Live Beautifully
Acclaimed for its exquisite design and advanced technology, the Monogram Professional Range is redef ining luxury appliances one detail at a time.
Elevate Everything.
architecture that celebrates the joys of living Follow us on Instagram @kendledesign
6115 North Cattletrack Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85250 480.951.8558 www.kendledesign.com
Creating beautiful gardens is our business…what you do in them is yours.
Designers, Craftsmen, and Caretakers of Distinctive Gardens berghoffdesign.com
A STATE OF MIND.
A WAY OF LIFE.
H E I R L O O M Q U A L I T Y B U F FA L O L E AT H E R F U R N I T U R E
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY, COMFORT AND DESIGN FROM BUFFALO COLLECTION Our luxurious heirloom quality furniture, home furnishings, and original works of art are handmade in America using the finest materials and methods of craftsmanship. Let us enrich your lifestyle by creating timeless custom furnishings of the highest quality for your home.
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ONE-OF-A-KIND HANDMADE FURNISHINGS & DECOR SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM ORDERS • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING • MADE IN THE USA 7044 E. FIFTH AVENUE, SCOTTSDALE, AZ
480.946.3903 | BUFFALOCOLLECTION.COM
M O D ER N D ES I GN FO R EVE RYDAY LIFE At Iconic Design + Build, we understand that every design tells a story - a story about your lifestyle, your history, ambitions, and long-term vision for your space. With a clean, modern, and organic style that subtly incorporates vintage and Scandinavian designs, the Iconic Design + Build team specializes in custom residential, hospitality and retail spaces. Led by Principal Designer Kaitlyn Wolfe, Iconic Design + Build will transform your space to optimize its visual appeal and functional comfort. ICONICDESIGNBUILD.COM 8145 E. Evans Road, Suite 7, Scottsdale AZ 85260 480.219.5741 | @iconicdesignbuild
Interior Photography : Kevin Brost Headshot: Jennica E. Maes
MAXIMIZE THE MINIMAL Seamlessly blending form and function to deliver modern designs for everyday life.
Project | Sistr Studios - Scottsdale, Arizona
Lifestyle & Interiors | Scottsdale thecollectorshouse.biz
NOTHING
© 2019 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the equal opportunity act.
COMPARES.
AN UNRIVALED COLLECTION OF ARIZONA’S EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES.
VISIT US ONLINE
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MEET THE FRATANTONI FAMILY ARIZONA’S PREMIER ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR DESIGN, BUILD, REMODEL AND REAL ESTATE EXPERTS
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FRATANTONI DESIGN FRATANTONIDESIGN.COM
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DISCOVER FOR YOURSELF THE MASTERY THAT IS THE FRATANTONI EXPERIENCE Any of these firms can be hired together or separately. Additionally, we design and build an appreciable amount of luxury homes throughout the nation.
THEFRATANTONIGROUP.COM
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CONTENTS
60 UP FRONT
40
56
62
By Tom Zenner
By Elyse Glickman
Let it Glow
The I List: Winning Workout
60
By Kaitlyn Beickel
Stellar Summer Sippers
46
By Fran Miller
42
Airstream Adventures
48
Must Haves: Haute Totes
By Carlye Klick
By Kaitlyn Beickel
44
Setting Down Roots
52
Hi Neighbor! By Carlye Klick
By Elyse Glickman
24
ICONICLIFE.COM
Design Icon: The Prince of Prints
72
Having a Moment: Buffalo Collection By Kaitlyn Beickel
LAST WORD
144
ICONIC: The Name is DB5 By Sam Micatrotto
Live Beautifully
ON THE COVER
68
By Dena Roché
A Day by the Bay By Renee Dee
Oasis in the Desert
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Renee Dee, PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Sacro, LIGHTING: Kyle Finley, STYLING: Jackie Rose, HAIR & MAKEUP: Haley Gray, ICONIC TEAM: Carlye Klick, Kaitlyn Beickel, Haley Gray, MODEL: Taylor from The Industry LA, WARDROBE: Lanvin long charmeuse tribute dress, South Coast Plaza. Jimmy Choo gold strappy heels. Marrin Costello earrings., LOCATION: Custom Estate, Dana Point, California, ARCHITECT: Brandon Architects, BUILDER: Genova Construction, INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE: Hawk & Co, FURNITURE + STYLING: Brooke Wagner, REALTOR: Arlen Raubach Group, Compass
Moto
by Ann Marie Vering BOSTON
CHICAGO
COSTA MESA
DALLAS
brownjordan.com
MIAMI
SAN FRANCISCO
SCOTTSDALE
EXPERIENCE
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KNOWLEDGE
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COMPASSION
focus IS ON THE
YOU
DEANNA F. LONGTIN
•
MEDIATOR AND FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
Deanna began her career a decade ago as a small-town lawyer practicing in almost every area of law—criminal defense, real property, estates and trusts, civil litigation and family law. Today, her focus is family law and mediation after seeing the ravages divorce and separation can take on a family and making the decision to create optimal outcomes for clients with an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in business and finance to find the best way to move forward. YOU can count on receiving quality attention. The focus will be on YOUR goals, YOUR ideas, YOUR life.
LONGTIN
LAW OFFICE, PLLC Mediation & Family Law
Considering divorce? Want to know your rights? Set up a consultation appointment today.
The Forum: 6263 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 395, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 602.603.5119 • LONGTINLAWOFFICE.COM
MAKE YOUR HOME DISTINCTIVE Our company is committed to the very finest craftsmanship. We provide custom, locally-made cabinetry, closets and millwork that will make your entire home truly distinctive.
2030 W. Pinnacle Peak Road Phoenix, AZ 85027
623.414.4722
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distinctivecc.com
CONTENTS
88
82
FEATURES
74
Rock Solid | Architect Brent Kendle
88
Sustainability Chic
By Kaitlyn Beickel
By Nora Burba Trulsson
82
The Best Way to See the Maldives By Kristen Shirley
28
96
Girls Just Wanna Have Sun By Kaitlyn Beickel
108
Dinner & Drinks: Angelo Sosa | Tía Carmen
124
Journey To Rwanda
By David Rubin
By Kaitlyn Beickel
112
State of the Art | 5 Artists to Watch
132
The Best in American Living By Kaitlyn Beickel
By Elyse Glickman
132 ICONICLIFE.COM
Founded by one of Arizona’s first licensed contractors, across three generations the Hancock family and Camelot Homes have been handcrafting award-winning luxury neighborhoods for more than 50 years. And now Camelot’s next generation of leaders have launched two new luxury divisions: Camelot Custom & Remodel, and G3 by Camelot Homes, and its first-ever community Paradigm. Come see for yourself why Camelot is Arizona’s most awarded homebuilder with all of our newest communities, including Bronco, the follow up to the national-award-winning White Horse, Heirloom and Stone Crest in Gilbert, Willow in Phoenix, and The Villas at Seven Desert Mountain, Skye View and Shadow Ridge in Scottsdale.
480.367.4300 | CAMELOTHOMES.COM | 6607 N SCOTTSDALE RD. # H-100 SCOTTSDALE, AZ
ROC# B-067408
21·22
Keb’ Mo’ Thursday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
Lea Salonga Thursday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.
David Sedaris Monday, May 9, 7 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix Signature Partner:
Mary Chapin Carpenter Colin Hay Thursday, May 12, 8 p.m. CLICK CALL VISIT DONATE
ScottsdalePerformingArts.org 480-499-8587 7380 E. Second St. Donate.ScottsdaleArts.org
Wednesday, June 15, 7:30 p.m.
(602) 269-2543 www.RoadrunnerGlassCo.com
PUBLISHER’S POV
Walking on
SUNSHINE I
have had the privilege of publishing on and off for nearly three decades. While the industry has changed significantly since I started in 1996 (we didn’t even have a website or social media then!), the thing that has stayed the same for me is my love for working with my clients. In fact, so, so many of you have become dear friends. I love looking at each and every business as if it were my own to create connections and brainstorm new ideas. I know I’ve been a resource to so many, and that gives me great satisfaction and joy daily.
This month, we will grow with the expansion of the ICONIC LIFE magazine brand to Orange County, a place where I’ve lived and worked throughout the years and has a place in my heart. The crisp air, ocean breezes and amazing people make this area so special to me, and we are so excited to contribute to the community through ICONIC LIFE, luxury lifestyle magazine. Many of you have reminded me that I’ve been talking about this for years!
Renee M. Dee Publisher @reneeldee @youriconiclife
Since the beginning of the year, I’ve visited with new friends and enjoyed all the wonders that Orange County has to offer—the ocean views, stunning sunsets, incredible food and a lifestyle that can’t be beat. You’ll see I’ve been enjoying the best of the best, and that is who we like to work with—the very best of the best. I want to thank my OC friends for welcoming us with enthusiasm for all that is to come, and I want to thank all my Scottsdale friends for all your notes of support. Just like we are rooting for all of you, I feel you are rooting for us in return. I brought my entire team to be on location in California for the breathtaking cover shoot that marks our inaugural issue, and we hope you love it just as much as we do. I’m excited about the editorial that captures what it means to Live Beautifully in two of the most decadent, luxurious, wonderful communities in the country. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to Live Beautifully in pursuit of doing what I love in publishing and sharing the stories of those who are helping us to enjoy the best of the best—an absolute dream come true! Please follow our journey on social media @youriconiclife, sign up for iconiclife.com for fresh content daily and make sure you never miss an issue by subscribing to the print editions. Thank you to all our new friends who are supporting this launch and, as always, thank you to my amazing team who is putting extraordinary efforts into this new edition. Bravo Carlye Klick, Haley Gray and Kaitlyn Beickel for your dedication and enthusiasm!
Renee M. Dee Publisher 32
ICONICLIFE.COM
Courtesy Set Jet
With Gratitude,
architecture
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inspiring living
a r c h i t e c t u r e your l i f e s thome. y le Reimagining
inspiring living 6900 east camelback road suite 400 scottsdale, arizona 85251 P 602 604 2001 F 480 874 7084 www.candelariadesign.com
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Crown Canyon is presented by BedBrock Real Estate Company. Designated Broker Lenny Traw.
Crown Canyon is presented by BedBrock Real Estate Company. Designated Broker Lenny Traw.
VOLUME 02.22 RENEE M. DEE | Publisher CARLYE KLICK | Marketing Director KAITLYN BEICKEL | Editorial and Communications Manager HALEY GRAY | Client Relations and Event Coordinator, Hair & Makeup STACY WALKER | Director of Brand Partnerships, New York ERIN SUWWAN | Publication Designer JACLYN THREADGILL | Publication Designer MARK SACRO | Fashion Photographer KYLE FINLEY | Lighting Design JACKIE ROSE | Stylist PAUL MOORE | Features Photographer CONTRIBUTORS Elyse Glickman, Sam Micatrotto, Fran Miller, Dena Roché, David Rubin, Kristen Shirley, Nora Burba Trulsson and Tom Zenner Advertising and Editorial Queries, contact us at concierge@iconiclife.com 20715 N. Pima Road, Suite 108 Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 480.330.3737 Subscribe NOW: ICONICLIFE.COM Follow us @youriconiclife
ICONICLIFE.COM Live Beautifully © 2022 ICONIC LIFE. All rights reserved. All material in this magazine may not be reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any form without the written permission on ICONIC LIFE.
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ICONICLIFE.COM
is our passion
8340 E. Raintree Dr | Suite B-9 | Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480.538.1288 | www.WineCellarDesigns.biz DESIGN
BUILD
REFRIGERATION
INSTALLATION
E X Q U I S I T E C R A FTS M A N S H I P F O R
L U X U R Y H O M E S
4 8 0 . 9 6 8 . 1 2 2 3 L I N E A R F I N E W O O D W O R K I N G . C O M
THE
LIST By Kaitlyn Beickel
TANGRAM FACTORY
Smart Rope LED Jump Rope, $80 via Apple.
UNCOMMON GOODS Fitness Dice, $19 via Uncommon Goods.
APPLE
Airpods Pro, $250 via Apple.
WINNING WORKOUT Get geared up for your most luxurious at-home workout experience yet.
PENT LOVA
Luxury Kettlebell, $405 each via PENT.
VITAJUWEL
Via Wellness Premium Glass Bottle, $84 via VitaJuwel.
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B o n n e r
D a v i d
G a l l e r i e s Scottsdale | New York
RON H I C KS “The Heart of the Matter” May 12-31, 2022 Artist’s Reception: Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 6-9 pm RSVP: art@bonnerdavid.com
“Sojourn” oil on birch panel | 48" x 24"
7040 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | ar t@bonnerdavid.com | bonnerdavid.com | 480.941.8500
airstream
ADVENTURES The popular and versatile “Silver Bullet” propels travelers into the great outdoors—in style. By Kaitlyn Beickel
AIRSTREAM & TIPI NEAR ASPEN AT TEN PEAKS RANCH Carbondale, Colorado
This Airstream & Tipi near Aspen at Ten Peaks Ranch offers a truly unique glamping experience in the Rockies with a beautiful view of Mount Sopris. Guests can choose to spend their time lounging in the sleek and modern 2018 Airstream, enjoying the mountain air from inside of the tipi or simply lounging on the deck and gazing up at the stars. Due to the high altitude of this vacation rental, you’ll have a stunning view of stars and the Milky Way. Bring your telescope!
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ICONICLIFE.COM
C
onsidered the Cadillac of recreational vehicles and appropriately nicknamed the “Silver Bullet,” these sleek travel trailers provide the ideal modern glamping experience. Airstreams have been around for almost 100 years, and their ICONIC retro-modern look is easily adaptable to a variety of interior styles—and adventure plans.
Thanks to the continuously high demand for this unique style of travel, there are an abundance of Airstream AirBnB vacation rental options available, featuring vintage restored trailers or new, with all the present-day conveniences. Here are our picks for glamping in style.
WANDERLUST AIRSTREAM Joshua Tree, California
View incredible desert scenery near Joshua Tree National Park when you stay at Wanderlust Airstream. Close to scenic hikes in the California desert, this Airstream puts you in the center of nature. The rental owner says you may even see “rabbits hopping around the yard, and coyotes howling at night.” Desert views and wildlife aren’t the only amenities at Wanderlust Airstream. The large wooden decks and Jacuzzi provide the perfect spot for stargazing, and there is a cowboy tub for soaking on hot days. Fire up the grill or roast marshmallows over the firepit just steps away.
VINTAGE ‘71 AIRSTREAM Bradenton, Florida
A self-proclaimed “tiny home,” this vintage ‘71 Airstream is parked underneath an oak canopy and is equipped with several windows, so you can enjoy the fresh Palma Sola beach air while you relax. If the beach isn’t your thing, the Empress Airstream has an outdoor hangout space with a firepit and heated, saltwater pool and spa. Bring your beach cruiser to enjoy the wind in your hair.
ICONICLIFE.COM
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Setting Down
ROOTS Setting down roots in Napa Valley means more to the Palmaz family than a vineyard. By Elyse Glickman
N
apa Valley is known for idyllic conditions. It will forever be associated with rolling terrain, mild yearround temperatures and a home-grown wine and artisanal food scene with an international reputation. After years of regular visits to Napa, Julio and Amalia Palmaz purchased an old estate in Coombsville (in Napa’s southern reaches) and set down roots—in the form of vineyards—to create Palmaz Vineyards. While the estate’s 600 picturesque acres gracefully drape over Mount George, only 60 are suited for the cultivation of grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
There’s an understanding among all members of the Palmaz family—which includes daughter Florencia, son Christian, daughter-in-law Jessica and, by extension, head winemaker Tina Mitchell, son and assistant winemaker Doug Mitchell and consulting winemaker Mia Klein—that even if the scale of production was small and carefully planned, the effort to create premium wines would be all encompassing, collaborative and greater than the sum of its proverbial parts. “It really is a family affair,” explains
Christian. “We work lockstep with each other on every detail. While not all of us have the skill to do blending, we all contribute to the process.” I focus on the physical and scientific side of winemaking, while my wife has the whole marketing thing down. Florencia and my mother are the gifted ones in the family blending the wines, sitting with Mia and Tina on most blending sessions assisting in the direction of the final products.” Then, meet FILCS “Felix,” the mothership of the whole operation, developed by Christian, a former computer engineer, which differentiates it from anything else one will see in Napa.
While function is the most dominant consideration of the winery’s design, the visual aesthetics are also striking. And the wine drinks like a beautiful day in Napa. What’s better than that? 44
ICONICLIFE.COM
Courtesy of Palmaz Winery
“Fermentation is a critical time for a wine’s development, and all characteristics developed during fermentation are the result of the creative direction of the winemaker,” says Christian, who also devised VIGOR, a system assisting workers in the vineyards alerting them to when grapes should be picked by hand.
Art & Design for the Modern Collector
Chris Gwaltney Fortune Teller oil on canvas, 52” x 60”
2043 Westcliff Dr., Ste 102 Newport Beach, CA 92660
714.519.6297 info@kennedycontemporary.com
DAY BAY
A
BY THE
How much fun can you have in 24 hours at Balboa Bay Resort? I did the “work” to find out. By Renee Dee Photography courtesy of Balboa Bay Resort
I
t always feels like there is great energy by the Balboa Bay. Amazing yachts line the harbor, Duffy boats scurry from place to place and at sunset, crew teams swiftly row on the surface. There is a sound to all of this. It’s a lively, but muted tone of chatter that can be heard from the decks of the vessels to the patio at the resort. And everyone sounds happy. So, I was delighted to walk down memory lane and savor all that Balboa Bay Resort has to offer in one dee-lightful day. About five years ago, this venue was my home away from home as I traveled in and out of Orange County almost weekly as president of a luxury company in Newport Beach. Today, after a lovely renovation, there are new things to see and do, and refreshed interiors that absolutely elevate an already lovely place. Neutral and light ocean tones run throughout the resort, taking advantage of the opportunity for beechwood accents and seaside décor.
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I started my day with a gourmet coffee from Blend, the coffee shop in the lobby with an extensive selection of treats, and departed the resort to hike Castaways park just above the Back Bay. After a solid workout, I dashed to my spa appointment for a really enjoyable massage in the renovated spa that is all about Zen, and the products are all organic and have wonderful natural scents. The Spa at Balboa Bay Resort is only available to the resort guests, and it’s a hidden treasure for health and relaxation. They have something for everyone’s taste—from traditional massage to skin treatments and body therapies—using only the world’s finest ingredients. From there, I was just steps away from my blow-out appointment at the DryBar inside the resort, which was super convenient before I really started my day in full swing. Inside everyone was sharing restaurant recommendations and letting me know what was new. At that moment, the decision to shop at Lido Marina Village was solidified. I visited A’maree’s on the way, then Elyse Walker, Jenni Kayne and Sugar Paper, the most adorable stationary shop I’ve seen in a long time (what a lost art!). When I returned, I visited the new recreation concierge who has been relocated to the lobby to make it easy to rent a bicycle, find a Duffy or do something more adventurous, like paddle boarding or booking a whale-watching tour. As evening approached, it was time for dinner on the patio of A + O Restaurant | Bar on the water. Make sure to time dinner with the amazing sunsets featured nightly! A + O Restaurant | Bar is overseen by Chef Prabeen Prathapan, who developed the menu and concept, and I loved the lively vibe. “We wanted to create an approachable, seasonal menu for A + O Restaurant | Bar by incorporating local ingredients and sustainable seafood. We collaborate with local farmers like VR Green Farms in San Clemente to provide us with freshest produce,” says Prathapan. “The menu at A+O is special, because there’s something for everyone!” he continued. “Our goal is to offer a high-quality, yet diverse menu to accommodate families and well-traveled individuals alike. Our extensive wine list compliments our seafood and steak offerings as well as burgers and salads. We provide options that are not only tasty, but satisfying.” In addition to the waterfront views and spectacular sunsets, the craft cocktails are amazing, especially The Vaccine with Herradura Ultra Tequila, blue curacao, pineapple juice, lime juice and coconut syrup. I enjoyed pairing that with the Salt + Pepper Shrimp with coconut sweet & sour sauce, peppercorn spice blend and lime, as well as the Tuna Ceviche. Yum. If you haven’t had enough, enjoy the firepit seating in the bar for a nightcap, and do take time to book brunch for the weekend. It’s a plethora of seafood, salads, carving and omelet stations, and delicious desserts you can’t refuse. It’s always a good day on the bay! ICONICLIFE.COM
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MUST HAVES By Carlye Klick VALENTINO
Summer Tote in Multicolored Raffia, $2,590 via Valentino.
HAUTE TOTES
Tote around the world with these jet-set-ready bags—the carry-all functionality of a tote can’t be beat.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Large Half & Half Tote Bag, $1,100 via Neiman Marcus.
BALMAIN
Monogram Tape Shopping Tote Bag, $2,550 via Neiman Marcus.
BOTTEGA VENETA
LOEWE
Anagram Cutout Calfskin Small Tote Bag, $2,100 via Neiman Marcus.
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Mount Leather Tote in yellow, $3,700 via Saks.
Building Homes. . .Building Relationships We hold the keys to building exceptional homes but enjoy building relationships even more—a true collaborative spirit that endures beyond move in as we take care of every home we build.
GSFRIES.COM // 602.888.2634
Copyright Hunter Douglas
DESIGN A BETTER LIFE smart shades sustainable furniture Copyright Cisco Home
natural fabrics 8711 E PINNACLE PEAK RD SCOTTSDALE AZ 85255
480-478-8612
Silverleaf Custom Estate 10719 E. Rimrock Drive | Scottsdale, AZ 85255 6 Bed | 8 Bath | 13,111 square feet | 9 acres | $19,250,000 2 Bed Guest House 1,789 square feet | Golf Membership Available
Live the Life You’ve Imagined
In Scottsdale’s Most Exclusive Community This stunning, timeless California-style custom estate boasts precision craftmanship and extraordinary city-light views from above and vibrant golf-course views below, backdropped by the magnificent McDowell Mountains. This extraordinary estate is located on an expansive, signature homesite in Silverleaf’s prestigious Horseshoe Canyon. Built in 2012 by prestigious builder, Desert Star Construction, this custom estate offers every luxury and was the first LEED-certified home in Silverleaf. This masterpiece exudes pure elegance, privacy and tranquility.
* List price of home, actual sales price to be presented upon COE. If our property is currently listed, this is not meant as a solicitation. Prices and property availability remain subject to change. Design and price subject to change, finishes shown not guaranteed. © 2022 Silverleaf Realty
Offered By Laura Lester 480.734.7273 SilverleafRealty.com
HI NEIGHBOR!
By Carlye Klick
L
aunching a new business amid a global pandemic might intimidate most. Luckily, Nick Arambula, Mike Fretto and Chris Lee, the founders of Neighbor Outdoor Furniture, didn’t let that slow them down.
opportunity to provide high-quality, affordable and beautiful modern outdoor furniture that was good for the environment, too.
The three met while working at start-up mattress brand Tuft & Needle. The entrepreneurial atmosphere created there contributed to Arambula, Fretto and Lee always thinking about the “next big thing” for their industry.
The company’s first collection, The Haven Collection, is based on a modular format. Lee explains, “This allows the set to grow with the consumer. There’s an opportunity to add additional modules and continue to build out the arrangement as needed. We don’t want somebody to throw away our furniture because their life circumstances change.” A shared-leg design adds sturdiness and links pieces together with a simple design.
When Tuft & Needle was acquired, the guys got together and decided it was the right time to venture into the outdoor living space. They used sustainable, high-quality materials; creating simple, elegant designs; and offered a reasonable price point. They saw an
All pieces are crafted from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified teak, and the cushions are covered in Sunbrella fabrics. The FSC is focused on responsibly harvesting and replanting trees and ensuring living wages and workers’ rights.
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Sunbrella prides itself on sending no waste to landfills and offers fabric lines made with 50 percent to 90 percent post-consumer recycled yarns. Neighbor also ships its furniture in flatpack boxes, saving space and minimizing fuel usage. What’s next for these entrepreneurial friends? Beyond expanding their products’ color selections, they’re also working on creating new items, including rugs, upholstered ottomans and accent tables. They even envision Neighbor sling chairs and poolside lounge chairs. “We’re expanding into the focal point of the indoor of the home: the dining room and kitchen,” Lee says. “We recently added dining tables created from solid teak, which will include some woven chairs.” For Arambula, Fretto and Lee, the possibilities are endless. They intend to carry their mission of quality and sustainability with them no matter what market they enter.
Courtesy of Neighbor
New outdoor lifestyle brand Neighbor crafts eco-friendly furnishings with sustainability and style.
Powder Bath Designed by Rebecca Salcito
SALCITO DESIGN GROUP, LLC Bespoke Interior Architecture, Collaborative & Inspired Interior Design, and Procurement On the Most Exceptional Custom Homes SALCITO.COM | 480.585.5065 |
@SalcitoDesignGroup
All That
JAZZ! SCOTTSDALE JAZZ FESTIVAL PREMIERE
Friday, April 29, 2022
Join us at our inaugural Kierland After Dark event to celebrate the launch of an exciting new series at the majestic Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Celebrate the sounds and sensations of four lively jazz bands: • Fred Boswell Jr. & Terry Harris Ensemble featuring Neamen Lyles on Sax • The Sugar Thieves • Jaleo • Nayo Jones Experience with Doc Jones
Bars open at 5:30 pm Doors open at 6:00 pm Tickets $125 VIP Includes: live music, light food, drinks, wine and scotch samples, dancing, valet parking, and a beautiful outdoor setting.
6902 East Greenway Parkway Scottsdale • 480.624.1202
Change the Chanel
mysisterscloset.com
LET IT GLOW CLR Los Angeles has a candle for every mood inspired by glowing diversity. By Tom Zenner
T
he team behind CLR (pronounced KUHL-ER) knows that scent evokes emotion and memory. Each candle is made by hand in Los Angeles, using color and luxurious fragrance for every mood. Their first collection elevates the rainbow you already know and love. Each candle is, you guessed it, its own CLR, blending luxury with fun and offering subtle reminders to let our colors shine through.
CLR Los Angeles sets itself apart with more than just a line of candles meant to help you glow, it’s founded by people of color, women and LGBTQIA. Founder Taylor Davis views candles as her therapy. When she noticed a gap in the candle market—there were no major candle companies owned by women of color—she decided to create her own brand. CLR was born in collaboration with Candle Delirium in West Hollywood, balancing their longtime industry experience with Davis’s colorful vision. Davis also chose to donate a percentage of all sales to support Black Women for Wellness, an organization helping implement education, outreach and engagement programming. Just as our favorite songs can take us back to a memory, CLR wants colors and scents to evoke the same feelings. Their first classic collection includes Red (dark nuances of tuberose and jasmine), Orange (citrus reimagined with rosewater and earl gray), Yellow (zesty optimism with basil and patchouli), Green (fresh lemon flower 56
ICONICLIFE.COM
and bamboo), Blue (a woody blend of spice and amber) and Purple (sweet lemon with berry and fig). There’s a color for everyone, and you’ll likely find yourself craving different scents based on how you feel that day.
MAKE A STATEMENT.
www.hollywrightdesign.com 7051 E. 5th Ave., Suite G, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
40 Years of
n o i t c a f s Sati
Family-Owned • Residential • Commercial Hardwood Floors that meet our rigorous quality standards Scottsdale Showroom
Gilbert Showroom
Phoenix Showroom
480.607.1919
480.632.9111
623.742.9663
8230 E. Raintree Dr. #107
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Stellar Summer Sippers These refreshing cocktails are guaranteed to induce a summer state of mind.
FREEDOM TONIC
By Fran Miller
By Lucas Huff, Director of Brand Advocacy at Bently Heritage Estate Distillery
The PATRÓN St-Rita offers an elegant variation on the classic margarita, effortlessly elevated by a dash of elderflower-infused St~Germain and a flourish of blooms, styled by renowned floral designer Maurice Harris. Bently Heritage Estate’s Lucas Huff spins a summer classic with his Freedom Tonic, a crowd pleaser that perfectly pairs fresh fruit with the Nevada distillery’s spicy and citrusy Juniper Grove Gin. And Kendie Williams, star mixologist at Four Seasons Resort Nevis, crafts a simple seasonal spritzer with The Waterfall.
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INGREDIENTS 1 ½ ounces Juniper Grove American Dry Gin ½ ounce top shelf grenadine tonic water fresh white peach fresh blueberries
METHOD
Line the bottom of a goblet with the grenadine and fill with ice. Place ¼ of a white peach and the gin into a shaker and muddle. Shake with ice, and strain over an ice filled glass. Top with tonic water, fresh blueberries and chamomile.
Courtesy of Bently Heritage Estate Distillery
F
ew culinary pleasures so exuberantly herald the arrival of warmer weather as a frosty, crafted cocktail. Enjoyed poolside with friends, while tending the grill or relished solo with a great beach read, these stellar, sunshine-inspired sippers readily promote a summer state of mind.
PATRÓN ST-RITA Inspired by Maurice Harris, renowned floral designer
INGREDIENTS 1 ounce St~Germain 1 ½ ounces PATRÓN Silver ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
METHOD
Add all ingredients into a shaker. Shake and strain over an ice-filled, salted rim rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.
THE WATERFALL By Kendie Williams, Four Seasons Resort Nevis Master Mixologist
Courtesy of PATRÓN, Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis
INGREDIENTS 1 ½ ounce vodka ¾ ounce limoncello half handful of watermelon 8 basil leaves 2 ounces ginger ale
METHOD
Muddle watermelon and basil in a shaker. Add vodka and limoncello; shake with ice and fine strain into an ice filled tall glass. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and a basil leaf. ICONICLIFE.COM
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OASIS
IN THE
DESERT
The Azure Palm Hot Springs Spa Resort unearths a fresh, stylish new way to embrace the Coachella Valley’s natural treasures and a healthier lifestyle, too. By Elyse Glickman
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o bring this desert luxury spa resort experience back to earth, just add water and shift the standard paradigm of its location a bit out of left field. This is exactly what film industry veteran Maria Lease had in mind when she looked to Coachella Valley as the prime location for her day spa resort, Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis.
The mineral water powering Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort soars from the ground at 174 degrees, and is packed with beneficial, restorative minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and lithium. Above ground, there are 360 degree views of desert and mountains visible from its position on top of “Miracle Hill,” an apt name for the location. “I knew it was the perfect place to create this day spa and resort escape, while giving back to the community,” says Lease. “The vast size of the property allows for so much creativity to create pockets of respite.” Lease points to nature itself as the “guiding star” for the spa resort’s décor and landscaping. Naturally sourced products used in the spa 62
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and simple, attractive dishes crafted with locally farmed ingredients add up to the ultimate luxury experience. While guests love the mineral water, in-room spa tubs, Himalayan salt room, healthy-yet-flavorful food and the therapeutic spa services, they leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. “Luxury in nature is revealed by clearing away what isn’t needed, versus adding more,” Lease explains. “What could be more luxurious than sitting in a steamy mineral pool, and feeling a gentle breeze on your face on a starlit night under the gaze of snow capped Mount San Jacinto?
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THE
PRINCE OF PRINTS Emilio Pucci’s life was as vibrant as his iconic designs. By Dena Roché
B
orn into a noble Italian family in 1914, the Marquis of Barsento was destined for royalty—fashion royalty, that is.
RENAISSANCE MAN
Pucci’s history has to be one of the most interesting in the fashion world. Born into one of the oldest families in Florence he lived and worked for much of his life in Pucci Palace. He wasn’t just a world-class skier, he also played tennis, swam and raced cars.
The Marquis, better known as designer Emilio Pucci, became known as the Prince of Prints for his signature, vibrant print motifs that featured geometric designs and the psychedelic swirls of the 1960s and 1970s. Pucci’s colorful women’s wear bridged the gap between comfort, style and luxury. His clothes screamed vacation, fun and freedom, all with an undeniable Italian style. His signature tight, shantung “Pucci” pants and vivid wrinkle-free printed silk jersey dresses and blouses earned him many awards, including the “Neiman Marcus Fashion Award” and Harper’s Bazaar Medallion.
SKIING TO SUCCESS
Before he was interested in fashion runways, Pucci was focused on ski slopes. At just 17 he was a member of the 1932 Italian Olympic ski team. His fashion career started by chance in 1947 on the slopes of Zermatt, when skiwear he designed for a female friend was noticed by a photographer for Harper’s Bazaar. She asked him to design more for a photo shoot and the rest is fashion history. In 1950, Pucci debuted his first fashion show in Italy and soon after opened boutiques in 68
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Rome and Capri, catering to the jet setters. He went on to design revolutionary uniforms for Braniff Airways flight attendants in the 1960s and his designs caught the attention of fashion icons like Marilyn Monroe, Sophie Loren, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and Madonna. The ICONIC Monroe is even resting in peace in a green Pucci dress.
When WWII broke out, Pucci joined the Italian Air Force and served as a bomber pilot. During this time, he befriended Mussolini’s daughter, Edda. Pucci was instrumental in saving the life of her husband, who was on trial—ironically—for trying to remove Mussolini from power in 1943. In 1944, it was Pucci who helped Edda escape over the Swiss border. However, when Pucci tried to escape himself at a later date, he was arrested, imprisoned and tortured by the Gestapo before ultimately being released and allowed to cross into Switzerland.
FASHION LEGACY
The self-taught fashion designer left this world in 1992 at age 78. His daughter, designer Laudomia, took over the label when she was just 28-years-old. Today she is Image Director and deputy chair. The Pucci legacy lives on in his brand that is now part of the LVMH collection.
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HAVING A MOMENT
Buffalo Collection
CELEBRATES 10 YEARS A collection of fine handcrafted and heirloom-quality bison leather furniture and luxe accessories made in the USA. By Kaitlyn Beickel
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hen you walk into Buffalo Collection, you enter a Westerninspired world with exquisite quality and one-of-a-kind artisan pieces, and the owners are crafted from that same fine silk.
“At first it was pieces for the ranch itself, the plan was to replace the generic furniture that was there with the new buffalo furniture designs,” says Michael. “Before long, people who were visiting the ranch began asking about it.”
Furniture made with buffalo leather is known for its exceptional durability and softness, and the heirloom-quality furniture offered at Buffalo Collection is the perfect example. Michael and Laura Levenberg opened the unique Scottsdale showroom and gallery after an overgrazed Colorado cattle ranch was converted into a bison ranch as a land restoration experiment.
“They would ask, ‘How can I get a buffalo couch?’”
“It went so well that before long there were too many bison for the amount of land, and a local meat business was started,” says Michael Levenberg. “Not wanting the hides to go to waste, there was a local tanner who could tan the bison hides properly, creating beautiful upholstery leather.”
“We know personally every single artist and craftsman that we represent here, which is a sharp contrast to ordering online, out of a catalog or at a trade show,” says Michael Levenberg. “We go to their studios and workshops, visit with them at least once a year to see what they’re doing and what’s
As the furniture at the ranch grew in popularity, the Levenbergs helped open the first showroom in Aspen, Colorado. A few years later, the couple moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to expand the business, opening the second Buffalo Collection gallery in December 2011.
new, learn more about their personal history, and experience their techniques and pieces.” Their showroom is also filled with stunning wood tables, organic lamps and lighting, decor and original artwork including paintings, sculptures, pottery and more. “As we met other artists and as people found us, it evolved over time into more of a gallery with more museum-quality artwork,” says Laura Levenberg. Not only are the pieces beautiful and hand crafted, but they are also built to last for generations. “We build everything to last 100 years, it can be handed down to your kids and your grandkids, it’s an investment,” says Michael Levenberg. “We work with museum-quality artisans and craftsmen so that these pieces are timeless and not trendy.” ICONICLIFE.COM
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ROCK SOLID
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Tucked into a boulder-strewn hillside, a Paradise Valley home by architect Brent Kendle celebrates the site. By Nora Burba Trulsson Photography courtesy of Kevin Brost ICONICLIFE.COM
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hile the surrounding Paradise Valley, Arizona neighborhood filled in with custom homes, a one-acre hillside parcel remained undeveloped for decades. The reason? The steep lot included a large rock outcropping that took up a big portion of the building envelope. But when a couple decided to buy the property and build their modernist desert dream home, they turned to Scottsdale architect Brent Kendle, a designer who loves a challenge. “I can see why this lot wasn’t ever developed,” Kendle says. “You can’t put a stock house plan on the site, and then you have to think about what to do about the rocks.” Kendle opted to tuck the house up into the hill and at the back of the building site, wrapping the two-level, 6,500-square-foot home around the boulders to celebrate their form. “I did what I call an ‘upside-down’ plan for this home,” says Kendle of the four-bedroom abode. “I put the garage, entry, guest bedroom and laundry on the first level. Up a flight of stairs, the main living spaces and the master suite get all the views, with walls of glass.”
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Indeed, the LED-illuminated floating glass staircase—itself an architectural highlight—leads up to a lounge and dining room—both of which access the glassed-in wine room. The great room with its black marble monolithic fireplace and a kitchen with double islands and three skylights overlook a wrap-around deck that includes a fire pit and the pool’s still sheet of water, designed to reflect the sky. The owner’s suite looks straight out into the rocks, which provide privacy from neighbors. With two additional bedrooms upstairs, there’s also an upper-floor office that cantilevers out over the hillside, its cube-like form marked by a protective wall with a notched opening that focuses on views.
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Kendle teamed with Phoenix builder Mackos Architecture and Construction, and Scottsdale interior designer Claire Ownby to create the home, each bringing their own considerable talents to the project. “This is a solid house,” Kendle points out. “It’s basically a commercial steel and concrete structure that’s very quiet.” In addition to the glass walls, buttressed by vertical glass fins, the home’s materials include stucco walls colored in two shades of gray, an anodized metal fascia and, indoors, polished concrete flooring. Ownby followed the lead of the abode’s sleek architecture with a black, white and gray color scheme, minimalist furnishings and pieces that were low enough to keep the emphasis on the views. With luxe materials and a spare approach to accessories, the interior designer’s touch integrates with the lines of the residence. “With the decks, the views and the open floor plan, this house was designed for entertaining,” says Kendle, summarizing the project. “However, we didn’t want it to feel big and boomy. It works just as well for two people as it does for a big party.”
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The Best Way to See the
MALDIVES
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Experience the best of the Maldives with a vacation to two of its most fabulous resorts—Naladhu Private Island and Anatara Kihavah. By Kristen Shirley Photography courtesy of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas
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here is no shortage of fabulous hotels in the Maldives, which can make deciding where to stay during travel tricky. With more than 100 hotels, you are truly spoiled for choice. The biggest decision you need to make is choosing between a smaller, intimate resort or a larger resort with more amenities. Both have their benefits. At a boutique resort, you feel as if you’re on your own private island, the service is ultra-personal and the ambiance can be magical. Of course, if you’re traveling with a group or with extended family, you can rent out some of the smaller resorts and privatize them. On the other hand, larger resorts have many more amenities and restaurants that serve multiple types of cuisine. So, what’s the solution? We recommend beginning your trip at an intimate private island then switching to a larger resort halfway through. The easiest way to do this
is by staying at resorts owned by the same company. Naladhu Private Island Maldives and Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas have perfected this type of trip, and they make the transition as seamless as possible. After your long journey—it takes more than 24 hours to travel from the US to get to the Maldives—heading to a small, exclusive resort is just the ticket. You can recover from your travel and get over your jet lag in a relaxing environment without being overwhelmed by the sheer number of activities on offer. Believe us, it takes a few days to feel back to normal, and you don’t want to have FOMO during your vacation. Naladhu has just 20 villas on the tiny island, each serviced by an attentive butler. It’s the perfect place to relax into the languid pace of the Maldives. Spend your days reading by your private pool, enjoying the beach at your personal cabana or exploring the waters.
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While Naladhu is quite a relaxing place, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Its water center operates a full slate of excursions, including jet-skiing, yachting, fishing trips, snorkeling and diving expeditions, as well as trips to get up and close with nurse sharks. In addition, Naladhu is connected to sister resorts, Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu, which have plentiful restaurants and activities. As a guest of Naladhu, you can access both resorts, but other guests are not granted access to Naladhu. One of the most unique aspects of Naladhu is its menu-free dining concept. Their fantastic chef cooks fabulous dishes based on what you tell him you’re in the mood for.
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That might be sushi for breakfast, a delicious burger for lunch and refined French cuisine for dinner. The servers are adept at conveying your wishes to the chef, who will frequently come out to chat with you too. Most meals are served in The Living Room, which is the heart of the resort, but you can order to your villa, have a romantic dinner on the beach or pretty much anywhere else on the island. Midway through your vacation, make the switch to Anantara Kihavah. This resort is located on the other side of the archipelago, so you’ll take Naladhu’s yacht to travel to the airport, then catch a seaplane. The resort staff at the airport makes the
transition seamless—they handle your baggage and check-ins, then whisk you to the sea plane’s private lounge in a van. After a short 45-minute seaplane ride with absolutely stunning views, you’ll land at Anantara Kihavah. This resort has a beautiful collection of beach and over-water villas, each with a private pool. Each is serviced by a villa host. For many people, staying in an over-water villa is the pinnacle of the Maldives vacation, and it’s certainly magical here. The uninterrupted views out over the ocean are superb, and the sunsets are spectacular. Be sure to indulge in a floating breakfast in your pool.
Anantara Kihavah has several truly special amenities on property, including a superb house reef for snorkeling and scuba diving (nearby resorts operate their scuba excursions here, that’s how fabulous is it), an over-water observatory with a powerful telescope, an over-water spa and an underwater restaurant with an award-winning wine cellar. Be sure to check out each of these, as they’re truly special. Of course, the island has pristine beaches for relaxing, over-water hammocks and plenty of excursions, including swimming with manta rays. The only question left—when are YOU planning YOUR vacation?
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Chic
SUSTAINABILITY Fashionista Tess Loo Designs Her Home Exclusively With Preloved Pieces By Kaitlyn Beickel Photography courtesy of Paul Moore
T
ess Loo’s luxe home decor is anything but ordinary, in fact, much of it is secondhand or DIY. As co-owner and Chief Fashion Officer of Eco-Chic Consignments—a collection of boutique resale stores including My Sister’s Closet, Well Suited and My Sister’s Attic—Loo is all too familiar with the unique style and joy that preloved interior design can bring. “I believe that in decorating, you can do high and low. You can buy a piece from Goodwill for $35, mix it with an antique you might have, and nobody knows and you don’t ever have to tell them,” says Loo.
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Her immaculately decorated three-story home is filled with uncommon treasures, many of which hail from Loo’s own My Sister’s Attic boutique. Starting on the first floor, you won’t find a television in her living room, but instead you’ll find yourself immersed in fine artwork and decor contained within a chic blackand-white motif. Loo re-covered all of her living room furniture in solid black and added pops of her favorite color, pink, throughout the space. You can also spot many varieties of pears on her first floor, which Loo has an affinity for collecting. The shining centerpiece of the interior design is an off-the-wall rendition of The First Supper painting. “This is an amazing painting that I bought in Santa Fe many, many, many years ago and I would tell you the name of the artist but I could never remember,” says Loo. “But here is what I do remember about this painting—he’s a famous artist in Santa Fe, and he had no idea what he was painting here, but somebody brought him this frame, which is so stunningly pretty, so he decided he’d do his own version of ravens and The Last Supper.” In the kitchen, clean black and white design is accented by chic glassware, each of which represents one of the seven deadly sins, and a man-shaped stainless steel knife-block that Loo was gifted by her sister and lovingly refers to as her “ex-boyfriend.” “I got to pick out every detail, color and cabinetry,” says Loo. “I had a lot of fun with the kitchen, and I’m such a fickle creative artist, because once I get things finished I want to instantly redo it. This has been a great lesson for me because it just needs to stay the way it is for right now.”
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On the second floor of the home, Loo took down a wall separating two bedrooms to create one larger space, which now houses her office. Her desk space is adorned with home decor and memorabilia from her notable creative projects throughout the years, including her incredible work done in partnership with the Arizona Humane Society and the Phoenix Art Museum. On the opposite wall, you’ll find more artwork created by Loo. After her Range Rover was totaled by her daughter at age 15, Loo was inspired to create a painting using the letters from the vehicle’s nameplate. She went to the junkyard after the accident, heels and all, with a screwdriver in hand to get what she needed. “I was there in the junkyard with my screwdriver, propping my letters off of my Range Rover and then I came home and made this painting and turned the letters into jewelry, just to show there’s a silver lining to every story,” says Loo.
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In her bedroom, you’ll find one of Loo’s favorite pieces she has ever purchased at My Sister’s Closet—a voguish Chanel belt. “It’s about 15 years old, but it was new and still in the box, and it is a treasure,” she says. “I don’t wear it very often because it’s so fragile, but it’s over here like a little crown and just makes me happy to know that beautiful things were made back then and still today.” Adding to her sustainable home, the silver ottomans in the room were recovered by Loo in SoulCycle shopping bags. She chose the SoulCycle bags because they were reminiscent of her time spent living in Laguna Beach with her daughter and the classes the two would religiously take every day. Upstairs on the third floor, you’ll find Loo’s cozy hangout, decorated with eye-catching red velvet chairs from My Sister’s Attic and a collection of buddhas of all types. “I love Buddhas and what they represent–meditation, peacefulness and kindness,” says Loo. “I’ve always collected them.” Her advice for crafting well-thought out interior design in a sustainable home? Start with what you have. “When you are decorating the first thing you need to do is edit your own house and see what you have room to room, because you can move things around to make it more balanced and make it make more sense,” she says.
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GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE
Soak in the sunshine in luxe styles that shine in every color of the rainbow. By Kaitlyn Beickel CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Renee Dee, PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Sacro, LIGHTING: Kyle Finley, STYLING: Jackie Rose, HAIR & MAKEUP: Haley Gray, MODEL: Taylor from The Industry LA, ICONIC LIFE TEAM: Carlye Klick, Kaitlyn Beickel, Haley Gray, LOCATION: Custom Estate, Dana Point, California, ARCHITECT: Brandon Architects, BUILDER: Genova Construction, INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE: Hawk & Co, FURNITURE + STYLING: Brooke Wagner, REALTOR: Arlen Raubach Group, Compass 96
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GOLDEN HOUR
Lanvin long charmeuse tribute dress, South Coast Plaza. Jimmy Choo gold strappy heels, Marrin Costello earrings.
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BEACHY KEEN
Jonathan Simkhai macramé midi skirt, Farm Rio toucans one-piece swimsuit, Max Mara sunglasses, South Coast Plaza. Gorjana earrings.
INSPIRATION
It’s time to pull out the beach towels and colorful tote bags—warm weather is here, and we are basking in it as we celebrate the launch of our Orange County edition of ICONIC LIFE. Chic summerwear that embraces bold prints, warm colors and timeless silhouettes are making waves this season in a rainbow of colors—both on and off the sand. Read our Publisher’s Letter for more on this issue’s inspo. 98
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PINK PARADISE
Valentino halter chiffon gown. Manolo Blahnik metallic patent leather & chain ankle-strap pumps, South Coast Plaza. Marrin Costello necklace.
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GO GREEN
Acler pleated satin midi dress, Missoma pendant necklace, Intermix, South Coast Plaza.
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SHORE THING
Lanvin rose skirt, Lanvin sequined halter top, Marrin Cotsello jewelry, Manolo Blahnik gold strappy sandal heels, Eugenia Kim satin-trimmed fedora, Intermix, South Coast Plaza. 102
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FRINGE WATCH
Jonathan Simkhai embroidered cotton halter dress, Gia Borghini X Pernille Teisbaek padded leather mules, Intermix, Lanvin hobo cat bag, South Coast Plaza. Gorjana hoop earrings.
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IN THE RAINBOW
Valentino striped, sequin one-shoulder mini dress, Valentino Garavani rockstud caged leather high-heel sandals. Gorjana hoops.
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FRILL SEEKER
Zimmermann ruffled paisley crop top, Jonathan Simkhai lace dress, Cult Gia PVC Slide Sandals, Intermix, South Coast Plaza. Gorjana ring. Marrin Costello earrings.
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SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND
Max Mara white linen pantsuit set, Cult Gia Olivine top, South Coast Plaza. Valentino heel sandal. Gorjana rings.
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DINNER & DRINKS
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What’s for Dinner and Drinks? We asked acclaimed Chef Angelo Sosa to answer the proverbial question, recipes and all!
Y
ou may recognize renowned Chef Angelo Sosa from his appearances on several television shows—including three seasons of Bravo’s Top Chef and HBO Max’s Selena + Chef—and now you can enjoy his culinary expertise at his new signature restaurant in Scottsdale, Tía Carmen.
The contemporary Southwestern restaurant celebrates the local landscape, farmers and community of the Southwest, all while also paying tribute to Sosa’s aunt. “Throughout my life, my Tía Carmen instilled in me a passion and love for cooking, teaching me the impact and the power that food can have when made from a place of pure love,” Chef Sosa says. “Traveling through the Southwest gave me the opportunity to explore the region through the lens of ranchers, potters, farmers and artisans.”
By Kaitlyn Beickel Photography courtesy of Tía Carmen
“I have always had a deep fascination and appreciation for Southwestern food traditions. It has been an honor and privilege to be able to contribute to this beautiful and rich culinary narrative,” he added. The dinner menu at Tía Carmen is divided into three sections— light + fresh, maize + harina and charcoal + wood + fire, highlighting the flavorful ingredients from the region. So, what is for dinner and what are we having for drinks?
OUR EXPERT Renowned Chef Angelo Sosa, WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM Tía Carmen, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, THE INSPO Fresh and Flavorful, DINNER Tuna Crudo, Corn Coconut Broth and Dill, DRINK Spritz ICONICLIFE.COM
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DINNER & DRINKS
DINNER
TUNA CRUDO, CORN COCONUT BROTH AND DILL SERVES FOUR CORN COCONUT BROTH Ingredients 2 tablespoons oil, grapeseed 1 tablespoon salt, kosher, diamond crystal 4 tablespoons shallot 4 tablespoons ginger, peeled, slice thin 2 teaspoons serrano chile 1/2 cup corn, organic 1 1/4 cups coconut milk 3 cups coconut water 5/8 cup sugar 1 teaspoon. turmeric, powder 6 tablespoons lemongrass 4 piece kaffir leaf 6 tablespoons lime juice, fresh 110
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Method
Heat a medium size pot and add oil, shallots, ginger, serrano chile and lemongrass. Lightly sweat until translucent. Add corn kernels, coconut milk, water, sugar and turmeric and bring to an immediate boil. Cut heat and add remaining ingredients (except lime juice) making sure lemongrass and kaffir leaf are smashed. Cover with plastic and steep for 20 minutes and strain. Cool broth completely and then blend on high for approximately one minute. Remove and chill. If using immediately add lime juice and taste. Adjust seasoning and serve.
CHILE OIL Ingredients 3 tablespoons chipotle chile 1 tablespoon pasilla chile 3 tablespoons ancho chile 1 tablespoon canella 3 tablespoons smoked paprika 3 pieces whole clove 3 pieces whole allspice 2 cups oil, grapeseed 3/4 tablespoon salt, kosher, diamond crystal
GARNISH Method
Ingredients
In a medium sized pot over low flame, lightly toast all ingredients before adding oil and salt.
8 ounces tuna and cut sashimi thin 1/8 inch thick 2 tablespoons chile oil 4 tablespoons jicama matchsticks 2 cups corn broth 4 tablespoons baby cilantro 4 tablespoons dill 2 tablespoons flowers Sea salt to taste
After five minutes of toasting, add oil and salt and cook on low flame for 20 minutes, making sure to not burn any of the spices. Blend but don’t strain.
SERVE IT!
Lightly season the tuna slices with kosher salt, rub with chile oil. Place onto a platter and place jicama matchsticks on top of tuna. Pour corn broth around tuna, but not covering the fish. Garnish with cilantro and dill, flowers, and finish with a light dusting of sea salt.
DRINK
SPRITZ Ingredients 1 ounce Mommenpop Blood Orange Aperitif Wine ½ ounce vodka ½ ounce limoncello ½ ounce tamarind ponche 1/4 ounce Cointreau .35 ounce citrus oleo Pinch of salt 2 dashes of orange bitters
Method
Swizzle mixture briefly with ice and three fresh lemon wheels. Top with ice, crown with seltzer and garnish with pomegranate seeds, dried fruits and fresh edible flowers.
SHARE YOUR SUCCESS We hope you’ll try these recipes at home. When you do, please share images and experiences with us @youriconiclife #iconiclifedinnerdrinks.
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Five artists, five distinctive visions and the infinite ways they are redefining modern art on their own terms. By Elyse Glickman
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ome artists paint to make a political statement, while others strive to capture nature, emotions or the human condition through personalized techniques that can’t be duplicated in textbooks, seminars or art schools.
Five artists currently making their mark on the world–Chris Gwaltney, Ron Hicks, Ruben Rojas, Richard Orlinski and Kerry Schroeder—fit this dynamic by not fitting into traditional definitions of what defines an artist. Through their highly individualized approach to color, design and structure, they draw, color and shape things completely outside of the lines— even making up their own rules as they go.
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CHRIS GWALTNEY
Kennedy Contemporary
“I’m a better editor than I am an inventor,” says Laguna Beach, California-based Chris Gwaltney about his unique painting technique. “I’ll paint in many figures and let them fight it out. I allow for the underlying sketches, the ‘original argument’ behind a given painting, to show through in the end result. While this approach may seem a little unconventional, I believe a painting is a testament to time well spent.” By walking a line between abstraction and figurative images in his painting, the resulting images are evocative, luminous and lush. He applies color with unexpected washes along with shapes and lines achieved by physically scraping the surface as he generously slaps paint onto the canvas. In his latest collection, ELEMENTAL (his first in nearly a decade), he takes this bold approach to a new place, moving further away from figurative constraints and digging deeper into the use of color to capture a viewer’s heart and mind. “Gwaltney is at the point where he is fully in command of his medium, has refined his touch, and is casually and deceptively simple in his meaning,” observes Bolton Colburn, Former Director of Laguna Art Museum in advance of the new exhibit. “He is an artist who likes to push himself to build on what he has done, discard it and rebuild again. Continually evolving, taking from his surroundings and from his life, and recasting it into something worthy of our attention.” For Gwaltney, gestures and their implied emotions are more important than pure representation and finish. Gwaltney has used his entire family as source material—from the growth of his children, the resiliency and strength of his wife to the passing of both his father and his father-in-law. He feels these relationships are the most honest way to express layered emotion. Although Gwaltney was born in Van Nuys, in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, his influences are drawn from prominent members of the Bay Area Figurative School, including Nathan Olivera, Manuel Neri, Joan Brown, de Stabler and Joan Mitchell. His interest in art originated at an early age following an injury that left him on crutches for a year and a half. Soon after, at the insistence of an artist friend, he started painting. This led to his studies at California State University at Fullerton, earning his Bachelors of Arts in 1984 and Masters of Fine Arts in 1986. ICONICLIFE.COM
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Ron Hicks’ striking portraits and figures are as intimately personal as they are far reaching and relevant in today’s social climate, and often closely related to his personal past. His “Surfacing” and “Identity” series of paintings originated from his own experiences dealing with race, social issues, and the other things affecting him as a minority on a day-to-day basis. “When I started these bodies of work and looked at how things affected me, my mind jumped,” says Hicks, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio and has called Denver, Colorado home for much of his adult life. “As soon as I let my experiences open the door, other ideas blossomed. With (my) paintings, it’s like there’s a part of me trying to get out and deal with my own past. I’m not trying to create answers, I’m opening a dialogue.” Hicks explained that many art genres inspire him, including abstract non-objective paintings, impressionism, realism and representational art. He also cites his mother, an artist in her own right, as an inspiration and his “biggest cheerleader,” while he credits wife Sharon for being the “rocket fuel” that’s powered both his creative output and his ascent in the art world.
RON HICKS
Bonner David Galleries
“I don’t think it would be possible for me to actually do what I do without her support,” he says. “There are many artists who don’t have that supportive presence and often experience a constant battle. She enables me to be free to be as creative as I can be in (today’s competitive) environment.” And Hicks’ journey continues, creating canvases that are as timeless as they are in tune with today’s headlines and subjects all human beings can relate to. “I’m astonished by how many artists want to control how the public sees their art,” he says, looking back to some of his early commissions where clients were inclined to give him a little too much direction and yet did not get the perfect result. “The way I see it, an artist needs to let people bring their own experiences to the work and be comfortable with whatever responses they have. While I don’t want to stand in the way of that happening, there’s a bigger purpose in what I as an artist sees and brings to the painting. If you allow me to do what I do as an artist, you’ll get a better result.” ICONICLIFE.COM
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Kerry Schroeder’s palette not only includes paints in a spectrum of alluring colors, but also elements of nature that inspire her. This allows her to create paintings that may be ethereal and abstract, but also grounded in the physical world. Through this expanded vocabulary, she is able to express new perspectives on personal and universal experiences and the many cycles of life. She explains that forms, shapes, lines and colors travel through a larger, more expansive lense, allowing the viewer to find and connect with something relatable within the abstract. Schroeder came to Michael Costello through another artist he represented, and immediately grasped why her approach was so relatable to a variety of viewers.
KERRY SCHROEDER Costello Gallery
“It was apparent that Kerry had great talent and that the work was a fit with our gallery,” states Costello. “Every artist wants to create a look that people will recognize...the perfect song, that great dance move, the Academy Award-winning performance. Kerry’s work stands out from both a compositional standpoint and the style in which she paints.” Before it had occurred to her that working as a professional artist was even possible for her, Schroeder applied her skills by working as a professional advertising and graphic designer. As she was always drawn to creating visual, vivid images, it was a logical career path. “My work is about how it feels to be in this life and what we experience, such as change, transformation, setbacks, loss, rebirth, frustration, joy, and so much more,” Schroeder details. “These experiences represent what it is to be a human getting through life the best we can. For me, this recognizes the individual path we are all on and tells us to be ourselves. If everyone truly lived from a place of who we really are, I think this would be a very different world.” Schroeder’s paintings—and ideas—have appeared in galleries and cultural centers across the United States, including the Costello Childs Fine Art Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Seattle, Pryor Fine Art in Atlanta and Arthouse in Austin, Texas. ICONICLIFE.COM
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“My artworks are an expression of freedom and passion,” affirms artist Richard Orlinski, who proudly calls Paris—one of the world’s definitive art capitals—home. “I live and work in Paris because I am French to the core. I love my country and the connection I have with it and the people there. I have always lived in Paris…it is my city.” While Orlinski’s work has a worldwide following, his four children are his most prized fans and one of his great inspirations, as they enjoy exploring new places and seeking out new experiences just as he does. This is why when he does get a request for public art, he wants to be absolutely sure the message behind the commission will speak to the viewers as much as the images themselves do. “I always try to see the site in person to make sure the company, organization or collector shares my vision and my values so we can collectively imagine and then create something that represents us both very well,” he says.
RICHARD ORLINSKI
Markowicz Fine Art Gallery
“I also try to see if there is a link or a connection that gives an artistic and aesthetic value to my work. I’m not afraid to exhibit my artwork in unusual places, especially where people wouldn’t expect to see it. It is my philosophy to make art accessible to everyone, adults and children alike. I always try to provoke an immediate emotion when people experience my art.” And to evoke the desired response from viewers, what is better than animals as his subjects? Orlinski says he’s always felt very close to wild animals because they can’t help but be true to themselves, living without fear. To capture the spirit of each individual creature, he says he never limits himself in terms of color and materials to express their authentic animal instinct. He then sprinkles in his imagination, or “innovative ideas,” as he puts it, to make his animals even wilder than they may be in real life to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Therefore, the intention behind his “Born Wild” series is to transform negative emotions the viewer may feel into positive vital impulses, and shift from an “archaic animal instinct’’ to a more civilized mood. ICONICLIFE.COM
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Armed with paints, art supplies, and ideas, Ruben Rojas states his case for the widespread adoption of his optimistic “live through love” outlook on life. It’s a message that’s traveled far in a short period of time since he transitioned from a corporate careerist to a full-time artist. He also doesn’t limit himself with his mediums, as his commissioned murals, sculptures and canvases can be found all over his native Los Angeles, as well as other U.S. cities—Chicago, San Antonio, Houston, Columbus, Iowa, Mississippi, Pennsylvania—and Paris. He has since taken his signature style into several clothing lines, NFTs and a podcast launched this past February. “‘Live through love,’ is an active way of being human, just like Nike’s ‘Just do it,’” Rojas explains. “We have a choice to operate in life out of love or out of fear. If you turn on the TV, all you’re really seeing is fear. While we need to be informed about the turmoil, we also need to see how people are helping each other get through the situation.”
RUBEN ROJAS
Street Artist
Rojas’ outlook as an artist is rooted in personal life experiences. He recalls driving past ICONIC murals along L.A.’s freeways and boulevards (including “The Great Wall of Los Angeles,” designed by artist Judy Baca and brought to life between 1976 and 1983 by artists, community members, and over 400 youth) and the weekend kids’ art classes his mother enrolled him in. The “a-ha” moment prompting him to change gears was meeting up with a friend who introduced him to a personal development leadership program. “I didn’t know anything about the art world...how galleries, art shows, agents and managers worked,” Rojas says. “I did not know about how (I would) make a living as an artist, and did not study how to have a career in art.” “What I did know all was that being able to create my artwork on my terms was important to me and the people whose lives would be affected by those murals, sculptures, and other projects,” he continued. “When I took on my first projects, I had not yet developed my own style at that point. However, when I realized I could make a living doing this, it gave me the confidence to move forward.” ICONICLIFE.COM
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One&Only Nyungwe House: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Journey to
RWANDA Experience the thrill of trekking through the wild to observe beautiful creatures like gorillas and the Big Five. By David M. Rubin
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Through observing these gorillas up close and exploring Rwanda, guests feel and bring home unique, very personal, close connections with the wildlife, nature, mankind and a general feeling of interconnectedness. Terms like “mesmerizing, awesome, life-changing, powerful and poignant” help describe visiting with gorillas in their natural habitat in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Expert trackers and guides lead small groups up bamboo-covered slopes to visit with golden monkeys and to spend a magical and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from gorillas, our primate cousins. Even closer relatives to humans are chimpanzees, and a visit to Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park can include exhilarating chimpanzee tracking. And doing so can help save the species, too. The largest living primate, gorillas are spread across much of the equatorial African rainforest. The species is split into lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas. The volcanic range which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Gorilla “tracking” or “trekking” in Rwanda is safe and relatively accessible. This is a must for every traveler’s bucket list, especially now that there are stunning lodges with world class luxury, including Singita and One&Only.
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One&Only Nyungwe House: Nyungwe Forest National Park, Magashi Camp: Akagera National Park
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ust 10 feet in front of me was a large gorilla mom gently holding, hugging and kissing her newborn. Then, the giant silverback gorilla dad, ambled over and gave both a big hug! It was heartwarming and such humanlike behavior.
THE GIFT OF GIVING DIAN FOSSEY GORILLA FUND
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is dedicated to continuing Dian Fossey’s work of protecting gorillas while helping and educating the people who live near them. Gorillas are beautiful, resilient animals, but poaching and habitat destruction have pushed their populations to the brink of extinction. Dian Fossey knew that gorillas would need human help to survive.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
The Fossey Fund’s symbolic gorilla adoption program is a wonderful way to develop a personal connection with the gorillas that are protected and studied every day. Adopters or their gift recipients receive online adoption certificates, photos, profiles, a video of their gorilla and regular updates. Adopting a gorilla helps ensure the species’ future by supporting this gorilla protection work in Africa, protecting endangered gorilla families and helping to save their critical forest homes. When you visit gorillafund.org/adopt, you’ll be able to choose the gorilla you want to adopt. Gorilla adoptions also make unique and meaningful gifts for your friends and family. Follow @savinggorillas ICONICLIFE.COM
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There are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild. There are 12 gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback male along with several females and youngsters.
Six tracking permits are issued per troop, per day and only to guests 15 years or older. There are only 96 permits available each day in Rwanda, and each permit costs $1,500. Arrangements can even be made for guests who cannot hike to be carried in specially designed seats supported by poles carried on the shoulders of four porters. At certain times, the permit price can go down to $1,050 when visiting more than one national park in Rwanda, and this is highly recommended.
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Akagera is a beautiful and still quite undiscovered national park. With great conservation and reintroduction programs, Akagera now has the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo)! The low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodlands, wetlands and a dozen lakes. Game-viewing jeep safaris may include sights of the Big Five, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more.
NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Chimpanzees tracking is a “must do” here! Chimpanzees are fierce apes and viewing a habituated family from a safe distance with trained trackers is exhilarating. It takes nine years to habituate a 128
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Singita Kwitonda Lodge Bar, Magashi Camp: Akagera National Park
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
BEST OF THE BEST OF RWANDA We recommended a 13-night journey with very high-quality accommodations:
1. Two nights in Kigali at The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, Villa Kigali or Heaven Boutique Hotel 2. Three nights in Akagera National Park at Magashi Camp (including game drives, game walks and boating options each day) 3. Four nights in Volcanoes National Park at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, The Bishop’s House or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (including two days of Gorilla trekking and one day Golden Monkey trekking) 4. Three nights in Nyungwe Forest National Park at One&Only Nyungwe House (including one day of Chimpanzee trekking) 5. One night in Kigali to enjoy an evening in the capital.
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Akagera National Park
Nyungwe National Park
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One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of habituated chimpanzee families, as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. Also, visit a habituated troop of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys nearby. Visitors marvel at the 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids. Birdwatching is also a highlight with 322 bird species, including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift Endemic species. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species. Memorable nature experiences include hiking the Isumo Waterfalls trail through the forest and traversing from above on the state-of-theart Canopy Walk suspension bridge that is 1,400 feet long and 210 feet high. The beautiful One&Only Nyungwe House lodge is located nearby on the rolling hills of a tea plantation. This is a perfect luxury lodge to enjoy spa treatments, fine food, relax and appreciate your travels in Rwanda. 130
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KIGALI
Kigali is the safe and clean capital of Rwanda. With nice hotel options, it is your entry point with flights from many countries, including non-stop flights from the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center with an expert is important to understand the depths of the horror, killing and depravity of man that occurred in Rwanda in 1994. Moreover, it is profound to see, during your visit, the amazing ability of man to rebound and rebuild a society and the country of Rwanda. Now, we can also see many Rwandans in search of new leadership to help their country continue to move forward.
READY TO GO?
For your business and leisure travels worldwide, call on David Rubin and his staff at DavidTravel. In 1996, David moved from a successful law practice, followed a deep passion for travel and launched his travel company. David is on both the Travel + Leisure “A-List” and the Conde Nast Traveler “Specialist List” of the best travel advisors for delivering unparalleled style, attention to detail, and insider access uniquely responding to each client’s goals, budget, interests and dreams at www.DavidTravel.com.
One&Only Nyungwe House: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee family, but only nine months to habituate a Gorilla family. This is a testament to the gentle nature of the gorillas versus their aggressive chimpanzee relatives.
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One&Only Nyungwe House: Nyungwe Forest National Park
best
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AMERICAN LIVING Take a look at these stunning and unique custom estates that won the 2021 NAHB “Best in American Living” home awards.
By Kaitlyn Beickel
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ach year the National Association of Home Builders’ “Best in American Living” Award winners are the pinnacle of luxe design trends from around the country. The awards shine a spotlight on the top building industry professionals who are hitting the mark with outstanding residential designs. Here we highlight the most ICONIC homes from the 2021 “Best in American Living” Award winners:
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GOLD WINNER
RAZOR’S EDGE
One-Of-A-Kind Custom Home 5,001 - 6,000 Sq. Ft.
What was once a poorly situated ranch home with overgrown landscaping in a highly sought after neighborhood became the site for a beautiful and new single family home. The reimagined architecture was positioned to open up view corridors, manage two washes and avoid the harsh Arizona sun. The home’s stunning topographical features are contrasted with light, wing-like plaster forms and stone elements that keep it firmly grounded. Defying gravity, the south wing of Razor’s Edge hovers above the ground, allowing for rain water to pass through the natural wash beneath it. The four bedroom home has an impressive upper game loft with nearly 360-degree views through clerestory glass of the natural desert surroundings. The adjacent patios and ample outdoor space make it the ideal home for connecting with nature.
Courtesy of Jeff Zaruba Photography
ARCHITECT Drewett Works, BUILDER Bedbrock Developers, INTERIOR DESIGNER Holly Wright Design
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SILVER WINNER Remodeling—Entire Home, Up To $250,000
CURVY HOME PROJECT Iconic Design + Build—led by Owner and Principal Designer Kaitlyn Wolfe—transformed this Scottsdale, Arizona home from an awkward and outdated space to a stunning and desert paradise with custom furnishings. The design team saw the once dark and heavy space as an opportunity to let in a breath of fresh air, with bright natural lighting and accents of clean white where dull beige once lived. Carved into the side of a mountain, the Curvy Home’s design now embraces its desert roots with a striking natural color scheme and fabrics. The owner’s bright artwork became the centerpiece for the design, matched with equally dazzling finishes and shapes throughout the home. Iconic Design + Build also incorporated a custom-designed kitchen island and custom nightstands to further add to the home’s unique eye-catching focal points.
Courtesy of Kevin Brost
INTERIOR DESIGNER Iconic Design + Build
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PLATINUM WINNER One-Of-A-Kind Custom Home 5,001 - 6,000 Sq. Ft.
20TH STREET
Courtesy of LANGOWORKS
This Costa Mesa custom home was done by Brandon Architects, one of the several projects from the architect that earned a “Best in American Living” Award for 2021. Designed to be a thoughtful addition to the growing community, the elongated lot provides ample space for gathering. In a predominantly single-story neighborhood, it was a challenge to scale the front façade—so the design team chose to make the garage and the trellis facing the street single-story. This home embraces the transitional style, with a weathered and timeless look achieved with natural and rustic materials. Refurbished brick and recycled wood doors complement the home’s modern steel to create a stunning overall design perspective. The brick is used in impressive archways that draw the eye to the common spaces in the house, which are surrounded by large pocketing glass doors that open completely to the outdoors. Step outside, and you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy free time, be it at the sunken fire pit, sport courts, pool and spa or the dining area. ARCHITECT Brandon Architects, BUILDER Patterson Custom Homes, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT David A Pedersen, INTERIOR DESIGNER Brooke Wagner Design ICONICLIFE.COM
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GOLD WINNER One-Of-A-Kind Custom Home 6,001 - 8,000 Sq. Ft.
MONTECITO
Vaulted ceilings with skylights and plenty of windows allow for an abundance of California sunshine, illuminating the well-thought out spaces in the kitchen, dining room and family room. The interiors are coastal inspired with light wooden fixtures and white marble that contrast the home’s dark wooden features. The basement level was designed into an entertainment area that opens up into a large courtyard—ideal for taking in the ocean breezes. ARCHITECT Brandon Architects, BUILDER RDM General Contractors LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT David A Pedersen, INTERIOR DESIGNER Brooke Wagner Design 136
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Courtesy of LANGOWORKS
Newport Beach’s Spyglass Hill is highly coveted for good reason, and this home maximizes the benefit of living in the community with spectacular panoramic ocean views. Montecito is a single-story residence with a design that embraces both modern and traditional materials. Generating curbside appeal from the eye-catching vertical wood sliding on the garage door to the light-colored stone exterior, the juxtaposed elements are what makes this home’s design special.
PLATINUM WINNER Specialty Outdoor Room
EBONY AND IVORY
Courtesy of Werner Segarra Photography
A marriage of light and dark design principles make this Paradise Valley home the best of both worlds. When the husband and wife owners were divided over style, the resulting finished home was a product of collaboration. Architect Drewett Works teamed up with Bedbrock Developers and Mara Interior Design to meet the needs of the active family, while creating a modern and beautiful home. The kitchen is a testament to the owner’s love for food—showcasing the chef, while also providing more hidden spaces for prep work. The centerpiece of the home is the indoor/outdoor bar, where guests can enjoy nature and privacy all in one place. Ivory chipped-face limestone walls with innovative ceiling treatments are another eye-catching element of the home, and there’s a stellar wine cellar with a hidden wine vault to store a legendary collection. ARCHITECT Drewett Works, BUILDER Bedbrock Developers, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Bedbrock Developers, INTERIOR DESIGNER Mara Interior Design, WINDOWS Roadrunner Glass ICONICLIFE.COM
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SILVER WINNER On-The-Boards Single-Family Custom Home
LA HILLSIDE CONTEMPORARY RESIDENCE
To enter the home, guests take an entry bridge over a sunken courtyard that has a lively waterfall/fire feature. The must-have infinity pool, spa and pool house complete the outdoor area. Inside, the large open living room and kitchen are key for entertaining, and each bedroom has its own private wing. ARCHITECT PHX Architecture, BUILDER KES Homes, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT GM Future Designs, INTERIOR DESIGNER Insert Design 138
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Renderings produced by PHX Architecture
On a hillside in Highland, California, sits a contemporary, award-winning home by PHX Architecture, KES Homes, GM Future Designs and Insert Design. The five bedroom home has seven bathrooms, and large windows to capture the stunning views of the valley below. Sit out on the patio or large rooftop deck, designed to allow for indoor-outdoor living, to fully take in the home’s beautiful surroundings.
PLATINUM WINNER One-Of-A-Kind Custom Home Over 8,000 Sq. Ft.
OCEANFRONT PLACE
Courtesy of LANGOWORKS
Is there anything more luxurious and ICONIC than a private, human aquarium? This Dana Point home by Hawk & Co and Hill Construction Company has just that—and a luxe subterranean cocktail lounge, too. This massive pool (double the weight of a standard pool) is surrounded by wall-size windows that illuminate the indoor bar space with an incredibly unique blue glow. Due to the sheer size of the pool, this home design required extensive structural coordination and complex waterproofing measures. The entrance hall of Oceanfront Place is home to a custom chandelier, a spiral staircase and crisp marble flooring. Walk through the home into the great room to see walnut paneled walls and an Art Deco-inspired stepped ceiling, leading to the adjacent dining room and a huge kitchen with custom metal cabinetry. The owners suite is accessible by a second spiral staircase, where they can enjoy unobstructed sunset views. ARCHITECT Hawk & Co., BUILDER Hill Construction Company, INTERIOR DESIGNER Hawk & Co. ICONICLIFE.COM
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PLATINUM WINNER Remodeling—Entire Home, Over $750,000
NOW AND ZEN
Courtesy of Dino Tonn Photography
This re-imagined Paradise Valley home rests on an Arizona hillside with indescribable views of Camelback Mountain. The older home was transformed into a zen-like retreat by the experts at Scottsdalebased architecture firm Drewett Works, Brimley Development and Ownby Design. The architecture is firmly “grounded by limestone tablets while uplifted through expansive fenestrations and soaring roof planes with zinc fascia and Douglas fir tongue-and-groove.” The once stuccoed home now embraces a refined palette of natural materials—limestone walls and floors, hemlock ceilings, vertical grain rift oak millwork—accented by complementing tile and countertops. What was once formal and informal spaces now overlap into once, removing some of the rigidness of the original home layout. Indoor and outdoor living spaces also combine into one, with the upstairs media room opening up into a patio with incredible mountain views. ARCHITECT Drewett Works, BUILDER Brimley Development, INTERIOR DESIGNER Ownby Design ICONICLIFE.COM
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ICONIC By Sam Micatrotto
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f there is anything we recognize, it’s when something has made its mark on the world in an ICONIC way, and the Aston Martin DB5 perfectly fits that category. Often dubbed “the most famous car in the world,” the DB5 became the dream car of many once they saw James Bond behind the wheel on the silver screen in Goldfinger and again for subsequent generations as it appeared in at least six other Bond films, including the most recent No Time to Die. But, before there was Bond, there was a vision. The DB5 was born from a heritage of racing where its predecessors raced in Le Mans, and with that lineage, it’s no wonder why it was Bond’s getaway car of choice time and time again. The DB5 was a movie star in its own right, oftentimes stealing the show when on screen. The sleek, eye-catching body is fit for an action star, and so is its top speed of 145 mph. If you were lucky enough to find yourself in the DB5’s driver seat, you’d be surrounded by luxury. Reclining seats, electric windows, woodpile carpets, full level trim, and in the event of an emergency, a fire extinguisher, are all standard features. Plus, in the event you are caught in a Bond-style car chase, the DB5 goes 0 to 60 in just eight seconds. Because of its impact on cinematic and automotive history, it was time for its encore. Fifty-five years after the
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THE NAME IS
DB5
last DB5 rolled off the production line, the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation was born, but as a limited edition to only 25 very lucky people. This isn’t incredibly surprising considering from 1963 to 1965, only 1,021 total DB5s were ever produced, making an already sought-after vehicle even more desirable. A fully restored DB5 with “Bond modifications” was even recently sold at auction for a whopping $6.4 million. Paul McCartney also sold his 1964 DB5 for approximately $1.8 million; a small price to pay for Bond enthusiasts who want to own a small piece of history! Whether you’ve experienced the DB5 through the big screen or have been lucky enough to get behind the wheel yourself, you can consider yourself a witness to history in an ICONIC way.
Painting by Kerry Schroeder titled “Crossings” 60”x 54” mixed media on panel
480.949.2701 costellogallery.com Scottsdale Design District 2724 N. 68th Street, Suite 1 | Scottsdale, AZ 85257