WINTER ISSUE Vol 1 • Issue 4
A M E R I C A N TM
L IF EST Y L E
WHISKEY TASTING
SP E E D L IBAT I ONS
VOLKSWAGON
ESS E NT I A L S
E-BUGSTER
TAST E
AG
DEST INAT I ONS
BOND GIRL
FA S H I ON & M o re
TUXEDOS
HOW & WHEN TO WEAR THEM
VICTOR ORTIZ
CHAMPAGNES
TO IMPRESS HER SOPHISTICATED
GADGETS
The GENTLEMAN Boxer
HOLIDAY
GROOMING GUIDE PAGE 1
The Gentleman Redefining the Modern Man ■
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“ That wo uld have neve r ha ppe ne d i n rea l l i fe.” That ’s w hat my fat he r us e d to s ay a bout mov ie s . H e l oved th em , but he would always me as ure t he m against w hat he h a d k n own a nd live d, a nd t he n judge t he m acco rdingly. S o I dec i ded to ma ke sto rie s t hat capt ure re a l life a nd re a l ex peri en ces . To port ray life as pe o ple re a lly s e e a n d feel i t. That ’s my Wi l d R a b bi t. —M A R T I N S C O R S E S E
n eve r s t o p n eve r s e t t l e . c o m A PARTNERSHIP TO FIGHT PARKINSON’S DISEASE. Martin Scorsese and Hennessy have joined forces to contribute to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. ■ PAGE 2 ■ PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Imported Cognac Hennessy® 40% Alc./Vol. 80%. © 2012 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY. HENNESSY is a registered trademark.
Are You An American Gentleman? ď‚š
Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him. ~ John Locke
A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out. ~ George Bernard Shaw
Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage. ~ Theodore Roosevelt
A gentleman can live through anything. ~ William Faulkner
I think a gentleman is someone who holds
the comfort of other people above their own. ~ Anna Kendrick
Join Us. T H EA ME RI CAN G EN T L EM AN.CO M
THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE SETTING THE NEW STANDARD The Holiday’s are here and for the American Gentleman that means ‘tis the season to create new traditions and habits. How many times have we said we’re going to do something different in the New Year. Or maybe it’s a “Let’s eat healthy through the holidays” proclamation just as the friend who makes amazing baked goods shows up asking you to take “just a taste” of their new bread pudding ...And just like that, everything you resolved to avoid just went out the window...and into your mouth! There’s only one thing that works: to change your life you must change your mindset. It’s common to hear “so and so is just lucky in life” Here’s the truth, luck rarely has anything to do with it. Luck can propel you into a promising situation however it’s the choices you make, one at a time, that help (or hinder) and ultimately shape your life. The reason people fail at getting what they want is not that they don’t know what they want, it’s that they aren’t willing (or able) to pay the price...and success always demands a price be paid.
How? In order to achieve results, you have to ask yourself these questions. 1)What do I want to do? 2) What skill level do I need in order to do it? 3) Who do I know that is already doing that? If you don’t know anyone then go online or find someone who is doing what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 4) Next, put together a plan to get what you want. 5) Once your plan is in place; follow it and don’t quit!
“A true gentleman is a man who adds value to the lives of everyone around him...
For example, I wanted to become successful in business which takes time away from loved ones. I’m always working. So for me I am sacrificing time with my family and friends to be a suc-
Bring Back the Gentleman!”
cessful businessman. Say you want to get in shape, you will likely have to cut down or give up foods that prevent you from your fitness goals. You need to identify what you want and what you have to sacrifice. In short, you need a plan.
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MOST IMPORTANTLY: realize that, as in business, plans need to be re-evaluated monthly to see if your results are on target. If they aren’t make adjustments! Put together a plan and do it. If you BELIEVE you can then you can... and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Finally take heart. Changing your life is a process. Every day think of small steps you can do TODAY to get you to your goal. It takes time. Success is nothing but an accumulation of failures. As Michael Jordon famously said “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life... And that is why I succeed.”
“Don’t get too comfortable with
who you are at any given time - you may miss the opportunity to become who you want to be.”
~ Jon Bon Jovi , American Musician, Actor and Rock singer
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Editor in Chief
Lemar L. Joichin III
President
Rrivre Davies
Creative Director Jennifer East
Managing Editor Heidi L. Graf
Contributing Editor Hanieh Jodet
Style Director
Noelle Monares
Photo Editor
Bobby Quillard
Digital Media Director Robert DiCapo
Marketing & Advertising
2 Blue Media Group
Public Relations
Casandra Walker, RCW Media Group
Video Production
Sypher Productions
Television Production Emerge TV
Executive Assistant Amy Melvin
Contributing Writers
Lemar L. Joichin III, Hanieh Jodet, Heidi Graf, Micha Christians
Models
Leticia Billinsgley, Lisa Gleave
CONTACT US Website
TheAmericanGentleman.com
Subscription Information In f o@ t h ea m eri c a n gen tlem a n . c o m
Customer Service
818-570-1568 ■
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E D I TO R’S D E SK Cre a t i ng t he win te r is s u e wa s l ite ra l ly a labor of love for me an d t he st af f of Americ an Gen t le-
m a n. Rev i e w in g a l l t h e c o n c e p t s a n d to p i c s we c reated for t his issue made me n ost algic for t he
ho l i days o f my p a s t . I wa n te d in s o m e way to marry t he modern ideals of holiday st yle an d c el-
e b ra t i o n to t h e c l a s s ic t ra d it io n s o f t h e past wit hout it seemin g st ale or st uf f y. How in t he worl d wo uld we a c h ieve t h a t ?
The b e st way to c re a te t h is is s u e ( o r c o m mun ic ate person al st yle for t hat mat ter) is to be t rue
to yo ur c ha ra c te r. W it h t h a t in m in d we used our guidin g prin c iple for t he magazin e whic h is of c o ur se “ The G e n t l e m a n Re d e f in in g T h e Americ an M an” an d in f used it wit h “Bon d, J ames Bon d” st yl e .
I t e nde d up t a kin g o n a l ife o f it ’ s own . The 50t h ye a r a n n ive r s a r y o f t h e ext ra o rdin ary Bon d series an d t he latest release in t he 0 0 7
sa ga “ S k y fa ll “ gave t h e is s u e t h e s e n s e of c ool sophist ic at ion t hat we wan ted. Our c over story fe a t ure s t he in c o m p a ra b l e Vic to r Or t iz , a gen t leman , world c lass boxer, busin essman an d all a ro und g re a t g uy wh o s e in s p irin g s to r y c apt ivated an d c harmed us all.
W i t h B o nd a s o u r b a s e we a l s o c o n s id e red t he Holiday season an d all t he even t s t hat would req ui re fo r m a l a t t ire . I n t h is is s u e we p rovide t he n eed to kn ow in format ion an d t he wheres ,
whe ns a nd how to s o f s u it s vs t u xe d o s . When to ren t , when to buy an d more. T here are always
t ra di t i o na l oc c a s io n s wh e n yo u s h o u l d wear a t uxedo, however t he rules have loosen ed up c onsi de ra bly i n re c e n t ye a r s a n d it is n ow c ommon to see t uxedos poppin g up in more plac es an d eve nt s t ha n eve r b e fo re .
Thi s i ssue i s a l s o b r im m in g wit h id e a s to in spire a n ew, bet ter you for t he n ew year while c rea t i ng ho li day t ra d it io n s in s t yl e , d e c o r an d en tert ain in g t hat we hope you keep for a lifet ime. I
pe r so na lly ho p e yo u e n j oy t h e win te r is sue as muc h as we at Americ an Gen t leman did in c reat ing i t . H e re ’s to a s e a s o n o f e l e ga n c e , t ra d ition an d un c ompromisin g gen t leman ly st yle! A l l t he joy o f t h e s e a s o n ,
Le M a r L. J o i c h i n I I I Ed i to r- i n - C hi ef
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A M E R I C A N TM
COVER • Victor Ortiz: The Gentleman Boxer • We sat down for a chat with the incomparable Victor Ortiz, a gentleman, WBC Welterweight Champion, businessman, and all around great guy.
14 VISUALS • Holiday Beauty: Leticia Billingsley • This lovely young lady has been associated with the American Gentleman publication since it’s inception and has been awaiting her turn to join the AG movement and show her stuff. We definitely think her time has come!
18 LIFESTYLE • Simple Holiday Style 101: Quick Tips To Make Your Place Holiday Ready • Simple tips and fast fixes to transform your formerly function-only space into a warm holiday space.
COVER
19 STYLE • Designer: Anthony Franco • Los Angeles native and self-taught designer, Anthony Franco has dressed Hollywood for years. We went along on a magical mystery
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tour to discover his latest creations.
23 STYLE • The Importance Of Fit And Cut: Tuxedo Advice • Dressing for formal occasions is a completely different world from the normal demands of business attire. Fortunately, American Gentleman is here to help you in suiting up for the holidays.
35 SPEED • World Premiere Of The E-Bugster • American Gentleman unveils the exciting reinvention of a classic, Introducing the electric Beetle!
44 RETRO FIT • Profile Of A Gentleman: Sean Connery • “The name’s Bond. James Bond.” Few movie quotes are as famous as those five undeniably sexy words. The same can be said of the man who made them famous, Sir Sean Connery.
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46 VISUALS • American Gentleman Bond Model: Lisa Gleave • As it is the 50thAnniversary of James Bond we thought it would only be fitting to nominate a young lady that has the sophistication and sex appeal worthy of the silver screen. Meet our choice for
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the next Bond Girl, actress/model Miss Lisa Gleave.
52 TASTE • Chef Stuart’s Ultimate Christmas Dinner • Savor the perfect holiday feast with simple yet stylish recipes from celebrity chef Stuart O’Keeffe.
58 FEATURE • John Michael Higgins- Actor, Husband, Father, Gentleman • We sat down with John Michael Higgins on the set of his new Television show called “Happily Divorced” to discuss his success and what being a gentleman means to him.
66 10 Dressed To Impress Her: A Sommelier’s Tips For The
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30 Shaving 101: The Wet Vs Dry Shave
60 The Return Of The Pocket Watch
34 EV-Vehicles Past And Present
65 For The American Gentleman: Tree Trimming
43 The 50thAnniversary Of A Legend
66 Andrew Bagg DJ Cobra
54 AG’s Guide To Libations: The Art Of Whiskey Tasting
68 The Mark Of A Gentleman: Always Walk On The Outside
Grand Champagne Gesture 12 A Gentleman’s Dignity 26 Beats Of The Season: Mixes For The Perfect Holiday Party
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ON THE COVER By Hanieh Jodat 9 a.m. Holly wood Hills, CA: It ’s an overcast October morning as I drive thru the winding narrow streets leading to the new home where 3 time Boxing champion Victor Ortiz has recently moved. Walking into the zen-like contemporar y, the atmosphere is bustling with a team of photographers setting up equipment in Victor ’s immaculate kitchen. Large atrium doors lead to a terrace perched above a dramatic view of the hills, a perfect backdrop for the fall cover of American Gentleman magazine. Suddenl y, I come face to face with a young man whose personality I would describe “as larger than life.”
Looking polished and
modern in a Klein Epstein & Parker sports jacket and fedora, he introduces himself a s Victor Ortiz as we sit down. HJ: When did you discover you have talent as a fighter? VO: “I discovered I had talent as a young kid when both my mother and father were still around.” Born to Mexican immigrant parents in Garden City Kansas, the Light Welter weight boxing champion speaks evenly about his parent ’s departure at the age of seven which forced Ortiz and his 5 siblings into the Kansas foster care system. VO: “ I remember I was seven years old,
Cover: Black classic tuxedo with satin shawl collar Anthony Franco Black Two Piece Suit with Satin Lapel, Tuxedo shirt: white texture, Anthony Franco White Button-Up Shirt Prices Available Upon Request
and after coming back home from school my mother and father were just gone. I
Above: Navy Suit 2 button, notch collar Anthony Franco Navy Two-Piece Suit Dress shirt : Sherbet Prices Available Upon Request Navy Scarf, available at Nordstroms $75.00 Shoes : YSL navy
never saw them again; but prior to that, my father had put me in the boxing gym, continued on page 40
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DRESSED TO IMPRESS HER:
A SOMMELIER’S TIPS FOR THE G R A N D C H A M PA G N E G E S T U R E P rov id ed By A nt ho ny Fag undes , C ert if ied S o mmelier
G e ntlemen , let’s get real. As muc h as we all
and hues of pinkis h ros e dance among extra fine
may en joy p o pping a bottle of c hampagne
bubbles. Comprised of 90% Pinot Noir and Pi-
( o r t wo ) o n New Yea r’s Eve, more often than
not Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay with a nose
not , we u tilize this da z z ling liba tion as a
of wild strawber ries, red-f lower potpour ri and
g r e a t t o o l to woo our Ms. Rig ht (or occa-
toas ty brioche, this s ilken pleasure be ckons your
s i on ally M s. Rig ht Now).
firs t sip. On the front palate, there is a pre se nce of crisp tangerine, dried apricot, and ripe rasp-
N a tu rally as tr ue gentlem en of style, we are
ber ries. After the first few sips notes of can-
s m ar t er t h an t he avera ge gent. We know that
died orange, g round cloves and lave nde r e me rge
s e l e ct in g a u n ique and beautiful c ha mpagne
har monizing in a long, elegant, limestone laden
i s a su b tle r eminder of our sophistic ation...
finis h.
a nd b y asso ciation H ERS! As a profes sional Sommelier I am often a sked what is the best
STYLE ALE RT #2: Remove the cork w ith as little
o f t h e b est . N ot only is the Cattier NV Br ut
noise a nd movement a s p ossible. “Pop ping” the cork
Ro se’ th e d ef inition of disc rim ina ting good
is da ngerous a nd more imp or ta ntly, it depressurizes
t a s te, b u t as the c hampa gne rec ently named
the bottle too quickly which detra cts f rom the car-
“ O ne o f t h e World’s 30 Most Prestigious
bona tion a nd f lourish the C ha mp a gne has to of f er.
C ha mp agn es,” it
fa r exc eeds it’s c ompetiSo often I am as ked what is my favorite choice
t o r s in th e $1 00 range.
in wine or alcoholic beverages. T hat’s like askS T YLE ALERT #1: You’ve gone this far is se-
ing me which child do I love more than the oth-
lec t in g a shows topping champagne b e sure to use
ers! When pres sed to answer I will re spond with
ac t ual c le ar glass champagne f l utes tha t will
one word: Champagne! Once you experie nce the
s h o w c as e the s tunning f l ourish of b ub bles a nd
s ingular pleas ure that is Cattier NV Br ut Rose ’,
c o lor to pe r fe ction!
you’ll see why that’s my answer.
Se c o n d an d n ot to be underestimated is the
In layman’s ter ms, this Champagne is a Rock
cha mp agn e it se lf. Shim m ering a mber lights
Star.
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A GENTLEMAN’S DIGNITY While surfing the Internet for all things gentlemanly, I came across some-
These guys are off the charts. They dine and party in places that are a mash up
thing that I found pretty interesting. “A Gentleman’s Dignity,” a show current-
of the Four Seasons Beverly Hills and the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas…Chic,
ly on Korean TV is apparently making some big cultural waves. It raised my
swanky and sexy are the defining principles for these young men of style. I
curiosity to see what a contemporary Korean comedy/drama was all about.
have never been to South Korea but I can tell you this show made me want to
Now, I know what you’re thinking, and “Noooo I don’t Speak Korean” but I can
make travel plans immediately!
read Closed Captioning with the best of them. What I found to be interesting is how universal and relatable these men’s lives were and that men in Korea
Interestingly, the main character Jang Dong-gun is known in America for his
seem to be dealing with the same themes we are in this country... like“How
leading role in the movie “The Warrior’s Way” and has also gained notoriety
to Get The Girl?”
in his native Korea. “A Gentleman’s Dignity” has been renamed the male “Sex and the City,” because it is about the careers and ever changing love lives
Something else I noticed that was really interesting was the style of the
of four urban professionals. The story centers on these men who have been
gentleman’s clothing and homes. The central characters wear tailored suits,
friends since they were eighteen and follows them as they go through love,
and have dressing closets that would put Mariah Carey’s to shame. Speaking
breakups, successes and failures. Some might find the show a bit tame by
of their “humble bachelor pads” these gents all have homes that look like
American standards, but from my point of view maybe there’s something to
an A-Team of stylists from Pottery Barn, Z- Gallery, and Ikea ran wild with
trading in our jaded American expectations to remember what it’s like to be
unlimited creativity...and unlimited budgets. Talk about masculine style?
open to life and each other again.
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A P P S:
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Holiday Beauty ■
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S Photography: Bobby Quillard Styled: Zoe Battles
Leticia Billingsley
Thi s you n g lady ha s been assoc iated with the
Souther n Califor nia to African American and
A m e r i c an Gen tleman public ation since it’s
Spanish parents. Leticia is a ver y lovely ye t
i nce pt i o n . M iss Letic ia B illingsley ha s been
feisty young woman who at times is a bit of a
awa i t i n g h er tu r n to take par t and join the AG
jokes ter.
move men t an d sh ow her stuff. (Modeling that i s ) . W h at b etter way to introduc e her than to
Known by her nickname “Tee,” she walked
put he r in so met hing that will allow her to
on to the s et with a s mile and mischievously
sh ow o f f h er lo n g a nd slender body a s well as
s aid to our Editor in Chief; “It’s about time
he r cur ves. By p u t ting her in som ething decid-
I have my chance to be in the publication” .
ed ly e legan t wit h a sexy bac kless sur pris e for
Tee s eemed eager, a little ner vous but ready to
th e w i nter issu e we think this is the best gift
jump in. So began the transfor mation to our
we co ul d give yo u for the holidays.
Beauty for the Holidays!
St a nd i n g b arefo o t a t 5’9” Letic ia was bor n in
Her gorgeous mane of wavy long hair, br ushcontinued on page 16
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continued from page 15
ing her shoulder blades is s traightened
as
the
E di-
tor in Chief continue s his directives for a sleek and s exy look. “We envision her awaiting the hig h profile gentleman in he r life who is to ar rive and whisk her away to a Gala holiday event
which has all the
glamour of the red car pet and the Oscars rolle d into one.” Tee emerges as a s tunning winter swan ready to star t the photo s hoot. “I feel ver y sexy and ver y expens ive,” s he s aid while sipping champagne as we all laughed. Given little ins tr uction
she
moved
in
front the camera with g race and tremendous style. Leticia
Billingsley’s
pho-
to shoot was a res ounding s uccess. She char med us all with her beauty and kindnes s. She is a tr ue example of the woman that a man would be proud to bring home to meet the family.
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