VIVANT summer 2024

PREMIUM OPTICS

FUNCTIONAL ART

Each Baker House suite is unique to its own style and named after public figures known from our local history.

Heritage Re-imagined

Nestled in the beautiful, historic Village of East Hampton, NY, The Baker House 1650 stands as the most exclusive boutique hotel in the Hamptons. A masterpiece of 17th Century Cotswold-inspired architecture noticeable throughout the property, where guests find a sense of historical legacy and majestic aura from the classic inspired English manor. There’s a balance of old

world charm with modern conveniences between two adjoining properties. Home to many artists, writers, filmmakers and travelers from around the world, the Baker House 1650 is sought after for it’s sophisticated, European ambiance, historical legacy and the abounding natural landscape that inspires peace and tranquility, making the location ideal for weddings and events.

The Loft Suite

The Carriage House

See you in Aspen

#1

Compass Aspen Broker

#1

Compass Broker in Colorado

#5

Compass Broker Nationally

Steven offers unparalleled commitment and service to his clients, implementing a highly successful and collaborative approach. With $275 million in 2023 sales, Steven continues to get deals done that others simply would not.

$65,000,000 | 4 BED | 4 BATH, 1 HB | 4,924 SQ FT

DALLAS & HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Aspen’s Premier Penthouse

High atop Brunello Cucinelli in downtown Aspen is an exclusive, exquisite fourbedroom penthouse featuring dramatic Aspen Mountain views.

Just a three-minute stroll to The Aspen Mountain gondola, enjoy the ultimate in opulence and convenience. Your private elevator services all three residential levels. The penthouse features four separate terraces, including a generous rooftop deck with a hot tub and outdoor kitchen.

Tax

&

Wealth

Planning Strategies as Unique as Your Financial Goals

Lisa Rispoli, CPA, AEP, TEP Partner, Private Client Services Leader lrispoli@grassiadvisors.com 561.240.6606

Sandra Stella Business Advisor sstella@grassiadvisors.com 561.701.6638

VIVANT

EDITOR IN CHIEF, FOUNDER

Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

MANAGING EDITOR

Margaret Bastick Luce

ART DIRECTOR

Kim Hall

CULTURAL EDITOR

Dorian May

CULINARY EDITOR

Marci Moreau

BOOK EDITOR

Jane Ubell

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Katelyn Rutt

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Katelyn Rutt

Margaret Bastick Luce

Marci Moreau

Morgan Richmond

Taylor Freeze

Madison Bailey

Adam Jacot

Margot Richmond

Dorian May

Rob Crossan

We love to hear from our readers, send press releases, inquiries, or comments to Colleen@VIVANT.media. Also, give our Instagram page a follow at @VIVANTpublications

For advertising information, contact VIVANT Media Group at 203-561-5086

VIVANT Magazine is published bimonthly by VIVANT Media Group LLC. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of VIVANT Magazine. Material contained herein does not reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. VIVANT Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial. VIVANT Magazine reserves the right to edit all materials for space and clarity and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, or omissions. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices for review.

Send all submissions to:

Send all submissions to Colleen@VIVANT.media

Eau Palm Beach is all about the extras.

That’s why a stay at our Forbes Five-Star resort and spa always includes our Eau Daily Benefits — at no extra charge.

Stay two nights and get your 3rd night free.

*Valid for travel May 1 – October 31, 2024. Blackout dates apply. Based on availability.

In addition to acres of private beach, Jonathan Adler-designed guestrooms, many distinct dining options, an award-winning spa, and complimentary kids’ club* starting May 1st, you will enjoy:

• No Resort Fee

• Complimentary dog amenities (pet fee waived)

• Private beach access with complimentary use of beach chairs and umbrellas

• Complimentary bicycle rentals and use of non-motorized water sports equipment

• Unlimited access to our 24-hour fitness center and complimentary fitness classes (based on availability)

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort

• Kids 5 and under eat free (excludes in-room dining and Angle)

Settle in nightly. Take advantage of all these benefits daily.

*Complimentary kids club May 1 - September 30, 2024

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome to our summer edition!

As the sun graces us with its warmth, we bring you a collection of features that capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re lounging on a yacht, savoring fine cognac, or exploring the latest destinations, we have something for everyone. Our V-List has been carefully curated by our editor’s top picks, from locations to cocktails to must-have items.

Dive into the world of beauty with “Summer Wanderlust,” where you’ll discover the latest trends and tips to keep your glow all summer long. Our Editors’ Picks have you on and off the polo field with “Ready, Set, Watch” and “Ready, Set, Play” by Dorian May.

In Wellness, Katelyn Rutt explores the nuances of color profiling in “Beyond Black and White,” while Marci highlights the importance of food sustainability in “Power of Food Sustainability Summers.” Plus, don’t miss the secrets to achieving that coveted “Glass Skin” look.

Transform your living space with insights from top designer Erin Dougherty and enjoy the makings of a dream home by Patrick Lewis in Home. For the fashion-forward, Katelyn Rutt brings you an exclusive look at Christian Sarano in the Style section.

Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences with Dorian’s feature on “Titas,” or Adam Jacot’s journey through France, and get lost in a good book with Jane Ubel’s “Page Turner.”

Our Feature Articles are a must-read. “AI: From Shamed to Framed” delves into the evolving world of artificial intelligence, which includes this issue’s AI-generated cover. Deborah Roberts by Dorian May offers an inspiring profile. Explore how the French brand Vilebrequin is as strong today as in the 70s in “Uptown Trunks.”

Planning a getaway? Discover the serene beauty of St. Vincent Grenadines in Escape.

Indulge your taste buds with Marci’s reviews of “Chef’s Table - The Ocean Club Montauk” and the delectable “Steak 48” in Taste.

Finally, don’t miss “If You Haven’t, You Should” by Margaret Bastick Luce for a curated list of must-try experiences.

Here’s to a summer filled with adventure, style, and unforgettable moments!

With gratitude, Colleen

Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

For an insider's guide to VIVANT Living, sign up for our editorial newsletters by scanning the code here.

THE YACHT

The Unveiling of Orient Express Silenseas

THE LEGENDARY LUXURY BRAND TRANSCENDS RAILWAYS TO REVOLUTIONIZE MARITIME TRAVEL WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAILING SHIP

140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the unveiling of the world’s largest sailing ship, Orient Express Silenseas. This groundbreaking vessel marks a new era in maritime history, pushing the boundaries of what is possible at sea. Born from a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a globally renowned shipbuilding company, this extraordinary sailing yacht promises spectacular interiors and is set to sail in 2026. These pioneering projects, with a staggering

development cost of approximately $867 million (€800 million), are currently in advanced negotiations for funding with Dubai Holding. This strategic alliance could position Dubai Holding, closely linked to Emirati ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and managing assets around $35 billion, as the principal owner of the yacht management company, thus allowing Accor to offload these high-value assets from its balance sheet. This venture is part of a larger trend of Middle Eastern investments in the luxury and hospitality sectors, highlighting the region’s ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil.

“With Orient Express Silenseas, we are beginning a new chapter in our history, taking the experience and excellence of luxury travel and transposing it onto the world’s most beautiful seas,” says Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor. “This exceptional sailing yacht, deeply rooted in the Orient Express’ heritage, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises. Innovation is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship, which will revolutionize the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges. It is a boat designed to make dreams a reality, a showcase for the best of French savoir-faire.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s Managing Director, Laurent Castaing, adds, “With a signed letter of intent to order two ships, we are proud to herald a new era in the shipbuilding industry with Silenseas. This concept, born in our design offices in 2018, embodies our expertise in naval architecture, the construction of sophisticated hulls, and the design of luxurious spaces. The installation of three SolidSail rigs, a revolutionary 1,500-square-meter wind propulsion system, which we have developed and tested a prototype for, will significantly contribute to the ship’s propulsion. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), Silenseas will set a new standard for environmentally friendly operation and design.”

The Orient Express Silenseas, a 220-meter-long marvel of the sea with a tonnage of 25,600 UMS, redefines oceanic luxury. This floating treasure will boast 53 suites, each averaging 70 square meters, crowned by an extraordinary 900-square-meter Presidential Suite. Onboard amenities include two swimming pools—one designed for laps—two exquisite restaurants and a speakeasy bar. Celebrating the Art of Travel à la Orient Express, this singular cruise ship epitomizes luxury, absolute comfort, and the stuff of dreams. With ticket prices soaring up to $21,700 per journey, the Orient Express yachts are set to offer an unprecedented blend of luxury and eco-conscious travel. This bold move places Accor alongside other luxury brands such as Ritz Carlton, Belmond, Aman, and Four Seasons, all of which are making waves in the superyacht industry. This venture heralds a new era in luxury travel, seamlessly merging the historic allure of the Orient Express with the modern appeal of sustainable yachting and setting a new standard for environmentally friendly operation and design.

The Orient Express Silenseas is not just a ship; it is a revolution in luxury maritime travel, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technology to create an unparalleled sailing experience.

Paying homage to artists and culture, the Orient Express Silenseas invites guests to enjoy captivating performances in its Amphitheatre-Cabaret, while a private recording studio will bring the most beautiful melodies to life. This unparalleled travel experience, guided by the winds, will feature indulgent spa treatments, serene meditation sessions, and explorations of cultural treasures at various stopovers, allowing guests to completely unplug from reality and pause time itself—a true Vivant experience.

Images courtesy Orient Express.

02

THE COGNAC

Setting New Standards

THE ARRIVAL OF A MASTERPIECE: MARTELL’S L’OR RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHANTELOUP

The glimmer of gold, the allure of luxury, and the sophistication of an exclusive spirit. Martell, the renowned cognac house, has unveiled a limited edition of its exquisite L’Or Réserve du Château de Chanteloup in the United States. But the real talk of the town is an even rarer gem: Les Remarquables de Martell. This single bottle of cognac is expected to fetch an astounding one million euros, or nearly $1.1 million, potentially making it one of the most expensive cognacs ever produced, rivaling the legendary Henri IV Dudognon Heritage bottle, which sold for almost $2 million in 2008.

The value of a single bottle of cognac can be quite subjective, influenced heavily by exclusivity and craftsmanship. Les Remarquables de Martell stands out due to its exceptional heritage and meticulous production. Crafted by cellar master Christophe Valtaud, this unique blend combines two rare eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne cru, each distilled over 70 years ago. These precious spirits were initially aged in the historic cellar of Port du Lys, a cellar dating back to the 1700s, before being transferred to the prestigious Réserve du Fondateur of the Martell house.

power, tension, and extraordinary length on the palate.

A cognac of such prestige deserves an equally remarkable presentation. Les Remarquables de Martell is encased in a stunning artistic reproduction of a dame-Jeanne, the traditional glass demijohn used for cognac storage. Laurentine Perilhou, celebrated for her macrame artistry, adorned the bottle with gold thread, symbolizing the journey of the vine from its roots to the sun-drenched grapes. “From the Earth to the Sun, from the roots in the soil to the vine leaves turned upwards to the light,” she explained, “I aimed to make the invisible visible.”

Adding to the opulence, the bottle features a diamond set in 22-carat gold and three synthetic sapphires. It is housed in a luxurious wooden cabinet, accompanied by six Baccarat crystal glasses, a pair of white gloves to ensure the decanter remains pristine, and a macrame neck decoration.

The first eau-de-vie in this blend is slightly older, offering complex cedar notes and an intense, lingering finish. The second complements it perfectly, creating a harmonious balance that speaks to Martell’s dedication to excellence. The result is a cognac that exudes

For those lucky enough to acquire this masterpiece, the experience extends beyond the bottle. The purchase includes a private tasting session with Christophe Valtaud, where you can choose to add another eau-de-vie to the blend, tailoring it to your preference. Additionally, Martell and Valtaud will host several exclusive events that you and three guests can attend, providing an unforgettable journey into the world of fine cognac. Intrigued? To learn more and to place an offer on this extraordinary work of liquid art, visit the Martell website.

www.martell.com

photo credit DIOR

THE FASHION

Rosalía: Dior’s New Muse Shines Bright

THE SPANISH SENSATION’S DEBUT AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

SPARKS GLAMOUR AND INNOVATION IN FASHION

Spanish sensation Rosalía has taken the fashion world by storm as the newest global ambassador for Dior. This announcement comes hot on the heels of her stunning appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, where she donned a meticulously crafted black strapless column skirt set by Dior, a masterpiece that demanded over 1800 hours of work.

In her debut role as a brand ambassador, Rosalía headlines the Lady Dior advertising campaign, shot by renowned American photographer Collier Schorr. The French fashion house unveiled this glamorous campaign, showcasing Rosalía’s seamless integration into the Dior family. She recently made waves at the Dior Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear show, proudly flaunting the iconic Lady Dior handbag.

Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s creative director, has long admired Rosalía’s artistry. She featured music from Rosalía’s critically acclaimed album, El Mal Querer, during Dior’s 2023 Cruise show in Seville, Spain. “I fell in love with Rosalía’s music instantly,” Chiuri shared. “Her dedication as a producer and musician is truly inspiring. What captivated me most was her ability to reimagine flamenco’s traditional sounds and attire, bringing them into a modern, contemporary context. Rosalía invents a new language with her voice, expressing strength, creativity, and identity.”

Rosalía’s ambassadorship marks the first time since 2016 that a celebrity has fronted a Lady Dior campaign. She joins the ranks of Dior’s illustrious muses, including Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron, solidifying her status as a powerful and innovative force in both music and fashion.

HOCKNEY/ORIGINS

David Hockney (British, b. 1937)

Swimmer Underwater (Paper Pool 16), 1978

Colored and pressed paper pulp, 72 x 85 ½ in.

Roy B. and Edith J. Simpson Collection

©David Hockney / Tyler Graphics Ltd.

Ready, Set, Watch

By Dorian May

City Boots bone and gold heart boot, www.cityboots.com

Renna Jewels triple rainbow moonstone dewdrop earrings, $4,700.00, www.rennajewels.com

www.caracara.com

Thierry Lasry Dynasty sunglasses in tortoise and rose, $505.00, Thierry Lasry, 265 Lafayette Street, NY, www.thierrylasry.com

Cara Cara strapless Nicola Dress, $695.00,

Hermès Wicker Swift Picnic Mini Kelly Bag 20 in Natural Gold, price upon request.

Sustainable packable straw wide brim Nina hat, $280.00, www.artesano.net

Photo credit: Art Rickerby The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Ready, Set, Play

Handmade Pioneros Argentinian stitched leather belt www.houseofbruar.com

www.polointernationalmarket.com

Patternier adds flair with a custom team polo jersey. Other design inspiration at Patternier, https://patternier.design/pages/home

www.tackeria.com

Casablanca polo helmet

Casa Fagliano custom boots for polo player Pedro Falabella

Ricardo Montalbán as Polo player José O’Rourke in “Neptune’s Daughter”, 1948

Tacos Top polo mallets,

LIGNE ST BARTH - ROUCOU

TANNING OIL SPF 6 - This renowned tanning oil embodies the intensity of a Caribbean summer. Contains precious roucou and coconut oil. Because the roucou shrub contains a high percentage of provitamin A, Caribbean Indians have traditionally used its deep red seeds as a sun protection method. This increases the skin’s natural defense system and the synthesis of melanin. While you sunbathe, the nutrients in this unique formula pamper your skin and add a subtle, copper-colored sheen to your tan.

CHANEL LE LIFT - FIRMING ANTI WRINKLE FLASH EYE REVITALIZER - This skilled pair will awaken the eyes in only two steps. After using the intense roll-on serum to provide instant radiance and revitalization, you use the Hydrogel patches that contain two sets.

VIVANT SUMMER WANDERLUST

Say goodbye to jet lag and keep your skin glowing with our go-to travel essentials.

By Margot Richmond

ZO SKIN HEALTH GROWTH FACTOR EYE SERUM - This 15-ml wand is not only TSA-approved, but its cleverly curved applicator also makes the calming gel apply smoothly. This smooth, plant-based serum contains neuropeptides that help hide wrinkles and fine lines and sodium acetylated hyaluronate moisturizes dry skin, which is a godsend when stuck in airport delays.

ELEMIS TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE KIT - Essential Glow-OnThe-Go Travel Kit. Take your best glowing essentials with you on every adventure, wherever you go and whenever you want. With this collection of 7 face and body care best-sellers, you can be sure your skin remains bright and refreshed on the go.

OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub St. Barts Travel - Want to get OUAI? Scrub the drama out of your life (and scalp). This blend of sugar and coconut oil cleanses your hair and body while calming the crazy.

MOONJUICE SUPERBEAUTY SUPPLEMENTSMoonJuice’s clinical-strength formula minimizes the look of fine lines and increases the production of collagen and skin elasticity. SuperBeauty is your new cellular skincare.

MERIT THE SUMMER SET - Isabelles Summer Essentials—includes Tinted Lip Oil, Shade Slick, a color for healthy lips that lasts all day—highlighting Balm, Day Glow, a dewy and sheen highlighter for a glowy daytime look. Instant Glow Serum, Great Skin, is a lightweight serum that hydrates and plumps the skin for a healthy-looking glow.

ELTAMD UV CLEAR TINTED BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 46 - a sheer-tinted, lightweight sunscreen that helps balance skin tone. Gives your skin a smoother appearance by minimizing the look of discolorations—broad spectrum sunscreen that shields your skin from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

WELLNESS

BEYOND BLACK AND WHITE

EXPLORING THE RICHNESS OF YOUR COLOR PROFILE

SBy Katelyn Rutt

ummer presents the ideal opportunity to welcome vibrancy, celebrating the sun ripened shades of fruits, colorful home decor, and breathtaking vacation spots. According to global personal stylist and image consultant Francesca Cairns, the warmer months are also a perfect time to explore the concept of color and elevate your style to the next level. Cairns breaks through color barriers on her fully digital platform to uncover your personal palette, resulting in cost-effective shopping, easier outfit assembly, and a more radiant you—all year round.

“My interest in color analysis really blossomed after spending a lot of time in the industry,” Cairns reflects. “I took a hair and beauty course at college in 2009 and I loved the transformation side of things. I then started a fashion business with my sisters on Instagram selling clothes worldwide. I decided to train as a stylist and combine the two: my love for fashion and transformations.”

With clients including former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, English actress Wendy Craig, and features in digital publications like Marie Claire and Who What Wear, it’s evident that Cairns is both passionate and successful in her field. Her digital services range from color and hair analyses to comprehensive transformation packages, providing personalized recommendations for color, body shape, glasses, hair, and makeup.

“As my business has grown from a local endeavor in Maidenhead to a global platform with over 500,000 organic followers, it’s the genuine connections with my clients that I cherish the most,” Cairns adds. “These relationships are the heart and soul of my business, and seeing the positive impact I’ve had on their lives is truly my proudest achievement.”

Despite the significant growth of her business over the years, Cairns continues to personally conduct each analysis—a testament to her dedication and passion for her work.

“It’s amazing how color can completely transform a person’s style and confidence,” Cairns says. “Understanding your color profile is like discovering your own personal style superpower. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling amazing and radiating confidence in every aspect of your life.”

The image consultant’s color analysis process involves three key steps: a client submits photos without makeup in good lighting and completes a questionnaire. Cairns then applies her professional color analysis system, digitally draping the client in various shades to determine which colors best complement their complexion. Based on this, she identifies their ideal color palette and creates a personalized selection of shades that enhance their natural features and harmonize with their overall appearance.

“The transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients, both physical and emotional, have been incredibly rewarding,” Cairns notes. “From newfound confidence in their appearance to a deeper understanding of their personal style, the impact of our work together extends far beyond the surface. Mentally, many clients have experienced a shift in mindset, embracing their unique beauty and feeling empowered to express themselves authentically through fashion. Moreover, the boost in self-esteem that comes from looking and feeling their best has a ripple effect on various aspects of their lives, from professional endeavors to personal relationships.”

Learn more about Cairns’s global styling services at www.imageconsultantmaidenhead.co.uk.

READY FOR A SUMMER GLOW?

After a professional color analysis, shine your brightest with Francesca's color recommendations tailored to your unique palette this season.

SPRING PALETTE

Light and soft pastels like peach, coral, and soft pink. Fresh and vibrant greens like mint and seafoam.

Warm and sunny yellows like buttercup.

SUMMER PALETTE

Cool and soft pastels like lavender, sky blue, and soft rose. Light neutrals such as dove gray, taupe, and icy white. Cool blues like periwinkle and aqua.

AUTUMN PALETTE

Rich and warm earth tones like terracotta, rust, and olive green. Mustard yellow, pumpkin, and salmon. Warm neutrals like camel and caramel.

WINTER PALETTE

Bold and vibrant hues like royal blue, emerald green, and fuchsia. Clear and icy shades such as true red, sapphire, and icy pink. Crisp neutrals like pure white, charcoal gray, and black.

MASTERING THE ART OF GLASS SKIN

SECRETS TO A RADIANT COMPLEXION

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, “glass skin” has become a coveted goal for many skincare enthusiasts. Originating from South Korea, this trend embodies a flawless, dewy, and luminous complexion that resembles the smooth, reflective quality of glass. However, achieving glass skin is not just about layering products; it involves a meticulous routine that promotes health and radiance from within. What exactly is glass skin? Glass skin is a complexion that is incredibly clear, smooth, and well-hydrated, giving it a translucent and lustrous appearance. It’s not about covering up imperfections but enhancing the natural glow. This trend emphasizes hydration, nourishment, and a multi-step skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs—steps to help you achieve the glass skin look:

DOUBLE CLEANSING

The foundation of any effective skincare routine, especially for achieving glass skin, is thorough cleansing. Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to purify the skin of any remaining impurities. This ensures that your skin is perfectly clean and ready to absorb the subsequent skincare products.

EXFOLIATION

Regular exfoliation is key to maintaining a smooth texture and promoting cell turnover. Opt for gentle exfoliants, such as chemical exfoliants containing AHAs or BHAs, to slough off dead skin cells without causing irritation. Exfoliate 1-2 times a week.

TONING

Toners help to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. Choose a hydrating toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or rose water.

ESSENCE

An essence is a lightweight, hydrating liquid that delivers moisture deep into the skin. It’s a staple in Korean skincare routines for its ability to enhance skin’s hydration levels and improve texture. Look for essences with ingredients like snail mucin, fermented yeast, or hyaluronic acid.

SERUM

Serums are concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns, such as dullness, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines. For glass skin, choose a hydrating serum with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or peptides. These ingredients not only hydrate but also brighten and firm the skin.

SHEET MASK

Incorporating a sheet mask into your routine once or twice a week can provide an intensive boost of hydration and nutrients. Sheet masks are soaked in serums that deeply penetrate the skin, leaving it plump and glowing.

MOISTURIZER

A good moisturizer is essential to lock in all the previous layers of hydration. Opt for a lightweight yet nourishing moisturizer that suits your skin type. Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane are excellent for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.

SUNSCREEN

Never skip sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days.

Your journey to luminous, glass-like skin starts from the inside out. Gulp down those eight glasses a day and indulge in a diet packed with juicy fruits, vibrant veggies, and healthy fats. Think of it as feeding your skin a gourmet meal of nature’s finest!

Dream Your Way to Dewy Skin. Ever heard of “beauty sleep”? It’s not just a saying—it’s a necessity! While you drift into dreamland, your skin works overtime to repair and rejuvenate. Clock in a fabulous 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night,

Roll Away to Radiance. Turn your skincare routine into a spa-like ritual with regular facial massages, they’re vital for boosting blood circulation, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and enhancing the absorption of your favorite products. Grab a jade roller or use your magic fingertips to massage in upward, circular motions.

With the right products and a sprinkle of persistence, you’re on your way to achieving a complexion that’s clear, luminous, and fabulously radiant.

THE POWER OF FOOD

The Power of Sustainable Summers

ABy Marci Moreau

s the world is grappling with all the pressing issues of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental loss, the concept of sustainability is something everyone is talking about.

For me, anytime there is a conversation having to do with strengthening, preserving, and restoring the environment it’s always better to begin with food. Especially in the summer months, with warmer weather, longer days, and when nature is in full bloom, creating a sustainable world is much easier to do with food.

Summer brings a plethora of fresh produce, with more opportunities to eat fruits and vegetables and just harvested foods grown locally. Eating seasonally and locally is one of the best ways to contribute to sustainability as it reduces the energy needed to produce and transport food and lessens the carbon footprint.

And for plant-based foods, production requires fewer resources, generates less pollution, and even better, if we choose organic foods, without harmful pesticides and chemicals, it is infinitely better for the overall health and wellness of the environment.

Eating local and seasonal produce is as easy as taking advantage of summer farmers’ markets farm stands or joining a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) program, which also supports local farmers. During the summer months, all of these serve as social gathering places and provide the opportunity to get to know the farmers.

My father loved farm stands. We could never drive by without stopping to see what was just harvested from the field, and fresh on the shelves, no matter where we were. Mostly he loved the food, but he also loved talking to the farmers about how the food was grown.

”The only way to eat a tomato is when it is just picked off the vine.” my father would say, as he grabbed a brown paper

bag, filling it to the top with the brightest, ripest, and sweetest tomatoes of the summer, and then he’d add, “You just can’t get this in a grocery store.”

Turns out he was right. Eating foods just harvested results in food that not only taste better but is also more nutrient dense. The nutritional value of produce begins to decline the minute it is plucked from the vine, and when we eat from farm to table we provide our bodies and our minds with the most protective elements.

If you are lucky enough to be living near the ocean in the summer months, buying from local fishermen also brings more power to a sustainable summer. Local fishermen are big supporters of environmentally friendly practices that preserve the marine ecosystem. Fortunately, they love to tell stories of how and where their seafood was caught, and, of course, how big, which, besides being mesmerizing, also promotes transparency enhances community engagement, and when we support our local farmers and fishermen, we strengthen the local economy.

Also, the warm summer weather allows us to foster our Green Thumb, with more people gardening and composting. This is a very good thing because the more gardens that are planted, the better the quality of the air we breathe. Plants can absorb pollution from the air and, as a byproduct of photosynthesis, release more oxygen, contributing to cleaner and healthier air. And when we compost and grow plants in compost-enriched soil, they grow bigger, better, and provide much more nutritional value.

Embracing sustainability in the summer is a powerful way to have a positive impact on our environment, our communities, and our personal health and wellness. It’s a big, important issue for our world, and when we start at home with food, we can truly make a difference.

Growing up, some of my most favorite foods and favorite memories were made in the summer at our beach house. This Sustainable Summer Salsa is one of them.

Sustainable Summer Salsa

• 1 red pepper

• 1 yellow pepper

• 1 green pepper

• 1 jalapeno pepper

• 1/2 red onion

• 2 fresh native tomatoes

• 1 small zucchini

• 1 small yellow squash

• 1 ear of sweet corn

• 2 cloves fresh garlic

• 1 small knob turmeric root

• 1 small piece ginger root, peeled and grated

• 1/3 cup, or to taste, olive oil

• fresh parsley

• juice and zest of one lime

• sea salt and pepper to taste

Chop up all the ingredients into a small dice, and when you get to the fresh parsley, gently rip the leaves and mix everything in a large bowl with 1/3 olive oil. Add juice and zest of one lime and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortillas or use as a topping for chicken, seafood, or any of your favorite summer foods.

HERE IS SOME OF ITS POWER

The zucchini and summer squash live up to their namesake and are just as abundant in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients as they are in their rate of growth. Both have vitamins A, B6, and C to help with immune health. Even better, they offer carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, and minerals, like magnesium, to help calm the nervous system, regulate mood, and ease depression. Combine all this with the lycopene in tomatoes, the anti-inflammatory properties in the garlic, ginger and turmeric, and the benefits of the bell peppers and the spicy capsaicin in the jalapeño, this salsa is a bowl of health and happiness.

Isabella is a home furnishing boutique and design studio located in the Myers Park neighborhood of Charlotte, NC.

Owned and curated by Erin Dougherty, the shop is continuously stocked with a hand-picked selection of fine linens, lighting, throws, furniture, gifts and accessories.

Erin and her talented team of designers create spaces filled with warmth and texture. You will find these rooms layered with art, textiles and unique objects that will stand the test of time.

Pops of color, chic botanical prints, rattan, and bold jewelry are making summer extra chic this season.

1. Embroidered Daphne bath towels from Matouk www.isabellastyle.com

2. Tropics Floral Pillow https://brookperdigontextiles.com

3. Among the Flowers Art www.isabellastyle.com

4. Senna Woven Dining Bench by Four Hands www.isabellastyle.com

5. Earrings www.noblecollective.shop

6. Marbella Sol Coffee Table Book from Assouline www.isabellastyle.com

STYLE

The Whimsical World Of American Designer CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

By Katelyn Rutt

Christian Siriano, renowned for his vibrant hues, ethereal fabrics, and fantastical flair, catapulted to stardom as the victor of Project Runway Season 4 in 2007. What the designer has achieved in the 17 years since is truly remarkable. Not only is he the youngest to ever grace Crain’s “40 Under 40” list, but Siriano has also curated his eponymous collection for 16 years, a perennial highlight at New York Fashion Week and showcased in both New York and Paris. From magical evening gowns to chic sportswear, his dreamy creations are complemented by intricately detailed shoes and accessories.

Siriano’s designs adorn the most esteemed red carpets, worn by luminaries like Angelina Jolie, Emily Blunt, Michelle Obama, Kate Upton, and Kim Kardashian. He has also forged impactful collaborations across the categories of style, home decor, and beauty with industry leaders such as Victoria’s Secret, Disney, and Puma. In 2021, the designer’s creative vision extended to include comprehensive interior design services for both residential and commercial spaces. However, amidst countless accolades, humility remains at the core of Siriano's ethos. He is a grounded dreamer, grateful for every opportunity to shape the dynamic world of fashion.

“I really try to give my customers something new and exciting each season, but still something that feels right for the moment in fashion,” Siriano shares. “Never overly trend-driven, but more focused on what I believe is beautiful at the time. It’s hard to choose a favorite; so many are my favorites. Such as Billy Porter’s tuxedo gown at the Oscars, something we made for the Met Gala or the Emmys. We have made so many pieces for so many wonderful people, and it’s an honor to get to do that every day.”

Siriano distinguishes himself through his meticulous approach, a trait that remains steadfast despite the continued growth of his business. He attributes this mindset to his years studying under the esteemed Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen in London, where he gleaned invaluable insights into teamwork and attention to detail.

“I think what I learned most from working with these brands was that a small but mighty team can accomplish so much more together,” Siriano reflects. “Keeping the people around you very focused and inspired helps to create the best pieces. We still create patterns by hand, and I sketch every single look that we have made over the last 16 years. I think both of those houses kept that classical way of creating; it’s not over computerized, and it feels more real this way.”

Browsing through Siriano’s online collections or attending one of his runway shows unveils a world of shimmering fabrics, meticulous embellishments, and historical inspirations with a contemporary twist. Each Christian Siriano collection is built upon impeccable structure, reflecting Siriano’s passion for sculptural forms and vintage aesthetics from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. This design philosophy seamlessly extends to Siriano Interiors, now entering its third year of success.

“Interior design has always been a passion of mine, so it was a natural transition from fashion into interiors,” Siriano adds. “I started creating unique furniture pieces, like the Lula chair, which was the very first piece of furniture we made. It originally was just for my own home.”

The designer underscores the significance of blending styles to maintain interest and inspiration in his interior design projects. Siriano’s extensive background in fashion and partnerships with global mills over the past 16 years have cultivated a profound expertise in fabrication—enabling him to enrich spaces with a very unique movement and feeling.

“Sometimes the furniture is even inspired by pieces of clothing we create,” Siriano says. “I love the idea of being able to have these really cool silhouettes in your closet and your living room. I like to say, ‘I would love you to wear a Siriano dress while sitting in your Siriano designed home.’

A favorite project of mine was a Soho duplex. I absolutely love mixing vintage with my custom furniture pieces that are more geometric and modern, and I think this project was the perfect balance of that. This probably reflects my style in the interior world the most by celebrating things from the past that can be modern for today.”

And celebrate he does, treasuring each chance to share in the lives of his clients and those who wear his creations, whether it be a dazzling red carpet affair or the making of new memories in a welcoming space.

“Honestly I’m just lucky that we are still moving and growing and keeping the lights on,” Siriano laughs. “They both are hard businesses to be successful at and some days are harder than others, but I still love creating and creating is the best part of the job. It also feels really wonderful when someone wears a piece and it changes their life for the better. Maybe it was for a special event, wedding, or new job. Whatever it may be, clothes are a part of memories and I think a warm, beautiful home can have the same feeling— which is so great!”

Learn more at www.christiansiriano.com and www.sirianointeriors.com.

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HOME

CRAFTING ELEGANCE: Patrick Lewis’s

Interior Design Mastery

BUILDING A DREAM HOME IS A JOURNEY, AND FOR ONE HOMEOWNER, THAT JOURNEY CULMINATED WITH THE COMPLETION OF A BREATHTAKING RESIDENCE CRAFTED BY KINGSWOOD

CUSTOM HOMES, SCHRADER DESIGN, THE MORGAN LANDSCAPE GROUP, AND INTERIOR DESIGNER PATRICK LEWIS. THIS STUNNING PROPERTY, BLENDING OLD-WORLD CHARM WITH MODERN LUXURIES, IS A TESTAMENT TO METICULOUS PLANNING, COLLABORATION, AND A CLEAR VISION OF HOME PERFECTION.

Builder- Kingswood Custom Homes

Architect- Schrader Design

Landscape Architect- The Morgan Landscape Group

Interior Designer- Patrick Lewis

Photography - Michael Blevins

The journey began with Kingswood Custom Homes playing an instrumental role in finding the perfect lot. Nestled by the lake, this plot was the ideal canvas for a home that would optimize picturesque views and provide ample outdoor space. “I had been wanting to build my dream home for years, and when I found the lot, I knew it was time to begin!” the homeowner reflects.

Kingswood Custom Homes recommended Schrader Design as the architect, a suggestion that proved invaluable. Schrader Design excelled at understanding the homeowner’s desire for a residence with an old-world feel. The vision included a stone exterior, a slate roof, and copper accents, complemented by warm woods and intricate ceiling treatments inside.

Central to bringing the interior of this dream home to life was Patrick Lewis, an interior designer whose expertise and eye for detail transformed each room into a masterpiece. Patrick’s approach to design ensured that every space in the home not only met but exceeded the homeowner’s expectations.

The house’s approach sets the stage for its grandeur. A show-stopping front gate and high ceilings adorned with beautiful chandeliers imported from England make a remarkable first impression. The transition from outside to inside is seamless, with stone flooring that flows from the front door into the foyer.

At the heart of the home lies the Grand Salon—a magnificent 42-foot space functioning as the dining room, living room, and family room. Graceful curved moldings and warm walnut wood create an inviting atmosphere. A large sisal rug ties the room together, while steel doors along the back wall open to the outdoors, merging the interior with the stunning lakeside setting. Patrick Lewis’s touch is evident in every detail, from the choice of furnishings to the cohesive color palette.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, bathed in natural light from a large window. With ample counter space, it accommodates multiple cooks. Glass-front cabinets showcase the owner’s antique blue and white dish collection, adding a touch of elegance. Adjacent to the kitchen, the scullery offers a perfect prep area for caterers during festive gatherings. The brick ceiling, iron chandelier, and antique prep table from France enhance its old-world charm, all chosen with Patrick’s discerning eye.

The master bedroom boasts a custom closet, a special ceiling treatment, and spectacular lake views. A cozy fireplace adds warmth, while the master bathroom features beautiful wallpaper, two chandeliers, and a soaking tub with a lake view, creating a spa-like retreat. Throughout the house, beautiful window treatments and layered shades provide privacy and style, a testament to Patrick’s ability to blend form and function seamlessly.

For entertainment, the home includes an amazing theater with seating for eight and a specialized ceiling with cove lights that change color. Above the garage, a guest house offers visitors a comfortable stay. Each guest room has outdoor balconies with lake views, ensuring every guest feels pampered.

The outdoor spaces are just as enchanting as the interior. A central courtyard features an old-world fountain, while formal English sculptured gardens offer serene spots for relaxation. A beautiful beach spans the back of the property, leading to a custom pool with water features, perfect for enjoying sunny days by the lake.

This dream home, brought to life by Kingswood Custom Homes, Schrader Design, The Morgan Landscape Group, and especially the interior design genius Patrick Lewis, is a testament to the power of collaboration and a clear vision. Every detail, from the stone exterior to the stunning chandeliers, reflects the homeowner’s dream of creating a residence with timeless elegance and modern comforts. It stands as a true masterpiece, offering beauty, functionality, and a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. www.patricklewisinteriors.com

CULTURE

MASTERPIECES BECKON

A Vibrant Journey Through the Côte d'Azur's Enchanting Artist Museums

By Adam Jacot

Impressionism is the newspaper of the soul," declared Henri Matisse, capturing the essence of a movement that transformed art. And nowhere does this transformation come alive more vividly than along the sun-drenched shores of the Côte d'Azur. This glamorous stretch of the French Riviera has not only inspired some of the greatest artists but now boasts an unparalleled collection of museums dedicated to their works. Not even Italy has anything similar. My journey through this art lover's paradise began with the vibrant streets of Le Cannet and wound its way through charming villages and historic towns, each stop revealing a new facet of artistic brilliance.

BONNARD IN LE CANNET

MATISSE’S CHAPEL IN VENCE

Along with Picasso’s house by the shore in Antibes, this was my personal highlight. In search of refuge from the turmoil of World War II, Matisse retreated to Vence. Between 1947 and 1951, aging and unwell, he struck up a strong rapport with his nurse from the neighboring Dominican nunnery. He offered to convert the garage into a chapel, especially for her. This chapel, designed and decorated by Matisse, is a sublime testament to his genius. Despite his age and frailty, Matisse's vision came to life in a space that uses natural light to create a heavenly ambiance. The chapel's minimalist palette of green, blue, and yellow symbolically represents nature, the sky, and the divine. The interplay of light and color within the chapel is modern and timeless, making it a place of profound stillness and inspiration. The blue reflects through the stained glass into purple and the green into a paler, more tranquil version, with only the yellow symbolically maintaining its ethereal constancy. The confessional is reduced to a simple radiator and cushion-free wooden chair for the priest and an arabesque door. His belief was that ‘a work of art should be a site of exchange and communication”. And I sensed strongly the stillness and light and the clarity and simplicity giving the chapel an awe inspiring feel. "

Le Cannet's Musée Bonnard was my first destination and stepping into this museum felt like being enveloped in Pierre Bonnard's world. His radiant use of color and light transformed everyday moments into intimate and enchanting scenes. Walking through the galleries, I felt as if I were a guest in Bonnard's home, privileged to witness the beauty of daily life through his eyes as I enjoyed a small selection of his works that reflected also his years living in the village painting, as he did, in his joyous and rich palette of colours

LÉGER IN BIOT

A short drive brought me to Biot and the Musée National Fernand Léger. The museum's striking architecture, adorned with vibrant mosaics, perfectly introduced Léger's bold and dynamic compositions. Inside, his works burst from the walls with energy, their geometric forms and vibrant colors reflecting the rhythm of modern life.

PICASSO IN ANTIBES AND VALLAURIS

Antibes offered a magical encounter with Pablo Picasso at the Musée Picasso. Located in the airy, littoral, historic Château Grimaldi, where Picasso once lived and worked, the museum's collection pulsates with the Mediterranean's warmth and vitality. In Vallauris, the Musée National Picasso La Guerre et La Paix presented a more profound side of Picasso's artistry. His monumental works "War" and "Peace," created in the aftermath of World War II, resonated deeply, while his playful ceramics showcased a different facet of his genius.

CHAGALL IN NICE

Nice revealed another artistic gem: the Musée National Marc Chagall. Chagall's poetic works transported me to a dreamlike realm, especially his large-scale paintings illustrating Old Testament scenes. Infused with mysticism and vibrant color, these pieces were profoundly moving, offering a glimpse into Chagall's unique world.

RENOIR IN CAGNES-SUR-MER

In the picturesque town of Cagnes-sur-Mer, the Musée Renoir provided an intimate glimpse into the life of Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Visiting his former home, Les Collettes, surrounded by olive trees and overlooking

the azure sea, felt deeply personal. Walking through Renoir's studio, I felt a profound connection to the artist, surrounded by the landscape that had inspired so many of his masterpieces.

ARTWORKS AT COLOMBE D’OR IN ST PAUL DE VENCE

St Paul de Vence, with its charming medieval streets, led me to the legendary Colombe d’Or. This inn has hosted numerous famous artists, and dining there was an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by works from Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, the inn's walls seemed to breathe with history, each piece telling a story of creativity and camaraderie.

GENERAL MUSEUMS IN NICE

Beyond the individual artist museums, Nice boasts several major art institutions. The Fondation Maeght in St Paul de Vence, set in beautiful gardens, features works by Giacometti, Miró, and Calder. The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) in Nice offers a comprehensive collection of modern and contemporary art, while the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses an impressive array of artworks spanning several centuries.

The Côte d'Azur's dedication to celebrating the lives and works of individual artists is unmatched, offering a rich and immersive cultural experience. Each museum, from the intimate settings of artists' homes and studios to grand institutions, is beautifully curated and meticulously displayed. For art lovers, a journey through this region is not just a trip but a pilgrimage—a chance to walk in the footsteps of the great masters and to be inspired by the beauty that inspired them. The Côte d'Azur is more than a destination; it's a living canvas where art and life intertwine in the most beautiful ways.

Adam Jacot de Boinod studied History of Art at Cambridge University and is a British author having written “The Meaning of Tingo” about unusual words with Penguin Press.

TITUS WELLIVER

On Set and in the Studio

By Dorian May

While most know Titus Welliver as the passionate detective in the television series Bosch and Bosch Legacy, what they may not be aware of is that the actor is also an accomplished painter whose has works hanging in The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

If you believe in genetics, the actor, named after Rembrandt’s son, could not have been better planned in a lab for the life of an artist. His Mother, Norma Cripps, was a fashion illustrator, and his father, Neil Welliver, was a highly regarded landscape painter who taught at Yale and then chaired The University of Pennsylvania’s Fine Art program.

“I spent a lot of my free time conversing about art and sitting in their studios as a kid,” explains Welliver with animation. “Both my parents had huge rolls of butcher’s paper and always big boxes of crayons, markers, and latex paint, and we would sit for hours drawing and painting.” At about age 12, it was clear he would follow in his familial footsteps and began serious formal training with his father as a painter. “To say that was grueling as a kid,” says Welliver in his baritone voice, taking a pause for emphasis before finishing the thought, “that would be an understatement.” A brilliant teacher who did not

hold back at all, Welliver says the lessons he learned from his father had aided him far beyond painting, especially navigating 40-plus years of career as an actor in the New York theatre and Hollywood where taking criticism is a job requirement. “Direction was not emotional. It was instructional and was able to take it on board and not have it defeat or discourage me.”

While Welliver was trained by his father to paint in oils, his medium of choice is acrylics. It is his unique artistic process that led to this shift. Welliver does not use photographs for reference nor works en plein air style. Instead, he visits a powerful place in nature and paints directly from his head in a manner one might parallel to “sense memory” acting, a style made famous by one of Welliver’s former theatre teachers, Lee Strasberg. “The thing about painting that way is that it’s in my head, and I have to get the image on the canvas with some alacrity, and I can’t do that with oil paint.” He isolates different colors with a hair dryer so he can continue to work instead of waiting for one area to dry.” It’s somewhat unorthodox but has always worked for me. Painting from a photograph felt very restrictive because ultimately, what I was doing was recreating that photograph and not recreating the experience of being in that place.”

People leap to the conclusion that his painterly inspiration is his father. While he does admire the work of his family’s patriarch and recognizes certain stylistic similarities, one of Welliver’s greatest influences was Tom Thomson, a lesser-known Canadian landscape artist from “The Group of Seven” movement at the turn of the century. He also finds vision in a broad range of artists such as Alex Katz, Wayne Thibault, and Hokusai. He recalls a behemoth tome of Hokusai’s works his mother gifted to him at age ten that became a catalyst to explore his practice. “How do you take something that appears very flat on the surface and yet there is a depth and dimension to that work that’s deeply moving that pulls you into the image.”

When he completes a work, it must give him a visceral feeling of revisiting the place that moved him, or it never makes it out of the studio. Like many before him, such as Francis Bacon, Agnes Martin, and Jasper Johns, Welliver explains the moment as emotional and if the painting doesn’t emote that, he takes out a knife, cuts it up, and throws it in the trash.

“As an actor, I also edit my performance inside of the camera, meaning I don’t put forward any work that I don’t feel comfortable for an editor to have access to; if I don’t like a take, I will stop because I don’t want it out there.”

Welliver only started painting again a few years ago after a long hiatus when his very busy schedule juggling call times with a young family left little space for additional personal pursuits. He then met his now wife Sam Edge, and was inspired on so many levels. “Talk about having a muse and being inspired by someone you have such profound depth of love for,” he smiles through his words, and you can see his

entire body language shift. The first painting he did was a night scene of a full moon over the tops of the trees at his home in Connecticut, aptly titled “Sams Moon.” She has the original painting, and the print is hanging in the Mezzanine at the MET, not far from those of Red Grooms and his father.” It’s wild,” and you can feel he is truly humbled.” I feel a sense of pride and also wonder how the hell I got to be near those guys.”

Before his father passed in 2005, Welliver decided to show him some of his recent paintings knowing he could react in a myriad of ways. At first there was no response, but he could see his father looking and scrutinizing. Finally, he said, “They are beautiful.” When Welliver thanked him, his father replied again; “Go fuck yourself. Why are you thanking me? What does it matter what I think if you know they are beautiful, and you know they are great nothing else matters, “explaining his theory that painting should be done for yourself first and foremost.

He finished by telling Welliver he was a little jealous since he could no longer hold a paintbrush. “My Father was extremely proud of the work I did as an actor and extremely supportive. This came from a place of respect, and it was incredibly freeing.”

The Bosch series has run for ten years, inspired the -spinoff with another called – where MaggieQ portrays a young homicide detective in the works. Welliver, who is known as an “actors’ actor,” recently fulfilled another lifetime dream, working with Al Pacino in a soon-to-be-released feature film called “Killing Castro”. Welliver portrays Allen Dulles, the head of the CIA, in the true story surrounding Fidel Castro’s visit to the United States, which eventually involved Malcolm X, The CIA, and the Mafia.” I walked in set and Pacino went ‘Harrrrrry Bosch…’ in that signature voice. It was surreal, and he was lovely, and he told me great stories about making films over the years. We are both kind of old school.”

Welliver does not take for granted the opportunities the arts afford him as an actor and a painter. “They use two different parts of the brain and, in that way, feel very fortunate. The fact I can use my brain for two artistic pursuits makes me happy doesn’t make me any smarter but…just means I feel luckier.”

FROM SHAMED TO FRAMED

“ONCE OR TWICE IN EVERY CENTURY, IT SEEMS, THERE IS SOMETHING THAT ARRIVES WHICH CHANGES THINGS.”

By Rob Crossan

How AI Art Lost Its Stigma

Jason Allen's AI-generated art won a prize at the Colorado State Fair Image credit: Jason Allen via Midjourney

So said Daniel Birnbaum earlier this year. Birnbaum is the man who leads London’s Royal College of Art course on virtual and augmented reality and AI.

“Photography changed not just the distribution possibilities of art, but actually the ontology of what an art piece can be,” Birnbaum continued.

“Right now, it’s similar to when the video camera arrived –or even moving film. It’s a transformation of that scale.”

Birnbaum is, by profession alone, hardly likely to be a harbinger of negativity for the use of AI in art. After all, he runs a course that is looking to charge close to six thousand dollars to students for five days of tuition.

Yet to dismiss AI art as a mere copycat frippery is to negate the long history of how machines and creativity have interwoven.

The problem with looking back into history as a soothing balm to help us feel less anxious about the current rate of AI acceleration is that the examples the past throws at us are, consistently, not ones that everyday artists and creatives of bygone ages could access.

When Ada Lovelace, the matriarch of computer science, worked as the amanuensis to Charles Babbage on his “Analyt-

ical Engine” in the early 1840s, she imagined a machine that could have artistic and not purely mathematical applications.

The analytical engine was based on the Jacquard loom, which revolutionized the textiles industry at the start of the 19th century by feeding in punch cards which instructed the loom whether to stitch or not. By this method, a portrait of the loom’s inventor, Joseph Jacquard, was woven into a tapestry on the loom with 24,000 punched cards,

You could call this the first digitised image. But it was about as accessible to the average lay artist as was the fresco of the Sistine Chapel.

Compare the quantity of punch cards plus the manpower and time involved in creating the portrait of Jacquard to the workload of Jason Allen, who submitted an AI picture to a state sponsored art competition last year and took home first prize.

Allen entered an artwork titled “Theatre d’Opera Spatial” into the “Digital Arts / Digitally-Manipulated Photography” category of the Colorado State Fair fine arts competition using a text-to-image generator called Midjourney.

Many fellow entrants claimed that Allen had been deceptive in submitting the piece, but Allen was robust in his defense.

“I wanted to make a statement using artificial intelligence artwork,” he told reporters. “I feel like I accomplished that, and I’m not going to apologize for it.”

Yet Allen undoubtedly participated personally in the creation of the piece. Creating an award-winning painting depicting a production of Carmen requires more dexterity and articulacy than simply typing ‘stage/opera/light/Italy’ into a generator and waiting for your cash prize.

Hundreds of attempts at text ‘prompting’ have to be made to create what an artist is looking for. This is a typical example of a prompt created by New York AI artist and designer Nick St. Pierre.

‘35mm, 1990s action film still, close-up of a bearded man browsing for bottles inside a liquor store. WATCH OUT BEHIND YOU!!! (background action occurs)…a white Benz truck crashes through a store window, exploding into the background… broken glass flies everywhere, flaming debris sparkles light the neon night, 90s CGI, gritty realism.’

Yet what is the ‘prompted’ work AI generates without the ‘prompter’? Surely, as long as the resulting work makes us feel something, then it has fulfilled its purpose? And whether the artist completed the job in 15 minutes or 15 years is hardly relevant if it has no emotional impact on anyone who gazes upon it.

If AI art is devious then so was trompe l’oeil in its time. And if the definition of art is something that is crafted by an uncommonly gifted hand alone then we may as well also remove photography as a legitimate art form alongside AI and place them both where some would like to see artificial intelligence stay; as a fairground novelty propagated by charlatans and fraudsters.

Perhaps it’s this kind of staccato didacticism, fused with chaos and randomness, that appeals to Britain’s enfant terrible of the art world, Damien Hirst, who, last year, embraced AI with ‘The Beautiful Paintings’; These swirly, abstract pieces were entirely AI-generated and available in both hand-signed physical wood versions and in digital-only NFT (nonfungible tokens) format.

Inevitably, the screams of ‘it’s not proper art’ aimed at Hirst, Allen, et al. are as bilious and fulsome as they were a century ago when Marcel Duchamp put a urinal into an art gallery. Some people are still screaming this message at the Dadaist, some fifty-plus years after his death.

Yet, through this nascent era of AI art, it would appear that something approaching a distinctive style is emerging, despite the gument that the form is nothing more than a concertinaed and repackaged blitz of art history repurposed.

Looking at a series of AI art pieces generated by Midjourney last year, Roland Meyer, a researcher at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, noticed some recurring features. Many AI pieces would “shine and sparkle, as if illuminated from within,” he said while many also displayed “high dynamic range”, meaning differences in light levels within the image.

And just as every pre-Raphaelite needed to know something (however hazy) about art history and what they liked and disliked before they could truly create, so the AI-generated artist also needs to know something of his forbearers in the analog world.

I tried typing a prompt into a few AI art generators, including Midjourney, Jasper, NightCafe, and dall-e-2, stating I wanted to create a “Jackson Pollock Vienna street scene.” At best I got a smudged picture of paint on the road of a Google Street Map image. State Fair art prizes are not won this way. We AI art neophytes need to understand Jackson Pollock as much as Duchamp needed to understand Fauvism and Roussel before he could create.

But if there is a drawback to creating art using AI, it is the poverty of language’s ability to harness our deepest emotional reactions. This may explain why AI journalism and poetry is fathoms behind art

when it comes to what we perceive as quality.

For example, asking Chat GPT to write me a song lyric about Goya, I got the following:

His legacy lives in each canvas, each frame,

A testament to genius, forever the same,

In Goya's art, we find a reflection of self, A painter whose truth transcends death's stealth. Shameful stuff. Perhaps this is because words are, by their very nature, paid to be descriptive.. It’s only when we see a work of art that we are admit to nothing more elaborate than that we “feel something.” Art is ineffable for, often, considerable amounts of time in a way that literature simply cannot replicate.

Just as AI is showing us how weak it still is in terms of creating prose, in art it’s already begun the long shift away from cerebrally fooling us to emotionally moving us.

Space opera 2 Midjourney, Jason M. Allen, Colorado State Fair Fine Arts Competition

FA VIVANT VALUED OPINION

Five Reasons I Book Live Music For My Events

By Christine Duggen

or all twenty-five years of marriage, my husband and I have opened our home to friends and family for Memorial Day weekend and the first weekend in December. This year, we added parties for our 50th birthdays (on no!) and last month for our son’s graduation. We’ve always used live music at our events and love the process from start to the last goodbye.

Live music sets the initial tone, is elegant and sets our parties apart, and sparks things up post-dinner when ordinary parties are simmering down!

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about booking live music. In the hopes of converting the uninitiated, here are five lessons with a few tales of our most memorable experiences and the best reasons to have live music at your events:

1. In my house, “DJ” is a four-letter word. My parents entertained often and hired live bands and singers to play in our backyard at least once a year. I have such dear memories of my father strutting between the kitchen and the patio where the band would be set up, circulating hors d'oeuvres among guests along the way, and singing “My Girl” to my mother in his apron as they danced. And like any child, I remember standing on my father’s shoes while he swayed me along to the music. My husband and I do use Spotify at our smaller dinners, but we’ve repeated with a pianist, a guitarist and other duos at our patio dinners. Live music is good for the guests and my kids alike.

2. Don’t be intimidated. Booking live music is a big swing but not difficult. Do your research and remember, you get what you pay for. Talk to the band about their song list and express your vision. Be sure that music begins quietly as background so guests can mingle. Give the band a sense of your musical tastes (pop, country, classic rock) and favorite artists. If needed, set a “do not play” list, too. For example, do not play my sister’s wedding song from her first marriage.

3. Decide if you want dancing; if so, pick a band that can make a dance party with anthem sing-along songs (Sweet Caroline, Mr Brightside, Don’t Stop Believing, etc.). I’ve had some unforgettable, throw-down dance parties and full-throated sing-alongs --- a duo called MOJO is great for that. For reasons I can’t ex-

plain, all of my son’s friends know every word of American Pie by Don McClain. That night created such fun, enduring memories. And yes, the police came to shut us down, but that was just another happy memory! We now refer to that as “MOJO night”.

4. Great live music is a premium gift to your friends, like a fine bottle of wine. Yes, the best live music can cost a lot, but we feel good about supporting the arts. As to be expected, prices rise with talent and renown. A live singer provides a unique type of connection and focus for the room; he or she is a conversation piece. Live music is not only auditory, you see live music, too. The musician’s faces tell a story and inspire imagination.

5. Lastly, have fun finding your band. Although I get to make 100% of the decisions about décor, bar, and food, my husband loves participating in the talent search. By now, we circulate six different bands – we’ve done our research and support a small group of musicians. Look around your community restaurants, and take business cards when you see something great. Ask friends or venues for recommendations, and then start auditioning demo tapes. A few months ago I attended a fundraiser in West Palm that was attended by the likes of Jeff Bezos (I was there as a guest of a friend). To my delight, Sting performed! His set was dignified but definitely subdued and almost of a background nature because people continued their conversations. Sting seemed unbothered by the chatter. There was no meet/greet with Sting, but it was very special. It made me realize that you don’t need Sting or even any celebrity performer to make a great event. There are undiscovered and rising talents in most metropolitan areas. At my June patio dinner last year for fourteen of my friends, I searched for something extraordinary to match the meal, the wine, and the golden hour moment of sunset. We again used MOJO -- truly unique and magical; they sound like five players, the singer’s voice is rich and full, like Ed Sheeran combined with Seal, and we danced and sang the night way to the band after dinner. Happy to share, find them on IG @mojogreenwich.

Try using live music at your next event. It's the best. Hopefully, the tips above will help you chart your course.

PAGE TURNERS

by Jane Ubell-Meyer of Bedside Reading

It’s time to get your beach chair out and indulge with our best books of the summer!

Here’s what they’re reading at Acqualina Resort & Residences ABOUT THE CARLETON SISTERS

BY DIAN GREENWOOD

In the late 1990s, three estranged sisters reunite in California’s Central Valley as their mother nears death. Lorraine, a diner manager, juggles her religious convictions; Becky arrives drunk after a wild night; and Julie, a former Las Vegas showgirl, returns after ending her career. Their reunion is overshadowed by the unresolved mystery of their father’s disappearance. Amazon Five Stars! “Intricate, inspired, un-put-downable!”

Here’s what they’re reading at Kimpton Palomar Hotel Philadelphia, PA

ALCHEMY’S AIR

BY STACEY L. TUCKER

Skylar Southmartin, guided by her mother’s faith and the ancient Book of Sophia, must restore a crucial memory in the Akashic Library deep within Earth’s Underworld. This sacred library holds the future of human potential. Skylar’s journey reveals the power of darkness within us all, capable of saving and endangering the soul. Five Stars! Amazon & Barnes & Noble Bestseller! “This book’s twists had me captivated since the first page.”

Here’s what they’re reading at THE TENNESSEAN Hotel, Knoxville, TN AND NOW THERE’S ZELDA

BY CAROLYN CLARKE

Five years after her prickly mother-in-law Margaret moved in, Allison’s life is finally peaceful as they run a successful home staging business. However, her son Cameron’s new fiancée, Zelda, threatens to disrupt everything. Margaret and Allison embark on “Project Zelda” to reveal Zelda’s true nature to Cameron, but Zelda’s charm, Margaret’s mysterious disappearances, and Allison’s fear of becoming like Margaret complicate their mission. Can Allison protect her family without repeating history? Five Stars! Amazon Bestseller “This book had me laughing out loud.”

Here’s what they’re reading at Serendipity Labs, Stamford, CT INCURABLE OPTIMIST

BY JENNIFER CRAMER-MILLER

At twenty-two, Jennifer Cramer-Miller’s pAt twenty-two, Jennifer Cramer-Miller’s promising future was shattered by kidney failure. Dependent on doctors, strangers, and loved ones, she faced loss and uncertainty. After four kidney transplants, her resilience now inspires others, showing that hope can unite us even in the darkest moments. Amazon Five Stars! “Such an inspiring and beautiful read!”

Here’s what they’re reading at The Morrow Washington DC, ALL THE DARK VOICES

BY PHILIP MYLES DANE

A justice-driven nomad awakens, nearly assassinated by unseen life forms. A malevolent force, spreading lies and greed, is leading humanity to destruction. Someone must stop the apocalypse. Five Stars! Amazon Bestseller! “Great read and timely alternative look at our world”

Here’s what they’re reading at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, CA

THE TWENTY

BY MARIANNE C. BOHR (MEMOIR)

As Marianne Bohr and her husband approach sixty, they tackle Europe’s toughest long-distance footpath, the GR20, across Corsica. “The Twenty” chronicles their journey through the island’s rugged beauty, exploring aging, overcoming limitations, and the challenges of growing old together. This intimate tale blends humor with reflections on life, marriage, and the adventure amidst Corsica’s breathtaking landscapes. Amazon Five Stars! “The Twenty” is a captivating and inspiring adventure memoir.”

Here’s what they’re reading at The Mayflower Hotel Autograph Collection, Washington D.C.

SCOUT’S HONOR

BY JOHN MCNELLIS

After losing everything, a young man forges a new identity in the jungles of Vietnam and on the gritty streets of New York in this epic tale of crime, punishment, and redemption. In 1969, devastated by the loss of his parents, 19-year-old Eddie Kawadsky falls in with the charismatic Roy Cross, who persuades him to smuggle drugs. Betrayed and on the run, Eddie changes identities and, as Richard Austen, joins the Marines, serves heroically in Vietnam, and hides in New York City. Over 25 years, Eddie becomes a wealthy real estate developer in Manhattan, haunted by his sins and secrets. “Scout’s Honor” is a suspenseful novel exploring themes of morality, guilt, trust, and redemption. Five-stars! A Barnes & Noble and Amazon Bestseller! “A riveting ride! A must read”

Photo Heidi Gutman / ABC

DEBORAH ROBERTS

“FIND SOMETHING THAT SPARKS JOY EACH DAY AND PASS IT ON!”

— DEBORAH ROBER TS

By Dorian May

If public opinion is any indication, it is clear television journalist Deborah Roberts’ life motto is working. Mention her name and you will be hard pressed to hear a reply other than “Oh Deborah Roberts, I LOOVVVEEE her!” Known first for her impressive decades long career in Broadcast Journalism which has earned her a Peabody and multiple Emmy Awards for her in depth coverage of global events and compelling interviews, the ABC Senior National Affairs Correspondent and Co-Host of 20/20 is also a mother of two, a wife to beloved news personality Al Roker, an

author and active philanthropist and board member in the arts and education. Listening to her schedule one might presume she has to outsource everything, but Roberts has always taken more of a hands-on approach which is likely part of what makes her so inspiring. Roberts derives tremendous daily joy in getting dressed, and when it comes to her wardrobe both on and off air, all of what you see her wearing, she has picked out and styled herself. Unlike most in her position, Roberts does not work with a stylist! Her intrigue for fashion is deeply rooted in her childhood memories.

One of nine, (yes nine) children, growing up in a small town in Georgia, Roberts’ mother and older sister Bennie (who aspired to be a fashion designer) used a Singer sewing machine to make most of her clothing by hand. “I remember fondly, a romper with watermelon print, a plaid cape and a beautiful yellow taffeta Easter dress.” But it was her sister Annette who got her hooked-on designer apparel as she had an eye for slightly more pricier pieces and shopped at a store called Vanity Fair. “It was the first time I realized how clothing could project an image of taste or power,” Roberts reminisces, and her signature smile grows wider, it made me feel special and elegant when I wore beautiful clothes.” Since then, Roberts has built a wardrobe brimming with color (yellow is her favorite), patterns and well-cut classics. She prides herself on being somewhat of a bargain hunter and can recount place, price and story for nearly everything she shows me in her closet. “Omg this dress,” she excitedly pulls out a full-length fuchsia gown emblazoned with orchids, trimmed with feather, and cinched by a green crystal belt. “This was eighty percent off! I didn’t know where I’d wear it, but I knew I had to have it! “Instead of shopping for occasions she buys things on sale and fits them into her wardrobe rotation. In fact, the aforementioned hot pink gown worked perfectly a few weeks later for an opening of the Met Opera. I can’t help but wonder what the little girl wearing home sewn clothes would think of all this finery. “Young Deborah would love my green Duro Olowu cape with matching pants

Photo by Alex Berenfeld

Photo by ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqu

which have a strip of yellow floral silk down each side. She would also pine after my blue and white Oscar de la Renta A- line dress which looks like I stepped out of the 1950’s on the way to a southern garden party,” Roberts muses.

If you scroll through Roberts social media, from the yellow strapless Harlem toile print gown she wore to cover the Met Gala or the ladylike lace trimmed lilac tea length dress worn to accept an award from the Harlem School of the Arts, it’s evident that legends such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly are among her style icons. “I was drawn to form fitting clothes which made women look graceful and beautiful”. Another notable actress also influenced Roberts’ style. In Julia, a groundbreaking show starring Diahann Carroll as a widowed nurse raising her son alone, Roberts observed how the powers of femininity and fashion were not reserved for the elite. Like Roberts’ own mother, the character Julia sewed her own clothes and fans could even purchase patterns of those outfits to make at home.

Ironically when Roberts began in the broadcast industry, women dressed like men wearing formal power suits to make them look serious and mature. “All my old head shots have helmet hair style with a crisp blouse and jacket to say, ‘I’m a no-nonsense reporter who’s ready for business’,” laughs Roberts whose more recent style projects confidence, modernity and individuality. She understands that the most effective way to show your capabilities is by wearing things that make you feel the best version of yourself and adds that age does not factor into a woman’s clothing choices. “I like to push the envelope a bit since I love fashion and see myself as youthful but I’m always conscious of being appropriate. I wouldn’t wear a micro mini with high heels, or a dress cut up to my thigh. It says I’m trying too hard. Not my vibe.”

Even makeup free, Roberts looks shockingly young but admits she still has not completely embraced her chronological age and doesn’t love talking about it even though anyone can use Google to find it “I am very active and feel so youthful in the way I carry myself and how I dress. I still wear shorts with a blazer or silk blouse and kitten heels to summer dinners. I don’t want to feel that I’m aging out of any look!”

Of course, even for the savviest shopper, it’s not possible to keep everything and Roberts has found a way to use her wardrobe to help others. After her colleague fell ill a few years ago, Roberts wanted to help her family with the bills and it occurred to her that she could have a closet sale. She brought in garment bags of designer items and it was a major hit. People were lined up outside of the ABC conference room to buy gently worn Oscar de la Renta dresses, Khaite sweaters, Off White shoes, Gucci blouses, Chloe pants and Dior skirts. A substantial amount of money was raised and the joy in the office was uplifting. Some people missed the sale and asked Roberts to please do it again, so it has become a biannual tradition with the proceeds going to a charity of her choice.

There are a few things that Roberts admits she will never get rid of. One being a 20-year-old Ralph Lauren chocolate brown crocodile skirt and the other a black crepe Gucci dress accented with draping cascading from a gold ring. “I would run back into a fire to save them--- after my family and dog were out safely, of course.”

Photo by Taylor Rhodes

Photo by Alex Berenfeld

UPTOWN TRUNK

VILEBREQUIN IS THE FRENCH WORD FOR ‘CRANKSHAFT.’ IT’S AN OBLIQUE AND RECHERCHÉ NOUN FOR A SWIMWEAR BRAND THAT, HALF A CENTURY ON FROM ITS DEBUT ON THE BEACHES OF ST. TROPEZ, CONTINUES TO FUSE A LOOK THAT’S BOTH TIMELESS AND YET INEFFABLY ROUTED IN A LONG-LOST FRANCE IN THRALL TO FRANCOISE HARDY’S CARAMEL HAIR, SERGE GAINSBOURG’S NICOTINE DEEPENED CARNAL WHISPERS AND RICARD SOAKED AFTERNOONS ON THE COTE D’AZUR.

By Rob Crossan

St. Tropez, France, Summer 1971:

The long, off-white tassels that hang from the fringes of the canary yellow sun umbrellas bristle coquettishly in the exhausted, early afternoon breeze.

The salmon-and-orange-colored, curved plastic chairs on the café terrace are occupied by diners and drinkers dressed in flowing, printed dresses, bangles, cravats, espadrilles, and shirt lapels that seem to be getting wider by the hour.

Amid the tall glasses of pastis and the brimming ashtrays, festooned with butts from the last, languorously smoked Gitanes, the cluster of St. Tropez’s beautiful people stare at the vanilla soft sands of the beach in front of them.

The tide, lapping, browsing, probing, and licking the shore, covers the ankles of one man who stands alone, dressed in nothing other than a pair of shorts that reach no further than halfway down his thighs.

The pattern of the shorts looks like a flag from one of the newly independent, former French colonies in Africa; a fiesta of thick vertical stripes in confident hues of blue, yellow, green, and purple that seem to shimmer and glow in the insistent sun.

Who is this man? Some café dwellers think it could be the actor Alain Delon, fresh from some bruising travails in his latest Parisian heist movie, Le Cercle Rouge.

Yet Fred Prysquel, the photographer and automobile journalist who sits at one of the cramped café tables, knows better.

This lone swimmer isn’t famous. He simply looks like he could be. This is thanks, Fred thinks, to the swim-

wear design that he sketched out himself on a paper tablecloth in this same café the previous summer.

Colour blind from birth, Fred used fabrics that he brought back from markets he visited during his travels around Africa during that previous decade of oft-bloody independence wars against the pied-noirs of Algeria and beyond; a period he’d witnessed first-hand through his earlier military service on the continent.

“In Dakar (the capital of Senegal), swim shorts were made of fabrics called boubou or wax,” recalled Fred. “I loved them. When I left the army, I brought some home with me.”

His swimwear, or ‘bathing suits’ as he and the company’s successive owners prefer to call them, are garments that men from Marseille to Malibu should be thankful for in 2024, even if we’ve never owned a pair.

The cooler, looser shape of Fred’s tyro designs were a pivotal battleground in his defining achievement: to bring back the male swimming brief from an Antipodean assault upon our eyes, and our crotches.

The 1960’s saw the invention of the ‘Speedo’; in Australia, a garment that remains a byword for every compelling argument towards the notion of never visiting a beach.

The ‘budgie smugglers’ are the apotheosis of male, al fresco fashion. Uncomfortable, cheap and invariably worn by men whose physiques suggests a lifestyle of Big Macs rather than Olympian breast stroke training, it’s less an assault upon the visual senses than a multiple murder spree in an underground car park.

Fred’s napkin doodle was, and continues to be, a valuable weapon in the war against speedos; a Battle Of The Bulge that has nothing to do with Nazi Panzer divisions in the Ardennes.

Persuading his wife Yvette to stock his new designs in her St. Tropez boutique, Fred then cajoled every woman he knew who possessed a sewing machine to start making more of his swimming outfits to keep up with the burgeoning demand.

Fred’s brazenly colourful designs had a strangely chimeric quality on their wearers during that long, hot summer of 1971. And it’s a question that still has salience today; namely, how could such bold, retina-rattlingly wild designs not make the male beach comber look like a pillock?

Perhaps, it’s something to do with the fact that a Vilebrequin wearer instantly feels more confident? To have faith in a designer whose clothes may not always seem like an ostensibly good idea is to submit yourself to a superior talent. That trust compact pays off. Sometimes, in male fashion, doing the right things perfectly isn’t necessary; it’s simply a case of just not doing the really bad things at all; in this case, reducing yourself to being the owner of baggy board shorts or the sartorial nadir of Speedos.

Fred Prysquel with his wife, fashion designer and boutique owner, Yvette

Fred sold the company in 1990 and Vilebrequin is now owned by G-III Apparel Group, the company behind DKNY, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Karl Lagerfeld.

Yet the daring designs have continued: shorts with sea turtle motifs, Portuguese ‘azulejo’ tile mosaics, crocodiles crawling through pink and yellow mangroves; the casual elan of Vilebrequin is attracting new generations of men who have never drunk Ricard of frequented the beaches of Nice.

Although the smoke-fugged, sun-broiled days of St. Tropez, 1971, are sepia faded, Vilebrequin still hints at its legacy; most memorably in its Rolling Stones range of shorts which debuted in 2015. The shorts are covered by a collage of some of the group’s most famous album sleeves- though, thankfully,

it excludes the infamous ‘toilet bowl’ cover of 1968’s Beggars Banquet LP.

It was in the summer of 1971, the same year that Fred’s ‘Moorea’ shorts debuted, that the tax-dodging Stones fled to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a small fishing village a few miles along the Cote d’Azur from St. Tropez.

Holed up in a crumbling mansion that was once in the hands of Nazi officers, the band festered in a makeshift studio located in the villa’s sweltering basement, recording some of the tracks that would appear on the following years ‘Exile On Main Street,’ their swampy, bluesy, nefarious masterpiece.

There’s no evidence that Mick or Keith ever wore an early pair of Vilebrequin’s. But that’s not to say it wouldn’t suit such men of decadence and style.

Contemporary as they may look, Vilebrequin still has something of those long-lost 1970’s summers imbued with what Fred Prysquel himself described as, ‘.. a comb, a lighter, and a pack of Gauloises!” Vilebrequin.com

THE LIST SUMMER 2024 COCKTAIL French 75, drinkcarota.com

THE LIST SUNGLASSES Celine Triompe Metal sunglasses, celine.com

THE VIVANT

THE LIST BAG

Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Font Medium Tote Bag in Raffia loewe.com

Anne Neilson, anneneilsonfineart.com

BD Jeffries, bdjeffries.com

THE LIST SUMMER NAILS Chrome Essie Venis essie.com

The perfect island escape awaits.

Bermuda may feel like another world, but this idyllic getaway is just a two-hour flight from the East Coast. With wide-open spaces, pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Bermuda is ready to safely welcome you to her shores.

ESCAPE

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

THERE’S SOMETHING WONDERFULLY INVIGORATING ABOUT THE TROPICS. IT’S WHERE MY SENSES ARE AWAKENED. EACH NATURAL PHENOMENON IS THE MORE EXTREME AND DRAMATIC. THE DOWNPOURS OF RAIN ARE SUDDEN AND TORRENTIAL TO WHICH THE LUSH VEGETATION RESPONDS AVIDLY IN ITS FIGHT FOR LIGHT AND GROWTH. THE STARS ARE STARK, THE SUNSETS STUN AND THE WATER CATCHES THE EYE AS IT GLINTS AND GLISTENS.

By Adam Jacot de Boinod

St. Vincent and the Grenadines (‘SVG’) is an archipelago of 32 islands. Nine are inhabited, and some are private. They stretch some 44 miles like beads in a rosary, like a chain of divine jewels. And they’re a paradise for yachties. They’re perfectly spaced, with the land forever in sight and no island over 3 hours away, trade winds blowing at a steady 15 knots, and harbors home to great restaurants and bars.

The island of St Vincent has its own dense rainforest, Sunset Rum, Hairoun beer, and no traffic lights. Dogs enjoy the heated tarmac, chickens literally cross the road, and goats nibble on the playing fields. There are banana plantations, coconut groves, and a bamboo forest. Gingerbread houses stand on stilts and are customarily repainted at Christmas.

Up in the north, where the Caribs still live, there are mountain trails, waterfalls, and wildlife along with heliconias, giant ferns, palms, and blue mahoes. I loved the bustle of Kingstown’s fruit market and the heritage of the Botanical Gardens. At the Wallilabou Heritage Park all is vibrant and brimming with abundance. Tarzan-swinging ropes make way here for the film set of Pirates of the Caribbean with a museum containing its props and backdrops.

What divine inspiration dreamt up the island of Bequia?

Pronounced ‘Bekwey’ and meaning ‘island of the clouds’ in ancient Arawak, it’s a seven-mile expanse which developed less from sugar as from sea-island cotton and indigo, from boat building (especially schooners), whaling and merchant seamen. Nowadays, 70% of the economy comes from tourists, the more adventurous of whom are blessed with fantastic conditions for sailing and wonderful snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Right in the heart of the island’s action is Bequia Plantation Hotel (www.bequiaplantationhotel.com). Dating from the 1950s and on the site of the island’s first hotel, the central building has broad verandas decked with old mahogany tables, rattan sofas, and plantation chairs—a traditional, cultured feel for the discerning guest.

It’s set back from a lovely stretch of beach and water with gorgeous grounds with mango, guava, and breadfruit trees and the spongiest of grass. The tranquil, duck-egg blue gingerbread-style square cottages are beautifully spaced. Their exteriors have pretty fretwork. In their fresh, airy interiors, blue-and-white contemporary decor mirrors the central plantation house. From it, I loved my daylight trail around the headland to Princess Margaret Beach, and my evening wanders along the well-lit Belmont Walkway, past restaurants to the stalls and the harbor in Admiralty Bay.

Even on a small island, it’s worth going the extra mile. Discretely tucked away on the island’s edge and truly sublime is The Liming (www.thelimingbequia.com). With the word being local lingo for ‘hanging around, usually in a public place with friends, enjoying the scene,’ the hotel certainly encourages its own motto of “the art of doing nothing.” It’s a boutique hotel and a perfect treat for honeymooners. Creams and whites blend with tree-trunk tables, wicker mats, and vast rustic gourds. It’s so nourishing as all is in harmony with nature. Spread across well-kept gardens that include silver Bismarck Palms are the 9 soft yellow villas (to become 23 by September). Their solid square interiors reminded me of David Hockney’s with his white furnishings, still ferns, open white shutters, and plunge pools.

The incredibly spacious restaurant, under its vast dodecahedral roof, is the ultimate indoor-outdoor pavilion and has views of the surrounding islands. The cuisine is fresh and delicious, and the rum punches are quite a knock-out!

It all conjured up James Bond and Ursula Andress as the odd twin otter descends excitingly low over the pavilion roof to the airstrip beyond, allowing celebrities to land for lunch, as do passing yachties that moor on the jetty. Often, luxury requires space. It never felt crowded, and I even had the beach to myself as I came back with a day pass that gave me lunch and use of the beach.

As the islands get smaller so, their charm intensifies. I arrived at night via the Jaden Express ferry. I changed at Union Island from whose jagged peaks, as I neared, I couldn’t take my eyes off. They forever changed shape, like the dramatic approach to Mo‘orea in the South Pacific. I reached the spectacular Petit St Vincent (www. petitstvincent.com). As I stepped onto the resort’s powerful speedboat, I knew instantly that I was in the lap of luxury. With all the stars shining bright, there was all the joyful expectation of the morning’s discoveries to come, and dawn unwrapped the island like a glorious present.

The resort’s mantra is “relaxed Caribbean charm with a touch of elegance.” Its utter seclusion … total privacy … and chance to unwind completely are the result of combining all the elements: rock and wood, Atlantic air, seawater and rain, and fiery heat from the sun.

Each of the 22 stone beach cottages look out to an island. They blend with nature with their neutral earthy tones, their vaulted ceilings, their teak furnishings, and sliding doors. The daytime Beach restaurant menu is effortlessly enticing with its chunky organic-shaped wooden tables under its swaying palms and almond trees. The Main Pavilion restaurant, perched up high, offers a different menu every night using its organic produce from its extensive garden.

I spent the day out sailing in a boat called Beauty. Past Mopion, the famous sandbank used for the rum advert, I reached Tobago Cays Marine Park to swim with turtles and snorkel for bright, pretty fish. ‘We returned to PSV (as they abbreviate the resort island). Back to the hammocks and swings. No TV sets. Instead, birdsong and croaking frogs with the clearest crystalline seawater, white powdered sands, and tropical woodlands. PSV really is enchanting and magical. It truly is a treasure island.

THE NATIONAL HOTEL

Block Island’s landmark hotel where happiness meets the ocean.

By Marci Moreau

As you pull into the old harbor of Block Island, mingling with the salty tang of the ocean air, the natural fragrance of fresh seafood, and the welcoming cacophony of seaside voices, the tidal forces of the Atlantic Ocean take hold. Washed with a wave of calming excitement brought forth by the natural wonder of the sea, we become celebratory and ready to find a place to enjoy life.

Fortunately, looking straight ahead, into the rich tapestry of the National Hotel, perched front and center, on Water Street, you will discover all the welcoming hospitality and enlightened experiences you are searching for. For generations, this historic oceanfront hotel, has been a prominent place for all things celebrated and is what I consider to be the island’s most happy place.

A Block Island landmark, the original National Hotel was built in 1888 and, after a fire in 1902, a new hotel was built in July of 1903, and has been wooing people ever since.

It is often said, you cannot walk by the National Hotel without being lured up the stairs and onto the iconic National porch. The sound of people gathering, music playing, and merriment happening, embraces you and is too much to resist. Whether it be the shade, the shelter, or the scenic views, it feels like the best party you have ever been to, and like home, at the same time.

Owners, Chris and Jackie Sereno know how to do this very well. They have invested a lifetime of efforts in their mission of creating a most memorable destination. With lifetime friend and colleague, Julie Natalizia as the general manager, Chef Camyrn Carlson, as

executive chef, and a loyal staff and team, that simply wants to return year after year, the National Hotel is the place to go when you need to be well-taken care of.

And once there, the National “Tap and Grille” menu begins to do just that. Whether you dine on the porch, inside in the tap room bar, or sit outside around the cozy fire pits, make sure you try their famous lobster roll. Made with the freshest chunks of sweet lobster, tossed in a warm butter bath, sprinkled with fresh herbs, all wrapped up in a soft roll, Chef Camyrn certainly knows how to let the quality of the ingredients shine.

After that, most people want to stay a little longer, and with accommodations that have all the charm of the past with the conveniences of the present, they usually do.

Creating an elevated experience that integrates a storied past with the energy of today is a significant part of the hospitality mission of the National Hotel, and owner, Chris Sereno, realizes the power this beautiful Block Island landmark has to make people happy.

“We are fortunate to have an impressive historical property with stunning views, and, with the ocean as our front yard, our location gives our guests a sense of peace, and it is important to us to carry that feeling over to our services and make people feel warm, welcome, and happy.”

Throughout the National, with the summer breeze as the perfect backdrop, there is a celebratory camaraderie and, with refreshing cheer and certainty in the air, it is surely a place where friendships begin, memories are made, and yes, even happiness, is found.

National Hotel is located at 36 Water Street Block Island, RI 02807 www.thenationalhotel.com Also visit their sister restaurant, The M Waterfront Grille, in Naples, Florida www.mwaterfrontgrille.com

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TO ENJOY OUR WINES AT HOME, PLEASE VISIT SPIRITSNETWORK.COM/ELYSABETHVINEYARDS. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VINEYARD, OUR WINES, AND OUR STORY, YOU CAN VISIT WWW.ELYSABETHVINEYARDS.COM.

TASTE

FLAVOR HARMONIES: Previewing Steak 48's Newest Menu

By Taylor Freeze

Nestled in a cozy corner of Charlotte is renowned Steak 48, where a culinary adventure awaited. Invited to a private tasting orchestrated by the restaurant's new Corporate R&D Chef, Raul Del Pozo, I was offered a glimpse into the new menu.

Chef Del Pozo's infectious enthusiasm was evident as he unveiled the evening's program. The first act began with a luxurious indulgence: champagne flutes clinked in a toast, followed by the arrival of decadent caviar cones. These bite-sized

delights featured Sasanian Siberian osetra caviar nestled within a crispy shell, balanced perfectly by a touch of horseradish crème fraîche and a touch of opulence with gold leaf. Notably, all caviar served at Steak 48 is sourced sustainably and ethically raised in Poland and Italy. Each subsequent course was a revelation. Torched scallops offered a tantalizing fusion of yuzu ponzu, truffle crema, and of course, the crowning touch of Siberian osetra caviar. The Hanging Bacon, a soon-to-be-signature dish, promised an

explosion of smoky, savory goodness with its steak rub. Spring Pea Ravioli, a vibrant addition, burst with the taste of the season thanks to its sweet corn crema and finishing touch of chive oil.

As the evening progressed, Chef Del Pozo unveiled the Whole Branzino Filet, a melody of flavors with oven-roasted goodness, charred lemon, and a delicate beurre blanc sauce. The Roasted Cauliflower offered a delightful contrast of textures. The caramelized florets yielded to the creamy caress of smoked basil aioli, finished with the sharp bite of aged pecorino.

Throughout the evening, Chef Del Pozo's passion for his craft was undeniable. Each dish was a testament to his dedication to using high-quality, sustainable ingredients to create innovative and delectable experiences. As the final bite faded, one thing was certain: Steak 48, under Chef Del Pozo's creative direction, is poised to become an even more captivating destination for discerning palates.

Other remarkable dishes coming this year include:

• Blistered Shishito Peppers - Menu Description: smoked lemon essence, roasted garlic, sea salt

• Shells + Cheese - Menu Description: boursin cheese + velveeta, garlic bread crumbs, caramelized (this is also available as Alaskan King Crab and Shrimp Shells & Cheese- the above with alaskan king crab leg and atlantic shrimp)

• Boursin Cheese Whipped Potatoes -Menu Description: yukon + russets, classic fine herb garlic boursin, sweet cream

The Chef’s Table Chef Jarad McCarroll

The Ocean Club Montauk

By Marci Moreau

I’ve always believed in the power of food, and yet, the profound impact and significance food can have in our life will never cease to amaze me, and neither will the people who make it their life’s mission to embrace and nurture the culinary connections that bring more pleasure into the world.

Chef Jarad McCarroll, knows all about embodying this power, and even more about food. He is a truly genuine man, an amorous culinary talent, and, an even more passionate visionary, with a pursuit to elevate hospitality. Considered a natural at transforming the experience of preparing food for others into pure joy, he is bringing a new

beginning, and a lot of rapture, to the Ocean Club in Montauk, NY.

No stranger to operating establishments in paradise, with the Ocean Club in St. Barts as part of his portfolio, Chef Jarad brings a deep-rooted belief that exceptional dining experiences are the result of a thoughtful and mindful philosophy.

He is dedicated to creating a new energy of hospitality, where guests feel, not only welcome, and well feed, but are enthusiastically anticipating their next visit, even before they walk out the door.

“To me, hospitality is so much more than just a meal, Chef McCarroll says, with great conviction, and, an even bigger heart.

A culinary backstory infused with depth, devotion, and a resilience of his life’s journey, Chef Jarad truly believes in the importance of making people feel good.

After great loss, Chef Jarad left home to pursue his passion of creating more life with food, and found solace, achievement, and success in a career, that just seemed meant to be.

“I had many unfinished circles and when I got to food, it just completed the circle.”

And it is with this positive force of self-actualization, authenticity, and meaning that the newly designed Ocean Club at The Montauk Yacht Club, is being built on. Translating to exceptional service, elevated food, and a consistency that builds trust, the Ocean Club in Montauk will feature the largest open kitchen in the Hamptons, a wood-fired grill as a gastronomical centerpiece, and a raw bar stocked with some of the freshest offerings from the sea.

Add to this, two chef’s counters that overlook both the raw bar and wood-fired grill, a private chef’s table where an intimate group can have an enhanced culinary experience, and infuse all of that with the maritime backdrop and ocean air, there are certainly enough reasons to never want to leave, but Chef Jarad gives us many more.

New menu offerings of just caught seafood dishes, seasonal and local foods, and the best of the East End produce are highlighted in some signature dishes such as whole fluke, aged for 5 days, and then cooked over coals, or his prized picana beef, cooked slow for over six hours, served with beetroot ketchup and chive oil. Along with newly harvested veggies, such as roasted carrots, that are carefully executed with farm-stand honey, aromatic cardamon and garden fresh parsley, Chef Jarad’s food certainly reflects all the best flavors of the Hamptons.

With his definition of success, as ‘everyday taking steps toward your dream,” it’s safe to say, with the thought provoking efforts and affectionate techniques of Chef Jarad McCarroll’s timeless cuisine, a new beginning of elevated hospitality has successfully arrived, at the end, in Montauk, NY.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH FOOD?

I fell in love with food from a young age. I always wanted to cook but only had the opportunity to begin cooking when I was twenty one.

I always wanted to be a chef but when I was 18 it seemed better to follow the business and sales path.

I lost my brother at a young age. He was 16 and I was 21. My mom was seeing a tarot card reader to try to connect with my brother, Shane, and she wanted to talk about me and my sister.

When the reader started talking about me, she said, “Your son needs to stop what he is doing and go to study cooking in Switzerland because people will love him not only for his food but for who he is.” and then she said, “he cannot study in South Africa, he needs to go abroad, and that is how my journey began.”

If I do something I do it with everything I have, there is no in-between. I left my house, and my life in South Africa, and I went after my dream.

I had many unfinished circles and when I got to food it just completed the circle.

That’s how my journey began but I don’t tell it often.

HOW DOES YOUR LIFE’S STORY CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR CULINARY PHILOSOPHY?

I believe in doing what you love, and working hard to do it very well.

“You have to give something to get something in return, that is how the universe works.”

I’ve worked really hard to create a life doing what I love. When I first left home I went to cook in Switzerland, and took a three month crash course in European cuisine, pastries and chocolates.

It was super fast, difficult, and challenging but it was unbelievable in the amount I learned in that time.

Then I went to work for three years at the Ritz in London. It was a very old school philosophy of hard work, and sacrifice, and I learned discipline and structure. Cooking is a trade and you have to sacrifice time to get knowledge, and then you need to go do something with all you have leanred.

I knew it was the time for me to do something with my knowledge.

I really believe in people. I envision building a world class hospitality brand and how I am going to that is to build my staff as professionals, but, first, as people. I care about how my staff feels and how they are doing. I give a mindful speech to my team at the beginning of our shifts. Mindset is important. I want them to know sometimes life is uncomfortable but breaking through those uncomfortable times is how we grow. It’s OK to plateau in life, but the more you give, the more you will get, and with the right supports, you will grow personally and professionally. I want to be that support, and, I want the Ocean Club to be a place people can grow.

WHAT ROLES DOES YOUR HERITAGE PLAY WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD?

My Dad is Scottish, my Mom is Mauritian, and I am first generation South African, born and raised. My wife is Portuguese, my first daughter was born in London, my second daughter was born in St. Maarten, my son was born in Richmond, Virginia, so I guess that makes me a child of the world.

I’ve had three children in three different continents in the past seven years. When it comes to food, I like to take the best techniques and flavors from my story and fuse it with the best local and seasonal ingredients. My food is modern global European, using French techniques, and Montauk’s best ingredients to bring them to life.

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION OF “ELEVATED HOSPITALITY” ALL ABOUT?

To me, hospitality is more than just a meal. You are offering a space for people to have an experience, to be really comfortable, and enjoy themselves. I want their experience to be something they remember and that will make them feel good when they think about it. I am always looking for ways to make the experience better for our guest and it’s important to invest in all aspects of the business. The food, the staff, education and training, the atmosphere and design, all of this impacts the overall energy and the vibe of the restaurant. I want the Ocean Club to be a positive place. If you give more, the guests feel more welcome and the hospitality is elevated.

WHY MONTAUK AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULINARY PLATFORM AT THE END?

The Ocean Club in Montauk is very aligned with our philosophy in St. Barts. It’s a beautiful location, affiliated with the tranquility of the water. Our open design space, surrounded by the ocean and boats, and our open kitchens, displaying the talents of our chefs is the best canvas to create a warm celebratory feeling of hospitality. It’s a team effort we are bringing to Montauk. Along with Proper Hospitality, we are bringing great food, great service, a warm loving energy, and we hope to create a feeling of hospitality that makes people want to be here again and again.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST FAVORITE DISHES ON THE MENU TO COOK?

I love our entire menu. It is thoughtful and consistent, in our design. We care a lot about sustainability and sourcing locally so that is a big part of what we include on our menus. On the East End we have unbelievable produce from

some of the best farms, so our vegetables and salads and sauces all come from the best sources. The way I cook meat is quite specific and my picana is one of my favorites. It is cooked for over five hours, over open charcoals, low and slow. I let it rest at a higher temperature, and, hit it, and rest it, until is juicy, tender and has great flavor. We will only have a certain amount cooked every night and I’m sure it will be a favorite.

HEY CHEF, WHAT DOES YOUR TABLE LOOK LIKE?

My table always has my wife Gabriella, and our three children, Madison 7, Naomi 5, and baby Joshua, 2. The way we eat at home is much like I prepare food here.

Fresh, local, seasonal and I’ll cook a variety of big dishes to share.

I like to cook, fresh pastas, potatoes, meats and veggies, and put it all on the table for all of us to share. Usually we all get together on Sunday, it is my family day, and we have friends and family over. To me, sharing food with the people you love is the best experience and that is what makes your table beautiful.

Past, Present, & Future

The Greenwich psychic and spiritual worker, renowned for her celebrity and Wall Street clientele in Manhattan, shares the story behind her divine gifting.

Written by Katelyn Rutt

Unlike most vocations that require the honing of new skills, Janet Lee’s foray into the world of psychic and spiritual work was incredibly innate.

“I am a born-gifted psychic with an Indian background,” Lee says. “My entire family has the ability to look into a person’s past, present, and future and help them shed light on troubling issues in their life. My grandmother was a handson healer, my mother was a born-gifted psychic with vision, and I have the divine ability of both gifts.”

This dual-ability, Lee says, is very unique in the industry. It’s arguably what brought her from northern Connecticut to Greenwich decades ago—a charming area she has now called home for nearly 25 years.

In the third conversation I had with Saks Fifth Avenue they said, ‘Janet, can you please be our VIP psychic for the store?’”

From that moment forward, the “Greenwich Psychic” was born. Lee worked at Saks Fifth Avenue every weekend, prompting her to eventually open her own shop on Greenwich Avenue where she could specialize in psychic and spiritual work.

Since then, Lee’s psychic work has expanded to include a luxurious office suite in Manhattan where she conducts most of her readings for her Wall Street clients. Both of her office spaces blend luxury with comfort and feature a home-like atmosphere.

“I was approached by Saks Fifth Avenue to do a promotion,” Lee says. “They asked me to come in and do psychic readings for any $100 purchase at the Lancôme counter, so I came across to Greenwich.”

On the morning of the promotion, the line zig-zagged and Lee was booked with readings for most of the day.

“The second request I got from Saks Fifth Avenue was to return and work for Chanel, doing readings for each $500 purchase,” Lee says. “Once again, the line wrapped around the corner of the store.

“In a typical reading, people will come in, sit down, and I will do most of the talking,” Lee says. “The reading starts by going through a person’s past, present, and future. Most of the time, the reading concentrates on the mind and heart, what’s going on in the present, and healing any broken parts.”

Confidentiality is highly important to Lee, who has a list of high-profile clients she guards carefully. No matter the client or the unique struggles they bring to Lee, the psychic finds deep fulfillment in her calling.

“When they enter, clients are broken and hopeless,” Lee says. “After working with me, we’ve picked up all of the pieces and put them together again. Clients always leave feeling whole and happy.”

DRIVE

Electrifying the Future

IF YOU’RE OF A CERTAIN AGE, YOU PROBABLY REMEMBER THE MG SPORTS CARS. IN THE SIXTIES, THE SMALL, TWO-SEAT BRITISH ROADSTERS WERE VERY POPULAR THANKS TO THEIR LOW COST AND HIGH DRIVING FUN. MG, SHORT FOR MORRIS GARAGES, HAS A STORIED HISTORY DATING BACK TO THE EARLY 1920S. KNOWN FOR ITS SPORTY ROADSTERS AND A LEGACY OF MOTORSPORT SUCCESS, MG HAS ALWAYS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH DRIVING PLEASURE. THE CYBERSTER, HOWEVER, IS NOT JUST A NOD TO THE PAST BUT A LEAP TOWARDS THE FUTURE. IT CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF MG’S HERITAGE WHILE EMBRACING THE ADVANCEMENTS OF THE 21ST CENTURY.

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive innovation, the MG Cyberster stands as a testament to the future of electric vehicles (EVs). A harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, striking design, and exhilarating performance, the Cyberster marks a bold new chapter for the iconic MG brand.

The first thing that strikes you about the Cyberster is its futuristic design. With sleek lines, aerodynamic curves, and a low-slung profile, it looks like a concept car straight out of a science fiction movie. The Cyberster’s design is a collaborative effort between MG’s design studios in London and Shanghai, reflecting a global vision for the brand. At the front, the Cyberster features an aggressive stance with sharp LED headlights and a distinctive grille that hints at its electric nature. The rear is equally impressive, with a sculpted tail and an integrated spoiler that enhances

its sporty appeal. The Cyberster’s design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about performance. Every line and curve is meticulously crafted to reduce drag and improve efficiency.

Underneath its striking exterior, the Cyberster packs a punch. It is built on a state-of-the-art electric platform featuring dual motors that deliver impressive power and torque. The result? A 0-60 mph time of under three seconds, making it one of the fastest EVs in its class. The Cyberster is not just about straight-line speed; it boasts a dynamic chassis and advanced suspension system that ensure precise handling and a thrilling driving experience.

Step inside the Cyberster, and you are greeted by a high-tech cockpit that rivals the most advanced vehicles on the market. The centerpiece is a large, curved infotainment screen that seamlessly integrates with the digital instrument cluster. This setup provides the driver with all the necessary information at a glance, from navigation to battery status.

The Cyberster also features an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated parking. These features not only enhance safety but also make driving the Cyberster a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the Cyberster supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring that the vehicle’s software is always up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Cyberster is its commitment to sustainability. As an all-electric vehicle, it produces zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. MG has also focused on using eco-friendly materials in the Cyberster’s construction, further reducing its environmental impact.

It is equipped with a high-capacity battery pack that offers an impressive range, ensuring that range anxiety is a thing of the past. With fast-charging capabilities, the Cyberster can be recharged quickly, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

“One hundred years ago, MG pioneered the creation of the popular sports car, turning dreams into reality for millions of enthusiasts around the world. We’re still committed to that founding vision of delivering accessible, innovative, and truly engaging cars. The Cyberster underlines that commitment with a high-performance EV convertible, which we hope will have the same impact as its much-loved forerunners.”

- Aiden He, CEO of MG Nordic & BeNeLux

THE ROAD AHEAD

With its blend of stunning design, exhilarating performance, and cutting-edge technology, the MG Cyberster is set to redefine what an electric sports car can be. For enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike, the Cyberster offers a glimpse into a thrilling, sustainable future. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. The MG Cyberster is here, and it’s electrifying the future of driving.

CHARLOTTE & THE CAROLINAS

CHARLESTON

THE PALM BEACHES & MIAMI

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR: LINCOLN ROAD’S CHIME GARDENS

Lincoln Road, Miami Beach’s famous pedestrian haven, just got even more enchanting with the addition of the Chime Gardens. This creative collaboration with wind chime artist Erica des Roches transforms the six-block stretch into a calming soundscape.

These aren’t just decorations – the Chime Gardens were designed with a purpose. The soothing chimes are meant to refresh your experience of Lincoln Road. As you browse shops, sip coffee at a cafe, or wander through art galleries, the wind chimes become a calming soundtrack, a gentle reminder to slow down and take in the moment.

The Chime Gardens show Lincoln Road’s dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for its visitors. Over 8 million people visit this charming district every year, and the Chime Gardens add a touch of magic to their shopping trip. Imagine browsing designer stores, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or watching street performers – all while surrounded by the calming melodies of nature.

CHARlotte

CHARLOTTE & THE CAROLINAS

SOUTHPARK MALL

Exciting New Stores Coming to Southpark Mall!

CHARLESTON & THE LOW COUNTRY

BALLY: Step into Swiss luxury! Bally, famous for its rich history of shoemaking and unique shoe and accessory designs, is opening right across from David Yurman. Get ready to strut in style! Opening soon.

DIPTYQUE: Immerse yourself in a world where scent meets art. Diptyque, the iconic parfumerie Maison, has brought their redesigned home diffusers, luxurious candles, and more to Southpark Mall. From scented ovals to fragranced oils, they have everything to make your home smell divine. Recently opened.

BREITLING: Precision and elegance at their finest! Breitling, renowned for their top-notch timepieces and trailblazing wrist chronographs, is setting up shop. Each watch, made in Switzerland with in-house movements and COSC certification, is a testament to superior design and craftsmanship. Get ready to elevate your wrist game! Recently opened.

WOODHOUSE SPA

From the moment you step through the doors, Woodhouse Spa SouthPark welcomes you with a sense of serenity. Enjoy a selection of warm, relaxing teas as you unwind in the calming atmosphere. Between treatments, pamper yourself further with a signature Woodhouse Mimosa or a glass of champagne in the luxurious Quiet Room. www.woodhousespas.com

Find Your Sanctuary at Woodhouse Spa SouthPark. Step into a world of luxury and renewal at Woodhouse Spa SouthPark, conveniently located in Charlotte’s vibrant SouthPark neighborhood. Nestled within the Piedmont Town Center, just a short distance from SouthPark Mall, this hidden gem offers tranquility amidst the city’s energy. Woodhouse Spa SouthPark is meticulously designed to revitalize you from head to toe. Their extensive menu boasts a variety of treatments carefully chosen to cater to your individual needs, ensuring you feel refreshed and transformed.

Bally small

ACTIVATE CHARLOTTE

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the newest addition to Charlotte’s entertainment scene: Activate! This innovative venue takes gaming to a whole new level, offering an immersive, action-packed experience that gets your body moving and your mind racing. Activate boasts a variety of exciting games, each designed to challenge your physical and mental agility. Here are just a few of the ones I had the pleasure of trying:

• HIDE: This high-energy game combined elements of tag and hide-and-seek, utilizing a dynamic arena with interactive features.

• PRESS: Teamwork and quick reflexes were key in this fast-paced challenge that involved coordinated button presses.

• HOOPS: Who doesn’t love a good hoops game? Activate’s digital version added a unique twist, keeping us on our toes.

• TOSS: This game tested our accuracy and hand-eye coordination in a thrilling throwing competition.

• LASERS: Weaving through a maze of laser beams got our hearts pumping as we raced against the clock.

• CONTROL: This strategic game required planning and collaboration to navigate a series of obstacles.

• GRID: Activate’s GRID offered a test of agility and balance, challenging us to traverse a light-up wall.

Each game room featured cutting-edge technology that responded to our movements in real-time, making for a truly interactive and engaging experience. The atmosphere at Activate was electric, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the thrill of the game. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, a unique team-building activity, or simply a way to get active and unleash your inner child, Activate Charlotte has something for everyone.

Get Ready to Pickle Your Fancy at Tipsy Pickle!

By Taylor Freeze

Calling all Charlotteans! Brace yourselves for a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that's about to hit the scene – Tipsy Pickle! This exciting new venue promises to be a haven for fun, featuring delectable food and drinks alongside the fast-growing sport of pickleball.

Located at the vibrant Camp North End, Tipsy Pickle is more than just a place to play. It's a space designed for connecting with friends, indulging in culinary delights, and quenching your thirst. Whether you're a seasoned pickleball pro or a curious newcomer, Tipsy Pickle offers something for everyone.

While details about the specific food and drink offerings are still under wraps, one thing's for certain – Tipsy Pickle is poised to become a popular destination for Charlotte residents. So, stay tuned for further updates, and get ready to embrace the fun (and maybe a little friendly competition) at Tipsy Pickle!

Looking for a unique and exciting way to spend your time in Charlotte? Keep your eye on Tipsy Pickle – it's sure to be a smash hit!

CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTE & THE CAROLINAS

CHARLESTON & THE LOW COUNTRY

A TASTE OF SUMMER AT MATADOR CHARLOTTE

By Taylor Freeze

Charlotteans, rejoice! Summer is here, and so are the sizzling flavors at Matador Charlotte, which recently opened in June.

I attended a media event for Vivant at this vibrant restaurant, and it was a delightful exploration of fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine.

The evening began with a warm welcome and the clinking of glasses. Matador generously provided drinks, allowing us to indulge in their beverage selection. The Passionfruit Margarita, for one, was a true standout. It wasn’t overly sweet, striking a perfect balance between tart and refreshing. For those who prefer something a little less adventurous, the Finca Nueva Rosado was a good choice. This dry rosé was neither too sweet nor too dry, making it an excellent complement to the upcoming culinary adventure.

As we settled in, a wave of enticing aromas filled the air. Our taste buds were tantalized by the arrival of the Dip Flight, a trio of delectable dips perfect for sharing. The creamy three-cheese queso was smooth, while the fresh guacamole offered a burst of flavor. The hearty black bean dip rounded out the selection, adding a touch of smokiness and depth.

I ordered their dreamy, delectable Birria Tacos. Let me tell you, these were absolutely delicious. The slow-braised meat was melt-inyour-mouth tender, and the accompanying consommé for dipping added a rich layer of flavor.

Next came the street tacos, a classic Mexican dish executed flawlessly at Matador. The warm tortillas cradled a delicious filling, leaving us eager to explore the other taco options on the menu.

Speaking of exploration, the Mango Steak Tacos were incredible! The combination of grilled carne asada, a vibrant mango-pineapple salsa, peppery arugula, and a smoky guajillo-chile sauce was a melody of summer flavors. The sweetness of the mango perfectly balanced the savory steak, while the arugula added a welcome peppery note. This dish is a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of the season.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Haba Prawns were a fiery delight. The succulent prawns were bathed in a fiery habanero sauce, their heat building slowly before delivering a satisfying kick at the back of the throat. The roasted garlic & jalapeño polenta provided a creamy counterpoint to the heat, while the hibiscus pickled onion added a tangy touch.

Overall, Matador Charlotte was a delicious and enjoyable experience. The restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu brimming with fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re craving classic street tacos or something more adventurous, Matador has something to ignite your taste buds. So ditch the ordinary and head to Matador for a taste of summer that will leave you wanting more.

SOHO HOUSE

Membership in their many clubs around the world has given creative people a place to gather and feel like they belong since 1995. All of Soho House’s amenities are available to members, including the club areas, guestrooms, spas, gyms, screening rooms, and events.

Soho House Charleston, set to open on East Bay Street in the upscale French Quarter of Charleston, South Carolina, will transform the three-story Wagener Building, which dates back to the Victorian era, into a ground-floor public restaurant and two floors of members-only space that will feature a rooftop bar and a dining area overlooking the port city.

Soho House Design aims to create a lively seaside destination that respects the architectural elements while drawing inspiration from Charleston’s rich history, southern charm, and creative spirit.

www.sohohouse.com

CHARLESTON HEAD SPA

Ever wondered what a head spa is? Imagine a luxurious facial, but for your hair and scalpStep into scalp and hair nirvana at the recently opened Charleston Head Spa, where personalized treatments promise both rejuvenation and tranquility. Their expert team offers a holistic approach to beautiful hair, focusing on improving your scalp health. Indulge in our services, including a personalized scalp analysis, soothing water and steam therapy, a refreshing mini facial, invigorating massages, and comprehensive scalp and hair conditioning treatments. Prepare to unwind and emerge revitalized! www.charlestonheadspa.com

CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON POP-UP SHOP

Southern Charm Meets Sewing Skills: Draper James & Sewing Down South Team Up for Charleston Pop-Up Shop

Get ready for a double dose of Southern charm! Beloved lifestyle brands Draper James and Sewing Down South are joining forces for a limited-time pop-up shop in Charleston, South Carolina. This exciting collaboration promises a unique shopping experience that blends Reese Witherspoon’s signature preppy style with Craig Conover’s love for all

things homegrown. The pop-up shop allows both brands to tap into Charleston’s vibrant retail scene. Expect to find a delightful assortment of the Draper James’ latest collections, while Sewing Down South will bring its signature Charleston flair.

MINDZERO

Opening Summer 2024

LA CAVE

Craving a taste of the South of France? Look no further than La Cave at Félix, Charleston's newest sipping destination. Opened in May 2024, this intimate lounge complements its neighbor, the beloved bistro Félix. Inspired by owner Félix Landrum's travels, La Cave boasts an expanded wine list, handcrafted cocktails, and delectable small plates. Perfect for a sophisticated date night, pre-show drinks, or a private gathering, La Cave promises a luxurious escape that will transport you straight to Provence.

Seeking an escape from chronic stress? Look no further than Mindzero. This innovative wellness experience combines heat therapy, cold exposure, sound, and breathwork in accessible group sessions. Inspired by the founders' grueling 75-hour training challenge, Mindzero utilizes hormetic stress conditioning to leave you feeling energized, focused, and overall better. Their unique approach alternates between saunas and cold plunges, all guided by focus and breathing techniques, for a complete mind and body reset.

BALLETCOLLECTIVE

BalletCollective Unveils 13th Season: "The Entrance is the Exit" Mark your calendars! BalletCollective's 13th season, "The Entrance is the Exit," kicks off in New York City from October 29 to November 1, 2024, at Trinity Commons. This exciting season brings two world premieres created through BalletCollective's unique interdisciplinary approach.

Inspired by the season's theme, "The Entrance is the Exit," both ballets will delve into the concept of change and explore the interwoven nature of endings and beginnings. The first piece is a collaboration between choreographer Troy Schumacher, the talented brass quartet The Westerlies, and visual artist Jordan Bennett. The second ballet features choreographer Houston Thomas, the fifth recipient of BalletCollective's prestigious Commission for Developing Choreographers, collaborating with composer Jonathan Bingham and cultural practice architect Mario Gooden.

BalletCollective's Commission for Developing Choreographers has become a cornerstone of the dance community, and with 170 applications received for the 2025 cycle, the program's impact is undeniable.

Get ready for an immersive and irreverent experience at BalletCollective's second annual Gala on October 29, which will showcase the world premieres of the new ballets. Following the Gala, audiences can enjoy critically acclaimed choreographer Troy Schumacher's 2023 work, "The World We Left Behind," on October 30 and November 1. Due to overwhelming demand after a sold-out 2023 season, BalletCollective has added an extra performance this year to accommodate all dance enthusiasts.

“TWEAKMENT” WITH NURSE TARA

By Dorian May

“You can have multiple things done and still not look overdone explains Tara Adashev, the head nurse and injectables specialist in midtown Manhattan known for her “less is more” aesthetic. Dressed in purple scrubs and Golden Goose sneakers, with a makeup-free face, Adashev, known as Nurse Tara, looks like a New York City teenager. “Don’t pay attention to my red skin she tells me; I just did RF micro needling.” After assessing my face and asking what I want to achieve (short of a miracle in age reversal), Adashev shares her plan of action to lift the outer corners of my brows and mouth, which are both downturned.

“I just need to weaken that muscle around your jawline…it’s very strong pulling the corners of your mouth down, and of course, gravity doesn’t help!”

It’s clear she isn’t here to sell more units of Botox or filler. “I’m not into overfilling, we just want to keep things natural,” she smiles and tells me to clench my teeth so she can see the veins on my neck. “Yes, ok, good, we can get your Platysmal Bands and that is going to tighten your jawline.” She pinches my neck, and a few painless pricks are administered. Known as the Nefertiti Neck Lift, this area is one of my personal favorite treatments, a game changer for both neck and jaw, keeping them smoother and sag-free. A great injector knows exactly where to wield the needle, and I can tell I am in capable hands with Adashev.

Nurse Tara’s strong syringe wielding skills come from years working in the operating room prior to transitioning into her position as the Head Nurse for Neinstein Plastic Surgery, a practice specializing in “Mommy Makeovers”.

“Every patient is unique, and I love the challenge of creating symmetry and balance and how good it feels when people come back to me telling me I’ve made them feel better about themselves.”

Check her Instagram @nursetaranyc for a pre procedure scroll to help determine what treatments she recommends to combat common complaints like jowls, double chin and uneven skin tone. Hands down the most user-friendly explanations of the casues with multiple solutions she has for solving them. She also shares lots of fun facts like how workouts and metabolism correlate to how long your

lasts!

Botox

Nurse Tara

Dr Neinstein Plastic Surgery

Photo by Lisa Richov

THE PRIDWIN ON SHELTER ISLAND

NEXT STOP, THE PRIDWIN ON SHELTER ISLAND! WEDNESDAY NIGHT BBQ AT THE PRIDWIN HOTEL

By Dorian May

While many long-time East Enders know of the charming Pridwin Hotel on Shelter Island, like me, they may not realize it is perched only half a mile down the winding waterfront road from Sunset Beach. The chicly renovated property with resplendent seaside views and a sprawling pink, green, and bamboo-decorated rooftop patio restaurant and bar is also home to one of the most delicious old-school BBQs for Hamtonites in the know. The ferry from Sag Harbor is only ten minutes, and boaters can drop anchor to dine with exceptional ease using the complimentary docking service on the property.

On Wednesday evenings, the front lawn is scattered with charming, red checkered cloth-covered tables setting the mood for BBQ night. Harkening back to the summers when the days seemed endless, the food was always somehow more memorable. Smoked prime beef brisket, pulled pork, molasses chicken, grilled swordfish, and clams are some of the mouthwatering mains served from silver chafing dishes. Sides of salads, mac and cheese, and homemade cornbread will fill your plate but leave some room for desserts made by Pridwin’s Executive Pastry Chef. Live music plays as the sun slowly descends beyond the horizon. With no detail spared, there is even an art table for kids to keep busy while adults enjoy specialty cocktails from the open bar. If you spend summers in the Hamptons, the Wednesday night BBQ feels like a vacation within a vacation, a short trip for a big taste of Americana! The Pridwin BBQ runs through September 4th and costs $75 pp and $35 for kids with wine and open bar available in addition. Reservations can be made online at caperesorts.com or calling (800) 200-5001 or through opentable.

VERONICA BEARD

With the launch of a new store in the center of East Hampton, the popular brand Veronica Beard—founded by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard—continues to grow. With intentions to expand internationally in 2024, this launch is the brand's 35th retail location, highlighting its expanding presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This philosophy is embodied in the new East Hampton store, which features an interior designed by Carolina de Neufville that is inspired by seaside charm and features an elegant blend of vintage items, flowery linens, and coffered wood paneling.

Pridwin Hotel 81 Shore Road, Shelter Island

PLACĒBÖ: A FUSION FEAST IN MONTAUK

Placēbö Restaurant, a new restaurant as of May 2024 in Montauk invites you on a unique culinary adventure. Nestled within the legendary Ruschmeyer's, Placēbö blends vibrant Puerto Rican flavors with iconic New York City dishes for a menu that's both creative and comforting.

Here, you'll go beyond a typical dining experience. Placēbö is a sanctuary for innovation, where beloved classics are reimagined with exciting twists. From American staples to Latin delights, each dish is crafted with precision and passion, offering a refreshing departure from the ordinary.

and sophisticated menu, is a model of Hampton elevation. The Montauk experience will be no different, with brunch, lunch, and dinner created by chef and James Beard honoree Sean Olnowich. Head over to Main Beach to carry on the fun in the sun when you're not dining on locally sourced seafood for dinner or sipping craft cocktails on the outdoor deck surrounded by models and influencers. Other menu items include lobster rolls and brunch-time French toast. www.bouncebeachmtk.com

BOUNCE BEACH MONTAUK

Bounce Beach Montauk is the obvious choice if you're wondering where the Hamptons "it" crowd will be hanging this summer. With its alluring patrons and visually appealing events, this trendy eatery and bar is quickly gaining popularity in the East and becoming the spot to go when you want to indulge in some seaside drinking. Bounce, which is well-known for its upscale atmosphere

NEW BOUTIQUE OPENINGS ON THE EAST END

A RETURN TO QUIET LUXURY

(IN CASE YOU DIDN’T NOTICE IT NEVER WENT AWAY) NEW BOUTIQUE OPENINGS ON THE EAST END

Dorian May

The aesthetic of Trish Wescoat Pound is part classic, part cool girl and perpetually chic. Step into the newly opened Sag Harbor boutique housing TWP, her eponymously named collection, and you instantly feel like you have stumbled upon the perfect closet edit. Its everything you want to be wearing and nothng you don’t. The “Big Joe” white button-down shirt which has already sold out at other retailers conjures up images of Images of Carolyn Bissette Kennedy or Jane Birkin who didn’t need fussy summer wardrobes to turn heads and ooze sex appeal.

Prior to TWP, Wescoat pound perfected her fashion pedigree as the founder of Haute Hippie and working for major American labels like Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Theory.

TWP is housed in an aptly understated and historical Greek Revival house which was the first in the Village of Sag Harbor to have electricity. Alongside the crisply hanging color blocked collections, expect refreshments in the garden and rotating art on display. The current photographs of the wild horses of Sable Island are the work of Roberto Dutesco.

Even if you missed the limited-edition collaboration of the DÔEN x GAP last month, you can still get your hands on the brands timeless summer essentials with a bohemian twist. Check out California’s DÔEN boutique in Sag Harbor for delicious pointelle tee shirts and organic cotton sundresses’ that look straight out of Jane Birkin’s summer wardrobe.

In Amagansett, the quintessential queens of quiet luxury, the Olsen twins have opened their fourth boutique in the former Tiina space. Nothing screams serious money louder than their sold out $1,400 Navy Blue Tori T-Shirt or the $4,590 white Giulio open front cashmere cardigan, perfect for summer bonfires or starboard star gazing on the way back from Sunset Beach.

In Southampton, designer Alvin Valley is the place to go for the denim to pair with all of your luxe basics. The “King of Pants” is now also the master of denim designs. His “Doyenne” flares have sold out multiple times after turning heads and getting attention from social media account @classofpalmbeach. The washes and cuts are flawless no matter what your body type they are worthy of the $475 price tag because you won’t want to wear anything else.

WEST PALM BEACH REMOTE

Dr. Mary Wansley, PhD - Unlocking why we struggle with food and weight issues is complex. Coach, consultant, licensed hypnotherapist, and certified nutritionist, Dr Mary has over 20 years of experience helping people move from where they are today forward. A personal journey of binge eating since college prompted a deep dive that included going to countless meetings, becoming a professor of obesity research at UCLA, and working with hundreds of clients who now live free from weight, eating, and food afflictions. Dr. Mary shares that seeing people regain their quality of life is immensely gratifying. Stay tuned as she will be joining in on Vivant retreats.

www.drmarywansley.com

SIP & SAVOR: DISCOVER THE CHIC NEW LILY'S POOL BAR AT THE BRAZILIAN COURT HOTEL!

The Brazilian Court Hotel has recently debuted Lily's Pool Bar, a new bar and lounge serving up poolside cocktails. This new addition joins the French restaurant, Café Boulud, by Chef Daniel Boulud, on the property. Lily's Pool Bar boasts a living green wall, walnut wood accents, raffia lamps, and plenty of bar and lounge seating. For more information, visit thebraziliancourt.com.

HENRY’S PALM BEACH

At Via Flagler by The Breakers, Henrys Palm Beach is a quaint American-style café named for the resort's founder, Henry Morrison Flagler. Come enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails with friends at the place that will quickly become your favorite neighborhood hangout.

Offering sophisticated comfort food with a touch of nostalgia, the menu offers a distinctive twist on time-honored favorites.

Savor our Chicken Pot Pie, Tavern Twin Patty Burger, Butter Crumb Dover Sole, speciality salads, and featured pasta dishes, among other dishes. Drink locally brewed craft beers on tap, handcrafted cocktails, and a distinctive assortment of wines by the glass, flights, and bottles.

MIAMI

HABIBI MIAMI

Immerse yourself in the magic of Maghrebi culture at Habibi Miami, opening late summer. This captivating venue promises a visual feast, transporting you to a whimsical world inspired by Morocco’s golden age. Creative Director Mark Lehmkuhl of Ghosthouse Design Group and Love Lake Studios has transformed the space into a vibrant escape. The tent-like structure, awash in pinks and teals evoke a bygone Tangier era. Habibi Miami is a sensory journey celebrating the rich traditions and infectious energy of French Morocco. www.habibimia.com

IF YOU HAVEN’T, YOU SHOULD

UNVEILING FATE

By Margaret Bastick Luce

Wondering, are our lives destined for fate from the moment of birth? My curiosity about astrology has never wavered as I find that spirituality and religion can be confusing. Deciding to take the big leap to check into my astrology chart, I didn’t hesitate to choose one of my favorite people, Astrid Kastenberg, a certified life and spiritual coach, yoga teacher, and sound healing practitioner from The Ashram in Calabasas, California. From the moment we met some ten years ago, I experienced her great vibe, love, and light, knowing that one day when I decided to have my chart done, she was the one. I like to know the energy behind the people working with me whether a therapist, shaman, yoga practitioner, or spiritual adviser. With over thirty years of experience at The Ashram providing yoga and her gifts, Astrid is the quintessential healer in the spiritual world. The comfort in knowing there is an extra cushion to armor me along this bewildering adventure known as life.

There are so many frequencies and fates in life that provide us with the opportunity to query if this was planned or was this deja vu. Often asking and candidly growing tired of looking outward and wondering if this is the best path for me, what feels good and what feels bad. Noticing things that happen supernaturally, was a signal that it was time to delve into my chart. I also dove deeper into my star sign which doesn’t mean it is our higher power. We have the rising sign, moon, and sun signs, and where our signs are in Venus and Mercury. As a Gemini, I am mercurial, and that means I love

discovery, I am curious, and as my readers likely know, I am great at the bounce. My sign is known for flight whether we are talking about an airplane ride or an astral journey. What captured my attention was when I learned about Venus in Gemini. It is how I love and show affection as well as receive it. It is how I value people and what I value in my resources… art, beauty, music, the eternal feminine. With the planets and aspects, learning about Leo in my chart, the descriptors of caretaker, and boss babe made me smile. I think these are great little clues to our lives.

The magic lies in our personal chart which is everything about the day and time we are born, and the location. And what was aligned with what was happening at that moment in time. During shifts, we can experience the way we think, perceive, and express ourselves. It makes great sense and after having my chart done, the typical Gemini innuendoes went out the window, as I discovered it is so much more personal than that. As our session progressed, learning about chakras, colors, and stones chosen, enlivened this Gemini. Through this read, I discovered and released labels and concerns and found my authentic self.

If You Haven’t, You Should…I invite you to play and communicate with your aspects and planets.

Margaret Bastick Luce IG @margaretbastickluce

FLORIDA, WE’VE LANDED.

For over 20 years, Tradewind has offered private charters to exquisite destinations such as St Barths and Nantucket. Now, we are proud to announce expanded service with our newest base in the Palm Beach area — bringing confidence and convenience to flights throughout Florida and The Bahamas.