2018 ATTACHÉ EDITION
A Letter From Luxury Attaché
A
ss snow-covered streets and cold temperatures give way to a new season, we are delighted to welcome you to the Spring Issue of Communiqué, a glimpse into the expertise and experience of some of our dynamic Attachés. As brand ambassadors, our Attachés offer extensive and varied backgrounds upon which we draw inspiration daily in offering our unique lifestyle services to our valued clients. We pride ourselves on offering exemplary service that enriches our clients’ daily lives, while continuing to cultivate relationships with new vendors who offer exciting and customized perks that are available exclusively to clients of Luxury Attaché. As a pioneer in the business-to-business concierge model, we look forward to continuing to provide outstanding service and the most unique offerings as the leading luxury lifestyle service. We hope you enjoy this edition of Communiqué, and, as always, thank you for being a valued client of Luxury Attaché.
Ashley Cohen
Manager | Events & Partnerships Luxury Attaché
IMAGE COURTESY OF ADRIAN PEGUERO
AT TAC H É INTERVIEW
Architects
IMAGE COURTESY OF ALEX GOLDBLUM
of Taste
For well over a decade, Luxury AttachĂŠ has been the leader in providing luxury lifestyle services to a demanding and diverse clientele.
Our collective expertise in fields such as travel, dining, nightlife, event planning, and entertainment is central to our success, and our entire team is committed to consistently delivering excellence in service. Offering a personal relationship and high-touch, proactive service is what sets us apart, and we are excited to introduce you to some of the poised and polished tastemakers who make up our team— our architects of taste.
KELLY SOULE
Boston, MA
“Some people are overwhelmed by the logistics of event planning but nothing excites me more!” What is your background in event planning and management? I have worked in events professionally for 10 years, but have personally been a planner all of my life. I was always the go-to for friends and family to help coordinate occasions and family trips. After going to college with an initial interest in public relations, I was drawn to planning events more than anything else in the field and focused my attention on it for the long term. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of industries and on all kinds of events, from the Sundance Film Festival to the U.S. Open Tennis Championship to the Super Bowl, which has given me a wealth of experience on how to run an event. What do you enjoy most about event planning? One of my favorite things about this job is curating creative and unique event ideas that will attract clients and stand out amongst the competition. Whether a rooftop Yoga + Wine Reception, Puppy + Me Spa Day, or Private Holiday Party inside the TD Garden, finding one-ofa-kind experiences to entertain and impress clients is always an exciting request. In my spare time, I plan weddings in New England, as I love getting to know clients and helping them personalize their special day. Beantown Pride is a real thing (not only because of our amazing sports teams) but also because of the great people, vendors, services and experiences there are here to work with. These are some of my favorites: IMAGE COURTESY OF SIMPLY ELEGANT
Season to Taste Caterers—Sometimes caterers have a real corporate feel, but Season to Taste has a real farm-to-table, gourmet quality of food, with the capacity and service level to match. Their rotating seasonal menu keeps clients excited to see what they have to offer, and the quality presentation brings joy to any tablescape. Barbara Lynch Gruppo—The restaurants under chef Barbara Lynch are never-fail, high-end, quality flavor experiences. No matter what price point, atmosphere, or occasion a client is looking for, Barbara Lynch and her team consistently deliver. Stapleton Florals—Working in events, vendors are EVERYTHING. The importance of having trusted relationships with vendors that you can rely on makes all the difference. Julie at Stapleton makes every order simple to coordinate and exactly what we are looking for. I never have to question if an order will show up or if it will be what we ordered. It truly makes all the difference!
IMAGE COURTESY OF LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE
RACHEL WANG New York, NY
”Dining is not just food on a plate; it is an experience cultivated by preparation, presentation and passion.” When did you first develop your passion for food? Some people may eat to live, but I live to eat. One of my first jobs in NYC was as a hostess on the Upper East Side, where I got to witness the inner workings of how food ends up in front of a client, but my interest in dining started decades before that. Raised in Qingdao, China, my parents made sure that I had no less than three good meals a day, and for the most part, prepared those meals from scratch. I recall my mother preparing dough at 2 a.m., so that she could make dumplings for breakfast by 7 a.m. If I close my eyes, I can still smell the dipping sauce my father would make for the freshly caught shrimp he brought from the market just hours before. What considerations are given when you make dining recommendations for clients? Dining is not just food on a plate; it is an experience cultivated by preparation, presentation and passion. When I go to an establishment, I want to feel the passion my mother had when she was kneading dough in the wee hours of the morning. I crave the full sensory immersion of fine dining and take everything into consideration when I make a recommendation to a client. I feel like every dining suggestion is a resume of my culinary qualifications. I want every client to share all the sensory experiences I had, and not only walk out with a full belly, but something they will remember for a lifetime. What do you enjoy most about assisting clients with dining recommendations and reservations? In the few years I’ve been with Luxury Attaché, I have learned so much, and continue to add to my library of gastronomic knowledge. I feel blessed to be in a position to not only try new restaurants and cuisines, but also to be able to share them with my clients. If you share a similar passion for food, but may not have had the chance to explore New York’s culinary scene like I have, I would love the opportunity to share my passion and experience with you. Rachel suggests: Sushi Nakazawa—If you’re in the mood for sushi, Sushi Nakazawa is always on the top of my list. Not only are you getting the best hand-picked ingredients, but a dramatic production starring Chef Nakazawa. L’Appart—If you want an intimate, relaxed meal prepared by one of the best chefs in New York, L’Appart may be the destination for you. In this home apartment-themed restaurant, you’re there to kick back and enjoy the French-inspired flavors, as if it were Sunday night at your best friend’s apartment.
IMAGE COURTESY OF CAPELLA
LORI KILMARTIN
Los Angeles, CA
”My favorite part about nightlife is curating a V I P experience for clients...”
What is your background in nightlife? I started out in nightlife during my PR days, coordinating events for musicians, brands and film premieres. I was also the director of concierge for a high-end vacation rental company, where I created itineraries and experiences for traveling clients coming to Los Angeles for work. I’ve used many of the contacts I made at those jobs to gain clients VIP access to the hottest clubs, restaurants and events around town, from a last minute VIP table at TAO to dinner at Catch LA or an evening at The Magic Castle.
What does your typical night out look like? I enjoy attending film premieres and Treats! Magazine parties. In my spare time, you can also find me at the Hollywood Improv or the Comedy Store. No Friday night is ever the same in my world!
What are some of your recent client nightlife requests? I recently fulfilled a date night request. I sent my clients to Majordomo, followed by stargazing at OUE Skyspace, with cocktails in between at Spire 73. Another client asked me to secure tickets to Jay-Z and Beyoncé at the Rose Bowl in September. I was able to get them front row seats in the bowl section of the stadium in their preferred price range.
What do you enjoy most about assisting clients with a memorable night on the town? My favorite part about nightlife is curating a VIP experience for clients, from high-end dinner reservations to VIP tickets to sporting events, concerts, and even evening yacht charters in the summer.
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE TASTE
What client nightlife experience has been your most favorite? I once planned a client’s honeymoon in a Hollywood Hills Villa, where I hired a private Michelin chef to have a five-course meal in the plush estate garden overlooking the city, followed by an in-home couples massage. The next evening I sent them to The Nice Guy, a reservation they had been trying to get for months, followed by a Kings of Leon show at Hollywood Bowl in the garden box section.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PUREWOW
BIGI SANN New York, NY
“I fell in love with a new form of movement which opened my eyes to the world of boutique fitness.” When did you first become interested in fitness? I have been moving and grooving my entire life, beginning with my first ballet class at age 2. My passion of dance evolved from this early age, and I continued through high school and college, where I minored in dance. It wasn’t until I moved to New York after college that I fell in love with a new form of movement—weight training and spinning, which opened my eyes to the world of boutique fitness. How has fitness changed your life? When I moved to New York and into the workforce, it was strange to not have dance as part of my daily routine. I joined a gym and got hooked on their spin and HIIT classes. Going to the gym became part of my daily routine, and finding SoulCycle a few years later gave me the creativity and confidence I had once felt through dance. I am now going on my eighth year in New York and enjoy trying as many different types of fitness classes as I can, from yoga to kickboxing to barre classes. What has been your most popular fitness request? Recently, I have had a lot of requests for private to semi-private yoga instructors and have learned a lot through researching and arranging on behalf of my clients. Bigi’s top fitness picks: Barry’s Bootcamp—For the runner or anyone who likes to get their heart rate up, any Barry’s class will push you to the last rep and you will feel it the next day. TIP: Beware of Thursday-Leg Day! Bari Studio—Fun AND sweaty! Check out their variety of classes, from sculpt to dance to bounce. TIP: Don’t miss “Hybrid,” which combines elements of all classes into one. SLT—Silent but deadly. You may not be jumping up and down, but you will be sweating as you work little muscles throughout your body that you didn’t know you even had. TIP: Check out their new and beautiful TriBeCa location!
IMAGE COURTESY OF ODYSSEY
SoulCycle—My home. My temple. I will never deny that SoulCycle is my #1 workout because of the way it makes me feel. I will still always encourage cross training vs. picking one workout, since our bodies need to “switch it up” more often than not. TIP: If you are a newbie, opt for second row so the front row can lead the way.
JENNA FRITER New York, NY
“My main goal is to ensure the moving experience is successful, with no detail left unattended.” What is your experience with moving and relocating services? When I first joined Luxury Attaché, I was tasked with managing the temporary relocation project of one of our properties that was still under construction. I was the single point of contact for tenants, all teams at the moving company and project managers handling the construction and completion of each unit. Moving hundreds of apartments from one property to another was no small undertaking. It required diligent planning and execution to minimize risk, maximize operations, and to ensure the integrity of the service being provided. All eyes were on me to make sure the tenants were happy, content, and adequately informed. The relocation project was a total success and helped serve as a foundation upon which to build new relationships with all the new tenants. How do you help ease clients’ concerns when it comes to moving? Your home is an extension of yourself, and often, with so many parts involved in a move, tempers can flare quickly and it has the potential to bring out the worst in people. Our top-notch moving vendors understand this position and not only deliver excellent service, but help ease clients’ worries and actually get them excited about moving! Some say moving is the third most stressful life event after divorce and death, and I’ve experienced first hand the full spectrum of feelings that moving can elicit. My main goal is to ensure the relocation experience is successful, from the preparation through the final move-in stages, with no detail left unattended. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE REAL DEAL
What do you enjoy most about assisting clients with their lifestyle needs? I’ve worked for Luxury Attaché for the past four years and especially love the unique position I’m in to be client facing and providing our suite of lifestyle services, but also to be working with real estate developers and property management and learning more about that end of the business. There is always something exciting to get involved with and so many opportunities to contribute meaningfully to my clients’ lives—both their home lives and their lifestyles. Building relationships with them and offering personalized service is really the pinnacle of it all!
SASCHA TORRES
New York, NY
“Traveling allows me to fully immerse myself in another culture.” What first sparked your interest in travel? I’ve been traveling my entire life. Since I was a child, my family always booked at least one large trip together every year, and I had family in Jamaica, which was always so easy to get to from Miami where I grew up. I’m always looking to plan my next trip. I try to take at least one or two big trips a year, with smaller trips planned around holiday weekends, whenever I can. I love to explore different cultures, and traveling allows me to fully immerse myself in the culture I’m visiting. I spent some time in culinary school and am fascinated by the different flavors unique to each country. What is one of your favorite vacation destinations? One of my most recent trips I’ve taken and absolutely LOVED was to Sri Lanka last summer. The capital, Colombo, is a bustling city with charming art galleries and a rapidly growing culinary scene. If you go north of Colombo, you can explore the tea plantations and wellness centers that are perched in the mountains, but if you go south, you end up in these gorgeous beach towns where fresh seafood and surfing are highlighted. We spent some time in the south, going from Colombo to Bentota to Weligama. Next time, I definitely want to visit further southeast for the whale watching. What are some of your most memorable client travel requests? I’ve booked clients on South African safaris, temple visits in India, and the rainforests of Phuket. What do you enjoy most about assisting clients with their travel needs? I enjoy working closely with our travel vendors to curate one-of-a-kind travel bookings (the more exotic, the better!), from firstclass airfare to deluxe hotel accommodations to adventure itineraries.
IMAGE COURTESY OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT
ATTA AGE THE SEASON’S HOT
April - M
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IMAGE COURTESY OF MICHAEL CARNEVALE
COMMUNIQUÉ | SPRING 2018
US OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP PALM BEACH, FL APRIL 4-22 The US Open Polo Championship is the most prestigious polo tournament in the United States. The pinnacle of the 2018 polo season will be highlighted by fabulous food, drink, fashion, and of course, polo ponies.
AINTREE 2018 LIVERPOOL, UK APRIL 12-14 One of the UK’s biggest sporting events, featuring seven horse races held daily over three days, ending with the world famous Grand National Steeple Race.
COACHELLA INDIO, CA APRIL 13-15 | April 20-22 The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual three-day music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This year’s notable lineup includes The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Eminem, and many more.
BOSTON MARATHON BOSTON, MA APRIL 16 Established in 1897, this annual marathon runs through 26 miles of winding roads and city streets into the center of Boston. Expect a full weekend of festivities as the city celebrates its most iconic event.
COMMUNIQUÉ | SPRING 2018
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TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL NEW YORK, NY APRIL 18-29 TriBeCa is synonymous with three things: great eats, clever acronyms, and, of course, the TriBeCa Film Festival. A revolutionary lineup of tech-driven events, in conjunction with acclaimed screening selections, awaits creators, futurists, and industry aficionados for an international multimedia event like never before
NFL DRAFT NEW YORK, NY APRIL 27-28 Football greats will convene in NYC this April for the National Football League Draft, where the most eligible college football players are selected for the upcoming season.
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL NEW ORLEANS, LA APRIL 27-MAY 6 The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is the city’s annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. This 10day cultural celebration, featuring live music, art, and dining, will be headlined by a standout lineup of jazz legends from decades past and present.
45th ANNUAL CHAPLIN AWARD GALA NEW YORK, NY April 30 The Film Society of Lincoln Center will honor Helen Mirren with the Chaplin Award at this glamorous gala.
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE JAPAN TIMES
IMAGE COURTESY OF JOÃO SILAS
COMMUNIQUÉ | SPRING 2018
FRIEZE ART FAIR NEW YORK, NY MAY 3-5 Frieze New York returns to Randall’s Island this May, bringing over one thousand of the world’s leading modern and contemporary artists together under one bespoke structure. Expect an exceptional quality and range of artwork, featuring the world’s most exciting emerging talents.
KENTUCKY DERBY LOUISVILLE, KY MAY 5 This year will be the 144th running of the world’s most famous annual horse race. Fabulous hats and mint juleps will abound, as attendees place bets on their favorite horses.
FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR NEW YORK, NY MAY 6 This 40-mile traffic-free day of cycling is powered by TD Bank and revered by New York cyclists and fans alike across all boroughs.
MET GALA NEW YORK, NY MAY 7 The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual star-studded gala benefits their famous Costume Institute in the most glamorous and exclusive event of the year.
COMMUNIQUÉ | SPRING 2018
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JAMES BEARD AWARDS CHICAGO, IL MAY 7 The James Beard Awards Gala celebrates and honors excellence in cuisine, culinary writing, and culinary education in the United States.
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING BALL NEW YORK, NY MAY 22 The Society’s 11th annual gala will raise support for cancer research and is sponsored by Carolina Herrera, with event chairs Anjali Melwani, Marcie Pantzer, Betsy Pitts and Eleanor Ylvisaker.
THE WHITNEY GALA NEW YORK, NY MAY 22 The Whitney’s fabulous annual gala always includes plenty of art, surprise, and excitement. The evening will include cocktails and a dinner honoring Neil G. Bluhm.
BOTTLEROCK FESTIVAL NAPA, CA MAY 25-27 Napa Valley’s annual music festival features over 80 bands on four stages over a three-day period, where the food and drink is just as impressive as the artist lineup. This year includes performances by Bruno Mars, The Killers, Muse, and dozens of other noteworthy musicians.
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IMAGE COURTESY OF JAY WENNINGTON
COMMUNIQUÉ | SPRING 2018
LIFE BALL VIENNA, AUSTRIA JUNE 2 This annual gala is one of the most glamorous international events of the year and welcomes international elite to raise awareness and funds for global AIDS research.
VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO CLASSIC JERSEY CITY JUNE 2 Polo fans and celebrities alike will flock to the 10th annual Polo Classic for the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, flowing champagne, and, of course, the riveting sport itself. Linen suits, sundresses, and bold hats mark the sweetest soirée of the summer.
SAN FRANCISCO JAZZ FESTIVAL SAN FRANCISCO, CA JUNE 6-18 The 35th annual San Francisco Jazz Festival will bring together the hottest names in jazz for over 43 concerts in five Hayes Valley venues. Attendees will enjoy vocal virtuosos and saxophone superstars from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Brazil, Cuba, France, Spain, Switzerland, and more.
TONY AWARDS 2018 NEW YORK, NY JUNE 10 The annual award ceremony for excellence in theatre will be held at Radio City Music Hall. Guests will include the biggest and brightest stars in performing arts today.
COMMUNIQUÉ | SPRING 2018
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B4 WEEKEND BOCA GRANDE, FL JUNE 15-17 Join Garden & Gun for the ultimate summer culinary getaway at the beautiful and historic Gasparilla Inn & Club, featuring the four B’s: beach, bourbon, barbecue, and beer. ASPEN FOOD AND WINE CLASSIC ASPEN, CO JUNE 15-17 This annual food and wine festival will offer five Grand Tastings and countless seminars throughout the weekend. Set in the most picturesque of locations, the nation’s top foodies will gather for one of the most stunning food festivals of the year.
MICHAEL ARENELLA’S 13TH ANNUAL JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY NEW YORK, NY JUNE 16 Jazz Age Lawn Party, now celebrating its 13th year, is the world’s original and largest prohibition-inspired gathering. The event started in 2005 as a small gathering on NYC’s Governors Island and has since grown into one of the world’s most beloved events.
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to place a request, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ATTACHé. EVENT ACCESS IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
Senior Vice President SKIE OCASIO Design/Production BRACKETT BILODEAU Editorial GREG BACCARINI Contributor ASHLEY COHEN
Special Thanks RACHEL WANG | BIGI SANN | JENNA FRITER | KELLY SOULE SASCHA TORRES | LORI KILMARTIN | NICOLE KATZ
IMAGE COURTESY OF PINEAPPLE SUPPLY CO.
2018 ATTACHÉ EDITION
LUXURY ATTACHÉ 33 Irving Place New York, NY 10003 www.luxuryattache.com COVER IMAGES COURTESY OF JESS WATTERS