespoke handbuilt cars. The newest project is a reincarnation of the 250 GTO. “In my view, the GTO is the most iconic car ever produced, and the Holy Grail of motoring. Maybe people will think that some cars don’t need to be redone. We’ll listen.” Using a powerful 789 hp engine, likely to be donated from a Ferrari F12 or 812 Superfast, Bahar describes the sketches as a “work in progress” and that the first client is currently refining the details with their designers. A limited number of just 10 cars seems possible, which will most likely cost north of US$ 2m. Check out their website for more awesome one-off projects: www.aresdesign.com

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out & about FERRARI X TASCHEN BOOK LAUNCH SECRET LOCATION, GASTOWN On Thursday, September 6, Carey Melnichuk together with Veuve Clicquot and Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver welcomed a group of selected car enthusiasts, connoisseurs and collectors to her store in Gastown. Several Ferraris were parked outside the store, drawing attention to what was only offered to a selected few: The exclusive preview and the official launch of the 1 of 250 ART EDITION Ferrari X Taschen book enclosed in a stunning aluminum display case inspired by the red-head valve covers of a Ferrari V-12 engine. With all the supercars in Vancouver we wouldn’t be surprised if a few of these rare books found a new owner.

Il Fascino Ferrari The C$41,150 monument to Italy ’s driving force Few are the men and brands that have come to define a century. For seven decades and counting, the Italian powerhouse founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1947 has made an indelible red mark on popular culture and enraptured fans and collectors across the globe. Synonymous with beauty, excellence, and unmatched desirability, the Cavallino Rampante lives on as the driving force in high-performance Gran Turismo, the conqueror of impossible challenges. A project conceived in close collaboration with Ferrari, this massive tome is a veritable collector’s piece. A production unparalleled in its scale, it features exclusive content from the Ferrari archives and private collections around the world, bringing together hundreds of unseen photographs and documents to reveal the unique story behind Ferrari’s victories, its protagonists, and its legacy. Limited to a total of 1,947 numbered books, the handcrafted leather-bound and hand-stitched Collector’s Edition (No. 251– 1,947), signed by Piero Ferrari, is enclosed in a Ferrari motor–inspired aluminum case designed by Marc Newson. However, it is the Art Edition (No. 1–250) that is elevated by a sculpture evocative of the 12-cylinder engine in hand-bent, flared chromed steel, also designed by Newson. Each Art Edition is signed by Sergio Marchionne, John Elkann, and Piero Ferrari.

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The Importance of Zeitgeist and Marketing in the Watch World

THE BIG BANG It was on our recent trip to Geneva, Switzerland, the watch capital of the world, that we started a discussion about what makes a watch or a watch brand desirable and collectible. Is it because of a limited edition run? Or the fact that it uses a rare movement? Is it the history of the brand as one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world? Take Patek Philippe. We often hear that a Patek is the epitome of the legacy watch. “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” It’s a clever slogan extensively used in their advertising campaigns, and it worked. Which means that marketing plays another important factor in the game. Maybe THE most important factor? If we look at the last couple of years, there’s one watch manufacturer in particular that seemed to appear out of nowhere: Hublot. Who really knew about this brand 10 years ago? Maybe some of you will now say that’s because they are not even that old. But actually, they are. MDM Geneve was founded in 1976 by a gentleman named Carlo Crocco. The first watch design he created took three years to complete, and he named it ‘Hublot’ – the French word for ‘porthole’. Carrying a simple quartz The very first Hublot watch. movement, it was most notable for its rubber strap – the first natural rubber bracelet in the history of haute horlogerie - and it became an instant success after its debut in 1980 at Baselworld. Which still makes it a young brand by any standard, and an infant among the centuries-old Swiss giants with which it was about to compete. And it was the right marketing that made the “golden watch with the rubber strap” become a commercial success. The advertising caught the eye of the King of Greece, quickly followed by the King of Spain, then the King of Sweden and the Prince of Monaco. The Hublot had found a niche market, and the company sold more than $2m worth of timepieces in its initial year. Few brands can claim such a speedy rise to prominence. But despite Hublot’s popularity among royalty, the brand remained known only to a European audience, wholly obscure to the world at large. By the turn of the 21st century, Hublot was in need of rejuvenation, and Jean-Claude Biver, the man who made Blancpain and Omega

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considerable players in the luxury watch industry, took the reins as CEO in 2004. Biver was undoubtedly the right person for the job. He had carefully studied the brand and found himself struck by the message of the original watch: The pairing of two mediums, of gold and rubber. To Biver, the message was a fusion of elements, joinings that could lead to ... a big bang in the watch world. Under his leadership, the goal would be to join unusual materials and styles and then extend that fusion into the movement. The first new Hublot collection under Biver debuted at Baselworld in 2005. Its name: the Big Bang. It is the year that The Art of Fusion - and with it, the Hublot as we know it - was born. Using modern materials and presenting a vast, bold face to the world, the Big Bang most definitely lived up to its name. Collectors from all over the world were lining up, tripling Hublot’s orders in just one year. By 2006 and after win-

BIG BANG Ferrari Magic Gold (2012)

Floyd Mayweather and Hublot’s CEO Ricardo Guadalupe | Sebastian Vettel, F1 World Champion and Scuderia Ferrari Driver | Ricardo Guadalupe and Lang Lang

ning numerous awards, Hublot’s sales soared to new levels, going up from 24m Swiss francs to 100m Swiss francs. It got the attention of the LVMH Group, who subsequently acquired Hublot. The next ‘Big Bang’ in marketing was in 2008 when Hublot started sponsorship of Manchester United, and another milestone was reached in 2011 when Hublot released the original MP - Masterpiece- Key of Time model. The MP Collection would introduce modern artefacts, created by Hublot in a moment of pure horological inspiration. Complicated in-house movements that would elevate the brand value over time, especially among horology fans, became the next cornerstone of the success.

of the Scuderia Ferrari, Hublot is visible on the track at multiple racing series’. Hublot is also displayed on the drivers’ race suits, helmets, and cars. The next master-strike was the partnership with boxing great Floyd “Money” Mayweather for the 2015 “Fight of the Century,” in which Mayweather defeated Manny Pacquiao. And in 2016 Mayweather once again sported the Hublot name across the waistband of his boxing trunks as he won his fight against UFC mega-star Conor McGregor. Hublot Referee The power of marketing showed once more at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when Hublot served as the official timekeeping sponsor. This is when Hublot introduced the world to the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia timepiece, the watch that all FIFA match officials wore during the tournament. It marks three milestones for the brand: It is Hublot’s first smartwatch, it is their most affordable watch, and at around $6,500 CDN, it is the most expensive smartwatch of its kind in the market. The limited edition run of 2,018 pieces was sold out in hours, even before the watch hit retail stores. Congratulations if you were one of the lucky few: You could sell it right now at a profit of up to $3,000 CDN!

Strong ties - Hublot and Scuderia Ferrai

2011 also marked the year of a new collaboration and marketing strategy: Hublot became the official watchmaker and timekeeper for Ferrari, fusing the very best of watchmaking and automotive expertise by making uniquely designed watches that are characterized by innovation, excellence and performance. The first watch —the Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold—was created in 2012, and in 2013, the historic 50-day power reserve, the MP-05 “LaFerrari,” was introduced. In 2017, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Prancing Horse, Hublot launched the Techframe Ferrari Tourbillon Chronograph, a piece designed by the Ferrari Design Team. Aside from these masterpieces, the marketing value that the Italian car manufacturer brought to the table was, and is, immense. As the official watch MP-05 “LaFerrari” (2013)

Now let us get back to our initial question: What makes a watch or a watch brand desirable and collectible? It’s not the rich history per se. There are many century-old brands that won’t provide a return on your initial investment. Certain factors have to come together, and the first pairing to look for is recognition of the brand and the rarity of the model itself. The moment a mass-manufactured movement is used, your chances of a good investment shrink rapidly. If it is an in-house movement, or a rare out-of-production movement, pay attention. But that certainly isn’t a guarantee for success. It needs a combination of many factors and Hublot has mastered it. As a young watch brand, it was the management’s vision to pursue a concept. The Art of Fusion. The combination of exclusive innovative materials and complicated in-house movements, paired with prestigious collaborations with top artists, athletes, sports teams, and entertainers with shared brand values - to be first, bold, different, and the power of targeted marketing gave Hublot not only the reputation of a brand with unique capabilities and innovative craftsmanship but as a dynamic leader in luxury watchmaking. Hublot Vancouver | 1080 Alberni Street | Vancouver | 604 559 8883

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TRULY UNIQUE THE MOST UNUSUAL HOTELS IN THE WORLD

You love to travel, experience different countries, cultures. You like to hop on the plane, and arrive at the destination, excited about what is lying ahead. You believe that travel should be about experiences and memories. So do we! As a regular reader of Iconic Concierge Magazine you have followed us on our epic journeys, and we always try to introduce you to the best places to stay. And while we’re no strangers to many of the world’s most traditionally luxurious hotels, the ones that really set themselves apart are the hotels in surprising locations, or the ones with a very unusual architectural statement. So this time we made it our mission to find the most unusual hotels in the world! From quirky to downright weird, from treehouses, ice suites, underwater hotels, a desert palace constructed of salt to an upcycled Boeing 727, these unique lodgings will certainly redefine how you think of hotels. Enjoy .. our top picks for the World’s Most Unusual Hotels. You’re going to want to add these to your bucket list, it will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

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Located in San JosĂŠ del Cabo, Mar Adentro is a stunning out of this world architectural masterpiece. Clean lines, cantilevers, deep shadows and stark white cubes, floating boxes that mirror in still blue reflecting pools. Each of the floating boxes contains 200 guest rooms: each its own modern retreat, all white with Italian decor and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea. mar-adentro-cabos.san-jose-del-cabo-hotels.com

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SEXTANTIO LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA Matera, Italy

The historic Apennine village of Matera, in far southern Italy, is famous for its Sassi quarters, a stunning and well preserved example of a village where hundreds of volcanic hillside caves were turned into dwellings, churches and palaces. Some of them are dating back to Paleolithic times.

part of the Sassi, the CIVITA, facing the spectacular Murgia park and its rock-hewn churches.

The Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita project is placed in the oldest

1965 BOEING 727 This fully outfitted, meticulously detailed, two bedroom, Boeing 727 fuselage suite jets out from the jungle canopy, affording you views that will make you feel like you’re flying.

rainforest between the Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean. While the hotel boasts 3 cliff-side pools, sundecks, and other room options, its most unique accommodation is without a doubt the 727 fuselage, salvaged from the San Jose airport. After an extensive remodel, the airplane and its surrounding wood deck are now perched on a 50-foot pedestal offering panoramic ocean and jungle views..

The Boeing is part of the Hotel Costa Verde, located in a coastal

www.costaverde.com

Quepos, Costa Rica

It comprises 18 luxurious rooms (some of them exceeding 160m²) and an ancient church, the “Cripta della Civita.”

www.legrottedellacivita.sextantio.it

WHITEPOD

Les Cerniers, Switzerland Nestled in the charming village of Les Cerniers in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Whitepod is the ultimate mountain escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers: located at 1,400 metres above sea level, it features 7 kms of ski slopes with private skilifts, an authentic mountain lodge which can accommodate up to 80 guests, a traditional Swiss restaurant and 18 luxurious domes surrounding a central chalet. www.whitepod.com

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MANTA RESORT Pemba Island, Tanzania

Crafted along an idyllic island beach, The Manta Resort offers privacy, serenity & close encounters with nature & people on Africa’s finest island sanctuary. What makes the resort really special is its Underwater Room, located 250m from the shore. Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly, the floating underwater room tops almost anything. Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by - sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels: The landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility. A ladder leads up to the roof which has a lounging area – for sun worshipping by day and stargazing

at night; and, descending the ladder to the bedroom below, your underwater experience with a 360 degree view from the kingsize bed begins. Check-out time is 11:00 am. www.themantaresort.com

TREEHOTEL

Harads, Sweden The Treehotel offers you a unique hotel experience: seven rooms, built by seven Scandinavian architects and suspended 4-6 meters above ground, offer a a very unique experience in the middle of unspoiled nature. The rooms include a bird’s nest, a mirrored cube, an UFO and a charred timber cabin. Enjoy heart-racing seasonal activities – from dog-sledding to midnight-sun horse rides – rustic Scandinavian-chic interiors; and refined regional cuisine, including reindeer and bear meat. www.treehotel.se

SKYLODGE SUITES

Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Peru These aluminium and polycarbonate pods cling to a granite slope 600 metres above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. They are fixed to the rock face with 20 sturdy anchor points. Dressed in a hard hat, gloves and a harness, with all of your food and water crammed in to the backpack of your guide, it

takes around an-hour-and-a-quarter to climb up to them via an adrenaline inducing via ferrata route of 170 metal steps and aluminium wires. The interiors are clean, minimal and functional, and yes, there is a primitive toilet cubicle at the end of the pod. Dinner is served in a quirky dining pod and, yes, wine is available, but best not to overdo it as you need to climb back to your pod in darkness. Maybe the best of it all is checking out: You zipline back to the valley floor! www.naturavive.com

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NO MAN’S FORT Solent, Portsmouth

No Man’s Fort is one of the UK’s most secluded and alternative hotel venues. Located on a unique private island in The Solent, No Man’s Fort is a Victorianera fort which was originally built between 1867 and 1880 to protect Portsmouth from an attack from Napoleon III. It has been turned into a luxury hotel, with 22 bedrooms, a lighthouse penthouse suite, nightclub, hot tub and laser quest arena. Needless to say but all rooms and the suite have sea views. With a choice of five bars, casual and formal dining, rooftop hot tubs, a cabaret club and the opportunity to toast marshmallows around a fire pit, you will be able to sit back and relax in a location like no other. No Man’s Fort is 61m/ 200 feet in diameter, and lies 2.3 km off the coast of the Isle of Wight. The 1972 Doctor Who serial The Sea Devils used the fort as a filming location for several scenes. www.solentforts.com

BIVACCO GERVASUTTI Val Ferret, Switzerland

Looking to spend a night or two in a capsule that appears to be teetering off the edge of a cliff? 2,835m above sea level on the Frebouze Glacier in the Mont Blanc massif in Italy? Mont Blanc, literally meaning “White Mountain,” has the highest peak in Europe and lies in a range that spans Italy and France. Using helicopters to fly in each section, the unique structure includes living and dining areas, and two sleeping quarters that can accommodate up to twelve people. www.bivaccogervasutti.com

HARBOUR CRANE HOTEL Harlingen, Netherlands

Staying the night in a Harbour Crane? We’ll bet you’ve never dreamt of that! The 150ft-tall converted 1960s crane is taller than a five-storey building and still in working order although visitors won’t be able to move any timber as it did until the end of the 90s. The company behind this Harbour Crane suite also operates a Lighthouse and a Lifeboat suite. And there is more than the unassailable elevation and the freedom of living on the water: You get to do something unbelievable - you can rotate your accommodation 360 degrees to enjoy a panoramic view of the Wadden Sea! www.havenkraan.n

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ICEHOTEL

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden ICEHOTEL – the original and the world’s first hotel made of ice and snow. Founded in 1989, it is reborn in a new guise every winter, in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. The Torne River, the arts, and creating a setting for life-enriching moments are at the heart of it all. In 2016 the company launched a whole new ice experience to be enjoyed alongside their classic ICEHOTEL experience.

ICEHOTEL 365 is a permanent structure that includes luxury suites, each with private relax and bathroom, and art suites, all sculptured by selected artists as well as a large ice bar that serves champagne, and an ice gallery. This ice experience can be visited year-round and is cooled by solar panels during the summer months. www.icehotel.com

ION ADVENTURE HOTEL Nesjavellir , Iceland

Fire meets ice. Close to Thingvellir National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel sits amid a landscape of mountains and lava fields. The hotel juts out from the base of a long-dormant volcano. 45 luxurious rooms, a fine-dining restaurant with the view-heavy Northern Lights Bar, and the partially exposed Lava Spa all ensure that visitors have the ultimate Icelandic experience before even stepping foot outside. www.ionadventure.ioniceland.is/

PALACIO DE SAL Colchani, Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni is the largest and highest salt desert in the world, covering over 4000 square miles. Located in southwestern Bolivia, this extensive plain land is the only bright spot that can be seen from space, it even served as a guide point for Apollo 11’s astronauts.

Have you ever imagined being in a hotel where walls, beds, and ceilings are made of salt? It is in the Palacio de Sal – ‘Salt Palace’. Over one million 14-inch blocks of solid salt have been used to build the hotel with its 42 rooms. There’s an impressive lobby, bar and 16 rooms with private bathrooms, central heating and electricity. The restaurant’s speciality? Salt chicken, naturally. www.palaciodesal.com.b

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Philippe Kjellgren (PK) is the founder of PK’s List and an avid traveller. He has deservedly earnt the title of having one of the most respected opinions in the travel world, thanks to his extensive connections with luxury hoteliers worldwide, his eye for detail, experience working with likeminded people and his accomplishments in life thus far. In 2007, Forbes magazine hailed Philippe’s books and hotel knowledge as ‘to luxury hotels, what the Michelin Guide is to restaurants’.

A TRAVEL CLUB UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Philippe Kjellgren PK’S LIST offers Subjective Travel Intelligence An author of 7 travel books and founder of the Kiwi Collection, Philippe set about creating one of the world’s most trusted travel clubs a few years ago – PK’s List, whose ‘Elite Membership’ includes royal families, dignitaries, HNWI, VIP’s and celebrities. In May 2018, PK’s List launched their smart phone app, which offers members exclusive insights into the world’s best hotels, with hotel contact details to hand, a ‘quick book’ option and benefits including upgrades, spa credits, gift vouchers and late check out at select hotels. Philippe has embarked on an 800-day trip around the world, to personally vet each and every hotel which appears on PK’s List and to determine the ‘money can’t buy’ services that he can offer his members. Philippe is populating the app as he travels, only listing the very best hotels. He is also documenting his trip on his Instagram feed (@pkslist) so that members can track his travels and build their own bespoke trips from this. HOW IT WORKS Philippe’s extensive ‘little black book’ of the world’s leading hoteliers, has granted him access to the finest hotels. Each hotel partner recognizes a PK’s List booking and guests will receive additional perks on arrival, such as upgrades, breakfast included, spa credits, gift vouchers, late check out and discounted services, to name a few. The PK’s List App is the only app in the world that lets you communicate directly with the hotel, by the click of a button. PKs List - Subjective Travel Intelligence™, which is affiliated with SmartFlyer, is a member of Dorchester Collection ‘Diamond Club’, the Belmond ‘Bellini Club’, the Mandarin Oriental ‘Fan Club’, the Four Seasons ‘Preferred Partner’, Jumeirah ‘Passport to Luxury’, Rosewood ‘Elite’ and many more. PK’s List offers three tiers of membership, the Elite Membership (by invitation only), the Travel Club and the new App. PK’s List comprises a team of expertly appointed travel advisors, located in several major cities around the world and members who are part of the travel club are assigned their own dedicated advisor, in their time zone. Who, with Philippe’s guidance, will organise all facets of trip planning, whether it’s a business trip to Hong Kong, a marriage proposal on the South African plains, or to eat the finest steak in Argentina.

www.pks-list.com

THE TRAVEL EXPERT How To Stay Healthy & Fit While Traveling words: Oliver Finlay

The Iconic Concierge team explores the four corners of the earth to showcase some of our favourite places and share some truly memorable experiences, in the hope that others can follow in our footsteps. However, travelling such long distances, often for only a few days at a time, can take its toll on your energy levels and immune function. It’s a well-known fact that air travel is far from kind on the body, thanks to the long periods of immobility coupled with dry air and germ-ridden plane furniture. Factor in the effects of traversing time zones on the brain’s ability to regulate sleep or waking hours, and the risk factors for succumbing to illness start to add up. Under normal conditions, our bodies regulate functions such as eating or sleeping through a complex interaction of the brain and digestive system, and the ‘body clock’ adopts routines called ‘circadian rhythms’.

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International travel can disrupt these rhythms, leading to fatigue, indigestion, compromised immune function, reduced ability to focus or remember things, and loss of appetite. These symptoms are the main effects of ‘jet lag’. Jet lag affects different people in different ways and to varying extents, and people take different amounts of time to recover. But the general rule is that the more time zones you cross, the worse your jet lag will be. It’s also a common observation that travelling from east to west is less of an issue than flying from west to east, as when you fly east, you’re trying to sleep when your body is naturally waking up and are getting up when the body feels like it should be the middle of the night. Working in sports such as Formula 1, tennis, hockey, soccer and athletics for over 20 years, one of my responsibilities was to develop strategies and systems that team personnel could follow to minimize the risks of infection or disrupted sleep or eating patterns associated with frequent air travel, which subsequently affect performance. The following tips will help you arrive at your destination feeling fresher, better rested and ready to make the most of your time away from home.

body more opportunity to adapt to the changing routine and allow you to have a walk around the airport. If you are someone that sticks to a rigid routine of when you eat and sleep, try to relax your normal schedule in the days leading up to your travel. This flexibility will enable you to adjust better to the imminent disruption you are about to experience. Once you arrive at the airport, set your watch to the time at your destination and from here on in, avoid the temptation to compare the time on your watch to the time at home. Beating jet lag is as much of a psychological game as it is a physical challenge and this is the most potent tactic you can adopt, if done strictly. That said, don’t miss your flight by confusing yourself as to when you have to be at your departure gate! Before you board, try to avoid coffee, which will keep you awake; alcohol, which will dehydrate you and disturb your quality of sleep; and fizzy drinks, which will leave you feeling bloated once you’re airborne. Sleeping tablets may sound like a good idea, but they will actually inhibit your ability to recover from jet lag and leave you feeling less alert when you arrive at your destination.

Before Travel

During Travel

SLEEP

HYDRATION

The night before you travel, ensure that you get a good night’s sleep. This will help boost your immune system in preparation for the onslaught that will follow as soon as you enter the airport building. In order to prepare yourself for potential time changes, set your alarm to wake an hour or two closer to the time you would want to wake up in your destination, accounting for the time difference.

Given that the relative humidity of the air circulating around the plane is very low, research suggests that spending ten hours inflight can lead to a loss of up to two litres of water and this can lead to significant dehydration. Subsequently, making sure you drink enough during a flight is important.

EATING Eat your last meal at home at a regular time, and then prepare to shift on to meal times appropriate for your destination. If the flight is under four hours, there is some evidence to suggest that eating at home and then not eating again until the next scheduled mealtime at your destination can help the body clock transition to the new time zone. Avoiding fatty, processed foods, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli or cabbage), and carbonated drinks will reduce the risk of feeling bloated in flight.

The obvious temptation once on board is to opt for the alcohol, but this will only serve to dehydrate you further and affect your ability to fall asleep, as well as reducing the quality of sleepy experience, should you manage to doze off. Furthermore, the decreased pressure in the cabin reduces the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, and so you are likely to feel the effects of the alcohol far sooner and more dramatically than you would do on the ground. Fizzy drinks should also be avoided as the gas in the drinks expands by up to 30% in the intestines when the body is in pressurized environments and can cause bloating. Stick to water or tomato juice, which will help replenish some of the minerals your body will lose through sweat and is high in vitamin C, which will help boost your immune system.

TIME EAT When booking your flights, try to schedule a daylight arrival. This will make you feel more awake and ready to start your work or adventure while the sun is shining. Another useful consideration when booking your ticket is to try and establish which planes the airline is using for their various flights. Given the variation in demand for flights at different times of day, the aircraft used to service a particular route may change. Therefore, if you have the option to fly on one of the better-designed planes, such as the A350s or A380s, their air humidification and purification systems, along with their lighting specifications, are better suited to help you stave off the adverse effects of plane travel. If you have a long haul flight and are planning on being away for at least a week, consider booking a route that includes a stopover for at least a couple of hours, as breaking up the trip can give your

While it’s best to avoid food on short to medium haul flights, on long-haul flights, this may become a little impractical. So, where possible, try to eat at a time that aligns with a meal time at your destination and avoid greasy, stodgy food, which is hard to digest and will contribute to jet lag. Ordering a gluten-free or vegetarian meal when you book your ticket means you will get served before the main meal service, allowing you to have a wait-free freshen up in the washroom while everyone else is eating. It often means your food will be a little lighter than the usual options. EXERCISE Moving around during your flight promotes blood circulation, reICONIC CONCIERGE

ducing the risk of blood clots occurring in the veins (DVT or deep venous thrombosis), while improving delivery of oxygen to the muscles. In addition, movement reduces joint stiffness and helps you feel fresh when you arrive at the end of your flight.

If you don’t have an existing meditation practice and are looking to learn, HeadSpace is one of the most highly recommended apps on the market. (www.HeadSpace.com) CLEAN

Exercise can be as simple as walking around the cabin, or while in your seat, squeezing your thighs and butt, rolling your shoulders, or doing some neck circles. If you have the inclination to do some yoga exercises designed for confined spaces, go to www.yogatailor. com to design an in-flight yoga program. Always look to book an aisle seat, as this makes it easier to exercise in without disturbing fellow passengers. Alternatively, for those that embrace technology, muscle stimulation machines can contract your muscles involuntarily, using electrical impulses at a variety of frequencies to increase blood flow to the small vessels, elicit a massage effect or help improve muscle endurance, even while you sleep. Compex have a great range of devices at www.CompexStore.com, and the wireless units are perfect for air travel. SLEEP Aligning your body with the time at your destination often means that getting a good sleep on the flight contributes significantly to the fight against jet lag, but a lot of people struggle to get any meaningful sleep once on board. If you can’t fly business class and make the most of the flat-bed systems, there are other hacks that you can use to help drift off.

At Your Destination EXERCISE Walking or going to the gym will increase the blood flow to your extremities and oxygenate the muscles that have been immobile, while sitting in an oxygen-depleted environment. The increased blood flow will also benefit the brain and make you more alert, helping overcome post flight sluggishness. Swimming has similar effects but has the added benefit of providing external pressure to the extremities, which may have suffered from fluid pooling, as circulation becomes impaired due to the lack of muscle activity that helps return the blood to the heart.

Firstly, reduce the glare of external light sources, as the cyan light frequencies of daylight or screens stimulate the brain. Avoid the in-flight movies and even while you’re boarding, turn your phone to a black and white setting.

Any form of movement will help reduce joint stiffness that may have occurred due to general immobility during the flight.

Then get comfortable. Remove your shoes, turn off your screen, close the blinds, support your neck and head with a flight pillow and make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing. Compression leggings (www.2XU.com) help support the muscles and help circulation, so they are recommended for long flights. Otherwise, it’s best to wear breathable fabrics and loose garments, so if you need to embark and alight in a suit, bring a change of clothing for the flight.

Getting on the local schedule as soon as possible means helping align the body clock to the new routine, so eat at your destination’s next typical mealtime. If this happens to be shortly after you land, call ahead to your hotel and order room service to be delivered on arrival.

The pillows and blankets provided by the airlines are rarely cleaned until they are visibly dirty, so bring your own. Everyone has a different degree of curvature in their neck, so take the time to try different pillows. Some pillows have eye masks attached (www. TravelHalo.com and www.gosleepusa.com), there are ones that can stick to the window (www.znzitravelstuff.com) and there are many c-shaped pillows with various degrees of support. Meanwhile, if flying makes you anxious, weighted blankets are shown to increase serotonin levels and reduce levels of anxiety (www.MosaicWeightedBlankets.com).

The most powerful influence on the body clock is daylight, or at least the cyan frequencies of daylight, so adapting to the new destination time zone is as much about avoiding light as it is about seeking light at the appropriate times.

Next, address the noise issue. Consider this when booking your seat and reserve a place away from partitions, as this is the only place that babies in bassinets can be accommodated. Then use either earplugs or noise-cancelling earphones to drown out the engine hum and unwanted conversations.

Clean? Did I really just recommend that you roll up your sleeves and whip out the anti-bacterial wipes at 35,000 feet above the earth? Actually, yes, and while I’m not usually an advocate of anti-bacterial wipes, there are three places on planes that research shows the colony forming units of bacteria are so high, that I’m all about them in the air. Tray tables, toilet door, handles/locks and toilet flush buttons should all be wiped down before using them to minimize the risk of infection.

EAT

WAKE UP!

Therefore it is important that no matter how tired you are, you should expose yourself to daylight in the morning when travelling from west to east, and daylight in the evening when travelling from east to west. There are apps that help you set your light schedule more specifically, such as Entrain, which is a free app developed by researchers at University of Michigan, while daylight travel lamps can give you light exposure if you are unable to get outside (www. Lumie.com)

MEDITATION

At night, avoid being exposed to light pollution after dark by refraining from watching the television and by turning your phone to either black and white or using the time-synched blue light elimination settings.

Meditation is a useful tool when dealing with sleep disturbance caused by travelling. If sleep is proving evasive, the practice can help bring calm to the body and mind, and if you suffer anxiety through flying, meditation helps bring a mindful acceptance that it will pass.

Hopefully, these easy actions will help you recover from the travails of your travels quickly and effectively, thus enabling you to get maximum enjoyment from your time away from home. Bon voyage!!!

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Indulge in a Winter Escape WORK HARD. PLAY HARD. REST WELL. Do you need a wellness getaway? You work too hard not to enjoy the many adventures within your reach. The Okanagan Valley is your ideal gateway for winter play, followed by rest and recovery at Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa. Surrounded by 3.5 million Swarovski crystals, indulge in the best of farm-to-table fine dining and experience the breathtaking lake and mountain views. Be inspired to unwind with over $100 in resort inclusions per person per night. Discover the amenities within our 40,000 sq. ft. KurSpa, such as the heated outdoor infinity pool or the 7 uniquely themed steam rooms and saunas. This luxury resort and wellness spa offers over 100 unique treatments and clinic services in Canada’s largest spa.

Call 1-877-275-1556 or visit www.sparklinghill.com

INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY • Daily full hot European-inspired buffet breakfast for two

• • • • • • • • • •

Valet parking Complimentary WiFi Access to our 40,000 sq.ft. KurSpa 7 uniquely themed steams and saunas 4 nature themed experience showers Heated outdoor infinity pool Indoor serenity pool and hot pool Kneipp hydrotherapy Keiser-equipped fitness studio Tea and serenity relaxation rooms

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Le ChÃ¢teau de Courcelles - Vive La France!

THE EUROPE TRIP Exploring Germany, France & Switzerland In Style

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You love Porsche? And you love to travel? So why not combine both and experience your Porsche where it was made and what it was made for? Imagine touring the factory in which your Porsche is meticulously crafted, before being presented with your keys. Then, imagine the first encounter with your new sports car or SUV is not spent crawling along through Vancouver’s pedestrian downtown traffic, but instead racing down the winding roads, along the Autobahn, and through the beautiful German countryside that inspired your Porsche’s unique design and exhilarating performance. The gratifying opportunity of touring Germany or mainland Europe in rare style behind the wheel of your very own brandnew automobile is what the European Delivery Program was made for, and it is precisely what we did! Ok, we didn’t really buy the car, but with our upcoming trip to visit the Champagne region of France, we were booked to fly into Frankfurt, then planned to drive to France before heading to Geneva in Switzerland, to experience the watch capital of the world. Consequently, we had to find the perfect car that could comfortably and stylishly accommodate three people - and their luggage - for the epic road trip we anticipated. We wanted a sporty, agile, and exciting charge, something that wouldn’t feel cramped and claustrophobic over a weeklong trip, and something that would see us through a 1,500-km drive across three countries. With those considerations, what better choice is there than the Porsche Panamera? And, so, we experienced the program – but unfortunately without getting the car delivered to the local Vancouver dealership once we returned the keys.

DAY 1&2: STUTTGART, Germany Upon our arrival in Stuttgart, a Porsche Delivery Consultant introduced us to our personal guide for a tour of the factory, which allows you the opportunity to see how your Porsche was brought into existence. We then visited the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, strolling wide-eyed through a half-century of sports car evolution, before we were handed the keys to “our” new Porsche, a stunning Panamera 4S in Volcano Grey Metallic, with 440 hp and all-wheel drive. The fun was about to begin! For more information about the all-inclusive European Delivery program, which includes factory delivery, shipment of your automobile to Canada, marine insurance, collision and third-party insurance, even the cab fare from the airport to the Porsche factory and one free hotel night, ask for details at your local Porsche Centre. And should you be interested in driving a Porsche in Germany without buying one, Porsche can help here, too: visit drive.porsche.com/en for more information. Panamera 4S

It was a bucket list trip for Robbie: Visiting the Champagne and the chalk caves was on it ... and so was meeting Sally Carrera!

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Engine: V6-Biturbo Transmission: Automatic, 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) Max power (hp): 440hp Max. Torque: 405 lb-ft at 5,650 - 6,600 rpm Top speed: 289 km/h 0 - 100 km/h with Sport Chrono Package: 4.2 s

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MUST BE OF LEGAL DRINKING AGE. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

DAYS 3-5: Reims, France Vive La France! Leaving Stuttgart, we took the famous German Autobahn and headed out for the Champagne region of France. The Autobahn is most likely your only chance, other than on a private racetrack, to really get a feel for how your Porsche handles at high speed. A word of advice – not all of the German Autobahn is unrestricted. Most of it is restricted to 120 - 130 km/h, with only a few kilometres here and there blessed with no speed limit. That said, those few kilometres were enough for us to nudge the Panamera towards 270 km/h, accompanied by a soundtrack that belied the serene comfort we experienced throughout. The drive to Reims, in the Champagne area of France, is approximately 500 kms from Stuttgart and takes close to 5 hours. While Olaf’s ironic butchery of the German language made the hotel staff think otherwise, we had all been to Germany before, and subsequently decided to leave the hotel right after visiting the neighbouring Porsche and Mercedes Museums (you actually get a discount if you visit both). Google suggested that we should arrive in Reims by around 2pm, but Google failed to account for Robbie and Oliver’s tendency to get hangry if they don’t eat once every 3 hours. So when the clock hit 12.30pm, my fellow passengers reminded me that feeding time was approaching.

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It’s easy to find a decent restaurant in France, right? Not really. Thanks to the aforementioned internet search behemoth, we found beautiful restaurants of celebrated repute close to our route, but we were blissfully unaware that the restaurants in France close at 2pm – and the staff would actually prefer to be out of the door, heading for their afternoon nap around ten minutes earlier. So, now, time was of the essence and how time flies, once you leave the highway to reach a specific restaurant that, according to Zagat and Michelin, offers fantastic food in a scenic setting. The situation degenerates yet further when you arrive at said restaurants to discover they are either a) closed for renovation or b) closed for no apparent reason or c) open but ‘no, we don’t even want to try to understand the broken French you are offering us’. Defeated, we retreated back toward the highway, only to find out that the on-ramp was closed due to ‘construction’ and the locals had deemed detour signs an unnecessary luxury. What ensued was a 20-minute drive along roads, running at least close to the highway, but whose conditions at times were more ‘passable’ than ‘driveable’. The Panamera’s airsuspension came in handy in this instance, giving us some more ground clearance ... Oh, lunch? Yeah, we bought some pre-packed sandwiches at a gas station...Vive La France! Le Château de Courcelles There are some nice hotels in the Reims area, but we had envisioned staying at an authentic, historic château – and we did! Château de Courcelles is a 17th century French château, just minutes away from Reims, that will charm you at first sight. Set in a 23-hectare park, the château has a rich history: Racine,

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Maison Veuve Clicquot

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Ruinart is the oldest established Champagne house, exclusively producing champagne since 1729

La Fontaine and Cocteau have all stayed here. Napoleon met his wife Marie-Louise of Austria for the first time at Courcelles, and Christian Dior organized lavish parties in this authentic place. Each of its 18 rooms and suites is unique, each authentically decorated to provide the true “château” experience in style and luxury. Upon our arrival, the management welcomed us and gave us a tour, starting in a cozy cigar room furnished with comfortable chairs and loungers. We’d later pass through a library room and private terraces overlooking the park, tennis courts, and a heated outdoor pool that would prove perfect for enjoying outside breakfast or predinner drinks. After our lunchtime fiasco we couldn’t wait for dinner, and instead of heading out to Reims we opted to stay at the award-winning hotel restaurant. Château de Courcelles offers two historic dining rooms, one in the winter garden opening onto the park, and one on the terrace. We opted for pre-drinks on the terrace before adjourning to our table in the dining room. Finally, we had arrived in gourmet heaven! Chef Lucas Vannier and his team, using the freshest seasonal produce, prepared each of the dishes. Blue lobster rosette with lemon caviar and pink radish. Arctic char with bavarois fennel, ivy from the Chateau and aniseed-flavoured sauce. A trolley laden with fresh and matured cheeses from Reims and Haution. A lemon sole, adorned with raspberries from the “Hautemaison” in Bazoches, fresh herbs from their own garden and Timut pepper. Vive La France! Champagne, please! Following an exquisite breakfast at the château, we explored the grounds and then made our way to Reims and the Taittinger Champagne House, who had extended an invite to enjoy a private tour of their caves followed by our own tasting. It was to become the first of several amazing experiences at the champagne house. But first I had to feed The Gremlins…and being in Reims you will find some of the finest restaurants around, just as long as you show

up during their lunch hours! We opted for the Michelin-starred Le Foch that was worth every cent, as you simply can’t start a champagne experience without some great food.

In the Champagne Taittinger caves

Champagne Taittinger Despite being one of the newest premium champagne houses (Taittinger was founded in 1932), the history actually dates back to 1734, when Jacques Fourneaux established a wine business in Champagne and was working closely with the Benedictine Abbeys, which, at that time, owned the finest vineyards in the region. Today’s Taittinger buildings and caves are on the site of the Saint Nicaise Abbey, and, while the abbey itself was destroyed during the French Revolution, the underground extensions of the original building and its cellars survived intact. And we were about to see them! Ambroise Genand, a marketing and communications professional for Champagne Taittinger, welcomed us and gave us an introductory insight into the history of the house. We then descended 18 metres below ground, where the temperature is a chilly 12 degrees Celsius, to see just some of the three million bottles that are stored in a network of 4th-century chalk mines and the vestiges of the Abbey. Fun fact: The chalk mines and the remains of the Abbey are on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. Ancient wall carvings are still visible in the walls and some very rare champagne bottles, including the 15 litre Nebuchadnezzar bottles. Another highlight? Doors dating back to the medieval era. Every bottle will spend a minimum of 3 years cloistered here until it is deemed to be just perfect. After our introductory experience with the champagne world, we returned to the château to freshen up in anticipation of our forthcoming evening arrangements at the Michelin-star restaurant

It’s all about fine dining and French Cuisine

Le Millénaire, which is one of the jewels in Reims’ crown, courtesy of Maison Ruinart. The restaurant’s contemporary design is the work of a famous architect of Reims, but it is the cuisine with its incredible flavours, masterfully orchestrated by Chef Laurent Laplaige, that ensured this was a memorable experience. Satiated, we retired for the evening to recover for what promised to be a busy next day, when we would visit two champagne houses! Champagne Veuve Clicquot Our driver met us at the château after breakfast to whisk us off to our first stop – Veuve Clicquot, “The Rockstar of Champagnes!”. I don’t think that’s what they call it…but that’s what it is! Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron to build upon his established banking and wool trading business, in 1775 it became the first Champagne house to produce a rosé Champagne, using the method of adding red wine during production. Philippe’s son, François Clicquot, subsequently took over the company, but died in 1805, leaving his widow (“veuve” in French), Barbe-Nicole, née Ponsardin, in charge. As the first woman to preside over a Champagne house, Madame Clicquot oversaw a transition in the business, which saw the house focus entirely on Champagne production, and with great success. Madame Clicquot is credited with pioneering many innovations in champagne production, including the development of the riddling rack, which made the crucial process of dégorgement (the process of removing sediment from the bottle ) both more efficient and less expensive. Guiding us through some of their 24km of white limestone crayères and caves (the most extensive network of tunnels belonging to a single company in Reims), our guide, Vincent Firullo, explained each step of the Champagne-making process. We were then taken to the Manoir de Verzy, which has belonged to Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin since the late 19th century. Originally home to the vineyard director, today it serves to welcome select guests of the House. Our private tour concluded with a fantastic tasting in the Veuve Clicquot mansion. Thank you to Vincent and Veuve Clicqout for the unbelievable hospitality we experienced and for making us feel like veritable rockstars! Leaving Veuve Clicquot around 1pm (yes, feeding time), our hosts had made a reservation for us at the traditional Brasserie du Palais, which we can highly recommend visiting, especially after quite intense champagne tasting experiences. However, before we could digest our delicious lunch, our driver again met us, en route to Maison Ruinart. Maison Ruinart After having visited two champagne houses, we could have been forgiven for thinking we would arrive as experts at Maison Ruinart, the very first Champagne house to be established. However, our visit to Ruinart, who have been producing Champagne since 1729, was another remarkable highlight of our tour. We found that each

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and every one of the champagne houses is unique, and arriving at the beautiful Maison, we knew we were in for another treat. Nicolas Ruinart founded the House of Ruinart in September 1729, and its first production run of “wine with bubbles” was made just a few months later, in January 1730. As Ruinart’s brother was a cloth merchant, the sparkling wine they produced was actually a business gift for cloth purchasers! However, just 6 years later, Maison Ruinart terminated its cloth selling activities to focus on the booming Champagne business, and since this time, the Maison has maintained the high standards of excellence that its founders insisted upon. While we enjoyed our private tour of the chalk caves which, at times, bring you up to 40 meters underground, we also loved the artwork. Ruinart has had a long-standing relationship with the arts and plays a role in numerous international events such as ARCO, London Design, and Miami Art Basel. And yes, of course we enjoyed another private tasting - although this time, thanks to our fantastic host, our driver had to wait a little longer. Our unanimous favourite was the Dom Ruinart, a blanc de blancs, made entirely of Chardonnay. We were once again in the capable hands of Maison Ruinart. The restaurant for the evening, our last night in Champagne before leaving for Switzerland, was L’Assiette Champenoise, ‘The Plate of Champagne’. Chef Arnaud Lallement has elevated the restaurant to its current three-Michelin star status. In 2017, the Michelin guide praised the restaurant for serving ‘exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey’, and we agree that this restaurant truly is the epitome of the region’s haute cuisine.

Le Architects Du Temps Days 6&7 Geneva, Switzerland Cocooned in the Panamera, the 500km drive through France from Reims to Geneva took a little more than 5 hours. Needless to say, lunch once again took the shape of a dreadful gas station offering; however, the Château de Courcelles had kindly provided us with some delicious pastries! We arrived in Geneva in the late afternoon and headed directly for our hotel of choice – the Four Seasons, Hotel des Bergues. Four Seasons, Hotel des Bergues Designed by the renowned interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, the elegant 5-star Four Seasons’ Hotel des Bergues is set in an historic building dating back to 1834. On the banks of Lake Geneva and adjacent to Point du Mont Blanc, the main bridge across the river Rhône, the city centre location is ideal for exploring the luxury boutiques that line the surrounding streets. Voted the #1 luxury hotel in Geneva, the Hotel des Bergues blends a revitalized sense of history with warm and genuine personal service. The lavish décor has a dramatic sensory impact as you enter the marble-floored

The Porsche Panamera 4S in front of the Jet d’Eau, the large fountain in Geneva.

Geneva’s first hotel, The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, remains the first choice of sophisticated travellers and world statesmen. With enchanting views of the lake and the snow-capped Alps in the distance as well as the Old Town, the 1834 hotel is the first and only Four Seasons in Switzerland.

foyer, adorned with gilt-edged blue pillars, Ming-style vases, and a crystal chandelier hanging over a large display of fragrant, fresh orchids.

intimate, contemporary space decorated in wood and frosted glass on the top floor.

We were welcomed by the hotel manager, who extended an invitation for us to join their rooftop terrace party the following evening, which gave a prime vantage point for the famous Geneva fireworks. Invitation accepted! We were also introduced to our floor’s dedicated Guest Personal Assistant, who acts as a concierge, personal attendant, and guest-relations assistant - now that is service. If you are visiting the city, be sure to book a room or suite with step-out balconies and views of Lake Geneva, to ensure you experience the enchanting waterfront and Old Town vistas!

From Automotive Marvels to Fine Watchmaking Waking after a heavenly slumber in the exquisitely comfortable Hotel des Bergues’ beds, we enjoyed a fantastic breakfast before accepting our invitation to visit Rebellion. Regular readers may remember our editorial about Rebellion back in 2016. The company is divided into three divisions: Motors, Racing, and Timepieces. Rebellion Racing is the only team to have challenged the dominance of the factory teams from Audi, Porsche, Toyota, and Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship, becoming the 2017 FIA World Endurance Champions in the LMP2 category.

To recover from the long drive, we decided to relax and rejuvenate in the top-floor Mont Blanc spa, complete with pool, sauna, hammam, and extensive treatment options. Refreshed, we reserved a table on the patio of the hotel’s Michelin-starred ‘Il Lago’ restaurant, on the ground floor. While the choice appealed to our desire for convenience, the food was so delicious that we didn’t even bother to look for another restaurant the next evening! If you prefer Nikkei cuisine, the Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant ‘Izumi’ inhabits an

An inconspicuous garage in Romanel-sur-Lausanne is home to Rebellion Motors, where the staff provide remarkably conscientious care for a wide range of cars, whether Italian, German or American; classic or modern. An accredited service agent for Ferrari and Maserati, they provide maintenance, repairs, and complete restoration of classic models. The facility also houses a private collection of around 60 cars, including some of the rarest automobiles in the world which, while usually veiled by darkness

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in their discreet storage lock-up, were illuminated brightly by the whites of our wide-open eyes as we were shown around. Three grown men, acting like schoolboys in a candy store. Rebellion Timepieces, with their bold design and limited-series production, are born of the same passion for perfect mechanics as Rebellion Racing. Unique, exceptional, and exclusive, each model pays tribute to the spirit of competition and car racing. With Robbie Dickson on board, it was only fitting to drive by the Hublot factory (see the separate article in this edition) on our return to Geneva - but the definite highlight for any watch aficionado was our afternoon appointment at MB&F. MB&F Maximilian Büsser, the founder of MB&F, had kindly postponed a trip to Dubai to welcome us at his M.A.D. Gallery, in Geneva. Following decades spent conforming to the rules of corporate watchmaking in his roles as CEO of Harry Winston, Inc. Rare Timepieces and senior manager at Jaeger-LeCoultre, Maximilian broke free of his shackles to found MB&F – Maximilian Büsser & Friends – in 2005. His mission? To assemble a collective of the world’s best and most creative independent watchmaking professionals who would develop radical watches - Horological or Legacy Machines. Respecting tradition, but never constrained by it, the MB&F Team and collaborators reinterpret traditional, high-quality watchmaking in the form of three-dimensional kinetic sculptures.

We spent more than two hours with Maximilian, furnishing our wrists with the most fantastic of time machines, listening to and sharing wonderful stories, and admiring sculptures from global artists sharing similar philosophies of innovation in form and function before leaving the gallery overwhelmed with what we had just experienced. Be sure to check out MB&Fs latest ingenuity, the HM9 Flow, in this edition. The Geneva Grand Fireworks Let’s be honest, we had no idea that the annual Grand Fireworks would take place on our last day in Geneva. And it became the fitting grande finale of our trip! A 45-minute long fairy tale, written high above us in the sky using 2.6 tonnes of powder, engaged through more than 75 firing points. A big thank you to the Hotel des Bergues for inviting us to enjoy them from their beautiful rooftop terrace and bar, accompanied by a DJ and live brass musician. And that was it … It was the last night of our trip to Europe. The next morning Robbie left for Paris, while Oliver and I made our way back to Germany, where we reluctantly bid farewell to our Panamera 4S. It had served us exceedingly well. The comfort, the speed, the ample room it afforded us and our luggage ... we will miss it. Should you be in the market for a performance sports-sedan, look no further!

An amazing afternoon with Maximilian Büsser at MB&F

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BURSTING BURSTING BUBBLES BUBBLES The History Of The World’s Favourite Wine “Come, for I am drinking stars!”

(Dom Pérignon, according to legend, when he tasted the first champagne)

Celebrating a birthday? Toasting a marriage? Ringing in the New Year? Every special event we seek to mark in our lives is traditionally accompanied with a glass or two of Champagne. But what exactly is champagne?

While many people use the term “champagne” generically for any sparkling wine, only those that come from the Champagne region of northeastern France, produced using the ‘méthode champenoise’, are legally permitted to call themselves ‘champagne’. The French have maintained their legal right to this for over a century. The Treaty of Madrid, signed in 1891, established this rule, and the Treaty of Versailles later reaffirmed it. Champagne Wine

Wine was consecrated and used to celebrate the Eucharist long before the Middle Ages. From the very beginning of Christianity, vineyards were entirely under the care of the monasteries, and, when on Christmas day 496 AD, the Frankish warrior Clovis was baptized in the Cathedral of Reims and crowned the first king of the Franks, the wine-growing Champagne area secured its place in history. From 898 AD and for more than 1,000 years, French kings were crowned at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, and in 1284, the marriage of 11-year-old Joan I, Queen of Navarre and Countess of Champagne, to the future Philip IV of Franc, established an eternal link between Champagne and French royalty. Champagne wines are said to have flowed freely at the coronation banquets and were offered to all royal visitors to the region. Francis I,

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King of France and Mary Queen of Scots both left Reims with several casks of the local wines. Louis XIV was presented with hundreds of pints of wine on the day of his coronation in Reims, and on 14 July 1790 Champagne wines were the only wines served at the Fête de la Fédération, held on the Champs de Mars, to toast the outcome of the French Revolution. Sparkling Champagne Dom Pierre Pérignon, a Benedictine monk who worked as cellar master at an abbey near Epernay during the 17th and 18th centuries, made essential contributions to the production and quality of Champagne wine. He is often credited as the inventor of sparkling champagne, but history tells us that he stumbled upon this invention by accident. The wine growers from the Champagne region were trying to emulate Burgundy wines, but due to the cold winters in the area, the fermentation of the stored wines stopped and started again in spring, causing the release of carbon dioxide gas within the bottles. Most bottles exploded, but the few that survived contained a sparkling wine. Dom Pérignon, who started producing wines in the Champagne region in 1668, is also the inventor of the controlled second fermentation in the bottle, which effectively makes him the creator of the champagne that we know. Dom Pérignon also developed the regulated Méthode Traditionelle (termed Méthode Champenoise before 1994) and numerous techniques for producing sparkling wine, including the introduction of thicker glass bottles that were better able to withstand

the accumulation of pressure, as well as a rope snare that kept the cork in place. Méthode Champenoise (or Méthode Traditionnelle / Méthode Classique ) Champagne starts out like any ordinary wine. The grapes are harvested, pressed and allowed to undergo a primary fermentation period. The acidic results of this process are then blended and bottled with a bit of yeast and sugar, called the ‘liqueur de tirage,’ before undergoing a secondary fermentation, which produces both carbon dioxide and dead yeast cells, known as ‘lees.’ At this point the bottles are capped with a crown cap, not a cork, and are subsequently stored horizontally and aged on lees for at least 15 months. Champagne’s AOC ( Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) regulations further require that in years where the harvest is exceptional and a vintage is declared, the champagnes must be aged in cellars for three years or more before disgorgement (the removal of the lees). Most top producers exceed the requirement, holding bottles on the lees for 6 to 8 years.

The process of removing the crown cap and lees, known as disgorging, was invented by Madame Clicquot in 1816 and was traditionally a skilled, manual process. Modern automated disgorgement is done by freezing a small amount of the liquid in the neck and removing the plug of ice containing the lees. During either method of disgorgement, some liquid and a bar of pressure are lost along with the lees, and the bottle is topped up with ‘liqueur d’expédition’, a mixture of the base wine and sugar, as the sugar originally present in the wine is consumed during the second fermentation. The amount of sugar added in the liquor d’expédition varies and determines the sweetness of the champagne - the sweetest level is ‘doux’ (meaning sweet), then, in increasing dryness, ‘demi-sec’ (half-dry), ‘sec’ (dry), ‘extra sec’ (extra dry), ‘brut’ (very dry-dry), ‘extra brut’ (very dry), and ‘brut nature/brut zero/ultra brut’ (no additional sugar). A cork is then inserted and secured by a capsule and muselet (the wire cage).

After ageing, the lees must be consolidated for removal. The bottles undergo a process known as riddling, where they are placed at a 45° angle on special racks, with the crown cap pointed down. Every two days, the bottles are given a slight shake and turn, as the angle of orientation is gradually increased. As the bottle is dropped back into the rack, the slight tap pushes any sediment towards the neck of the bottle. After 8 to 10 weeks, the position of the bottle is vertical, crown down, and the lees have settled in the neck. Due to the high labour costs, many of the champagne houses only manually riddle their Prestige Cuvées and use mechanized riddling equipment for the other bottles. ICONIC CONCIERGE

LUXURY & SUPERCAR WEEKEND CANADA’S PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE & AUTOMOTIVE EVENT

ancouver is used to a plethora of exotic automobiles - but once a year even our city is in for a treat. It is the week before the Luxury & Supercar Weekend, when whichever way you turn, gleaming Lamborghinis, sexy Ferraris, exotic masterpieces such as a Pagani or Bugatti and stately Rolls-Royces and Bentleys parade through our streets. It is the automobile connoisseur’s hightlight of the year at VanDusen Botanical Garden, with a combined value of more than a quarter-billion dollars, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across the world. Now in its 9th year, the Luxury & Supercar Weekend is well-known throughout Canada and the US as one of THE showcases of exclusive and rare automobiles. A festival and social event of the season, a two-day celebration of luxury, speed, craftmanship and masterful engineering, paired with fabulous food, wine, spirits, fashion and art. A live luxury and supercar auction with $10 million worth of vehicles, several boats and the Veuve Clicquot ‘Champagne Garden’ were other highlights for the weekend. Although the weather forecast had called for a gloomy and rainy weekend, the clouds disappeared on Saturday morning, and the thousands of visitors could enjoy the masterpieces in sunshine and under a blue sky. They saw million dollar cars, such as the Bugatti Chiron and the Pagani Huyara BC, witnessed the premier of the ultimate air-cooled 911, the Singer-Williams DLS, and had the rare chance to get close to the very first Porsche 356, the ‘No. 1’ Roadster, valued at $45 million. It was the only Canadian stop on the world tour in celebration of the marque’s 70th anniversary. It was another amazing event and we can’t wait to find out what the organizer will present for the 10th anniversary of this festival of luxury.

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make her wait

xcitecanada.ca xcitecanada.ca

photography: Todd Duncan

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SMOKE ON THE WATER “Are you on the list?” It was a question that sparked curiosity on all social mediums and in advertisements this summer in Vancouver. And on September 12th, Iconic Concierge Magazine in collaboration with Jill Sinclair answered that question with a new series of events beginning with “Smoke on the Water.” The concept brought 100 by-invitation-only guests together one more time before Fall hit and the weather changed. But this event had to be different, it had to be something new, something elevated, something that created memories and new experiences, something that would get people excited about future events. One of the things we had heard from our network was that there were no real events where you can smoke a cigar ‘in style,’ dressed up, with an elegant cocktail or a whiskey in your hand, enjoying your Cuban cigar with likeminded aficionados. Challenge accepted! The Pacific Yacht is a 105-ft yacht docked at the marina on Bayshore Drive in Coal Harbour. The perfect location, offering stunning views overlooking the water to Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains. Kennedy, our gorgeous concierge, welcomed our guests in style, giving them their custom bracelets and cigars as we stood next to luxury sports cars provided by Autoform. Dea Fortuna, a pop-up shop from Garrison Bespoke, provided a champagne reception and gave complimentary tailored shirts to all our guests. And that’s not to mention the Kanazawa wine bar on the main level. The mid deck had a VIP lounge featuring amazing cocktails created by mixologist Andrew Fletcher, as well as a Clase Azul Tequila experience. Live music and delicious canapés made this a unique deck at the event – but thanks to the beautiful and sunny day, most guests enjoyed the open-air cigar lounge on the third level. Here, Vancouver Cigars had a cigar bar, The Collective You took pictures of the guests, and imbibing authority Christos Kalaitzis poured his cocktail creations, some great whiskey (that chocolate whiskey was unreal!) and other beverages. It was the perfect night, and we thank all of our sponsor partners and the team of the Pacific Yacht Charter. Stay tuned ... we are working on the next surprise event. Will you be on the list?

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The first Hotel Vancouver (ca. 1890). Georgia and Granville.

by Will Woods images: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver; Archives

Here is a puzzle for you. Take a walk into the lobby of the Hotel Vancouver on Georgia Street. Stand under the grand chandelier (warning – you may need to move a table and a large bouquet of flowers to do this – best check with the concierge first), and then consider the following question. In which direction is the ‘centre’ of Vancouver? Is it north, deeper into the business district? South to Robson Street, the retail centre? East to Granville Street and the entertainment district? West to the dense condo land of Coal Harbour and ultimately Stanley Park? By my estimation, the lobby of the Hotel Vancouver is the very ‘centre’ of Vancouver. I spend hours every week walking the streets of Vancouver as a walking tour guide. For the life of me, I can’t think of a single spot more central. Other suggestions are welcome! If the lobby of the Hotel Vancouver is the centre of Vancouver, does that mean the Hotel Vancouver is central to our city’s history? Let’s find out! First off, while over 70 years old, the Hotel Vancouver is in fact the third incarnation of the Hotel. The first, rather more modest, version opened in 1888. The Canadian Pacific Railway had arrived in 1886 and delivered its first passenger train the following year. The CPR figured it made sense to build a hotel to house the many tourists, businessmen, migrant workers, tradespeople, chancers and gamblers now flooding into Vancouver on the sparkling new railway. While modest by today’s standards, the original Hotel Vancouver was by far the city’s largest hotel at the time with 60 guest rooms. It sat at the corner of Georgia and Granville Streets, today a bustling intersection that also has a legitimate claim to be the city’s ‘central point’. Yet in 1888 the Hotel Vancouver was surrounded by forest on all sides. An “utterly foolish location in the opinion of most citizens”, according to historian Eric Nicol. W.C. Van Horne, the CPR executive who led the expansion of the railway into Vancouver, at the time added further disdain on the city’s new hotel. Upon meeting the architect, T.C. Sorly, he remarked “so you’re the damn fool who spoilt the building with all those little windows”

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HOTEL

VANCOUVER

The Castle in the City ICONIC CONCIERGE

Despite its ‘out-of-town’ locale and little windows, the first Hotel Vancouver survived a shaky first couple of years due to roaring trade. So much so that by 1916 the CPR replaced it with a far larger and grander hotel – the second Hotel Vancouver. By now the population of Vancouver was well over 100,000, having been around 5,000 in 1888 when the first hotel was built. It was time for Vancouver to have its first truly world-class hotel. The second Hotel Vancouver was considered one of the British Empire’s grandest hotels. Built in the ornate The second Hotel Vancouver.1923. Photographer: Philip Timms. grand Italianate revival style, apparently every bathroom had marble sinks and gold-plate faucetry. The hotel had ballrooms, lounges and even an adjacent opera house. Famous guests included Winston Churchill, Sarah Bernhardt and Babe Ruth. The rooftop dining room and dance floor, the Panorama Roof, was the place to hang out during the roaring 20`s and (as the name suggests) offered panoramic views of the city. Around the time the second Hotel Vancouver was being built the province was undergoing a frenzy of railway building. Between 1910 and 1916 over 4,000km of track was laid in BC. Much of this railway building was led by the CPR, the builders of both the first and second Hotel Vancouvers. But the CPR was not the only show in town. By 1912 the Canadian Northern Railway were also a serious player in the province’s railway business. That year Canadian Northern negotiated a deal with the City of Vancouver to fill in the eastern end of False Creek, which at the time extended almost to Clark Drive, in order to build a railyard and new station. As part of the deal they agreed to construct a new 500-room hotel downtown, on the corner of Burrard and Georgia. After all, why should the CPR get all the city’s hotel business? Then things started to unravel. The First World War stopped the hotel’s construction in its tracks. Money and workers were dedicated to winning the war, not building hotels. The project finally kicked off in 1928 after much intense negotiation between the City of Vancouver and Canadian Northern (now Canadian National after it went bankrupt during the war and fell under government ownership). However before it was finished the Great Depression had arrived and funds ran out. The unfinished building would stand over the city for almost a decade. While the exterior was completed as planned, the bare interior sat empty, a giant monument to the dire financial plight the depression wrought upon Vancouver. The hotel’s construction was finally re-started in 1937 as a public works project. The aim being to bring much needed jobs and investment to Vancouver and help pull the city out of its financial malaise. As part of the (somewhat murky) deal to build the new hotel, the CPR agreed to close the second Hotel Vancouver. I’ve been unable to get to the bottom of the precise arrangement between Canadian National, the CPR and the City of Vancouver that led to the closure of the second Hotel Vancouver and the completion of the third. Rumour has it the second Hotel Vancouver was structurally unsound and no longer safe for use as a hotel. It’s also certainly the case that having excess hotel capacity in Van-

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The third Hotel Vancouver, ca. 1939, the year it opened.

couver was in nobody’s interest, especially at the tail end of a depression. The second Hotel Vancouver sat empty for several years after its closure. After the Second World War, it was over-taken by returning army veterans who had been left homeless by the city’s high rents and expensive real estate (sound familiar?). A wonderful account of The Night War Vets Seized the Vancouver Hotel was written by Claudia Cornwall in the Tyee, recounting the exploits of ring-leader Bob McEwan who in 1946 marched a group of homeless army vets into the empty hotel and took up residence. Following the storming of the hotel and bowing to public pressure the Province announced the second Hotel Vancouver would become an army barracks for returning vets, a purpose which it served until 1948 when it was finally torn down. Looking back, it’s too bad there was no Vancouver Heritage organization at the time to fight for the preservation of the hotel. It may be the finest building ever demolished in Vancouver. So what of the third Hotel Vancouver? It was constructed in the style of a 16th century French Chateau, heavily fa-

voured by Canadian railway companies at the time. The hotel stands 111 metres high and was the tallest building in the city when finished and open for business in 1939. It has now been in business longer than its predecessors managed combined. It’s remarkable in a city as young as Vancouver that we could have had three versions of any building, especially when the most recent version is 73 years old! The ‘new’ Hotel Vancouver has a rich history all of its own. Now part of the Fairmont hotel chain, it housed the Canadian Broadcast Corporation’s Vancouver bureau until 1975. It has its own resident ghost, the spirit of long deceased guest Jennie Pearl Cox. And according to my recent conversations with the hotel’s engineering team, it houses a network of underground tunnels long and labyrinthine enough that nobody who works there has the courage to explore them. Originally built as part of a system to heat neighbouring buildings, the tunnels now sit dormant and unused. Perhaps Jennie’s ghost hides in them when she is not spooking hotel guests! So next time you are on a wander downtown, perhaps in search of the city’s true centre, take a stroll into the lobby of the Hotel Vancouver. Look around and consider a hotel truly deserving of its name and location.

FOURTEENTH FLOOR HERITAGE SUITES

A STYLISH MAKEOVER FOR THE CASTLE

n spring 2018, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver completed its four-year multi-phase renovation project inspired by the hotel’s rich history showcasing 507 new guest rooms. Part of the project was the update of the Fourteenth Floor Heritage Suites. Drawing inspiration from a former era defined by luxurious travel, visiting monarchs, elaborate garments, brocade fabrics, and royal tapestries, the design commemorates the city’s monumental Royal Visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, who stayed during the hotel’s grand opening in 1939.

Careful attention was paid to preserve the hotel’s extensive list of heirlooms which included its guest room doors, made in 1939 of English harewood with bronze inset doorplates; the elaborate bronze hallway doors; the African Sapele wood paneled walls of the elevator lobby accented with solid bronze inlay strips; and the English black walnut veneer-paneled walls of the Lt. Governor Suite originating from a single walnut tree and so skillfully matched that the same markings may be traced symmetrically around the entire room. NOTCH8 - A New Era of Glamour With a luxurious and contemporary design inspired by the romance of travel in the 1930’s, the Hotel Vancouver’s Notch8 Restaurant & Bar brings a new era of glamour to the lobby of the hotel. Named after a train’s top speed, achieved only by the most skilled conductors, the restaurant pays homage to the hotel’s storied history and legacy as a luxury hotel along the Canadian Pacific railway.

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menof style

Jason Sarai (left) is wearing his SARAI BESPOKE Royal Blue Three-Piece Suit paired with an OMEGA Speedmaster and Stefano Bemer shoes. Humaam Hamado is protected from the elements with his SARAI BESPOKE Burgundy and Navy Blue Contrast Topcoat. Pocket squares by SARAI BESPOKE. Hats by Bertacchi Italian Hatcrafter.

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STYLE BY SARAI www.stylebysarai.com

photography by Dave Hamilton

Coat with mink fir collar 100% cashmere ($74,500) Two button jacket wool, cashmere and silk ($7,800) Dress shirt 100% exclusive SR cotton ($1,000) Pleated tie, 100% exclusive SR silk ($600) Chukka shoes exclusive SR nubuck crocodile ($9,900) Signature eyeglasses wood exterior, natural buffalo horn frames ($2,300) Crocodile bag ($30,900)

menof style

STEFANO RICCI VANCOUVER 1139 W Georgia Street (604) 559-7800 photography Dave Hamilton

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menof style Blazer Raw denim mix slim blazer with British flag. Made in Italy. ($499.99) Jeans Hand distressed stretch Italian Denim. Made in Italy. ($299.99) Shirt Luxurious detailed European slim shirt. ($179.99)

Hers Luxury Stretch lace dress. Open back. Milano. ($199.99) SASSO MODA 595 W Georgia Street (604) 689-1996 www.sassomoda.com

photography by Dave Hamilton

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The Top 6 Scents That Will Get You

Laid. TONIGHT! Do we have your attention? Yeah, we thought so. So you want to smell sexy and attractive. Join the club. Or you want to seduce someone. Nothing wrong with that. Now, at the end of the day, the only people who can determine whether you get laid are you and your special someone. But as it turns out, there are indeed certain scents that members of the opposite sex find intoxicating. And we’ve spent YEARS looking for them and trying them out, all to curate this list. (Ok, that’s not even remotely true. But we DID spend several hours online doing research and surveying hundreds of women on what fragrances are sexy, hot, yummy, or...well, there are some adjectives and phrases that we just can’t print. Just use your imagination.) And here they are ... the 6 colognes can make the ladies weak in the knees when you walk by. We’ve added some quotes that we found, instead of some stupid scent descriptions that say nothing ...

Fierce by A&F

1 Million by Paco Rabanne

Aventus by Creed

100 ml - CAD 90

100ml - CAD 120

100ml - CAD 590

“You can be as ugly as a dog, and this still will get you women easily!” “It’s affordable and hands down one of the cleanest, sexiest smells.”

“The tears of Ryan Gosling.”

“Although it’s not one of my personal favourites, it has been six ex-girlfriends’ absolute number one cologne.” “The Rolex of cologne.”

Le Male Jean by Paul Gaultier

Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani

L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent

75ml - CAD 95

100ml - CAD 115

100ml - CAD 125

“Sex in a bottle. Women love this stuff!” “The best smelling perfume in the world. Only two sprays and you are good to go for the whole night!”

“This cologne is extremely appealing to women. I’ve had moments where I have been to the strippers, and they’ve all sat on my lap because of its amazing smell.”

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“Being a woman let me tell you this cologne smells good on most men. This scent smells good to every woman I know and if we smell it on you then trust me, it ups your chances.” “This smells like a European bachelor”

“This one is irresistible, you’re gonna end up winning.” “I’m 65 years old and the young ladies just get aroused by the smell.”

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Vintage Iron

RETRO STYLE ELECTRIC BIKES They say their goal is to get that big grin on your face. ‘They’ that’s the team behind Vintage Iron E-Cycles in Vancouver. And ‘that big grin’ happens whenever someone takes one of their cool bikes for a testride. Clearly inspired by the popular Café Motorcycles of the 1970s and earlier models from the 40’s and 50’s, Elio Canale, the primary investor and driver of Vintage Iron and his team, embrace the idea of two wheel riding in style. “We’re passionate about offering beautiful hand-crafted electric bikes that marry old-world styling with the latest electric motor technology,” says Elio, “it’s really rolling art meets function and style, paired with zero emissions in one package which makes the idea so compelling.” You will find several different models in their cool shop and lounge on Clark Drive, and on top of just selling the bikes they also offer full customization and corporate branding service and will even design and build your very own bike with corporate logos and

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colours. To ensure the best in quality, Vintage Iron have their own design studio and fabrication shop, and work directly with their partners in Germany, Italy, Spain and the USA to provide only the finest high-end quality parts, accessories and frames. Like anything of quality, it truly is all about the details. “We want to craft a bike that makes you feel good. A bike that you’ll admire endlessly and maybe hand-down to someone you feel will appreciate the custom handwork and detail of a new vintage styled electric bike,” Elio explains. “But the first step is really to experience it.” No license or insurance is required for any of the Vintage Iron bikes, and the newest battery technology allows for up to 70 kilometers per charge. Visit the Vintage Iron Shop, Cafe and Lounge on 2212 Clark Drive, or check them out online: www.vintageironcycles.com

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific

CHRISTIAN CHIA Kayla Beiler Photography

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For 25 years, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards has recognized the achievements of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrepreneurial trailblazers. Congratulations to Christian Chia, President and CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group Limited.

The Gentleman

They should have taught you this in school....

by Dr. Christian Brix

WHAT ARE YOU DOING? In a recent conversation with a great friend, we talked about what it is that gets people out of bed every day. What gets you out of bed? For some people it is as simple as getting your ass to work to make some money to support your lifestyle or your family. For others it’s a giant vision of success and fortune. Then there are those who just have to pee. What gets you out of bed is your purpose, and how much you enjoy what happens for the rest of that day represents your passion.

entry from mine: “I just found a dime…BOOM!”

We have all been through things that seriously challenged our resolve, but no matter how hard things are for us in any given time in our lives, there is always someone who needs help more than we do. Gratitude is a feeling and even a state, but the only physical expression of it is generosity. If you are truly grateful, then it is impossible to not want to share what you have. I don’t necessarily mean you have to pay the guy pouring dirty water all over Tony Robbins said that the majority of people are, to your windshield at the red light, but the blessings we have some extent, living in a suspended state. He said that must be shared to be meaningful and appreciated. Find those people “aren’t happy, but they a cause, a person, or a charity to give aren’t unhappy enough to do anything some of your time or money to. Even about it.” It was described as a state buying a coffee for the person behind “If you believe in of paralysation and complacency. you in line is an expression of your They are people who don’t have the gratitude, and it will help create even life after this motivation to change the things that more joy in your life while also putting keep them stagnant, and usually justify a smile on someone else’s face! one, then that’s it by listing every “reason” possible. “I super exciting, can’t afford it.” “I’m too old.” “I have a What about your passion? Is it your family to support.” “I don’t have time.” kids, a hobby or your work? If it is but is it worth only that cold beer at the end of a living this one The truth is we may only have one life. week doing a job you can’t stand, you If you believe in life after this one, then may be selling yourself short. Find at 75%?” that’s super exciting, but is it worth something! Passion is the juice…it’s living this one at 75%? I have to say the thing that makes our lives real that one of my pet peeves is people and full. It’s never too late to find talking about “living each day as if something that really inspires you it was your last.” I’m sure I have seen that tattooed on and brings you joy. Start climbing, do a triathlon, start someone’s lower back or foot at some point, and that is an online business, coach your kid’s team, or become an absolutely not what I’m saying. If it was my last day, I international art thief. No matter what it is, it can be the would probably try to get a huge line of credit, rent a jet, source of so much more fulfillment in your life. It may and make some seriously bad/fun decisions. What I am even help you smack that snooze button one less time in talking about is finding a way to live a life that takes you the morning. towards happiness today while also being practical and cognisant of what you need tomorrow. Nietzsche said “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” So some time in the near future when I suggest that there are three things that can make that life someone asks you “what are you doing?” here’s to hoping happen: gratitude, generosity, and passion. you will be able to say: What I love! Gratitude is the most important. When life gives us “stuff,” regardless of how horrible, there is always something to be grateful for. It might be your family, your health, or your new turtle, but living your life from a place of gratitude means focusing on the great things. If you are on the green side of the lawn, you are lucky. Be grateful. If you want to really see how lucky you are, consider keeping a small notebook in which you record every single positive thing that happens to you each day. It is amazing! Actual

Dr. Christian Brix Writer – Chiropractor - Broth Baron - Gentleman www.brixfamilychiropractic.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

WHAT DOES THE NEXT 1-5 YEARS LOOK LIKE AND HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING NOW? by Jason Boudreau

If we had had that dialogue 2-3 years ago, there was arguably, little to be concerned about. We enjoyed ultra-low interest rates and a favourable taxation environment, most asset prices still looked set to rise, political attitudes at the federal, provincial and even international levels seemed pro-business & non-interventionist, and finally, confidence was high. Contrast that situation to now and we are facing a transformed business and political environment and possibly the beginnings of a less comfortable economic climate, with threats to productivity and confidence from multiple angles. If you knew 3 years ago what the prevailing conditions would be like now, would you have made the same investment decisions back then? I am not predicting that we are facing a situation akin to 2008 or that a downturn is imminent. Far from it. What I am advocating for is being prepared for the possibility that asset prices can be dynamic beyond expectations and that putting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth in a position where its owners can create the direction, rather than be driven by it, is what is key to long term success in wealth generation and preservation. I can recall many times in the past few years where clients have chosen not to follow sound planning advice provided by advisors they appointed to create outcomes such as de-risking, optimized tax structures and to diversify wealth to achieve longterm growth and stability for generations. Oftentimes, noise competes with sanity. In general, allocating wealth to long-term investments and receiving growth is about being able to stay the course, as

well as take advantage of new opportunities that present themselves along the way. In 2009, investor sentiment was low. In the years that have since followed, long-standing and prudent Canadian insurance companies have experienced incredibly high demand for Participating Whole Life insurance contracts as they were one of the only assets where values or growth did not decrease because of the financial crisis. Why did it take the events of 2008 to trigger a collectively larger focus on investing in tax efficient and stable asset classes? Those with Whole Life policies in force long before 2008 would likely have had cash surrender values that could have been leveraged to make subsequent investments in newly undervalued assets, the value being created by fearful investors, or those forced to sell. Those that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prepared or misunderstand risk create the opportunity for those that are prepared and can take calculated risks at their discretion. Given these points and looking ahead to the next 1-5 years, are your investments adequately diversified? Is your tax planning optimal? And, do you know where in your portfolio you will look to take advantage of opportunities that may present themselves?

Jason Boudreau CFP, CLU Wealth Advisor Principal & Founder - VELA Wealth Management www.velawealth.com

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EXCLUSIVE VANCOUVER DREAM ESTATES

A SENSATIONAL, RECENTELY COMPLETED, SEMI WATERFRONT LUXURY RESIDENCE IN WEST VANCOUVER

- 2611 BELLEVUE AVENUE, WEST VANCOUVER -

This extraordinary residence is situated just steps to the beach and Dundarave Village boasting spectacular, close-in, ocean & island views to Vancouver Island. Designed by Award Winning Home Designer Craig Chevalier and built by Master Builder Bradner Homes this extraordinary masterpiece is uniquely positioned on a prized almost eleven thousand square foot level corner property providing spectacular views of the water and the West Vancouver shoreline. Clean, contemporary, modern and inviting with spectacular views through vast walls of glass and fold away doors that provide an incredible indoor out door lifestyle while the high ceilings create dramatic, voluminous, spaces for exceptional comfort and ambiance. A large entrance hall leads to entertainment size principal rooms featuring 10 ft ceilings and a feature fireplace, a formal Dining Area for up to 10 guests and a stunning Kitchen boasting all MIELE appliances and a large entertainment size island. An adjoining temperature controlled glass wine storage, private Study or Den and a fully equipped second kitchen are all

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ideally and conveniently situated. On the upper level an exceptionally large Master Suite with private water side terrace features a walk in dressing area and beautiful private bathroom. Two additional bedroom suites on the same level provide suitable accommodation for children and guests. On the lower garden level is a wonderful entertainment size recreation room with built in flat screen tv, full wet bar and adjoining exercise gym with full bathroom. An additional lower level bedroom is privately situated for a housekeeper or nanny. Many additional features of this extraordinary luxury residence include extensive concrete, steel and glass construction with Indiana Limestone detail, a private elevator to all three levels, PANORAMA windows, SAVANT integrated lighting, security and smart home automation together with air conditioning and two car garage. The entire property has been professional landscaped and is beautifully illuminated at night-time with dramatic effects.

MALCOLM HASMAN www.malcolmhasman.com

VANCOUVER’S TOP SELLING LUXURY AGENT Angell Hasman & Associates (Malcolm Hasman) Realty Ltd.

1555 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

604.290.1679

By any measure its location, size, stunning interior, exquisitely landscaped grounds, or impeccable materials and craftsmanship sets this luxury estate in a class of its own …! Built: Completed 2018 | Lot Size: 10,870 SQ FT | Floor Size: 4,570 SQ FT | 5 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms

$10.998 MILLION

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BUYER’S MARKET Interview by Amanda Wood | Information and Photos by Jesse Dean Cook

fter years of soaring prices, multiple offers and aggressive bidding wars we now find our-selves officially in a Buyer’s Market. I had the chance to sit down with Jesse Dean Cook of Angell Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. to discuss the current Real Estate Market in Vancouver. I asked Jesse to share with me his top 5 strategies on how to best take advantage of the opportunities this current market has to offer. 1. BUILD YOUR OWN HOME

“Up until now, it’s been very difficult to compete with developers who were willing to overpay for prime building lots. For example, properties that have older homes $5,495,000 on large lots with great views were being snapped up before they even hit the MLS. So, if you had wanted to build your own home in the past, you would’ve had to compromise on location. The exciting opportunity before you now, is that the developers have all backed off and this is giving savvy buyers the chance to buy an A+ lot and still have the budget left over to build the house of their dreams.”

2. EXPANDING FAMILY “A lot of my client base consists of couples who are expanding into families and they are looking to either move out of the downtown core to the “suburbs” $2,998,000 (North Shore or Vancouver West) or are already in a home and are looking for more square footage and a larger back yard for their kids. This particular segment of the market ($1.5M-$3M) was especially competitive over the past few years. The opportunity we have in front of us now, is for these expanding families to have the chance to get into a “forever” type of family home. I hear my clients talk about wanting to upgrade into a family style home that their kids will grow up in and now, these families can go straight into that without having to live in the in-between “starter” home.”

3. DOWNSIZING

$6,980,000

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“As a Realtor I am often asked to predict the upcoming trends in the

local real estate market. I don’t have a crystal ball but what I do have is a passion for statistics and the ability to crunch all the numbers. My research has shown a proven track record that the attached market (condominiums, apartments, townhomes) follows the lead of the detached market (houses) by about 6-12 months. So, that timeline brings us to the present here in the Vancouver market. For the first time in years, attached prices have slowed and even dipped from their previous trajectory. So, if you are looking to move from your house into a condo, leaving behind all of the labor-intensive maintenance of a large property, this is an excellent time for you to buy! I would be remiss to not say that A+ properties will always hold a premium, but you might have less competition and therefore the opportunity to make it your own.”

4. INVESTMENT FOR CHILDREN “Traditionally students attending University would either live in student housing on campus or they rent an $508,000 apartment in the near-by vicinity by themselves or with roommates. This is often the students first time living outside of their parents home and is something of a rite of passage into adulthood. In previous generations it would have been much more economical to rent but now a days with the shortage of rental properties, competition, astronomical rental prices and current Buyer’s Market I think it makes a lot more sense to buy. Instead of your child paying rent to someone else, have them put that money towards their own mortgage and help get your children into the market now while you have the opportunity. Recent reports have said that the average first time home buyer in Vancouver requires family assistance with the down payment to purchase their first home. So, why not get the ball rolling earlier. The asset will be a tremendous stepping stone for your child and can be flipped down the road when they are looking to expand into the housing market. What a wonderful legacy to give your child as well as a savvy investment on your part.”

5. RENTAL PROPERTY PORTFOLIO “Our current Buyer’s Market is a wonderful opportunity for investors to expand their rental property portfolio’s or for first time investors to get into the rental market. The demand for rentals is still very high, but the market is the slowest it’s been in recorded MLS

history. So, this is your opportunity to buy with little competition in the most prime locations. I’d suggest that your strategy would be to hold the properties as a $4,998,000 slow play and have confidence that the real estate market is cyclical and that the investment will

really pay off in the long run. The best-case scenario is to of course buy low, rent it out for a price that covers all of your carrying costs and then sell years down the road for a much higher price all while having someone else pay off your mortgage.” Jesse Dean Cook is an expert in the luxury Vancouver Real Estate Market and is consistently a top producer at Angell Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. He has a background as a global executive for the largest engineering and testing agency in the world. He is a master negotiator and prides himself on his excellent communication skills and statistical research. If you are looking for a Realtor to represent you in today’s changing market do not hesitate to contact him for a free consultation.

FEATURED LISTINGS 502 - 475 13th Street West Vancouver

602 - 475 13th Street West Vancouver

2384 Mathers Avenue West Vancouver

Offered at $2,349,000

Offered at $2,495,000

Offered at $2,848,000

8668 Foster Road Richmond

1618 Draycott Rd. North Vancouver

4391 Rockridge Rd. West Vancouver

Offered at $3,888,000

SOLD - Offered at $1,858,000

SOLD - Offered at $5,495,000

Jesse@JesseDeanCook.com | +1-604-506-5174 | JesseDeanCook.com

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Pacific Polo Cup SOUTHLANDS VANCOUVER

Photos by Kim Bellavance

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Saturday, July 28, 2018 Southlands Riding Club

The Sport of Kings It is one of the must-attend events in Vancouver: The Pacific Polo Cup. Held at Southlands Riding Club, and hosted by Luxury Alliance Group, this year marked the fifth installation of this fast and furious alliance between horse and human. Although it is more about the humans, stylish humans. The Polo Cup always draws a fashion-conscious crowd, dressed in linen suits, bowties, frothy fascinators, and broad-brimmed hats, for fun on and off the field. Nothing better than watching the Sport of Kings as a King or Queen, sipping Veuve Clicquot champagne, and diving into gourmet lunching. The gates opened sharp at 11:30 a.m. and while the first bottles of Veuve Clicquot began popping, the main attraction – the polo games, started. Spectators cheered from the sidelines and participated in the halftime divot stomping, a grand old tradition in which everyone giddily surges forth to help replace the crevices created by the horses’ hooves. Should you have missed this year’s event, better make your bookings for the 2019 Polo Cup early! www. PacificPoloCup.com

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ARTS & MUSIC VANCOUVER’S ICONIC ART SCENE IN REVIEW by Oliver Finlay

LEON BRIDGES Leon Bridges concluded the outdoor summer concert series at the PNE, with his contemporary fusion of soul, funk, R&B and gospel radiating into the moody night sky. The show, opened with verve by Texas natives, Khruangbin, graced an evening where 2018 seemed to tip an Ivy cap to a begone era of 1950s soul singers. From the moment Bridges burst onto stage with his opening track, “If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)”, the crowd returned his boundless energy and grooved the night away as one. Whilst the tour is promoting his latest album, “Good Thing”, Bridges warmed the the gathering up with favourites such as “Coming Home”, “Better Man”, and “Smooth Sailing”, as his adoring audience warmly voiced their approval. Aside from his buttery, laid-back vocals, Bridges makes a striking impact with his considered style, consistent with the crooners who have provided influence and he really cut a dash in his gray flood pants and chocolate velvet jacket. Not only that, but this guy can move and his dominance of the stage really added to the energy of the evening. “Good Thing”, Bridges sophomore album, retains his established retro feel but steps on from the innocence of “Coming Home”, with “You Don’t Know” contributing a somewhat disco feel, whilst “Mrs” provides a more authentic perspective on romance, in comparison to the more simplistic take he portrays throughout “Coming Home”. The performance was wonderfully warm and uplifting, with a maturity belying Bridges’ tender years.

BEN HOWARD

BEN HOWARD A week later, British songsmith Ben Howard invited his fans to brave the relentless rain and enjoy his company as he kicked off the North American tour at Deer Lake Park, in Burnaby. Another Live Nation event, the main act was supported by Baltimore indie rock duo, Wye Oak. Whilst not the most chatty of artists, Howard, along with his entourage, really let the music do the talking and the introspectively cerebral playlist reflected the intimate feel that the rainy night seemed to create. The focus was clearly on showcasing the expansive string arrangements and wandering melodies of the recently released album “Noonday Dream” and EP offering “Another Friday Night”, with latter-day successes such as “Nica Libres at Dusk” and “Hot Heavy Summer” finding favour amongst the Hunter wellington boot-clad audience. LEON BRIDGES

Tracks from debut album “Every Kingdom”, were completely omitted from the repertoire, which created a degree of disappointment from Howard’s stalwart following. Accordingly, the occasional favourites from the melancholy “I Forget Where We Were”, such as “Small Things”, were warmly received by fans who welcomed a little more familiarity within the set. VSO - VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA As September drew to a close, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra returned to the Orpheum, launching the 100th Anniversary Season. Welcoming new Music Director, Maestro Otto Tausk, the season opened with a collaboration between the VSO and soprano Renée Fleming, before being joined the next day by celebrated pianist siblings, The Jussen Brothers. The Masterworks Diamond series saw Tausk enthusiastically lead the orchestra through Kodàly’s “Dances of Galànta” and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major. Following on from Kodály, the Hungarian theme continued as pianist, Cédric Tiberghien mesmerised the audience with his mastery of Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3. A native of Holland, the highly respected Tausk brings an infectious energy to the Orpheum

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and the choice of pieces reflected his exuberant on-stage persona. Even younger members of the audience were drawn into the spectacle and the enjoyment was reflected around the theatre. The season continues with weekly offerings throughout October, with more information and the full schedule available at www.VancouverSymphony.ca

BEYONCÉ & JAY-Z - OTRII As October arrived, BC Place hosted what was arguably the most eagerly anticipated entertainment event of the year, in Vancouver, to date. There are rap artists…then there is Jay-Z. There are female solo artists…then there is Queen B. There are celebrity couples… then there is the Sean and Beyoncé Carter union. There are concerts…then there is On The Road II. In fact, OTRII wasn’t even a concert, this was a night of incredible musical theatre, stunning choreography and crackling energy, all seamlessly linked by a beautiful cinematographic backdrop. It was a production of epic proportions…the Carters swaggered into Vancouver, raising the roof and the bar at the same time. From the moment the huge screens thundered into life, setting the scene for the symbolic, stylised commentary of the couple’s love story, it was apparent that expectations were about to be shattered. What initially appeared to be simple, benign stage set, was revealed piece by piece to be an engineering marvel, including a four storey tower and a gliding platform, which at times, transported the couple, flanked by their entourage of powerful dancers, the length of the arena and back. Meanwhile, the pyrotechnic backdrop was so explosive, it felt like marshmallows could have been toasted from the seats in the second tier. But perhaps the biggest success, was that the previously temperamental sound quality in BC Place, was replaced by earth shaking acoustics that were as rich as they were deep. Jay-Z’s powerful lyrical might was in full effect from the very first line of “Holy Grail” and had the audience in a frenzy through “”Dirt Off Your Shoulder”, “99 Problems” and “Ni**as in Paris”. Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s famed vocal range was in illustrated through favourites such as “Song Cry”, whilst the choreographic excellence that epitomises her stage dominance was evident throughout but especially impressive during “Diva”, “Run the World (Girls)” and “Feeling Myself”. Perhaps the aspect that truly charged the powerful emotions of those witnessing the performance extravaganza, however, was the chemistry that sparked between the Carters throughout. There was a perpetual playfulness that evolved into a brooding pride in each other’s abilities and as they involved the crowd with a sensational rendition of “Young Forever”, they shared a warm embrace, before leaving the stage hand in hand a few moments later. To check out more LIVE NATIONS concerts coming to Vancouver over the coming months, including James Bay, The Tenors, Justin Timberlake and Fleetwood Mac, go to LiveNation.com. ICONIC CONCIERGE

10TH ANNIVERSARY

photography: Mark Lewis; Charles Zuckerman

THE DEIGHTON CUP When horses are rounding the bend, as the sounds of champagne bottles pop in the distance, when fedoras, fascinators, hats, ascots and bow ties are sold out in town, then we know that the most stylish event of the summer is just around the corner: The Deighton Cup! The “Sport of the Kings” paired with a fashion show par excellence, The Deighton Cup returned to Vancouver on Saturday, July 21st, for its 10th anniversary. Bigger and better than ever! What started 10 years ago by friends Tyson Villeneuve and Jordan Kallman of the Social Concierge, and Parade Agency founder Dax Droski, as a singleday passion project has grown into a festival that drew some 5,000 people this year. In full sunshine! The cup itself, named after legendary Vancouver Slaoonster Captain “Gassy” Jack Deighton, is annually awarded for

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both skill on steed and in style at the Hastings Racecourse. The Deighton Cup is not only about the races, though, it is also about style and fashion. The first best-dressed competition was held in 2012 (awarded to ET Canada’s Erin Cebula). Finally, in 2015, the Best Dressed Competition was expanded and now includes the Gallant Sartorialist award for the most dapper gentleman. Let’s not forget food and drinks: For the 10 year celebration,

the Deighton Cup had teamed up with some of the city’s top chefs and most popular restaurants and with a Nespresso espresso martini bar and The Botanist ‘Choose your gin and tonic’ booth. Part of The Deighton Cup, the 6th Annual Cocktail Jockey Mixology Competition, was held the day before the Cup at Prohibition in Hotel Georgia. Congratulations to Shane Ely for winning the competition with a stellar Mount Gay Rum Punch. Until next year...

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Chloé Dubois making waves in a sea of plastic words by Oliver Finlay | photography by Todd Duncan (2), Taylor Burk (2) & Andy Cochrane (2)

IC: In ten words or less, who are you and what do you do? CD: Chloé Dubois, curious ecologist, co-founder of Ocean Legacy Foundation, SFU master’s student. IC: Where are you from and what brought you to Vancouver? CD: I am originally from the small town of Paris, Ontario and originally came to the west coast of British Columbia to pursue my passion and love for mountain biking and the natural environment. I’m in Vancouver and the surrounding area to manage the Ocean Legacy headquarters. IC: So how does a student from SFU become the co-founder and president of a not for profit undertaking work of such magnitude?

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CD: I’ve had many brilliant mentors and influences in my life, from my professors at the University of Waterloo, to the remote Lasqueti Island teachings of Japanese Acupressure, to Joanna Macy’s “The Work That Reconnects” and am now completing my masters in International Studies at SFU. I am constantly reflecting on the intricate interconnections between the systems which govern societies. This thinking has been focused and directed into building community around the health of the ocean, whilst creating innovative, practical solutions, which can contribute to the refusing of plastic and mitigating its occurrence in waterway and ocean ecosystems. I began my masters at SFU in order to continue learning about international development, to apply theoretical lessons learned and understand more about the

successful elements from other relevant initiatives. IC: What was your first business venture, how old were you when you did it and how successful was it? CD: One of my first business ventures was in my early 20s, creating an on-line hub which provided digital resources to the Victoria, BC community in growing urban food sources. This concept ended up becoming adopted by LifeCycles Project Society and, at one point, was supported by the Capital Regional District of Victoria. I also now design and produce high-end stages at various local and international music festivals. IC: Tell us about your current business project.

CD: The Ocean Legacy Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization, which utilizes spatial mapping, education and research, clean-up expeditions and waste to energy technologies, to develop the world-leading Marine Debris Solutions™ program. This dynamic and integrative approach combines sustainable technologies with education and skills training, giving most plastic wastes an economic value and arming communities with the long-term tools they need to steward their natural environment.

IC: From a business perspective, what opportunities does being based in Vancouver provide for you at the moment?

IC: How did that idea come about?

IC: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve overcome in the project so far?

CD: The idea came about whilst finishing my advanced training in Japanese acupressure and reflecting on my love for the ocean. I was with my friends, discussing the question of how we engage as many people as possible in a vision which supports healthy plastic free oceans. The organization’s other co-founder, James Middleton, knew of a Japanese based pyrolysis company and we began merging innovative technologies into a very practical application. This later lead to a partnership with Resynergi Inc and we are now hoping to have our first unit installed in Panama as soon as possible. IC: We are starting to read a lot about the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans but how big is the project close to home? CD: Canadian coastlines are surprisingly coated in plastic pollution. With countless groups working across the country to continually clean up the repeated accumulation of plastic concentrations, we have discovered that, shockingly, some of the most remote coasts in British Columbia have been the most polluted. IC: Who is involved with you at Ocean Legacy and how many staff do you employ? CD: The Ocean Legacy Foundation is a volunteer-based organization. We currently have about 15 people dedicating significant amounts of time to ensure that Ocean Legacy is has a noteworthy impact, whilst continually developing innovative ideas to combat plastic pollution. However, with more funding opportunities, we hope to be able to have paid staff in the future.

CD: Being based in Vancouver provides us with unique opportunities to connect with relevant institutions, governments, non-profits and businesses, each of whom are concerned with ocean health and want to create a positive change. We hope to engage more local corporate sponsors and private investors to continue developing our important work.

CD: Some of the biggest challenges that have faced Ocean Legacy thus far have been a lack of funding to ensure remote clean-up operations continue to occur alongside the development of innovative technologies. Our team has been able to achieve an incredible amount with sparse resources and to date, the lack of funds has not stopped us spearheading plastic collection, recycling development and education, both within our local community and also internationally. However, we would be able to realize the potential and vision of the organization with more funding. IC: If raising capital was not a significant issue and the money was in the bank, where would your first investments be directed? CD: If funding was not an issue, we would like to hire full-time professional staff that would assist in grant writing, daily operations, engineering and project coordination. We would also invest capital into completing our first large scale mobile ‘plastic to fuel’ machine. The world needs plastic waste solutions and Ocean Legacy can not only assist people living in incredibly remote areas of the world, polluted with plastic, to transform their waste into a useful resource but will contribute to ending the virgin extraction of oil. Our systems of governance need to reflect the care, respect, diversity and interconnection necessary for living in harmony with the planet. Planet Earth would be fine without humanity, however, humanity needs this planet to be resilient in order to support the health of the oceans and the wildlife within,

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which play a crucial role in our survival. These are currently in serious peril. IC: What do you foresee the biggest challenges facing your business over the next 12 months? CD: We are currently working on solutions to recycle and process many different types of plastics found along shorelines and ocean ecosystems. This includes a large-scale mobile ‘plastic to fuel’ machine, which has been developed in partnership with Resynergi Inc and the City of Knowledge, in Panama, to prevent plastics from reaching waterways and ocean ecosystems. We are also working on an innovative program to account for lost fishing gear and are expanding our Canadian based ocean plastic education and processing centre. One of our biggest challenges is the need to constantly identify how people will interact and respond to new recycling or collection methods. Changing people’s behavior and attitudes towards considering waste as a resource will take time. Another challenge may be obtaining the necessary funding to develop this program, whilst maintaining our current clean-ups and unique program in Vancouver. IC: What are your ambitions for the business over the next 1, 5 and 10 years? CD: We want to create a diverse, solutions-focused platform, which provides specialized and innovative strategies that meet the needs of different environments and communities. Over the next year we will be finalizing our commitments to the United Nations Ocean Initiative and should have our first large scale ‘plastic to fuel’ machine installed. Over the next 5 to 10 years, we would like to be assisting communities worldwide in replicating similar models of development with the aims of decreasing the amount of plastic waste being produced; capturing

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plastic waste before it reaches the ocean; and creating corporate accountability for the waste that does reach waterway and ocean ecosystems.

friends use to describe you?

IC: Who are your mentors?

IC: Thanks for a great insight into such a significant problem that is currently right on our doorstep, Chloe.

CD: I am inspired by the works of Joanna Macy (environmental activist and author); Mark Lakeman (co-founder of the nonprofit peacemaking organization, The City Repair Project); Chris Pallester (environmental activist and co-founder of Gulf of Alaska Keeper); Sylvia Earle (marine biologist, explorer and author) and my mother, Joanne Dubois. IC: How supportive have your tutors at SFU been? CD: My professors at SFU have been integral in helping me complete my degree and support the work I do with Ocean Legacy. They have assisted me by directing my learning towards incredibly relevant case studies, based on international sustainable development, economic development and the problems associated with these subjects. I have been able to apply much of what I have learned during my master’s studies into Ocean Legacy’s program development, although it has been challenging balancing my studies with managing an ambitious non-profit organization. IC: How do you keep yourself fit, both physically and mentally to enable you to give your best in your personal and business life? CD: I like to be incredibly physically active and enjoy adventure racing, mountain biking and paddling on either fresh or salt water. I love travelling, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures and environments. After a hard day, I will spend time on the ocean, paddling, or writing in my journal. IC: What 3 words would your closest

CD: Ambitious, compassionate, motivated.

Now, all that is left, is for you to answer Iconic Concierge’s ‘Completely Unrelated, but Nevertheless Entertaining Standard 10 Questions’… 01: You lose everything you own. How do you rise like a phoenix from the ashes?

CD: Perseverance. No matter how challenging things get, remembering that I have control over my attitude and how I can choose to be in any moment will help in over- coming anything. Finding gratitude, never giving up on a dream and keep working hard. 02: We finish this interview and as you step outside, you find a lottery ticket that ends up winning you $20 million. What do you do?

CD: I would invest the majority of this into interesting projects, which support healthy living ecosystems and people around the world, including realizing the full potential of Ocean Legacy. I would also help my family and invest in a beautiful sailboat. 03: You can invite 5 people for a dinner party…and the guest list isn’t restricted by the confines of time and mortality. Who joins you for dinner and why?

CD: Joan of Arc, who was renowned for her courage, leadership and bravery. Beyonce, who is a fierce, playful, talented and expressive, business woman. Rosa Parks who I admire for her rebellious streak, in

standing for equality and justice. Hillary Clinton, who is an intelligent strategist. She would have incredible lessons learned throughout her development work experience and would have wisdom from the many difficult political decisions and oversights from international development. Julie Payette who is a Canadian astronaut and currently the Lieutenant Governor to the Queen of England - she is a fantastic explorer and an eloquent, respected, athlete. I think that would make for an absorbing evening of conversation!

07: Where is your favourite travel destination and why?

CD: One of my favourite places is Lasqueti Island, BC. This island is completely off grid and is filled with one of the most kind, generous and talented communities. Not only is the landscape absolutely breath-taking but I often see eagles, whales and visit the ancient forests while I am there. 08: Tell me your favourite joke…

04: What was your first car, what do you drive now and what is your dream car?

CD: I only recently owned my first car. I have primarily ridden my bike as much as possible, even if it takes me several days to get to a location. My first car was an Envoy and I currently drive a Prius. My dream car would be not be a car at all but an electric flying and diving device that would enable me to completely avoid traffic and allow me to explore the most remote and untouched locations on the planet. 05: What one piece of advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

CD: If it doesn’t bring you joy, move on! 06: Who would play you in a movie about your life?

CD: I love laughing but usually cant remember the joke! 09: Where is your favourite Vancouver restaurant?

CD: Anything in Deep Cove - close to home!!! 10: Complete the sentence: “Vancouver is a great place for entrepreneurs in 2018, because…”

CD: …of its diverse communities, investment potential and innovative vision. IC: Chloe, thank you for spending the time to chat and share some of your adventures with us. It’s been great to meet you. Keep up the great work, and we look forward to following your journey, as Ocean Legacy continues to contribute such a vital service to our shore line.

CD: Jennifer Lawrence.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Diamonds

Diam White gold diamond bracelet featuring 7.66 carat total weight VS-SI round brilliant cut diamonds. 13,500 CAD

are forever!

The modern archetype of the classic watch, the Datejust has spanned eras, while enduring the codes that make it one of the most recognisable of watches. Rolex Datejust 31 Oyster, 31 mm, Oystersteel, white gold and diamonds 21,300 CAD

Diamond engagement ring featuring one = 4.11 ct oval brilliant cut diamond accented by 32 = 0.88 ctw round brilliant diamonds set in 18K white gold. Price: please inquire

PARK ROYAL SOUTH METROPOLIS AT METROTOWN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

LUGARO.COM

Classic bezel set necklaces from the Forevermark Tribute™ Collection. Perfect to layer with other pendants and necklaces from this collection to celebrate the many qualities of a woman you adore.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER!

monds

This is a men’s magazine so most likely the first thing you think about when you hear “Diamonds are forever” is James Bond ... and not your better half.

Sorry, guys, this is not about Bond and Blofeld and a rather boring story where diamond smuggling becomes a giant space-laserthreatening-Earth thing.

Ideal cushion cut Forevermark diamond in 18K gold. 1,200 CAD

If you haven’t realized it - Christmas is getting closer day by day. And should you read this in January - Valentine’s Day is next. Or a birthday, anniversary, or just any other regular day when you want to show your partner how much you love her (or him. Not judging.). And should you have messed up (still not judging...) - some nice jewellery is never a bad idea!

So we asked our friends over at Lugaro to give us some ideas what is ‘in’ and trendy ...

The Forevermark Tribute™ Collection 2 Carat TW Diamond Drop Earrings featuring two ideal square cut diamonds, accented by ten pear shape, two marquise shape, and two round brilliant cut colorless and Argyle Pink diamonds. 8,600 CAD

Forevermark Tribute™ Collection stackable solitaire and anniversary style rings in variety of diamond shapes and sizes set in white, yellow and rose gold to reflect her individual style & character. Starting from 1,050 CAD

PARK ROYAL SOUTH METROPOLIS AT METROTOWN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

LUGARO.COM

“IF YOU THINK CHOCOLATE AND ROSES ARE GOOD ENOUGH, THINK AGAIN !”

by Natalie Langston www.natalielangston.com

WHAT WOMEN WANT...

The holiday season is approaching and we are all starting to think about finding the perfect gifts for those special people in our lives. And with that in mind I’ve put together a collection of ideas that might help with those choices. This season, all new, exciting and so luxurious and lovely, designed for the special woman in your life.

CLE DE PEAU LA CREME LIMITED EDITION Feel pampered and elegant this holiday season with Clé de Peau Beauté new Feerie d’Hiver limited edition collection. Teamed up with the artistic talents of Daria Petrilli, Clé de Peau Beauté has created a decadent and luxurious, whimsical themed collection, featuring specialized ingredients to moisturize, retexturize and revitalize skin. The rich complex containing precious silk and pearl elements inspires a true sense of luxury, radiance and youthfulness. Showcased in a stunning rose cut glass bottle, it is a truly and unparalleled, unique and wonderfully, unexpected experience. Clé de Peau Beauté limited edition $700 available at Holt Renfrew, Saks and Nordstrom.

MUST-HAVE WINTER COAT Parajumpers Women’s Long Bear Special You don’t want to miss out this season with this fabulous Long Bear Special. Keep warm and cozy in this down jacket that comes in a combination of polyester micro ottoman and shearling with a detachable hood that has a removable fur trim. The jacket is designed with zippered side slits, two front patch pockets, two-way front zipper with snap storm flap and the exclusive PJS snap-hook at the neck. This luxurious and one of a kind jacket comes in the colour Bush and retails at $1,850.

LONGINES DOLCEVITA A lovely, impressive and unique addition to any woman’s watch collection, this Longines Dolcevita Timepiece is an excellent choice for this holiday season. This stunning rectangular watch is set with 46 Wesselton VVS diamonds for a total of 0.386 carats, set in 20mm 18k gold. Designed to indicate hours, minutes and seconds, this watch is also water resistant to 30 metres and features a fitted bracelet buckle and sleek dark alligator material. The perfect gift for functionality as well as a classy, sophisticated jewelry item. Available at Lugaro jewellers and retails for $5,550.

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BVLGARI SERPENTI TUBOGAS ~ $12,000 CAD Although around since the 1940s, the Serpenti Tubogas has evolved over the decades. This year, Bulgari released several new versions of this iconic watch. Pictured is a single spiral watch in stainless steel with brilliant cut diamonds, red lacquered dial, and a crown set with a cabochon cut pink rubellite. Get your woman one of the most iconic ladies’ watches of all time!

MOBILIA ACCENT CHAIR Choose this luxurious, vintage piece for your home this holiday season. Make a statement with this aristocratic armchair creating a bold look with its velvet finished, high density foam cushions and antique wood base. Blends with the decor to channel a nostalgic, yet authentic look. This piece is very elegant, very unique and a lovely welcome addition to your home this holiday. Bodine Fabric Chair available on mobilia.ca and retails at $1,099.

ZYNA DRESS MARIA LUCIA HOHAN Designed by celebrity favourite Maria Lucia Hohan, this dress embodies her signature polished glamour, perfect for this season’s theme of evening gowns that are fresh, young, simple and sophisticated. Handcrafted from lightweight pleated silk in bold salsa red, the Zyna dress is festive and classy for holiday dressing and is sure to impress. A glamourous piece that is perfect for gala events crafted in flowing, elegant pleats of metallic silk chiffon, designed to drift delicately with every step you take. The sleeveless maxi length dress is detailed with a ruffle-trimmed bodice and high pussybow tie neck, a must-have for the holidays. Finish your look with gold kitten heels and shimmering clutch.

THE GIFT OF WELLNESS Life gets busy. So how about an escape from the day-to-day with a wellness getaway? Sparkling Hill in the Okanagan offers just that: Surrounded by 3.5 million Swarovski crystals, the luxury resort is known for its 40,000 sq. ft. KurSpa and premiere spa treatments such as the Fango. From a couples escape to a whole body wellness retreat, there are several spa packages to choose from. Give the unparalleled gift of reconnecting mind, body and soul. Spa and hotel gift cards can be purchased at www.sparklinghill.com

Available on shopbop.com $1,597.97.

The Ultimate Romantic Getaway GRAND HOTEL ROSE HALL, MONTEGO BAY Jamaica is calling!! Savour island vibes at the spectacular 5-star, 4 Diamond adultsonly IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall that belongs to the exclusive IBEROSTAR Grand Collection Hotel Chain, an all-inclusive resort and spa and winner of The World’s Top Ten Travelers’ Choice Awards. Tucked away in one of the best coasts of the island in a secluded enclave close to sunny Montego Bay, this tropical paradise is conveniently located 20 minutes away from the Montego Bay Sangster International Airport. IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall brings a European opulence to the traditional Jamaican shores, offering premier components of the Grand Collection which include 3 pools on site, one designed for peace and serenity while the others offer entertainment throughout the day with a swim up bar and everything at your fingertips. IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall excels in the luxury department. Not only does the hotel have a magnificent spa offering couples treatments in extravagant suites and incredibly relaxing Turkish baths or hammans, but offers access to all neighbouring hotels within the IBEROSTAR Rose Hall complex. The excellent, personalized service by the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall includes all-inclusive service, 24 hours a day with deluxe room service and a butler to boot. Truly an amazing experience! What are you waiting for? Book a lavish winter getaway to the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall today and live in the lap of luxury this holiday season.

thegrandcollection.com/Montego-Bay/Grand-Rose-Hall

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out & about 2018 MONACO YACHT SHOW PORT HERCULES, MONACO

The Monaco Yacht Show is the world leader event in superyachting. Set in September in the iconic Port Hercules, the MYS represents the pinnacle of the superyacht lifestyle against the glamorous backdrop of Monaco since 1991. Every year, for four days, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected shipyards display 120 extraordinary one-off superyachts and megayachts, to yacht owners, future superyacht purchasers or charterers. On the docks, the MYS curates the showcase of a selection of 580 leading companies in the industry: from the most reputable superyacht builders and nautical suppliers, top yacht designers, luxury manufactures and the best brokerage houses to the most soughtafter tenders and water toys, prestige cars, helicopter and private jet manufacturers.

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The new Continental GT.

Be Extraordinary.

Elegant and exhilarating, this is the ultimate grand tourer. Discover more at www.bentleyvancouver.ca or call 604.730.8998 The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2018 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Continental GT.

BENTLEY VANCOUVER

out & about SUMMER SOIRÉE TELUS GARDEN | VANCOUVER

It was an amazing night creating memories and celebrating lifestyle and community and the end of the summer. In style! The Summer Rooftop Soirée, co-hosted by Style by Sarai & Innovative Fitness, brought together a group of Vancouver’s business owners, entrepreneurs and socialites on August 30th. It was one of the first events at the new Telus Rooftop Garden with amazing panoramic views over Vancouver. Curated cocktails by Remy Martin and & Lavish Liquid and some great wine by the Okanagan’s Mission Hill Family Estate Winery paired well with the delicious culinary treats from Hawksworth Catering. The Soirée went well into the late evening with many guests enjoying one of the last warmer evenings of the summer.

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Experience the true Spirit of Mexico with Clase Azul, the world’s most luxurious tequila.

Clase Azul is 100% authentic in every way, from the superior tequila, to the unique & beautifully handcrafted bottles. Each bottle is created one at a time, hand-painted by artisans, in the small town of Santa Maria Canchesda, Mexico. Clase Azul tequila is created using only 100% organic Tequilana Weber Blue agave – the only kind of agave out of 200 varieties that produces tequila. The ultra-premium line of tequila is produced in one of the highest points in Los Altos, or the highlands – in the town of Jesus Maria in the region of Jalisco – which results in a unique flavour profile. The proprietor yeast, traditional cooking methods, and selective ageing result in a rich and full-bodied spirit, with a balanced sweetness, long linger and truly outstanding flavour and quality like no other. The Familia Clase Azul includes four tequilas – Plata, Reposado, Añejo and Ultra – and Mezcal Clase Azul. Clase Azul Plata, or silver, is unaged and comes in a sleek, glass, crystal clear decanter. Clase Azul Reposado, with its iconic blue-and-white hand-made ceramic bottle, is rested in handselected oak barrels for 8 months. Clase Azul Añejo, also known as Mazahua Edition and a tribute to the culture, is aged in oak for 25 months. And, finally, Clase Azul Ultra that is aged for five years in Spanish sherry casks, produced in limited quantities, and is presented in a 24-carat gold, pure platinum and sterling silver-laden decanter.

Dea Fortuna is the members-only club for fine wine and spirits. We provide luxury brand experiences across multiple venues in Vancouver allowing our members to understand the history and craftsmanship of the luxury brands while enjoying our drinks programs. Dea Fortuna’s identity is defined by your taste, not your wealth. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and we intend to celebrate that. Hence, our brand’s name Goddess Fortuna.

Mezcal Clase Azul is produced in the state of Durango and created using wild-harvested 100% Cenizo Agave.. The black matte decanter, inspired by clay pottery, is handcarved by Mexican artisans and the colorful beaded cap is hand-crafted by artisans belonging to the Huichol culture. We invite you to experience the magic of our tequila, created by our community of artisans who share their vision, heart and soul in each and every unique and handmade bottle of Clase Azul.

From our hearts... rough our hands... To your happiness. Each Clase Azul piece, hand-made and hand-painted, is literally touched by the human spirit, inspired by traditional Mexican values.

DREAM-TEAM DINNER AN ICONIC EVENING AT SOCIAL CORNER photography: Inder Nirwan

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“A Tavola Non Si Invecchia” It all started in early 2016. A rainy evening in Vancouver, a few local entrepreneurs and business owners sitting together at a bar, discussing news and sharing a few ideas. Someone mentioned that with all the interest in supercars and demand for luxury goods in Vancouver, there should be a cool magazine that showcased the sectors’ finest offerings. Fast forward to early June 2016. The launch party for Iconic Concierge Vancouver magazine, was celebrated in style at one of the city’s top finedining places, Bauhaus Restaurant in Gastown. With an array of supercars parked out front, Vancouverites were introduced to the newest publication in town. And a very different one at that. Instead of professional writers and journalists, the editorial team consisted of local business owners, socialites and entrepreneurs. The DreamTeam. The concept that has proven extremely successful not just for the content of this magazine but for networking and building a community with strong connections to the luxury market, here in Vancouver. Little more than 2 years later, on September 19th, and only for the second time after the initial launch, we were able to reunite the DreamTeam once more and reflect on the journey over an iconic dinner experience. “A tavola non si invecchia” is an Italian proverb, which translates to “At the table with good friends and family you do not become old”. It is one of the mottos of per se Social Corner, at the corner of Homer and Smithe, a funky restaurant offering a fusion between the classic Italian kitchen and a more modern Spanish Tapas Bar. Owner of Social Corner, Fabri Foz, himself an entrepreneur and avid reader of Iconic Concierge, was immediately on board, offering his restaurant for our DreamTeam Dinner. The wonderful evening started with a cocktail reception (you must try the GinBrusco!) and an array of delicious tapas. As we adjourned to the dining area, the entrées were introduced, in pairing with the wines, provided by Wodka Vines Agency. It was an evening filled with laughter, great food and wine, whilst we continued to share stories and ideas, just as on the first night back in 2016. A big thank you to our hosts at per se Social Corner, who contributed in creating a very memorable experience.

per se Social Corner | 891 Homer Street | www.persesocialcorner.com

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CITY tonight!

O ur

by Jim Gordon & Leeta Liepins

The Iconic Concierge Magazine version of the weekly TV show, “Our City Tonight”, which can now be seen Sundays at 12:30pm on CityTV. Follow them on Instagram, FB, and Twitter at: @ourcitytonight

Happy Hour: 3-6pm, 10pm-late

1014 MAIN ST | 604.565.8815 | www.bodegaonmain.ca

s the weather changes, our thoughts turn to warmer climates. How about a trip to Spain? Not in the cards? Well a shorter drive to Bodega on Main will almost take you there with a most authentic Spanish culinary and wine experience. The welcoming cocktail offering for Leeta was a La Gitana which is comprised of gin, dry curacao, lemon juice, Pazzo Chow Root Beer Tonic Syrup, and egg white served neat in a coupe. Jim (translated to “Santiago” according to the wonderfully friendly manager, Hector) chose to start with a Bodega House Lager. The first course was a beautiful charcuterie board with delectable cheeses (12 month aged manchego, Drunken Goat cheese infused with red wine, artisan cabrales with quince jelly), marconas almonds, figs, dates and a side of Jamon Iberico de Bellota, which truly is one of the finest hams in the world. Acornfed, free-range Iberico ham aged for 48 months. The complex flavours that develop must be tasted to truly understand the depth. Daniel Valencia, Head Director of wine for Bodega, chose

BODEGA ON MAIN to perfectly pair the first courses with a yeasty, single vineyard Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana sherry, showcasing the delightful Palomino grapes of Spain. The next course was a favourite: the grilled octopus in romesco sauce and paired with a 2013 Vina Pomal, Crianza, a lighter and fruitier choice but with a little more spice (it spent 12 months in oak and another 12 months in the bottle before its release). One of the great compliments to our dining experience was Daniel choosing to have each wine gently ease into the next food pairing so that we could continue to enjoy each wine with the upcoming course – and with no noticeable change in palate. So many times, with food and wine pairing, glasses of wine are left to the side to move along to the next course pairing. No need to do that here, everything flowed into the next and this reflected on the relaxing “no rush” attitude of enjoying Spanish cuisine. The lamb chop arrived next and was divine, served up with spicy potatoes, onions and red pepper for a simple taste and paired with a 2013 reserva, Hacienda Lopez de Haro, rioja. The lamb was another favourite, and the portions were just right. The seafood Paella was the final course, and it made a splash on the table visually and was beyond delicious. Easily enough for two to three people, it was a perfect end to a relaxing culinary journey through Spain. The food was superb at Bodega, but we’ll also remember the smaller touches: a relaxed pace with no rush; blending the wine selections from course to course; dimming the lights to perfection as the night went on; and a music selection which was enjoyable but not too loud. There are many more reasons why Bodega on Main was packed with loyal customers at 6pm on a rainy Tuesday night – Our City Tonight was happy to discover many of them on this wonderful night.

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ICONIC CONCIERGE

Ask the ... Concierge! An Insider’s Guide to Vancouver Brett Archibald Executive Hotel

Le Soleil Brett Archibald’s career started straight after High School at The Royal on the Park boutique hotel in Brisbane, Australia. He was 17 years old, working in the Front Office, loving every aspect of customer service. Shortly after, Brett moved to the very exclusive Hayman Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef. “Absolute paradise,” he remembers with a big smile. “I’m not sure why I left!” His next endeavor took him to London, England, where he worked in another small boutique hotel called Blakes and in a Private Members Club called Homehouse. He still says that it was an incredible experience and that London is one of his favourite cities. Right after his favourite city, Vancouver. Brett Archiblad has been with Hotel Le Soleil for 13 years. WHAT SETS THE LE SOLEIL APART FROM OTHER HOTELS? Hotel Le Soleil is a special place, unlike anything else in this city. It is an all-suite hotel so our rooms are larger than most hotels and we have an incredible location right in the heart of downtown. Our staff have been here for years, so we know all of our regulars very well, and they keep returning because of it. And although we are fully booked most nights, the ambience and “feel” of our hotel makes for a very relaxed stay. A RAINY DAY ... WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN THE CITY? There’s something for everyone when it comes to indoor activities. We have some incredible galleries ranging from the Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology, to the small spaces like the beautiful Bill Reid Gallery, Hill’s Native Art, and the Contemporary Art Gallery. For those with more of a thirst for craft than art, Vancouver has an incredible craft beer scene, especially around the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Or take a stroll on Granville Island and explore the Public Markets. THE BEST COFFEE AND TEA EXPERIENCE I’m a sucker for a Spanish Latte from Caffe Artigiano. Made with condensed milk it’s a little sweet. In the summer I go for an avocado smoothie from Joyeaux Cafe on Howe St. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! VANCOUVER IN JUST ONE DAY ... If I had one day and let’s pretend it’s a sunny one, I would get up early and do the Grouse Grind. I’d go visit the bears Grinda and Coola and check out the view of Vancouver from above. Before lunch I’d take a bike and tour the seawall all the way around Stanley Park and False Creek, ending up on Granville Island, where I would have lunch at Sandbar or on the huge patio at Bridges. I would have an afternoon siesta on Kitsilano Beach and in the evening, if the schedule allowed, I would watch the Vancouver Whitecaps or BC Lions at BC Place, or the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. It’s always a great atmosphere at our sporting events. I’d have a late dinner at one of our many steakhouses and wash my surf and turf dinner down with a bottle of red from the Okanagan. Perfect!

567 Hornby Street Vancouver www.hotellesoleil.com

YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS RESTAURANT! One of my favourite cuisines is Indian, so I’m lucky to have the Copper Chimney Restaurant attached to the hotel. They serve west coast dishes with traditional Indian methods of cooking. But if you’re after really local Vancouver cuisine you have to go Seafood. And Blue Water Cafe is the top of their class.

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