Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Fall/Winter Accent Magazine 2021/22

ACCENT • THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS • FALL/WINTER 2021/22

ACCENT: THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

LMFJ.COM

in fine

feather DIAMONDS THAT DELIGHT

tokens of

love GIFT GUIDE

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LEE MICHAELS •

FALL/WINTER 2021/22 LEE.fw21 cover.indd 1

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ISSUE 2. 2021 FOUNDER AND C H A I R M A N O F T H E B OA R D Lee Michael Berg PRESIDENTS

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Chad Berg Ryan Berg Scott Berg SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS A N D G E N E R A L M A N AG E R S Johnny Tate Greg Johnson CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Harrington A S S I S TA N T V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F

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MARKETING Amy Graham Hughes M A R K E T I N G C O O R D I N AT O R Lizzie Callegari C R E AT I V E D E PA R T M E N T Andrea Barbier Mariella Brochard

EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna

4 Welcome Letter 6 Tokens of Love 12 Store Locations 14 New Storefront 18 In Fine Feather 20 The Butterfly Effect 22 Oh, Happy Day! 26 Love Blossoms in Greenwich 32 Follow Us 34 Don’t Crack Under Pressure 36 Rolex: Mark of Success 38 The Watchmakers of Lee Michaels 40 Patek Philippe: As Time Goes By 42 Watches With Watchers 46 The New Gold Standard 48 On The Run 52 Everyday Getaway 60 Asian Surprise 66 Solitary Splendor 70 Corporate Gifts 72 Festive Is Back!

76 Stars and Their Sips 78 Rule the Land 80 Spicy Sangria 84 Lady in Red

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R Stephen Vitarbo S E N I O R A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R Darius Amos LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Everett Potter, Meredith Tamarian

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P U B L I S H I N G S TA F F PUBLISHER Lizette Chin A DV E R T I S I N G / P R O D U C T I O N

LO C AT I O NS BATON ROUGE

7560 CORPORATE BOULEVARD 225.926.4644 MALL OF LOUISIANA 225.766.6000

N EW OR LEAN S

LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER 504.832.0000

SHR EV EPORT

6605 YOUREE DRIVE 318.222.2929

LAFAYETTE

4235 AMBASSADOR CAFFERY PARKWAY 337.981.8071

JACKSON, MS

RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK 601.957.6100

SAN ANTON IO, TX

NORTHSTAR MALL 210.541.9575 THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA 210.699.9494

ALBUQUERQUE, N M

ABQ UPTOWN 505.208.4500

SERVICES Penny Boag, Christopher Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer ACCO U N T I N G Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Rita Guarna, Carl Olsen VICE PRESIDENTS Lizette Chin, Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Maria Regan,

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. ACCENT is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with Lee Michaels. Copyright © 2021 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Lee Michaels, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, ACCENT, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201.573.5541. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com Printed In The U.S.A. Volume 19, Issue 2. ©2021

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Steven Resnick, Diane Vojcanin

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dear friends

With warmest wishes,

RYAN BERG, SCOTT BERG, CHAD BERG

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Wow! We’ll never forget the look on our parents’ faces—nor the tears that glistened in Mom’s eyes—as our families surprised them for their 50th wedding anniversary recently. It had been too long since we were all together and there was no denying the sheer happiness we felt to be celebrating as a family, to be sharing a precious moment like this—in person—with each other again.

As we relive this heart-warming memory, our thoughts turn to you, our Lee Michaels family. We know that over the past many months, like us, you’ve experienced a deeper longing to be with family and friends. Yes, technology has made it possible to see and hear loved ones through virtual visits, but it cannot satisfy the yearning—the need—to hug and hold each other, to be a family again.

We realize also that the emergence of the Delta variant and the devastation from Hurricane Ida have created an even deeper desire to be with those we love. We pray that you and your family will unite again soon and that, until that moment, you will find occasions to celebrate and reasons to be grateful.

Be grateful? Yes, indeed. Gratitude is the key to happiness. As author Melodie Beattie so beautifully expresses it: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more…It turns chaos into order, confusion into clarity…It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Today, we are grateful for you, our Lee Michaels family. We appreciate anew the privilege it is to assist you in finding the perfect gift for celebrating life’s treasured moments—birthdays, graduations, weddings… and especially the 50th anniversary of the parents you love so much.

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GIFT GUIDE

tokens of love YOUR HEART IS THE GIFT SHE TRULY CRAVES, BUT A WELL-CHOSEN BAUBLE TO SYMBOLIZE THOSE FEELINGS CAN’T HURT.

MARCO BICEGO

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Marco Bicego designs jewelry that embodies the everyday luxury of Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design. Marco debuts new collections seasonally – this fall’s newness is exceptionally exciting as he launches a brand new pendant concept. Jaipur pendants come in a variety of stones and sizes and can be worn on almost any necklace or bracelet. The latest Marrakech Onde Collection includes delicate, interlocking oval links with strands of blooming diamond flowers. Marco’s tried-and-true, best-selling Lunaria Collection includes new cuffs, earrings and pendant necklace that are bold yet still delicate and feminine.

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Clockwise from top left, Jaipur Collection 18K yellow gold necklace, $7,520. Lunaria Collection 18K yellow gold necklace, $1,750. Jaipur Collection 18K pendants: Jaipur color necklace, $1,680; Jaipur gold necklace, $1,830; Jaipur gold necklace, $1,380. Lunaria Collection 18K yellow gold bangle, $6,410. Lunaria Collection 18K yellow gold earrings, $2,720. Marrekech Onde Blooming Diamond Flower cuff bracelet, $7,780.

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GIFT GUIDE

DAVID YURMAN

Clockwise from top left, Thoroughbred Loop linked chain necklace with 18K yellow gold, $2,200. Angelika four point pendant necklace in 18k yellow gold with diamonds, $2,550. Angelika long drop earrings in 18K yellow gold with diamonds, $6,400. Angelika linear ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds, $2,900. Stax chain link ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds, $2,400. Angelika flair earrings with diamonds, $1,900. Stax linked bracelet in 18K yellow gold with diamonds, $7,800. Thoroughbred Loop bracelet with 18K yellow gold and diamonds, $1,250.

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David Yurman is known for his iconic cable bracelet, the twisted helix that is surely his signature piece. And joining the New Yorkbased brand’s repertoire for this season are the Angelika and Thoroughbred Loop collections.

Angelika is inspired by some of David’s earliest angel sculptures, which during this disrupted year serve as elegant expressions of optimism in hand-finished 18K yellow gold and sterling silver.

Thoroughbred Loop is equestrian-inspired, mixing the simplicity of silver and gold metals. Lastly, the Stax Collection reimagines the iconic link chain with tapered, elongated forms, transforming the materials into classic statement pieces.

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The Spotlight Squad Charlize Theron Misty Copeland Yao Chen

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GIFT GUIDE

MIKIMOTO

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In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto produced the world’s first cultured pearl. Since that day, his eponymous brand continues to make history in the realm of luxury jewelry and to culture pearls unlike any others in the world. The Everyday Essentials and Classic Collection feature diamonds and White South Sea cultured pearls that go with anything (and can go anywhere). Circle Collection is distinguished by its simple circle shape in stunning combinations of yellow and white gold, while the M Code Collection is inspired by the letter “M” in both Mikimoto and Morse code.

Clockwise from top left, Circle Collection Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds set in 18K yellow and white gold; pendant, $1,800; earrings, $1,950.

M Code Collection Akoya cultured pearls set in 18K yellow gold: earrings, $1,500; bracelet, $1,800. Everyday Essentials White South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18K white gold, $5,400. Classic Collection White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond bracelet set in 18K white gold, $9,800.

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store locations CORPORATE AT BOCAGE

MALL OF LOUISIANA

AMBASSADOR CAFFERY PARKWAY

Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge, LA

Lafayette, LA

LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER

YOUREE DRIVE AT EAST 70TH

RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK

New Orleans, LA

Shreveport, LA

Jackson, MS

THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA

NORTH STAR MALL

ABQ UPTOWN

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX

Albuquerque, NM

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RENOVATION

new storefront

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THIS STORE EXPANSION WILL BE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE MORE PEOPLE IN THE NEW ORLEANS REGION TO THAT LEVEL OF QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR WHICH LEE MICHAELS IS KNOWN. — CHAD BERG

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We are excited to have broken ground on a 10,000 SF freestanding store at Lakeside Shopping Center. The new storefront will open in Fall of 2022, and is located on Causeway Boulevard in front of Dillard’s department store. It will more than double the size of our current location. With this expansion, the store will have two entrances, one entrance will offer a selection of fine jewelry and the other entrance will focus on timepieces.

The new store will bring a luxurious Rolex Corner, as well as David Yurman, Roberto Coin, and Mikimoto shop-in-shops, and an even greater selection from favorite designers including Marco Bicego, John Hardy and Ippolita. An expanded bridal selection will also be featured at the new location on Causeway Boulevard.

"Our philosophy of providing each Lee Michaels' customer with extraordinary jewelry and service will continue. Personal service has been the cornerstone of our growth and the foundation we build upon. This store expansion will be another opportunity to introduce more people in the New Orleans region to that level of quality and service for which Lee Michaels is known. We are constantly looking to innovate and grow, as well as enhance our customer experience and the environment in which they shop," Chad Berg, Co-President and Owner says.

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Floating Diamonds

collection

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THE RESERVE COLLECTION Our Reserve Collection brings beauty to life with select, unexpected pieces ranging from graduated diamond necklaces to fashion bracelets and an extensive collection of earrings. The Reserve Collection represents iconic styles to wear for generations.

COLLECTIONS

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18K GOLD 39 CARAT DIAMOND ALL AROUND NECKLACE, 36” LONG, $65,000.

14K WHITE GOLD 3-ROW ROUND DIAMOND COIL BRACELET, $12,500.

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in fine

feather Platinum 3-stone emerald cut diamond engagement ring, 3.08 carat center stone, $64,400 14K white gold 2.00 carat radiant diamond engagement ring with round diamond halo, $26,200 Platinum 4.14 carat cushion cut diamond engagement ring with half moon cut diamonds on each side, $52,800 18K white gold diamond necklace with pavé diamond open circles and bars.

Drop at front has 0.5 carat emerald cut center surrounded by pavé diamonds, diamonds total 3.75 carats, $12,500

David Yurman 18K white gold and alternating open rectangular pavé diamond row bracelet from the Stax collection, $35,000

LEE MICHAELS

Opposite Page 18K white gold and diamond multi-row open circle earrings, diamonds total 13.65 carats, $45,000

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18K yellow gold and pave diamond graduated butterfly necklace, $1,550 14K yellow gold and diamond feather wrap cuff, $4,425

Opposite Page 14K yellow gold pavé diamond butterfly necklace, $1,095 14K yellow gold and diamond feather wrap ring, $1,175 14K yellow gold and diamond feather drop earrings, $1,995

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14K yellow gold and pavé diamond butterfly earrings, $895

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the

butterfly effect LEE MICHAELS 21

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LOVE STORIES

oh happy day!

LEE MICHAELS HAS BEEN HELPING COUPLES SAY “I DO” SINCE 1978.

MR. & MRS. CONNOR STEWART (Mary Nickel) August 7, 2021 | Newport, RI

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Denis Reggie Photography

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MR. & MRS. MARK FISHER

MR. & MRS. JERROD WHITMAN

(Krista Bennett) July 11, 2020 | Gilbert, AZ

(Jennifer Wood) September 26, 2020 | Pipe Creek, TX

T

Greer Gattuso Photography

Kelly Costello Photography

MR. & MRS. DONALD MONK

MR. & MRS. COREY OLINGER

MR. & MRS. STAFFORD MIKELL

(Sarah Willis) December 19, 2020 | Houston, TX

(Madeleine Griffin) July 10, 2021 | New Orleans, LA

(Kaitlyn O’Brien) May 29, 2021 | South Lake Tahoe, NV

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Sarah Ward Photography

MR. & MRS. BRADEN GLASGOW

MR. & MRS. KEVIN BEAVERS

(Sunne Pace) August 1, 2020 | Baton Rouge, LA

(Colyn Billeaudeaux) October 24, 2020 | New Braunfels, Texas

Natalie Phillips Photography

Lainey Reed Photography

MR. & MRS. CODY GAUTREAUX

MR. & MRS. MARK ALBARADO

MR. & MRS. COLLISE DUPONT

(Chelsea Loupe) August 9, 2021 | Covington, LA

(Rae Trahan) November 9, 2019 | Lafayette, LA

(Heather Guidry) April 17, 2021 | Lafayette, LA

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THE CORNERSTONE COLLECTION The Cornerstone Collection offers a foundation in beauty and class, anchored by elegant baguette diamonds in white gold. These rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets build upon the qualities of our most precious gemstone.

Its classic design offers longevity of style that can easily be added to or complemented.

COLLECTIONS

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18K WHITE GOLD DIAMOND CUFF BANGLE, $5,750. 18K WHITE GOLD DIAMOND NECKLACE, $4,500.

14K WHITE GOLD DIAMOND FASHION BANDS STARTING AT $2,150.

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SPOTLIGHT 26

LEE MICHAELS

Love blossoms in Greenwich

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Pamela Linke was expecting the perfect wedding day, no matter what came her way. After all, she was marrying her best friend, Brandon Nieuw—a friend who happened to have, as she did, family ties to Greenwich, Connecticut, where they became engaged.

So even though the weather was 100-degree heat, not the rains they prepared for, memories are full of wedding bliss for the couple. The bride filled that day at Brandon’s family’s Greenwich estate—June 2, 2018—with things she adores. Loved ones gathered, and Pamela’s great uncle officiated—he was certified just for the occasion.

An explosion of flowers by Flowers

By Justine fit in with the romantic atmosphere created by Stacie Shea Events. Rose petals lined the aisle on the grassy lawn and filled the pool. Even the wedding cake maintained the theme with fresh flowers and greens.

Just as romantic was the bride’s Monique Lhuillier lace-and-tulle ball gown, which she wore with her greatgrandmother’s gold-and-sapphire bracelet. The groom accessorized with a gold presidential Rolex Day-Date and Gucci black-crystal cufflinks.

One challenge—less unexpected than the day’s intense heat—was planning a meaningful ceremony with families of different backgrounds. Pamela comes from a reform Jewish family, while Brandon’s heritage is Puerto Rican and Dutch. The solution? They focused on spiritual concepts like love and struck a balance with elements from both cultures.

When the day was over, the couple made their grand exit under an archway of sparklers and headed off to their honeymoon in Europe, thrilled with the one thing they always knew they could count on: their love.

A COUPLE’S WEDDING CEREMONY HONORS THEIR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS IN A CONNECTICUT TOWN THEY HAVE IN COMMON. Text by Donna Rolando Wedding planning by Stacie Shea Events Photography by Amy Rizzuto Photography

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A couple living in New York City didn’t have to look far to find a storybook setting for their June 2, 2018, wedding. Sharing adoring smiles outside the groom’s family home in Greenwich are Pamela and Brandon Nieuw, then ages 26 and 28. The essence of romance, her gown is Monique Lhuillier lace and tulle; his custom black tux is accessorized with Gucci black-crystal cufflinks.

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Clockwise from left: The wedding party with 10 bridesmaids in pink Joanna August dresses, 10 groomsmen in light gray suits, a flower girl and ring bearer (Pamela’s cousins); solid gold bands to signify a smooth marriage; the couple mix blue and white sand to represent their unity; the bride’s great uncle performs the lawn ceremony after both her mom and dad walk her down the aisle; Pamela’s favorites—roses and peonies—grace the bouquets, which feature fun bright pinks.

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Clockwise from left: Each table at the reception is simple and white to let the pop of color from the floral centerpieces preside; flowers decorate the four-tier cake with yummy layers such as fudge and caramel; the couple shares a joyous moment on the dance floor; sparklers in hand, family and friends help the newlyweds make their grand exit; the bride’s signature drink—fresh raspberry and vodka—features edible blossoms.

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INTERACT

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FEATURE

don’t

crack under pressure

Chad and Vanessa Berg with professional racing driver, Alexander Rossi

The 500 miles of Indianapolis, Indy 500, is the world’s fastest race, the ultimate crucible of man and machine. It was first held in 1911. Since then it has become one of the greatest spectacles in racing, one of the triple crown of motor sport along with the 24 hours of Le Mans and Monaco Grand Prix. Chad Berg and his wife Vanessa attended the race in May 2021 as guests of TAG Heuer, who is the official timekeeper of the Indy 500. Through partnering with the Indy 500 race, TAG Heuer expresses its long-standing passion for the fast-paced world of motorsports.

Besides, the legendary Indianapolis 500 perfectly embodies the Maison’s motto: “don’t crack under pressure.”

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This year’s race was won for a fourth time by IndyCar legend Hélio Castroneves, who had his first victory at the Indy 500 twenty years ago. Chad and Vanessa enjoyed a beautiful day on the track and of course watched the victor enjoy that traditional glass of milk! “I can fully understand the partnership between Tag Heuer and Indianapolis 500. Tag Heuer watches are expected to perform during the most challenging environments and watching the agility and precision required of the drivers at such a high speed allowed me to better understand the technical prowess required for the cars, watches, and drivers involved.”, Chad Berg, Co-President of Lee Michaels.

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Apply today for the Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

PREFERRED FINANCING PROGRAM

BUY NOW AND PAY OVER TIME* SPECIAL FINANCING OPTIONS* CONVENIENT MONTHLY PAYMENTS *Subject to credit approval.

Minimum monthly payment required.

Initial account activation in store only.

The Lee Michaels card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The LM Preferred Financing Program provides the flexibility to help your dreams come true. Our convenient and fast approval process makes it easy and safe to apply online at LMFJ.com or in store. Let our extraordinary selections, service, quality and values earn your trust for a lasting relationship with us.

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TIMEPIECES

mark of success

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ROLEX

36

LEE MICHAELS

ANY ROLEX SYMBOLIZES ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST

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36

s

UST

36 EVOKES A SPECIFIC ICONOGRAPHY OF VICTORY By Christen Fisher In art and architecture, Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, is often depicted as a winged figure holding a palm leaf. Though Victoria was particularly worshipped by the Roman military, the people of Rome believed she presided over all their victories and successes including those in sports, science, art and business. Today palm leaves, or fronds, bring to mind a subtler version of success characterized by the sunny skies, warm island breezes and lush tropical landscapes of an earthly paradise. So, it is fitting that when Rolex, maker of one of the world’s greatest emblems of victory and success and a perpetual champion and avid supporter of world-class athletic competitions, cutting-edge scientific research and the finest artistic endeavors around the world, launched new versions of its Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 wristwatch, they would include dials featuring a palm-leaf pattern as well as a fluted motif in a nod to the brand’s signature bezel style.

Launched in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial. The first of the new versions of this iconic watch features the palm-leaf motif on an olive-green dial. Presented in Oystersteel, this watch is sure to please anyone with a love for the tropics or an eye for success.

If you like the palms of victory but prefer a more traditional color, a second ver-

sion features the palm motif on a golden dial with a yellow Rolesor case, and a third boasts a silver palm leaf dial in an Everose Rolesor case. Finally, for the true Rolex traditionalist, the brand’s fourth release has a fluted motif on a golden dial in a yellow Rolesor case.

Both the palm and the fluted dial motifs are available with a smooth, gem-set or fluted bezel. Originally, the fluting of the bezel had a functional purpose: It served to screw the bezel onto the case helping to ensure the waterproofness of the watch. Over time, the fluting became an aesthetic element. Always in gold, fluting is a signature Rolex feature. The new fluted dial motif honors Rolex as the maker of the world’s first waterproof wristwatch.

Both the Oystersteel olive-green and the yellow Rolesor golden palm motif dials are fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet that was developed at the end of the 1930s and is known for its robustness. Alternatively, the Everose Rolesor version with the silver palm motif dial has a Jubilee bracelet, as does the yellow Rolesor fluted version. Supple and comfortable, the five-piece link Jubilee bracelet was specially created for the launch of the original Oyster Perpetual Datejust in ’45.

The Datejust 36 is equipped with a caliber 3235 self-winding mechanical movement, and all four versions of it have a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Shock-resistant and insensitive to magnetic fields, the Datejust 36 is also waterproof to 330 feet.

Like all Rolex watches, these new releases are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch along with an international five-year guarantee.

Additionally offered in an array of styles and colorways, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 is the epitome of the classic watch, distinguished by its timeless style and exceptional elegance. The Roman Empire fell long ago, the particular triumphs and successes of its people relegated to the annals of ancient history, but even in these modern times the winged goddess Victoria occasionally waves her palm frond over us. The next time you feel the balmy breeze of victory, consider a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36.

LEE MICHAELS

The success of those who wear the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 is apparent in the palm motif dial (shown here in olive green). The watch is also fitted with a robust three-piece link bracelet that was developed at the end of the 1930s.

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SPOTLIGHT 38

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By Karen B. Gibbs

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THE WATCHMAKERS OF LEE MICHAELS Cell phones are great, but when you want to know the time, nothing beats a watch. It’s easy to see, easy to find and is available 24/7. A watch, however, can only serve you well if it receives regular servicing. Whether it’s a basic model or a luxury timepiece, when it starts losing time, it’s time for a check-up.

“Within the Lee Michaels network, we have three outstanding watchmakers—Danny Hanke, CW21; Bobby McGee, CW21; and Beau Allain, CW21,” says Scott Berg, Lee Michaels co-president. “Each has been with us for more than ten years and all are 21st Century Certified Watchmakers, also known as CW21-certified, by the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute.”

“The training, classes and testing it takes to achieve this certification have made us all much better watchmakers,” says Danny Hanke, a thirteen-year veteran with Lee Michaels.

Not all jewelers have their own watchmakers— much less 21st Century Certified watchmakers. As a result, they must send their customers’ watches away to be serviced. With Lee Michaels, customers can rest assured that their timepieces stay within the Lee Michaels network.

“You get a lot of personal treatment when you select your timepiece and have it serviced at the same place,” says Bobby McGee, a 36-year veteran watchmaker.

“Those long-term, personal relationships help customers feel more comfortable leaving their valuable watches with us—whether their value is sentimental or monetary.”

THE WORKSHOPS Such extraordinary watchmakers should have extraordinary workshops—and at Lee Michaels, they do! “It costs several hundred thousand dollars to build these state-of-the-art facilities,” says Lee Michaels copresident Ryan Berg. “They almost have a hospital-like environment—well-equipped and pristine.” We want our watchmaking shops to be the finest in the industry and are currently updating them to the 21st Century level—the finest level possible.”

Beau Allain agrees. “In a word, my watchmaking shop at Lee Michaels is state-of-the-art!”

“Our customers would be impressed at how intricate, in-depth and time-consuming a complete watch servicing is,” says Bobby. “We take so much care to make sure it not only runs well, but that it is restored to a beautiful, well-running timepiece. Doing this takes more time but it has to be completed right. You just have to do it right.”

SERVICING A WATCH When a customer brings a watch to Lee Michaels to be serviced, either Danny, Bobby or Beau assesses the entire watch—the movement, case and bracelet—and provides a price estimate to the customer. After the customer

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approves the service estimate, our watchmaker begins to work his magic.

“We totally take the watch apart,” says Beau.

Separating the bracelet from the case, our watchmaker detaches the dials and the hands. Then, the movement (which is the heart of the watch) is expertly, delicately and completely dismantled. The parts are so intricately small, the watchmakers work with tweezers and use 25X magnifying loupes to remove them.

These components are then cleaned in an ultrasonic bath and inspected. Worn parts are replaced, and then the watch movement is reassembled and lubricated, piece by piece. After this, the watchmaker makes initial adjustments to the movement and replaces the dial and the hands.

“The level of attention to detail and the great dexterity of our watchmakers are impressive,” says Ryan Berg. “Imagine putting in a ¼ mm screw—that’s about 1/100th of an inch long! Plus, there’s no one-size-fits-all watch movement, so our expert watchmakers must have the knowledge and training to diagnose and repair the problems for each and every watch they service.”

Next, the case is carefully taken apart and repolished or satin-finished by hand to remove the knicks and scars that come with everyday living. Using a feltcovered wheel and cutting paste, our watchmaker buffs away blemishes, then buffs the case with microfiber sheets before polishing it to perfection. After this, the seals are replaced and the crystal, bezel and middle case are reassembled.

The bracelet is likewise polished or satin-finished link-by-link and thoroughly cleaned. Then, our watchmaker ever so carefully puts the movement back into the case and makes final adjustments to assure superior performance. The watch is then tested for precision.

If the watch is waterproof, the case is pressuretested in water before it is refitted with the bracelet. Our watchmaker then checks the watch one last time for flawless performance and impeccable finish.

So, which part of the process do our watchmakers find most satisfying?

“My greatest satisfaction is starting with a broken or non-functioning, worn and scratched watch and ending up with a beautifully refinished and repaired timepiece,” says Danny.

“I enjoy taking a watch that has been neglected and turning it into something that is very beautiful and keeps exceptional time,” says Bobby.

“Regardless of the model or who owns it, what matters to me is to do the best job I can,” says Beau.

When the time is right, entrust your timepiece to our own long-time treasures—Danny Hanke, Bobby McGee and Beau Allain—the CW21-certified watchmakers at Lee Michaels. You’ll agree with us; they are among the best of the best in the country.

DANNY HANKE CW21-Certified

BOBBY MCGEE CW21-Certified

BEAU ALLAIN CW21-Certified

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TIMEPIECES

as time goes by seconds” function serving to set time to the exact second.

Annual calendars, a complication patented by Patek in 1996, require only a single manual adjustment once each year at the end of February. The current collection features Reference 4947/1A Annual Calendar, a 38-millimeter watch to suit both men’s and ladies’ wrists. Available in stainless steel with a blue vertical and horizontal satin-finish dial and gold applied numerals, the watch contains a self-winding mechanical movement caliber 324 S QA LU. The day and month are displayed by hands while the date is shown in an aperture. This watch also features a moon phase and a sweep seconds hand.

The most technologically complex calendar watch is the perpetual calendar. The owner of this watch can spend a lifetime letting time march at a steady pace without ever having to notice whether its passage feels slow or quick, as this watch takes into account all monthly variations including those in a leap year. It will not need to be adjusted manually until the year 2100 (the next century year not divisible by 400). This year, Patek introduced a new version of this grand complication, the Reference 5236P-001 In-line Perpetual Calendar, which displays the day, date and month on a single line in an elongated aperture beneath 12 o’clock in addition to a small seconds dial as well as day/night and leap year indicators in apertures. Patek designed a new self-winding movement, caliber 31-260 PS QL, for which three patent applications have been filed. To assure the largest possible calendar display on a single line with optimized legibility, the company created a system with two date disks—one for the tens and one for the units—so that the calendar display consists of four disks—one for the day, two for the date and one for the month—all perfectly embedded in the same plane. This system alone required an additional 118 parts in comparison with a conventional perpetual calendar display. Housed in an elegant platinum 41-millimeter case framing a vertical satin-finished blue dial with a black-gradient rim, it is a horological marvel.

As time flies—or crawls—in your life, you may wish to consider a calendar watch from the Patek Philippe collection, and leave the monitoring of time to time-tested experts. Because as far as we know, whatever its speed, you have only the one life.

Clockwise from top left: Patek Philippe’s self-winding Ref. #4947 features a round Calatrava-type polished steel case with a 38mm diameter; the sporty chic look of the self-winding rose gold Aquanaut Luce Ref. #5268 has been revisited in a 38.8 mm and fitted with a new integrated strap, but the elegant matte white remains; on the Ref. #5236 Grand Complications, the day, date and month appear in a large single aperture at 12 o’clock; the Twenty~4 Automatic Ref. #7300 appears in a new steel version featuring an olive green dial with gold applied numerals and a sunburst finish.

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“Time sometimes flies like a bird, sometimes crawls like a snail; but a man is happiest when he does not even notice whether it passes swiftly or slowly,” wrote Ivan Turgenev in his 1862 masterpiece Fathers and Sons. Indeed, our perception of time is intertwined with emotion. Anxiety and boredom make us feel that time is moving very slowly, while amid excitement, activity or joy we perceive it as rushing by.

We can’t actually make that hour in the dentist’s chair not feel eternal, or stop that sunny afternoon on the beach from whizzing by. All we can do is invest in the best possible machine to track time’s passing with dependable impartiality. That’s where Patek Philippe comes in. And its impeccable precision of seconds and minutes and hours is carried on through the years with its calendar watches, ranging from simple to perpetual.

Simple calendar watches display the date through an aperture or by means of a hand, indicating the number of the day within the month from 1 to 31. To maintain the correct date, these wristwatches must be manually adjusted at the end of thirty days and at the end of February. Patek’s current collection features several simple calendars including Reference 7300/1200A-011 Ladies Twenty~4 Automatic. Created for the modern, active woman, the Twenty~4 Automatic is available in a new steel version with an olive-green dial highlighted by a sunburst finish and a diamondenhanced bezel. The movement’s sophisticated architecture and exquisite finishing are revealed through a transparent sapphire case-back. The entirely hand-polished steel bracelet is fitted with a patented fold-over clasp secured by four independent catches.

Another example of a simple calendar is the Reference 5268/200R Aquanaut Luce in rose gold with a matte white dial embossed with Aquanaut pattern and featuring gold applied numerals. The sporty, chic look of the self-winding rose gold Aquanaut Luce has been revisited in a larger diameter (38.8 millimeters) and fitted with a new integrated matte white strap. It’s water-resistant to 120 meters, and its rounded octagonal case is enhanced by polished and satin finishes and a bezel containing 48 diamonds. The self-winding 26-330 S C movement is equipped with a “stop

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PATEK PHILIPPE’S CALENDAR WATCHES TRACK THE YEARS WITH RELENTLESS PRECISION. ONE OF THEM NEEDN’T BE ADJUSTED TILL FEBRUARY 2100. By Christen Fisher

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WHEN WE CHECK OUT A LEADING COLLECTOR ON INSTAGRAM, WE SEE MORE THAN ALLURING TIMEPIECES. WE SEE A PASSION.

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Anyone who’s obsessed with luxury watches knows it’s more than just a hobby. Watch collecting is a lifestyle. It involves constantly staying up-to-date on the latest models, technologies and brands. And along with the pages of ACCENT magazine and our store, Instagram has become an amazing resource for watch enthusiasts, whether you’re a newbie just starting out or a seasoned collector looking for tips.

So ACCENT rounded up a handful of the best and biggest watch influencers in the Instagram game. They’re not celebrities, but regular folks with impressive collections who know what pieces to buy and how to style them—and, of course, how to get their thousands of followers to engage with their content. Read on to see some of the best-of-the-best wrist candy on the ’gram, plus these influencers’ advice for collectors new and established.

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@CHAMPSG, 37, AUSTRALIA.

Not just any watch influencer can get 9.1 million views on a wrist roll Reel. But Chamath Gamage, aka @champsg can. In fact, “wrist rolls” are the main attraction of Gamage’s Instagram account, which has amassed more than 85K followers since he began posting content regularly in 2016. Gamage’s passion for timepieces goes back even further—he admired his father’s and grandfather’s watches as a kid, and began his own collection with his first-ever purchase of a Seiko Kinetic in 2002, when he started college. Now, Gamage, who recently became a new dad, has more than 25 luxury pieces, his favorite being the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15202. “In 2016 I went to Baselworld, but the AP factory was closed by the time we got there,” he tells ACCENT. “Lucky for us, the CFO of AP invited us for a tour next time we were in Le Brassus, Switzerland,” he says. “Three months later, I took him up on the offer and got a factory tour at the HQ with my wife.” There he made this purchase. “Had we not run into each other accidentally, I wouldn’t have been able to get my hands on this rare timepiece.”

As far as styling goes, Gamage wears bright shirts and jackets to make the watches pop, and chooses his watch of the day based on the occasion. “I’ll wear a dress watch like Audemars Piguet for formal black-tie events and leave the pilot/diver watches for more casual sportwear,” he says. “And I always match the color of the watch to my outfit.”

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KEEPING TIME

@VIVI.WATCHES, 30, NEW YORK CITY.

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A childhood obsession with Swatch watches turned into a lifelong passion and career for Viviana Shanks, a former employee of Audemars Piguet who now works at watch site Watchionista with her CEO husband, Josh Shanks. Vivi and Josh share not just a company but also a watch collection, as she prefers not to gender timepieces. “I don’t necessarily agree with the terms ‘men’s’ or ‘women’s’ watch,” she tells ACCENT. “A watch should be worn by someone who loves it.” She can’t pick just one favorite luxury watch brand—“that’s like asking a kid to choose just one candy at the candy store!” she jokes—but her one favorite piece is the rare Rolex GMT “Root Beer,” a recent 30th birthday present.

As for her Instagram account? “I started out of curiosity and because I wanted to follow the brand I was working for,” she says. “It began as a personal account, taking pictures from my iPod Touch, and I randomly started posting watches and my Instagram took off.”

She says her followers respond best to content about “everything but me,” and engaging with the community when she has time has helped her account amass almost 10K followers. Keeping it simple and authentic helps too, she says. “No need to add dazzle [or other accessories] around your wrist; the watch will speak for itself,” she advises. “And be yourself. Hard-to-find watches are great, but if you don’t like them, why pretend?”

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@NYCWATCHGUY, 35, NEW YORK CITY.

They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, and the anonymous, Manhattan-based creator of @nycwatchguy is the first to admit that his collection of 100+ watches is a bit excessive. But none of them merely sit in his high-security, insured vault—he wears every single one. “I try and give most of my watches some wrist time on a regular basis,” he tells ACCENT. This collector’s favorite piece is his Gronefeld 1941 Remontoire Only Watch, which he won at the 2019 Only Watch auction.

“I think it is the most perfect watch ever made,” he says, “and I don’t know if there is another watch that I will be enamored with quite like this one.” Another sentimental piece is the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster, his first mechanical watch purchase back in 2011, and his two from Maximilian Büsser & Friends, aka MB&F. “They make watches that really push the envelope in terms of design and, in many ways, make you reimagine what is possible with a watch,” he explains. This @nycwatchguy guy keeps his followers engaged by changing up his timepieces with “bad-ass straps,” posting memes and consistently sharing photos of interesting watches he spots.

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Roberto Coin 18K yellow gold round and oval link bracelet, $4,700

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Roberto Coin 18K yellow gold round and oval link necklace, $9,500

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the new

gold standard 14K yellow gold cushion link necklace, $1,950 14K yellow gold polished bean necklace with 3 pavé diamond stations, $3,500

14K yellow gold polished oval link bracelet, $2,850

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14K yellow gold large oval link bracelet having alternating sections of polished links and links with a florentine finish, $2,850

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10/6/21 11:34 AM

ON THE RUN

pearl 2

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1. 18K white gold white South Sea pearl strand with pavé diamond clasp, 34” long, $18,500 2. 18K white gold white South Sea pearl and pavé diamond drop earrings, $13,500 3. Mikimoto 18K white gold Akoya pearl and diamond crossover ring, $4,300

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LE DÉFILÉ

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ON THE RUN

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1. 18K rose gold diamond collar necklace with a bypass front and graduated round diamonds, $12,500 2. 18K yellow gold diamond feather drop earrings, $5,500

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ON THE RUN

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5 ALBERTA FERRETTI

1. 14K white gold onyx and diamond octagon necklace, $575 2. 14K white gold black agate and pavé diamond upside down triangle necklace, $900 3. 14K white gold black agate and diamond oval necklace, $850 4. 18K white gold onyx and pavé diamond chandelier earrings, $6,250 5. David Yurman Elements sterling silver and onyx ring with pavé diamonds, $495

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10/12/21 11:22 AM

SMAR T CAV IAR T H E F IRST F IN E JEWEL R Y B R ACEL ET FOR YOUR APPL E WA T CH ®️

Untitled-9 1

Smart Caviar is not approved, endorsed or affiliated with Apple, Inc. Watch sold separately.

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

9/16/21 3:13 PM

everyday getaway

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BANISHING HUMDRUM, A SOUTH FLORIDA APARTMENT BY DESIGNER JUAN MONTOYA EMBRACES THE ADVENTUROUS OPTICS OF THE TROPICS.

Logic tells us the joyous spirit of escape isn’t available at home; home, however lovely, is what we escape from. But logic hasn’t reckoned with the power of floor-to-ceiling windows, an oceanside setting and the genius of Juan Montoya. In the new book Designing Paradise: Tropical Interiors by Juan Montoya (Rizzoli), the acclaimed interior designer joins writer Jorge Arango to showcase living spaces that so far transcend the ordinary as to put guests in a swoon and cloak residents in subtle, day-to-day bliss. Of course, Montoya works his magic partly by exploiting vast ocean vistas that simply could never become mundane—for instance, in an apartment in the revamped Surf Club in Surf City, Florida. Here, an assortment of ancient artifacts amassed by the homeowner, a custom collection of celestial photographs and oceanic paintings and one-of-a-kind artisan chandeliers all combine with the dramatic views to create a triumphant sense of adventure—yes, in a home.

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This page: Dinner is the showcase for a formal get-together, especially when guests arrive dressed to the nines. With that in mind, interior designer Juan Montoya created a massive dining room table with 14 John Boone chairs upholstered in lavish horsehair.

More traditional works of art appear overhead in LA-based artist David Wiseman’s bespoke bronze-and-glass light fixture and the Winslow Homer-esque ocean waves painting by Ran Ortner. Opposite page: Eyes follow a mirrored sideboard toward Temporal Sitter, a polished-bronze sculpture by Irish artist Kevin Francis Gray.

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This page: Ancient artifacts from China, Egypt and countries in Africa draw attention to the family room’s built-in bookshelf, but the pieces stand out more when illuminated by the custom Studio Drift chandelier.

Opposite page: When closed, specially built pocket doors made of polished African teak separate the office from the home’s main living space. The doors’ unique design, however, always provides a peek at the Luca Missoni works on the far wall.

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This page: The view in the master bedroom doesn’t disappoint, no matter where one looks. Dramatic ring sconces by Irish designer Niamh Barry flank the bed, while fur pillows and a blanket adorn the bed and the double chaise lounge, which was designed

by Montoya. Opposite page: Montoya also designed a black trim for the master bathroom floor that serves as a runner leading to the sink. Behind the patterned blue glass panes set in polished nickel frames are a separate vanity area, shower and toilet.

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10/4/21 9:06 AM

VIETNAM, SCENE OF A WAR WE TRY TO FORGET, TURNS OUT TO BE A CAPTIVATING DESTINATION WITH SIGHTS YOU’LL LONG REMEMBER.

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By Lenae Guarna

For those of a certain generation, the idea of a holiday in Vietnam seems unimaginable at first. But once you get past our country’s troubled history with this Southeast Asian nation, you will find aquamarine coastlines, beautiful French colonial architecture, lush greenery and a stunning river town. The charming fishing villages, with their iconic boats and placid waters, are as captivating as the bright green rice paddies and the farmers who tend them. Vietnam is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and there is no end to its diverse offerings.

In January 2020, just before the world would change in ways we could have never anticipated, my husband and I headed to Vietnam to join a bike tour to celebrate our anniversary. Biking allowed us to travel the less frequented paths deep into rural villages to see the culture up close. We were eagerly greeted by children and heard “hello” as often as we did “xin chào.” We also had the good fortune to visit during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Beautiful flowers, especially yellow chrysanthemums as high as my shoulders, and kumquat trees with

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Hop aboard a private charter or group boating trip to best take in the sights of Halong Bay, translated from Vietnamese as the “Bay of Descending Dragons.”

Stunning islands, grottoes and caves surrounded by emerald waters form a spectacular seascape unlike any other.

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their bright orange fruit, were everywhere. Fires filled the streets as locals honored their ancestors by burning hang ma or paper replicas of money and luxuries. These offerings are believed to show respect and to enhance the afterlife for their ancestor.

The roads are filled with all types of vehicles: cars, taxis, small motorbikes, bicycles and cyclos—modern-day rickshaws—all of which share the road with few, if any, traffic lights and no bike lanes. Remarkably, many motorbikes transport a family of four, including a baby in her mother’s arms, or carry enough packages on the back to fill a small pickup truck. For a pedestrian, crossing a busy street can often be a heart-in-hand experience, but locals advise that you neither run across nor stop unexpectedly, as the Vietnamese rely on predictability and will navigate around you accordingly.

We began our visit in the historic city of Hanoi, staying at the storied Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in the Old Quarter. This grand hotel, which opened in 1901, has hosted many notable guests, including silent-movie star Charlie Chaplin, folksinger Joan Baez, U.S. presidents and other heads of state.

Hanoi has been called “the Paris of the Orient,” and its beautiful tree-lined boulevards and French colonial buildings are home to enough restaurants, cafés, galleries and stores to ensnare even the most restless traveler’s attention.

End your sightseeing at the Quán Thánh Temple, one of the four magnificent temples said to protect the capital from malevolent spirits, or at the more sobering Hoa Lo Prison, once nicknamed “Hanoi Hilton.”

Approximately two-and-a-half hours from Hanoi is the must-see Halong Bay, translated as the “Bay of Descending Dragons,” a World Heritage Site located in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is made up of some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars, lush islands and emerald waters. Whether you hire a private charter or join one of the many tourist excursions, these breathtaking islands, grot-

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This page, from top: Four Seasons Hoi-An sits just outside the city, and offers guests a serene stay along quiet beaches used for both fishing and recreation; national delicacy pho, pronounced “fuh,” is eaten morning, afternoon and night and sold at almost every restaurant and street cart; in Thu Sy, a trade village in the province of Hung Yen, an old craftswoman makes a traditional bamboo fish trap. Opposite page, top: These terraced rice fields on Mu Cang Chai District, the northwest region of Vietnam, are man-made and carved into mountains. Opposite page, bottom: There are about 400 rivers in Vietnam, and almost half of its mainland borders the sea. Here, a young Vietnamese woman repairs a fishing net for the morning fishermen.

LEE MICHAELS

toes and caves are best explored by boat.

We next traveled through two other World Heritage Sites—Hué and Hoi An. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hué is home to the 19th century Royal Citadel, whose walls protected the royals from both invaders and the rival armies of feudal lords. While much of the citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968, UNESCO has restored the Royal Theater, a library and temples honoring the Nguyen dynasty.

Hoi An, a picturesque town along the Thu Bon River, was a historically important trading port, drawing traders from China, Japan and Europe.

As a result, it enjoys a rich culture, and the foreign influences can be seen throughout the architecture of this “lantern city.” Not straying far from its trading past, Hoi An is well known for its bespoke clothing. The many tailors in this small town will create a custom garment of the finest fabrics in days. If tailored clothes do not strike your fancy, visit the bustling Central Market for anything from food to kitchen utensils or home décor to Vietnamese specialty items. Just outside the city sits the idyllic Four Seasons Nam Hai. Our room opened up to the most pristine of beaches, with only the occasional walker and a few fishing boats to join our view.

A peaceful outdoor shower in the privacy of our suite set the mood for relaxation perfectly.

While the cuisine is delicious, pho (pronounced “fuh”) became an easy favorite. This warm broth with rice noodles, meat and any number of vegetables is served at breakfast, lunch or snack time, on the street or in restaurants, and, I’m convinced, will heal any number of ills. Wandering Hoi An at night and

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enjoying the beautiful lanterns decorating the homes, walkways and boats along the river, we found Anthony Bourdain’s favorite banh mi (a French- and Asian-influenced sandwich and one of Vietnam’s most popular street foods) at Banh Mi Phuong. A banh mi and a beer were as affordable as they were delectable, and should not be missed.

Tip: If the lines are long, head upstairs for a seat by the window for faster service and views of the street below.

As in other Asian countries, there is no dearth of temples and tombs to explore. In the Hué vicinity alone there are at least six tombs dedicated to the Nguyen emperors. The beautiful Huyen Khong Buddhist Grotto carved into the Marble Mountains and the large pagodas at Bái Đính Temple are impressive. But it was the many small family temples in the rural areas that captured my heart—a final home to generations of a family painstakingly cared for by the younger generation.

My eight days in Vietnam were not nearly enough. There is so much more to see in and around Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and the Mekong Delta, as well as the exotic beach resorts in the Con Dao islands and along the Nha Trang coast. What I did see was a revived country ready to open its doors to the world and welcome all visitors. I found the people to be warm and genuinely excited to welcome Americans. One can’t ignore that it is still a socialist republic, but it’s a republic dipping its toe into the global economy and tourism.

Now is the time to experience Vietnam, while there is still much untouched and before the masses arrive.

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This page, clockwise from top: Coiled incense burners are a warm welcome into Ba Thien Hau temple, built in 1760 to honor Mazu, the “Lady of the Sea;” commerce and culture collide in Ho Chi Minh, the largest city in Vietnam; today, on the 14th day of each lunar month, the town trades its electric lights for traditional colored lanterns, seen here; a major tourist attraction, the Golden Bridge is supported by two giant hands made of fiberglass and wire mesh over Ba Na Hills mountain resort in Da Nang. Opposite page, top: Ninh Bình is a hidden gem of Vietnam, giving visitors a peek into the villagers’ rural way of life. The area features many Buddhist pagodas, including Bai Dinh Pagoda, Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex.

The breathtaking Marble Mountains is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hành So’n District, south of Da Nang city.

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The most magical phrase in skiing right now is “private powder.” It refers to a privately owned ski mountain that offers very limited access, uncrowded slopes, no lift lines, untrammeled snow and maximum privilege. It’s just you, a friend or your family and acres of untracked snow, or in some cases perfectly groomed slopes. Exclusive and remote, these five private powder resorts were practicing social distancing long before it became necessary to get away from the crowd.

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FIVE U.S. SKI RESORTS OFFER A CHANCE TO DITCH THE CROWDS AND ENJOY YOUR PERSONAL PEAK EXPERIENCE By Everett Potter

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SCARP RIDGE, CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO.

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ELEVENEXPERIENCE.COM

Eleven Experience is one unusual ski operation in Crested Butte, a marriage of Rocky Mountain ski town life and wild backcountry skiing. It starts with lodging in the heart of this mining town turned skier’s paradise, at Scarp Ridge Lodge or the adjacent Sopris House. The outside of Scarp Ridge, a 19th century Croatian saloon, has a Wild West look, but inside it’s sleek and modern, with five king rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a kids’ bunkroom and even a room for your nanny.

I liked the indoor saltwater pool, steam room and sauna. The place has a gym, but at the altitude of nearly 9,000 feet I was more grateful for the oxygen-enriched air system. Sopris House, an 1882 structure that was formerly the Spritzer Bar, has been renovated with three king rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a twin suite with an ensuite bathroom. There is a private “saloon” in keeping with history, with a pool table and juke box—also a private outdoor courtyard, a media room, an outdoor copper hot tub, a cold plunge pool, a sauna and an in-room retail bar.

You’ll need to extricate yourself from these comforts in the morning and get picked up for a custom-designed snowcap ride, which will drop you on 1,000+ acres of exclusive ski terrain in nearby Irwin, located about 13 miles west of the Crested Butte.

Eleven has exclusive access to the 1,000-plus acres at Irwin, long a snowcat destination, and the two on-mountain outposts, the Cat Barn and the Movie Cabin. They’re well situated for breathless skiers to enjoy lunch and après. At over 10,000 feet above sea level in the Elk Mountains, it averages 450 inches of snow every winter. It’s blissful and exhausting, and at the end of the last run I wasn’t sorry to get back to Eleven Experience’s lodges.

The day’s remaining decision was whether to dunk myself in the indoor hot tub or the outdoor hot tub before heading out to dinner. elevenexperience.com

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Exhilaration is an inadequate term for the feeling of skiing an enormous mountain with a couple of friends and never seeing anyone else, never dealing with a lift line, on snow that is perfectly groomed. That was my first day at Pioneer Mountain, which tops out at 9,860 feet and has steep cliff faces, chutes and tree skiing. With more than 2,700 skiable acres and 2,700 vertical feet, it’s a ski area larger than either Deer Valley Resort or Sun Valley.

Never heard of it? That’s because it’s the private mountain of the Yellowstone Club, a 15,200-acre billionaire boys’ club that you may have heard about. This private powder, a term that the club has used to lure members for years, is only for the 500 members, their families and invited guests of what is likely the most exclusive “club” in the world, with members such as Bill Gates, Justin Timberlake, Tom Brady and Eric Schmidt.

I visited the club back when only one or two houses had been built and have returned a few times since, as mansions, a Tom Weiskopf 18-hole course and the clubhouse named for ski pioneer and filmmaker Warren Miller were finished. There are now more than 100 runs, and while you can ski with a pro like Scot Schmidt, an extreme skier and star of some of the great Miller movies, I’d rather ski solo to enjoy the solitude and the sheer beauty. I’ve never had a better time on a mountain. The membership fee here is $400,000 for those who pass the financials, and of course there’s the additional requirement (or should we say privilege?) to build a house at the Yellowstone Club. yellowstoneclub.com

TWIN FARMS, BARNARD, VERMONT.

When the weekend warriors of the Northeast were headed to Vermont ski areas Killington, Stowe and Okemo one weekend, I headed north in search of a wintry sanctuary in the rarified air of Twin Farms. I admit to being awestruck upon arrival at this star of the Relais & Châteaux group.

Routinely ranked as the top C-level getaway lodge in the country, if not the world—with rates to match—Twin Farms has everything just so.

Set on 300 acres, the main house is an 18th century farmhouse that was the retreat of the writer Sinclair Lewis.

There are 10 freestanding “cottages,” more like small private homes, with whimsical designs that range from alpine to Adirondack to a Moroccan-inspired getaway. There are also four suites in the Farmhouse at Copper Hill and two more in the lodge. There are welcome fireplaces and amenities such as an unpacking service to help you settle in. The original artwork is by the likes of David Hockney, William Wegman and Frank Stella. There’s a 15,000-bottle wine cellar but no menus. Chef Nathan Rich asks you what you’d like to eat, and then prepares it.

This hushed perfection might seem a tad oppressive except when you step outside the door and gaze up at Sonnenberg Mountain on the property. Here lie six perfectly groomed ski trails—Main Street, Man Trap, Free Air, World So Wide, Jay Hawker and Trail of the Hawk—accessible by a quick ride on Twin Farms’ Sherpa snowmobile to the top. The entire mountain is reserved exclusively for Twin Farms guests. I lapped these for hours each day, with the snowmobile always ready to get me back up to the top.

Challenging? No, but they are pure joy, especially when followed by a soak in a Japanese furo bath at the resort’s Bridge House Spa. twinfarms.com

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It takes a certain kind of skier to even want to ski Silverton Mountain, which lies about 80 miles from Telluride. The 1,800-plus-acre terrain is awesome, tough or frightening, depending upon how good a skier you are. There’s just one lift, and it takes you to 12,300 feet. There’s another 1,000+ of vertical you can hike to reach 13,487, the highest point for lift-served skiing in North America. Take it from me, you may not have much breath left in you when you reach the top. The experience you’re here for is similar to snowcat or heli-skiing, and all about floating through unbelievably deep powder. The Bureau of Land Management oversees the mountain and limits the number of daily skiers to 80.

You can ski with or without a guide, but it’s a serious decision as the trails are unmarked. In fact, they’re not even cut, and nothing is groomed. You ski through trees and from one clearing to another, in deep snow, making fresh tracks.

There’s a great and steep snowfield called Rope Dee Dope.

The rest, unmarked, seems endless, and many of the runs would qualify as double blacks on any other Western mountain, steep to the point of terrifying.

When I finally hit the base of the mountain, I climbed into a waiting bus with pounding music and fellow skiers that brought me back to the lift for round two and later, round three. At day’s end, the seriously high altitude combined with skiing 8,000 to 12,000 feet a day is both exhilarating and utterly exhausting. I didn’t need luxury, nor would I find it in Silverton, so I stayed at the very comfortable Teller House Hotel, which has an old-timey Western feel. You don’t come to Silverton for comforts. You come because want it steep, deep and uncrowded. And so it is. silvertonmountain.com

THE YELLOWSTONE CLUB, MONTANA.

TWINFARMS.COM

YELLOWSTONECLUB.COM

SILVERMT.COM

SILVERTON MOUNTAIN, COLORADO.

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BRUSH CREEK RANCH, WYOMING.

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Chances are you’ve never skied Wyoming’s Green Mountain in the south central part of the state. It is a private mountain retreat of some 600 acres, surrounded by National Forest lands, and the alpine centerpiece of the Brush Creek Ranch Luxury Collection. This is a group of historic guest ranches on a 30,000-acre working cattle ranch near the town of Saratoga. It includes the Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, the French Creek Sportsmen’s Club and the Magee Homestead, the latter a member of the Relais & Châteaux group, with just 12 residences and suites and designed for adults only. There’s also the Farm at Brush Creek for dining.

It’s a lot of luxury to take in in the middle of Wyoming. But the reason I went was private powder, which meant riding a snowcat for four miles just to get to the base of Green Mountain and then continuing via snowcat to reach the summit. The mountain maxes out at 30 skiers and snowboarders at a given time. There were 1,100 vertical feet ahead of me, and the experience was memorable.

You disembark from the cat, click into your bindings, and off you go. In seconds, the echoes of the snowcat’s chatter are replaced by Rocky Mountain silence, the swoosh of powder and a deep sense of being on your own, making swooping turns. There are a few cut trails that are groomed, but there’s much more tree skiing, and even double black diamond runs, so the better skier you are, the more fun you will have. What Green Mountain also offers are views that seem to go for a hundred miles. It’s not Jackson Hole in terms of challenges or amenities, but it’s a wonderful mountain shared with just a handful of other enthusiasts. There are yurts at the base that serve as warming shelters. There is also talk of building lifts at some point in the future.

That would likely increase the number of skiers, so the sage advice is to go now. brushcreekranch.com

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C O R P O R AT E G I F T S & AWA R D S

SERVICE AWARD PROGRAMS | MILESTONE & RETIREMENT GIFTS | SALES RECOGNITION AWARDS SAFETY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS | DONOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT GIFTS Our competitive service and commitment to excellence guarantees that everyone will enjoy the reward, recognition and representation of your business. For customer service, please contact Lindsay Chustz Guerin at 225-368-3641 or lindsayg@lmfj.com.

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THE HARMONY COLLECTION Our Harmony Collection is a modern take on classic diamond jewelry. These delicate designs are the perfect harmony of gold and diamonds. From layering necklaces to stackable bracelets and rings, each piece in this on-trend collection is the definition of effortless, chic style.

COLLECTIONS

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14K AND 18K GOLD DIAMOND NECKLACES STARTING AT $375.

10/6/21 11:03 AM

ENTERTAINING

festive is back!

A year ago, holiday get-togethers were wishful thinking for most of us. That’s one reason we’re so looking forward to hosting celebrations—grand or intimate—again come December. Your friends and family are no doubt eager to share the conviviality of the season, and your careful planning and thoughtful touches can help turn a good time into a great one. For décor, why not take designer Danielle Rollins’ lead? In her latest book, A Home for All Seasons (Rizzoli), the tastemaker and designer explains that she starts planning for the season of giving as soon as the forks go down for Thanksgiving. She regards the holiday dinner as the focus of a merry-go-round of activities. Taking the meal from the formal dining room and positioning a round table next to a great-room fireplace creates a cozier, “toned-down” holiday vibe, Rollins says. Top it off with an arrangement of roses and greens for the centerpiece. The result is a party scene that evokes the season’s joys in an understated but resolutely merry way. Watch out, though, as your guests may envy you.

They’re only there to enjoy the fun. You get to create it.

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REMEMBER HOLIDAY DINNERS? THIS SEASON YOU CAN HOST AN INTIMATE GATHERING YOUR GUESTS WILL NEVER FORGET.

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This page: Combining formal and playful elements, designer Danielle Rollins sets her holiday table using hand-embroidered linens to accompany the Mottahedeh Sacred Bird and Butterfly pattern on the vintage china set. Opposite page, clockwise from top: A display of good dark chocolates entices guests to grab a nibble as they sip cocktails. Rollins keeps the fixings for one of her favorite drinks, a chocolate cherry bourbon cocktail, close at hand, because she says it’s a great way to promote the nostalgia of the season. While dinner and drinks provide plenty to look at, there should never be a shortage of traditional holiday décor.

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SPIRITS

stars and their sips

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KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES

BRENDON THORNE/STRINGER/GETTY IMAGES

DAN MACMEDAN/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES

IMPECCABLE TASTE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL IMAGINATION HAVE LED THESE WELL-KNOWN GENTLEMEN INTO THE BOOZE BUSINESS. HERE ARE THE THREE “CELEBRITY” LIQUORS WORTH TRYING By Darius Amos

RYAN REYNOLDS Aviation American Gin

MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY Wild Turkey Bourbon

DWAYNE JOHNSON Teremana Tequila

In most cases, the after-1 a.m. crowd at your local bar can’t distinguish the merits of a good cocktail, so their gin-and-tonics are often mixed using the house liquor. That’s passable for last call, but those with a more discernible palate who order martinis with dinner or drink the spirit neat at home know better. And Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian gave them better in 2006 when they first produced what is now called Aviation American Gin (Aviation, for short) in Portland, Oregon. Its flavor starts with heavy rye and lavender and is followed with juniper, cardamom and orange. Wine Enthusiast magazine once gave it a 97-point rating, the highest grade it had ever bestowed upon a gin. That caught the attention of Canadian actor and gin aficionado Ryan Reynolds, who bought a stake in the premium liquor company in 2018 and retained his minority ownership when the British spirits giant Diageo bought the brand last year for $610 million. Double-R remains the face of the brand (not a bad-looking face), appearing in multiple places on the gin’s website. What’s also handsome are the gin’s Art Deco-inspired bottle and flask-like silhouette.

There are many stops along both the American whiskey and Kentucky bourbon trails, but few have the panache of the Wild Turkey Distilling Co. It’s a spirit enjoyed by all types—from lads taking their first sip at age 21 to seasoned executives unwinding after a day of board meetings. It’s likely Wild Turkey is their drink of choice because of the bourbon’s long reputation as a full-bodied quaff with flavorful toffee and coffee notes. Sure, this spirit sells itself, but executives at the 81-year-old company still brought in a sexy face, actor Matthew McConaughey, in 2016 for a boost. As the new creative director, McConaughey teamed up with master distiller Eddie Russell on a smallbatch bourbon with a taste o’ Texas— they called it Wild Turkey Longbranch.

The Academy Award winner’s signature even appears on the bottle, the first time a name other than Eddie’s and Jimmy Russell’s was front and center. And the taste (well-balanced with notes of honey and orange) is also award-winning: It captured double gold in the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Actor and retired wrestler Dwayne Johnson knows plenty about success: He’s conquered the world of sports entertainment and continues to put out nonstop box-office hits. But what does “The Rock” know about tequila? Well, unlike Reynolds and McConaughey, Johnson built his brand, Teremana Tequila, from the ground up. After years of hard work and experimentation, Teremana (derived from the Latin root meaning “earth” and the Polynesian word for “spirit”) launched in 2019 with a small-batch, handcrafted tequila using blue agave matured in the highlands of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Crisp on the palate with hints of agave, lemon zest and vanilla, it makes the perfect drink to toast with friends. Even better is Johnson’s insistence on sustainable production practices—100 percent of the leftover agave fibers are used as an organic fertilizer in the agave fields, while wastewater from manufacturing is filtered for reuse.

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AUTO

rule the land

YOU CAN MASTER CITY STREETS AND TOUGH TERRAIN ALIKE IN ONE OF THESE CAPACIOUS, AUDACIOUS SUVS By Darius Amos Looks? Luxury? Performance? Capacity? Whoever said you can’t have it all obviously hasn’t climbed a rocky hill in one of these virile vehicles, each a reinvented version of their legendary predecessors.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER

JAGUAR LAND ROVER

This British company has been creating luxury utilitarian trucks since 1948, decades before the sport utility vehicle (SUV) category as such came into existence. For a long time this vehicle’s predecessors were named for their wheelbase measurements—e.g., the Land Rover 90.

Today, the Defender is perhaps the brand’s most recognized model; it’s iconic in off-roading-enthusiast circles for both its styling and its strength.

The Defender’s latest iteration received a sexy facelift from previous designs: Engineers added a few curves to its familiar boxy shape and softened the appearance with a modern grill. The cabins of both the two- and four-door versions are loaded with comforts like those of the automaker’s luxurious Range Rover line, including an available 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and hand-stitched leather upholstery. But most important is that the new Defender, which starts at $46,100, is as capable as ever thanks to a top-of-the-line, supercharged eight-cylinder engine with 518-horsepower performance, adjustable air-spring suspension and a whopping 11.5 inches of ground clearance.

FORD BRONCO

FORD

At just about the same time Land Rover was remaking its iconic off-roader, Ford was rethinking its legendary model. The result is the resurrected Bronco, bearing a name that had been missing from the Ford lineup since 1996.

The reimagined Bronco is a partial throwback to its former self—the 1960s version that was built for off-roading adventures and duties—but with greater focus on everyday use. It comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a $29,995 sticker price, but we’re certain you’ll want an SUV with full performance capability and modern comforts. An easy upgrade puts drivers in control of a 330-horsepower, twin-turbo V-6 engine, which when paired with the 35-inch mud-terrain wheels will take the Bronco across any terrain, from sand and pebbles to streets and pavement. It’s just as noteworthy inside too: An available 12inch touchscreen is the center of the infotainment system, which includes navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional soft tops and removable doors provide notable open-air possibilities.

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MERCEDES-BENZ

Widely considered the ultimate luxury SUV, the G-Class (also known as G-Wagon) transports as many foreign diplomats as it does families throughout the world. It’s been loved (and hated) for its boxy design, and the folks at the famed German brand Mercedes-Benz haven’t tinkered much with the styling since it debuted in the late 1970s. The latest model still has all the distinguishable sharp exterior angles as well as a not-solittle engine that could: The G 550 (starting at $143,040) comes standard with a V-8 bi-turbo engine with 416 horsepower, while an upgrade to the AMG G 63 model bumps the ponies up to 577.

But the lines and mood soften plenty on the inside, where the G-Class really shows its class. The cabin features an LED ambient lighting system with 64 colors, setting the tone for other luxuries such as a pair of 12.3inch touchscreens, hand-fitted leather and “hot stone” massage seating.

Would you expect anything less from Mercedes?

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FIELDFORCE SPORT TITANIUM LIMITED EDITION Our lightest FieldForce ever offers featherweight strength, stylish red bezel, and a Super-LumiNova enhanced display. North American exclusive; limited to 1,400 individually numbered pieces.

FROM THE MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE™ ESTABLISHED 1884

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COCKTAIL HOUR

THIS FEEL-GOOD AND TASTE-GREAT DRINK FROM “COCKTAIL WHISPERER” WARREN BOBROW—RENOWNED MIXOLOGIST AND AUTHOR OF THE CRAFT COCKTAIL COMPENDIUM—WILL KEEP THE PARTY GOING EVEN DURING THE CHILLIEST NIGHTS

Autumn Fig Sangria Yields: 4 cocktails

INGREDIENTS n 1 bottle fruit-forward red wine n 1 cup apple cider n ¼ cup apple brandy n ¼ cup orange liqueur n 3 oz. apple cider vinegar n 1 orange, sliced n 1 red apple, sliced n 1 pear, sliced n 5 figs, sliced n 3 cinnamon sticks n Angostura orange bitters, about five shakes’ worth

INSTRUCTIONS

Recipe courtesy of Warren Bobrow, author and mixologist

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Caramelize and char figs in a cast-iron pan. Add all of the ingredients into a pitcher and let infuse for four hours or preferably overnight in the fridge. To serve, pour into glasses with ice.

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CENTO COLLECTION

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THE ESTATE COLLECTION Our Estate collection is like taking a trip around the world and a journey back in time. Each exquisite piece in this collection is one of a kind and has been hand selected by Katheryne Mauldin, who has over 25 years of experience procuring antique jewelry.

COLLECTIONS

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14K YELLOW GOLD VICTORIAN TRACERY ENAMEL BANGLE SET, $11,500.

14K YELLOW GOLD VICTORIAN TRACERY ENAMEL EARRINGS, $3,250.

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LAST LOOK

lady in

18K white gold diamond floral wreath drop earrings, diamonds total 26.61 carats, $75,000

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18K white gold diamond flower necklace, 16” long, diamonds total 60.52 carats, $190,000

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LOVE IN VERONA COLLECTION

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