Iconic Concierge Vancouver Summer 2019

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

䄀䈀伀嘀䔀 伀刀䐀䤀一䄀刀夀 䜀䤀䄀 䌀攀爀琀椀昀椀攀搀 䘀愀渀挀礀 夀攀氀氀漀眀 ☀ 䌀漀氀漀甀爀氀攀猀猀 䐀椀愀洀漀渀搀猀

䈀䔀夀伀一䐀 䈀刀䤀䰀䰀䤀䄀一吀 䐀椀愀洀漀渀搀 ☀ 䜀攀洀猀琀漀渀攀 䔀琀攀爀渀椀琀礀 䄀渀渀椀瘀攀爀猀愀爀礀 䈀愀渀搀猀

sunseeker.com

SEEK MORE

SEEK MORE MANHATTAN 66

MANHATTAN 52

PREDATOR 50

131 YACHT

Sunseeker Vancouver is now open in Coal Harbour.

See the show debut of the Sunseeker Manhattan 52 and Manhattan 66 Great Britain’s largest boat builder with a range from at Vancouver International Boat Show, in the water at Granville Island.

M&P Yacht Centre | (604) 692-0333 510 Nicola Street, Unit #110 Vancouver, BC V6G 3J7 www.mpyachtcentre.com

50’ to 161’.

SUNSEEKER.COM

PREDATOR 50

MANHATTAN 52

S EEK MORE

publisher’s LETTER

in the summertime!

... when the weather is hot, you can stretch right up and touch the sky... yes, finally the sky is blue and the nights are warm. it’s patio-time, vancouver! enjoy our fantastic city, explore the outdoors, hop on a boat, relax on the beach, have a cocktail on a patio. it is a busy time. there is not a single day without something going on in or around the city. parties, concerts, car rallies, shows - you name it! already when this edition was in print we have joined the two most important car rallies in western canada - the hublot diamond rally and the porsche rally. toronto opened the ‘style&fashion’ season with the greenwood stakes and vancouver will follow shortly with the pacific polo cup, the deighton cup and diner en blanc. to name but a few. you will find reviews of all of them in our next edition. our two gearheads, robbie and olaf, are getting ready to go on their big coast2coast drive, a week-long tour from vancouver to halifax, on a tight budget which even includes two convertibles they had to buy. we can’t wait to follow this on social media. no luxury for these two this time!

olaf robrecht publisher olaf@iconic-concierge.com

enough said ... we hope you like what we have put together for you this time. from supercars to a superyacht, from watches, gadgets and travel-tips to interviews and book reviews. here’s to ... the summer! cheers!

we love what we do ...

Meeting interesting people, learning about new things, traveling. For this edition, we attended several events in Vancouver, the Okanagan Valley, Whistler, and Victoria; we had an amazing photoshoot with a fantastic team on the new Sunseeker Manhatten 66 yacht, we were a media partner at the Toronto Greenwood Stakes, and we met old and new friends. And not to forget ... we travelled to Punta Mita, Mexico where we actually unveiled the cover of our last edition with our (then) cover personality, Heidi Haraldson. So what’s next?

8

ICONIC CONCIERGE

BAR REFAELI

by Chen Man

T

H

E

A

R

Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase.

Case in 18K King Gold set with 204 diamonds. Self-winding movement displaying big date and moon phases.

White rubber strap.

T

O

F

F

U

S

I

O

N

Â

Â? Â? Â?

Â?

womenswear menswear bags shoes accessories

757 West Hasting Street | Sinclair Centre +1 604.683.1133 | Leone.ca leone_vancouver

ICONIC CONCIERGE

vol. 13 [2019]

www.iconic-concierge.com

On the cover: World Record | photo: Jean-Paul Mata Leon

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, JASON SARAI, DR. CHRISTIAN BRIX, JIM GORDON TODD DUNCAN, BLAKE J, PROJECT604 MIKE STRAUS YADA-YADA MEDIA please contact iconicconciergemagazine@gmail.com

iconic_concierge Iconic Concierge is published by

Printed in Canada.

barberandco

12

ICONIC CONCIERGE

barberandco.com

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.

14

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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 & Producers of the weekly, national TV show, “Our City Tonight”, which can been seen Sundays at 12:30pm on City TV. Each week they showcase Vancouver’s entertainment, nightlife, music, fashion, business, automotive, food & wine. You can also see past episodes on the “Our City Tonight” YouTube channel.

city experts

ICONIC CONCIERGE

15

CONTENTS COVER

FEATURES

AUTOMOTIVE

18

36

The Photographic Art of Fabian Oefner

The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato

68

20

40

A Stylish Champagne Party on the Sunseeker Manhatten 66

Jeff Bridges

The BMW M4GTS

28

42

New Timepieces

The HUBLOT Diamond Rally

38

46

Why a Dash-Cam is a Must

54

42

World Record!

The HUBLOT Diamond Rally

Cruise Couture

COLUMNS

8

Publisher’s Letter

24

The Specter Journal You Want This!

78

Disintegrating

The Manly Man

Tempus Fugit

Get Protection!

42

World Record!

The HUBLOT Diamond Rally

Rambo Lambo

Taxi Driver

World Record!

The Porsche Rally

Back to the Future

BMW Vision DC Roadster

56

What Women Want

46

The Porsche Rally

Fuell Flow & Fluid

90

50

EVENTS

They Should Have Taught You This In School

The new Area27 Clubhouse

92

66

Paris, France

Must-Haves for the Frequent Traveler

94

68

Fragrances for 2019

A Stylish Champagne Party on the Sunseeker Manhatten 66

Forget Chocolate and Roses!

The Gentleman

The Gentleman Abroad

True Classics

96

Home Bar Essentials Building a Basic Backbar

The Unveiling

The Iconic Traveler

Cruise Couture

80

The Forgotten

100

Abandoned Places

Vancouver Dream Estates

Iconic Reads

Real Estate

102

91

New Books

Waterfront Living

DESTINATIONS

108

62

Vancouver’s Art Scene - Review

Punta Mita, Mexico

112

Our City Tonight

HYDRA Mediterranen Cafe

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Urban Mobility

26

A Tasteful Affair @Omega

34

Koenigsegg Jesko Event

57

Paradiso @Hydra

58

Toronto Greenwood Stakes

88

The Entrepreneur

106

Sakura Night

Real Estate

Arts & Music

16

/ summer 2019 /

Make Paradise Your Home

AVIATION

52

The Alaka’i Skai

CONTENTS

57

34 28

58

102

68

ICONIC CONCIERGE

17

DISINTEGRATING The Photographic Art of Fabian Oefner SWISS PHOTOGRAPHER FABIAN OEFNER has carved out his reputation by fusing the fields of art and science, creating images appealing to heart and mind. His series “Disintegrating II” shows exploded views of iconic cars that he has painstakingly created by deconstructing scale-models, photographing each component, piece by piece in a very specific position, to create the illusion of an exploding automobile. “What you see in these images, is a moment that never existed in real life,” says Oefner. “What looks like a car falling apart is in fact a moment in time that has been created artificially by blending over 2,000 individual images together. There is a unique pleasure about artificially building a moment… Freezing a moment in time is stupefying.” Fabian first sketched on paper where the individual pieces would go, before taking apart the model cars piece by piece, from the body shell right down to the minuscule screws. Each car contained over a thousand components.

Then, according to his initial sketch, he placed each piece individually with the aid of fine needles and pieces of string. After meticulously working out the angle of each shot and establishing the right lighting, he photographed the component, and took thousands of

18

ICONIC CONCIERGE

photographs to create each “Disintegrating II” image. All these individual photos were then blended together in post-production to create one single image. With the wheels acting as a reference point, each part was masked in Photoshop, cut and then pasted into the final image.

Disintegrating X - Lamborghini Miura SV For the first time, Fabian Oefner has created one of his highly acclaimed Disintegrating images with a real car. And not just any car: it is the iconic 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV. The creation of the image took almost two years. During that time,

Oefner and his team traveled to the workshops surrounding the Lamborghini Factory in Sant`Agatha /Italy to capture each piece of the car, as it was being restored.

The final image, consisting of more than 1,500 pieces shows a new level of hyper-reality, that is unprecedented in the artist`s previous works.

Visit www.fabianoefner.com for more information. To purchase prints of the “Disintegrating II” series, please contact the M.A.D.GALLERY GENEVA. www.madgallery.ch

ICONIC CONCIERGE

19

THE

MANLY MAN

“

You’ve got to take care of

yourself on the path, not just when you cross the goal line,

because don’t forget, wherever you are, that’s the goal line. ― Jeff Bridges, The Dude and the Zen Master

jeff

BridgeS | ACTOR | PRODUCER | SINGER | PHILANTHROPIST |

20

ICONIC CONCIERGE

ICONIC CONCIERGE

21

JEFFREY LEON BRIDGES was born on December 4th, 1949, in Los Angeles, California. His father, the late Lloyd Bridges, was already a known face in Hollywood and would become a two-time Emmy Award nominee and appear in more than 150 feature films.

His mother was actress and writer Dorothy Bridges. Jeff has two siblings, a younger sister, Lucinda, and his older brother, Beau, who would also become an actor and who he was very close with. The brothers made occasional appearances on their father’s show Sea Hunt between 1958 and 1961, as well as on The Lloyd Bridges Show. Jeff graduated from High School in 1967 and started touring with his father in a stage production at age 17. He then served in the Coast Guard reserves before moving to New York City to study acting at the Herbert Bergdorf Studio.

Although you can say that he has technically been a working actor since he was little more than a year old (he ‘starred’ as Jane Greer’s baby son in the 1951 film The Company She Keeps), Bridges’ real debut came in 1970 with his role in Halls of Anger, followed a year later by an Oscarnominated performance in The Last Picture Show. From there, it never stopped, and roles kept coming.

King Kong (1976), Tron (1982) and Starman (1984), which brought him a third Oscar nomination, are just a few examples of movies in which he brought his gruff charisma to screenlife. In 1989 he appeared with his brother Beau and Michelle Pfeiffer in The Fabulous Baker Boys, followed by roles in Texasville (1990) and the

22

ICONIC CONCIERGE

much-acclaimed The Fisher King (1991).

2015 and became a spokesperson for the No Kid Hungry campaign.

And then came the infamous role of “The Dude”, a lazy potsmoking unemployed loafer who gets drawn into a crime ring after having been mistaken for someone else, in the 1998 Coen brothers’ movie The Big Lebowski. The film actually bombed at the box office, and only received a few encouraging reviews, but has since become a cult classic.

Bridges is a talented musician, often accompanying himself on guitar as he performs his original songs, and he collaborated in the book The Dude and the Zen Master with Zen Buddhist master Bernie Glassman.

The next century brought Bridges his fourth Oscar nomination for The Contender (2000) and even saw him in a role in Marvel’s Iron Man in 2008. His sixth Oscar nomination came with another Coen brothers’ movie, True Grit, in 2010, followed by nomination number seven for Hell or High Water (2016). Bridges finally won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 2009 film Crazy Heart.

Several other movies followed, bringing Bridges’ portfolio to nearly 80 films to date. He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, a Golden Globe for lifetime achievement, in 2019, and is working on a few new projects.

Today, looking back at a vibrant career in the world of movies, it shows that part of his success is due to his zest for knowledge, his interest in people and their stories, and his considerable research. “When I take on a role, firstly I look into myself,” Bridges once said. “I think of what hues of myself, my own personality, I might use, and then I start looking at friends and people that I know.”

But there is a lot more these days than just acting. Bridges, who has been married to Susan Geston since 1977, has studied Buddhism, and co-founded the End Hunger Network in 1984, a non-profit organization stimulating and supporting action to end childhood hunger. He also supported then-President Obama’s initiative to End Childhood Hunger by

Bridges strongly supports environmental causes and organizations and has been confronted with natural disasters himself when his house in California was wiped out by debris flow from a mudslide that killed 21 people.

“I had a first-hand experience of climate change,” he says, “it brings it home. We have to get busy and turn this thing around!” Bridges recently co-produced and narrated the documentary Living in the Future’s Past, which is about the environmental challenges the world is facing. “I love this planet, and I want to make it a beautiful place; not only for myself but for my children and my grandchildren.

The future. I saw this as an opportunity to make a difference, to head towards an image of the world that I want to create. You’ve got Trump, and you’ve got a lot of other politicians who want to take us in another direction, and that inspired me to take action.”

And with his name and his political and social activism, people notice, people listen. As Bridges says - “We can turn the ship, you know?”

For more than a decade, Academy Awardwinning actor Jeff Bridges and his Buddhist teacher, renowned Roshi Bernie Glassman, have been close friends. Inspiring and often hilarious, The Dude and the Zen Master captures their freewheeling dialogue and remarkable humanism in a book that reminds us of the importance of doing good in a difficult world.

The Ultimate Destination for Luxury Watches & Jewellery 81 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R ICI

Official agent for the following brands:

416.960.5500

ebillionwatches.ca

Pre-owned Brands

Jewellery & Accessories

Audemars Piguet

Buben & Zorweg

Cartier

Hulchi Belluni

Hublot

Montegrappa

Patek Philippe Rolex

We buy, sell and trade luxury watches.

KING OF DENMARK It’s a blend fit for a king - and it’s all yours. Cigars connote power and wealth, and while Cubans no doubt rank high on any connoisseur’s list, Royal Danish Cigars’ ‘King of Denmark’ would give any Havana offering a run for its money. At 9 inches long and decorated with 10 Swarovski crystals, this hand-rolled cigar made from Regal Blend tobacco leaf is very exclusive - Royal Danish only produces 30 cigars per day. The cigars are wrapped in gold foil embossed with the buyer’s name before being placed in a Scandinavian humidor with a 24 karat gold-plated sterling silver royal crown. A box of 60 cigars costs $4,500. www.danishcigars.com

ETCH CLOCK ETCH Clock is a creative new take on the clock that emphasizes the fleetingness of every moment. The clock’s surface is made of a thermo-elastic membrane that forms digital numbers to tell the time.

The surface is wiped blank every 30 seconds and updated with the current time. Featuring Swiss design and engineering, the clock can be hung on a wall or leaned freestanding. A companion mobile app allows you to specify 12- or 24-hour time and to program the display to respond to sound. US$1,950. www.etchclock.com

RICHARD MILLE FOUNTAIN PEN Impress your friends with this US$105,000 Richard Mille fountain pen. With a fully automated and, of course, completely mechanical device fitted into it, it is an over-the-top novelty piece which took four years to develop. The barrel and cap of the pen are made in NTPT carbon, formed from thousands of layers compressed irregularly against each other and mixed with a special resin binder. The visual centerpiece of the pen is the intricate mechanism, equipped with afully functioning escapement, self-winding system, bridges, and wheels. It is used to retract and advance the nib. www.richardmille.com

STELLINA TELESCOPE The award-winning Stellina Smart Telescope brings the wonders of the universe close to you. Thanks to its sleek, compact design, the telescope can be easily used from your home or transported anywhere for a unique journey to the stars.

For use at home, the Stellina is powered with the included USB cable. For use on the road, a 20,000mAh portable power bank (not included) provides up to ten hours of use per power bank charge.

The telescope uses a smartphone GPS system to select a star and start photography. US$3,499. www.vaonis.com

24

ICONIC CONCIERGE

ROLLS-ROYCE CHAMPAGNE CHEST Rolls-Royce has a new addition to its range of fine accessories. The Champagne Chest is an accouterment designed to be suitable for “the most extravagant of environments from a superyacht to the terrace of a private residence.” Press the button and the case glides open to reveal a champagne set for four. The lid metamorphoses into a beautiful serving tray. Two side hammocks automatically deploy with your preferred ensemble of caviar, canapés and champagne, kept chilled by thermal coolers. Four cotton Rolls-Royce napkins are tucked discreetly underneath. US$45,000. www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

LEICA M10-P “ASC 100 EDITION” With the M10-P “ASC 100 Edition”, Leica has created a fitting tribute to the world of cinema on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Society of Cinematographers.

This limited-edition release is a modern take on Oskar Barnack’s original vision of the “Ur-Leica” prototype camera as an aid to cinematography, now reiterated in the unique design of the Leica M10-P ‘ASC 100 Edition’.

The Leica M10-P “ASC 100 Edition” will be the only camera on the market that can recreate the authentic look of the cinema in still pictures. For the first time, it will be possible to reliably and effortlessly assess the look, the subjective “feel”, and framing of a shot. The limited edition set comes with a Leica M10-P body and a Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH lens.

The camera includes two cinema-look software modes which have been developed in collaboration with ‘some of the world’s most influential cinematographers and members of the ASC.’ The ASC Cine Classic mode simulates the analog 35 mm motion-picture film look while the ASC Contemporary mode creates a contemporary digital movie look.

Available beginning Fall 2019. Price tba. www.leica-camera.com

BENTLEY CENTENARY OPUS Bentley Motors is celebrating 100 years with a trio of collectable books - the Mulliner, the Centenary and the 100 Carat, the world’s heaviest volume adorned with diamonds and priced at over $250,000. Confined to an exclusive print run of 100 copies worldwide for Mulliner, 500 copies worldwide for Centenary, and just seven for 100 Carat, it reflects the rarity, collectible value and long-term investment that the book embodies.

The Bentley Centenary Opus tells the whole story of Bentley in nine chapters, from its 1920s victories at Le Mans and its rarest models throughout history all the way up to its present-day successes and its future. www.lieb-manufaktur.com

www.bentleymotors.com ICONIC CONCIERGE

25

out & about A TASTEFUL AFFAIR OMEGA VANCOUVER BOUTIQUE

When the excellence in watchmaking by OMEGA is accompanied aside an evening of great tasting whiskeys, the only result expected from such combo is great conversations.

Whisky connoisseurs and watch collectors came together on April 24th, at the OMEGA boutique Vancouver for the “Tasteful Affair” event.

Together with Whisky Wisemen, a non-profit organization founded on the love for whisky and the desire to share it with a driven and impactful community, and Safe Pacific Financial Inc, likeminded entrepreneurs and business people who are driven by the prospect of making a positive impact in the community, enjoyed an evening of fine spirits and delicious hors d’oeuvres, watchmaking and networking.

26

ICONIC CONCIERGE

There were many world-changing moments that defined the first lunar landing in 1969. From famous words to dusty foot- prints, it was a mission that remains unforgettable in so many ways. On the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, OMEGA unveils a new Speedmaster Limited Edition that pays tribute to those iconic hours.

28

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Harry Winston Omega Speedmaster

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary

The tenth and final chapter in Harry Winston’s story of the tourbillon, the Histoire de Tourbillon 10 is billed as the very first watch to contain four tourbillons with four separate balances. The tourbillon cages rotate (all clockwise) once every 36 seconds. Limited to ten pieces in platinum, ten in white gold, and one piece in “Winstonium” platinum alloy. Pricing is CHF 700,000 to CHF 770,000 depending on the case material.

Blancpain

Limited to 6,969 pieces, this Speedmaster comes with a 42 mm stainless steel case and a bezel ring in polished black ceramic with a Ceragold tachymeter scale. The indexes, bezel, OMEGA logo and almost all of the hands are in 18K Moonshine Gold. The 9 o’clock subdial features a laser engraving of Buzz Aldrin while the “11” in 18K Moonshine Gold is a reference to Apollo’s mission number. The set includes an additional Velcro strap in blackened cork with golden marks.

Neil Armstrong’s legendary quote in 18K Moonshine Gold-plated lettering on the caseback.

Blancpain has recreated the iconic Air Command, developed for the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s, in a 500-piece limited edition that remains very faithful to the original. It uses a self-winding F388B caliber with a propellor-shaped rotor made of solid gold. US$19,800

ICONIC CONCIERGE

29

Romain Jerome Arraw 6919

On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft successfully landed the first men on the moon. Six hours after landing, Armstrong’s first-ever step onto the lunar surface became a legend worldwide.

50 years later (69–19), to celebrate this major milestone in mankind, RJ is launching a watch made by materials from the surface of the moon – the ARRAW 6919.

It uses a SW-280 mechanical self-winding movement with a patented RJ Moon Phase mechanism that shows a 3D moon rotating 360° during a complete cycle of 29.5 days. The hour and minute indications at the center of the movement also indicate the location of the earth. All settings are done via the crown. The date set at 3 o’clock can be read with +4/–4 when the moon is between the gibbous moon and the first crescent.

The RJ ARRAW 45-mm case design is inspired by outer space.

The bezel is made with super light and hard composite material combining a high-performance acrylic glass and parts from the Apollo 11 spacecraft. This first-ever material created by RJ is fixed to the case by a metal grid, inspired by the Apollo 11 command module. The ARRAW 6919 is available in three different materials: polished and satin-brushed grade 5 titanium, ceramic and 5N+ red gold. US$22,700 - 43,100.

Breitling

Superocean Heritage Ocean Conservancy The new Superocean Heritage Ocean Conservancy Limited Edition was launched at an event in Bali in which members of Breitling’s “Surfers Squad” of brand ambassadors joined 100 invited guests for a beach cleanup initiative that resulted in hundreds of kilometers of trash and plastic being removed from polluted shores. The watch comes with a strong message: alongside the Ocean Conservancy organization Breitling wishes to lead the fight against ocean pollution.

The blue details of this 1,000-piece Limited Edition reiterate Breitling’s commitment towards healthy oceans and clean beaches; a portion of the sales will be dedicated to that very cause.

The movement is the self-winding Breitling Caliber 13, built on an outsourced ETA 7750 base and featuring a COSC chronometer certification, an integrated chronograph function, a 28,800-vph frequency, and a 42-hour power reserve.

The two NATO-straps accompanying this chronograph are made from ECONYL® yarn, an innovative material repurposed from nylon waste, while its packaging comes from 100% recycled material. A watch made for action, the type that meaningfully impact lives. CAD 7,250.

30

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Franck Muller “The world’s first functional Bitcoin watch”, the Vanguard Encrypto, was launched in partnership with cryptocurrency trading platform Regal Assets and bears a Bitcoin logo and a QR code of Bitcoin’s genesis block that can be used to deposit Bitcoins and check the balance of the account.

Available in Stainless Steel, Rose Gold, Titanium and Carbon. Starting at US$10,780 (gold/ diamonds $55,800).

And yes - the Encrypto can be purchased with Bitcoin.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

31

keep cool. stay safe.

www.kineticwindowfilms.ca IC_half page.indd 1

2019-06-27 11:33 PM

Grand Seiko x Nissan GT-R Grand Seiko has just released a limited-edition timepiece in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Nissan GT-R, which happens to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Seiko’s game-changing Spring Drive movement. Limited to just 200 pieces, the chronograph takes its design cues from the special anniversary edition of the GT-R that was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in April.

US$21,000.

HYT HO Soonow The latest model in the HYT skull collection has just been presented; meet the new HYT H0 Soonow. Reading time on any HYT watch is an original experience.

Powered by mechanical movements that propel fluid into a capillary to portray time in a linear fashion, two contrasting liquids work in opposition. When the meniscus separating the liquids gets to 6 pm, it flows back to its original position.

Under a sculptural sapphire dome, the Soonow’s “dial” is a spectacular 3D representation of a skull. A perforated titanium plate is fitted with over 300 gold pins to create the shape. The left eye shows running seconds, with the words soon and now printed in red passing alternatively every 30 seconds. The right eye shows the power reserve with a “dead or alive” display. Two versions are available, green and blue, each limited to 25 pieces.

CHF 75,000.

out & about KOENIGSEGG JESKO PRESENTATION RICHMOND

As part of its North America Tour, the brand-new $3.7 million Koenigsegg Jesko Hypercar together with its predecessor, the Agera RS which broke the production car world speed record in 2017, made a stop in Vancouver. The Jesko, named after Christian von Koenigsegg’s father, was first introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and uses one of the most powerful production internal combustion engines on the planet. It is primarily built as a high-performance track car, with focus on high aerodynamic downforce and more precise handling. The engine has a power output of 1,280 PS on normal gas and 1,600 PS on E85 biofuel. According to Koenigsegg, the top-speed is expected to be in excess of 483 km/h (300 mph) in the right conditions.

Production of the Jesko will be limited to 125 units, with 40-50 units being produced each year. You want one? Good luck Koenigsegg sold all 125 units of the Jesko within 5 days of its debut.

34

ICONIC CONCIERGE

RAMBO LAMBO ON INSANITY’S EDGE - THE LAMBORGHINI HURÀCAN STERRATO

36

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Automobili Lamborghini is exploring new horizons with its unconventional concept, the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato. Based on the Huracán EVO with the same 5.2 liter naturally-aspirated engine producing 640 hp, the Sterrato draws on Lamborghini’s off-road expertise exemplified in the Urus Super SUV, creating a new dimension of Lamborghini ‘fun to drive off-road’.

The Huracán EVO’s LDVI (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata) with predictive logic controls the Sterrato’s systems including four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, modified suspension and torque vectoring, anticipating the next moves of the driver to ensure perfect driving dynamics.

Calibrated for off-road driving including low-adherence surfaces, and tuned to maximize traction and acceleration, the LDVI system in the Sterrato provides enhanced rearwheel drive behaviour, producing more torque together with additional stabilization in oversteering maneuvers.

adherence with improved traction and braking and are highly damage resistant.

The Sterrato is fitted with underbody reinforcements and body protection, including a rear skid plate that acts as a diffuser.

Aluminum reinforcements are integrated within the front frame and covered with an aluminum skid plate, with aluminumreinforced side skirts. Special protective composite bodywork includes stone-deflecting protection around the engine and air intakes and mud guards in hybrid materials of carbon fiber and elastomeric resin. An off-road LED light package is comprised of a roof-mounted LED light bar and LED bumper lights with flood function.

A specially-designed interior trim reflects the sporty off-road character of the Sterrato, featuring a new lightweight titanium roll cage, four-point seatbelts to the new carbon bi-shell sports seats, and aluminum floor panels.

Huracán Sterrato Exterior and Interior The Sterrato is created for demanding environments. Its appearance immediately illustrates the Sterrato’s imposing offroad abilities within the framework of a super sports car. Ground clearance is heightened by 47 mm, the wheel track is enhanced front and rear by 30 mm, with 20” wheels on balloon tires set into new wide-body wheel arches with integrated air intakes, giving the Sterrato a commanding presence that makes clear its abilities.

“The Huracán Sterrato illustrates Lamborghini’s commitment to being a future shaper: a super sports car with off-road capabilities, the Sterrato demonstrates the Huracán’s versatility and opens the door to yet another benchmark of driving emotion and performance,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini. “Lamborghini’s R&D and design teams are constantly exploring new opportunities and delivering the unexpected as a core characteristic of our DNA, challenging possibilities while inspired by Lamborghini brand heritage.”

Specially-developed larger tires with increased side walls improve the asperity absorption and grip. Wide, rugged, open shoulder blocks for self-cleaning qualities, provide excellent off-road surface

So far, Lamborghini has only built one car. Let’s just hope that will change ...

ICONIC CONCIERGE

37

GET PROTECTION! Why a dash-cam is a must-have

I

t’s never a bad idea to have a dash cam mounted in your car - you never know when you’ll need footage from your windshield. In fact, it can be one of the most crucial bits of tech you own, coming in handy in the event of an accident or in case something really amazing happens on the road that helps you become the next YouTube sensation.

Don’t confuse a dash cams with a GoPro! Dash cams offer a lot more than just taking cool videos of your road-trip. They record smaller snippets of footage and continually record over the oldest clip in order to keep the memory card from filling up. High-end models also come with G-Sensor-based incident detection, frontand rear-facing coverage, HD recording, night vision and built-in Wi-Fi for easy file transfer and more. We compared several models and did some research to nail down the very best dash camera. Our winner? The Blackvue DR900S-2CH.

Mervin Mascarenhas presented his Space Pen for the first time at the Global Spirits Festival

Blackvue DR900S-2CH Yes, this is definitely one of the more expensive dash cams out there, but it really makes sense to invest a bit more. In the end, this may safe you a lot of time and money! The DR900S comes with a 8-megapixel CMOS sensor in the main unit and captures ultra-wide angle (162˚) 3840 x 2160 4K Ultra High Definition video at 30FPS - four times as many pixels as Full HD. The rear camera has a 139˚angle Full HD Sony STARVIS image sensor that ensures best image quality at 1920 x 1080 (30 FPS), under any light and even works with dark tinted windows!

The DR900S-2CH also offers built-in Impact & Motion Detection as well as Intelligent Parking Mode monitoring. While driving, it detects both impacts and sudden changes in speed. While the vehicle is parked, the BlackVue automatically switches to Parking Mode to monitor your parked vehicle, but only writes to the memory card when something happens (motion or impact detected).

The BlackVue App connects via Wi-Fi to access video files and check real-time views, allowing for easy setup of the dash camera and optimum positioning. Videos can be downloaded to smart devices and Over the Cloud functionality can be accessed through an enabled Wi-Fi network.

Useful options are Power Magic EZ, which powers your BlackVue from your vehicle’s OBD port, and a battery pack that charges while driving and powers your dashcam while parked. www.blackvue.com

38

ICONIC CONCIERGE

LONGER DAYS DESERVE LONGER DRIVES. Bask in the summer’s golden moments in a new Brian Jessel BMW.

The all-new BMW 8 Series.

NEW CAR SALES 2311 Boundary Road (at Lougheed), Vancouver (604) 222-7788 brianjesselbmw.com

5 TOP FACTS - BMW M4 GTS: 01 02 03 04 05

40

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Max. output 368 kW (500 hp) Performance-enhancing water injection Top speed: 305 km/h Nürburgring lap time: 07:28 minutes 700 units were built

WARNING DRIVING THIS CAR CAN CAUSE DEPENDENCE AND ADDICTION. PROLONGED EXPOSURE MAY RESULT IN OWNERSHIP AND INTENSIFY THIS EFFECT. SPECIAL HANDLING REQUIRED.

!

TAXI DRIVER BRIAN JESSEL BMW /// ICONIC CONCIERGE GOES M TOWN So this year we drove a taxi in the HUBLOT Diamond Rally! And not just any taxi - a BMW M Town Taxi. Based on one of BMW M’s most uncompromising models - the M4 GTS - this track tool with road-approval was limited to 700 units and is packed with state-ofthe-art motorsport technology. But first things first: How did we get this car? The answer - with a little help from our friends at Brian Jessel BMW! When it became clear that our own car wouldn’t be finished for the Diamond Rally, Brian Jessel and Managing Partner Jim Murray immediately offered us this rare collector’s dream. We then created this story on social media, announcing that our own car wouldn’t be ready and that we will have to take a taxi ... and after a week in the shop and lots of yellow-cab vinyl the original black beauty turned into an M Town Taxi. As we had said - we will take a taxi.

“Only in M Town - Where TOO MUCH is just right” is a digital city of dreams and a fun promotional campaign by BMW for fans of high performance cars and car lovers in general. “M Town was designed especially for BMW M cars, so things are a bit different than they are in normal cities. It starts with a school where every lesson is about BMW M and goes from coffee shops with spectacular drifts to a different way of withdrawing cash.” Wait, what? Well, it is a movement, created by BMW. You go to their website (www. bmw-m.com) and follow the M Town link and become a ‘citizen.’ Enter your name and choose a car, or upload a photo of your own BMW M car, and voila, you get an ID and a residence in BMW M Town. The #M_Town hashtag for Instagram adds yourself to the M Town community worldwide.

This pr-campaign, essentially an online group of fans that can connect via social media, helps to connect BMW M owners from all over the world. We like it - it is clever and fun, and connects BMW with an audience of younger car enthusiasts.

Thank you, Brian Jessel BMW. We had fun. A lot of fun. This M4 GTS - currently the fastest representative of a whole series of extreme BMW M - is very addictive and proof that exceptional performance and maximum race track performance can be combined in a vehicle that can be driven on public roads.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

41

42

ICONIC CONCIERGE

WORLD RECORD !

images: Blake J Photography (13); BJ BMW; (2) Dylan King (1); Project604

With 294 carefully selected supercars lined up on the airport runway in British Columbia’s Pemberton, the HUBLOT Diamond Rally 2019 sets a new world record for the Exotic car scene.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

43

GERMAN ENGINEERING WHERE YOU NEED IT THE MOST

5 0 0 0 0

KM LIMITED TREADWEAR

WARRANTY*

*Staggered fitments will be 50% of standard treadwear coverage.

ExtremeContact TM Sport

1 1 2 0 0 0

KM LIMITED TREADWEAR

WARRANTY

PureContactTM LS

VikingContactTM 7

FREE TOTAL CONFIDENCE PLAN INCLUDED WITH EVERY CONTINENTAL TIRE PURCHASED Includes: • Road Hazard • Limited Warranty • Customer Satisfaction Trial

• Tread Wearout Coverage • Flat Tire Roadside Assistance

VISIT CONTINENTALTIRE.CA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE HUBLOT DIAMOND RALLY Charity Challenge attracts luxury and supercar owners to rally for the charity of their choice. This year, at the 7th annual rally, history was made.

The Hublot Diamond Rally traditionally attracts in excess of 200 luxury, super and hypercars. Robbie Dickson, supercar enthusiast, wanted to tick another item off his bucket list by creating a new world record for the largest collection of luxury and supercars on an airport runway. So he and Hublot Diamond Rally co-founder, Craig Stowe did some research and realized they required just over 240 cars to break the previous record. The call went out to the supercar community to join in on this world record attempt, while raising funds and awareness for over 20 charities.

On the morning of May 4th, at Brian Jessel BMW (the official start location of the rally), the road in front of the dealership was closed down to allow the supercar drivers to position their cars. Photographers, film crews and hundreds of car enthusiasts walked through endless rows of supercars. The Vancouver Police motorcycle squad escorted the cars onto the highway enroute North past Whistler, to the Pemberton Airport.

That afternoon, Craig Stowe and Robbie Dickson were standing on a crane on the runway of the Pemberton Airport, looking down at what is now an official World Record! “We didn’t know exactly how many cars we had on the airport runway, except we knew it was enough to break the record,” Stowe says. “Our official count using photographs that were taken with a drone and helicopter was 294.” Needless to say, it was also the most cars to take part in the Hublot Diamond Rally since its inception, with 35 Americans making the trek north to participate. “It could have been more than 300,” Robbie Dickson adds, “had some of the drivers not chosen to hop into the Four Seasons hotel pool rather than join us in making history.”

Official photographs and videos have been sent to the Guinness Book of World Records, although a number that is even bigger is the total amount of funds raised from this charity challenge. Over $2.2 million will be going to worthy charities thanks to the hard work of the dealerships, drivers, and teams.

For more information on next year’s Hublot Diamond Rally (May 2nd, 2020), please visit www.diamondrally.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

45

46

ICONIC CONCIERGE

photo: Project604

ICONIC CONCIERGE

47

48

ICONIC CONCIERGE

images: Project604; Key Collective

Marc Ouayoun, President & CEO, Porsche Canada

Another record was broken at this year’s third annual Porsche Rally when more than 80 Porsches gathered for the official aerial shot on the runway at the airport in Pemberton. On June 22nd and 23rd, the Rally brought together like-minded Porsche enthusiasts to celebrate the famous German sportscar manufacturer.

All drivers and their navigators joined in the morning of June 22nd at the Porsche Centre Langley for check-in and breakfast, before we headed out for the first stop at Chances Casino in Squamish. From a more cloudy and rather cold Langley we saw the first blue patches in the sky around Horsehoe Bay, and from Squamish on there was nothing but sunshine.

Lunch was served at the airport in Pemberton, where all cars where grouped on the runway for some memorable photos, and it was quite the show when the helicopter flew sideways over the cars. The runway then got cleared for

the famous head-to-head drives, which saw a 918 Spyder compete with a Porsche Club car, and several 911 GT2RS drivers challenge each other.

The Award Presentation and a cocktail and dinner party followed in the evening at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where special guest Marc Ouayoun, President and CEO of Porsche Canada, who had joined us for the Rally, presented the brand-new “992”, making it the official debut for the next generation of the 911 in BC. After a night of music and dancing at Tommys Nightclub, drivers could join the next day for an extended drive from Whistler to Lytton, Boston Bar and Hells Gate, back to Vancouver, or spend a relaxing morning at the Chateau before heading home.

Make sure to visit www.PorscheRally.com for updates on next year’s rally (June 13/14, 2020).

ICONIC CONCIERGE

49

THE UNVEILING It was a very special weekend at the Area 27 Motorsports Park. Dubbed ‘The Unveiling’, Canada’s only private Motorsport club now enjoys a new 11,000 square foot facility, complete with a Members lounge & dining area, shaded patio overlooking the circuit, classroom, locker room, pro shop and offices.

A combination of form and function with the perfect balance of technology and natural building materials, high ceilings and large windows afford unobstructed views of the track and the surrounding mountains and vineyards.

The weekend also celebrated a new partnership with General Motors Canada and Chevrolet. Area 27 is now the official home of the Camaro Driving Academy, featuring a fleet of Camaros equipped with the 1LE track package. The 2.5 day high performance driving course is open to the public and offers a curriculum approved by the ASN FIA for Canada.

Last but not least, the construction of the new Area 27 Kartplex is well underway (see track-layout on the left). The anticipated opening is scheduled for late July and once completed, enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the purposeful challenges of a kart track designed by Canada’s most accomplished racer, Jacques Villeneuve, who joined for this amazing weekend. The Kartplex will be open 7 days per week. Racers can simply drop in and go for a race (or book online in advance). A fleet of state-ofthe-art TB race kartts, driving suits, and helmets will be on-site for the drivers.

We had a fantastic weekend. A big Thank You to all who were involved, including wineries, restaurants, Spirit Ridge Resort and Watermark Resort.

50

ICONIC CONCIERGE

ICONIC CONCIERGE

51

52

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Fueled by Hydrogen. Powered by Simplicity.

The fully functional prototype of the Alaka’i Skai, a fuel cell air taxi with zero emissions which was developed together with the BMW brand Designworks, has been unveiled. It offers space for five passengers, is powered by six electric motors (each with an output of 100 kW) and is expected to have a range of around 400 miles (640 km). The hydrogen tank holds between 200 and 400 liters, which will keep the Skai in the air for up to four hours.

The top speed is 190 km/h. The initial version of the Skai to see production are designed around a human pilot, but later versions could be ground-piloted or totally autonomous. Skai hasn’t yet been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, but Alaka’i cofounder and CEO Brian Morrison expressed confidence that the company’s executive and engineering team will clear that hurdle in the near future. www.skai.co ICONIC CONCIERGE

53

BACK TO THE FUTURE BMW Motorrad has pulled the cover off their latest two-wheeled vehicle, an electric motorcycle concept, known as the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster. There is no doubt that the electric motorcycle market has been on an absolute tear these last few years, and other than the less-than-exciting C evolution scooter, the silence from Munich has been almost deafening. Until now. Although still a concept, the new Vision DC takes the profile of a cool futuristic roadster and combines it with BMW’s signature boxer twin architecture with two ribbed horizontal elements positioned over the electric battery. We doubt that we will see the Vision on a production line anytime soon, but there’s some hope we’ll see a similarly configured EV from BMW in the near term.

Revealed at the same event, BMW’s NextGen in Munich, was the Vision M Next Concept coupe: a new, electrified two-door that shares a lot of its styling details with the i8 mixed with some of the iconic M1. Powered by a four-cylinder gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain producing a total output of 600 horsepower (441 kilowatts), zero to 100 kilometers per hour is a blistering 3.0 seconds, with a top speed of 300 kmh.

54

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Don’t make her wait

xcitecanada.ca xcitecanada.ca

URBAN MOBILITY 56

ICONIC CONCIERGE

There is no shortage of electric bicycles on the market, new models almost pop up daily. FUELL is different.

The new electric mobility company was launched by Eric Buell, a pioneer of motorcycle racing technology who founded Buell Motorcycles, which was eventually purchased by Harley-Davidson. He was joined by Sauber F1 Team Principal and CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG, Frédéric Vasseur, who founded Spark Racing Technology (a developer of hybrid and electric powertrains and builder of the single-seat racing bodies for each one of the Formula E seasons), and successful international motorcycle entrepreneur Francois-Xavier Terny.

FUELL recently unveiled a pair of new electric twowheelers: the Flow electric motorcycle and the Fluid electric bicycle.

FLOW – An electric motorcycle designed with the city in mind. 11 kW or 35 kW option. A modular design allows for easy upgrade of the battery, the wheel motor, and the charging system. The FLOW combines practical aspects for the urban journey (50 liters of storage), technological innovations (proprietary wheel-motor, connected dashboard) and superbike acceleration (under 2 secs 0-100).

The top speed is up to 135 km/h on demand, and the range is up to 240 kms. Starting from US$10,995.

FLUID – An elegant electric urban rider with a range of up to 200 kms thanks to its 2 removable batteries with a total of 1,000W and generous torque (100Nm). Virtually maintenance-free thanks to a carbon belt and internal hub gears. Offered in two versions: Pedelec (max 32 km/h) or S-Pedelec (max 45km/h). Starting from US$3,295.

www.fuell.us

out & about

PARADISO HYDRA VANCOUVER

photos: Jonathan Evans; Iconic Concierge (1)

On June 29th, Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean, Vancouverès newest elegant restaurant lounge in the heart of downtown! Café, invited to Paradiso, a soulful and sophisticated Mediterranean brunch party.

Located in the EXchange Tower atrium, Hydra applies Greece’s time-honored ingredients and traditional cooking styles, focusing on quality Mediterranean dishes such as vine-ripened tomato salad with flat parsley and feta, tender grilled octopus garnished with lemon juice and olive oil, or lamb chops served straight from the grill with hints of garlic and oregano.

It was a fun event with some great Grey Goose cocktails, Moët & Chandon champagne and special live performances by David Morin, Tonye Aganaba with a sun-drenched riviera vibe from DJ Rachel Sehl and live vocals from Paige Morgan.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

57

out & about ASTON MARTIN RED BULL RACING “ZAGATO” VIP PRESENTATION ASTON MARTIN VANCOUVER

photos: Tara Noelle

TORONTO’S MOST FASHIONABLE EVENT Born out of the excitement for the Deighton Cup, Vancouver’s “The Social Concierge” introduced Toronto’s new ‘Most Fashionable Event of the Spring’ - “Greenwood Stakes” - in 2018 and this year we joined as an official media partner. Held at the Woodbine Racetrack, the Greenwood Stakes emerges as a contemporary and chic nod to a sophisticated and rich history - - one that, much like the golden ages of society horse racing, puts fashion, art, music, and cocktails at the heart of the celebration.

The stylish weekend started on the evening of May 24th in the lounge-bar of the fantastic luxury BISHA boutique hotel in the Entertainment District. With its 44th floor rooftop bar, designer rooms with some very unique artwork by Andy Warhol, Lenny Kravitz, Alexander McQueen, Jeff Koons and others, the hotel which is part of the Loews collection is Toronto’s newest ‘muststay-at’ place (www.bishahoteltoronto.com).

On Saturday, May 25th, we joined over two thousand dapper gentlemen & stylish ladies alike, popping bottles of bubbly and enjoying live music, fantastic cocktails, some delicious food

58

ICONIC CONCIERGE

and, obviously, the horse races. As in the previous year, celebrity fashion industry judges were on the lookout for the best dressed woman and man at Greenwood Stakes, ending up with 10 finalists (five women and five men) from the crowd. The winners were awarded the coveted Belle Du Jour and Gallant Sartorialist awards, respectively, received a $500 cash prize and became the Greenwood Stakes Style Ambassadors for the following year.

After the event, Parlour restaurant owner Sean Holland invited us to watch the Raptors game at his newly-opened Toronto location. It was the night the Raptors rallied from a 15-point second-half deficit to beat visiting Milwaukee, winning the series sending them to the NBA Finals. Needless to say – it became quite the night!

See you at next year’s event.

www.greenwoodstakes.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

59

60

ICONIC CONCIERGE

MAKE

PARADISE YOUR HOME

PUNTA MITA, RIVIERA NAYARIT Time to Invest in your Home-Away-From-Home ?

A

RE YOU TIRED of the rainy Fall days? The cold and short Winter months?

You, too, can double your life! Come to ... Paradise Island!”

Yes, it sounds like a bad TV commercial from the 1960s but it is true.

Well, kind of. Only that you don’t literally double your life ... and Paradise Island is actually Paradise Coves along the Punta de Mita Peninsula and just a short drive from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Confused? Don’t be. Let us explain ...

It all started in – Mexico. In Tequila, to be specific. You may remember our last journey exploring the history and making of Tequila and Mezcal. It was on that trip that someone saw our little magazine and indulged in it for the next hours.

When he was finished he looked up and said “You guys have to go to Punta

62

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Mita!” The way he said it, with this glimmer in his eyes, almost sounded as if it was El Dorado, the lost city of gold. “It’s a paradise. The beaches, golfing, dining, watersports, and the most breathtaking mansions right on the ocean. Your readers will love it!” What can we say – he got our attention and just 2 weeks later we were on the phone with Jason Edwards of LPR Luxury International, one of the top real estate agents in the area specializing in the luxury estates of Punta Mita. And merely a month later, we were sitting on a beautiful terrace of one of the finest oceanfront estates on the Riviera Nayarit and our home for the next few days.

At this point you may wonder what this article is about? Well, we have heard it many times and some of us are considering it ourselves: Buying real estate somewhere nice and warm.

A winter retreat, so we can leave our cold Canadian months behind, getting some extra vitamin D and a nice tan. Play a round of golf, have a stroll on a private beach, relax in our pool overlooking the ocean, maybe spotting humpback whales, and have our own chef prepare the most delicious dinner on the ocean-view terrace. It would be home away from home, where you arrive without a suitcase. Whatever you need is right there, including an office so you can take care of business as if you were home. Where you can bring the family and friends. All of this just a short flight away. Where your dollar is worth a lot. Where you will be part of a very exclusive neighborhood. Welcome to Punta Mita.

Puerto Vallarta It is an easy and direct flight to Puerto Vallarta, and with only a two hour time difference there won’t be any jet-lag. The average temperature in January is 27 degrees, in fact, the months from December to May are the best months to visit with only the occasional rain, whereas June to September are pretty hot and see more rainy days. Puerto Vallarta is also one of the safest cities in Mexico, so don’t be afraid to stroll around its Downtown core, the El Malecon Boardwalk or alongside Playa Los Muertos -- “Beach of the Dead.” It is the perfect spot for a night out, as it is only 40mins away from Punta Mita.

Punta Mita Its seductive natural beauty, laid-back vibe and world-class amenities have converged to turn Punta Mita into Mexico’s most coveted hideaway for home ownership. You will find numerous gated communities, including the ultra-luxurious, 1,500-acre Punta Mita Resort, home of the Four Seasons and St. Regis Hotel and numerous luxury estates, that lies on a private spear-shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches, Pacific Ocean waters and lush tropical flora, and the charming town of Punta de Mita with its wonderful restaurants, beach bars and stores.

Our estate, a zen-inspired 10,000 sq.ft. 6 bedroom oceanfront villa with extensive gardens, a cascading waterfall, verdant lily ponds and indoor/outdoor kitchen under an oversized thatched roof is the perfect example. Part of the exclusive 12 residence gated community of Paradise Cove, this oceanfront villa offers six bedrooms, each featuring full en-suite baths, ocean views and a private terrace or garden patio. The spacious main patio extends into a fantastic saline pool which dramatically disappears into the ocean beyond, and sunset is best viewed from the rooftop patio, overlooking the estate and the ocean. The price for this dream? Comparable to a recently renovated 4 bedroom house with no views in Kitsilano.

Should you be interested in home ownership, there is plenty to choose from within the Punta Mita Resort, Four Seasons Residences to the W Hotel and many small gated oceanfront communities in between.

So how easy is it to buy property in the Punta Mita area? And is it a good and safe investment? Can I rent out my property for the rest of the year?

Here’s what Jason Edwards says ...

ICONIC CONCIERGE

63

and ra!

re, the attraco East rea.

GOOD TO KNOW !

How easy is it to own property in the Punta Mita area?

As a foreigner, property ownership along the Mexican coastline is set up through a bank trust where the Mexican bank is the trustee and the property owner is the beneficiary. The beneficiary has all rights to rent, sell, enjoy, and seamlessly pass along to heirs (without being taxed) for a period of 50 years with the option to extend for an additional 50 years.

Is it a good investment?

With the following luxury hotel brands coming into our area, I would say this is a pretty good indicator: One & Only, Rosewood, Auberge, Ritz Carlton Reserve, Fairmont, Six Senses - and more‌ How easy is it to rent out your property while it is not in use?

A healthy proportion of homeowners in our area rent their properties just enough to cover all annual operating expenses of their home. This is quite easy to achieve with about 45 rental nights per year.

If you want to find out more, just get in touch with Jason. He has lived in Punta Mita for 20 years and calls it home.

Jason Edwards LPR Luxury Punta Mita Cell (+521) 322 132 1036 jason@puntamitaluxury.com www.lapuntarealty.com

The Iconic

TRAVELER THE MUST-HAVES FOR THE FREQUENT TRAVELER

Comfortable & Stylish

You are on the plane for hours but you won’t have any time to change into your business outfit. There’s a solution! LULULEMON offers many items made out of technical fabric. Think “antiwrinkle” and “anti-stink” - they also came up with the four-way stretching “Warpstreme” and just because they want to make sure that the family jewels have room to breathe, they invented ABC (“Anti-Ball-Crushing”) concepts. They are the best! www.lululemon.com

Right On Time

You need a stylish watch that shows at least a second time-zone.

You will probably need a YouTube tutorial for the Breitling Navitimer 8 B35 Automatic Unitime www.breitling.com but it is definitely a true worldtimer. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Master Chronometer is a bit easier to read. www.omegawatches.com

66

ICONIC CONCIERGE

SWIMS may be best known for their vibrant weather-friendly footwear - but they recently have added some very stylish shoes, combining contemporary flourish and classic design. Light and comfortable, they are perfect on the plane, the walk through the city and even in the boardroom. www.swims.com

The Right Gadgets

You may end up listening to music or watching movies for hours. The B&O H9i over-ear headphones deliver some of the best sound paired with advanced Active Noise Cancelation.

Hi-Fi Centre Vancouver, 433 Carrall St. - www.hificentre.com Create memories. The smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld camera, the DJI Osmo Pocket, will deliver some great movies and pictures to share. www.dji.com When you want to plug in one of your devices abroad a safe travel-adaptor is a must. The internet will help you find the one you need.

Get your passport, credit- and businesscards and money organized. In style.

How about the carbon fiber passport wallet by CF? www.commonfibers.com Size matters, especially when traveling. The Braun M90 is the perfect mobile shaver and is fully washable under running water. Powered by replaceable batteries. 60 min running time. www.braun.com Don’t compromise when you travel: The Astell & Kern AK380 Digital Music & Media Player is geared for audiophiles & enthusiasts demanding the very best sound. www.astellnkern.com Don’t rely on your cellphone camera! The Fujifilm X100F comes with a new 24.3MP CMOS sensor and Wi-Fi. Take pictures in style! www.fujifilm.ca

Carry-On!

VOCIER are known for some of the best and lightest carry-on luggage. They offer wrinkle-free technology, patented add-on systems and more. Check out their brand-new modular AVANT carry-on suitcase with Interlink technology, a secure mechanical latching mechanism to attach a briefcase, work bag, and holdall, that uses high-power magnets. www.vocier.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

67

Cruise Couture A STYLISH CHAMPAGNE PARTY ON THE SUNSEEKER MANHATTEN 66 THE MANHATTEN 66, Sunseeker’s iconic masterpiece, sets a new standard for British yachts and was awarded the Motorboat and Yachting award for the best flybridge over 66ft in 2018 .

The designers truly wanted this model to stand out, to be unique.

Beginning with its size: The Manhattan is both wider and taller than its earlier siblings, without giving it a bulky look. The hull, the dramatic shape of the windows, it all gives this yacht a very sleek and sporty look. The bigger size clearly adds generous, useable sociable spaces in the interior, and a 6-foot 8-inch headroom through the saloon and galley make you feel as if you are aboard a 75 plus yacht.

68

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Sunseeker also included features that were introduced in other models, such as the large “beach club” (first seen on the Sunseeker Manhattan 52) that comes with a bench seat, a barbecue, and a full-height freshwater shower that folds out and turns the swim platform into another little patio on the water.

It is even capable of launching a 5 person tender such as the Williams 385 Jet RIB. Another very stylish yet practical element are the cockpit doors that slide completely out of the way behind the flybridge steps, adding an illusion of extra space on the main deck with the saloon and cockpit.

PREDATOR 50

fashion photography by TODD DUNCAN

SUNSEEKER.COM

MANHATTAN 66

PARK ROYAL SOUTH METROPOLIS AT METROTOWN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

LUGARO.COM

SEEK MORE ICONIC CONCIERGE

69

Thanks to the galley being situated on the main deck, there is room enough for four very spacious cabins below including two large twin cabins, a forward VIP suite and standout full-beam master cabin with its own private stairway access from the saloon; a first for Sunseeker in this size range. With no need for a central corridor, this means extra space for the twinberth guest cabins.

Heading upstairs to the flybridge, the helm station has an acrylic windshield that slides out of the top of the instrument console. Behind you, big and deep side windows will give you an excellent downward view that comes in handy when bringing the boat alongside the dock.

The team at M&P Yacht Centre, Canada’s #1 Yacht Dealer, will gladly give you a detailed in-depth introduction to all the specifications of this yacht, including all the technology it comes with and the engine options (up to 1,200-horsepower).

Length: 68’ 3”/20.81M | Beam: 17’ 3”/ 5.26M | Range (up to): 280 NM | Maximum Speed (up to) 32 Knots Accommodation (up to): 8 guests & 2 crew members

M&P YACHT CENTRE | 510 Nicola Street | Unit #110 | Vancouver, BC | Phone: (604) 692-0333 | www.mpyachtcentre.com

70

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Cruise Couture

photography by TODD DUNCAN

KEITH TRUSLER: BLAZER BY PRADA POLO SHIRT BY MONCLER PANTS BY BRUNELLO CUCINELLI (ALL LEONE VANCOUVER) SUNGLASSES BY OXFORD & KIN OKSANA SUVOROVA: DRESS BY HERVE LEGER WATCH BY HUBLOT

72

ICONIC CONCIERGE

KEITH TRUSLER: SHIRT BY ALEXANDER MCQUEEN; DENIMS BY JOHN VARVATOS (ALL LEONE VANCOUVER); WATCH BY OMEGA (LUGARO); SUNGLASSES BY OXFORD & KIN OKSANA SUVOROVA: DRESS BY OLYA SHISHKINA; WATCH BY HUBLOT

Cruise Couture

ICONIC CONCIERGE

73

JESSIE LI: DRESS BY BLUMARINE; SHOULDER BAG BY MIU MIU (LEONE VANCOUVER) OKSANA SUVOROVA: DRESS BY HERVE LEGER; SUNGLASSES BY YSL | KEITH TRUSLER: BLAZER BY PRADA; POLO SHIRT BY MONCLER ; PANTS BY BRUNELLO CUCINELLI (ALL LEONE VANCOUVER); SUNGLASSES BY OXFORD & KIN

74

ICONIC CONCIERGE

JESSIE LI: DRESS BY BLUMARINE SHOULDER BAG BY MIU MIU (LEONE VANCOUVER) EARRINGS BY LUGARO JAMIE RUIZ: WOOL & SILK BLAZER 100% COTTON SHIRT ALL BY STEFANO RICCI WATCH BY HUBLOT

JESSIE LI: RING BY LUGARO WATCH BY OMEGA (LUGARO)

JESSIE LI: DRESS BY ALBERTA FERRETTI (LEONE VANCOUVER) BANGLE BY LUGARO JAMIE RUIZ: 100% SILK BLAZER 100% COTTON SHIRT WHITE DENIMS ALL BY STEFANO RICCI WATCH BY HUBLOT

ICONIC CONCIERGE

75

Cruise Couture KEITH TRUSLER: OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M, 41 MM, Sednaâ„¢ gold on rubber strap. CAD 20,800.

PARK ROYAL SOUTH METROPOLIS AT METROTOWN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

LUGARO.COM

JESSIE LI: OMEGA Planet Ocean 600M, 37.5 MM, Red gold, Diamonds, on leather strap. CAD 37,200.

18k gold diamond halo necklace featuring 1 = 0.73 ct GIA certified cushion fancy yellow diamond, accented by 42 = 0.42 ct round brilliant diamonds. $4,600.

Mosaic style anniversary ring created with irregular shapes of Canadian diamonds.

Designed with 18k gold and with over 3 ct of diamonds. $4,500.

18K gold diamond and pink sapphire bangle with 67.4 ct of fancy cut pink sapphires, and 198 = 1.19 ct of round diamonds. $27,100.

18k gold diamond and pink sapphire hoop earrings set with 38 = 7.71 ct of fancy shape pink sapphires, arranged in mosaic style, and 138 = 1.04 carat total weight round brilliant cut diamonds. $10,125.

OKSANA SUVOROVA: Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase, 42mm, Titanium, 48 Amethysts, Rubber & Purple Alligator Strap. CAD $28,000.

Big Bang, 41mm, 18K Gold, 114 Diamonds (1.18cts), Black Structured Rubber Strap. CAD 43,300.

JAMIE RUIZ: Big Bang Unico Special One, 45mm, Microblasted & Polished Blue Ceramic, Black Rubber & Blue Alligator Strap. CAD 26,900.

Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent, 45mm, Microblasted & polished King Gold, bezel Carbon Fiber & Wood upper layer, Rubber Strap. CAD $51,100.

LEONE VANCOUVER | 757 W HASTINGS ST | WWW.LEONE.CA || STEFANO RICCI BOUTIQUE | 1139 W GEORGIA ST | 604) 559-7800 LUGARO JEWELLERS | PARK ROYAL W. VANCOUVER, METROTOWN, VICTORIA | WWW.LUGARO.COM HUBLOT BOUTIQUE | 1080 ALBERNI ST | (604) 559-8883

76

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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

W

WHAT WOMEN WANT...

YOUR SUMMER SHOPPING GUIDE Nothing says summer quite like a classic one-piece swimsuit, the ideal denim dress, straw tote, or those trendy shield sunglasses. See what to buy that special person now so she can look so perfect for summer 2019. We also have the latest in beauty treatments for a little much needed pick-me-up for new summer looks and how to create a modern oasis that likens to any exotic destination.

SHIELD SUNGLASSES This season you can kiss those skinny sunnies goodbye. According to Stephanie Schafer, the senior fashion director of Nordstrom, big is back but with an athletic twist this time. Oversized shield sunglasses are the new trend this summer, much like what your dad wears while playing squash. Think a 90’s sport affect with a futuristic take, emphasizing the bigger, the better. And if you’re feeling adventurous go full dad mode in Oakleys, or choose a more subtle approach with classic geometric black shades like these Balenciaga fashioned with impeccable Italian craftsmanship.

Balenciaga 99mm Shield Sunglasses. Available at Nordstrom, retails for $619.

SUMMER SWIMWEAR It’s finally summer and Swimsuit season is officially upon us and while a classic one-piece or bikini never goes out of style, summer 2019 is bringing forth a fresh collection of fun, flattering swim trends to try. From retro styles like underwire bikini tops and high-waisted bottoms to sexy high-cut suits and more, there is a myriad of new choices to choose from. Wear this Norma Kamali signature Marissa one-piece as a swimsuit or as a bodysuit styled with a pair of denim cutoffs or jeans for a summer staple and figure flattering for all body types. The low-cut back and high-cut silhouette elongates the legs. Wear it with gold-tone hoop earrings for a glamorous poolside style.

Norma Kamali Marisa Leopard-Print Swimsuit $135.

Available on www.matchesfashion.com

WHITE COWBOY BOOTS I love that this is a trend and the cowboy boot is coming in hot, taking over this year. This white Ganni option is on everyone’s list and the perfect way to add a little juxtaposition to every cool-girl look. GANNI Western Boots. Available on ShopBop, retails for $624.

78

ICONIC CONCIERGE

DENIM DRESS It’s time to say goodbye to jeans and chambray skirts, this summer choose the go-to-piece that will make you look so chic and fresh, the blue denim dress. This easy dressing garment is perfect for creating fabulous looks in no time at all. As shown on runway shows and city streets, this fabric is having a definite moment right now. There are so many different designs to choose from whether you fashion a front buttoned version, t-shirt style shape or tunic-alike you are going to wow this season in a versatile and delightful denim dress..

Ashton Embroidered Denim Mini Dress, Cinq a Sept. Available at Nordstrom, retails for $585.

SUMMER IT BAG When I think of summer must haves, a straw tote is always on the top of my list and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

We all love them because they suggest a vacation mindset even when you’re stuck in the city. They are a versatile summer staple that can look polished but not stuffy and can really pull your look together. Not just limited to raffia, all beachy textiles are in the mix and straw, crochet, wovens and craft details are all trending which means we will be seeing more of them all year round. Oversized or mini, it’s the perfect piece to complete your look and take you from day to night while becoming an essential piece in your handbag wardrobe.

Jacquemus Le Baci Bag in Beige. Available on Shopbop, retails for $650.

BODY CONTOURING Most of us wish to have that perfect body, especially when baring all this summer. Body contouring and CoolSculpting are the latest trends and everyday basics to get your body back and provide the confidence to take on summer.

Vancouver’s newest medical aesthetic clinic where beauty and innovation come together is now open! Dr. Pavlou and his team at Skin Technique have now added a new innovative body contouring and sculpting machine, called the Emsculpt. This amazingly effective treatment delivers the equivalent of 20,000 sit-ups in 20 minutes, just in time to get beach body ready and remain a fixture at your next pool party. “This pioneering tech nology was showcased at the IMCAS World Congress in Paris, France and has gained media attention all over the world due to the remarkable results of the treatment. It’s my mission to bring the most innovative, top-

LUXURIOUS BEAUTY PROGRAMME With summer sunshine comes much anticipated pool days and beach babes. But summer can wreak havoc on your tresses which is why we went to the experts at Life&Colour Salon who have created an exclusive programme to have your hair looking and feeling it’s best this season.

You can be a total beach babe and enjoy all the pool days you want! At Life&Colour Salon they will teach you that haircare is just as important as your skincare. With a professional personalized consultation and analysis of your hair and scalp their team of senior stylists will provide a full customized plan with the right at home products to achieve the best hair for you.

A shampoo and conditioner are musts but what about exfoliating the scalp? And deep

rated techniques and services to my patients in Vancouver,” says Dr. Pavlou. This transformational, non-surgical body contouring treatment is just one of many that are offered at their gorgeous clinic.

Available at Skin Technique www.skintechnique.com 1046 Hamilton St Vancouver.

Treatments range from $750- $3000. Depending on the treatment plan it can start at $4000.

conditioning with serums and masks?

Life&Colour has you covered. They offer a range of treatments, from an express shot to intensive strengthening or smoothing. Serums for moisture, repair, anti-aging and thickening too. A mineral and chemical build up removal system, perfect for an end of summer treatment and let’s not forget the biggies, like a keratin smoothing for those super coarse frizzy folks that need a little taming of the shrew this summer!

Anti-aging:$750 - $1200 Repairing: $1000 - $1250 Life&Colour Salon, 233 Union Street Vancouver www.lifeandcoloursalon.com 604-569-2033

Head to Life&Colour for a yearly programme to get your hair in the best shape it’s been in years.

Thickening/Strengthening: $750 - $1000 Smoothing/Strengthening: $1800 - $2000

ICONIC CONCIERGE

79

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, USA Once the most famous prison in the world, the spooky Eastern State Penitentiary now stands in ruins. It once held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including “Scarface” Al Capone.

80

ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE

FORGOTTEN

ICONIC CONCIERGE

81

NATURE WILL TAKE IT BACK!

L

et’s face it ... at some point things that used to belong to people, were built by people and yes, ARE people, are slowly being reclaimed by nature again.

Abandoned places, left behind for whatever reason, can be charming, striking, and eerie at the same time. Sure, there are lots of ghostly abandoned places all around the world. But we went on a mission to find the creepiest examples. Are you ready for some goosebumps?

Do you like a good suspenseful book or horror movie?

Enjoy dimming the lights and diving deep into a mysterious world of twists and turns? Great, we love to hear that, that’s the stuff we are talking about. And that’s why we have decided to find ghostly abandoned places, where nature started the process of taking them back. Places, where beneath all the dust, soil, rust and cracks, there are stories. Stories of people who lived here. Stories of people

who have used these places. Every abandoned place has a story about how it got that way, whether it’s an urban legend or the truth, but the best stories are the once that you create yourself. Just look at the pictures and your imagination will write its own story – one that will add a special aura of nostalgia and a touch of haunted feeling.

And if looking at pictures is just not enough for you, if you are the ghost hunter who wants to see and explore these places, or others, yourself, just make sure to follow some simple rules: Be cautious and careful. Some places are dangerous to visit; others may be sanctioned by their respective governments. Also: Don’t break in. Don’t take anything – except photos. And don’t leave anything behind.

So, finally, here we go! Introducing ...

The most spine-tingling abandoned places with a ghostly charm that will give you goosebumps.

Pripyat, Ukraine On April 26, 1986, a radioactive release 10 times bigger than the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. People in Pripyat, a city nearby the power plant, were forced to evacuate their homes, leaving in such a haste that the city looks like it’s frozen in time.

Dolls are scattered on the floors of abandoned kindergartens; shreds of sheets and pillows remain on beds; and dishes rot in sinks. Radiation levels in the city are still too high for people to live there, so it remains untouched.

82

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Temple of Quechula Mexico

The Temple of Santiago, also known as the Temple of Quechula, is an abandoned Roman Catholic church located in the Nezahualcoyotl Reservoir in Chiapas, Mexico. Quechula is the name for a now-submerged village located in Chiapas, Mexico. The town was founded in the mid-1500s by Bartolomé de las Casas and a large, grandiose church was constructed due to the belief that the city would one day boast a large population. After a plague affected the town in the late 18th century, Quechula was all but abandoned. The construction of the Malpaso Dam in 1966 resulted in the whole area being flooded. However, sometimes water levels recede so much that the ruins of the old church become visible once again.

Sathorn Unique Building “Ghost Tower,” Bangkok, Thailand Commonly known as the “Ghost Tower,” the Sathorn Unique Building in Bangkok is an abandoned skyscraper that’s shrouded in mystery.

The luxury high-rise was built in the 1990s, although construction was abruptly halted upon the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. As a result, the building has fallen into decay and has become a haven for urban explorers. The inside of the tower is covered in graffiti.

While climbing to the top of the building is really dangerous, visitors can still get a glimpse inside from the ground floor of a nearby parking garage.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

83

Bodie, California This ghost town is just a few hours south of the popular vacation town of Lake Tahoe, but it feels like a step back in time to the Old West. Now a state park, Bodie had its heyday during the California gold rush in the late 19th century. Today, the park aims to keep the town as authentic as possible. Every summer, the park offers nighttime ghost tours that take visitors to Bodie’s church and 106-year-old abandoned mill.

During World War II, the Maunsell Forts in the Thames and Mersey estuaries were built to defend England against German forces. The forts officially closed in the 1950s, but the structures that remain can occasionally be seen from land at East Beach Park in Southend-on-Sea.

Maunsell Forts, UK

84

ICONIC CONCIERGE

City Hall Subway, New York City Completed in 1904, City Hall station was the first southern terminal of the first line of the New York City subway. Built to impress New Yorkers with their swanky new mode of transportation, the station featured Roman brick walls, brass chandeliers, and vaulted arches. It closed in 1945 as it could no longer accommodate the growing ridership. Apparently you can still see it if you stay on the 6 train after its last stop, on its way back uptown.

Ta Prohm, Cambodia Ta Prohm is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

Located approximately one kilometre east of Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

85

Orpheum Theatre, New Bedford, Massachusetts

There was a time when the Orpheum Theatre was a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture with its flat roof and symmetrical design. The interior was equally impressive. The theatre, which opened on the same day the Titanic sank, April 15, 1912, was closed in 1962 and has since gone through several owners. Plans have been in the works to reopen it as a community theater but it has not yet reopened. Several people claim that it’s haunted.

Dome Homes, Marco Island, Florida What looks like structures you would expect in the sands of the desert planet of Tatooine, are actually just the vacation home of retired oil producer Bob Lee, who built the dome homes in 1981 as an environmentally friendly and self-contained getaway for his family on Marco Island, Florida. While the pods once stood on their concrete pylons right on the beach, erosion has resulted in their current location in the ocean. While unlivable today, the igloo-like structures are still standing ...

86

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse, Hjørring, Denmark The construction of the lighthouse began in 1899 and it was first lit on December 27, 1900. It sits on the top of Lønstrup Klint (cliff), 60 metres (200 ft) above sea level. The lighthouse ceased operating in 1968, and continually shifting sands caused it to be abandoned in 2002.

It is expected that the tower will fall into the sea by 2023.

Kolmanskop, Namibia

Mys Aniva lighthouse, Sakhalin Island, Russia

When German miners came to hunt for diamonds in the early 1900s, Kolmanskop was at its liveliest. They brought German architecture, giving the desert area an opulent, out of place look. Kolmanskop even featured a ballroom, a hospital, and a bowling alley among other amenities.

The town’s decline began after World War I, and the 1928 discovery of a diamond-rich area along the coast left the residents hurry to the new hotspot, leaving their belongings and the town behind. Kolmanskop has been slowly getting eaten by the desert ever since.

The Mys Aniva lighthouse sits on the rocky coastline on Russia’s Sakhalin Island, near Japan.

It is abandoned and worn down. The lighthouse was originally built by Japanese engineers in 1939, and was used by both Japanese and Russian militaries over the years.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

87

THE ENTREPRENEUR It is one of those events you should not miss. Produced by Open2Discussion, the annual The Entrepreneur offers an exclusive glimpse into the lives, tactics and strategies of entrepreneurs and community leaders. This year, on June 20th, over 400 entrepreneurs and community leaders attended the event at the Westin Bayshore.

Known for its ‘unconferenced’ approach, attendees enjoy lounge-style seating including cabanas and coffee bars. In addition, the Conference Producer does not permit traditional exhibit booths and enforces a strict rule of ‘authentic activation’ for all sponsors. This has led to some of the most engaging and creative sponsorship features in the city, including the BDC Community Wall, Boughton Law’s Miami Lounge, and The Terrace by BDO. “This event serves two purposes,” said producer Christopher Hamade, “the first is to equip our business and community leaders with fresh perspective through the sharing of insights and collaborative activities. The second is to demonstrate that our corporate community can make tremendous social impact through a little visioneering and inspiration from entrepreneurs who do it well.”

Over fifteen speakers were featured this year, included Ryan Moreno of Joseph Richard Group, Merideth Schutter of PROtect, and Scott Larson of Kater. Sonia Beeksma, award-winning broadcaster was the appointed 2019 Conference Chair.

88

ICONIC CONCIERGE

To learn more, visit The Entrepreneur event website at www.o2dentrepreneur.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

89

The Gentleman

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

by Dr. Christian Brix

Hop On My Boat!

It has been with great anticipation and financial burden that boating season is once again upon us!

With that comes hot days on the water, music, water sports, sailing, and perhaps even some imbibing. If you aren’t a boat owner (you’re smart) and get invited on to someone else’s, here are some pearls to make sure you get invited back!

First of all, remember that boat owners vary from super laid back to extremely anal, so you really have to know who you are dealing with. It is always best to err on the side of extra cautious when you start your day on someone’s boat. The first moment where the relationship will be determined for the rest of eternity is when you arrive on time, or when you arrive late.

There is nothing worse than having a boat full of people floating awkwardly waiting for you to choose your favourite Hey Y’all flavour. Be. On. Time.

What you should bring: Drinks. The rule is that the captain should never really have to bring anything to drink. Don’t be the guy who shows up with three beers for the day and has nothing extra. Think of it as your admission fee.

Snacks. This is a big one because on a long day on the water, everyone will get hungry, and if you show up with a few great choices, you will be a hero. Before packing them though, think about the white vinyl upholstery on the boat and choose accordingly (no blueberries dude).

If you are sailing, it is a whole different story, but proper footwear and attire are a must. Ask the captain ahead of time. I’m sorry, but you can’t sail in your new Timberlands.

Ice. Please…always bring ice.

What you should not bring: Spray-on sunblock. That stuff is terrible on a boat because it sticks to the glass, the upholstery and everyone’s sunglasses. Let’s go old school and apply sunscreen the way our ancestors did…Hawaiian tropic applied by someone of the opposite sex.

The Britney mix will probably kill with the group, but make sure the captain has the final word.

An arsenal of all your own gear. There is little worse than the guy who arrives with his own board, rope, vest and ergonomic gloves ready to put on a show. We know you can shred, and we are all impressed with the stuff you got for Christmas, but we don’t have room! A board is often welcome for sure, but maybe check ahead.

A friend/dog that wasn’t cleared ahead of time.

Sometimes a boat can be pretty full, and unexpected guests can be a big problem.

Other tips: Take off your shoes when you arrive at the boat. For the love of God…take off your shoes! (This one might be a bit personal).

Keep in mind when you board that when there are a lot of people on the boat with all their stuff, it can get a bit crowded and messy. Pack light, and when you get on, find a place to stow your stuff so the boat doesn’t look like a yard sale.

If you are being pulled behind the boat, be conscious of the time you are spending. “One more time” gets pretty old when you are trying to land your new move for an hour while 6 other people are waiting for their turn.

At the end of the day, offer to help tidy up the boat and cover it up if necessary. Empties, wet towels, and crumbs are annoying to deal with, and it is nice to have some help.

On a sailboat if you are asked by the captain to do something... hop to it! It may be a command that keeps you from falling overboard or getting a concussion.

If you are out on a power boat for the day, it is always polite to offer to pay for gas. Gas for a full day can be anywhere from $100 to $600 depending on the boat. This is especially important if you are being pulled around behind the boat for a long time. Don’t be that guy!

Hopefully we’ll see you on the water!

A tidal wave of water when returning from a swim. When getting out of the water, it is polite to dry off to some extent on the swim platform before getting on board.

One-piece bathing suits (just kidding) Expectations that we are going to love your playlist.

90

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Dr. Christian Brix Dr. Christian Brix is a writer, a gentleman, and a Chiropractor living in and loving Kelowna B.C. www.brixfamilychiropractic.com

ICONIC READS BLOWING THE BLOODY DORRS OFF - Michael Caine “Over my 60 years in the movie business, and my 85 years of life, I have been given a lot of useful advice - by Marlene Dietrich, Tony Curtis, and Jack Nicholson amongst many others - and I have learnt a lot of useful lessons, from my many glittering successes and many many disastrous failures...”

“

In “Blowing The Bloody Doors Off (and other lessons in life)” Hollywood legend Michael Caine shares wisdom and stories from his remarkable career. He has starred in over 100 films, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale’s Batman in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy, and has excelled in every kind of role. Michael Caine has made it to the pinnacle of his profession from humble origins, but as he says, “Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it. If I can do it, anyone can.” And that is what this book is about , written with uncommon candor and humor.

HOWARD STERN COMES AGAIN - Howard Stern From rock stars to A-list actors, supermodels and centerfolds to a president. Over his unrivaled four-decade career in radio, Howard Stern has interviewed thousands of personalities—discussing sex, relationships, money, fame, spirituality, and success with the boldest of bold-faced names. But which interviews are his favorites? It’s one of the questions he gets asked most frequently. Howard Stern Comes Again delivers his answer.

“

Age to me is in the , mind. I’ve seen 70-year-olds who are already dead and 90-year-olds who , can’t stop themselves living. I stay young by refusing to be old.

, Howard: I didn’t realize you had a f irst , wife. Ozzy: She’s now got a job swimming up and down Loch Ness while the monster takes a break.

This book is a feast of conversation and more, as between the lines Stern offers his definitive autobiography—a magnum opus of confession and personal exploration. Tracy Morgan opens up about his near-fatal car crash. Lady Gaga divulges her history with cocaine.

Madonna reminisces on her relationship with Tupac Shakur. Bill Murray waxes philosophical on the purpose of life. Jerry Seinfeld offers a master class on comedy. Harvey Weinstein denies the existence of the so-called casting couch. As he writes in the introduction, “If you’re having trouble finding motivation in life and you’re looking for that extra kick in the ass, you will find it in these pages.”

ICONIC CONCIERGE

91

THE

GENTLEMAN

by Julie-Anna Vogel | www.julieabroad.com

ABROAD

EDITION 1 - PARIS, FRANCE AH! PARIS!… Where dreams play out, chic women reign, fabulous restaurants tempt and incredible shopping abounds. The city is home to the most visited museum in the world (the Louvre) the most Michelin stars (over 70) and only one stop sign. The Obelisk in the Place de Concorde is actually a giant sundial, keep an eye out for the roman numerals in the pavement. There are more dogs than children living in the city. Pick up, its 500 euro if you don’t! And Paris was the birthplace of the Dandy.

Fashionable men engaged in the nonchalant pursuit of elegant physical appearance, leisurely hobbies, aristocratic manners and a refined lifestyle. Paris is still an inspiring place for gentlemen!

KATARA CINEMA (at the Royal Monceau) - Design legend Phillipe Starck created this cinema as part of his no expense spared renovation of the Royal Monceau Hotel. And what a way to end the weekend. Every Sunday night the film club shows a classic, or not so classic film.

Fast and Furious was a recent favorite. The 40 euro admission includes a coupe of Champagne and to-die-for caramelized popcorn from Pierre Herme. Each of the 99 seats are upholstered in buttery soft leather. Only one is Starck’s signature orange. Rent the entire theatre any other day of the week and pick your own movie. www.leroyalmonceau.com J.M. WESTON - Sounds English but is totally French. And THE place to buy shoes. Started in 1891 in Limoges by Edouard Blanchard, it was not until 1922 when he opened his first store in Paris, rebranding as J.M.Weston, that he became the go to shoemaker of the who’s who. The company still is. Total quality snobs, they own their own tanneries to ensure the finest leather. Rebellious mods wore their father’s Weston loafers with jeans and, gasp, bare feet. Scandalous at the time, the look is now part of the mainstream youth uniform. Real Weston’s the pinnacle of aspiration. www.jmweston.com

CHARVET PLACE VENDOME - There is an entire Wikipedia page devoted just to Charvet’s customers. The world’s first shirt shop opened in 1838. It is still the best! Christophe Charvet pretty much invented the modern shirt putting curves to armholes and necklines; adding the shoulder yoke. Before him shirts were just squares of linen stitched together. The store followed high society to the Place Vendome in 1877 and it had been there ever since. The ever changing, colorful window displays were a destination in their own right for the Beau Monde.

The 3rd floor was and remains the center of the universe for anyone interested in a bespoke shirt. The selection of fabrics and colors is breathtaking! Jean Cocteau wrote Charvet is “where the rainbow finds ideas”. Anything can be customized; the cashmere housecoats are the stuff of dreams.

www.charvet.com

92

ICONIC CONCIERGE

GENTLEMEN 1919 - Named for the year prohibition started in the US, Gentlemen 1919 is inspired by the glamour of bygone eras. From the street, it is a classic barber shop. Sit back in the circa 1963 leather chair complete with built in ashtray; indulge in the perfect shave or haircut. Then step through the secret door into a world of masculine elegance and the romance of the secret gentleman’s club. Discreet and elegant, enjoy a classic cocktail, a cigar from the smoking room or one of the 50 fifty whiskies that line the bar from a comfortable leather chesterfield. Of course, women are welcome too!

www.gentlemen1919.com LA RESERVE SPA - With only 3 treatment rooms this is the ultimate exclusive spa experience. La Reserve was the extravagant home of Napoléon III’s half-brother, the Duc de Morny. Billionaire Michel Reybier bought it in 2013, spending a fortune turning the property into a top luxury hotel (as voted by pretty much everyone). The special men’s spa menu uses Nescens-Swiss Cosmeceuticals for a positively age erasing facial! Combine it with a pedicure then a cognac in the Library. Heaven! www.lareserve-paris.com

A LA CIVETTE - Possibly the oldest cigar shop in the world, certainly the oldest in Paris, a la Civette is where Casanova, Napoléon and Churchill got their smokes. Back in the day, 1719 that is, tobacco leaves were flavored with the diluted secretion of civets, mongoose like mammals. The shop offer more than 300 types of cigars, 40% are Cuban, stored in a walk in humidor. You can also find 200 varieties of pipes, pipe tobacco, smoking accessories and a selection of curated rums… because what goes better with a cigar. www.alacivette.com

WHERE SOPHISTICATION MEETS SPECTACLE

80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto | 416-551-2800 | bishahoteltoronto.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

93

True Classics!

The Best Men’s Fragrances Of All Time

“SO NOW YOU WANT ME TO SMELL LIKE MY GRANDFATHER?” you may think. Nope, we don’t. But hey, if you want to - that’s up to you, of course. But that’s not what we mean when we talk about True Classics. We are talking about those fragrances that have survived all trends and have stood the test of time. Most likely because we don’t really like change and judge fragrances like cars. We want sophistication, but at the same time demand reliability and performance. And the moment we get it, we’ll doggedly stick with it — it becomes a signature. Sounds familiar? Told you.

Yes, there are hundreds of great men’s fragrances out there, but truly iconic ones are a sniff out of the ordinary. Among all the amazing scents, there are very few that have survived fads and fashions to earn their place in the hall of fame. And our mission was to find the 6 colognes that are still available in their original formulations (or darn close to it).

94

Aramis

POLO by Ralph Lauren

Cool Water by DAVIDOFF

110 ml - CAD 69

118ml - CAD 98

125ml - CAD 88

“Over 50 years old, Aramis has inspired a myriad of masculine creations over the years. Sexy and spicy, its intense sensuality makes it a fragrance strictly for grown-ups.”

“Ralph Lauren’s first male fragrance offering is from the late seventies and has been reformulated a couple of times since its launch but still smells as fresh and original today as it did back then.”

Gentleman by Givenchy

Aqua Di Parma Colonia

Pour Monsieur by CHANEL

100ml - CAD 79

50ml - CAD 120

100ml - CAD 122

“For the truly sophisticated man - since 1974. A luxurious, oriental, woody scent with notes of bergamot, lemon, honey, cedar,vetiver and leather. A wonderfully masculine fragrance.”

“Born from sunny Sicilian citrus fruits and the harmonious blend of floral essences. A fresh, refined, and timeless fragrance for a pragmatic and successful man who loves tradition. Since 1916.”

ICONIC CONCIERGE

www.iconokanagan.com

Winter 2019

“Clean, fresh and bracing, this classic from 1988 is one of the most famous aquatic fragrances. It swapped citrus notes for pine, mint and a sense of the sea. Ideal for when you want your scent to fly under the radar, such as in the office.”

“An eternal classic. Elegant and refined.

And - the only men’s fragrance created while Mademoiselle Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel was still alive, in 1955”

“Playing on the action on a Fazioli is like a massage for a pianist”

– Rachel Lam

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

PART 1

By Keith Trusler

Home Bar Essentials BUILDING A BASIC BACKBAR It just became the best frickin’ night ever .. the door bell rings, and who shows up? It’s Joan Holloway. Daaamn.. you better know how to mix her a fantastic cocktail. Okay, that might be wishful thinking - the Joan Holloway part that is, but seriously, you need to know how to mix a good drink. Impress your business associates, clients, buddies and hot dates with some serious bartending skills - get the basic tools and ingredients and learn how to create some of the best cocktails. Welcome to our new series on how to make you the perfect host.

Let’s look at some essential classic cocktails and the ingredients required to make them. First, we’ll need a couple of good whiskies, keeping in mind the whiskies we use for cocktails don’t have

to cost you $100 a bottle. A great Canadian straight rye like Lot 40 and a quality Bourbon will set you back around $40 and are all your Manhattan or Old Fashioned ‘really’ need. It’s the style and quality of your vermouth will have the biggest impact on the taste of your Manhattan as will your choice of bitters.

The easiest way to find your perfect Manhattan is to make friends with a good bartender and spend a week sitting at his/ her bar trying one different version a day. Different bourbons have much different mash bills with different sweetness levels and a good bartender will know which vermouths work best with each. Let’s be clear on one thing though, the Manhattan is originally a rye cocktail and that’s still the best way to drink it, maybe I’m partial but it’s true.

Ten years ago, when you walked into a liquor store you would have two choices of sweet vermouth if you were lucky. The selection has improved significantly now and beautiful products like Antica formula, Punt a Mes and Vya (from California) are more readily available to the consumer.

Next let’s talk about the bartender’s secret weapon, that shelf full of tiny bottles that look like they came from an apothecary, the bitters. The selection of bitters has exploded as result of this cocktail renaissance we’ve all enjoyed so much in the last decade. It actually started quite a bit earlier, but I think now it’s safe to say everyone is on board. If you have room for only one bottle of bitters on you home bar it will be Angsotura but beyond that essential ingredient, companies like Fee bros, Scrappy’s and Bitterman’s have unlocked a world of flavor combinations that enhance the complexity of our cocktails. Flavor combinations that

96

ICONIC CONCIERGE

challenge the palette like celery, orange, whisky barrel, cherry, mole, charred cedar, saffron and mango are now at arm’s reach without breaking the bank or taking up a ton of space.

Again, start with a couple of essentials and build up the collection over time. An orange bitters of some kind, for example, is essential in many other cocktails as well as delicious in a gin tonic.

Essential bottles Knowing what you like and what cocktails your guests like is a great place to start. Being a great host at home means having something for all palates not just forcing your favorites on them.

The basic spirit categories include vodka/ gin, whisky, rum, tequila and brandy. If you’re not in the mood to squeeze limes and shake margaritas be sure you’ve got a decent tequila on hand worthy of being served over a nice ice cube in your finest scotch tumbler. I recommend at least two different gins, a Dry London style like Beefeater for highballs and cocktails, then something super premium like The Botanist for your most discerning martini drinking guests. A quality dry vermouth is essential for a martini. The world of rum is a vast and diverse as the world of Scotch, we’ll go down that road in another issue.

Non liquor ingredients The final element of an Old Fashioned is the sugar and the garnish. Many bars these days will use a pre batch sugar syrup, but this isn’t very efficient for a home bar so let’s take it back to the sugar cube. Organic and raw sugar cubes are available at specialty food shops and grocery stores. Store them well and they should be good to go for a long time. Plus, you get the added street cred of soaking that cube in your secret bitters combination and muddling it in the mixing glass. The most alluring thing about an Old Fashioned is watching someone making it for you the uh… old fashioned way. Keep in mind the pros make it look easy, practice and learn to look good making this drink for your guests, it’s worth it. Keep a jar of quality marinated cherries in your fridge for garnishing and dazzle them with the zest from a freshly sliced orange peel over the glass before serving.

We’re starting here with three basic cocktails, Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Martini. These drinks are all to be stirred! People seem to think shaking a martini will make it colder than stirring, it doesn’t. It does make it full of little shards of broken ice cubes we call bruising that quickly melt and over dilute your drink. A martini is gin enhanced with the soft dry flavors of white vermouth. Try one the way it was meant to be served.

The Tools Like any other job, tending bar requires the right tools and the pros don’t get theirs at a department store! The internet has brought the world to your fingertips and that includes shopping for the same tools the pros use, cocktailkingdom.com is a great source. You can also simply head down to a local store like Modern Bartender

but plan your trip and what you need in advance or you’ll likely walk out way over budget and missing something essential. The options these days are vast. Pick your style, from modern Japanese brands with a flat black or copper finish, to the classically detailed Parisienne style in stainless steel. It’s your bar so, just like your wardrobe, pick a style and build on it. keep in mind, vintage style tools are meant to fit and work together, modern ones… well you get it. To get started, you’ll need a few basics: a mixing glass, a jigger, a bar spoon, a strainer, a good knife, and a cuttting board. Obviously, you’ll need a freezer full of ice! Having an ‘ice program’ at home is essential for the home bar. That means several trays that make quality ice cubes full of fresh filtered water, frozen and ready to go. However many ice cubes you think you’ll need, double it.

Low alcohol options There is a very good chance whenever an impromptu after party breaks out in your pad that some people are, let’s say, well on their way. Maybe it’s brunch or an afternoon cocktail session, so let’s keep a couple of low alcohol options on hand. The classic gin and tonic or beer are a safe choice but a classy is move is to break out a beautiful aperitif like Lillet. Lillet Blanc and Rose are delicious on the rocks and can easily be topped with soda and garnished with a slice of lemon for a refreshing spritz. And, it helps keep everyone ‘in the game’ at a cool 17% ABV. Keep it in the fridge after you open it along with your vermouths.

Now since you have a nice red vermouth and a couple of bottles of gin in the house you might as well pick up a bottle of Campari.

Now you’re ready to take on the Negroni and its beautiful variations. See you next issue!

Whether you’re looking to find the single perfect drink or build an entire home bar, these books are worth keeping on the shelf: The Craft of the Cocktail Hardcover: 240 pages Publisher: Clarkson Potter The Savoy Cocktail Book Paperback: 292 pages Publisher: Lightning Source

ICONIC CONCIERGE

97

GRAVITY 2019

by Jason Boudreau

CHANNEL THE CHAMPIONS MINDSET VELA Wealth hosted GRAVITY 2019 in June in Vancouver. GRAVITY is a platform for community, connection and possibility. This year’s event was a resounding success thanks to our guests, contributors and speakers. GRAVITY is proof that the potential of collaboration is unlimited.

THE CHAMPIONS MINDSET We were delighted to invite Dr Jeff Spencer from California to speak about the power over overcoming the ‘Human Mindset’ and channeling the ‘Champions Mindset’. Dr Jeff is an accomplished Olympic athlete and world-renowned coach. Dr Jeff passionately believes in team and takes the position of ‘Mission Control’ for the high performing individuals he works with. This vantage point allows Dr Jeff to see the path to achievement where others may not.

GRAVITY 2019 was uniquely recorded in real time by a highly talented illustrator and the following image shows the ‘Human Mindset’ vs. the ‘Champions Mindset’ through the lens of a 2012 Olympic Gold medallist who was coached by Dr Jeff. www.drjeffspencer.com

THE EARTH GROUP Kori Chilibeck and Matt Moreau from Edmonton founded The Earth Group in 2005 and joined us to share their journey and achievements. The Earth Group exists entirely to provide food, water, and education to children globally and does this through an agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) where 100% of profits are donated to fund school meal programmes. The Earth Group has provided over 3,650,000 meals so far is targeting 1,000,000 meals in 2019.

The Earth Group is also pushing the envelop with bottled water, standing for the use of aluminum packaging, instead of plastic, as the recycling rate for aluminum is exponentially higher than plastic and it is less environmentally damaging.

The Earth Group’s business model is truly transformational as they’ve created a vehicle to affect positive change for the world through everyday purchases. www.earthgroup.org What are we capable of?

Imagine a world where individuals and communities reach their full potentials and are consistently high performing. We could achieve endless feats. Getting their takes discipline, commitment and working effectively in teams. GRAVITY 2019 was proud to create space for learning and connection that stimulates our network to thrive and discover new ways to be entrepreneurs and leaders with impact.

98

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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

ICONIC CONCIERGE

99

EXCLUSIVE VANCOUVER DREAM ESTATES

AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE LOCATED ON WEST VANCOUVER’S GOLDEN MILE OF BEACHFRONT

T

- 2626 BELLEVUE AVENUE, WEST VANCOUVER -

This brilliantly designed custom built residence is uniquely positioned on a prized almost fourteen thousand square foot beachfront property providing spectacular views of the ocean and West Vancouver shoreline.

Designed by renowned architect Russell Hollingsworth the home provides and incredible indoor out door lifestyle with large oceanside terraces and resort style swimming pool.

The residence boasts extensive concrete construction with a copper roof and an impeccable choice of quality materials.

One of the main features is a two level 12 car garage for the ultimate car collection.

100

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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

Built: (appr.) 1999 | Lot Size: 14,090 SQ FT | Floor Size: 5,420 SQ FT | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms (4 and 2 half)

$15.8 MILLION

ICONIC CONCIERGE

101

Waterfront THE ULTIMATE WEST COAST LIFESTYLE

H

Have you always dreamt of watching the sun rise and set while being completely surrounded by the peace and tranquility of the sound of the ocean waves? If your answer is yes, then waterfront living is for you. There’s something so grounding about inhaling the fresh sea air and slowing down to the rhythm of the waves as they greet the sandy shore. I am currently listing an incredible waterfront property along an exclusive stretch of sandy beach on West Vancouver’s prestigious waterfront and I couldn’t be prouder.

When I first started my real estate career, my wife and I searched the West Vancouver beaches to find the most idyllic setting for my new promotional head shot. We scoured the area until we found the most amazing street with absolutely stunning properties and a picture-perfect sandy beach. What I could have never known

102

ICONIC CONCIERGE

at the time is that today I am listing an incredible home, which is only six houses east from where my first real estate pictures were ever taken by my wife, Amanda Wood.

Looking back, I did the unthinkable to many, leaving after a

decade in a solid global corporate role where I had ascended thru the ranks at a meteoric pace. I was in search of a career that would allow me to sleep in my own bed each night and raise a family as opposed to flying in and out of YVR every single week, as glamorous as that sounded to most. I gave myself two years in this business and had only one deal in my first year… and it was an investment condo for my Mom. The work was hard, daily, extremely long hours and a complete grind. I wasn’t part of a team, there were no handouts...it was up to me to figure it out.

And now, here I am, so excited and thrilled about the creative marketing techniques that we are using to get the word out about this amazing waterfront masterpiece that I humbly represent. We have created an incredible video with beautiful drone footage along with spectacular daytime and twilight photography. I have hosted exclusive promotional parties at the residence along with being a part of the first ever, multi-brokerage, extremely successful “West Vancouver Waterfront Crawl.” We are filming a Canadian short film at the residence in partnership with multi award winning writer and director Christie Will Wolf and Andy Chu of FMA Entertainment. The house is being featured in print ads, a music video and of course right here in the prestigious Iconic Concierge Magazine. I might work seven days a week, but when I get to do what I love with people that I love and respect it doesn’t feel like work and that my friends is when the magic happens.

I am so grateful to call the North Shore my home and that my two girls get to grow up in such a wonderful community. I am so blessed to have such an extraordinary and diverse number of clients who go out of their way to refer me to their friends and family. It is so very much appreciated and having my business grow primarily thru a referral-based model is always what I set out to do. No matter what type of home is being sold or purchased, the journey with each of you is so much more rewarding than the transactional nature of my former career. I

put tremendous pressure on myself to deliver as in the end, those who might begin as clients end up as family and I will never let my family down. It has been a wild ride thus far and I am excited for even bigger and better things that will surely follow.

I proudly present to you…

3366 Radcliffe Avenue $8,998,000 This gated 3,149 sq/ft waterfront home boasts a stunning open concept main floor with formal living and dining rooms connected to the newly renovated kitchen with top of the line appliances.

West Coast contemporary design is complimented with plentiful natural light that flows from the spectacular large patio with unobstructed panoramic city and ocean views.

Custom built cabinetry allows for seamless storage throughout the kitchen and living room and continues right upstairs where you’ll find a flawless master bedroom and spa-like bathroom with incredible views, along with a second bedroom or home office.

Downstairs includes a large recreation room, gym, third bedroom and full bathroom along with walk-out access to the beach with an outdoor shower and buoy for your personal watercraft.

Other features include: temperature-controlled wine cellar, tons of storage, attached 2 car garage, heated driveway, A/C, HRV, radiant heating, SONOS surround sound, koi pond, manicured gardens and night lighting.

Simply put, this breathtaking residence is situated on the most exclusive waterfront cul-de-sac street in West Vancouver and is only steps to your very own beautiful sandy beach, parks, recreation & shopping. Exclusive, elegant and timeless are all words that perfectly describe this once in a lifetime property.

photos: Jamil Mawani, Third Eye Pro | Steve Jackman Creative

ICONIC CONCIERGE

103

H E R I TA G E M E E T S LUXURY IN THE HEART O F FA I R V I E W S L O P E S

VIEWS FROM ROOFTOP PATIOS OF JOIE RESIDENCES

West Coast aesthetic, but there are very few

One development, three unique layouts—unlimited views

neighbourhoods that truly capture all three.

JOIE seamlessly blends heritage and modern

So when a rare opportunity presented itself

design—which has become a passionate endeavour

in one such neighbourhood—Fairview Slopes—

for Cam and his team. “There are no other projects

two local leaders knew it was a chance

in this city that offer the same level of finish, with

to do something truly special.

a boutique, high-end feel, and these breathtaking

Vancouver may be known for sweeping mountain views, vibrant city life and clean

views—there’s nothing else like it,” explains Cam. JOIE—a collaboration between InHaus Development and Key Marketing—is a property

Each of JOIE’s two- and three-bedroom homes

in a class of its own. Not only does it have all the

feature a private entry and overlooks a residents-

views and convenience of Fairview Slopes, it is a

only courtyard, creating an exclusive sense of

rarely-seen blend of three charming heritage homes

community. The upper floors to the north will

and an exclusive collection of elegant townhomes.

feature 1500-square-foot, two-level townhomes

With unobstructed views of the North Shore and

with either two or three bedrooms, and private

downtown Vancouver, living at JOIE is like living

elevators linking each to secure parking. On top

on top of the world.

of these homes are spacious rooftop patios, showcasing stunning views the neighbourhood

Cam Good, founder of Key Marketing, is known

is named for. All interiors exude tranquillity and

for filling large-scale high-rises. But when Peter

luxury, designed by locally renowned Kelly Deck.

Kefalas, principal at InHaus, came to him with this bespoke development concept, Cam knew this project was the perfect fit for his team.

Heritage meets contemporary

Settle into the heart of Vancouver

If anyone understands the art of blending heritage

Located at the corner of West 8th Avenue and

with contemporary, it’s Cam. Key Marketing’s

Birch Street, JOIE is situated in one of Vancouver’s

own newly renovated office is in a 110-year-old

most desired neighbourhoods. Fairview Slopes has

Edwardian heritage building—making it the perfect

become well-known for its beautifully inclined,

place for potential buyers to shop for a home at

safe tree-lined streets.

JOIE. “Buyers will have an extraordinary experience in our office—it’s a heritage building, but it’s finished in a way that makes it really special,” says Cam.

“The JOIE buyer wants to live in a boutique building instead of a downtown highrise. They’re excited about a brand new development in this coveted neighbourhood,” says Cam. “It’s very special. There

InHaus Development brings its own blend

is no competitive project in the area and there

of old and new—the firm maintains a strong

won’t be for at least four or five years.”

reputation within the local Vancouver development community, blending contemporary architecture, environmental engineering, aesthetics, and

JOIE is just close enough to the action of downtown, steps from the False Creek waterfront and Granville Island Market, right beside the high-

quality materials.

end shops and restaurants of Granville Street and

“The City of Vancouver has made a point of

a short ferry-ride to Yaletown. It also has easy

saving heritage homes, making these properties

access to all the major transit lines.

ideal for buyers who love a traditional look on the outside but want a modern and stylish interior,”

Available now, extraordinary luxury townhomes

says Kefalas. JOIE’s three Edwardian heritage

with spectacular views and private elevators

homes create a beautiful street presence, with

offered from $2.8M. Visit LoveAtJoie.ca to

a contemporary boutique feel—thanks to open

register your interest.

layouts and top-of-the-line kitchens.

CAM GOOD, PRESIDENT OF KEY MARKETING, IN HIS NEWLY RENOVATED GASTOWN HERITAGE OFFICE

JOIE RESIDENCES—OPEN-PLAN LIVING ROOMS ALLOW LIGHT AND AIR TO CIRCULATE THROUGHOUT

CHARMING DESIGNER KITCHENS WITH SOLID WOOD CABINETRY AND INTEGRATED APPLIANCES

THE UPPER FLOORS OF THE MODERN STRUCTURE WILL FEATURE TWO AND THREE BEDROOM TOWNHOMES, WITH PRIVATE ELEVATORS

TH I S I S N OT A N O FFE R I N G FO R SA LE . A N Y S U C H O FFE R I N G C A N O N LY B E M A D E BY WAY O F A D I S C LOS U R E STATE M E N T. E . &O. E . I M AG ES S H OWN A R E A RTI ST’ S CO N C E PTUA L R E N D E R I N G S O N LY. PR O M OT I O N S U B J E C T TO C H A N G E WI TH O U T N OT I FI C AT I O N . SA LE S A N D M A R K E TI N G BY K E Y M AR KET ING .

out & about SAKURA NIGHT STANLEY PARK PAVILION

With the cherry blossom coming into bloom a week early to illuminate the Vancouver streets through until the end of April, Sakura Night, the annual fundraiser for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, presented by McMillan LLP, was the perfect way to celebrate the season.

On May 5th, some of Vancouver’s top chefs came together at the Stanley Park Pavilion for the occasion. The chefs, including Nobu Ochi of Zen Japanese Restaurant; Ken Nakano of Shangri-La; Hiroki Watanabe - Super Hiro’s; Kazuhiro Kawamoto of The Victor at Parq Vancouver; Takayuki Omi of Benkei Ramen and Andres Bermudez of Uno Gelato, created a special menu inspired by beauty. Delicacies, such as edible Ikebana floral arrangements in an edible ‘Zen Garden’, the ‘Rock The Kaz Bombe’ of torched prime ribeye, uni & shiso and ‘Prawn Popsicles’ of skewered, tempura marinated prawns with yuzu, were on offer.

The 13th annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebration is at the heart of “community” and, this year, presented some 20 free events attracting about 20,000 people plus some engaging online programs.

106

ICONIC CONCIERGE

ARTS & MUSIC VANCOUVER’S ICONIC ART SCENE IN REVIEW

by Oliver Finlay

A BRITISH INVASION heralded the start of a busy spring and summer concert season in Vancouver, with Live Nation welcoming KT Tunstall, Tom Odell and Snow Patrol to the city over the course of one week in May.

KT TUNSTALL

Tunstall, renowned for her interactive and witty stage persona, made a return to delivering intimate, solo performances at The Imperial, and treated her loyal fans to a typically entertaining evening of humour and incredible musical creativity. Best known for her breakthrough hits from 2004, ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’, ‘Suddenly I See’ and ‘Other Side of the World’, Tunstall performed them all, alongside tracks from her latest album, ‘Wax’, including the notable tribute, ‘The Night That Bowie Died’.

A few days later, another British singer-songwriter, Tom Odell, made his return to Vancouver after last performing at The Imperial back in 2016. Supported by compatriot Lucie Silva, Odell masterfully manipulated the energy of those assembled in the Commodore. Switching from chair-throwing attitude, which whipped the gathering into a frenzy during ‘I Know’, the cell phones were later illuminated, as the crowd swayed along to the haunting melodies of ‘Heal’.

along and roll back the years.

The Union’s conquest was complete, as legendary Northern Irish outfit, Snow Patrol, delivered a memorable night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, to celebrate their first North American tour in over six years. The early arrivals were treated to a taste of the new wave of talent emerging from across the Atlantic, with Ryan McMullan preceding Billie Marten on stage, before the headline act reminded everyone just why they commanded such respect in the early 2000s. Despite some challenges with the sound mixing, Snow Patrol will no doubt have gained new fans with the performances of their more refined hits from the recently released ‘Wildness’ album, such as ‘Life on Earth’, ‘Don’t Give in’ and ‘What If This Is All The Love You Ever Get’. However, for those whose college days were soundtracked by the group, the classics ‘Chasing Cars’, ‘Run’ and ‘Open Your Eyes’ were the perfect opportunity to sing

As the concert season moved into full swing, the Vancouver Opera Festival drew to a close with Rossini’s ‘La Cenerentola’, directed by Rachel Peake, hosted at the Playhouse.

Arguably the most fun of the festival’s offerings, Rossini’s interpretation of the Cinderella story is a magical and often humorous affair, which follows the main character, Angelina (mezzo soprano, Simone McIntosh), as her life navigates the fairytale’s twists and turns, with which we are all now so familiar. Peter McGillivray, in the role of Don Magnifico, delivered an almost cartoon-like portrayal of Angelina’s step-father and the step-sisters, Clorinda (Nicole Joanne) and Tisbe (Gena van Oosten), got in on the act too. The mute-coloured set provided the perfect backdrop for the brightly coloured costumes SNOW PATROL

108

ICONIC CONCIERGE

TOM ODELL

LA CENERENTOLA

who refuses to fall into line with the status quo, is told with great humour, high energy and fabulous acting from the cast led by Jennifer Lines (Katherine Minola) and Andrew McNee (Petruchio).

From a legend of theatre to a legend of music and opera, Vancouver welcomed Andrea Bocelli to the Rogers Arena, courtesy of Live Nation in June. The celebrated tenor was accompanied by the Festival Orchestra and choir, whilst his special guests for the evening included his son, Matteo, with whom he sang ‘Fall On Me’ from the recently released album ‘Sì’ and ‘Perfect Symphony’, which fans of his more popular music works would have heard him sing with writer, Ed Sheeran. American soprano Pia Toscano, joined Bocelli for ’Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro)’ and ‘Prayer’, before performing Eric Carmen’s ‘All By Myself’. The spectacular evening of music and dance was brought to a fitting climax with a powerful solo rendition of Puccini’s masterpiece, ‘Nessun Dorma’, written for the THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

to shine and the cast, including Charles Sy in role as Don Ramiro, rose admirably to the challenges that Rossini’s multi-layered vocals present.

As one festival ended, another pulled up the curtain on their’s, with the Bard on the Beach opening its 30th anniversary season. This summer, the Shakespeare Festival will showcase performances of ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’, ‘Coriolanus’, ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and if those are even half as good as the production of ‘The Taming of The Shrew’, then audiences are in for a real treat. In a typically imaginative interpretation of a classic, this offering sees tradition collide with spaghetti western, set in the imaginary 1870s American West town, ‘Padua City’. Directed

by Lois Anderson, the story of a town at odds with a woman

knack of reading a crowd and knowing exactly where the ‘on’ button is and the brass section of Jon Durbin and Michael Razo complement their musical skills, with as good a set of dance moves as any backing singers you could find. This crew will be back and you’ll thank yourself for buying a ticket when they are.

ANDREA BOCELLI

opera ‘Turandot’.

After a 15 year hiatus from touring, Dido returned to the stage in the spring to promote her new album ‘Still On My Mind’ and judging by the rapturous reception she received from the audience at the Orpheum in late June, she has remained a firm favourite despite her reluctance to appear live. The prolonged absence had obviously done nothing to dampen her stage presence, as she appeared at home throughout and enjoyed the opportunities to interact with her fans between songs. Her new tracks are immeTHE SUFFERS

diately catchy, with ‘Hurricanes’, ‘Take You Home’ and ‘Mad Love’ sitting comfortably in her catalogue alongside favourites such as ‘Thank You’, ‘Hunter’ and ‘White Flag’. Let’s hope she doesn’t leave it so long next time!

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival got underway as this edition went to press and Houston’s Gulf Coast Soul outfit, The Suffers stole the plaudits of the first week, with their intimate performance at The Imperial. The talented group are growing in stature and poise with each passing month, and after previously supporting Thievery Corporation at the Commodore Ballroom in December, gave the perfect illustration of why they are a worthy headline act this time around. Lead singer, Kam Franklin, has the

110

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Vancouver-based FIVE ALARM FUNK funk-fusion collective, Five Alarm Funk, brought all the prized garms from their notoriously imaginative wardrobe, full-blown horn soundtrack and skull-thumping percussive beats to whip an already sweaty crowd into a veritable frenzy, at the Commodore Ballroom. The native crew certainly know how to enjoy themselves on stage and with a mix of more recent favourites such as ‘Freight’ belted out, alongside established crowd-pleasers ‘We All Scream’ and ‘Wash Your Face’, they made sure the work that New York brass-house trio (yes, that really is a term…that they coined themselves) Too Many Zooz invested in riling up the dance floor, wasn’t wasted. As for Too Many Zooz…imagine what Springfield would sound like had Bart Simpson stolen Lisa’s sax.

For more information on the summer programme for Bard on the Beach, go to www.BardOnTheBeach.org.

For more information on upcoming concerts by Live Nation, incl. Paul McCartney, Queen and Adam Lambert, Slash, Mumford and Sons and Iron Maiden, go to www.LiveNation.com DIDO

Performance Driving Starts Here

You’ve got the car, now what’s your excuse?

It’s time to get on Canada’s most exclusive luxury circuit.

www.Area27.ca/Academy-27

|

@Area27Okanagan 0 R W R U V S R U W V

3 D U N

CITY tonight!

O ur

by Jim Gordon & Leeta Liepins

The Iconic Concierge Magazine version of the weekly, national TV show, “Our City Tonight”, which can be seen Sundays at 12:30pm on City TV. You can also see past episodes on the “Our City Tonight” YouTube channel and follow them on Instagram & twitter at: @ourcitytonight @jimgordontv @lifewithleeta

Breakfast, 7 days a week, 7am-10am Lunch, Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm Dinner, 5pm-11pm “Happy Hour”, 3pm-6pm Mezze Bar, 3pm-late

HYDRA ESTIATORIO MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ

475 HOWE ST IN THE EXCHANGE HOTEL (MAIN RESTAURANT ENTRANCE: 825 WEST PENDER ST)

I

t is not often that we cover a restaurant so early in its Vancouver existence, but in this case we couldn’t resist.

Hydra (pronounced “hee-dra”) Estiatorio Mediterranean Café had a spectacular opening party, but that is not always indicative of what their day to day presentation will be like. Curious, we stopped by a week or so after that glamorous evening to see firsthand how things were coming along. The restaurant is divided into 2 floors, with a cozy lounge/bar occupying the ground floor (which also doubles as a café from 6:30am – 3pm with great menu options), and a spacious dining area above (along with second bar and dining cabana). On this night, we would be amazed and delighted with the selection of food, wine, and the service.

As lovers of creative cocktails, we started with a “Gaia” and a “Holiday”, both perfect for the summer months, and then moved on to several appetizers that were beyond delicious

112

ICONIC CONCIERGE

|

www.hydravancouver.com

and quite generous in portion size. The elegant but simplistic, vine-ripened Tomato Salad with local cow feta (enough for 3 to 4), Organic Heirloom Beets, and, one of their signatures, Grilled Octopus in a lemon, oregano olive oil with fava bean puree, were almost enough of a meal, and they were accompanied perfectly with a white wine: Gavi Villa Sparina from the Piedmont region.

During a break from the food, we were joined by Executive Chef Ioannis Gerolymatos. The menu was created by Culinary Director Mark Greenfield (whose culinary creations we’ve enjoyed on “Our City Tonight” TV several times), but it is the Greek born, very modest Gerolymatos, who is carrying out the dining goals set by this new restaurant (despite him saying that he is not important, heaping all praise on his team). In a way, Hydra has brought him home, back to his Greek roots. “I was always running away from GreekBEN HOWARD

D

food”, he tells us, “it just wasn’t a real representation of the food I knew growing up”. But the Hydra concept – an elegantly simplistic and traditional approach, giving the food enough time to be properly prepared, and making sure the diners have a chance to enjoy each course in leisurely fashion – has created a way for Chef Gerolymatos to return to what he remembers as a kid. And for him, that is what food should be all about…

For the main courses, we asked Chef and his team to surprise us. What they delivered was a Mediterranean feast with something for any preference – and enough food for many more than just the two of us! We started with New York Strip skewers paired with oven fried potatoes, marinated olive oil, garlic, peppers and herbs. This dish was followed by a whole leg of lamb, marinated in oregano and lemon. Our knowledgeable server chose a Kanevas Mavroudi Syrah, a perfectly paired Greek (similar to a Cabernet/Syrah) LEONwine BRIDGES for those first two mains.

From there we ventured to the sea, and we were presented a whole fish, moistened in sea salt, cooked in the oven with herbs, and deboned table side. Like the lamb, the fish selection was enough for three to four people, or even a family, and very reasonably priced. We also enjoyed briam, a traditional Greek dish of roasted vegetables, egg plant with red onions, zucchini, tomatoes and bell peppers.

Restaurant GM Claire Wright stopped by offering a dessert, so we shared Bougatsa, a phyllo pastry with custard, chocolate ganache, and cinnamon-icing sugar. And with that, we departed confident that this slice of Greek tradition, and the Chef who grew up in Athens, will encounter satisfied customers for some time.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

113