ICONIC LIFE April/May 2023

Live Beautifully

“The architecture is pure art without being showy or ostentatious. While it would be a gorgeous home in any other location, it feels like a house that was perfectly designed to frame and elevate the view of Camelback and all of the stunning desert features outside. You really feel the awe of nature in every part of the house.”

-Homeowner describing their Kendle Design Collaborative home

Creating beautiful gardens is our business…what you do in them is yours.

Designers, Craftsmen, and Caretakers of Distinctive Gardens

berghoffdesign.com

Acclaimed for its exquisite design and advanced technology, the Monogram Professional Range is redefining luxury appliances one detail at a time. Elevate Everything.

By Bailey Badillo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Renee Dee, PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Sacro, LIGHTING: Jun Mapue, STYLIST: Jackie Rose, HAIR: Hanna Widger, MAKEUP: Adam Harwood and Rikki Price, Charlotte Tilbury, ICONIC TEAM: Carlye Klick, MODEL: Chanel from The Industry LA, WARDROBE: White linen blazer and trousers, Max Mara. One piece, Camilla. Eleanor oversized square sunglasses, Tory Burch. Wedges, Jimmy Choo. LOCATION: Montage Laguna Beach

A 25-Year Legacy Building Arizona’s Lifestyle

Making An Indelible Mark

From Scottsdale to Prescott, the unique imprint DLB Custom Homes has made over the past 25 years can be felt across the state in the most distinctive ways. And one of the reasons this Arizona builder has fostered an enduring legacy is due to its commitment to unrivaled craftsmanship.

Giving Design Function

As a builder anchored by the academics of design, DLB Custom Homes has shown time and again its ability to fuse form with function and bring novel architectural concepts to life in the most livable ways.

Building Relationships And Homes

The completion of a home doesn’t mark the end of a relationship. At DLB Custom Homes, those connections continue, through decades and multiple homes. And that’s the true legacy of a lifetime builder.

dlbhomes.com

480.396.8556

info@dlbhomes.com

ROC# 137750-B

Renee M. Dee Publisher @reneeldee @youriconiclife

AND THE WINNER IS…

For three decades, I’ve had a deep passion for design. As a magazine publisher, I have a keen eye for design and had the luxury of touring hundreds of exquisite projects. I have enormous respect for the incredible talents that go to work across the Valley every day to make our city beautiful, one design at a time.

With Arizona being a hub for explosive growth in luxury homebuilding, diverse talents have stepped up to design the homes that grace our desert landscape. I am often in awe.

For years, I’ve thought about how to recognize excellence. To be honest, some awards competitions have left me a bit wanting—I want to recognize the best of the best, determined by the best of the best.

We are excited to present ICONIC Design Awards, a vision I’ve had for our community since the inception of ICONIC LIFE Magazine. Our mission is to create the most exciting awards competition with a foundation of integrity, which is our highest priority.

ICONIC Design Awards is an exclusive, juried design awards competition presented by ICONIC LIFE and our sponsors, celebrating the best in design culminating in a glamorous night of awards in late September. We’ll recognize excellence in interior design, architecture, landscape design and product design.

We’ve lined up industry luminaries from around the country, most specifically NOT in Arizona, to serve as judges for our awards, specific to the categories. Architects will judge architecture and designers will judge design. These judges have shown expertise and excellence on a national level.

There is no popular voting to win these awards. The ICONIC LIFE magazine team is not judging these awards or “altering” the list of winners. I am not going to judge or even see the submissions. I will learn the winners at the same time all of you do, at the night of the awards.

There are many opportunities to earn well-deserved recognition for outstanding work! Our entry portal is open for submissions with a deadline of midnight on May 15, 2023.

You can count on us to uphold the highest integrity of these awards and celebrate in an elevated way on our special night.

With Gratitude, Renee M. Dee Publisher

Photo by Carlye Klick

RENEE M. DEE | Publisher

KAITLYN BEICKEL | Editor-in-Chief

CARLYE KLICK | Marketing Director

MEG PERICH | Client Relations Director AZ

DOROTHY COSTELLO | Business Development Director OC

KATIE POE | Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

ERIN SUWWAN | Publication Designer

MARK SACRO | Fashion Photographer

JUN MAPUE | Lighting Design

JACKIE ROSE | Stylist CONTRIBUTORS

Bailey Badillo, Nancy Erdmann, Elyse Glickman, Shoshana Leon, Sam Micatrotto, Fran Miller, Dena Roché, David Rubin and Nora Burba Trulsson

Advertising and Editorial Queries, contact us at concierge@iconiclife.com 8145 E. Evans Road, Suite 7 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480.330.3737

The Thrill of the Chaise

With hundreds of new items every day, find the perfect statement piece for your home at up to 90% off retail. Or make easy money by consigning your designer home furnishing with us.

By ICONIC LIFE

PUT A BOW ON IT

Bows, ribbons, frills and thrills are embellishing runway looks around the world. Along with rising styles like coquette and ballet-core, bows are back in all sizes to exude the romance this season.

CAROLINA HERRERA Bow-Embellished Mini Dress, $3,490 via Farfetch.

MACH & MACH

Crystal Bow Handbag, $1,162 via Nordstrom.

JIMMY CHOO

Aveline Tulle Bow Sandals, $1,125 via Saks.

OFF-WHITE Allen Bow Mule Sandals, $1,145 via Saks.

JIMMY CHOO Cloud Bow Satin Clutch, $2,295 via Jimmy Choo.

LOEWE Bow Sandal in Lambskin, $950 via Loewe.

Elementary MY DEAR FOODIE

Chef Samantha Sanz is spinning a new era at elements.

By Dena Roché

Since opening more than two decades ago, under the direction of celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain has wowed Arizona foodies with classic fine dining with an Asian flair. After 23 years in the kitchen, MacMillan passed the reins to Chef Samantha Sanz ushering in a new era at this ICONIC Scottsdale restaurant.

Just 33-years-old, Chef Sanz has two James Beard nominations under her belt and spent five years as Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Scottsdale’s Talavera before coming to lead the kitchen at elements. The move was a homecoming for Chef Sanz, who started her career as a pantry cook at elements under Chef MacMillan.

A chance run-in with Beau at Jade Bar led to an opportunity of a lifetime when he asked Sanz to come back to elements as Chef de Cuisine.

“I asked if he was kidding, and he said ‘no.’ The rest is history,” Chef Sanz says.

Chef Sanz became the face of elements last year, and she has been putting her own stamp on the restaurant.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s been a challenge because elements is such a local institution,” Chef Sanz says. “People got upset when

Photos courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

we took some classics off the menu, and I quickly realized that was a fight I wasn’t going to win. Instead, I focus on making them the best they can be.”

For example, Chef Sanz felt that the sweet glaze on the pork chop needed a counterpoint to balance the dish, so she added a kimchi salad. On the popular tuna tartare, she fuses the Asian twists elements is known for with her Latin American roots by adding an apple pear aguachile. Having had the tartare prior, I can attest that the new version adds a sweetness and deepens the complexity of the appetizer.

One of Chef Sanz’s new offerings is a seasonal gnudi. The current cacio e pepe version with pecorino romano, chanterelles and black truffle was one of my husband’s favorite dishes during our recent dinner.

While one of the standout entrees for me was the classic miso-glazed chilean sea bass, I’m excited about and expect to see Chef Sanz weave more of her culinary fingerprint onto the menu in the months to come.

“I get inspiration for new dishes from anywhere and everywhere,” she says. “Travel, hikes, and browsing through art galleries all get my creative juices flowing. I also love it when vendors bring me new products to play with.”

It’s no surprise that Chef Sanz pursued a culinary career, as she says she was virtually raised in her grandma’s restaurant kitchen.

“I was always curious about different cuisines and loved trying new things,” she

says. “My parents always said I was super expensive because I never wanted the kid’s menu at a restaurant.”

While her mom had dreams of Sanz becoming a lawyer, one internship at the courthouse was enough for Chef Sanz to be sure her calling was in the kitchen.

Chef Sanz’s new menu is complemented by a reenergized wine program curated by Sommelier Laura Bruno. The wine list has gone from about 150 bottles to more than 550. Bruno has compiled a cellar stocked

with what she calls “wines of consequence.” As a wine lover, I was impressed with the diversity of the offerings ranging from a strong second label Bordeaux collection, local wines and obscure varietals like a Fendant from Switzerland. With 16 countries and 66 different grape varietals available, there’s something for any oenophile.

For Arizona residents eager to sample the new chapter at elements, take advantage of a local resident staycation offer, which includes a daily resort credit that can be used in the restaurant.

The Epitome of Elegance.

Shopping

A Cool Breeze

At-Ease Fine Men’s Clothes

Bryn Walker

Carine’s Boutique

Diva Sizes 14-24

Femme

Kreiss

Oliver Smith Jeweler

Paris Paris

Posh

Ritzy Rags and Shoes

The Collector ’s House

Dining

Bandolero

Famous 48

Hash Kitchen

Kaleidoscope Juice

Koibito Poke

Luna Gelateria & Caffetteria

Lure Fish House + Oyster Bar

Panera Bread

Pei Wei

Pomo Pizzeria

Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery

SunSet Wine Bistro

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Village Tavern

Beauty & Services

100% Chiropractic

CLOVR Life Spa

Club Pilates

Custom Ink

Gainey Nails & Spa

IYA MedAesthetics

ROLFS

StretchLab

YogaSix

Restore Hyper Wellness

Grocery

Sprouts

MUST HAVES

By Kaitlyn Beickel

CRATE & BARREL

Evi Woven Natural Rattan

Border Floor Mirror, $1,099 via Crate & Barrel.

CANDICE LUTER

Glissando Double Reflection Mirror Set, $650 via West Elm.

JOHN-RICHARD COLLECTION

Budding Amethyst Mirror, $4,700 via Neiman Marcus.

TIMOTHY OULTON

MIRROR, MIRROR

Inception Round Mirror, $2,095 via Timothy Oulton.

Mirrors offer more than just a reflection of yourself—they reflect the current state of interior design trends.

WEST ELM

Mid-Century Asymmetrical Wood Wall Mirror, $459 via West Elm.

JAMIE YOUNG

Butterfly Mirror, $795 via Neiman Marcus.

RENWIL

Taio Floor Mirror, $923 via Nordstrom.

TV

Design Meets Technology

From Leon’s custom soundbars handcrafted to match the width of your TV to automated lighting and shading, Monarch is dedicated to making sure that your technology works seamlessly, intuitively, beautifully throughout your entire home. Schedule a consultation at www.mavphx.com or call (480) 590-3048

Horizon soundbar by Leon custom built to match

HOT ATTRACTIONS

To view the world from a hot air balloon is an aspirational item on the bucket list of many adventurers.

By Fran Miller

The hills, dales and hues of the Sonoran Desert are a sight to see from any angle, but perhaps the best vantage point is from high above. To view the world from a hot air balloon is an aspirational item on the bucket list of many adventurers. Rainbow Ryders makes the dream a reality with their fleet of 40 colorful balloons piloted by professional, commercial hot-air balloon pilots.

As the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983, Rainbow Ryders provides both locals and visitors a unique view of Scottsdale’s varied terrain. For visitors, the experience is a unique way to orient, and for locals, it allows for a new and fresh perspective.

Magical and exhilarating, the serene and peaceful experience affords vistas for miles and miles in every direction. Passengers enjoy a bird’s eye view of the North

Scottsdale/North Phoenix mountains, the desert and Lake Pleasant during a golden-hour, sunrise balloon flight, or at sunset, when the full and vibrant colors of the setting sun are their most spectacular.

Rainbow Ryders has been a leader in training and safety protocols for 40 years and has set the highest industry standards for commercial balloon pilot safety. The company’s FAA-certified pilots have flown more than 50,000 hours, serving more than 750,000 passengers.

“A hot air balloon experience is at the same time exhilarating, thrilling and peaceful as you soar through the sky, glide in the air, and soak in all the landscape from above,” Rainbow Ryders’ President and CEO Scott Appelman says. “To experience the world’s most spectacular, breathtaking sights from this vantage point is truly a unique activity to experience with family, friends. A Rainbow Ryders balloon fight creates the most treasured memories.”

Photography courtesy of Rainbow Riders

Golfing FORE Your Mental Health

We all know that playing a round of golf makes us feel good, but how exactly does it benefit our mental health?

By Kaitlyn Beickel | Photography by Mark Sacro

Yes, you read that right, there’s another reason to head to the green—playing golf is actually a form of self care that benefits your mental health.

STRESS RELIEF

“Being in the great outdoors naturally has a multitude of mental health benefits, including naturally lowering your anxiety and reducing the effects of depression,” Haidan Smith says, the director of International Trade at SurprizeShop, a retailer of women’s golfing accessories and apparel. “While you might not think golf is a good workout—a good game never feels like one—the endorphins released by the low impact exercise not only reduce pain, but provide relief for emotional stress.”

“In addition, If you feel frustrated and want to get your aggression out, picking up a golf club and hitting a ball as far as you can is one of the greatest ways to relax,” she added.

IMPROVED CONFIDENCE

There’s no better confidence booster than hitting a hole-in-one. By getting out of the house and playing golf regularly, an improvement in your game over time will help boost your self-esteem. With all of the exercise involved with golf, you may even feel more confident in your appearance after playing.

BETTER SLEEP

When you sleep better, you feel better, and there’s no doubt that a long game of golf can end with you feeling tired—or even downright exhausted.

“And, the better your sleep, the better your golf. Studies have shown that a bad night’s rest can actually raise your handicap, so you should strive for some serious ZZZ’s before any big games,” Smith says.

SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

We all need friends for our personal happiness and fulfillment in life, and one of the best ways to meet like-minded people is to spend time in a place that amplifies your interests—in this case, that place being the golf club. Whether you connect with a fellow golfer over the latest tournament scores or by inviting a new coworker out for a round of golf, the social nature of golf can help ward off feelings of loneliness, increase your happiness and even sharpen your mind.

HAPPINESS

As you play golf, the physical exercise leads to a release of important endorphins in your brain, producing a mood-boosting effect. So, the next time you’re feeling down, pick up your golf bag and head to the green to de-stress and find feelings of happiness and joy.

Copyright Hunter Douglas

Bloom Creativity IN

Ignite your creativity with a build-your-own terrarium bar.

By Katie Poe

Looking for the perfect spring activity? Originally founded in Dallas, Jade & Clover has planted itself in Phoenix, opening its first store featuring a DIY plant bar.

What is a plant bar you may ask? Well, it is quite simple.

“Think back to your days at Build-A-Bear. Imagine that for terrariums,” Katie Crow, manager of Jade & Clover, says. “When you come into the store, we give you two instructions—pick your container and your succulents. Once you have chosen, meet us at the plant bar, where you decide if you want a soil or sand base.

Need help with sand art, planting or any other element? Jade & Clover staff are there to help you through the process. After the last layer of sand or soil, you decorate with rocks, glass, crystals, plant buddies, and more.”

With a wall of succulents and a seemingly abundant amount of sand colors to choose from, the possibilities are endless when it

comes to designing your terrarium. Finding a plant, container and color to match the aesthetic of your home is all part of the fun.

“The sand art element always makes customers so nostalgic and opens up so many avenues for customization. We love seeing all of the ways people express themselves through this outlet. No two terrariums have ever been the same.” Crow says.

When asked why they chose Phoenix for their secondary location, Crow says, “Since a lot

of what we do revolves around succulents and cacti, the desert just made sense!”

Arizona is no stranger to cacti, where 83 species call the desert home. Located on the same patio as Postino’s on 40th and Campbell Avenue, Jade & Clover is in the heart of the quaint neighborhood of Arcadia.

“It comes down to creating a space where you can get off your phone and tune into something creative,” Crow says. “We are always striving to make the store feel like magic and to be a warm welcome to anyone and everyone who adventures into the shop.”

The plant shop started as a way to share experiences with friends and family, as well as spreading the love of plants and and bringing them into the home. House plants offer many amazing benefits including stress reduction, improved indoor air quality, and boosts in productivity.

Jade & Clover also offers unique, oneof-a-kind gifts, that include books, mugs, stationery, candles and more. If you can’t make it into the shop, Jade & Clover features a traveling terrarium bar, where the team brings the plant bar to you, perfect for birthday parties, team-building activities or a night in with your friends.

“The plant bar connects people, and we feel so grateful to bring the joy of planting and getting your hands dirty to the Phoenix community. Once you’re here, you’ll feel it,” Crow says.

Tap into your imagination and feel your creativity bloom.

Photography courtesy of Jade & Clover

Aesthetes & Designers of REMARKABLE LANDSCAPES & OUTDOOR

Scottsdale / Paradise Valley / Carefree

Whether you’re looking for bronze or ceramic windbells, planters, tiles, pots, or jewelry, we can help you find something that fits your style and needs. Our artisans work hard to create unique pieces that will last a lifetime and make a lasting impact on your home or garden. Each piece we create has supported The Cosanti Foundation and other worthy causes for over 65 years.

6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Paradise Valley 480.948.6145 • cosanti.com

We believe in the poWer of art to transform

Spread Joy… and Cheese

Calling charcuterie lovers! Ever

By Kaitlyn Beickel

If you love cheese, you likely already have a set of delicate and sturdy cheese knives. And perhaps, you’ve mastered creating an irresistible charcuterie spread with artfully arranged meats, fruits and cheeses. But, do you know how to use each of those cheese knives for their intended purpose and which cheeses to pair them with?

SOFT CHEESE KNIFE

A soft cheese knife is exactly what it sounds like—a knife specifically designed for optimal slicing a soft cheese like mozzarella, brie or gorgonzola. Because these types of cheeses are more likely to stick to your utensil, soft cheese knives often have holes in them or are thinner so that there’s less surface area for the cheese to get stuck.

PRONGED CHEESE KNIFE

The pronged tip and narrowness of this cheese knife make it the perfect tool for slicing and serving most varieties of cheeses. While it’s likely too thick to efficiently cut a soft cheese, this knife is perfect for a semi-soft cheese, such as havarti or a hard cheese like aged cheddar.

SPADE KNIFE

The pointed edge of the spade knife is what sets it apart from the rest when cutting hard cheeses. Also called a parmesan knife, the pointed edge is ideal for chipping away at hard rinds—like a wheel of parmesan cheese.

CHISEL KNIFE

This is the knife in your collection that is flat and wide with a sharp edge at the top. The chisel knife, or flat cheese knife, is used for creating vertical slices of semi-hard and hard cheeses by applying force in a downward motion. It can also be used to cut crumbly cheeses like gorgonzola, and then spread with the flat side of the blade.

CHEESE FORK

While not technically a knife, the double-pronged cheese fork is included with most cheese knife sets and is used to hold cheeses in place while you cut them with a knife. It can also be used on a charcuterie board for transferring pieces of cheese, olives or fruit to a plate.

wonder how to really cut the cheese? Here’s what you need to know about the knives and how to approach your next cheese board with confidence.

DON’T PASS THE SALT

Find layered flavors, exquisite presentation and exceptional service in a comfortable environment at Sel, French for salt.

By Shoshana Leon

Chef Branden Levine and his wife May opened Sel, which means salt in French, in Old Town Scottsdale in 2016. After working in restaurants across the U.S. and around the world, Chef Levine wanted to open his own restaurant. A job opportunity for May in her family business brought the couple to Scottsdale from the Washington, D.C. area. Before opening Sel, Chef Levine worked at Rio Verde Country Club north of the Phoenix area and for the award-winning Café Monarch in Scottsdale.

“Having my own restaurant allows me to focus on the dishes I want to make and the experience I want to create. As a chef, you are constantly elevating and challenging yourself,” Chef Levine says.

The chef grew up in Virginia where he learned to cook from his mother, who was a restaurant server. His mother and grandmother made everything from scratch, from pies to pasta. “I loved cooking in the kitchen with my mother at home and then I worked with her. I bussed tables, became a line cook and learned the restaurant business,” he says.

Photos courtesy of Sel

Chef Levine studied at Johnson & Wales University. His culinary career took him around the world from Aureole in Las Vegas and Julep’s New Southern Cuisine in Richmond, Va, to Tanzania working for Elewana, a luxury safari lodging company.

Through his upbringing and culinary experiences, Chef Levine has developed a unique and creative style.

“My food is eclectic with Asian and Mediterranean influences, French technique and Latin American flavors,” he says. “It’s about balance with layered flavors that complement each other.”

Sel offers a chef’s tasting menu with optional wine pairings. The tasting menu changes regularly to feature the highest quality seasonal ingredients.

“Arizona has truly amazing produce and great local farms,” Chef Levine says. “We try to use local suppliers and organic ingredients whenever possible.”

Recent items on the tasting menu include Malpeque oyster stew with smoked trout roe, ahi tuna poke with king oyster mushroom spaghetti, Iberico pork tenderloin schnitzel with fermented chanterelle mushroom ravioli, and seared Chilean sea bass with clam dashi chowder.

The restaurant also offers a vegetarian tasting menu with items like roasted broccoli soup with English white cheddar foam and black truffle, and roasted shiitake mushroom ramen with grilled kimchi.

In addition to the regularly changing tasting menus, Sel offers an a la carte menu. “There are several popular dishes that guests come in specifically for, so we have them available,” Chef Levine says.

Favorites on the a la carte menu include Imperia Royal Ossetra caviar with deviled egg crème fraîche, Korean-style beef short rib steam buns, grilled Spanish octopus with squid ink capellini, seared Hudson Valley foie gras and strawberry marzipan shortcake with vanilla bean gelato.

Sel also offers a three-course Sunday brunch during the area’s busy season starting in January. Brunch options include a vegetarian and gluten-free roasted-beet salad with candied black walnuts and goat cheese, braised pork belly tostada with pickled onion and coconut jam, scallop crudo with white truffle and smoked trout roe, octopus tacos with fennel seaweed salad and habanero mango aioli, and duck and waffles with Korean fried duck leg confit, and a wild blueberry waffle.

Like the tasting menu, the cocktail menu also changes seasonally. Recently featured libations include Mezcal Mai Tai with chile liqueur

Photos by Debby Wolvos

and pineapple juice, and Caviar Dreams with cucumber vodka and green juice topped with kaffir coconut foam and caviar. Mocktail options include Kaffir Limeade with butterfly pea tea and Coco Fresa with coconut milk and macerated strawberries.

While the ingredients are high-end and the presentation is stunning, Chef Levine wants guests to feel comfortable with an approachable fine-dining experience.

“We strive to create a warm and inviting environment where people feel at home and can be themselves,” he says. “In addition to positive feedback on the food and guests enjoying new flavors, we also get great reviews on the service and how the staff engages our guests and pays attention to detail. We have a great local clientele, and we also get a lot of visitors, many who are in town for some of the big events in the area.”

The Levines love the active lifestyle and the growing culinary scene in Arizona, and plan to expand their business to open other restaurant concepts in the future.

“There is a lot of competition in the restaurant business in Scottsdale, but we have wonderful customers and Arizona is a beautiful place to call home,” says the chef.

Photos courtesy of Sel,

Photo by Debby Wolvos

Ambiente

ARRIVES

Set within the mystical red rocks of Sedona, Ambiente is a sustainable destination for global travelers, harmonious with the environment.

Photography by Jeff Zaruba, Jenelle Bonifield and Kyle RM Johnson

By ICONIC LIFE

Ambiente is a first-of-its-kind in North America—a “landscape hotel” uniquely designed to blend in with the mystical red rocks and give guests the opportunity to experience and embrace the natural beauty surrounding them in Sedona, Ariz. Guests watch as the hotel turns the landscape into a dramatic, colorful theater experience.

With sleek and contemporary design, the hotel embodies elegant minimalism as well as luxurious accommodations. Developed, owned and managed by Two Sister Bosses, a Sedona family-owned and operated company, Ambiente (which means “environment” in Italian and Spanish) is developed with a deep respect for the environment with a focus on sustainable methods and organic, modern architecture that complements the surrounding topography and minimizes the impact on the land.

“We started walking the property, and that was really where the idea was born, because it’s so different. There are a lot of hills and valleys, a couple of natural ancient washes that run through there that have gorgeous rock outcroppings all the way through,” Jennifer May, co-owner of Two Sister Bosses, says. “We looked at the property and knew that we needed to do something that’s different, that will create a wonderful place to stay, but will preserve the natural beauty.”

Guests are escorted through the check-in process by a personal valet who guides them into the upstairs level of an ultra-modern, two-story glass and metal lobby of the Sedona landscape hotel to check in, relax in the lounge area and enjoy a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine. This same lobby also features meeting spaces, offices and an intimate, two-room spa with in-spa and in-room treatments that exclusively integrate locally-sourced ingredients that embody the healing properties of Sedona.

The 40 cubed-shaped guest Atriums unique to the Sedona landscape hotel appear to be floating above the high desert topography as the structures reflect the landscape with bronzed glass and steel piers. Each private guest Atrium, built using matte-charcoal-colored metal and floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass walls, offers contemporary, Earth-toned decor to support a disconnection from everyday life and a reconnection with nature.

“We designed the Atriums with the goal of providing an atmosphere of tranquility and rest that would be enhanced by thoughtful touches at every turn,” May says. “There truly is no other place in the world where you can stand in the midst of unbridled nature, surrounded by expansive, unparalleled views of rare red rock formations, all while enjoying the utmost in luxurious accommodations.”

The Ambiente hotel Atriums feature main bedrooms outfitted with platform beds draped in silky sheets and down bedding, well-appointed bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs complemented by fireplaces, walk-in showers ideal for two, heated floors, towel warmers and Le Labo luxury bath products. There are sitting areas adjacent to the bedrooms with cozy sectionals and plush throw blankets, hidden drop-down 65-inch televisions and live-edge wooden coffee tables.

“We had the idea of building these individual units on stilts so that we didn’t have to come through and scrape any building pads,” May says. “What that did was it allowed us to keep the land as pristine as possible, but it also allowed us to control the privacy in each room by lifting one up higher than the other and angling them in different directions.”

One of our favorite features, which we believe makes it one of the best hotels in Sedona, is access to a private rooftop deck for the ultimate sunbathing and stargazing experiences, as well as a roaring fire pit and a day-bed comfortable enough for sleeping alfresco. Other luxuries include smart-room technology including one-touch motorized drapery, and movies and music streaming from the bedroom to the rooftop deck.

Ambiente wants guests to enjoy staying in their rooms and looking out at the scenery from their beds, creating a truly incredible experience unlike any other hotel in Sedona.

“Sedona has such a dramatic beauty that you don’t find in a lot of places. At different times of the year, you have different views. You have all four seasons in Northern Arizona. So, we thought, how beautiful would it be to lay in your room and watch a thunderstorm roll through with lightning crashing across the sky, across those red rocks?” May said. “Or how about laying in there in the wintertime and watching the snow fall on the red rocks?

Outside, Ambiente hotel guests can relax at the natural, lagoon-inspired pool and spa, positioned contiguous to an open-air, two-story poolside lounge that serves fresh, farmto-table cuisine and locally sourced juices. The first floor of the lounge houses a full-service bar complete with multiple TVs, ample seating and a catering kitchen.

With direct access to more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails, premier rock climbing and other outdoor adventure and recreational activities at Ambiente, there is no need for a hotel fitness center. Instead, Ambiente encourages guests to explore the outdoors by offering mountain bike rentals, hiking tours and exclusive access to the Adobe Jack Trail system.

“Our property owns the Adobe Jack Trailhead, so our guests have the ability to bring their own mountain bikes and hiking gear or rent them and go straight out of their rooms and on to the trail. It connects to several other trail systems and more than 200 miles of premier mountain biking and hiking behind the property,” May explains.

For those who prefer exploring hotel grounds, wellness trails weave throughout the site with designated spots to follow instructed exercises that promote overall wellness.

“What we’re providing for our guests is an experience that is in the environment of what Sedona is—the beauty, the red rocks, the forest, the smells, the sights and the sounds,” May says.

Honey,

Reimagining ranch style in Paradise Valley.

By Dena Roché

Photography by Roehner + Ryan

I’m HOME

What began with the intent to remodel a 1970s two-story home in Paradise Valley, Ariz., slowly morphed into a much larger project to take full advantage of an unusual lot and to truly create a ranch style home perfectly matched to the owners’ dreams.

“We don’t go into a project with a preconceived idea of what the house should be,” Cavin Costello explains, principal architect at The Ranch Mine. “Before we start, we have an extensive questionnaire that gets at the heart of how the homeowner wants to live. Based on that, we believed starting from scratch was the best way to go.”

The homeowners, a couple with two daughters, revealed that they enjoyed entertaining family and friends and wanted a home with lots of light, open space and indoor/ outdoor living.

“Their answers led us down the path of reimagining the classic Western ranch house,” Costello says.

The Western-style home, created by architect Cliff May in the 1930s flourished for two decades. The style is low, linear, asymmetrical and has defined living and sleeping areas. It was a more informal style than traditional homes to that point.

“For this house, we took elements of that ranch style and brought it into the 21st century,” Costello says. “At the ranch’s core, it’s those lifestyle elements and informality that define it, and those are at the heart of this home.”

Known as “The Hive” because the homeowners wanted a ranch-style house that buzzed with activity, the house is an example of building to suit the land. The flag-shaped lot has a 300-foot narrow strip of land that provides the only access to the property. It is surrounded by other homes on its six sides.

“We used this unique shape and privacy to create a home that extends out into the landscape, stretching out to guide friends and family into the embrace of the courtyard-style plan,” Costello says.

While ranch-style homes traditionally have low-pitched roofs, the architects decided to add a gabled entrance to provide the home a defining architectural feature and to give the sense of a grand entrance. It is flanked by flat roofs that maintain the low, linear ranch style and meet the city’s strict height restrictions.

The exterior features a mix of material, including concrete, stucco and thermal-treated wood imported from Finland. The black metal standing seam roof caps off the clean, modern lines and materials of the home.

Visitors approach the home on a desert boardwalk of concrete stamped to look like wood surrounded by grass and desert shrubs.

Entering the 5,080-square-foot five-bedroom, five-bath home, guests’ eyes are directed through the house, stopping at the signature poured-concrete floor-to-ceiling fireplace and then through to the back of the house and its full-length window pocket doors that pull the outside in.

The Paradise Valley home’s communal living spaces are modern, open and designed in contemporary neutral tones. On one side of the living area is a home office; the other side is an expansive kitchen, family room and dining area. A glass wine cellar is a focal point. With the entire back of the house composed of window walls, natural light flows throughout the space.

Typical of a ranch-style house, the bedroom wing is separated from the living area of the house and includes a den, homework area and a mudroom with a dog wash for the family pet. Because the homeowners often have family visits, The Ranch Mine designed a guest house that is separated from the main house by the garage. Guests can access their suite through the garage of a free-standing exterior entrance.

Blessed with more than 300 days of sun, The Hive was made for outdoor living. The covered patio features a dining area, built-in grill and seating area. Beyond the patio, a pool, hot tub and fire pit beckon. With the home’s pocket doors open, the indoor and outdoor areas flow together creating the perfect Arizona entertaining space.

THE BEST OF THE BEST

AZ Style & WiningDining

We’ve spent decades tasting our way through this story. Your turn.

By Shoshana Leon

Photo by Mark Sacro

The Arizona culinary scene has flourished with renowned chefs, innovative cuisine and restaurant options to fit every taste. From amazing brunches to impeccable fine dining, Arizona restaurants offer delicious and upscale experiences that both locals and visitors will rave about from sunup to sundown.

BEST BRUNCH

THE AMERICANO

North Scottsdale

Celebrity chef Scott Conant, known for his many Food Network appearances, opened The Americano, a modern Italianinspired steakhouse in North Scottsdale in 2020. In addition to dinner and happy hour, The Americano offers an upscale Sunday brunch with offerings that include a chamomile honey bun with orange blossom crème fraîche, Wagyu beef cheek hash with poached egg and seasonal vegetables, steak and eggs with a choice of ribeye or filet, and polenta ricotta pancakes with huckleberry compote and whipped mascarpone butter.

Known for inventive cocktails, The Americano’s brunch libations include the Americano Mimosa with kumquat liqueur, Heirloom Creme de Flora and orange; the Rosa Mimosa with Malfy Gin Rosa,

Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato and sparkling rose; and the Vampiro Americano, the restaurant’s house-made bloody Mary garnished with a black sea salt rim, spicy pickle and crispy pancetta.

BUCK & RIDER

North Scottsdale

While you might not immediately think of a seafood restuarant for brunch, head to the recently opened 10,000-square-foot Buck & Rider in North Scottsdale to have your tastebuds tantalized by baja shrimp ceviche, crab cake benedict and Brent’s lobster & waffle.

Designed by Phoenix’s renowned restaurant architect, Cathy Hayes, the new restaurant (and third location of Buck & Rider) is grand, timeless and intimate. Complete with a 10-seat sushi bar, a popular raw bar that is continuously updated to reflect the best fish and oyster selection from around the world, two patios that bridge the indoor/outdoor connection and two fire pits, perfect for enjoying brunch with friends and family.

Photos courtesy of The Americano and Buck & Rider

ZUZU AT HOTEL VALLEY HO Old Town

Scottsdale

Located in the chic mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho, ZuZu offers brunch daily from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with creative dishes like cinnamon roll bread pudding and breakfast fried rice, and Southwestern favorites like huevos rancheros, as well as traditional options.

Indulge in a brunch cocktail such as an espresso martini made with chili-chocolate-infused vodka and cold brew; and the Sunny in Scottsdale with vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and cucumber juice. ZuZu also has a private room that can accommodate up to 24 guests.

CHIC LUNCH

TIA CARMEN AT JW MARRIOTT RESORT AND SPA

North Phoenix

In April 2022, celebrity chef Angelo Sosa, known for appearances on “Top Chef” and Food Network, opened Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in North Phoenix. The restaurant is named for his aunt who inspired his passion for cooking. Tia Carmen’s menu works with local ingredients and suppliers, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Locals and resort guests seeking an elevated lunch experience can enjoy beef cheek tostada, tuna crudo with corn coconut broth, chicken guisado, grass-fed burger topped with bone marrow, hatch chile bacon jam and more. For dessert, try the vanilla flan with tequila caramel and manchego cheese, or the pan dulce tres leches ice cream sandwich.

FRANCINE Old Town Scottsdale

Located in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, Francine opened in 2020 and has received several awards for its Mediterranean-inspired menu highlighting dishes from the south of France, which is the homeland of founder Laurent Halasz. The restaurant is named for his mother and the elegant meals she used to host.

Lunch options include salad Niçoise, grilled octopus, Croque Madame, and mushroom pasta. Francine’s menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients utilizing local suppliers and farms.

Photos courtesy of ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho and Tia Carmen, Photo by Mark Sacro

BEST PATIO

LON’S AT THE HERMOSA INN

Paradise Valley

For a truly Arizona dining experience in a tranquil desert setting, visit LON’s at the Hermosa Inn. In the 1930s, the Hermosa Inn was the residence and art studio of cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee. The inn features traditional Southwestern architecture, including adobe bricks, wood beams and hand-painted Mexican tile, as well as

LON’s offers local and seasonal ingredients, a beautiful outdoor patio and LON’s Last Drop bar, named after one of Megargee’s ICONIC paintings, many of which are displayed throughout the resort. Shareable plates on the lunch menu include the Sonoran chopped salad with grilled corn, black beans and avocado, shrimp tacos with avocado lime crema, and the Stetson burger. Lunch is served on weekdays, and weekend brunch offerings include monkey bread with

salted caramel and cream cheese icing, short rib hash and the Palo Cristi frittata with foraged mushrooms and local cheese.

EL CHORRO

Paradise Valley

A historic restaurant in Paradise Valley and a landmark for locals, El Chorro has a long history of rich tradition and culinary excellence. The property was originally opened as the Judson School for Girls by Dr. John C. Lincoln in 1934, while he was building the neighboring Camelback Inn. The property’s 22 acres were later purchased by Jan and Mark Gruber in 1937, who converted it into a restaurant and lodge, and El Chorro was born.

After a green-focused renovation to the facilities by Desert Star Construction and Candelaria Design, a solar-energy water heating system, insulation made of recycled blue jeans and solar electric panels that reduce energy use by more than 50 percent into the property. El Chorro became the first restaurant in Arizona to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Gold Certification.

Famous for their sweet sticky buns served before each meal, El Chorro focuses on what they call “Arizona cuisine with a Southwestern flare.” With a variety of fresh, seasonally inspired and innovative dishes to pick from, guests can order dishes like flash-fried lobster tail, roasted pork tenderloin or beef stroganoff.

Photos courtesy of El Chorro and the Hermosa Inn

stunning views of Camelback Mountain and lush landscaping.

PHOENIX CITY GRILLE

Phoenix

A local favorite since 1997, Phoenix City Grille highlights ingredients from regional farms and suppliers, and offers an extensive list of libations. The menu at Phoenix City Grille changes seasonally and specials are offered regularly. Popular dishes recommended by restaurant regulars include bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cotija cheese, braised short ribs, green chile pork, and buttermilk pie.

The hummus highlights fresh naan from a local bakery, as well as garbanzos from a local farm. The Ramona Farms Super Food Salad features local produce including arugula, winter squash, tepary beans and wheat berries.

AUTHENTIC CUISINE KAI AT SHERATON GRAND AT WILD HORSE PASS

Phoenix

With a focus on exceptional service and indigenous ingredients, Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a truly unique and refined experience, as evidenced by its impressive accolades, including being the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant in the state.

Kai, which means “seed” in the Pima language, immerses diners in the culture and cuisine of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes. Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, Kai offers a tasting menu that changes based on local and seasonal ingredients to showcase Arizona agriculture.

Photo courtesy of Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Photo by Timothy Fox Photography

FINE DINING

CHRISTOPHER’S AT THE WRIGLEY MANSION

Phoenix

Celebrated chef Christopher Gross has been an Arizona culinary icon for decades. In March 2021, Christopher’s opened at the famous Wrigley Mansion offering an intimate, multi-course fine dining experience.

The space is a great complement to the exquisite dishes with floor-to-ceiling windows and dramatic views of the Phoenix cityscape and Camelback Mountain. Diners can opt for wine pairings with each course or select a bottle from one of the largest wine lists in Arizona. The tasting menu is available Thursday through Saturday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Christopher’s offers a classics menu featuring some of the chef’s most renowned dishes, such as house-smoked Scottish salmon, foie gras terrine and the chocolate tower dessert created in 1982.

LINCOLN STEAKHOUSE & BAR

Paradise Valley

Nestled in the desert between Camelback and Mummy Mountains, find the hidden foodie gem that is Lincoln Steakhouse at Camelback Inn. The elegant steakhouse serves up locally-sourced American cuisine, shareable plates and craft cocktails.

Senior Sous Chef John Fraser recently launched a new tantalizing dinner menu featuring ahi tuna tartare served with charred pineapple, avocado, jalapeno, red bell peppers and poke sauce, hamachi crudo with white soy, orange blossom vinegar, pickled grapes and serrano peppers, brûléed peach and burrata salad made with arugula, shaved fennel, dijon lemon vinaigrette and candied pecans, a 16 ounce Australian wagyu New York strip, and much more.

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Steakhouse & Bar

TARBELL’S Phoenix

After growing up in a small town in New Hampshire and working in Amsterdam and Paris, Chef Mark Tarbell opened Tarbell’s in Phoenix in 1994 followed by The Wine Store in 2013 and The Tavern in 2014. In addition to receiving several awards, Chef Tarbell is known for supporting the community and aspiring chefs, as well as his television appearances, including hosting a local TV show highlighting local restaurants.

The menu at Tarbell’s features fresh dishes with local and seasonal ingredients, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as an extensive wine selection. Favorite dishes include pulled-to-order mozzarella with basil pesto, pasta, seafood, and cheesecake with rosemary caramel sauce.

LUX THE BEST

By ICONIC LIFE

Arizona is the ultimate destination for those who are searching for the best quality of life. From our beautiful environment to our vibrant cities, Arizona has it all, and it’s easy to see why more people are relocating to our beautiful state now than ever before, creating a market that is on fire with stunning new luxury home communities. So where are the best places to live?

ICONIC LIFE unveils our top picks for where to look next.

XE PLACES TO LIVE

T hr o u g h o ut the d eca d e s , i nc lu d in g th e g lam o r o u s ‘80s, Camel o t H o me s ha s e mb o di ed luxury livin g i n the Sou t hw e st .

T im e l ess designs f o r ho t c limat e s , co ol peop le a n d b e autiful mom e nt s .

T hi s i s Dese r t F abulou s ™ .

T hi s i s C amel o t H o m es .

Live better through mindful design and construction in Phoenix’s intimate, close-to-town 24 home community. Heard Farm’s modern farmhouse styled homes are distinctively crafted to better shape your space, enrich your time, boost your energy and cultivate connection to nature, neighbors and the life you really want to live.

THE FARMHOUSE MODERN

Live better through mindful design and construction in Phoenix’s intimate, close-to-town 24 home community. Heard Farm’s modern farmhouse styled homes are distinctively crafted to better shape your space, enrich your time, boost your energy and cultivate connection to nature, neighbors and the life you really want to live.

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SOUTH MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK

VIEW DECKS & COVERED PATIOS

GEN SUITES & HOME OFFICES

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SOUTH MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK

VIEW DECKS & COVERED PATIOS

GEN SUITES & HOME OFFICES

INDOOR/OUTDOOR FLOW

LOFTED RV GARAGES

EL EVAT ED LIVIN G B EYO ND COM PARISO N

W i t h out a d ou b t t he Du ke of J a zz w oul d c o n s ide r Ell in g t o n H ei g h ts a su pe r b w o r k of a r t. Ne s tle d in the sun-kissed up p er c a n yon of Si l v e r le a f, the d esign f o r t his m ag ni f icen t e s t a t e c oll ec t e d ins p i r at i o n f r o m Roa r in g Tw en t ies e r a, a n d t ha t ene r g y is ma g ni f ie d t o d a y in t his A r t D ec o -ins p i r e d 17,000 - plu s s q ua r e f o o t e s ta t e w i t h v i e w s t h at go f o r e v e r. In fu se d w i t h hi s t o r y, y e t t h o r oug h l y m od e r n , t hi s

I C O NI C e s t a t e is a dese r t g em t o b e t r e a s u r e d .

THE

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Montage, the shores of Laguna Beach inspired our shoot.

By ICONIC LIFE

Vacation mode, activated. It’s time to pull out the swimwear and colorful tote bags—warm weather is here—embraces bold prints, soft colors and timeless silhouettes to make waves this season.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Renee Dee, PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Sacro, LIGHTING: Jun Mapue, STYLING: Jackie Rose, HAIR: Hanna Widger, MAKEUP: Adam Harwood and Rikki Price, Charlotte Tilbury, MODEL: Chanel from The Industry LA, MARKETING DIRECTOR: Carlye Klick, LOCATION: Montage Laguna Beach

SOAK UP THE SUN

Two piece swimsuit and caftan, Camilla.

TOO HAUTE TO HANDLE

Dress, Camilla. Shoes, Max Mara. Sunglasses, Tory Burch. Hat, Delafuente Design from Swirl Boutique.

EASY BREEZY

White linen blazer and trousers, Max Mara. One piece, Camilla. Wedges, Jimmy Choo.

OUT OF OFFICE

OUT OF THE BLUE

INSPIRATION

You can’t see new vistas if you stand in the same place. A favorite vacation destination of ICONIC LIFE Publisher Renee Dee, Montage Laguna Beach is a haven of relaxation and luxury. The ICONIC LIFE team headed to Montage Laguna Beach, perched on a coastal bluff high above the Pacific, to celebrate the resort’s 20th anniversary and show off our favorite vacay-inspired chic fashion.

Taffeta skirt, cashmere jumper, Max Mara. Shoes, Gianvito Rossi.

SHORE THING

White jumpsuit, Swirl Boutique.

RESORT ROYALTY

Shirt and pants, Max Mara. Bag, Max Mara. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.

NOW STARRING!

A-Lister

From the big screen to a small glass, these celebrities are making their mark on the spirits industry this year.

By Dena Roché

Known for their work in film, sports, music and the fashion industry, these A-listers are working their craft in distilleries launching spirits brands inspired by their day jobs. Have you tasted this year’s hottest celebrity alcohol brands?

No matter what libation you arrive with in hand, these celebrity alcohol brands are sure to make you the toast of your next party.

Photo courtesy of Aviation Gin

AVALINE

If your party host has a goal to better their health, start them on the path to clean drinking with Avaline Wine. Created by Cameron Diaz and entrepreneur Katherine Power, Avaline wines are vegan, made with 100 percent organic grapes, free from added sugars and state straight up what, if any, additives are in the bottle. The brand’s newest bottle, a Cabernet Sauvignon, is a perfect way to warm your taste buds.

CRYSTAL HEAD VODKA

Funny man Dan Akroyd has made a seriously good vodka in collaboration with artist John Alexander. The two founded Crystal Head Vodka, known for its head turning skull bottle designed by Alexander. The premium vodka is filtered through layers of Herkimer Diamonds. Customers can travel the world in Crystal Head’s three different vodkas, with its Original made from Canadian corn, its Aurora created from English wheat and its Onyx crafted from Blue Weber Agave from Mexico.

Photo courtesy of Avaline

AVIATION GIN

Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynolds reportedly had the best Negroni of his life, found out it was made by Aviation Gin and promptly bought a stake in the company. Since then, you’ve likely seen Reynold’s hilarious Instagram ads for the brand on your social feeds. You don’t need to go that far to impress, simply bring a bottle of the smooth, handcrafted gin to your next soiree for a first-class gift.

Photo courtesy of Aviation Gin

PROPER NO. TWELVE IRISH WHISKEY

MMA champion Conor McGregor put Ireland on the UFC map and today celebrates his homeland with his Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. Working with a master distiller at the oldest whiskey distillery on the Emerald Isle, McGregor created an approachable Irish Whiskey with notes of vanilla and toasted wood. For each case sold, the company donates five dollars to local first responders.

VERA WANG PARTY PROSECCO

Fashion icon Vera Wang brings her sense of style to the wine world with this light, crisp and oh so chic Prosecco Rosé. Created in partnership with Piemonte based Araldica, the Prosecco is a blend of Glera and Pinot Noir, producing a bubbly with ripe strawberry and raspberry notes.

DOS HOMBRES MEZCAL

“Breaking Bad” co-stars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston are cooking up a new recipe and have teamed up with third-generation Mezcal master Gregorio Velasco to create the award-winning Dos Hombres Tobala and Espadin Mezcal. Both start with agave hand selected from hillside villages in Oaxaca. The Espadin has notes of apple, mango and local fruits and a smooth smokey taste. The Tobala gets its unique scent and taste from using agave perfumed by the Copal trees where the agave grows. This blend of Mezcal is rare and exclusive.

VILLA ONE TEQUILA

Singer Nick Jonas and fashion designer John Varvatos collaborated with master distiller, Arturo Fuentes, to craft premium Villa One Tequila. What sets the spirit apart is that it’s blended from agave sourced from both the highland and lowland regions of Jalisco and handcrafted. The result is a balanced, smooth tequila available in Silver, Reposado and Anejo that will have the party host singing your praises after the first sip.

MULHOLLAND DISTILLERY

Actor Walton Goggins—known for his many roles in shows like “The Shield,” “Justified” and “Vice Principals”—and cinematographer Matthew Alper, who worked on “The Avengers” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” claim to bottle the spirit of Los Angeles in their award-winning Mulholland Distillery gin, vodka and American whiskey. The spirits are a perfect base for craft cocktails, like a classic whiskey sour, negroni or Moscow Mule.

Photo courtesy of Mulholland Distillery

A LINE OF BEAUTY Lagerfeld:

By Bailey Badillo

You might know of the Costume Institute Benefit, much more widely known as the Met Gala, the renowned fundraiser where celebrities come donned in fashion-forward, famously designed attire all on point with an assigned theme. It’s actually a lot more than just the Met Gala on May 1, it’s a full exhibition running next year from May 5 to July 16. The Met Gala is a preview and benefit that provides The Costume Institute with its primary source of annual funding for exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, operations and capital improvements.

For 2023, celebrities, artists and designers will be exploring the world of Karl Lagerfeld.

The upcoming Met Gala theme is all about the ICONIC Karl Lagerfeld.

ALL ABOUT KARL

The highly-regarded German-born designer didn’t set out for this career path; his plan at 21-years-old was to be an illustrator. In 1954, he entered his sketch of a coat that won first place and got him the 1954 International Woolmark Prize. From there, doors opened and sprung his career into the immense success that it is now.

More than 65 years later, he is known for his ICONIC dark sunglasses, flawless hair and dark suits, and for running the design behind the equally-as-ICONIC Coco Chanel. He is also recognized for his multifaceted talents, creating famous photography campaigns starting in 1987, interior and architectural designs in places like Paris, Macau, Miami and Berlin, and collaborating with the world’s most recognizable brands like Coca-Cola, Barbie, Stieff and H&M.

Even with all the versatility, Lagerfeld still defined modern fashion more than just about anyone.

Some of his most memorable designs:

The Double C Interlocking Logo For Chanel: The famously, easily identifiable logo on Chanel with the two c’s intertwined? That was Lagerfeld’s design.

The Women’s “Power Suit”: Remember the matching women’s power suit that donned the 21st century with a focus on tweed

Courtesy Chloé Archive. Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Photo by Paul van Riel/ANP/Redux. Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I DESIGN LIKE I BREATHE, YOU DON’T ASK TO BREATHE; IT JUST HAPPENS.

-KARL LAGERFELD

and chiffons? It first made its debut from Chanel in the 1920s, and Lagerfeld revamped it with the famous designs you often saw in the movies.

The Multi-Layered Chanel Pearl Necklace Featured in “The Devil Wears Prada”: Anne Hathway’s character Andrea or “Andy” in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” dons a Lagerfelddesigned necklace, a multi-layered pearl necklace with the Chanel logo added–also Lagerfeld’s design.

Nature-Themed Recyclable Couture Collection: In his later years, Lagerfeld started incorporating more and more environmentally conscious materials and processes. One of the more memorable ones was a Chanel Couture collection in 2016 that included flowing gowns decorated with wood shavings and nature prints. The materials were recyclable and biodegradable in line with his Karl Cares initiative to explore innovative efforts to become sustainable.

We can go on forever about Lagerfeld’s designs, like his giant hula hoop Chanel bag, the Fendi baguette handbag raved about by Carrie herself in “Sex and the City” and so much more. Lagerfeld passed away in February 2019 after his battle with pancreatic cancer, but his legacy lives on, and that’s why we’re more than excited to see Lagerfeld’s work as the theme of the Met Gala 2023 and Institute Exhibition.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART’S SPRING 2023 COSTUME INSTITUTE EXHIBITION

The Costume Institute is going for a “line of beauty” with this Met Gala theme, particularly a “straight line,” a “serpentine line” and a “satirical line” that are a nod to Lagerfeld’s tendencies to represent modernism, history and playful, whimsical expressions in his designs.

Approximately 150 garments will be on view, spanning the designer’s career as the creative director of Chloé, Fendi, Chanel, and his eponymous label, Lagerfeld, as well as his time at Balmain and Patou.

“The exhibition will explore Lagerfeld’s complex working methodology, tracing the evolution of his fashions from the two dimensional to the three dimensional,” says Andrew Bolton, Wendy Yu curator in charge for the Costume Institute. “The fluid lines of his sketches found expression in recurring aesthetic themes in his fashions, uniting his designs for Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi, Chanel, and his eponymous label, Karl Lagerfeld, creating a diverse and prolific body of work unparalleled in the history of fashion.”

In the exhibition running from May 5 through July 16, 2023—with the Met Gala kicking off a preview show on May 1—you’ll see a focus on Lagerfeld’s stylistic aesthetic themes from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019.

Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, BFA.com/Matteo Prandoni

Journey to INDIA

By David Rubin

Continue discovering a world that glows in brilliant technicolor in this second of two stories about this special country.

Discovering India is a study of contrasts. As noted by the brilliant Cambridge University economist, Joan Robinson, “Whatever you can say about India, the opposite is also true.”

Let us plan your first trip to India focusing on several of her best, ICONIC destinations and properties. Everywhere you go, you will see and experience India’s fascinating world of opposites.

7. SIX SENSES FORT BARWARA

As India is a study in contrasts, I recommend a visit to India that reflects a broad range of experiences, including those from dense cities to serene oases. About a three-hour drive from Jaipur is a newly curated oasis, Six Senses Fort Barwara. The hotel/resort is the beautifully restored Fort Barara overlooking the Barwara River. It is the first Indian property of the acclaimed Six Senses group. The Barwara Fort was constructed originally in the 14th century. The hotel incorporates two original palaces (East Wing and West Wing) and two temples, all within the walled fort. East Wing suites overlook the Aravali range, while the West Wing suites overlook the Barwara village.

Guests enjoy the three restaurants and various activities offered, in addition to the famed Six Senses Spa. Sunrise and sunset hikes and meditation are favorite ways to experience the natural and mystical beauty here. Their cooking classes are fun and provide organic farm-to-table food as well as the sharing of history, traditions, and happiness while also learning techniques and tricks for making an Indian meal. A historical walk in and around this 14th-century majestic fort reinforces the benefits of restoration and preservation of the self and everything around us. Experience a perfect wilderness picnic surrounded by nature and deep forest vibes. In the evening, enjoy cocktails or mocktails while watching the sunset. I trust you are ready to go!

8. RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Further connect with nature with a 45-minute drive to your next destination, Ranthambore National Park, a vast wildlife reserve with tigers. This is one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Often, tigers can be spotted even during the daytime, busy hunting and taking care of their young. Ranthambore is also a famous heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the park. Tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, the park boasts a spectacular landscape filled with border-strewn highland plateaus, lakes and rivers.

Until 1970, it was a hunting ground for the local maharajas and is now a protected refuge for hundreds of species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Ranthambore is one of India’s finest examples of dry deciduous forests interspersed with grassland. Among the scattered ruins of the Ranthambore Fort, you may even spot tigers. Your private park tours are arranged with an experienced naturalist in open 4x4 Jeeps. A visit to Ranthambore National Park is a treat for wildlife and nature lovers—and there are exceptional hotel/lodge options nearby.

Photos courtesy of Suján Sher Bagh, The Oberoi Vanyavilas

Photos courtesy of Six Senses Fort Barwara, The Oberoi Vanyavilas

From Ranthambore’s pristine nature to one of the most magnificent man-made structures, travel to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal. En route, the contrasts of India continue.

KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to more than 370 species of birds and animals. It was also the breeding ground for the rare and elusive Siberian crane. Keoladeo National Park offers well-defined treks which can be covered on foot or by cycle or rickshaw. In fact, the park management has trained the rickshaw pullers in bird watching and they make for extremely knowledgeable guides. The best times to visit are from October to February to see migratory birds and from August to November to witness the resident birds. Visitors may also see sambar deer, chital deer, nilgai antelope and Indian boar.

FATEHPUR SIKRI

Next, stop to visit the ruins of the city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is about 22 miles from the Taj Mahal. The city was completed in 1585 by Mughal Emperor, Akbar, as his capital but a shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. This is one of the best examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. Its architecture, a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, reflects

Akbar’s secular vision. In fact, Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and its designs, derived from Persian and Hindu architecture.

AGRA

Agra is the home of the Taj Mahal. The city flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia. The place to stay is the Oberoi Amarvillas, built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture. The hotel is located 2,000 feet from the Taj Mahal and all rooms, suites, lobby and bar offer breathtaking views of the ICONIC site. The Taj Mahal never disappoints, and I recommend visiting at both sunset and sunrise to view it bathed in different light. Security is tight at the Taj entrance so take nothing with you except your wallet and camera.

The Taj Mahal is a huge mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. Although it was a memorial, it was also a symbol of power, wealth and aesthetic values of the Mughal Empire. Constructed over a 20 years on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, the famed complex is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian, Persian and Islamic influences.

9. AGRA WITH KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK & FATEHPUR SIKRI EN ROUTE

Photo courtesy of The Oberoi Amarvilas

SAMPLE ITINERARY

A “Best-of-the-Best of Northern India” recommended itinerary with luxury accommodations:

Look for locations 1-6 described in more detail in Part 1 of Journey to India in the previous edtion of ICONIC LIFE.

1. 3 nights in Mumbai at Taj Mahal Palace or Oberoi Mumbai

2. 3-5 nights in Goa at St Regis Goa Resort or Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

3. 2-4 nights in Udaipur at Oberoi Udaivilas, Taj Lake Palace or Leela Palace

4. 2-3 nights in Jawai Conservation Reserve at SUJAN JAWAI

5. 3 nights in Jodhpur at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace or RAAS Jodhpur

6. 1-2 nights in Jaipur at Taj Rambagh Palace, Oberoi Rajvilas or Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur

This edition of ICONIC LIFE details locations 7-12 in Part 2 of Journey to India.

7. 2-4 nights at Six Senses Fort Barwara

8. 2-3 nights near Ranthambore National Park at SUJAN Sher Bagh or Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort

9. 2-3 nights in Agra at Oberoi Amarvilas

MALDIVES FOR R&R

Our list of recommended Maldives Resorts for total R&R (in alphabetical order). Non-stop flights are only 1-4 hours between several cities in India and Male, Maldives. Call on DavidTravel to find the best match for you.

• Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

• Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

• Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

• Cheval Blanc Randheli

• COMO Cocoa Island

• COMO Maalifushi

• Conrad Maldives*

• Heritance Aarah*

• Hurawalhi Island Resort

• Kagi Maldives Spa Island

• Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

• Niyama Private Islands*

• Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa*

• Soneva Fushi

• Soneva Jani

• Velaa Private Island

* Good-value options.

10. 2-3 nights in Varanasi at Taj Nadesar Palace or Brij Rama Palace

11. 3-5 nights at Ananda in the Himalayas

12. 1-3 nights in Delhi at Oberoi New Delhi, The Imperial, The Lodhi, Leela Palace, Taj Mahal New Delhi or Oberoi Gurgaon (near DEL airport)

• NOTE: All hotels above are great for weddings and milestone events.

• ALSO great for weddings and milestone events: Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, RAAS Devigarh in Rajasthan, and Mihir Garh in Rajasthan.

Illustration by Jaclyn Threadgill

At its center is the Taj Mahal itself, built of shimmering white marble that seems to change color depending on the daylight. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a stunning symbol of India’s rich history. It is a masterpiece of architectural style in conception, treatment and execution. It has unique aesthetic qualities in balance, symmetry and harmonious blending of various elements. The color combination of lush greenscape, reddish pathways and blue sky showcases the monument in ever-changing tints and moods. Only when you are up close can you appreciate the exceptional relief work in marble with meticulous inlays of precious and semi-precious stones, including jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst and turquoise. It is stunning.

There is more to Agra than the Taj. Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort or the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. For shopping, Agra remains famous for handicraft products; such as inlay work on marble, carpets, jewelry and embroidery.

10. VARANASI

Do not miss Varanasi, a highlight of a visit to India. Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and the holiest in Hinduism. To travel between Varanasi and Agra, there are excellent highway and train options between Agra and Delhi. There also are non-stop flights between Delhi and Varanasi throughout the day.

Varanasi’s unique culture is associated with the river Ganges, where life and death intermingle. For religious Hindus, a pilgrimage to Varanasi is a goal in life. Devout Hindus flock to the ghats (steps leading to the river) of the Ganges, praying with the belief that bathing in the waters of the sacred river will result in the remission of their sins while the ashes of the dead are scattered in the water to break the cycle of reincarnation. Start exploring with a tour along the ghats. Pilgrims and holy men abound. Every site, sound and person is rich and complex.

Each evening as dusk descends, the Ganga Aarti is performed at the three holy cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi. It is a very powerful, peaceful, joyous and uplifting spiritual ritual. In the evening, visit by boat and be among the faithful experiencing the Ganga Aarti ceremony performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the holiest of all ghats in Varanasi. The beautiful, mesmerizing

Photo courtesy of Taj Nadesar Palace

THE GIFT OF GIVING

The American Indian Foundation (AIF) is committed to improving the lives of India’s underprivileged, with a special focus on women, children and youth. In a country where extreme contrasts of wealth and poverty coexist in everyday life, we hear hopeful stories of India’s rise and rapid growth. However, 800 million people—more than the entire population of Africa—live on less than two dollars per day. AFI has created countless opportunities for India’s poor to live successful, productive lives while creating impactful shift at an unprecedented scale, changing the lives of more than 8.4 million of India’s less fortunate.

The American India Foundation is committed to catalyzing social and economic change in India and building a lasting bridge between the U.S. and India through high-impact interventions in education, livelihoods, public health and leadership development.

To get involved, find out more or donate, go to aif.org.

and highly choreographed ceremony is performed to show gratitude and respect to the river and ask for its blessings.

Here, the Aarti is performed on a stage by a group of young pandits (priests), all draped in saffron-colored robes. It commences with the blowing of a conch shell and continues with the waving of incense sticks in elaborate patterns and the circling of large flaming lamps that create a bright hue against the darkened sky. The movement of the lamps held in the pandits’ hands is tightly synchronized to the rhythmic chants of hymns and the clang of cymbals. The heady scent of sandalwood thickly permeates the air, and you will be surrounded by all who have come. Thousands of tiny candlelit lamps made of leaves and marigolds are set afloat, paying tribute to the river. It is truly inspirational.

At dawn, return to the river by boat when the river is bathed in a luminous yellow light as colorful throngs of pilgrims perform their morning devotions and observe the cremations. Every day at Manikarnika Ghat, the largest and most auspicious cremation ghat, approximately 100 bodies are separately cremated on fresh pine pyres along the river’s edge. The ghat operates around the clock, every day of the year. It is believed that if one is cremated in Varanasi and the ashes are released into the sacred and purifying water of the Ganges, their reincarnation cycle will end, and they will reach Nirvana.

About 6 miles away, visit Sarnath, where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon about the basic principles of his philosophy, which later became Buddhism. The site houses a number of Stupas (monuments), excavated ruins of monasteries and the Ashoka pillar with the four-sided lion’s head, which is also the national emblem of India. The museum has a rich collection of sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images, considered amongst the best specimens of Buddhist art.

Photos courtesy of Suján Sher Bagh, Taj Nadesar Palace

11. ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS AND RISHIKESH

Next, take a non-stop flight to Dehradun in the Himalayas and you will be met and driven about an hour to Ananda in the Himalayas (Ananda). Anada is a destination spa resort designed with classic elegance in the colonial hill architectural style and blends seamlessly with the lush surrounding landscapes. Ananda is located on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, surrounded by graceful Sal forests and overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the Ganges River Valley.

Ananda, one of the finest spa resorts in the world, integrates traditional ayurveda, yoga and Vedanta teachings with international wellness experiences, fitness and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance, harmonize energy and create a sustainable journey towards a healthier, enriched lifestyle. Many guests love to explore and hike in this beautiful part of the Himalayas, including hiking on a 1,000+ year-old trail along the Ganges River.

Just 13 miles away is the city of Rishikesh, which is a fantastic benefit of staying at Ananda. Rishikesh offers plenty of options. Outdoor activities include kayaking on the bays and top-quality white rafting with a mix of easy to difficult rapids on the Ganges River.

Rishikesh is home to numerous yoga centers, meditation centers and the Kailas Ashram Brahma Vidyapeetham, which is a 130-yearsold institution dedicated to promoting and preserving Vedantic studies. Moreover, Rishikesh is a Hindu pilgrimage destination of

the holy Ganges River. Sites include the ancient temples of Bharat, Shatrughna and Lakshman.

I highly recommend being there during sunset to experience the inspirational Ganga Aarti ceremony of Rishikesh. It is a much more intimate, relaxed and less theatrical experience than the Aartis at Haridwar and Varanasi, so some prefer it for these reasons and, therefore, find it to be more spiritual.

Photos courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas

12. DELHI

There are several non-stop flights from Dehradun to Delhi, which are a convenient gateway city for flights to India and to fly home.

Although Delhi is chaotic with terrible air pollution, it is interesting, vibrant and worth exploring. Delhi is an important commercial, transport and cultural hub, as well as the political center of India. Great tourist sites include Humayun’s Tomb, the Lotus Temple, the Lodhi Gardens, the National Museum of New Delhi and the Presidential Palace, as well as lots of shopping opportunities, including Connaught Place Market and Khan Market.

For me, a highlight and empowering culmination of a visit to India and Delhi includes visiting the communal kitchen of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi that feeds 35,000 free meals each day, 24/7. During the height of the Covid pandemic, it distributed 75,000 meals per day to the needy and Covid-affected. This is one of the most prominent and beautiful Sikh gurdwaras, a place of assembly and worship for Sikhs.

At a Sikh gurdwara, visitors of any background can find shelter, comfort and food through the institution of langar, the free community kitchen open to all. Everyone sits on the floor as a sign of equality. The communal kitchen cooks simple, fresh, wholesome,

vegetarian meals without any fuss or rush. It is run by volunteers. Its efficiency is a study in organization and how to feed so many so well with a focus on feeding the very poor.

The Sikh tradition, known in the Punjabi language as Sikhi, was founded more than 500 years ago in India. There are more than 25 million Sikhs around the world, which makes Sikhism the world’s fifth-largest religion. Sikhi teaches a message based on the principles of love, divine oneness and social equality. Their religion rejects all social distinctions that produce inequities, including gender, race, religion and caste. All people are equally divine and deserve to be treated as such. Safe travels home and Namaste!

READY TO GO

To book your business and leisure travels worldwide, call on David Rubin and his team at DavidTravel. In 1996, David moved from a successful law practice, followed a deep passion for travel, and launched his travel company. For more than a decade, David has been on both the Travel + Leisure Magazine “A-List” and the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s “Specialist List” of the best travel advisors in the world. DavidTravel delivers unparalleled style, attention to detail and insider access, uniquely responding to each client’s goals, budget, interests and dreams. DavidTravel.com, request@DavidTravel.com

Photos courtesy of Leela Palace, The Oberoi

Re im ag in Ateliering Crenn

As

Chef Dominique Crenn’s muse has always been her country of origin. The rugged coastline and blushhued sand of her native Brittany Coast has long been artistically and poetically represented within the creative dishes served at her ICONIC San Francisco restaurant, Atelier Crenn. But after nearly 25 years as a San Franciscan, the renowned chef is changing focus to honor the place she now considers home.

By Fran Miller

Photography by John Troxell and Jason Bowman

It was in San Francisco that Chef Crenn began her formal training as a chef. She moved from France in 1988 and began working under the tutelage of local luminaries Jeremiah Tower and Mark Franz for more than two years at the celebrated restaurant Stars. Chef Crenn then went on to make history as the first female executive chef in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she headed the kitchen at the InterContinental Hotel. After having spent a decade away from San Francisco, she returned in 2008 to head the kitchen at Luce, in San Francisco’s Intercontinental Hotel, earning her first Michelin star in 2009 and again in 2010.

Chef Dominique Crenn evolves, so too does her threeMichelin-star San Francisco restaurant.

Driven by a passion to create a deeply personal project, Chef Crenn opened Atelier Crenn in January 2011. An ode to “poetic culinaria” where she could express her heritage, Atelier Crenn achieved its first Michelin star within a year. The following year, she made history again when the restaurant received its second Michelin star, becoming the first female chef in the U.S. to receive this honor. In November 2018, she became the first female chef in the U.S. to receive three Michelin stars.

With artistry at the forefront, cuisine as craft and community always as inspiration, Atelier Crenn was and continues to be, a reflection of Chef Crenn’s life story. Memories of a happy childhood, one in which she was entranced by the intricacies and beauty of fine cuisine, define her artistic culinary style. The warm family life and strong sense of community that she enjoyed as a youth have defined her outlook and philosophy. And now, after 12 years of drawing inspiration from her childhood and individual journey, Chef Crenn has reimagined her world-renowned Atelier Crenn restaurant to keep pace with her continuing personal evolution.

New as of February 2023 in concept and design, the Atelier Crenn experience continues to be deeply personal to Chef Crenn. The new menu celebrates California’s rich bounty, highlighting local plants, fish and seafood. Yet the inspiration goes deeper than menu ingredients. Guests now embark on a journey that guides them through

different times and places, highlighting the beauty of California’s landscape both geographically and culturally.

“California’s multitude of cultures, flavors and ideas is what drew me here,” Chef Crenn says. “I am so proud to say that California is my home. Now I am working to tell the story of this beautiful place—the land, the sea and the people. There is so much beauty around us to be thankful for. This menu is an ode to the place that I consider home.”

Chef Crenn collaborated with Hollywood set designer Ethan Tobman on Atelier Crenn’s dining room remodel. The two became fast friends while working together on the set of Searchlight Pictures’

“The Menu;” Tobman, known for his production design in film, television and music, served as production designer on the movie and Chef Crenn served as chief technical consultant.

“This collaboration was written in the stars,” Tobman says, who has worked on music videos with celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Beyonce. “To be able to bring Chef Crenn’s beautiful vision to life is such an honor. She is an inspiration to me and so many others.”

“Ethan and I were quickly connected to each other,” Chef Crenn says. “Maybe it’s our creative minds that were drawn together, but he was really amazing to work with. From the moment we met, I knew I had to work with him again in another capacity.”

Tobman was inspired by Crenn’s complex personality—a mix of inspiring precision and accessible joie de vivre. His design is an extension of the brand she has created and is a more personal reflection of the life and community she has built in California. Elements include her love of nature and Japanese culture, subtle references to her childhood in France, and her potential origins in Morocco. Specifics include a 25-foot paper chandelier that evokes waves, a mural of trees, a mirrored column of Beaux-Arts design, a Kyoto rock wall in the restroom and geometric patterns that relate to the precision of the food.

Clean and exacting, yet playful and immersive, the design does not distract from the food, which continues to be the star of the show. Tobman and Crenn’s goal is that guests feel transported and that the experience is fun, inviting, intentional and unique.

“The design is organic modernism, giving the feeling of nature’s elements through industrial materials,” Tobman explains. “It is at once free and calming while precise and exploratory. You’ll always feel that it’s at its center while never feeling that there isn’t more to explore.”

“I want guests to see the beauty that is California, and I want to help tell the stories that are often untold,” Crenn says. “We are bringing that to life at Atelier.”

A Publisher’s FAVORITE DAY

Experience the thrill of driving the new Maserati Grecale.

By Renee Dee | Photography by Carlye Klick

At ICONIC LIFE magazine, we like to talk about our days shopping at the finest luxury centers in the world, staying at first-class places, dining in high style, and on this day, driving a luxe new Maserati. “Yes, we are working” are the words you can hear from our mouths. Often, I call these my favorite days.

On this day, I flew to Scottsdale in the morning via my private jet membership with Set Jet, which took a total of 90 minutes from my place in Orange County to the tarmac at Scottsdale Airport. The perfect easy-breezy start to the day for a commuting entrepreneur. From there, my team delivered me to the Maserati dealership, where I picked up my ride for the week, a stunning white Maserati Grecale with just seven miles on the odometer.

Maserati is a name synonymous with luxury, style and performance. And their latest offering, the Grecale, is no exception. As soon as you slip into the driver’s seat, you’re transported into a world of sophistication and exhilaration. The Grecale is more than just a car—it’s a driving experience like no other. I’ve always driven an SUV, so I was excited to put this one to the test.

The first thing that strikes you when you sit behind the wheel is the attention to detail. From the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the

sporty gauges, every element has been crafted with care. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, offering access to all the features you need, including navigation, music and climate control.

As you push the start button, the engine comes to life with a satisfying growl. (I seriously love this sound!) The Grecale is powered by a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine that produces 330 horsepower and 331 lb/ft of torque. It’s quick off the line and has a top speed of around 160 mph. I, of course, was cruising down Scottsdale Road, so I kept my speed well below that.

What really sets the Grecale apart is its handling. The car feels nimble and agile on the road, with a precise steering system that responds to even the slightest input. There are four driving modes— comfort, gt, sport and off-road. I chose sport for most of my driving, as I love how the car feels like it’s gripping the road.

Once I got a feel for the car, I was off to a photo shoot and another segment of Renee Dee-I-Y, shot at a luxurious home in Paradise Valley on the market through The MacDonald Team at Russ Lyon. Seriously, the car looked great outside this house. On the inside of the SUV, the Grecale is a symphony of premium materials and craftsmanship. The seats are upholstered in luxurious leather and the dashboard is finished with high-quality materials. As I drove off into

the sunset—literally—that night, the SUV’s interior LED lighting set a lovely mood for my drive to Zinc Bistro in Kierland Commons, impressing my friends as I arrived.

Driving the Grecale is a thrilling experience. The vehicle feels light and responsive, with a low center of gravity that inspires confidence. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling.

Of course, the Grecale is not just a performance machine. It’s also a luxurious vehicle, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system and a panoramic sunroof that add to the overall experience. There’s plenty of space for passengers and cargo, too, making the Grecale a practical choice for long road trips. For its size, the back seat is quite ample for guests, especially very tall adult children.

Speaking of children, the Grecale is equipped with the latest in safety technology, including a host of airbags, advanced traction control and a rearview camera. It also features a lane departure warning system and a blind spot monitoring system to help keep you and your passengers safe. The first quarter of the year is a busy time on the road in Scottsdale, and I sure didn’t mind the extra attention to safety.

The exterior of the Grecale is simply stunning, with its sleek lines and aggressive stance. The car sits on 20-inch wheels with 21-inch available as an option. The car’s signature grille is finished in chrome, and the body is available in a range of beautiful colors. The Grecale also features LED headlights and taillights that add to the car’s distinctive appearance. In addition, the Grecale features a sporttuned exhaust system that adds to the car’s performance and appeal.

One of the most notable features of the Grecale is its advanced infotainment system. You can stream music, access navigation and control the climate control system all from the touch screen. The system also features Apple CarPlay compatibility, making it easy to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps—perfect for a busy publisher.

The Grecale offers a level of exclusivity that’s hard to match. Maserati is a brand that’s known for its premium vehicles and the Grecale is no exception. I was pleasantly surprised by the price, and I’ll let you learn more about that on your own. The new Maserati Grecale offers a unique blend of performance, luxury and style that sets it apart from the competition.

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled driving experience or just a comfortable and stylish ride, the Grecale delivers what anyone could call a favorite day. And at the end of the week, I could call the Grecale one of my new fave SUVs. The smaller size added an ease and sportiness that I loved without sacrificing the uber-luxe style of Maserati, which I also love.

Get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of the open road for yourself.

This story is sponsored by our friends at Scottsdale Maserati. For more information, please visit www.scottsdalemaserati.com.

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By Bailey Badillo

Picture THIS

They say that pictures are worth a thousand words, but when it comes to Leica cameras, those words could write an entire book. To understand why these cameras are so unique, you have to take a look into the history of Leica to fully appreciate their impact on society.

When Oskar Barnack—an optician and photographer commissioned by Leica—developed the first 35mm Leica camera in 1914, he was well ahead of his time. This device featured an interchangeable lens that allowed photographers to take creative shots with ease—no small feat for that era! Before Oskar’s invention, taking pictures of such quality meant using a massive machine, but with one innovation, great cameras were portable and made for the people.

Once fully available to the public by 1925, the Leica camera was a game changer, not only for artists but journalists. It’s argued that

Leica is responsible for the rise of photojournalism itself, as some of the most famous photos come from Leica cameras, like the celebratory V-J Day Kiss in Times Square.

Throughout the years, Leica has continuously pushed the envelope with its designs and technologies, which is what makes it ICONIC. Leica cameras are fully customizable and features intuitive controls to help you get a great shot every time. In fact, you can say goodbye to blurry, out-of-focus or grainy photos, as Leica cameras boast 24.2 megapixels and an ISO sensitivity that allows users to capture beautiful images in low-light conditions.

Whether you’re a professional or photography enthusiast owning a Leica is something special. It’s not just about capturing memories but holding a piece of history as you create your work of art.

Owning a Leica Camera is holding ICONIC history in your hands.