Country Magazine, September 2022

Bold,PatternedStrong,

FALL FASHION COMES IN FIERCE

LUXURY LIVES HERE

Project Location: Winnetka, IL

Project Type: 10,000 sq ft Custom Luxury Home

Designed and Built by Michael Bennett Luxury Projects A Division of Airoom Architects Builders & Remodelers

MBLuxe22.com • (847) 416-8698

Lincolnwood & Hinsdale Showroom Locations

Razny Bespoke is an exclusive line of one-of-a-kind showstopping pieces paying homage to the custom creations for which Razny Jewelers is known, but with a twist of modern sensibilities. Each piece is made to order and designed with the diamond first in mind. The result is unique and timeless, the epitome of wearable art.

Fall is here! What a beautiful time to have all these natural amber tones complement our sometimes-bleak Illinois sky. The change of seasons influences the real estate market more than you’d think. Knowing the season’s impact on real estate can be a tool that can equip the luxury buyer and seller in the market. As I always say, “Knowledge is Power.”

Depending on your location, the fall and winter season can be a lively time of year. Such is the case with Arizona operating nearly in full swing because of snowbirds looking for homes. For Barrington residents, we have less traffic this time of year. The peak of real estate for sellers and buyers in this area is the day after the Super Bowl with sales slowing down once school is out for summer vacation. The summer months are typically the slowest of the year, picking up after Labor Day. Listen to your broker’s advice more intensely. I would take advantage of the season’s colors and décor to add warmth to your home. Chilly weather and darker skies will compliment your home with a warmer glow when

adding these oranges, reds, fall scented candles, and other items making your more home more attractive.

Helpful information for the progressing year, Cook County home values have gone up 12.2% over the past year and are continuing to rise. Interest rates are expected to increase due to rising inflation but not as much as everyone is worried about. Freddie Mac’s primary mortgage market survey reported 30 year 5.3% and 4.58 for 15 years. It is predicted by the chief economist from realtor.com that mortgage rates may continue to climb between 5.5% and 6% for the rest of 2022.

Warm regards, Connie

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/mortgage-interest-rates-forecast/ https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms

https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/chicago-real-estate-market/ If you would like to discuss your unique real estate needs confidentially, you may call or text me at +1 847.508.7775 or email connie.antoniou@sothebysrealty.com.

WHERE WHAT-IFS BECOME WHAT’S NEXT

the homebody

Choosing her den instead of the gym, Lauren indulges in poetry and a cup of tea as her favorite music plays softly in the background and sunlight paints the room.

What do you love most about your home?

Share with us on Instagram.

FIERCE

Style Maker

ON THE COVER

Bringing in the tones of fall, Mannie with Select Model Management, wears Veronica Beard cream blazer and rose dress at the Arlington Race Track, bunnyandbabe.com. Photography by David Leslie Anthony / Styling by Theresa DeMaria / Hair and Makeup by Cathleen Healy.

BEAUTY NOTES: Lune+Astor dawn to dusk brow pencil, Jill Dempsey plum/prune lid tint, Revlon angled Kajal eyeliner, Tarte lights, camera, lashes mascara, Benefit lovetint lip and cheek stain, It Cosmetics CC cream.

ON THIS PAGE

One Last Thing’s Elena Victoria wearing the Lily Gown. To celebrate turning 30, fashion designer Elena Victoria designed a custom gown made of printed silk organza. “I wanted the gown to be ethereal, delicate, and magical,” says Victoria. “I wanted it to symbolize a new beginning as I venture into my 30s.” The gown was made with six yards of fine silk organza, cross stitched to birth the voluminous gathers on the bodice, and cinched at the waist with a sheer ribbon belt. Each delicate layer on the skirt features a hand sewn horsehair trim, creating volume and dimension. Photography by Ayaka Sano.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Writing this editorial note for our September fashion issue has me thinking back to Alaïa’s recent Winter 2023 show where guests received white lab coats—the uniform for the haute couture ateliers—as recognition of the precise craft behind each garment. As we celebrate fashion in this issue, at the top of my mind are all those who have had a hand in producing the clothes that we choose to help present ourselves to the world.

In this issue, we celebrate the fashion leaders here in Barrington keeping us on trend and styled to perfection. Jamie Irvin, owner of G&G Boutique, shares what inspires her in Country vs. Town. DIBI Menswear owner, Daniel Bruce Wimer, gives a glimpse into how he started his Lake Barrington men’s fashion boutique in a Features article. And Lulu Cleary shares her story from Taiwan, to Honduras, to Barrington where she started Gilded Rose Atelier. The issue rounds out in One Last Thing with an introduction to Elena Victoria and her line of absolutely stunning couture gowns.

If after reading about all these glamourous fashion options you’re keen to shop and wondering where to wear your new purchases, look no further than the return of Tartans for the Trust, Saturday, September 24 at Cresswood Farm in Barrington Hills. Spend a lovely fall day outside from 2 to 6 p.m. at this family-friendly, Ravinia-style event—purchase tickets at bactrust.org. Keeping in line with Barrington’s charitable roots, Medbh Huschitt, former president of Barrington Junior Women’s Club, is featured in our newest column Country Loves

My hope is that you are inspired and delighted as you read this issue.

Cheers, Megan Weisberg

Editor-in-Chief megan.weisberg@jwcmedia.com

MY WISH LIST

Holding on to the last of summer’s blooms with Casa Felix’s flower power stationery, casafelix.com

Wearing Joy Joy evening lotus dress, The Sélectionner, Barrington

Staying chic on early fall nights in Tory Burch’s silk twill pajama set in dusted rose block tulip, Tory Burch Oakbrook

Barrington’s Gilded Rose Atelier’s proprietor, Lulu Cleary wearing Lihi Hod black jumpsuit from Gilded Rose Atelier

Fashion designer Elena Victoria wearing bespoke creation.

Photography by Ayaka Sano

Daniel Bruce Wimer amongst the newest men’s fashion at DIBI, the men’s apparel and acccesories company he founded in Barrington. Wearing Trunkys shirt, 7 Diamonds joggers, and Marc Joseph shoes, shopdibi.com

UP FRONT Moschino

When Jeremy Scott inherited Franco Moschino’s eponymous fashion house in 2013, he did more than just give it a facelift. As Scott puts it, “Moschino’s like Sleeping Beauty, and I just gave it the kiss.” As fashion’s resident enfant terrible, known for pushing the label with his daring collections laced with pop culture references and rebellious humor, Scott was a natural fit to revive the 30-yearold Italian label, which had made its name on rule-breaking outfits. In the years since he became Moschino’s creative director, Scott has sent some of fashion’s most playful collections down the runway, drawing inspiration from everything including Barbie, car washes, Looney Toons, and Picasso to create the “cheap and chic” sensibility the brand is known for. Designed in close collaboration with Scott himself, Assouline’s MOSCHINO brings to life the world of Moschino as seen through the designer’s eyes. Featuring a treasure trove of images from campaigns, editorials, fashion shows, backstage photos, front rows, red carpets, parties, and more, it’s all things Moschino, as only Jeremy Scott could do it. For more information, visit assouline.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY © MARCUS MAM

KELLEHER + HOLLAND 2022 ALL WHEELS CAR SHOW

Kelleher + Holland’s annual 2022 All Wheels Car Show will be held on Saturday, September 17, 1pm to 4pm, at The Club at Wynstone in North Barrington. Fabulous automobiles will be on display amongst activities including wine tastings and games for the adults, glitter tattoos and balloons for the kids, as well as a variety of food and beverages for all. A raffle will be held with prizes from local vendors and one hundred percent off the proceeds will benefit Association of Horizon and the Y-Not Project. For more information, or if you would like to show your car, visit kelleherholland.com/ car-show-2022.

FROM DIOR TO THE DRAWING ROOM

As France’s most prominent host and the artistic director of Dior Home and Baby Dior, Cordelia de Castellane is a leading ambassador of the Gallic lifestyle. Simply put, she is to French entertaining what Inès de la Fressange is to French style. Drawing from her illustrious career, family life, and lively social circle, she invites readers into her welcoming world of stylish hospitality in her book Life in a French Country House: Entertaining for All Seasons published by Rizzoli.

Organized according to the seasons of the year—spring, summer, fall, and winter— the chapters uncover de Castellane’s tips and inspirations for living and entertaining à la française. With individual sections dedicated to seasonal tableware, recipes and menus, interior design, flower arranging, and more, readers will delight in learning how to recreate chic French style for special events and everyday occasions alike— from a summer lunch on the grass to an elegant Christmas. For more information and to purchase a copy, visit rizzoliusa.com.

© Life in a French Country House by Cordelia de Castellane, Rizzoli New York, 2021.

Photography© Matthieu Salvaing

“The garden furniture and benches are blue—I was inspired by the Majorelle garden and Claude Monet’s Giverny garden.” © Matthieu Salvaing

© MATTHIEU SALVAING

BESPOKE LUXURY TISSA FONTANEDA

“I first fell in love with accessories as a teenager, sitting in the dining room of a luxury hotel in southern Italy, watching the sophisticated, tanned women in their beautiful summer outfits. I could feel the softness of their leather bags just by looking at them while some of their necklaces reminded me of faraway and exotic places. More than just a fashion accessory, it was these individual touches that accentuated the unique personality of each woman wearing them.”

Tissa Fontaneda

Born in Munich, Germany in 1965, Tissa Fontaneda spent most of her life abroad. After graduating from the University of Turin, Italy, with a Ph.D. in Literature and Philosophy, she then moved to Paris to pursue her teenage dream of working in fashion. It was at Daniel Swarovski that Fontaneda began her career as a design assistant to Rosemarie Le Gallais and Hervé Leger. Fontaneda relocated to Madrid five years later and then joined the Spanish luxury brand LOEWE to develop the Thierry Mugler handbag collection.

At LOEWE, Fontaneda learned about handbag manufacturing and leathers from some of the world’s greatest European artisans. When LOEWE was acquired by the LVMH group, Fontaneda was invited by President Yves Carcelle to be Head of Product for LOEWE accessories under Narciso Rodriguez. In addition to LOEWE, she also worked with several other brands including Cartier, Dunhill, Connolly, and Louis Vuitton.

Driven by a strong desire to merge her creative vision with her expertise in the world of luxury accessories, Fontaneda launched her eponymous label—classic luxury with a modern twist—in 2010. Characterized by impeccable quality, artisan craftsmanship, and attention to detail, the Tissa Fontaneda collection consists of exquisitely designed handbags, necklaces, belts, and cuffs recognizable for their standard of excellence, not their logos. Classic and timeless, a Tissa Fontaneda handbag or accessory is one you will fall in love with over and over again. For more information, visit eu.tissafontaneda.com; the line is also carried at Sweet William, Hinsdale.

SOTHEBY’S LUXURY HANDBAG AND ACCESSORIES AUCTION

Sotheby’s Global Handbags & Accessories department presents New York’s Handbags & Accessories September 2022 sale, offering extraordinary examples of the finest craftsmanship from Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and other iconic fashion houses. The sale will feature a curated selection of handbags in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors, as well as accessories to complement any occasion.

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact 212-606-7000 or enquiries@sothebys.com.

An iconic Chanel handbag

Tissa Fontaneda, amore large plankton/ cyclamen

Tissa Fontaneda luxury handbags

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LESLIE ANTHONY HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

What actress would play you in a movie? This is a tough one. I have no idea!

Who from history would you want to travel with? Princess Diana

Where do you look for inspiration? Catalogs, books, Instagram, Pinterest, driving around, friends, pretty much everywhere!

Favorite book? A good thriller. Most recently Mary Kubica and Sandra Brown books.

Most beloved cookbook? My Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook my mom gave me when I went to college.

Best dinner party hack? A tip I learned from my mother-in-law: Lay out and label all your serving pieces with sticky notes beforehand. Makes serving everything less stressful.

What’s in your bag right now?

My LV card holder, good-smelling hand sanitizer spray, gummy bears, ballpoint pen, my to-do list for the week, ChapStick, and Trader Joe’s Mints.

MEDBH LOVES

Gadget My air fryer! Makes cooking dinner a breeze on busy weeknights. Scent Lavender Barrington spot With kids: the Lake Barrington Park. Without kids: Neoteca for lunch with girlfriends or Wynstone for dinner with my husband. Hostess gift to receive A nice candle. Gift to give Anything monogrammed or personalized.

Important Jewelry

September 13, 2022

Chicago | Live + Online

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

Fall Fashion & Accessories

September 16 | Chicago

American & European Art

September 27 | Chicago

Post-War & Contemporary Art

September 28 | Chicago

Casting Spells:

The Gertrude Abercrombie

Collection of Laura and Gary Maurer

September 29 | Chicago

Prints & Multiples

September 29 | Chicago

Jamie Irvin is a bubbly and driven woman with a passion for fashion. As a youngster, she would stage her bedroom as a boutique for her family to shop. Her real fashion career started after college in Chicago. After meeting her husband, they moved to California where she transitioned into pharmaceutical sales and management. Eventually, her career brought her back to the Chicago area where she and her husband started a family. Years later she translated her experience and passion into becoming the owner of G&G Women’s Boutique in Barrington. Irvin loves spending any free time she has with her husband, 18-year-old twins, and her furry babies.

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Mantra? I fill my life with only good vibes and positivity Best grooming tip? Preparation H Cream—for under-eye bags Guilty pleasure? Wine Favorite foods? Pizza and salad. I love the combination and any kind, as long as I don’t have to make it Music you love? Music is a passion of mine. It’s hard to narrow it down to one genre. Recently, I have been listening to a lot of old school—Prince, Blind Melon, and Depeche Mode Best advice ever given to you? Avoid having too many credit cards. “If you don’t have the cash to pay for it, don’t buy it,” says my dad, James Reynolds, who is a retired banker Best advice you’ve given? Look at every challenge as an opportunity Earliest memory? Living in Charleston when I was 3 years old playing with my imaginary twin friends. And today, I have twins! When you wake up, you? Hit snooze on my alarm Before bed, you? Say my prayers What’s on your bookshelf? A lot of photo albums You can’t live without? My family, dogs, and ChapStick Love to escape to? My back patio Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t overthink anything

WHEN IN TOWN WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Comfortable and classic. Basically, anything from G&G Women’s Boutique Can’t leave the house without? Phone, coffee, water, and ChapStick Transportation? Since I have a long commute, my Land Rover Sport Driving music? A good podcast, like Boutique Hub or Dateline Place to eat? Ciao Baby! Shop?

If not G&G Women’s Boutique, I love Angelina’s Best thing about the country? The people Worst thing about the country? For me, the commute The perfect day is? Spending it with the people I am surrounded by every day. The women I work with, my customers, and then coming home to my family, to do nothing

Your style is? A monochromatic look Can’t leave the house without? A good mindset Transportation? The Metra Driving music? ‘70s Greatest Hits Radio Place to eat? Kai Zan Shop? The Merchandise Mart—that is the only place I seem to shop these days Best thing about town? The ideas I collect and the people I encounter Worst thing about town? Traffic and parking The perfect day is? Shopping for the next season at the Merchandise Mart, then spending the evening with my friends in the West Loop

G&G Boutique owner, Jamie Irvin, wearing Lili Sodono blouse, skirt, and jacket with a Tiana Designs purse, available at G&G Boutique in Barrington

Irvin wearing Oliver Logan denim dress, G&G Boutique Barrington

benefiting NorthShore University HealthSystem

September 30–October 2, 2022 Chicago Botanic Garden

The 38th Annual American Craft Exposition

A prestigious juried exposition and sale of fine craft supporting innovative patient care programs at NorthShore University HealthSystem, most notably SAVE MOMS, a maternal health initiative.

Benefit Preview Party:

Thursday, September 29, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Exhibition and Sale:

Friday, Sept. 30 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 2 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Tickets available at americancraftexpo.org

Jonathan Rutledge

Back to School

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG

Charlotte Tilbury, pillow talk lip & cheek glow, nordstrom.com 5 Dr. Dennis Gross Adv. Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum, drdennisgross.com

Dr. Dennis Gross Adv. Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum, drdennisgross.com 7 Everist, compostable konjac sponge, credobeauty.com

DENTAL TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

needs a crown, a dentist must make an impression of the tooth, ship it to the dental laboratory and then wait for them to make a permanent crown.

WORDS BY JAMES T. GAVRILOS

New technologies help shape our future. Dentistry’s future is no exception. With advances in electronics, software and 3D printing, dentistry is on track to bring these technologies to patients and make a visit to the dentist more comprehensive than ever.

3D printing does not need any introduction. Its incorporation into healthcare has been newsworthy with the technology’s potential to print medicines, prosthetics, and even organ replicas. Its importance was further highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis to bypass supply chains to meet hospitals’ demands. As the technology is set to become an integral part of healthcare practice, it will also become incorporated in dental labs.

Computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacture (CAM), including 3D printing, are already changing the way dental lab technicians do their work. Traditionally, when a patient

With CAD/CAM technology, the tooth is drilled to prepare it for the crown and a three-dimensional scan is taken of all the patient’s teeth. This image is then emailed to a laboratory that CAD designs the new tooth and begins the process of creating an oven fired glass-like crown. With a 3D printer doing the hard work, dental labs eliminate the bottleneck of manual modeling and can get the final product back to dental offices faster than ever before.

3D printers are also able to produce orthodontic models, surgical guides, aligners, retainers and more dental equipment faster and precisely; tasks that would take longer with traditional methods. This helps in improving workflows and reducing errors.

While there is currently CAM, that allows a dentist to have a crown milled right in the office, the materials in the final product do not have the same glass-like finish as the materials that are created in a dental lab. But as 3D printing materials improve, the dental office may be able to completely bypass the dental laboratory all together.

The dental profession is always looking for ways to improve the care of its patients. Technology is paving the way for making a visit to the dentist more comprehensive than ever. CAD/CAM will certainly play one of the biggest roles in this improvement.

Dr. James T. Gavrilos is located at 129 Park Avenue in Barrington. For more information, call 847-381-4040 or visit barringtondentist.com.

Vein Specialists of Illinois, a locally owned, independent medical practice is a leader in non-surgical, personalized treatment of venous disorders. VSI serves your community with two convenient locations in Lake Zurich and Elgin.

Dr. Sorenson and Dr. Lutz are double Board Certified, and Diplomates of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine with a combined 35+ years experience. Utilizing the latest equipment and techniques to treat varicose and spider veins, VSI professionals will change the way you look and feel.

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BACC’S 36TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) hosted its 36th Annual Golf Classic at The Club at Wynstone in North Barrington on August 1. BACC’s Golf Classic is one of the main events that helps support its Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund. Golfers began the day with a buffet lunch on Wynstone’s patio and practice at the driving range. The four-person scramble started with a shotgun tee off at noon and concluded with a 19th Hole Celebration that included an open bar, dinner, raffle prizes and awards ceremony. For more information, visit barringtonchamber.com.

John Brodersen

The Club at Wynstone

Craig Crowther, David Charlotte, Jim Roppel, Dennis Kelly

Joe Landa, Tim Corr

Joshua Hermann, Todd Hermann, Rich Payson, Greg Brown

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

Jason Lohmeyer, Bruce Peterson, Eduardo Gonzalez, John Christian, Todd Sohlen

Jill Minner, Suzanne Corr, Donna Stratton

Mike McGowan, Jim Curcio, Alex Barrie, Zac Babenko

Steve Smith, Tom Petermann, Stan Grabowski, Nick Lemperis

Kevin Bruning, Ed Reiss, Rick Latella, Brian Burkus

Luke Melograno, Craig Martin, Maddie Kosir, Brad Buker, Chad Swanson

Kathleen Leitz, Kelly Cardin, Katie Lopez, Connie Antoniou

Joe Landa, Jason Mandelman, Melissa Thorsen, Tim Corr

A NIGHT AT THE BYFS DISCO

On Saturday, June 25, Barrington Youth and Family services hosted “A Night at the BYFS Disco” in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. With more than 250 guests in attendance, BYFS raised a record breaking $420,000. All proceeds of the event will go towards BYFS’s mission to build healthier families by offering mental wellness services to those in need in the

Amanda Unter, Ali Laumann, Anna Bilton

Mike & Kelly Berkowitz

Brian & Wendy Farley, Kristin & Tim Routhieaux

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Matt Lundgren, Ryan Birch

Anne Baumfeld, Betsy Thalheimer, Nicole Jankowski

Ryan & Kim Fitzsimmons, Allison & Robert Windon

Tracy Campbell, Cindy Galley, Amanda Unter

Barrington area. Event co-chairs, Crystal Pepper, Betsy Thalheimer, and Chris Pepper were thrilled to have BYFS’s sponsors, donors, and community members back together in person after two years of virtual events to celebrate this incredible milestone. For more information, visit BYFS.org.

Katie Wilson, Tracy Campbell

David & Callie Chapman

Chad & Betsy Thalheimer, Todd & Christina Moser

Vicky Hardy, Kelly Johnson, Victoria Sivrais, Jenna Manz

Joe & Megan O’Donnell

Todd & Karen Bundrant

Debra Dickson, Janice Pajerski, Cindy Cowdrey

Allison Murray, Angela Wilcox

Jane Fitzgerald, Chris Pepper, Karen Lambert

Anna Bilton, Katie Wilson, Erin Vondra

A DAY ON THE TERRACE

The Service Club of Chicago welcomed fashion lovers and friends for a look at the most beautiful new collections from top retailers on Michigan Avenue and beyond. The ballroom of The Peninsula looked especially beautiful bathed in sunshine and high spirits for this year’s theme, Cinema Paradiso.

Mona Al Hussein, Maggie Hall

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

Dawn Hasbrouck, Darby Hills, Mary Lasky

Shevon Lewandowski

This lively luncheon featured a runway show, luxurious raffles, and an afterparty with DJ Akib spinning. The co-chairs curated an incredible day to raise funds for Chicago’s most-worthy organizations. theserviceclubofchicago.org

Brandi Crosby

Lauren Brynjelsen

Elyse Kennard-Levay, Belvon Walker

Christa Bauernfreund, Yvette Klobuchar

Judy Gibbons, Marta Raykhshtat

Service Club Runway Show

COUTURE CHRONICLES

Discovering the power of fashion with Hindman Auctions’ Timothy Long.

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

When we present ourselves to the world, we choose clothes that show who we are. The choice of the clothing we wear is an intimate one, defining our days and nights. Fashion is one of the first things we think about in the morning, to ensure that we feel comfortable, protected, and confident.

As Hindman Auctions’ Director and Senior Specialist of Couture and Luxury Accessories, I have been able to dive into the past and learn more about a range of individuals’ experiences with fashion. Having worked in the field of fashion for decades, I have no shortage of intriguing anecdotes and have also seen how the market for luxury goods has rapidly developed. From contemporary fashion to vintage and antique articles of clothing, there is always something new to discover.

Fashion is not just a utilitarian commodity. Fashion is an art—a “soft sculpture”—designed to please the eye and perform a function, making it one of the most complex artistic forms. Design, engineering, science, and artistry are all required to make a garment or accessory. In addition, fashion responds to and influences societal changes, making it a powerful transversal tool to study history and the diversity of people who wear it.

Fashion choices are, therefore, of paramount importance. People with an interest in fashion span all sections of society, from museums seeking items of historical significance to collectors passionate about designers and styles to the wearers who like to be draped in beautiful and functional garments. Savvy buyers know that the auction market is a place to find unique finds. In recent years, investors are also placing their bets on the secondary market for fashion, with Forbes contributor Lela London reporting that “Designer Handbags Are Now A Better Investment Than Art.” Forbes quotes the annual review by Art Market Research, which “has been measuring price movements in the fine art market since 1976,” stating that luxury handbags “now outperform art, classic cars, and rare whiskies in terms of investment potential. Some bags, from the likes of Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, have even experienced a valuation spike of an average of 83 percent in the last ten years. To put that into context, coins have increased by 21 percent, first-edition books by 42 percent, and watches—the assumed king of fashionable investments—by just 72 percent.”

At Hindman, we carefully select fashion items from all over the United States and present them in four annual auctions. For each item, we perform careful research to ensure authenticity, quality, and condition. This process is why our clients include first-class

museums, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In a world that appears to encourage an eternal revival of forms and styles—think how styles come in and out of fashion over the years—garments and accessories sold at Hindman are historically significant, expanding the notion of fashionable from something ephemeral to something eternally wearable.

In addition, buying clothes with a history behind them is a choice that helps the planet by avoiding “fast fashion.” In an article by contributor Catherine Erdly, Forbes reported that the “secondhand clothing market is growing 11 times faster than traditional retail and is estimated to be worth more than double that of fast fashion, at $84 billion by 2030 (while fast fashion is projected to be worth around $40 billion at the same time).” And who doesn’t have a favorite piece of clothing they would like to wear forever? Perhaps you can find another one at auction.

If you are a collector with an interest in history or a wearer with a passion for fashion, we can advise you on what is valuable and important in your search for clothing and accessories to cherish and enjoy for a lifetime.

Hindman is excited to offer an opportunity to acquire a piece of fashion history in our September 16 Fall Fashion & Accessories auction. From an Oscar de la Renta ball gown and a Valentino dress to Gucci, Chanel, and Hermès handbags and more, we’ve got you covered.

The Couture & Luxury Accessories Department will present an online auction on September 16 with bidding beginning at 10 a.m., hindmanauctions.com/auctions/1076-fall-fashion- accessories. Bidding is available via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room, bid.hindmanauctions.com or the Hindman app. The couture and accessories will be available for preview from September 13 to 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Timothy Long at 312-280-1212 or timothylong@hindmanauctions.com.

WORDS BY TIMOTHY LONG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN

Timothy Long, Hindman Auctions Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories, with couture from the Collection of Countess Anita von Galen, offered in Spring 2022

CHEATING QUESTION

What

WORDS BY MICHONE J. RIEWER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KATHLEEN ROOS

In addition to the emotional roller coaster following the discovery that your spouse has chosen to be with someone else, comes the fear of how to protect yourself and your family from the financial and emotional devastation that often follows.

First, check your bank and investment accounts, credit cards, phone records, and email accounts to make sure that nothing is out of the ordinary. Then call an attorney. Sit down with the attorney to discuss what can be done to ensure that you are financially and legally secure while navigating the event’s emotional devastation. Obtain enough information to understand the entire divorce process. This knowledge will allow you to feel more confident as you make decisions. If you do not feel confident after meeting with the divorce attorney, meet with another attorney. The right fit is essential.

Often there is no need to make decisions immediately. Other times there is a benefit to moving quickly. It is best to know as much about the situation as possible before you have to make decisions. It is also important to have an understanding of the divorce process and a checklist that allows you to make sure everything remains status quo while you explore your next steps. In addition to calling a divorce lawyer, it is a good idea to obtain a counselor or therapist to help you traverse the emotional aspects of this discovery. Relying on family, friends, coworkers, or even worse your spouse or attorney to help you navigate the emotional turmoil is ineffective and often detrimental. If you do not feel relief and confidence after you meet with the first therapist, meet with another. Quality professional relationships are essential.

AA majority of divorces are sparked by a sudden awareness that one party or the other has found someone else. That is almost never the root problem. Few people choose to cheat on their spouse when they are happily married. The underlying (often long-term) acrimony makes the divorce process very difficult, so obtaining good counsel and a therapist will help. Charting a path of least resistance with little drama and bitterness is ideal. If you are able to envision what your life will look like six months or a year out, it makes the journey less painful and scary.

An affair does not have to end in divorce. Realistically, however, divorce is one of the possibilities. Therefore, it is important to get enough information to know your rights and potential outcomes. At Strategic Divorce, we are available to help you understand the divorce process and provide you with knowledge so that the options are understandable and clear.

Michone J. Riewar

Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

to do when you catch your spouse cheating?

Mathnasium will give your child an edge in math, and that leads to improved confidence overall. We give students the personalized instruction they need to accelerate their math skills and have a successful school year. Our expert instructors don’t just teach students to memorize or calculate; they teach them to truly understand the way math works. Which is why Mathnasium students make huge strides in the classroom and become more motivated and self-assured overall.

Join over a million parents who have trusted Mathnasium to build their children’s confidence and transform their math skills. Our live, face-to-face instruction is offered both in-center and online.

FIERCE

Fall fashion makes a statement on location at the Arlington Race Track.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LESLIE ANTHONY

ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS JAMES GUSTIN, DAVID HAK

VIDEOGRAPHER NATHAN BRIEVA

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

TALENT KALLI AND MANNIE OF SELECT MODEL MANAGEMENT

Zimmermann Anneka crochet ruffle-tiered midi skirt and flutter sleeve halter top, neimanmarcus.com.

Altuzarra Jabal gingham skirt, Saint Laurent boucle puff sleeve sweater, neimanmarcus.com Costume hats and riding crop.

Mannie wearing Balenciaga organic Japanese denim jacket, neimanmarcus.com

Jewelry by Arch by Laura White, neimanmarcus.com. Kalli wearing Dolce & Gabbana foulard print poplin blouse and skirt, neimanmarcus.com

Kallie wearing Zimmermann Anneke crochet ruffle-tiered midi skirt and flutter sleeve halter top, neimanmarcus. com. Earrings by Arch by Laura White, neimanmarcus.com Costume hat.

Sunglasses by DIBI, shopdibi. com. On Kalli LOEWE denim dress, Brunello Cuccinelli chunky sweater coat, Balenciaga shoes, neimanmarcus.com. On Mannie, Victoria Beckham knit dress, Alexander McQueen graffiti print high-low trench, Stella McCartney boots, neimanmarcus.com. Jewelry by Arch by Laura White, neimanmarcus.com

Tom Ford long sleeve sequin blouse, Saint Laurent houndstooth long wool trouser, neimanmarcus. com. Lucite vintage earrings by Arch by Laura White, neimanmarcus.com.

Valentino bright off-theshoulder purple silk blouse and gold sequin fringe skirt, IKRAM.com. Arch by Laura White gold vintage necklace, neimanmarcus.com.

Proenza Schouler skirt and top, sweetwilliamhinsdale. com, Rag & Bone boot and belt, Lillie Alexander in Lake Forest. Peserico white overcoat, neimanmarcus.com.

Peserico coat, top and pant, sweetwilliamhinsdale.com.

Jewelry by Arch by Laura White, neimanmarcus.com.

Photo as seen in Chicago Agent Magazine.

StyleMaker

DIBI Menswear Owner Daniel Bruce Wimer Trailblazes His Way into the Hearts of Lake Barrington Consumers.

WORDS BY TRICIA DESPRES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Daniel Bruce Wimer was born a hard worker.

“My mom was a teacher, and my dad was a firefighter,” the owner of DIBI Menswear tells Country, his long legs stretching out in front of him from the velvet green couch he sits upon on this sunny summer afternoon. “It’s always been part of the culture of our family to work hard. I mean, I cut the grass and didn’t get an allowance for it. It was considered by my family as a labor of love.”

And it’s this trait that has equaled success for Wimer, as the contemporary men’s fashion and accessories business owner opens the doors on another day spent in his eclectic store situated on a vast stretch of Northwest Highway. Opened in November of 2020 amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, DIBI Menswear has become a haven of sorts for both men and women in recent years, a place where style lives amongst old records and funky patterns.

“People come in here not just for clothes, but for conversation too,” Wimer observes, as a Food Network show plays on the flat screen on the wall. “I have a lot of regulars that just come in and hang out, and there’s never any pressure here. Heck, I can be a stylist, or I can be a conversationalist. But absolutely, if you want to look good, I’ll take care of you.”

Growing up in Palatine, Wimer was a strong-willed kid who liked to be in charge. He was a competitive swimmer in a family of swimmers, his mother and sister being Olympic trial qualifiers—a distinction that Wimer himself would also achieve during his time as a student-athlete at the University of Arizona. When the decision was made to end his swimming career, Wimer envisioned a life where he could be the boss, and he was determined to put the hard work in to make that dream a reality.

Soon, Wimer accepted a job at the New York headquarters of Macy’s, working in their management development program. Yet, the lack of movement within the company soon led to boredom for the budding trailblazer. The years that followed would have Wimer working as everything from a model to a mixologist at locales across the country and around the world.

When Wimer’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007 and his sister

DIBI Menswear owner, Daniel Bruce Wimer at his menswear store in Lake Barrington. Wearing DIBI shirt, tie, and vest, and DL1961 pants

Daniel Bruce Wimer wearing DIBI sunglasses, shirt and watch, DL1961 denim pants

Stay on trend this fall with these new

items from DIBI Menswear

had her first baby the following year, home began tugging at his heart. And while modeling could have easily kept Wimer both busy and financially stable, he soon found himself drawn to starting something completely new.

“I started with just 14 skinny ties,” he says of the vibrant collection of menswear that he created and began selling back in 2010. “At that time, they were just $25 ties. I remember getting my first few orders and I just thought it was awesome.”

Soon, Nordstrom came a ’calling, and Wimer’s “little tie business” began to skyrocket, as did his women’s accessories line and his event production business.

“I was just trying to throw darts to see what would stick,” he laughs.

Soon, Wimer’s budding DIBI product line proved to be the one that would in fact stick, expanding to include everything from neckwear and accessories to an apparel line, with every dollar made being put directly back into the company. In 2014, Wimer married his wife, Petrina, and together, they moved from the city to Lake Barrington.

“My numbers were through the roof for a good number of years,” he remembers.

What happened next is something Wimer didn’t anticipate—the reality of 2020, when he watched everything screech to a halt due to COVID-19. But that’s exactly when he rolled the dice again and opened the storefront in Lake Barrington.

“I got the keys on September 26 of 2020 and I was open November 1 of 2020,” recalls Wimer as the front door opens to yet another customer. “I was here 16 hours a day to make it happen. My dad helped me assemble the cabinets and fixed all the electrical. In the final hours before opening, my niece and nephew were taking bow ties out of wrappers and my mom was steaming clothes. It was truly a family affair.”

And when he speaks of family, it’s not just the ones he shares blood with.

“This community has been unbelievable,” Wimer concludes. “They come in here and I introduce myself and we shake each other’s hands. And maybe, they walk out of here with something new to wear. Or they don’t. That’s not what matters to me. What matters to me is that a customer comes back. Or they tell their neighbor to come check it out. That’s the best feeling.”

And while the lines of menswear offered at DIBI are the highest of quality, the price points are more than reasonable. “It’s far from sticker shock,” Wimer explains of the offerings available to his clientele, which ranges from the 20-something young professional looking to elevate his look to the 65-year-old looking to step up his style game.

“A lot of guys in their sixties and seventies come in here saying that they don’t want to be that guy that looks like they are trying too hard,” Wimer laughs. “I always tell them, ‘Trust me. You are not trying too hard. You look good.’”

And at the end of the day, Wimer couldn’t ask for anymore than that.

For more information, visit shopdibi.com or visit the store at 28686 West Northwest Highway, Lake Barrington.

DIBI knitted hybrid fisherman beanie available in 18 colors. “A splash of color can elevate any look.”

DIBI middle-weight wool quilted lined workman jacket. A great layering piece that is perfect for your fall campfire or running some errands. Keeps you warm but not too bulky.

DIBI ultra-weighted collared shirt with snap collar stay and brass button accents will work with any denim and will have you wanting all four colors.

DL1961, ultra-knit slim fit straight leg denim. “A four-way stretch denim is critical for comfort and style,” says Wimer. “These aren’t your dad’s jeans...but should be.”

DIBI textured leather belt—a staple item that can be worn year round.

Say “ Yes” To The Dress Of Your Dreams

Gilded Rose Atelier in Barrington offers a curated selection of exclusive collections by world-renowned designers, offering brides from all over the world their dream gowns.

WORDS BY KELLI DOREMUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DORIA DEBARTOLO STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

It’s possible that there has never been a better time to be a bride—at least from a fashion viewpoint. With seemingly limitless bridalwear options, designers around the world are filling stores with unique and contemporary dresses. Lulu Cleary is one of those designers, taking the bridal gown industry to a new level with her leading international bridal boutique, Gilded Rose Atelier.

Born in Taiwan and raised in Honduras, Cleary grew up surrounded by her parents’ manufacturing company, which sparked her interest in the making of a garment. “In Honduras, all the events are extremely lavish,” she says. “Girls travel out of the country to the U.S. or Europe to have their prom and high school graduation dresses made—it’s like a Met Gala. That’s what sparked my interest in the making of a gown.”

Cleary decided to pursue this interest and graduated with a degree in fashion design from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. After dipping her toes in the fashion world, she decided to add to her education and graduated with a marketing degree from Saint Leo University in Florida. While living there, she met her husband, Steve.

After the two got engaged, they spent the next few years moving around before settling down in Barrington to start planning their wedding. It was at this time that Cleary discovered two things: she loved the whole process of wedding planning and being in the hectic moment of it all, and unique wedding dresses were extremely hard to find. In the end, she felt she had to settle for “the dress.” “That’s what inspired me to create a store that offers designs that not everyone has,” she says.

Cleary ran with this idea and after almost a year of searching for

Cleary wearing Gatti Nolli gray beaded dress from Gilded Rose Atelier

a location for her store, and a lot of hard work, she found the perfect space and launched Gilded Rose Atelier. “I knew I didn’t want to be in the city, which is so saturated,” she says. “I just wanted to offer a completely different experience, and at the time there wasn’t much offered in terms of unique wedding dresses out here in the suburbs. Our focus is showcasing collections from hard-to-find international designers that are exclusive to us in Illinois or the region.”

Clients from all over the world travel to Cleary’s store to get their hands on the gown of their dreams. “Most people come in

for a specific designer, otherwise we get brides who know they want something different, not just your typical traditional bridal gown—something unique, maybe a little edgy,” Cleary says. “All our designers are couture, so we’re able to customize the dress to make it even more unique and special to them.” Through Cleary’s hand-picked selection of gowns from international designers, she strives to provide every bride with the design choices she did not experience herself.

Some of the world-renowned designers featured at Gilded Rose

include Costarellos, Halfpenny London, Karen Willis Holmes, and Liz Martinez. According to Cleary, “the collection showcases a celebration of flawless workmanship, luxurious fabrics, and handmade lace and beading, with designs by some of the world’s top bridal and evening wear designers.”

But for Cleary, it’s about more than offering a carefully curated bridal collection—it’s also about the individualized experience. “For me, it’s all about the customer service, which I feel is a lost skill,” she adds. “We offer a special experience that allows the client not to feel rushed or pressured, but rather at home, relaxed, and stress-free.”

In addition to bridalwear, Gilded Rose also offers evening wear for mothers of the wedding, bridesmaids, and gala events, as well as accessories, jewelry, and shoes. “Our bridesmaid design, Two Birds, is really cool because you can wear it in almost 15 different styles—it’s versatile and works for everybody.”

Brides today have more opportunities than ever to have fun with their style. And while the desire to be unique has perhaps never been stronger, the more fashion-forward bride need not look any further than Gilded Rose. “Every bride has a beautiful story, and we feel so honored to be part of their special journey,” Cleary adds.

For more information, visit gildedroseatelier.com.

It’s about you.

3 things you should know this month in 60010

A return to normal

For the last year, a lack of inventory and unprecedented demand from buyers had our local housing market running hotter than hot. Now, things are starting to stabilize. With mortgage rates slightly up, demand is down. So if you’re looking to buy or sell, it’s time to reset your expectations. Buyers are once again taking their time. The idea of selling a house in a few days with multiple offers is becoming more rare. Sellers can still expect great results, they just need to have a little patience.

You need an agent who will advocate for you

Off-market deals also continue to grow in popularity. In this market, simply waiting for your dream home to pop up on Zillow is not an effective approach. I specialize in identifying off-market opportunities through creative and unconventional tactics. This summer alone, I’ve helped five clients find an unlisted, off-market home through networking, leveraging the power of social media and old-fashioned door-knocking. Let me help you too!

Time for fall clean-up

The fall is a great time to focus on deferred maintenance projects, especially if you’re considering putting your home on the market sometime soon. The most common deal-breakers for home sales are roofs and mechanicals, so take the time to get your roof checked by a licensed contractor and, if your furnace, water heater or air conditioner are more than 15-20 years old, consider having them replaced.

Where many of the players look, sound and act the same, Kate has built her business by daring to be different.

Featured Property: 17 Spring Creek, South Barrington Offered at $1,550,000

Farmers’ market ingredients used in Recipe for Summer Squash & Chevre Tart

Green Garlic

FOOD & TRAVEL

From markets to mountains, here is a taste of local ingredients and luxury travel

with

and Peas

SUMMER SQUASH & CHÈVRE TART WITH GREEN GARLIC AND PEAS

WORDS, RECIPE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Nothing gets me out of bed faster on a summer Saturday than the farmers’ market. The thought of colorful, crisp, fragrant, and tender vegetables waiting to greet me under the white tents is simply irresistible. Last week’s visit yielded brilliant yellow and green squash (zucchini and pattypan), tall green stalks of uncured garlic, and piles of sugar snap peas—their little caps and tendrils still in place. With fresh farm eggs and chèvre from the cheesemonger and tarragon from my

garden, I was ready to make this tart. Prepare the flaky pastry crust first, pressing it into a tart pan to chill while you prep the vegetables. A few words on uncured garlic: garlic in all its beautiful varieties— from Rocambole to Purple Stripes, Porcelains to Silverskins—comes to market in the summer with the green tops still fresh. Those green tops have a delicious mild garlic flavor that I love in this tart because they don’t overpower the other ingredients. Serve the finished tart hot or at room temperature with a little smear of Dijon mustard and a fresh lettuce salad.

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE FLAKY PASTRY CRUST

• 1 9-inch x 1 1⁄4-inch tart pan

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1⁄2 teaspoons salt

• 1 1⁄4 sticks ice-cold butter, cut into small pieces

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

• 3 sprigs fresh tarragon, stems discarded, leaves minced to make 1 tablespoon

FOR THE FILLING

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, diced to make 1⁄2 cup

• 2 to 3 baby zucchini, tops and bottoms discarded, sliced to make 1 1⁄2 cups

• 2 baby pattypan squash, tops discarded, sliced to make 1⁄2 cup

• 2 tablespoons green garlic stalks, diced or 1 tablespoon green onion

• 1⁄2 cup f resh peas shelled from sugar snap peas

• 1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

• 1⁄2 cup f resh goat cheese (chèvre)

• 1⁄2 cup light cream

• 4 eggs, beaten

METHOD MAKE CRUST

Sift flour and salt into a wide, shallow mixing bowl. Cut butter into flour and then use fingertips to lightly break up remaining pieces until mixture resembles damp sand with little bits of butter still visible. Sprinkle with tarragon leaves. Whisk egg with milk, stir with a fork into the flour/butter mixture until it begins to come together. Spread clean work surface with two overlapping pieces of plastic wrap to make a square. Scoop dough pieces and particles onto plastic. Pull four corners of plastic up and around the dough and press/knead through the plastic to form a ball. Spread plastic back into a square; pat and flatten dough into a disk. Cover with two more pieces of wrap to make a plastic square matching the bottom one. Roll dough out into a 10-inch circle with 1/8-inch thickness. Place plastic-wrapped dough circle on sheet pan; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Remove dough circle from fridge and discard top layer of plastic. Flip dough circle over and ease into tart pan; discard remaining plastic sheets. Gently press crust into pan. Prick all over with fork. Refrigerate while you make filling.

MAKE FILLING

In skillet over low heat, cook onion in butter until soft, being careful not to brown. Add squash and chopped garlic tops. Continue cooking for about two minutes, gently stirring occasionally until squash is tender but not soft. Add peas, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

ASSEMBLE TART

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove prepared tart shell from fridge. Crumble or dollop chèvre evenly over the crust. Top with squash mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together cream and eggs. Pour over squash to fill tart. Bake tart for 35 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling is set. Remove from oven to cool before slicing.

FOREVER WEST

Wyoming’s Snake River Sporting Club is where beauty resides and adventure awaits.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WYOMING SNAKE RIVER SPORTING CLUB

In January, we headed West for our first visit to Wyoming and the Snake River Sporting Club, a 1,000acre luxury resort and residential property just south of Jackson. The sheer variety of summer and winter mountain activities coupled with the breathtaking setting make this world-class property an absolute gem.

As our plane touched down in Jackson, we were greeted by snowflakes lightly floating through the air like bits of down from a fluffy pillow. As we walked under elk antler archways into the Jackson Hole airport, we could see the snowcapped mountains and the airport’s Fredrick Remington-style statues. It is a rare occasion when an airport experience stirs feelings of excitement for what lies ahead.

Within minutes we had our gear and rental car. We drove

Snake River Sporting Club Aerial View

through picturesque Jackson, a town that proclaims “outdoor adventure” with its abundant signs for white water rafting, heli-skiing, wildlife safaris, and fly fishing. The scenic drive south to the Snake River Sporting Club is a treat—winding roads hug soaring mountains boasting tracks of backcountry skiers, moose, and elk.

After a curve in the road following the Snake River, we emerged onto a historic red bridge connecting the banks of the emerald-tinted waterway. We passed Astoria Hot Springs Park and the club’s helipad at the river’s edge, before reaching the club’s entrance gate.

Rugged stone walls ran alongside the winding lane as we drove into the property, first past the entrance to the “ranch estates” offering ultra-luxury homesteads of up to 35 acres and then by the equestrian center located in the river valley.

In the middle of the property are the “lodges,” a neighborhood compound with a mix of housing available for rent from a single night to extended stays. While you can choose the size of your accommodations—from a single en suite room to the whole house, we rented the entire residence. Our lodge was immense with four en suite bedrooms each with floor-to-ceiling windows celebrating the scenery. A large kitchen spilled into a great room with the dual purpose of dining room/family room. The lodges are fully furnished with sturdy, beautifully made pieces from Restoration Hardware that make for luxurious comfort. The great room’s glass walls slide open granting entry to an expansive patio with a fireplace and hot tub offering the perfect vantage point to soak in the mountain views. It was during a moment of jacuzzi reflection that we realized what makes this resort so unique and captivating. Instead of viewing

the mountains from a distance or being located at the base of one mountain slope, the Snake River Sporting Club is nestled in a narrow mountain valley where rocky ridges stretch toward the sky on both sides of the picturesque river, creating an enclave of mountains, water, pines, and sky. It is breathtakingly beautiful.

After a philosophical soak, we headed to the clubhouse for dinner.

The substantial 26,000 square-foot clubhouse is a massive structure made of logs and stones, crowned with a roof of heavy cedar shakes. The building is circumscribed by a veranda and set against the backdrop of a million evergreens dotting the mountainside—cedars, spruce, firs, and pines—ensconced in the Teton wilderness.

The clubhouse foyer soars into an atrium and a wide staircase climbs to a second floor that houses the gym and ladies’ changing rooms. Western chic furnishings encircle a massive fireplace with colorful contemporary art lining the walls. Off the reception area are two restaurants—the formal River Room restaurant and the more casual Canyon Bar. Both incorporate local ingredients, boast outstanding wine lists, and offer astounding views. The chef works with local farms, dairies, and ranches to create simple yet sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine. Not only an expert at pairings, the chef is also a master of presentation.

After a blissful slumber, the earth seemed to yawn as the sun rose over the mountains, turning the snow into a sheet of crystals shimmering in the sun. My husband, an elite cross country ski racer, headed out to meet the club’s Nordic ski pro, Masha, for a ski on the ten-mile immaculately groomed course. He was incredibly impressed not only with Masha’s skills but also by the trails. Between the views

Clubhouse front deck seating

Fairway Lodge interior

Fairway Lodge rear facade

9th hole on the famed Snake River Sporting Club golf course

and the world-class grooming, he reported that Snake River Sporting Club has ski trails rivaling Europe’s best.

The Club offers an endless array of seasonal activities. In the winter, the options include dog-sledding, all sorts of skiing (heli, backcountry, cross country, downhill, and private ski experiences), skating, snowshoeing, paddle tennis, snowmobiling, tubing, and hiking. In the summer, there is horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, hiking, biking, swimming, and not to mention golf on the Tom Weiskopf championship golf course, which was ranked the #1 course in Wyoming in 2015-2016 by Golf Digest. The property offers six miles of private access to the Snake River—renowned nationwide as a site for fly fishermen.

We loved feeling isolated in the mountains, however, if we wanted

to head off the compound, Jackson is a 25-minute drive from the club (shuttle services are available year-round) and Yellowstone, the North American Serengeti, is just a few hours away.

When we left Snake River Sporting Club, it was as if we were bidding a dear friend farewell with the promise to see each other again soon. The West might just be the best with its open skies and brilliant stars, mountain tops, wildlife galore, and people who are just plain friendly.

We can’t wait to return later this fall to listen for the bull elk’s bugle call and look for his massive shape silhouetted against a swaying sea of pines, wearing the shape of the wind.

For more information, visit snakeriversportingclub.com.

Snake River Sporting Club pool

OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Journey abroad with the properties in Luxury Offerings and continue to enjoy outdoor entertaining this month with Dutch design brand Anna + Nina—now available in the U.S. exclusively at modaoperandi.com.

A colorful tablescape by Dutch design brand, Anna + Nina, modaoperandi.com

WORDS BY MEGAN WEISBERG

DODECANESE ISLANDS, SYMI

$901,472

GREECE

Symi is a popular watering hole for the elite, many of whom arrive on their private yachts from all over the world during the summer months. This property is a newly built neoclassical house with breathtaking views over the tranquil area of Pittini. The property can be accessed by car or mo-

The Details: 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths • 1,506 square feet, $598 per square foot • Located on one of the Dodecanese islands, a separate one bedroom and one bath guest house Contact: Manolis Ganasos, Engel & Völkers Rhodes North, +30 22410 79410

torbike, which is a rare and significant bonus in Symi. The kitchen is open plan, and the internal staircase leads to two spacious bedrooms—in between both is an office and library space, plus a bathroom. The courtyards are set on two levels with a selection of beautiful plants and trees and all the amenities for a summer BBQ.

MERANO $911,716 ITALY

This penthouse apartment combines luxurious living with a magnificent 360-degree view over the roofs of the town. A complete renovation was completed in 2021. The windows—some of which are floor-to-ceiling—allow the natural light to flood the living spaces

The Details: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath • 730 square feet, $1,248 per square foot • Elevator, underfloor heating and cooling, Smart Home System, offered partially furnished Contact: Juri Oberkalmsteiner, Engel & Völkers Meran – Merano, 39 0473 234349

throughout the day. All the furniture has been made to measure for the space, and the large rooms feature clean lines and modern finishes of glass and natural stone. The panoramic terrace extends around the living area and transforms the home into a true urban oasis that invites you to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL $1.1 Million 2 BOW LANE

Located on a private lane, this home was built in 2013 and is nestled on 5.24 acres in equestrian-friendly Barrington Hills. Custom built and designed, this home offers extensive upgrades and many custom features. Coffered ceilings in the dining room, a floor-to-ceiling

The Details: 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths • 4,006 square feet, $274 per square foot • Built in 2013, situated on 5.24 acres in equestrian-friendly Barrington Hills Contact: Donna Sattler, RE/MAX at Home, 847-255-1000

fireplace in the living room, and expansive views throughout make this home special. The kitchen is complete with a dining area, serving pantry, large island, and top-of-the-line appliances. Upstairs is the primary suite and three additional bedrooms, all with walk-in closets and attached baths.

1 Kingston Bench, jaysonhome.com 2 Hilda Brass Task Lamp, jaysonhome.com 3 JUNE home supply, brass bowls in various sizes, junehomesupply.com 4 JUNE home supply, brass salt mill, junehomesupply.com 5 Pineapple salt & pepper set, fetehome.com 6 Astier de Villatte, rien pendant, jaysonhome.com 7 Simple Antique Bench, jaysonhome.com 8 Dutch design brand, Anna + Nina available exclusively at modaoperandi.com 9 Hector Counter Stool, jaysonhome.com 10 Oberlin Floor Lamp, jaysonhome. com 11 Anna + Nina, songbird tray, modaoperandi.com 12 Anna + Nina, songbird cake stand, modaoperandi 13 Anna + Nina, flowers in bloom bowl, modaoperandi.com 14 Montblanc, blue hour pen, nordstrom.com 15 Aristot, rectangle ottoman carrara grey, nordstrom.com 16 Otis Sconce Black, jaysonhome.com 17 Gamma Orbs, jaysonhome. com 18 Dixon Stool, jaysonhome.com 19 Ike Bookcase, jaysonhome.com

Reaping What She Sews

Bespoke

WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

When Elena Victoria was just twelve years old, her grandmother taught her how to sew.

While the two of them worked to complete curtains for her bedroom, she realized just how easy sewing was. She ran home that evening to start on her first dress. “I was filled with excitement over the scrappy dress,” she says with a laugh. “It was then I knew that I would someday become a fashion designer, deciding on the label ELENA VICTORIA.”

After finishing her degree in Fashion Design & Technology at Purdue University, Victoria was hired as a designer for Abercrombie Kids in Ohio, creating digital patterns and unique designs for their denim line.

Despite the new and exciting challenges that came with such a job, she longed for a more creative career. A year later, she left to start her own business, ELENA VICTORIA to teach youth how to sew and to chase after her dream of designing for her private label. The company grew quickly, reaching over 700 students within five years. While her sewing class offerings grew, so did her custom design line.

“Before I graduated from Purdue, I had taught hundreds of students how to sew,” she says. “I developed a fun and unique program that simplifies the art of designing custom clothing, making it achievable for kids of all ages.”

When Victoria moved back to Chicago in May 2021, she left 700 students in Detroit in the capable hands of her teachers. She’s since cultivated her student base in Chicago and nearby suburbs, including Barrington.

“Our boutique sewing classes are taught by real designers in the industry looking to make a positive impact through their passion for art and design,” she explains. “As I continue to hire and recruit more talent, I’m able to take on more of the management role in overseeing these classes as a true business, while continuing to design gowns,” she says.

With so much attention to the quality programming she’s offering students, it’s hard to believe that this entrepreneur has any time to work on her custom designs.

“When I first started my dress line, I said ‘yes’ to too many things,” she remembers. “I think there was a year when I made 40 custom dresses. I was stretching myself too thin. Now that my brand is more established, I exclusively commit to four to six clients a year, allowing me to dedicate the proper time and energy into each design.”

It was Victoria’s own wedding gown that truly launched her as a reputable designer. “Once people discovered I had made my own gown, orders followed quickly,” she says. “Today, I love that I can design custom dresses for women of any age specifically made for them. It really is a dream come true.”

To learn more about ELENA VICTORIA, visit elenavictoria.co.

gown designer

Elena Victoria shares her design secrets and sewing talents with aspiring fashionistas in Barrington.