LX Rockford Fall 2012 by LX Publications

A Gruno's Diamonds Publication

from the publisher

Welcome.

Greetings, It is with great joy that we at Gruno’s Diamonds bring you LX Rockford. In this Fall/Winter edition of LX, we feature two beautiful photo editorials; “Winter Wonderland’s” characters take you through a day of what happens among an enchanted woodland as the snow is freshly falling. “The Fairy Tales of Die Gebrüder Grimm” (The Brothers Grimm) celebrates the 200th anniversary of the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, whose collection of “Children’s and Household Tales” has inspired many of the modern day fairytales that we still celebrate today. This editorial features beautiful artwork and photos created by various artisans from around the world paired with translated excerpts from the original 1812, “Kinder und Hausmärchen.” Also in this issue, we include men’s and women’s fashion straight from the fall runway shows. “Doubly Decadent”, written by the renowned chef Mary Cech, gives some great wine and dessert pairing advice and features a enticing recipe for your indulgence. We enjoy seeing you each time you visit us and we look forward to hearing your stories and being part of your life’s special moments. As we walk through the days of this season, know that you can count on us at Gruno’s Diamonds to help you choose the perfect gift. We have been serving the local jewelry needs of the community for 60 years and we’re proud to offer the most diversified selection of brands in Rockford. Please enjoy this issue of LX Rockford. All the best, Brent, Kathleen, Nic and Channing Meade

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the artistry of

Dabakarov

THE

LAZ A RE DIA MON D The world’s most beautiful diamond ®

Gruno's Diamonds

801 N. Perryville Rd. Rockford IL, 61107 877-947-8667

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Features

inside

Fashion 29 Runway Report: Women's 55 Runway Report: Men's Jewelry 10 Belle Étoile 15 Hearts On Fire 36 Gift Guide

Libation 52 Doubly Decadent

A Gem in the Andaman Sea

Fairy Tales of Die Gebrüder Grimm

Lifestyle 60 Josè Eber 62 Ultime Auto Italiane

Photography 22 Fairy Tales of Die Gebrüder Grimm

43 Winter Wonderland

Travel 19 A Gem in the Andaman Sea

Winter Wonderland

Doubly Decadent: The pairing of Desserts and Sweet Wine

36 Gruno's Diamonds Gift Guide

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cover on on thethe cover

Publishers BRENT MEADE KATHLEEN MEADE Co-Publishers NIC MEADE CHANNING MEADE Editor JON ROBERTS On the cover is an image from LX’s “Winter Wonderland” photo editorial with model featuring jewelry by Tacori. The set, inspired and photographed by LX Art Director, Chelsie Roberts, has a Russian woodland feel and was built indoors on a South Dakota college campus by LX team members. Featuring models of all ages wearing beautiful branded jewelry, the shoot included 120 gallons of faux snow, 35 plus trees, a velvet swing and completed with an ice skating pond. Chelsie says “I was inspired by Russian landscape and architecture, especially castles and churches.”

Art Director CHELSIE ROBERTS Senior Graphic Designer ANGIE HALTER Project Coordinator NICOLE HIGGINS

LX: a coffeetable magazine LX® Magazine is published by LX Publications, LLC, 500 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 300, Chicago, Illinois 60611. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazine.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2012 LX Publications LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of LX Publications, LLC. 8

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Elegance is an attitude

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The Longines Saint-Imier Collection

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Kate Winslet

t e h k e i l s e tar y n i

e r a ou

A second-generation master jeweler with more than 30 years of experience, Cher Tae saw a need for a jewelry line to empower women to express who they truly are. With this vision, she launched the Belle Étoile (“Bell Eh-twahl”) brand of uniquely timeless sterling silver jewelry in 2004. French for “beautiful star”, Belle Étoile’s name traces back to Cher’s father, who founded a fine gem-cutting company with a name meaning “having light”. Cher’s father fostered his family’s dedication to the highest standards by teaching his children and grandchildren to shine in everything they do.

Model featured jewelry:

Beauty Bound www.lxmagazine.com

“We wanted to push the boundaries of design.We wanted to make people look at a piece and then look at it again, then again and again. It is to always make people think differently, to think about what jewelry can be.” -Carolyn Thamkul

Josephine

Key to My Heart

Anastacia

Cher’s inspirations and artistic direction drive Belle Étoile’s team of French- and Italian-trained designers to conceive original designs that reflect the inner beauty of the wearer. In much the same way as every person is beautiful from the inside out, every Belle Étoile piece shines with subtleties the wearer, as well as her audience, can appreciate. Belle Étoile’s Executive Vice President Carolyn Thamkul, Cher’s niece, comments, “Belle Étoile aspires to make people think differently about what jewelry can be. We want people to look at a piece, and then look at it again, and then again and again, finding something new to enjoy each time.” And they’ve succeeded. The JCK Jeweler’s Choice Awards named Belle Étoile’s Anastacia cuff as the Best Bracelet Design in its price category for 2011. Worthy of European royalty, Anastacia’s ultra-feminine styling inspires conversations with its air of luxurious intensity. Belle Étoile also earned accolades as a Finalist in the Best Price Point category for its hand-painted Cestina bangle. Expertly formed in woven silver, Cestina vividly reflects the striking detail apparent in every Belle Étoile piece.

Tying together generations of jewelry craftsmanship and heritage with a European ambiance, Cher named the company Belle Étoile to express the perfect marriage of quality and design. As such, Cher strives to ensure each Belle Étoile piece is as radiant as the brightest stars. Cher observes, “The mindset of fine jewelry and fashion jewelry are blending. Women are now purchasing fine pieces for themselves. They deserve something distinctive and high quality — yet attainable — that they can be proud to wear to a cocktail party or to enhance an everyday outfit.”

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Belle Étoile’s collections explore an evocative fusion of vintage and modern styling. In the Italian Enamel collection, for example, Belle Étoile designers have transformed the centuries-old enameling process to craft contemporary selections of unparalleled beauty. Cher’s creative design sense combines with a state-of-the-art “cold enameling” technique, resulting in the Italian Enamel collection’s vibrant, handpainted colors on timelessly beautiful pieces. The classic sensibilities of Belle Étoile’s Royale collection succinctly parallel the “little black dress” every sophisticated woman has in her wardrobe. Graced with an exquisite array of silver swirls and vines and set with enticing stones, Royale perfectly accessorizes everything from casual to formal attire. Royale is a singularly individual expression, highlighting a woman’s particular flair in much the same fashion as she personalizes her take on the little black dress.

The Beauty Bound collection features a seashell pearl delicately contained within a silver cage, capturing the elegance inherent in simplicity. The pearl’s softly iridescent glow peeks through the silver setting, quietly radiating understated beauty. Offered with pearls in classic white, silver grey or merlot burgundy, Beauty Bound caters to the modern woman’s unique tastes. Whether you are a fashion maven, an artistic ingénue, or a power executive, Belle Étoile offers a jewelry box of looks to inspire you to shine like the star you are.

815.399.1525 www.grunos.com

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By Lyndon Conrad Bell

If you’ve seen a print ad or one of the television commercials, you probably have the tag line committed to memory: Hearts On Fire, The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond. And indeed, Hearts On Fire stones possess brilliance unlike any other. While some may decry the Hearts On Fire diamond as marketing hype elevated to its highest level, the truth of the matter is, with a Hearts On Fire stone, the buyer knows exactly what they’re getting—even if they know nothing at all about diamonds. From the very beginning this was the Hearts On Fire founder Glenn Rothman’s ultimate goal. He wanted to offer the most perfect stone possible. Says Rothman; “Hearts On Fire is much more than the world’s most perfectly cut diamond. For

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that matter, Hearts On Fire is also much more than a luxury brand. Hearts On Fire is a message. It is an experience of communicating emotion at a higher level.” To get there, a very painstaking process must be undertaken with each and every stone. Rothman explains; “When you look at a Hearts On Fire diamond from the bottom through a proportion scope you’ll see the eight perfectly symmetrical hearts. When you look at it from above, you’ll observe eight perfectly aligned Firebursts. Witnessing this for the first time is a moving emotional experience. Once an individual sees what Hearts On Fire really is, it creates an amazing connection, right away.”

Hearts On Fire’s diamonds are produced using the most meticulous processes in the industry. The gems are cut and polished at 10 times the normal standard to ensure the true beauty of each diamond is realized. While most manufacturers use a 10 times magnification process, Hearts On Fire diamonds are subjected to100 times magnification—using NASA based technology. So painstaking is the process, only 400 people on Earth are capable of crafting a Hearts On Fire diamond.

Most entrepreneurs would be satisfied to produce and market the finest stones the world has ever known. However, Glenn Rothman is most assuredly not in the category of “most entrepreneurs”. Rothman says; “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond deserves an equally extraordinary stage. Our diamonds are placed in exquisite settings designed specifically to showcase their intensity.” Thus, Hearts On Fire collections such as Ceremonious, Boundless, and Virtuoso have been renowned for their singular beauty and are worn by tasteful individuals all over the world. Two such remarkably gifted people are the Hearts On Fire brand ambassadors Tara Subkoff and Janie Bryant. These two fashion icons stand out in their respective fields. Owner and lead designer of the Imitation of Christ high fashion line, Tara Subkoff has starred in more than 27 films. Her clothing line is an artistic collection based on hand sewn, vintage inspired pieces that quickly became an international fashion sensation and garnered her a cult-like following. Janie Bryant, costume designer for the television series MadMen, as well as a number of feature films has been lauded with an Emmy award in addition to legions of very prestigious awards nominations. That women of this caliber chose to associate themselves with the Hearts On Fire brand reveals much about the quality and integrity of Rothman’s life’s work. Giving the gift of a Hearts On Fire diamond speaks to the purest expression of love. Rothman effuses; “Every time a woman wears Hearts On Fire, she’ll feel better about herself. And every time a man who has given Hearts On Fire to the woman he loves sees her wearing it…can you imagine how good he’ll feel knowing he has positively influenced the way she feels about herself?”

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Tell the world

YOUR STORY

Sterling silver charms from $25

801 N. Perryville Road • Rockford, IL 61107 815.399.1525 • www.grunos.com

Sri Panwa

in the

THAILAND

Andaman Sea It is easy to see why Phuket attracts more than 5 million tourists a year. This beautiful Thai island can boast some of the world’s finest beaches, as well as a rich and diverse culture, fascinating history, a vibrant culinary scene and a throbbing nightlife. This island really looks after its tourists and whatever kind of vacation you want, you can have it in Phuket—the majority of visitors descend on the resorts on the west of the island, such as the throbbing hub of Patong Beach, where the party keeps going 24/7 and the streets team with life. However, those who want a more tranquil trip can find it on the much quieter north, south and east coasts, where it is still possible to find hidden coves and bays, or on the largely undeveloped islands that lie just offshore, such as Kao Yao Yai and Kao Yao Noi. Phuket is also a magnet for divers, thanks to some of the best dive sites in the world and a magnificent marine environment that is teeming with life. Phuket has to be experienced but beware—once you have been there it will draw you back, again and again and again…

ANDAMAN SEA

By Martin Sayers Bangkok

Phuket

FOUR OF THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN PHUKET Aleenta Set on the spotless sands of Natai Beach to the north of Phuket, Aleenta is somewhat isolated by Phuket standards, with just one other hotel within a five mile radius and few restaurants or bars. Yet it is this tranquillity that is one of the hotel’s greatest assets—Natai is a protected beach and you will never see great lines of sun loungers, just miles and miles of golden sands. Also, unusually for the west coast of Phuket, there is no road between the hotel and the water, meaning that the view from your room is an uninterrupted panorama across the sparkling brilliance of the Andaman Sea. The hotel prides itself on being a home away from home and with three staff to every room, all your needs are taken care of quickly and efficiently. Accommodation is sumptuous and each room and villa has access to either a private or shared swimming pool, while the hotel also boasts one of the best Spas on the island.

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Aleenta Villa

The Pavilions Ocean View Villa

The Pavillions This upscale pool villa resort on lovely Bang Tao beach is setting a new standard for luxury accommodation in Phuket. Each and every villa offers either a mountain or ocean view and comes complete with its own plunge pool, with massages available poolside. Guests choosing to venture out of their accommodation can sample the delights on offer at the deservedly renowned Plantation Club bar and restaurant, which offers tropical cocktails and a mixture of Thai and Mediterranean-style dishes. Sri Panwa Sri Panwa opened in 2005 and is perched high on top of peaceful Cape Panwa in the southeast of the island, commanding breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the Andaman Sea. The resort’s villas each come complete with their own infinity swimming pool and jet stream Jacuzzi system, and sit amongst lush tropical greenery 40-60 metres above sea level along the eastern and western ridges at the very tip of the cape. The hotel is popular with younger visitors and a party atmosphere prevails, with top global DJs often to be found spinning sets at the beach-side bar.

Sri Panwa Villas

Sala Phuket This seriously stylish new hotel opened in 2009 and offers a range of sensational pool villas. Occupying a tranquil position on one of Phuket’s most pristine stretches of beach, the living areas all have outdoor bathrooms and a vast range of facilities. A bar and beachside restaurant, renowned for its seafood, is also on offer and there are three large swimming pools that run alongside the beach. The hotel’s location in the Sirinat National Park means it is well away from the tourist hordes and there are miles of unspoilt beaches on the doorstep. Sala Phuket is also near the excellent and testing Blue Canyon Golf Course, rated as one of the best courses in Asia.

Sala Phuket Pool Villa

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FOUR THINGS YOU MUST DO WHEN VISITING PHUKET Take a trip to Phuket Town You won’t find many tourists in Phuket Town—it’s one of the least visited parts of the island but that means it offers a glimpse of real Thailand. Here you will find incredible Sino-Portuguese architecture, bustling markets, fabulous shops and some of the best and most authentic Thai food on the island.

Limestone Outcrop Phang Nga Bay

Go and see Big Buddha Set high on a hill in the south of the island, this gleaming white statue is an awe-inspiring sight and one of the biggest Buddhas in the world. It’s so large that you can actually see it from half of the island but it is still worth the trip up a winding country road to have a look up close. You can admire the stunning craftsmanship and pay your respects at the nearby shrine, but also enjoy the incredible view, with Phuket laid out below you in all its green, glittering glory. Have a ride on an elephant In the days of large-scale logging, elephants were used as working animals in Phuket, but now these same animals are kept active giving rides to tourists. There are many elephant trip providers on the island, but one of the best is Kok Chang Safari near Karon beach, which offers a lovely mountain trip through a rubber plantation, led by guides who clearly love and care for their animals. Take a boat to Phang Nga Bay Phang Nga Bay off the north-east of the island has to be seen to be believed—this stunning area is dotted with craggy limestone outcrops and beautiful islands that are ringed by mangrove trees and perfect white beaches. Cruising around here is a perfect way to spend a day and depending on your preference you can travel by speed boat, cruise ship or Chinese junk, with private boat rides readily available. Trips generally stop off at various points, including a sea gypsy village and the outcrop famous as the assassin’s hide out in Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun.

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Die FairyTales

Gebrüder Grimm of

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As a brisk, chill wind gusts and snowflakes fall to form drifty peaks this winter, you may want to snuggle up with your loved ones by the warm glow of a fire and tell a story. This year celebrates the 200th anniversary of The Brothers Grimm (German: Die Gebrűder Grimm) fairy tales. To celebrate, we have collected images and artwork from amazing talent, paired with translated excerpts from the original book, “Kinder- und Hausmärchen” (Children's and Household Tales,) to inspire you as you orate about magical characters from far away lands, scary villians and princes and princesses that fell in love and lived happily ever after.

“Cinderella Tale” An artwork piece by Oona Patterson (Oonapatterson.com) A Sculpture crafted and cut in book and paper

"Sisters" Photography and concept Kelly Ealy Models Laura Meyers and Adrienna Ealy Makup Laura New

Aschenputtel Cinderella

“The king's son, who was waiting for her, took her by the hand and danced with her; and, when any one asked her to dance, he said as before, "This lady is dancing with me." When night came she wanted to go home; and the king's son went with her, but she sprang away from him all at once into the garden behind her father's house. In this garden stood a fine large pear-tree; and Cinderella jumped up into it without being seen. Then the king's son waited till her father came home, and said to him, "The unknown lady has slipped away, and I think she must have sprung into the pear-tree." The father ordered an axe to be brought, and they cut down the tree, but found no one upon it. And when they came back into the kitchen, there lay Cinderella in the ashes as usual; for she had slipped down on the other side of the tree, and carried her beautiful clothes back to the bird at the hazel-tree, and then put on her little old frock. The third day, when her father and mother and sisters were gone, she went again into the garden, and said—"Shake, shake, hazel-tree, gold and silver over me!" Then her kind friend the bird brought a dress still finer than the former one, and slippers which were all of gold; and the king's son danced with her alone, and when any one else asked her to dance, he said, "This lady is my partner." Now when night came she wanted to go home; and the king's son would go with her, but she managed to slip away from him, though in such a hurry that she dropped her left golden slipper upon the stairs. So the prince took the shoe, and went the next day to the king, his father, and said, ‘I will take for my wife the lady that this golden shoe fits.’ ”

"Cinderella" Photography, hair, makeup, styling Three Nails Photography

Sneewittchen Little Snow-White

“And thus Snow-White lay for a long, long time, and still only her all that had happened, and said, ‘I love you better than all looked as though she were asleep; for she was even now as the world; come with me to my father's palace, and you shall white as snow, and as red as blood, and as black as ebony. At be my wife.’ Snow-White consented, and went home with the last a prince came and called at the dwarfs' house; and he saw prince; and everything was prepared with great pomp and Snow-White and read what was written in golden letters. Then splendor for their wedding. he offered the dwarfs money, and earnestly prayed them to let him take her away; but they said, ‘We will not part with her To the feast was invited, among the rest, Snow-White's old for all the gold in the world.’ At last, however, they had pity on enemy, the queen; and as she was dressing herself in fine, rich him, and gave him the coffin; but the moment he lifted it up to clothes, she looked in the glass and said, ‘Tell me, glass, tell me carry it home with him, the piece of apple fell from between true! Of all the ladies in the land, Who is fairest? tell me who?’ her lips, and Snow-White awoke, and exclaimed, ‘Where am I!’ And the glass answered, ‘Thou, lady, art the loveliest here, I And the prince answered, ‘Thou art safe with me.’ Then he told ween; But lovelier far is the new-made queen.’ ” This page: “Snow White” Photography Joshua Wilcoxon for Wilcoxon Photography Makeup/Hair Angelique Verver for Platinum Imagination

Opposite page: “Little Red Riding Hood” Photography Viona Ielegems Model Jolien Rosanne Post-production Chester Van Bommel “Rumpelstiltskin” An artwork piece by Mandy Smith (mandysmithwork.com) Dress created in baking paper and the wheel cardboard, Room and props all designed, created and painted by hand . Photography Leon Hendrickx Model Dorothy Bany Makeup Artist Anita Jolles

Little Red-Cap “Many years ago there lived a dear little girl who was beloved by every one who knew her; but her grand-mother was so very fond of her that she never felt she could think and do enough to please this dear grand-daughter, and she presented the little girl with a red silk cap, which suited her so well, that she would never wear anything else, and so was called Little Red-Cap. One day Red-Cap's mother said to her, ‘Come, Red-Cap, here is a nice piece of meat, and a bottle of wine: take these to your grandmother; she is weak and ailing, and they will do her good. Be there before she gets up; go quietly and carefully.’ The grandmother lived far away in the wood, a long walk from the village, and as Little Red-Cap came among the trees she met a Wolf; but she did not know what a wicked animal it was, and so she was not at all frightened. ‘Good morning, Little Red-Cap,’ he said.”

National Content

Rotkäppchen Rumpelstilzchen Rumpelstiltskin

“There was once a poor Miller who had a beautiful daughter, and one day, having to go to speak with the King, he said, in order to make himself appear of consequence, that he had a daughter who could spin straw into gold. The King was very fond of gold, and thought to himself, ‘That is an art which would please me very well;’ and so he said to the Miller, ‘If your daughter is so very clever, bring her to the castle in the morning, and I will put her to the proof.’ ”

Dornröschen Little Briar-Rose/Sleeping beauty

“After many, many years there came another king's son into that land, and an old man told him the story of the thicket of thorns, and how a beautiful palace stood behind it, in which was a wondrous princess, called Briar Rose, asleep with all her court. He told, too, how he had heard from his grandfather that many, many princes had come, and had tried to break through the thicket, but had stuck fast and died. Then the young prince said, ‘All this shall not frighten me; I will go and see Briar Rose.’ The old man tried to dissuade him, but he persisted in going. Now that very day the hundred years were completed; and as the prince came to the thicket he saw nothing but beautiful flowering shrubs, through which he passed with ease, and they closed after him as firm as ever. Then he came at last to the palace, and there in the yard lay the dogs asleep, and the horses in the stables, and on the roof sat the pigeons fast asleep with their heads under their wings; and when he came into the palace, the flies slept on the walls, and the cook in the kitchen was still holding up her hand as if she would beat the boy, and the maid sat with a black fowl in her hand ready to be plucked. Then he went on still further, and all was so still that he could hear every breath he drew; till at last he came to the old tower and opened the door of the little room in which Briar Rose was, and there she lay fast asleep, and looked so beautiful that he could not take his eyes off, and he stooped down and gave her a kiss. But the moment he kissed her she opened her eyes and awoke, and smiled upon him. Then they went out together, and presently the king and queen also awoke, and all the court, and they gazed on each other with great wonder. And the horses got up and shook themselves, and the dogs jumped about and barked; the pigeons took their heads from under their wings, and looked about and flew into the fields; the flies on the walls buzzed away; the fire in the kitchen blazed up and cooked the dinner, and the roast meat turned round again; the cook gave the boy the box on his ear so that he cried out, and the maid went on plucking the fowl.

National Content

And then was the wedding of the prince and Briar Rose celebrated, and they lived happily together all their lives.”

“Sleeping Beauty” Photography Viona Ielegems Model Jolien Rosanne Post-production Chester Van Bommel

Designer Spotlight

Womens Fall 2012

Etro's New Bold Paisley Dream Godfrey Deeny

Brands always like to talk about respecting their DNA even as they subvert and reinvent them, and on Friday, Feb. 24, in Milan we saw a brilliant example of that whole concept at a thoroughly assured fall 2012 collection by the house of Etro. Veronica Etro’s key obsession was paisley, the very fabric that is more associated with Etro than any other Continental luxury brand. And, talk about taking it somewhere new! The designer trimmed astrakhan jackets with a filigree of leather laser cut in the paisley style, or outlined the twisting shapes in velvet strips on a see-through mesh top. Etro also tapped into Italy’s biggest accessories trend for fall 2012 - the curvy leather peplum belt, dissecting sleek leather jeans and bolero combinations, or adding oomph to slim dark cocktails. “I was thinking of costumes, especially 19th century costumes, and how Edwardian artists used color and shape in an elegant way. I

Designer Spotlight

wanted something dramatic,” Though the label does not yet have the name recognition of, say, Armani or Prada, Etro now boasts the biggest show in Milan. Staged in a giant ice rink with bleacher seating, the show attracts nearly 2,000 fans and professionals. Each place holds a silk gift cushion - this season in paisley, of course.

Designer Spotlight

Etro’s finest moment was a series of curvy evening dresses made in panels of paisley and blocks of black. It could have looked hackneyed but it never did, because Signora Etro kept the right amount of wit and levity throughout - like using tentacles of paisley to keep a revealing mesh top modest. In a word, the show was a fine fashion moment, a splendid example of refreshing a house’s DNA and a great personal success of Etro’s.

Burberry

John Galliano

Lanvin

Nicole Miller

877-9GRUNOS

G R U N O S .CO M

Forevermark is part of the De Beers group of companies.

L e s s t h a n o n e p e r c e n t o f t h e w o r l d ’ s d i a m o n d s c a n b e F o r e v e r m a r k ®. Our promise that this diamond is as unique as the one for whom it is intended.

are Registered Trade Marks of the De Beers group of companies.

8 0 1 N O R T H P E R R Y V I L L E R OA D | R O C K F O R D , I L L I N O I S 6 1 1 0 7 | 8 1 5 . 3 9 9 .1 5 2 5

Gift Guide TACORI 18K925 Lilac Blossom Collection Sterling Silver Earrings, Necklace and Rings with round Amethysts

TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum Crescent Wedding Band with a romantic ribbontwist with diamond accents.

TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum Crescent Engagement Ring with a double halo of diamonds and pave set diamonds

TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum Crescent Halo Engagement Ring

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TACORI 18K925 Sterling Silver Bracelet with faceted candy-drop gems in Saffron Lemon Quartz, Honeyed Cognac Quartz, Seafoam Prasiolite, Smoky Quartz and Deep Rose Amethyst

TACORI 18K925 Sterling Silver and 18k Rose Gold Studs with round Sweet Rose Amethyst

TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum Simply Tacori Engagement Ring with crescent diamond details decorating the sides of a classic high-polished solitaire mounting.

Sterling Silver and 18k Rose or Yellow Gold Ring with a cushion-cut shape Rose Amethyst surrounded by Diamonds

TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum Simply Tacori Engagement Ring with brilliant alluring pave decorating on the ceiling and along the gorgeous surprise side details.

TACORI 18K925 Island Rain Collection Bangles & Cluster Ring: Sterling Silver with clusters of Sky Blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz and Clear Quartz layered over Neolite Turquoise stones Sterling Silver studs with over-sized plush clouds of Clear Quartz over Neolite Turquoise

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BELLE Ă&#x2030;TOILE Butterfly Kisses Collection: Sterling Silver that is beautifully hand-painted with Enamel Butterflies. The fanicful colors of Butterfly Kisses inspire you to take flight in this magical paradise.

BELLE Ă&#x2030;TOILE Cherry Blossom Bracelet, Galaxy Bracelet and Galapagos Bracelet: Sterling silver that is beautifully hand-painted with enamel to create fun and different looks for any occasion.

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FOREVERMARK Round Diamond Halo Pendant Round Diamond Halo Ring with Pave Band Round Diamond Halo Studs Round Diamond Halo Drops

KIR Samartha Round Ring, Drop Earrings and Charm Bracelet: Hand-carved Mother of Pearl Round set in Sterling Silver

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BELLE Ă&#x2030;TOILE Coccodrillo Collection: Sterling Silver that is expertly crafted into ridges that mimic the sensual texture of crocodile skin. Exotic and chic, Coccodrillo is luxury redefined.

LAZARE KAPLAN 4-prong Diamond Solitaire Virtue Pendant

LAZARE KAPLAN 3-prong Diamond Stud Flame Earrings

LAZARE KAPLAN Tesoro: 18k White Gold or Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring with with a split diamond foundation Stella Lutece: 18k White Gold or Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring with a simple design featuring a knot style crown Lucia Aria: 18k White Gold or Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring with diamonds accenting the band 40

HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold or Platinum 3-prong Studs

HEARTS ON FIRE

18k White Gold or Platinum Diamond Hoop Earrings that give the choice of dramatic and bold or simple and elegant.

18k White, Yellow Gold or Platinum Diamond Fulfillment Pendant

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Photography Chelsie Roberts Models Mary Schleich James Graber Kat Stevens Jeremy Ray Smolik Laura Carlson Kim Rockman Photo Assistant Dan Thorston Makeup Artist Angie Wheeler Hair Stylist Jessica Lee

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Winter Wonderland

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oubly By Mar y C

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t n e d a ec rt Cookbo

esse e Lover’s D in W e Th “ Author of

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You know your favorite dessert around the holidays. Memories on a chilly day of warm, spicy bundles of sliced apples encased in delicate puff pastry all baked to a golden brown, rich deep-dark and moist chocolate cake frosted with silky bittersweet chocolate or maybe a mouth tingling refreshing winter citrus lemon tart with rich butter pastry enjoyed after a heavy meal. Whatever your favorite holiday dessert may be, usually the decision is much easier to determine than your favorite sweet wine. As with all matters of taste — music, clothing, friends, — enjoyment of wine with friends and family is much more a matter of personal preference than of scientific calculation. You may very well already have some idea of the wines you prefer with traditional savory foods. Common wisdom dictates that white wines go best with light meats and fish for example, but you are on shakier terroir at the end of the meal when pairing desserts with sweet wines. Few guidelines exist for pairing sweet wines and desserts. Although without an instruction manual to help you choose and pair dessert wines with the appropriate dessert can prove overwhelming, it does free you of the burden of preconceived notions. No rules, no mistakes! There is only one rule when it comes to pairing desserts and sweet wines. “Eat what you like, drink what you enjoy with it.” With that in mind you can get started with two simple thoughts and several helpful sweet wine tips to assist you on your sweet pairing journey. 52

White Chocolate Parfait Photo © frankenyimages.com

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irst, sample, sample, sample! Since dessert wines contain a fair amount of sugar, alcohol and acidity acting as natural preservatives, storing them in the refrigerator after opening extends their shelf life a week or more and allows you to sample several wines later. When preparing a dessert, try it with a few different wines and observe how the dessert’s flavors are enhanced or masked by the wine. You can start determining your likes and dislikes.

econdly, don’t be shy; get to know a local wine merchant. As they begin to know your particular tastes, you will be introduced to new wines to fit your palate. When “making the match” of dessert and sweet wine, I advise a few sweet wine tips, which I consider my Top 10 Sweet Wine Tips to get you started for this holiday season.

weet sparkling wines are versatile, refreshing and a great way to celebrate any special occasion and holiday. They are perfect after a traditional holiday meal. They don’t overwhelm lighter desserts like orange citrus chiffon cake, but provide a welcome palate cleanser for richer desserts such as, pumpkin cheesecake. Fortified wines stand up well to rich desserts with deep flavors of toasted nuts, caramel, winter fruits, dried fruits, spice and chocolate. A tartlet of dried fruits, fresh apples, cinnamon and clove covered with butter streusel with Tawny Port can be a warming comfort on a cold evening.

y Y t T

ou should always enjoy what you taste. The definition of a good dessert wine is one you enjoy drinking alone first.

n N

ot all sweet wines and desserts need each other. Don’t over power either a wine or a dessert. Some wines are best when drank alone like Sauternes and Vintage Ports.

g G

et to know sweet wines. Taste them with simple desserts that don’t fight for your attention. Simple slices of fruit, pound cake or angel food cake can get you started. Here are some examples of some of my holiday favorites; Raspberry Baked Alaska has always signified “a special holiday occasion” to me. Engaging in lively conversation while watching mounds of showy meringue over ice cream or raspberry sorbet being flamed and browned tableside is doubly memorable around the holidays. A vintage, or LBV, port with berry flavors is a great complement to the raspberry sorbet. Plum Gazettes welcome a cooler season as plums bridge the end of summer and beginning of fall and the holiday season. Black Muscat would be a good sweet wine choice with these flaky pastries. By understanding sweet wine flavor characteristics and pairing suggestions you will be on your way this season to pairing your holiday dessert memories with your favorite holiday sweet wines for a double decadent taste experience.

Honeyed Fig and Hazelnut Tart

he wine should be equal or slightly sweeter than the dessert. This is very important! The sweeter the dessert, the sweeter the wine, otherwise it will taste sour, tart or bitter.

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air wines that are high in acidity either with rich, creamy desserts like cinnamon rice pudding to cut their richness or with light, warm or chilled fall and winter fruit compotes for the holidays.

C c C

omplement or gently contrast the dessert flavors with the wine flavors.

omplement the weight of the wine to the richness of the dessert. Light body wine with a light dessert or contrast with a rich creamy cheesecake.

rice is no object! A typical serving of dessert wine is 3 ounces; therefore sweet wines can be easy on the pocketbook.

d D

iet is no problem as we watch the calorie consumption rise around holidays. Dessert wines contain no fat. Coupled with a modest serving of dessert, even dieters can enjoy them in moderation.

"Don’t over power either a wine or a dessert. Some wines 53 are best when drank alone."

R r

Making the Match: A vintage, or LBV, port

aspberry Baked Alaska

with berry flavors is a nice complement to the raspberry sorbet. I love Charles B. Mitchel Vineyards Cucamonga Valley Old vine Zinfandel Port (California).

3 large eggs 6 tablespoons sugar Â˝ teaspoon pure vanilla extract Âž cup cake flour, sifted

2 pints raspberry sorbet 5 large egg whites 2/3 cup superfine or granulated sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Butter the sides of a 9-inch round cake pan and dust with flour.

Place a generous scoop of sorbet atop each cake round. Transfer the sheet to the freezer until frozen solid, about an hour.

In a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs and 6 tablespoons sugar at high speed until they are thick, pale, and tripled in volume, about 5 minutes. Use a hand whisk to gently but thoroughly fold in the vanilla and flour. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake until the cake pulls away from the sides of the top and is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool the cake.

Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl at high speed until they are foamy. Gradually add the 2/3 cup of sugar. Beat until the meringue is smooth, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.

Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen and then invert onto a plate. Remove the parchment paper. With a long serrated knife, cut the cake horizontally into 2 layers. Place the layers on a flat surface and cut out 8 rounds using a 3-inch cutter. Arrange the rounds on the lined baking sheet.

54 Photo ÂŠ frankenyimages.com

Remove the cake and sorbet rounds from the freezer. Working quickly spread the meringue over the top and sides of the sorbet and cake. Swirl the meringue in a decorative pattern. Return to the freezer until needed. Just before serving, preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and position a rack as low as possible. Quickly brown the meringue and serve immediately. Makes 8 servings. For more information about Mary's recipes visit marycech.com

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Mens

Designer Spotlight

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Fall 2012

Haute Hotel & High Fashion Godfrey Deeny

This Fall season reigning heavyweight champion of Italian fashion Giorgio Armani, staged two runway shows, launched a new underwear campaign with singer Rihanna and welcomed guests into his newly-opened mega clean and opulent Armani Hotel Milano, his luxury inn’s first fashion season. The huge influence of Asian and Thirties elegance in this designer’s aesthetic was evident both in his

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hotel and on his runway, as the soft shouldered suits and non-colors of cement and slate of his latest show, echoed the curvy pre-war style sofas, desks and walls, as well as the understated hues of

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his classy high-tech home. Presented in Armani’s custom-made show theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 17, his fall 2012 menswear collection was more path-breaking than many recent shows – even containing some natty examples of a huge Milan trend, knitted trousers, though in this case, they were cut like tapered jogging pants, albeit with triple pleated pants. “Quite frankly, I feel more comfortable in large pants rather than tight ones. Everyone does. And comfort is an essential part of luxury,” Armani said. He also went outside the envelope with a new airy tweed, rejecting its rural tradition for a beautifully deconstructed silhouette, seen in a series of rather 56

magisterially suits. Hyper-thick felt wool used in casual double-breasted jackets and in audacious biker jackets meet cardigans, followed by a sextet of mannequins in rugged velour mountain jackets worn over Armani’s new ribbed cord jogging trousers were a testament to how this septuagenarian designer still keeps his ideas fresh.

Designer Spotlight

Two days before in Emporio Armani, his choice of tasseled, golfing loafers, waffle nylon mini jackets

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and dashing aviator in search of a party faded leather jackets in smoke gray and anthracite had

plenty of youthful elan too. Though the fashion pack will probably best remember this season for the designer’s hotel. “The hotel is very important. We have had an incredible echo from people and the media. They both found a scent of Armani in every speck of the place. The quality of materials and taste should help people understand the aesthetics I strongly believe in. I feel at ease there, like in my own home. Plus, you can see from the hotel that my clothes and the way I live have very similar aesthetics,” insisted Armani.

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“making every client feel beautiful and comfortable within”

A Biography  Ingrained in the hair and beauty industries for more than three decades, renowned hairstylist and entrepreneur Josè Eber has continued to be a leading authority and influencer in his field. With a trademark beauty philosophy which has led to thousands of extraordinary transformations for men and women all over the globe and some of history’s most famous hairstyles, Josè Eber’s unwavering vision and longstanding commitment to “making every client feel beautiful and comfortable within” is just one of the qualities that has led to his long term success. Born and raised in the South of France, Josè Eber launched his career at one of Paris’s most esteemed salons. Even from the beginning, the visionary designer planned to conquer the beauty industry. When he visited Los Angeles while on a holiday, Josè immediately fell in love with the city. “I felt that I was home.” And nine months later Josè Eber arrived to permanently immerse himself in—and change the face of—American hair culture. Shortly thereafter he opened his Beverly Hills Flagship Salon which was much more than a place to get your hair done. A pioneer in the urban retreat concept, Josè offered guests the most advanced hair and beauty services available in a relaxing, elegant and comfortable setting. On any given day his salon was filled with celebrities, socialites and international jetsetters. All of whom got to experience Josè and his expert team of stylists’ and colorists’ artistry. Josè has also been an instrumental force in several Hollywood looks that defined an era and are classic and timeless today.

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Josè Eber continues to conquer the hair industry and salon experience. After two decades on Rodeo Drive, Josè had an opportunity to change locations to the freestanding former home of Christie’s Auction House at 360 North Camden Drive. The whimsical space is a mixture of “Old world Parisian style with an updated twist.” He continues, “When I originally met with my designer Waldo Fernandez, I was a bit shy about going bold with the space.” Waldo expressed to me, “Celebrate your career, clientele and your team.” Dramatically high ceilings, striking purple lacquer doors and accents, luminous lighting around each of the iron handcrafted stations, colorful collages by artist Terence Lawlor, an impressive and inviting entryway with a mirrored welcome desk and movable partitions that provides a bit of privacy for guests who request it are just a few of the many defining and exquisite features of the salon. Josè and his expert team of stylists and colorists will meet and exceed the needs of its clientele, all within a relaxed and luxurious environment. And continuing with Josè’s vision of the urban day retreat, guests will also have an array of exceptional beauty services including a Medi-spa, premium make-up services, a private suite, laser and facial procedures and more. “I wanted to create the ultimate beauty experience for men and women.” Josè Eber continues to be a dominant influence and authority in the hair and beauty industry and has no plans to slow down anytime soon. From the beginning of his impressive career to today, Jose Eber’s primary goal and the reason for his longevity in a business that tends to see stylists come and go, is the genuine desire to make each person he or one of his staff touches, look and feel beautiful. “Making people look and feel beautiful is truly a gift that keeps on giving.”

ITALY’S MOST DESIRABLE EXOTIC CARS By Lyndon Conrad Bell When it comes to exotic cars, the Italians rule the collective imagination of the planet. The legendary names Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati evoke images of achingly beautiful, fast, exclusive, and infinitely desirable automobiles. However, these brands are about more than just cars. Each also harbors the heritage of success of some of the most determined entrepreneurs the world has ever known. Thus, when you buy one of these cars, you’re buying more than just a rolling piece of sculpture; you’re also buying a testament to the success of the legendary individuals whose names adorn them. These cars look like dreams come true because they are. The imaginations and the subsequent accomplishments of their manufacturers are the foundation upon which rests their ultimate allure. From the very origin of their companies, each of the people behind these cars set out to create the most extraordinary automobiles the world had ever witnessed. While the roots of Ferrari and Maserati can be traced directly to racing, the roots of perhaps the most extroverted car of them all actually goes back to…tractor manufacturing.

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LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR Ferrucio Lamborghini was an Italian tractor manufacturer with an appreciation for the finer things in life. This included Ferrari sports cars, until one of his Ferraris suffered a recurring clutch problem. When Lamborghini confronted Enzo Ferrari about the situation and the paucity of customer service his dealer exhibited, Ferrari dismissed Lamborghini’s concerns as trivial. Offended by Ferrari’s perceived arrogance, Lamborghini decided to build his own sports car—one superior to Ferrari’s in every way. Today’s ultimate manifestation of that desire is the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, one of the fastest road cars ever made. Boasting 700 horsepower, 507 foot-pounds of torque, and a curb weight of just over 3,400 pounds, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 will accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds and will achieve a top speed of 217 miles per hour. Just as in the most highly advanced racing cars, the Aventador’s 6.5-liter V12 engine is positioned behind the driver—but in front of the rear

wheels—in what is known as a midengine configuration. This keeps as much of the car’s weight as possible centrally located, enabling outstanding agility and road holding. Further, equipped with all-wheel drive, the Aventador LP 700-4 is blessed with outstanding tractability. The Lamborghini uses a seven-speed automated manual transmission. Crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, the Aventador is both lightweight and extremely strong. The entire passenger compartment of the Lamborghini is of one piece, and constructed of carbon fiber. Other key components of its aggressively angular body are made from aluminum; including the engine cover, the cargo cover, the doors, and the front fenders. While the look of the car is undeniably beautiful, each of its lines serves a function. The sharply honed front end, the extremely low roofline and the distinctive rear diffuser all permit the Lamborghini to slice through the air with minimal resistance, thus translating as much of the engine’s output as possible into forward motion. As have all of Lamborghini’s cars since the legendary Countach (koon TASH) of the 1970’s, the Aventador features upwardly opening doors for a bit of added drama. The air intakes on the Lamborghini open and close on demand, based upon the Aventador’s need for cooling air. This further improves the aerodynamics of the Lamborghini. The V12 engine, considered a work of art unto itself, is displayed beneath a transparent cover. As have been all of Lamborghini’s mid-engine supercars (save one, the Countach), the Aventador takes its name from the world of bullfighting. Exhibiting exceptional courage, tenacity and aggressiveness, Aventador was a particularly fierce fighting bull, which earned the respect of the bullfighting community in October of 1993 at the Zaragoza bullfighting arena in Madrid.

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MASERATI QUATTROPORTE GT S Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati was a company of six of the seven Maserati brothers (Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ernesto, Ettore and Mario) founded in 1914. Their number comprised of engineers, an artist, and a racing driver (Alfieri); the brothers began their careers building racing cars for one of the dominant auto manufacturers of their day. When that company suspended its racing operations, the brothers continued to build racing cars under their own name. Alfieri Maserati won the prestigious Targa Florio road race in 1926 in one of the first Maserati racing cars. While the first Maserati road car was built in 1947, the 1957 Maserati 3500 GT marked the transition of the company from a builder of racing cars to road car manufacturing. Rather than an out and out sports car, the 3500 GT was a grand touring car. While exciting to drive, the GT was also comfortable and practical for daily use. Today’s ultimate iteration of that ideal is the Maserati Quattroporte GT S. Fitted with a 433-horsepower V8 engine (designed by Ferrari engineers) capable of revving to 7,100 rpm and producing 362 foot-pounds of torque, the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is without question Italy’s most fabulous luxury sedan. The engine’s exhaust system employs air valves that open to reduce backpressure in the exhaust; this has the effect of

increasing the engine’s maximum power output, creating a throaty roar at low engine speeds, and unleashing the full symphonic sound of a highly tuned sports car at higher rpm. The ultimate iteration of the Maserati Quattroporte sedan for the enthusiastic driver, the Sport GT S, is poised some 10 mm lower on its suspension than the standard Quattroporte. This, in conjunction with the Maserati’s 20-inch wheels and low-profile performance tires, gives the GT S a more aggressive look, as well as superior handling. The palatial interior features performance-oriented touches such as aluminum pedals, shift paddles on the steering column, and perforated Alcantara upholstery. The fabric looks extraordinarily rich while simultaneously holding the Maserati’s fortunate occupants in place as the car engages in the type of automotive acrobatics sure to bring a smile to the face of any driving aficionado. The plush material is also employed on the door panels, the center front armrest, the steering wheel, and the gearshift knob. Possessing the graceful style, beauty and lavish accoutrements for which exotic Italian cars are well renowned, along with the sound and performance potential of a highly tuned sports car, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is practically unrivaled in the automotive industry.

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FERRARI F12BERLINETTA Every person with at least a passing interest in sports cars has heard the name Enzo Ferrari at some point. Interestingly though, Ferrari had very little interest in road going sports cars. He only turned to producing a line of street cars to generate income to support his racing activities. Which, by the way, have been consistently some of the most successful ever known. Further, Scuderia Ferrari is the only racing team to have competed in the Formula One World Championship continuously since its inception in 1950. José Froilán González gave the team its first F1 victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix. The current Ferrari racing team has won five of the eleven world Formula 1 championships decided so far in this century (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007). Despite Enzo Ferrari’s reticence toward building street cars, the ones bearing his name are among the most highly coveted known to humankind. In fact, the name Ferrari is synonymous with the phrase “exotic sports car”. The 3,362-pound Ferrari F12berlinetta’s 6.3-liter V12 engine spins out 740 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 508 foot-pounds of torque at 6,000 rpm. This makes the Berlinetta capable of running to 60 miles per hour in around three seconds and endows it

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with a top speed of 211 miles per hour. A rear-mounted, seven-speed, dual-clutch, automated manual transmission routes the engine’s output to the rear wheels. The F12berlinetta’s spaceframe chassis (a highly effective technique incorporated directly from racing car design) and its bodyshell use 12 different kinds of metal alloys for exceptional strength— coupled with light weight. Mounting the transmission at the rear of the Ferrari establishes its weight distribution at 46 percent front to 54 percent rear, despite the model being a front-engined car. This gives the F12berlinetta exceptional handling characteristics. Further, innovative aerodynamic techniques reduce the atmosphere’s drag on the Ferrari while simultaneously helping it stay glued to the road. The

F12berlinetta’s “Aero Bridge” uses the hood of the Ferrari to channel air flowing over the upper part of the Ferrari to its flanks where it interacts with the wake from the wheel wells. This simultaneously decreases drag and generates downforce. The Ferrari’s Active Brake Cooling system opens the guide vanes to the brakes’ cooling ducts only when needed—at high operating temperatures—to further reduce drag. The current pinnacle of the Ferrari GT and sports car lineup, the Ferrari F12berlinetta is the most powerful road going Ferrari ever built. This car, along with the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, clearly reflect the intentions of their respective company’s founders and rank as the most desirable cars the world has ever known.