TAYE DIGGS BUILDING AN
EMPIRE 1
2
CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST Corinthia Hotel Budapest is one of the grandest hotels in the dazzling capital of Hungary. With 439 rooms, including 31 suites and 26 Royal Residences, the hotel offers spacious and luxurious environment for families, couples and business travellers as well. For utter relaxation guests can enjoy the harmonious atmosphere of the fabulous Royal Spa. Michelin recommended cuisines of the fine-dining Brasserie & Atrium and Far Eastern Rickshaw restaurant provide the best choice for gourmets. The baroque-style decorated Grand Ballroom provides the ideal venue for a truly unforgettable event.
CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST, ERZSÉBET KÖRÚT 43-49, 1073 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY +36 1 479 4000 I BUDAPEST@CORINTHIA.COM I CORINTHIA.COM/BUDAPEST
1
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
SUMMER ISSUE ON THE COVER TAYE DIGGS - Denim long sleeve button up by The Kooples available at Bloomingdales Denim Pants by Scotch & Soda available at Bloomingdales. Nautical belt by J.Crew Brown beaded necklace by See Under Love. Sunglasses by Persol, Available at OptXeyewear. Black Leather Watch by Fossil. White Sneaker with red & Blue Stripes by Gola. Photographed by Christopher Logan. Location Services provided by The McCarren Hotel & Pool. TABLE OF CONTENTS TAYE DIGGS - Brown tinted sunglasses by John Varvatos available at OptXeyewear. Rustic stripe T-shirt by J. Lindeberg. Rustic strip swim trunks by J. Lindeberg.
2
CONTENTS Six
HIGH DESIGN, HIGH COMFORT Ten
TAYE DIGGS Twenty
BMW CONCEPT 8 Twenty-Six
FIRST LOOK Twenty-Nine
COASTAL GETAWAY Thirty
RUDY Forty-Nine
THE LISTENING ROOM
Thirty
RED-HOT Fifty
NATE BERKUS
Thirty-Six
EAT YOUR HEART OUT Fifty-Four
MIRAGE
Forty
REMINGTON Sixty-Two
STAY INTERESTING
Forty-Eight
ANDRE TATE Sixty-Four
LA FOOD & WINE
3
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KEVIN LAPALME
CREATIVE DIRECTOR DEREK WARBURTON
ART DIRECTOR BRITTANY GARCIA
PUBLICITY MATTHEW DILLON MARISA HEBERT
ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIARA CASIRAGHI –BRODY
FOOD / CULTURE / TRAVEL EDITOR
ONLINE EDITOR
DAWN GARCIA
ASHLEY AGUIRRE
BEAUTY EDITOR
MUSIC EDITOR
DILLON PENA
DAKOTA LAPALME
TRAVEL DESIGN EDITOR
FASHION EDITOR
KAREN LEBLANC
ADTRESA MONIQUE
CONTRIBUTORS
TRENDS & STYLES EDITOR
JESSICA FINN DARRYLE MOODY HILARY SHEINBAUM DAVID BERNAHL
PHIL KEOPHAPHONE
ADVERTISING INQUIRES Contact KEVIN LAPALME SALES@lapalmemagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS CHRISTOPHER LOGAN SCOTT HOOVER FRANK LOUIS KEVIN ROLDAN
SUBSCRIBE To subscribe, visit lapalmemagazine.com/subscription subscribe or email us at subscribe@lapalmemagazine.com
© 2017 Lapalme Magazine - All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography or illustration only with written permission of the publisher. LAPALME Magazine, its officers, staff members or writers do not warrant the accuracy of or assume responsibility for any of the material contained herein. Freelance photographers are responsible for their copyrights. Editorials or editorial submissions do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Publisher and/or magazine leadership. All letters, text and photo material received become property of LAPALME Magazine.
4
Editor’s Letter
Observing TV and Film star Taye Diggs being photographed poolside at the stylish McCarren Hotel, It brings into focus how far the magazine has come in just a few short years. It is tireless dedication and vision that pushes the magazine forward each season. Our creative team continues to excel and grow with each issue as our reach around the globe expands country by country. During the spring, I had the opportunity to view the prototype BMW Concept 8 at the Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este in Lake Como. While visiting Italy, we were lucky enough to be granted access to the Brunello Cucinelli factory in Solomeo. The factory is located within the Umbria Region, in a small medieval town that Brunello Cucinelli has been renovating for decades. Over the past thirty years, he has grown the company from a one-man operation to a business employing five hundred people. Most of whom live and work in this small close-knit community. His attention to old world craftsmanship and values is something I admired and would love to emulate as the magazine continues to grow. I often get excited when I am privy to advice and suggestions from other creative individuals. Publishing this magazine has truly allowed me to work with some of the best and brightest in the industry. To be considered one of the hottest magazines on newsstands today is extremely humbling and inspiring. The honor is not something we take lightly and strive to make each issue better than the last. As we laid out the pages for this season, I as awestruck at the amount of talent contained within; Charissa Thompson’s rise to Co-Host of Extra! alongside former Lapalme Cover Star Mario Lopez, The OC’s Rachel Bilson gracing the Womens Cover, and Daytime Diva Star Chloe Bridges taking time out to join us for an editorial feature and interview. Be sure to check out our First Look articles on Daniel George and Chef Katy as well as the fantastic editorials by photographers Helena Palazzi and Kevin Roldan. As we continue to grow our readership and subscriptions, I believe the future is wide open and the best is yet to come! Thank you for all your support on this journey!
KEVIN LAPALME
Editor-In-Chief @kevinlapalme
5
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
HIGH DESIGN HIGH COMFORT
Top 5 Luxury Design Finds from ICFF By Karen LeBlanc @designtourist
During the entire month of May, New York City is the global stage for international design on view in a multitude of shows and events collectively known as NYCxDesign. The marquee event is ICFF, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, a compilation of what’s best and next in contemporary design and luxury interiors. From more than 800 exhibitors, we’ve curated a list of glam goods for the modern man that speaks to luxury with just the right touch of testosterone. Hot girlfriend: check! Sexy sportscar: check! Hmm..how to furnish your living space to match your trophy-collecting lifestyle. Tonino Lamborghini Casa translates the iconic sports car into a branded concept for total living.
Pamplona Bed by Tonino Lamborghini Casa
Sports Car Inspired Interiors Each piece is imbued with elements inspired by the world of luxury sports cars, such as carbon and steel, and noble materials such as wood, marble , and stone, with copper and rose gold inserts. Mechanical stylistic elements - bearings, connecting rods, pistons, exhaust pipes, ventilation grilles, headlights, leaf springs and hinges adorn upholstered chairs, desks, lamps and beds made by Formitalia for Tonino Lamborghini stamped with the raging bull crest. For more, check out www. formitalia.it
Formentera Lux Sofa by Tonino Lamborghini Casa
6
To complement the quilted leather upholstery of sofas, chairs and beds, Tonino Lamborghini has partnered with GS Luxury Group to launch a line of smart tiles.
Formentera Lux Sofa by Tonino Lamborghini Casa
Smart Tiles
Photos Provided by Wi Tiles by GS Luxury Group
The Wi-Tiles are embedded with inductive chargers that charge a battery without a connection to an electrical cable charger and work as flooring, kitchen counters, or bathroom shelves. For more www.lamborghini-tiles.it
Marie Elisabeth Lueders Haus
7
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM To go with your sports car inspired living room, why not accent with a coffee table or end table crafted of repurposed automotive steel? Kiel Arto Design is onto something— a new interpretation of luxurious, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces that make you feel good about the environment while owning an exclusive one-off. Artist Kristaps Gulbis teases out the hidden beauty and patina of painted auto body steel in a collection of tables, wall tiles, wall panels and countertops. Using automobile rooftops and embracing the dents and scratches, the artist creates an urban patina by gradually removing the layers of paint, following the color patterns and combinations to create “a painting that becomes a functional, practical piece of art.”
“Automotive body panels are not plastic pretending to be wood – this is factory painted steel that deserves a second life. Saving this material from the crusher is good for the environment,” says Gulbis.
Kiel Arto Design Studio envisions its tables being used by people who appreciate functional art and are sensitive to the environment. “There is much art that is viewed from a distance, our tables are art that should be used, touched, and be part of your daily routine.” For more check out http://kielarto.com/
All photos provided by Kiel Arto Design Tables
8
Automotive Steel Tables
Mechanical motifs combined with industrial pipe designs man up a living space with David A. Rozek’s sculptural light fixtures. Rozek, founder of Pandemic Design Studio LLC, has launched a collection called The Industrial Revolution with a sci-fi, futuristic dare I say dystopian point of view. “I like to design my work with action verbs incorporated in their appearance which reflect natural forces and phenomenon or regulatory patterns found in nature. As a whole, I am drawn to the concept of pieces being assembled to create something much larger while still visually maintaining the individuality of each piece,” explains Rozek. These statement-making pieces add an aggressive dose of yin to be counterbalanced with some lighthearted yang accessories, which transitions into our next group of design finds that embrace the playful, no-rules approach of the Memphis Group design movement. For more check out, http://pandemicdesignstudio.com Photos Provided by The Industrial Revolution Collection by Pandemic Design Studio LLC
Piped In
Memphis Group Inspired Designs Performer David Bowie was a voracious collector of the works of eccentric Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and the Milan-based Couchino sofa by Margaux Keller Memphis group. Designer Karl Lagerfeld also had a penchant for the pop-sensibility, bold colors, and angular forms. He purchased the entire first season Sottsass’ collection in 1981. A litte design history here: The Memphis Group defined design in the 1980s, popularized as a rebuke to the 70s minimalism. Lately, it seems many have Memphis on the mind when it comes to luxury furnishings and accessories. Several collections caught my eye for their playful nod to the no rules approach to The Memphis Group design movement. Le Point D, a french furniture company, debuted the Couchino sofa by Margaux Keller, who “plays with everyday rules to surprise people.” British furniture and lighting designer Lee Broom launched a capsule collection of limited edition hand-crafted Jasperware vases and bowls, the Wedgwood. Broom strips back ornate detailing taken from Wedgwood’s 250-year old archive, yet keeps the traditional Jasperware finish juxtaposed with postmodern elements. For more, check out http://leebroom.com For more of the latest design trends and interviews with tastemakers and trendsetters, check out https://thedesigntourist.com
Lee Broom Wedgwood by Lee Broom group, photo credit Michael Bodiam
9
Sunglasses by Dita Flight 005, Available at OptXeyewear Mint Green & White T-shirt by Matiere Striped belt by J.Crew Green Shorts by-Paper Backs Powder Blue Sneakers by Puma
10
TAYE DIGGS
BUILDING AN EMPIRE Written By Jessica Finn @jessicafinnnyc
11
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
With a megawatt smile, Taye Diggs oozes confidence and sex appeal. Taye has a presence that lights up whatever stage he graces, be it Broadway or the big screen. He is right on time for our interview, and his voice is velvet. Taye’s also gone above and beyond to chat. It’s late, and he was on our Lapalme cover shoot earlier today. Taye’s been typecast for a long time, often playing the attractive, intelligent working man. You don’t see him playing the jerk and you don’t see him playing the geek role either. He typically comes off as the guy you would want to marry; smart and strong. Considering how Taye has managed to carve out the time in his day to catch up with Lapalme, roles aside he is quite gracious and even humble. He’s also rightfully proud of some leads he’s played along the way that have allowed him to step out of his comfort zone and take on parts that many actors would not be able to wrap their minds around. Growing up in the city of Rochester, New York, which is much less a city and more of a town by New York or Los Angeles standards, Taye described himself as a ‘conservative kid,’ who was equal parts ‘nerdy’ and ‘skinny.’ As with any great transformation, Taye found himself among like-minded peers when he entered Allendale Columbia School, a performing arts high school. At Allendale, Taye says, he really found himself. ‘I owe my life to it. It literally saved my life. I found my confidence there. I owe everything to that school and those teachers. I’m still friends with the friends I met back there, so its very special to me.’ ‘I was very fortunate in that when I grew up in Rochester, the cool people would take trips to New York City. I always imagined every body’s dreams would come true there, and I realized once I would follow arts as a career, I had that set in my head.’ In ’93, right after college, Taye landed himself in the city and by ’94, he debuted on Broadway in Carousel.
12
Blue and White printed buttonup by Scotch & Soda Rustic stripe swim trunks by J. Lindeberg
13
Blue and red plaid blazer by Domenico Vacca White and blue knit polo shirt by Editions M.R. available at Bloomingdales
14
15
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
The next major stepping stone in his career, and his personal life, came when he landed his role in the critically acclaimed musical Rent. During his time with Rent, he met his now ex-wife, actress Idina Menzel. Taye’s relationship with Idina would not last, but his respect and support of the actress remains. Together, their partnership not only helped them to develop each other’s careers, it also gave Taye his son, Walker, 7. The thespians were able to find a real joy in their shared passions, whereas others may not have been able to withstand such close quarters. ‘Once the attraction was there, everything fell into place. We were friends first. We saw each other in the dressing room and on tour, and it kind of almost quickened the process. We had some really good years. We had a lot of fun, and it was really cool watching each other grow and succeed. We were great teammates and supporters of each other.’ All of the beautiful memories and success New York has given Taye, he says he has finally given up his TriBeCa apartment to lay down roots full time in Los Angeles to be with his love and light, his son Walker, as much as possible. ‘My little boy lives in LA now, so I’m out there full time. He is the love of my life. He is like my little homie, my spiritual advisor, my anchor, my hero. He’ll spit back at me stuff I try to teach him and makes me realize the things I still have to learn in life.’ Taye spent the past season in a recurring role on Empire and says he believes he is returning next season depending on schedules. He was handpicked by Taraji P Henson. ‘She is awesome. She and Terrence
[Howard] are that show. Very rarely are you a fan of a show and magically you can be on it, this was one of those situations.’ Taye also recently got into a little bit of social media mischief when he posted a bare-buttocks shot to an Instagram story. More as a joke, he marvels at how little other people actually wear in their social media promotion game. ‘I thought the butt pic was funny. Some of the stuff these young ladies put on there, I wouldn’t have thought my little chocolate booty would surprise as many people as it did, it’s just crazy on there- always.’ Currently, when Taye isn’t flashing that beautiful booty, he is keeping it mostly low-key and living his life with his girlfriend of over three years, model Amanza Brown, and focusing on family life. ‘After a kid and a divorce, my whole vibe had changed. I never had much game anyway. When I met her she had two kids, and so that was our foreplay. It wasn’t a game, it was actual conversations, it was real talk. When we were introducing our kids to each other, our kids got along instantly. It was as easy as it could have been. We had a different ways of disciplining, there was a lot. I wanted to make sure I was a strong presence and not fill in where their father is, and he’s a really great father. It wasn’t what I bargained for, this life post divorce, you have to be in the moment, and you have no idea what changes are happening. You cant make excuses. you’re in it’ Taye adds words of wisdom ‘You can’t be paralyzed by life. You have to just adjust and do the best you can.’
Creative Director- Derek Warburton Photographer- Christopher Logan MUA- Naivasha Johnson for Exclusive Artists using Laura Mercier Fashion Editor-Adtresa Monique Style Assistant- Ashley Aguirre Photo Assistant -Juan Salomon Special thanks to McCarren Hotel and Pool for the location
16
Forest green long sleeve button up with patches by Scotch & Soda Nautical stripe T-shirt by J.Crew Off white trousers by Homme available at Bloomingdales Navy blue sneakers by Gola. Chain necklace by SeeUnderLove
17
18
Sunglasses by Persol , available at OptXeyewear Blue long sleeve hombre shirt by Matiere Nautical white and blue stripe pants by J.Crew Floral Blue Sneakers by Adidas
19
BMW CONCEPT 8 THE PAST MEETS THE FUTURE Written By Darryle Moody @darryle_moodynm Photos By Getty Images And Darryle Moody
Along the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, one of the world’s most picturesque locations is where the past meets the future in stunning form. The revered Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was the perfect sun-dappled stage for an unforgettable re-launch of the new BMW Concept 8 Series. Aesthetically, the exterior design of the new 8 Series is less derivative than that of the 6 Series coupe it replaces that ceased production earlier this year. The 8 Series has much different proportions than the 6 Series, and it sits on a longer wheelbase. BMW has leveraged the Concept 8 Series to introduce a completely new design language to its products. An introduction of this type serves as a way to gauge public reaction to a particular concept vehicle and also to get the prospective buyers ready for something very different.
20
The exterior when viewed from a side angle presents an exercise in proportions. The wheel to body relationship is important to aesthetics and the Concept 8 Series appears to impart a sporty dynamic and one can see it’s a drivers car at first glance. The front of a car is essentially it’s face and ultimately how it is viewed and the BMW Concept 8 Series introduces some new facets with this design study. One of the first things you notice is the BMW grille is noticeably wider and sits much closer to the ground and an important design cue about its performance potential. This is one of those hints about it being a drivers car. Headlights are the eyes of the face for a car, they can tell a story about the cars intentions and what the designers are trying to achieve visually. The face of the car looks serious as the headlights are narrower on the BMW Concept 8 Series and the lighting elements within the housings have crisp, determined lines that give a purposeful look to the front of the car. Viewed head on it has a direct and serious appearance, and the 8 Series should look like it means business on the road. The thin lighting elements are achieved with the use of laser lamps to brilliant effect. It’s impressive as this lighting design element gives the car a very unique appearance that can be described as expressive and also gives the BMW Concept 8 Series an unmistakable visual presence and style. The wide air scoops denote the the specific power plant that will reside under the hood will require vast amounts of air to cool it. This is more than a subtle cue to the potential power it will have on tap.
From the A-pillar (front of the passenger compartment), past the B-pillar (just behind the seats) and flowing past the C-pillar (end of the passenger compartment) is something revolutionary for BMW Coupe design, a fastback architecture. This fastback design signals a completely new design direction at BMW. For those unfamiliar with fastback in regards to an automobile, it is a car body style whose roofline slopes continuously down at the back. It is a distinctive form of back for automobile body architecture consisting of a single convex curve from the top to the rear bumper. With a view from the side profile reveals the new form language, with just two body lines, one that forms what is really a subtle smooth character line on the upper part of the door and the second body line lower that sits above the rocker panel. These two body lines start at the AirBreather (vent) in the front quarter panels with the two body lines running away from the AirBreather that channel air down the side of the car and terminate just in front the C-pillars. These two body lines have a functional ability is to direct the air flow down the side of the car. In this era of high efficiency, the better a car can slip through the air the more efficient it is, meaning it burns less fuel to move itself forward. The purpose of the AirBreather (vents) and subsequent functional body lines is to help lower the drag coefficient and slip through the air, which is a common measure in automotive design as it pertains to aerodynamics. Towards the rear the of the car the passenger compartment grows narrower and the new fastback design gives the Concept 8 Series a broad shoulder or wide rear section. The shape of the roofline and fastback architecture with a tapered greenhouse that flows into width gives the BMW Concept 8 Series design study an emotional element here. It takes some time to develop a clay model and then to metal to convey something more than just its surface. The rear section is very important as a sports car has to show the viewer where it’s power is derived from, Wide rear quarter panels do exactly that, they display power and presence.
21
With a rear-wheel drive car a wide rear end imparts a muscular appearance as this is aesthetically where the cars power is derived from. A wide rear section with big tires and wheels that fill out the wheel wells doesn’t look slow. In sports cars or GT car (Grand Tourer) it’s all about proportions and this design study has basically nailed the large coupe front to back. When viewed directly from the rear, the muscularity of the design study is very apparent. The tapering of the greenhouse or commonly known as the passenger compartment, flows smoothly into the wide sheet metal and a expertly designed statement of the power the car is even more pronounced. The taillights that wrap around the ends of the car appear to be an interpretation of the lamps found on the i8 but in this application they are longer and thinner. LED technology is the basis for their thin size and bright illumination. The lower half of the rear end of shows power and purpose with the wide section tires. And the tailpipes seem to have been designed with a blend of geometry and organic shapes. The interior of the Concept 8 Series looks rich in execution and materials. Finished in Merino leather in Dark Brown and Fjord White offers a extremely premium environment that looks opulent and a very pleasant place in which to spend lots of time. The sport seats are slim with carbon fiber shells that form the basis of the seating structures, the sumptuous Fjord White quilted leather is inviting to the eye due to it how cools the
22
interior with its contrast color against the hard technical look of the carbon fiber seat shells. One of the most interesting cues of previous BMW interior design was how the driver information center was slightly canted towards the driver and gave the look and feel of a cockpit. I loved this feature on my first BMW, a Montreal Blue 325i Cabriolet and this important design makes a much welcomed return here in the BMW Concept 8 Series. As cars become more integrated with driving and personal technology systems at an accelerated pace, it’s increasingly important to have driving, personal and social information available to the driver at a moments notice. A console that is canted towards the driver puts the focus on the driving environment, instead of a flat panel console oriented towards the passenger. The cockpit is completely digital and can be configured to the drivers tastes and needs while controls are just a touch away. Another element of the design study is how the fluid transition from the instrument panel into the doors, as this gives the driver and passenger an enveloping feel that is a requirement in an upscale sporty and luxurious environment. The demographic for this type of car has very high expectations and the interior of the BMW Concept 8 Series easily surpasses them. Tactility, warmth and flow of form across the dashboard to the doors is functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
The steering wheel is the major contact point for the driver and it’s size, shape and feel are paramount. Its finish with hand-polished spikes continues the theme of the dash and center console. The anodized red shift paddles are a “pop” of color that stands out against interior colors and also signals that the Concept 8 Series is a drivers car. The red paddles make one want go through the gears. Seeing the red paddle shifters on the steering wheel also makes me nostalgic. I have loved, yes loved the original BMW 8 Series since 1995. That car was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission and was mated to a naturally-aspirated V12 engine (a world first!), but unfortunately I suspect a manual transmission will probably not be on the menu with the upcoming 8 Series. An obvious contrast between hand-polished aluminum and dark leather on the driver contact point, this steering wheel shows an emphasis on duality with sporty intentions and coupled with a supremely luxurious environment with excellent details. The center console features a faceted ground gearshift lever and the iDrive Controller is made from Swarovski glass with a smoky quartz for a subtle and classy touch that adds more visual warmth. At this end of the market, buyers look for the details and the all important details should be noticed but not shout for attention from the lucky inhabitants.
Most people barely notice the gearshift, but it is very important to the driving environment. It must feel good to the hand but have an ergonomic design that incorporates the man/machine interface without the driver really noticing at all. It should be pleasant to the touch as the gearshift is a very tactile component and is secondary to the steering wheel, in short it should look good and feel better. A hand-polished aluminum gearshift sits prominently in the center console as it flows up to the dashboard. This design study has emotion and substance and when you just want to reach out and touch it means it has that elusive emotion appeal that radiates through the metal. Dare I say that the designers passion shines through? Yes it does. The BMW Group leveraged this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to unveil the BMW Concept 8 Series. The study car serves as the basis of a forthcoming BMW model – the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, slated for launch in 2018 and is part of the biggest model offensive in the company’s history. With the NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy in place, the BMW Group wants to increase sales within the elevated luxury class segment, and the BMW 8 Series Coupe plays a vital role within this important luxury segment. And with this targeted segment by BMW an new 8 Series will add much needed emotion and athleticism to the segment. The BMW Concept 8 Series is a sign of things to come and serves as a preview of a model that BMW will bring to market in the coming year. The lucrative Luxury Coupe segment has more competition since the launch of the original 8 Series in 1989. Manufacturers use a segment such as this to show what they deem as the best of what they can accomplish and what is known as a halo car. It also shines a bright light down on the rest of their lineup.
23
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
The tenets of a halo cars within this segment are prestige, supreme luxury and the latest technology. Since these cars sit atop of manufacturers lineup they are priced accordingly, which most often is in the low $100,000’s and rise significantly from there. Here is a list of BMW 8 Series competitors within the Luxury Coupe segment that are currently on sale this year: BMW 8 Series direct competitors: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe $123,675 BMW 8 Series indirect competitors: Aston Martin Vanquish $290,475 Bentley Continental GT $201,225 Maserati GranTourismo $134,625 BMW 8 Series perceived competitor: Toyota (Lexus) LC500 $92,975 Subsequently, there isn’t a set price on the Concept BMW 8 Series as it is a design study in its current form but I would surmise it will be on the high end. I have been a fan of the 8 Series since the mid-90’s and look forward to this new car in production-form, and 2018 isn’t that far away. How good of a relationship do you have with your BMW dealer?
Alongside the ongoing development of the standard 8 Series, the engineers at BMW M GmbH are hard at work on a brand-new M model. This is very exciting!
The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series production car and the M8 run in parallel as do all BMW M cars that have multiple variations, for example such as the M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe and the M4 Cabriolet.
A fully camouflaged, early prototype of the future BMW M8 Coupe was unveiled in a driving presentation as part of the Nürburgring 24-hour race in Nurburg, Germany.
We will learn a brand-new nomenclature as we get prepared for the worlds first BMW M8. I would suggest calling your BMW dealer now, the M8 will be epic!
But wait there’s more...
Even though it was heavily camouflaged it is easy to see classic BMW M features are evident on this early prototype like larger air intakes, modified brakes and an exhaust system with the very familiar BMW M hallmark of four large tailpipes that serve as a hint at the significantly boosted power level and dynamic performance potential of this new M car.
24
COASTAL GETAWAY
8
Get ready for your last escape of the season while the weather is warm! From sailing along the coast, to dinner on the square, we are sharing our favorite picks whether you hit the seaside abroad or at home.
7
12 11
3
1 2
10
4 6 13 9
14
5
15
1 & 2. Valo (light) Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist lumene.com 3. Club Monaco Maddox Linen & Cotton-Blend Oxford Shorts $90 clubmonaco.com 4. D.S. & Durga Italian Citrus Eau De Parfum, 50ml $155 sanddurga.com 5. Castañer Pablo Suede Espadrilles $160 castaner.com 6. Orlebar Brown Haston Two-Tone Rubber Flip Flops $55 orlebarbrown. com 7. Folk Printed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt $90 mrporter.com 8. Saturdays NYC Pacho Mélange Cotton & Linen-Blend T-Shirt $110 artisanparfumeur.com 9. Sachajuan Ocean Mist Texturizing Spray, 150ml $31 sachajuan.com 10. Moscot Shtarker Sun Aviator-Style Gold-Tone Sunglasses $300 moscot.com 11. Thom Browne Round-Frame Enamelled Gold-Tone Sunglasses $675 mrporter.com 12. Sisley-Paris Self-Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care, 60 ml $145 mrporter.com 13. Gucci Disney Leather-Trimmed Appliquéd Monogrammed Coated-Canvas Tote Bag $2,980 gucci.com 14. L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Histoire D’Orangers artisanparfumeur.com 15. ZARA duffle bag
Curated By: Chiara Casiraghi-Brody @casiraghistyle
FIRST LOOK
Daniel George Master of Sea & Ceramics Taking A Passion for Art + Surfing to the Next Level Interview By: Chiara Casiraghi-Brody @casiraghistyle Jafra Images by: Laura Doss IG:@lauradossphoto Surfing Image by:Ben Thompson IG:@surfingwithben Other Images: Allen Park IG:@allbyallen
26
Florida native, turned globe trotter, actor, model and surfer Daniel George embarked on a six-month adventure in Central America. Daniel had just completed his undergrad in Gainesville, Florida. This trip would redefine his path in life. That adventure is what ignited his passion for the ocean, got him speaking fluent Spanish and what inevitably led to him getting a Master’s degree in ceramics when he decided to move to California. Since then, Daniel has been committed to using creativity to put, as he says, “good vibes out in the world”. From surfing the Cali coast to modeling for national ad campaigns, running his pottery company Flying Uke which has expanded into apparel, Daniel is a man fearlessly embracing his inner artist, his connection to nature, and his love of life.
How do you fuel your passions? My passions are self-catalyzing. My connection with the ocean is profound. My water time inspires my time on land. It has helped me prioritize and simplify my life. I believe that in life, as well as in art/design, the simpler the better. My 96 year-old grandfather Frank says KISS: keep it simple stupid. I am passionate about my family and that is another naturally symbiotic relationship. Becoming an uncle almost two years ago opened my eyes to a whole new connection. My nephew Charlie means the world to me. Who inspires you? I have been inspired by many artists along the way. I’ve always loved the site specific work of the Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy. He captures the beauty of the ephemeral, and like many things I make, he uses what he finds in nature and let’s it inform his creative direction. It’s wonderfully organic. My ceramics teacher, Matt Long, inspired me a lot in my early ceramics days back at University of Florida. I love the freedom and strength of Picasso’s work. Jimi Hendrix has been a huge influence throughout my whole life since my father introduced me to his music back in the 80s. The work of Robert Rauschenberg, although I’ve discovered it more recently, inspires me in a big way. Although it was watershed in its time, I believe it has a timeless brilliance. In a broader sense I am also very inspired by folks who are at the top of their game in whatever they do, but still manage keep their head on their shoulders.
ceived and I sold most of the work I presented. It was a humbling and inspiring indication to me that I am on the right path. More recently I collaborated with a groovy local company called “The Lost Explorer” and made a batch of service sets for their newly launched delicious sipping mezcal. I love collaborating with other folks and companies in the most high vibration way possible. What can we look forward to next / where can we find your stuff? We hear you have a fragrance out too? I have a new passion for making surfboards. I love the challenge of the new medium and form and function are important to me from ceramics. With that in mind I have a couple more art shows around LA this year that will most likely be in the “Sticks and Mud” style. My website, Flyinguke.com , has a sampling of my ceramics and features the hat and t-shirt line, Flying Uke, which I have been working on for about five years. The Flying Ukulele is a motif in my work, and for me is an auspicious image and a beacon of good vibes. This apparel uses up-cycled t-shirts that I print on, using the linoleum block stamps I make, and then I hand sew patches with my images on hats and pockets of T shirts. My work is for sale at a few boutiques around LA. Oh ya, the fragrance campaign is out with a company called Jafra. Any other secret talents we need to know about!? I love to cook and am pretty decent in the kitchen. I was also raised hearing my dad playing guitar and singing, so I took to plinking on the strings as well. I play a little ukulele, guitar and banjo. I guess my handle on Spanish is worth noting. It has allowed me to have some amazing adventures and connect with people I would have never known.
Favorite projects you’ve competed to date? My thesis show 6 years ago was called “Cookies for the kids, bourbon for the grown ups and sweet tea for everybody.” It was the first time I presented a body of relief carved ceramics whose surfaces reference the wood block and linoleum printmaking techniques. Almost two years ago I had my first solo show in LA. It was called “Sticks and Mud.”
Your dream project? Any project where I can use my creativity to pollinate the world with good vibes is a dream project. I am inspired always, but exceptionally so when I am traveling. I would like to travel more and use that inspiration to make work while out in the world. In the future I would love to continue collaborating with great companies and other artists to make the world a better place.
It was comprised of surfboards I had made from recycled and green materials alongside my offering of pots that were primarily southern hospitality service sets. “Sticks and Mud” was well re-
Where can we find you? @flyinguke and @foamwrangler
27
EAT YOUR HEART OUT: BERLIN A GASTRO-TOUR OF TASTY PROPORTIONS Written By: Dawn Garcia @dawngarcia
Ever wonder what it would be like to jet set to Germany, stay in Berlin and hang out with one of the city’s most entertaining lifestyle gurus? With only three days to scour the city, delve into the incredible art scene and feast like a kid seeing chocolate for the first time, there is only one person you turn to for an evening of decadence, adventure and an introduction to feasting like a Berliner: Henrik Tidefjärd, founder of Berlinagenten. Henrik is a larger-than-life personality with more connections than most people in Hollywood! He’s well dressed, incredibly funny, has refined taste, easy to adore and knows a ton about Berlin. With more Michelin restaurants than most any other country, Germany has a lot to boast about but here in Berlin, the culinary ferocity is something of a marvel. Food is the gateway drug to everything good about humanity. The flavors, the presentations, the soul-
28
ful inhibition, it is literally the voice of all people so when heading to Berlin, you should come with a hearty appetite. The choices are endless. So, to get a grasp on how vast and incredible the dining here can be, Henrik is the best! And - when you go out with him, you should be up for anything! The culinary tour began with champagne at Hotel de Rome and some rather invigorating conversation. After the glasses emptied, off we went. A ten-minute walk from the hotel to our first stop, we wandered through the Mitte District of Berlin, which is a district abundant in art, design, a flurry of nightlife, insatiable cuisine and an injection of sexy. The streets crowded with diners and drinkers, culturally diverse, brimming with life acting as the backdrop while Henrik told stories about different sites along the way. Soon, we arrived at the first part of our culinary excursion.
FIRST UP | ROY & PRIS Chinese food with a twist!
When you walk up, the outdoor patio is adorned with rustic woods and bright spring colored chairs, greenery all around and a bucket filled with bottles of wine and when you enter inside? It’s like you’ve entered into a cross between Tron and Electric Boogaloo! The design is eye catching with deep reds and blacks in the kitchen, neon colors lining the ceiling, a galaxy wall towards the back and a co-ed bathroom that takes you deep into the woods. (Really, there are actual nature sounds happening in the bathroom!) The point is this was a playful launch into a gastro tour that will take your taste buds on a welcomed journey! Like all good things in Berlin, everything starts with a drink - Or three - and with a menu that changes frequently, you should delve in with abandon. The meats, whichever one you order, are to die for with flavor that seeps in through every single bite (we LOVE the spiced pork belly and the flamed salmon sashimi). They use a wealth of Chinese spices and everything tastes like adventure. The vegetable dishes, including the Szechuan eggplant, will wake you up! This was the perfect prelude to a gluttonous night in the city. TIP* Before you leave, do a traditional shot of whatever mixology concoction they offer. It’ll blow your mind.
29
Coat: Rag and Bone Pants: John Varvatos
MAIN COURSE | SCHWEIN Michelin Chef, Award worthy bites!
Schwein is a beautiful restaurant with refined contrast, a laid back appeal, a surprise chef ’s tasting menu that will make you beg for more, over 220 kinds of wine, over a hundred kinds of gin and a staff that makes you feel so welcome it’s like you’ve been invited into an exclusive VIP social gathering. Inside are deep textures, rich natural colors contrasted with a gorgeous bar with glass detail and lighting that is sultry. It has an ambiance that makes you want to do sexy things in the bathroom with a stranger (and after you’ve eaten here, trust me, you’ll surprise yourself)!
30
With a fresh glass of wine poured and waiting, pork that’s been sous vied for 15 hours arrives on a plate that looks like a piece of gastro-art! The pork melts off the fork like butter! With a Michelin chef manning the kitchen, every detail is considered so what you end up getting isn’t simply ingredients situated on a plate, it’s a breathtaking creation! Ours had an asparagus purée as the base, crisped broccolini, and added flare that made the textures provocative. In other words? Schwein is perfection. *TIP: Let David or Nicholas pick out a gin cocktail or one of their wines. They are the masters of pairing and you will be salivating!
SUGAR HEAVEN | KATZ ORANGE A sweet finish!
Katz Orange is by far one of the more unique eateries in Berlin. With a menu that uses ingredients that are always organic, you’re going to feel the love. When you walk inside you’re greeted with a space that looks like someone’s eclectic home. Every room has its own personality with fresh flowers, vintage decor and a level of attention to detail that exudes. That only gets intensified when you go in for dessert and drinks! Let’s just say gluttony gets to come out and play! Like an assembly line, each dish arrived looking more spectacular by the second! From waffles, elderberry cheesecake, white chocolate ice cream, caramelized lemon tart with apricot, lavender ice cream and a trio of gelato (including the signature Berliner Weisse) you will be a step short of needing a wheel barrel to leave – but it’ll be SO worth it! All of their cocktails are an homage to old school mixology so not only are they hand crafted, they’re not weak on the alcohol! This was a rich finish to an incredible tour!! TIP* Don’t be afraid to dig in, drink up and try everything! There’s no room for dieting here. To book a Gastro-Tour with Henrik next time you’re in Berlin, visit www.Berlinagenten.com | www.airberlin.com
31
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
Black bikini by Teamm8
32
REMINGTON TRAIN LIKE A SUPERMODEL
Photographer: Frank Louis @franklouisphoto Model: Remington Perregaux@remington.jay Agency: Soul Artist Management @soulartistmgmt Written By: Hilary Sheinbaum @hilarywritesny Stylist: Arnold Milfort @arnoldmilfort
Men everywhere spend their time in the gym trying to look like an underwear model, so why not train like one? New York based actor and model Remington Jay demonstrates moves by Private personal trainer Andre Tate found on the mobile fitness app MeUndo.
Personal Training Anytime, Anywhere Instead of hitting the gym solo, or hitting the gym at all, MeUndo is the mobile app where fitness fans can find local personal trainers to advise them, from any location (studio or home) at any time. MeUndo is essentially the Uber of personal training, allowing trainers and app members to develop a budget and agree on a routine amongst themselves. There’s no excuse to not train, and get trim, with potentially 273,500 personal trainers literally at your fingertips.
33
Total Look: Nike Socks: Addidas
Kettle Bell Swing Remington’s motive is pushing his limits, to see the true extent of what he’s capable of. This exercise is great for improving posture, strength and power throughout the entire body. To perform this exercise, stand with feet slightly outside shoulder width, with your shoulder blades back and core tight while holding the kettle bell with both hands. Once in position, you want to lean forward at your waist allowing the kettle bell to fall between the crotch area. Explode back up, launching the kettle bell to eye level, in a hinging fashion by squeezing the glute and pushing your hips forward. Perform this exercise with a moderate to heavy weight for 10-15 reps.
Total Look: Nike Socks: Addidas
34
“I do it because I love it, being my best self makes me happy and proud.� -Remington Jay
Running Shorts: Running Sneaker: Nike
35
Resistance Band Bicep Curls Remington contributes resistance as the key to his metabolism, allowing him to go hard in the gym without getting too big. This particular exercise is great if you don’t have access to gym equipment or need to get a workout at home. It builds toned biceps. Simply take a resistance band, and grab the ends in each hand. Stand directly on top of the middle of the band, with feet together and your elbows pinned directly to the side of your ribs. Once in position, slowly curl the handles of the band from the waistline all the way up to your shoulders and back down. Repeat this movement for three sets and 10-15 reps.
Track Jacket: Nike, Training Pant: Nike
36
Russian Twists Since leaving the strict lifestyle of bodybuilding, Remington loves that he can have fun with his favorite workouts. To build a chiseled and strong core, perform this exercise sitting on the ground with your legs extended straight in front of you. While holding a weighted plate securely at the chest, have a partner or object secure your feet to the ground. Scoot your butt forwards towards your feet until the top of your thighs and your torso form a “V�. While holding this position, rotate your torso and shoulders side to side, completely facing the wall to your left, and then all the way back to face the wall to your right. Perform this exercise three times for 30-60 seconds.
Total Look: Puma
37
WINDY CITY WORKOUTS The man behind the Remington Editorial
If you are dedicated to living a healthier lifestyle, then you should have a conversation with Andre Tate. Andre Tate is Professional Personal Trainer and provides personal training lessons to those serious about crushing their personal fitness goals. As a NASM certified personal trainer. Andre helps people of all ages achieve/ improve weight loss, muscle growth, muscle toning, mobility enhancement, and speed and agility!
Widely regarded as one of the top trainers in Chicago, Andre continues to impress the fitness industry by his ability to consistently produce amazing body transformations in rather short time periods! His specializations include weight loss, toning/muscle growth, sports performance, flexibility, and general wellness. He aims to makes the training process as easy as possible offering to train his clients at their homes, at a gym, or outside. Contact Andre for a complimentary Session today!
Cell: 651 353 5789 Insta: andretatepersonaltraining Email: Andretatetraining@gmail.com Web: Andretatetraining.com
38
ADVERTORIAL
THE LISTENING ROOM By: Dakota LaPalme @kotosaurusrex
SZA is that breath of fresh air we’ve all been waiting for.
SZA
CTRL (RCA)
See.SZA.Run (2012), S (2013) and Z (2014) were a soulful introduction to her authentic penmanship and auspicious vocals, but SZA (pronounced Sizz-ahh) was still discovering her identity - sonically and personally. Her debut album Ctrl skipped over salutations and dove straight to the depths of SZA’s deepest insecurities in a vocal diary. “Drew Barrymore,” the album’s first single dropped in mid-January is rich with emotion, unraveling SZA’s inhibitions and mental instabilities in a way that is nothing but honest and profound. The warm, inviting feel of live instruments and SZA’s raw voice force the question - why would anybody with a sound this strong hide behind layers of reverb? The insightful ballad, “Supermodel” is easy to relate to as SZA opens up with a letter to an ex about her indiscretions. SZA effortlessly looped together narratives and genres, leading the listener on a beautiful journey contrasted with stark and brutal lyricism. The album’s second single, “Love Galore” assisted by Travis Scott is the perfect example of this. It tells the tale of an ex-lover becoming detrimental to your well being. No longer using abstract metaphors, its refreshing that SZA is so blunt with the listener, juxtaposing what something “should” sound like, with the realities of love. The sultry honesty carries over to “The Weekend,” a radio-ready track detailing the inner-workings of a relationship where she is the “side-chick.” *****Speaking of her songwriting, it would be a disservice not to give SZA credit where it is due for her pen. As if writing for Rihanna and Beyonce weren’t enough, Ctrl is the cherry on top. SZA’s talent lies in delivering concepts and lines in a way the listener has never heard them before. The centerpiece of the album tandems with the closer, “20 Something.” With nothing but the light strums of a guitar and SZA’s voice, its as if she rips a page from her diary about the challenges of navigating her 20’s. Being this much of an open book leaves the listener even more curious of what she’ll do next.
39
NATE BERKUS Interview By: Dawn Garcia @dawngarcia
Nate Berkus may very well be America’s greatest loved interior designer. From his days with Oprah to his new TLC TV show, “Nate & Jeremiah by Design” hosting alongside his husband, Jeremiah Brent and their adorable daughter Poppy that makes regular appearances, he is a man whose vision brings joy to the masses. While he may very well be the best dressed, brightest smiling, most approachable designer in the biz, it’s his uncanny approach to opening the world’s eyes through the power of design that really sets him apart. Recently, he embarked on a totally new collaboration with The Shade Store and I caught up with him at this year’s trendsetting design show, Dwell on Design. We talk family, travel and the new show…
How did you come to collaborate with the Shade Store? I actually met the Founders of The Shade Store here at Dwell on Design two years ago and I came up and introduced myself because I always felt that this is a very specialized industry. There’s not a lot of leaders in this industry. I’ve worked with The Shade Store on numerous projects and it’s always a very seamless, high-end experience from the site measurements to the store to the showroom so I wanted to be a part of it so, basically I annoyed them until they said yes! I read how they were inspired by different parts of your travels – is there one design in particular that really just reminds you of where your inspiration began? There’s not one pattern that started the collection but the scale is very similar. This is something that addresses you vertically versus horizontally, like rugs, beddings, etc. Was that challenging? It wasn’t challenging, it was more like let’s be really careful about color combinations and let’s be really, really careful about scale because this pattern, which is my favorite of the collection (the Moroccan)– if the design itself were twice that size, they would be the size of quarters and that would feel very 1960s. So I worked very closely with my design team in Chicago and when we found out that we were going to launch the 5 patterns and all of the different color waves – I said to them, let’s really dig into to what this looks like. There is a video on Instagram about the process of how we came up with the home pattern. It’s cool, we actually hand blocked them! I love that they were made by hand. It’s personal. That’s really important to me because I feel like over the years the one thing I’ve really stood for more than anything is that our homes
40
should tell our stories and the way we do that is through the decisions that we make. So any opportunity, even in the category of a roller shade - which is often overlooked - can be an opportunity for somebody to say, “you know what? This is another moment for me to express my personality”. I like being at the forefront of that thought process and I’m really happy with how the collection turned out. I think that’s a big design obstacle, finding a good shade that isn’t just white or rice paper. Also the fact that you allow it to disappear. I’ve never met anyone that’s not interested in having more light in their space. So that’s been fun in terms of how we were able to address it.
So what textures always catch your eye? I think most of the textures I’m drawn to intrinsically are born from nature. One of my favorite finds for textiles is from a trip was when Jeremiah and I were at a market in Chiang Mai in Thailand. There were these very loosely woven silken linen scarves and I thought, what is this? Do you wear this? And obviously they were meant to be worn but we have them folded on an old English bench in our house. I’ve always been and will always be attracted to craft. Give me an UNESCO world heritage site with an open air market any day. I don’t need the beach, I don’t need the bus, I don’t need the fancy restaurant – I want to discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind things. What was one of the funniest encounters you’ve had on your travels? I was vacationing one summer in Greece on Patmos and the host said to me, “well you’re going to Naples afterwards, you should meet Signore so and so. He’s a 75 year-old taxi driver and he will take you around and show you things in a way that no one else will ever see. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the city, he honks on the horn and gates open and doors open, etcetera.” So that was for me one of those experiences that I’ll never forget - being in the back of a taxi that we rented for the day but going in the back way of the Borghese Gardens or going up these crazy winding roads to see somebody’s beautiful house that we would have never found. Never. I think every time I’ve ever traveled, the best part of it for me is the connection to a local. Like the time we were in Laos in Luang Prabang and the cultural director of the hotel was a member of the Laotian Royal Family. He was so intent on showing us around because we expressed interest in learning what to eat, what to see – he was knocking on doors and asking, “could they just come in for a minute and see the way the furniture is laid out in the space?” Those are the things I don’t forget. The best moments are the unplanned. For sure! Nate and his husband Jeremiah were recently on TLC’s, “Nate & Jeremiah by Design” which debuted in the Spring. The show helped homeowners who’d gotten in way over their heads find a way out. Living together, parenting together AND working together seems like it could pose some challenges, but when I asked Nate how they managed to work through the frustrating moments? His answer was simply that being married requires you not to just love and admire each other but that it can only thrive when you respect one another and want to actually spend time with them! “The truth is sometimes it was challenging and sometimes we were like, wow that was really amazing. At the end of the day, we’re always happy we’re in this together.”
Was there a space outside that was a deciding factor in getting the house? The garden. Outside there are three trees that are protected by the city of Los Angeles – those three 250 year-old California Oak trees in our backyard sealed the deal. When we came to see the house, we could see past anything we wanted to change but you don’t have that kind of foliage anywhere else in LA. So if I have a favorite place right now, I would say it’s the outside. What piece in your house, or a piece that you own that epitomizes all three of you? What a great question! In our daughter’s nursery, we have a wall that we hung gifts from our friends that are painters and photographers. There’s a painting by Michael Hainey, Hunt Slonem, some beautiful things that we’ve collected on trips for her. One of my favorite things is a water color of three elephants that I think ended up paying two dollars for in the night market in Luang Prabang in Laos. It has two elephants with a baby elephant … when I look at that, it feels like our family. If you can think of one impactful takeaway over the span of your career, what do think the most precious aspect is of what you do? I have really come to understand the power of design. When I started my business I was selling expensive things to really wealthy people and there was an emptiness attached to that but through the course of what I’ve had the opportunity to do – with Oprah and now with Nate & Jeremiah by Design, I see how differently people feel when they’re surrounded by things they love. It’s fascinating to see how people step into those environments and make those changes for the better because they feel valued. And that’s it! There’s nothing more interesting to me than that. People underestimated for a very long time the power of raw materials. I know, I wrote a book about that. We’re trained that things don’t matter, people matter and pets matter and I believe in that but it doesn’t negate the fact that things do matter. And it doesn’t mean you have to have a lot of money, it means you should be able to live surrounded by things that when you look at them they make you think of who you are, who you’ve loved, where you’ve been and where you wish to go. In the end that’s the power of design.
To connect with Nate and see his latest designs: @ nateberkus | www.NateBerkus.com and to learn more about his collaboration with The Shade Store visit www.TheShadeStore.com
In lieu of the decades of designing, recently having moved to Los Angeles, we wanted to ask if he had a favorite room in the new house. I think it’s our – (long pause) - we just moved in so I’m sort of passionate about all of it right now.
41
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
MIRAGE
Photographer: Kevin Roldan, @kevinroldan; kevinaroldan.com Wardrobe Stylists: Brandon Nicholas & Art Hunter @brando.stylist & @arthunter.stylist; stylingbyb.com and Shaojun Chen @elidad; shaojunchen.com Groomer: JR Millama @jrmillama Models: Vadim Ivanov of Two Management LA @vadim23_ Location: Palm Springs, California & Simi Valley, California
54
55
Blazer: Marc Jacobs Pants: G Star Raw
56
T-Shirt: BDG Pants: Ralph Lauren
57
Red Shirt: J Crew Underwear: Versace
58
Button-up Shirt: Givenchy Pants: Dolce and Gabbana Belt: Bally
59
On Opposite Page: Jacket: Mercy x Mankind Pants: Rag and Bone Belt: Bally Shoes: Birkenstock
60
61
LAPALMEMAGAZINE.COM
STAY INTERESTING “I Don’t Always Tell Stories About My Life but When I Do They’re True and Amazing” Interview By: Dawn Garcia @dawngarcia
When hearing someone say, “The Most Interesting Man in the World”, there is only one man that springs to the forefront of everyone’s mind: Jonathan Goldsmith. The famous words uttered by the man who became the timeless face of Dos Equis when it launched its brand new campaign in 2006 changed the brand forever. Now with the release of his new book, “Stay Interesting”, the beloved Jonathan Goldsmith shares the tale of his real life - a life that is far more colorful than any ad campaign can depict. In true form, his life is categorized in Acts in the book. Each one representing a new stage from birth until one of the most undeniable success stories we’ve ever heard. Ranging from a tumultuous childhood and an untamable spirit, to telling of his sexual conquests (some worthy of serious bragging rights), successes, failures, his never getting along with Dustin Hoffman, having family that knew Pancho Villa and Babe Ruth, considering stealing one of the biggest diamonds he’d ever seen from an eighty-something year-old woman, the voodoo of One-Eyed Betty, and long road to land a role well into his sixties that would change the course of his future once again. A role that began with an audition he went to after camping in his old Ford truck. A truck that may as well be its own character in another book for the sheer fact of the stories that vehicle must possess. In essence, the book is beautifully written in candid form with some self-deprecation, some regret, some elation, some arrogance, some beauty, some romance, some passion, some hardship and most importantly an ongoing, lifelong lesson of learning who the hell you really are. In the vain of being interesting, we asked Goldsmith a few questions while he sat in the comfort of a stretch limo on his way to doing something fantastic … yet again.
62
You had a rather tumultuous childhood with beautiful contrasting moments. Of the stories you decided not to tell, do you feel like you’re ready for whatever’s next because of the things you still hold onto? Yes! Most of the things – the tumultuous childhood - I tell it as seen through eyes that are the prism of a child. As you gain maturity, you understand that’s how children feel – they understand things emotionally not intellectually. This is the sum total of all of my experience and I’m ready for whatever is next, happily learning more and more every day. After you finished “Stay Interesting” and your wife Barbara read it, what was the first thing she said? WOW. Did you celebrate the last page with a Dos Equis, a smooth glass of tequila, or a drink we’d all be surprised to know you have? Astral tequila. It’s my newest venture and it is revolutionizing the character and taste of tequila. If you could describe your life now in one single word, what is it? Marvelous.
How long did it take you to write the book? A year. It’s been a wonderful experience, a collision of memories, cathartic, and published or not it led to a lot of self-awareness. In life, what makes one “interesting”? What makes an interesting person is that be interesting you have to be interested. I also think the only way to do that is to read. Even if it’s the New York Times. It’s something I’ve always told my children. Reading opens up the world, it provides answers, it doesn’t provide process. Also, take an active part in your own life. I think my personal credo, life is like a parade that most people watch go by, they do not participate in it, they live vicariously though the other people in the parade, and to fully appreciate life, get involved! Its your trip. Its your journey. And just like that, “Stay Interesting” epitomizes a life well led. It is safe to say that Goldsmith’s life is far more fascinating than fiction and when you finally come to the very last page, you’ll find yourself certain that he may very well be the most interesting man in the real world.
63
LA
FOOD & WINE
Written By: David Bernahl @DavidBernahl
The line between Los Angeles’ deep pool of celebrities and chefs who have similarly achieved cult status has become increasingly blurred in the past decade. Celebrity Chefs have become as notable and noticeable as the hottest celeb of the moment. Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, in its seventh year, is billed as the Ultimate event of its genre and has become a magnet for stars co-mingling with Chefs who have achieved cult status. What draws these two seemingly disparate types of people to one another? In short, they are very much alike. Words that are used to describe both the celebrities and celebrity chefs are oddly similar – driven, creative, perfectionist, quirky, temperamental and passionate are the adjectives widely used. The food culture and level of culinary skills currently on display in every trending LA restaurant could be called “Oscar Worthy.” In fact – many of the local chef-stars have been either nominated or have been awarded the culinary equivalent of an Oscar, the James Beard Award for outstanding achievements in their respective field of expertise. Recent JBF award winners and nominees heralding from LA include – Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza – Outstanding Chef of the Year, 2014 Suzanne Goin, Lucques – Outstanding Chef, 2016 and Who’s Who of Food & Drink in America, 2017 Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo, Animal Best Chef West Coast - 2016 Dahlia Narvaez, Osteria Mozza, Outstanding Pastry Chef – 2016 Curtis Stone- Gwen, Best New Restaurant nominee 2017 Shibumi – Best New Restaurant nominee 2017 Margarita Manzke, République- Outstanding Pastry Chef nominee, 2017 Mélisse, Outstanding Service nominee, 2017 Providence-Outstanding Service nominee, 2017 Miles Thompson- Michael’s of Santa Monica – Rising Star Chef nominee, 2017 Ludovic Lefebvre, Trois Mec, Best Chef West, semifinalist 2016
64
And the list goes on and on. Amazingly ten of the twenty finalists for Best Chef West in 2017 were based in LA! Blurring the lines even further between celebrities and celeb chefs is the fact that a majority of highly noticeable chefs now have agents, public relations teams and yes…roadies and handlers. Of course many of the celebrities frequent the hottest restaurants and have their favorite chefs cater their parties throughout the city of Angels. Many of them have forged long-term friendships over sharing a meal and breaking bread together. The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival takes place over a four day period in late August and is centered in the city’s vibrant Arts District. Utilizing the stunning architecture of the Disney Concert Hall on Grand Avenue as its glowing backdrop to its three night long street party the festival has drawn numerous food loving celebrities as well. Neal Patrick Harris, Tyra Banks, Ali Larter, Erin Andrews, Chrissy Teigen and Sidney Poitier have been photographed sashaying down the LAFW Red Carpet alongside America’s culinary icons- Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, Pierre Gagnaire, Emeril Lagasse, Masaharu Morimoto, Rick Bayless, Curtis Stone, Tyler Florence and Giada de Laurentiis to name just a handful. The festival has also hosted musical performances by – Train, De La Soul, The Roots, Gavin DeGraw and Common. LAFW’s Chef After Parties have featured DJ sets by Questlove and Randy Jackson. The three street parties include tastes from 90 total chefs and hundreds of wineries and purveyors of fine spirits and mixologists. Lexus sponsors the two Grand Tastings that are held in an ingeniously transformed Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Thousands of attendees enjoy strolling about with champagne in hand while experiencing samples from 25 of the best chefs that LA has to offer each day, alongside television’s most recognizable culinarians personally handing out their creations and posing for photo ops with LA’s see and be seen crowd. Celebrities co-mingle and blend in alongside the pretty people. Don’t be surprised if you look up from your caviar topped blini and see one of your movie or recording idols doing the same thing.
65