A Williams Jewelers Publication
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oyster perpetual, cosmograph and daytona are trademarks.
from the publisher
Welcome. It is with great joy to announce Williams Jewelers premier edition of LX Denver. In this 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 yummy 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 Williams Jewelers to help you choose the perfect gift. We have been serving the local jewelry needs of the community since 1973 and we’re proud to offer the most diversified selection of designers in Denver. Please enjoy this issue of LX Denver. Warm wishes to you and yours, Bruce Williams and Michelle Williams
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the
Ancient collection
One-of-a-kind collection, exclusively available at
OF CHERRY CREEK NORTH 2825 E 3RD AVE. DENVER, CO 80206 303-355-4322 WILLIAMSJEWELERS.NET
Features
inside
Fashion 29 Runway Report: Women's 55 Runway Report: Men's Jewelry 10 Williams Jewelers 36 Gift Guide 60 Hearts On Fire
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Community 15 Williiams' Philanthropy
Photography 22 Fairy Tales of Die Williams Jewelers
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Fairy Tales of Die Gebr端der Grimm
22
Gebr端der Grimm
43 Winter Wonderland
Travel 19 A Gem in the Andaman Sea Libation 52 Doubly Decadent 63 Champagne: Fine Anytime
Winter Wonderland
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Doubly Decadent: The pairing of Desserts and Sweet Wine
36 Williams Jewelers Gift Guide
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cover on on thethe cover
Publishers BRUCE WILLIAMS MICHELLE WILLIAMS Editor JON ROBERTS Art Director CHELSIE ROBERTS
On the cover is an image from LX’s “Winter Wonderland” photo editorial. 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.”
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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...a legacy of personal attention By Lyndon Conrad Bell
“Why so many high-end jewelry stores think haughtiness constitutes good service is beyond us. Williams' friendly, informative, and patient staff makes bauble-shopping fun, not intimidating.” – 5280 Magazine Invariably, every platitude ever afforded Williams Jewelers at some point incorporates something effusive regarding the warmth of the staff. Given the attitude of the team typically reflects the attitude of the leaders, it comes as no surprise to learn Bruce Williams and daughter, Michelle Williams are two of the most affable people you’ll ever meet. The father/daughter team extends their familial relationship into every aspect of the business. Bruce explains it thusly; “Our staff, the Williams Jewelers family, is a team of highly qualified individuals who work hard to ensure our customers are well served. We also enjoy each other’s company. We spend time together going to football games, hockey games, sharing in lifetime events, working out, and just enjoying one another’s company.” Says Michelle, “My dad and I handpicked each person on our staff based on their interpersonal skills as well as their professional knowledge. Everyone is here to provide our clients with the ultimate experience. 10
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“We’re all about the customers first.”
Bruce Williams & Michelle Williams
Yes, everyone says that about his or her business, but this is different. You feel it the moment you walk into their store. Even their location was chosen to engender a family feeling. While many jewelers covet the traffic a mall location affords, Bruce chose to forego that business model. “We’re all about the customer first” he says. “Malls are not conducive to the local family jeweler feel we believe is important. Granted mall stores permit longer hours, but the other side of that is the best, truly professional salespeople prefer to avoid working nights and Sundays. We’d rather keep a warm and knowledgeable staff than churn and burn people trying to wring out a few extra sales. That can really have a negative impact on your customer base. A freestanding store gives you the control you need to make sure everyone is taken care of, starting with the customer and including your staff.” Every person you’ll encounter at Williams Jewelers truly cares about making the experience of purchasing, receiving, and giving the gift of fine jewelry a highly pleasurable one. In fact, after going through the process of helping brides and grooms select their rings, members of the Williams Jewelers staff are often invited to the weddings. The personal relationships have a tendency to become just that strong. The Williams Jewelers story goes back to 1973, when Bruce and Suzanne Williams founded Williams Jewelers of Cherry Creek in east Denver. With humble beginnings and a love of fine jewelry, the young couple began what would eventually become one of the finest jewelry boutiques in Colorado. Bruce had gone to school to be a pilot, but since he wasn’t a military pilot, the job offers he got consisted of crop duster, flying instructor, and bush pilot. He considered opening in Aspen, Vail, and Steamboat Springs before settling on Denver. However, the nature of tourist clientele, his desire to be part of a community, and his love of fine jewelry brought his business plans out of the mountains and into Denver. Michelle came along a number of years later; “My dad taught me about the business from the time I was a little child. As with many children of small businesses, I spent a lot of time at the store with my parents.” After ten years, Bruce outgrew the original location and moved the store to Cherry Creek North. Seventeen years later, Bruce moved the store again to a much larger space where he and Suzanne designed their dream store. Speaking of designing, Williams Jewelers is noted for custom collections designed by Bruce and Michelle. Of their work Michelle says; “There are basic patterns and realms of shapes, forms and design principles we both keep in mind when designing, but we also like to try new things and push the limits in an effort to stay true to who we are as jewelry designers.” Bruce says; “ I see things primarily from an architectural point of view. My style combines modern and contemporary with a traditional and classic flair to achieve a timeless quality. Outside the collections, I make sure each piece is reflective of the unique personality of the owner so it can easily be an heirloom passed from generation to generation.” www.lxmagazine.com
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is very proud to have been chosen by 5280 Magazine as its
2012 Editors Choice Top of the Town Award, a prestigious coveted honor among Denver retailers.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker popped the question to his long time girlfriend, country star Jessie James with a Williams Jewelers custom design. Says Decker; “When I decided to buy Jessie’s ring, I wanted a true Denver jeweler. One of the guys told me to check out Williams Jewelers. Yeah, I was a little nervous, I know football not diamonds—but they got me hands on with some stones and settings and we built Jessie an amazing engagement ring!" For 2012, Bruce and Michelle launched “The Ancient Collection”. Inspired by the look of rough diamonds, it’s designed to reflect the organic feel and natural texture of uncut stones to create rings, bracelets and necklaces singularly intended to be wearable pieces of art. The Williams also like to have fun; one of their promotions, the Denver Diamond Dash stashed a $15,000 Hearts On Fire diamond ring somewhere in downtown Denver. Potential entrants had to submit their love stories to be read on the air on Alice 105.9 FM to get a spot in the dash. Eric Decker and Jessie James The best love stories got $200 gift cards and the chance to go after the diamond ring. Participants in the high-tech treasure hunt had clues and riddles delivered via text message to their cell phones. The first couple to find the ring got to keep it. An absolutely unforgettable day, many of the participants declared it the most fun they’d ever had. Whether working with a young couple seeking an engagement ring, an individual looking to add a fine heirloom to their collection, executing a promotion for the store, or even in choosing their team members, the Williams are always looking to establish a personal connection.
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heartsonfire.com
PHILANTHROPY By Lyndon Conrad Bell
Bruce and Michelle’s vision of their place in the community extends well beyond the door of their store. They also strive to enrich the quality of life in Denver and its surrounding communities through philanthropic giving. Each organization they support is chosen for the impact it has on the lives of the people and animals they touch. A partial listing of organizations they support includes: Goodwill Industries, The MaxFund, The Denver Dumb Friends League, YMCA, the Episcopal Church, Park Hill School, Bromwell Elementary, the Cancer League of Colorado, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Cherry Creek Theatre, 9 Health Care, the Rotary Foundation, Graland Country Day School, St. Mary’s Academy, St. Anne’s School, Stanley British Primary, Open World Learning and the Smoky Hill Boy’s Lacrosse team—in addition to numerous other schools and organizations. Michelle says; “We enjoy the opportunity to give back to our community and to support the causes nearest to our hearts and the hearts of our clients. That’s why we prefer local causes. We love animals too, thus our support of the MaxFund and the Dumb Friends League. We also love boards that are involved and active, such as the Denver Center for The Performing Arts and Goodwill. Local schools like Bromwell, Park Hill, and Graland Country Day are high on our list too because we value education tremendously.”
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Williams' store’s Shar-Pei mascot, Buster
“...their main goal is ensure the care of those in the community who are unable to fend for themselves— both four-legged and human.” The MaxFund takes care of injured animals with no known owners. In 1988, Dr. Bill Suro owned a large veterinary practice in suburban Denver. His wife Nanci was practice manager. One problem immediately became obvious; what to do with all the animals in dire straits, found by Good Samaritans, usually along the side of the road. Even with some of the big shelters saying it was a bad idea—Nanci gathered around her a group of animal lovers that thought these animals deserved a second chance. They formed a board and Nanci applied for a nonprofit status and formed a corporation in May 1989. The Dumb Friends League is the largest community-based animal sheltering organization in the Rocky Mountain region. The organization provides shelter and humane care to companion animals and horses; rescuing sick, injured, abused and neglected animals; adopting pets and horses to new homes; offering training and advice to help pets stay in homes; reducing pet overpopulation; and educating the public about animals and their needs. Every animal in need of help is welcomed; no animal is turned away. Further, there is no ticking clock hanging over their heads—cats and dogs may remain in the League’s care for weeks or even months. Animal organizations such as these, tug at the Williams heart strings in part because of their love for the store’s Shar-Pei mascot, Buster. However, their main goal is ensure the care of those in the community who are unable to fend for themselves—both fourlegged and human. Bruce and Michelle consider Williams Jewelers an integral part of the family that comprises their beloved city, and that’s just what families do.
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© 2012 All rights reserved Scott Kay, Inc. S C O T T K A Y. C O M
A r ti s a n s o f E x p r e s s i ve S c u lp t u r e
ever letting
The Guardian
signifying a commitment for “Never Letting Go.”
Š 2012 All rights reserved Scott Kay, Inc. S C O T T K A Y. C O M
A r ti s a n s o f E x p r e s s i ve S c u lp t u r e
The Guardian Lariat
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 teem 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, unusual 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 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 unspoiled 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 end 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
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A
"Sisters" Photography and concept Kelly Ealy Models Laura Meyers and Adrienna Ealy Makup Laura New
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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
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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
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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.’ ”
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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
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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,” says Etro. 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
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John Galliano
Lanvin
Nicole Miller
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Gift Guide
Williams Jewelers HEARTS ON FIRE Potpourri Large Square Pendant $4,800
HEARTS ON FIRE Beloved Pendant starting at $1,850
HEARTS ON FIRE Endeavor Complete Engagement Ring starting at $6,350
HEARTS ON FIRE Obsession Circle Pendant $2,190
HEARTS ON FIRE Obsession Circle Earrngs in Yellow $2,800 36
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SCOTT KAY
SCOTT KAY
Mens Silver Cufflinks
Mens Silver Necklace Black Sapphire Engraved Dog Tag $625
Black Sapphire Engraved $675
SCOTT KAY Womens Silver Engraved Hinged Cuff Bracelet 108 Diamonds .55 ct tw $2,065
SCOTT KAY Womens Silver Guardian Necklace Rose Quartz Double Drop 18� $825
SCOTT KAY Womens Silver Ring Rose Quartz and White Sapphire Scalloped Bezel $695
SCOTT KAY Mens Silver Ring Black Sapphire Cross $295
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DILAMANI Silver Pink Sapphire Pave Ball 3.29 ct tw 22” Adjustable Chain $475 Silver Rainbow Sapphire Pave Ball 5.84 ct tw 16” Chain $960
LAGOS Silver 27MM Love Me Onyx Pendant $595 Silver 13MM Love Me Onyx Earrings $295 Silver 27MM Love Me Onyx Ring $495
DILAMANI Silver White Sapphire Pave Earrings 1.10 ct tw $540
DILAMANI Silver Blue Sapphire Pave Flower Ring 10.80 ct tw $1,650
DILAMANI Silver Blue Sapphire Blue Topaz Cabochon Pave Ring 24.49 ct tw $1,800
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WILLIAMS JEWELERS 18k White Gold Necklace 11 Rubies 4.63 ct tw 180 Diamonds 1.31 ct tw 16" $10,995
WILLIAMS JEWELERS 18k White Gold Pendant .65 Ruby 56 Dimonds .27 ct tw $1,810
WILLIAMS JEWELERS 14k White Gold Pendant 1.42 ct Blue Sapphire 34 Diamonds .60 ct tw $3,525
WILLIAMS JEWELERS 14k White Gold Earrings Blue Sapphire 1.05 ct tw 80 Diamonds 1.18 ct tw $3,595
WILLIAMS JEWELERS WILLIAMS JEWELERS
14k White Gold Earrings Ruby 1.52 ct tw 36 Diamond .15ct tw $3,350
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WILLIAMS JEWELERS 14k White Gold Earrings 88 Diamonds 1.75 ct tw $2,980
WILLIAMS JEWELERS 18k White Gold Ring Blue Sapphire 1.38 ct tw 68 Diamonds .47 ct tw $5,450
WILLIAMS JEWELERS Platinum/18k Yellow Gold Ring Emerald 1.64 ct 2 Diamonds .70 ct tw $14,700 39
LIKA BEHAR
LIKA BEHAR
Silver/24k Yellow Gold Oxidized Ancora Fused Bracelet $1,545
Silver/24KY Oxidized Emerald Cut Blue Topaz 9.77 CT Pendant $925
LIKA BEHAR Silver/24KY Oxidized Laboradorite Karin Necklace 27.02 TW $1,655
LIKA BEHAR 24KY Karin Drops Rose Cut Laboradorite 7.50 TW 9.77 CT Earrings $990
LIKA BEHAR LIKA BEHAR Silver/24k Yellow Gold Oxidized Onyx Pompei Ring 10.40 ct $550 40
Silver/24KY Oxididized Rose Cut Laboradorite 15MM 4.75 CT Karin Ring $495
LAGOS Silver Pearl Key 34� Chain $295
WILLIAMS JEWELERS 14k White Gold Diamond Necklaces from $725 to $5,500
LAGOS Silver 7MM Two Row Pearl Bracelet $495
WILLIAMS JEWELERS 14k White Gold Martini Studs Earrings from $695
A JAFFE A JAFFE
A JAFFE
18K White Gold Anniversary Ring .47 ct tw $2,310
18K White Gold Anniversary Band Emerald Cut Diamonds 7.20 ct tw $34,455
A JAFFE 18k White Gold Anniversary Ring 1.78 ct tw $5,880
18k White Gold Anniversary Ring .72 ct tw $2,060
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18k White Gold Anniversary Band .46 ct tw $2,860
18k White Gold Anniversary Ring .78 ct tw $2,000 www.lxmagazine.com
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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
ech,
t n e d a ec rt Cookbo
esse e Lover’s D in W e Th “ Author of
ok ”
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
f F
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.
sS
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Photo © frankenyimages.com
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.
P
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 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 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ž 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.
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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
National Content
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
Designer Spotlight
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
National Content
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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Burberry
Hardy Amies
National Content
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Gucci
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, a Hearts On Fire stone possesses 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. Rothman wanted to offer the most perfect stone possible so the consumer could be absolutely assured of the quality of their purchase—even without a significant understanding of the all-important four C’s (Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight). By choosing only the finest stones, then applying the patented signature Hearts
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On Fire cut to the diamond, Rothman can free the customer of the cerebral concerns of purchasing a stone and permit the purchase to do what a diamond purchase is meant to do. Convey an expression of one of the most intense emotions known to humankind—passion. Says Rothman; “Hearts On Fire is much more than the world’s most perfectly cut diamond. For 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.” But that’s the end result. To get there, a very painstaking process must be undertaken with each and every stone.
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Rothman explains; “When a diamond has perfect alignment, when a diamond has perfect proportions, when a diamond has perfect polish, and when a diamond has the perfect arrangement of angles, all of these factors together create a very specific and unique phenomenon of light. 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 rotate it and look at it from above, you’ll see the eight perfectly aligned Firebursts. Seeing it for the first time is a powerfully moving emotional experience. Once an individual sees what Hearts On Fire really is, it creates an amazing connection, right away.” As Rothman alluded, a Hearts On Fire diamond is one of the most meticulously crafted gemstones extant. Brian McCarty, one of the master craftsmen at Hearts On Fire has been cutting diamonds for over 40 years. He says; “In order to produce a diamond this fabulous, the selection of the rough is one of the most important parts of the puzzle. First of all, only stones in the top one percent of rough diamonds are even qualified to become a Hearts On Fire diamond. Our raw diamonds are selected from knot free crystals, because these perform at the highest level of intensity.” Mc Carty continues; “After the selection of the rough comes the first step in the diamond cutting process. Here, the design center is ground zero – nobody else does this the way we do it. We actually use computers to determine the optimal approach to the cutting of each individual stone.” Called VSP or Value Scan Program, Hearts On Fire craftspeople literally scan the stone into a computer. This brings up a three dimensional model of the diamond onto the screen, plots the inclusions and tells the Hearts On Fire cutter exactly what the diamond is going to look like when it is finished. Says McCarty; “When we determine where to cut a stone, we are looking for the highest value possible, as opposed to the biggest diamond possible. This gives us the ability to maximize the full potential of every single diamond we cut.” After an image of the diamond has been scanned into the computer all of its inclusions are plotted and the decision is made where to separate the crystal into its two separate pieces. It takes from four to six hours per carat from the rough to saw through the diamond. Hearts On Fire’s rough diamonds are subjected to the most meticulous process in the industry. The gems are cut and polished at 10 times the industry standard to ensure the true beauty of each diamond is absolutely and fully 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. The cutters are trained specifically to release the maximum light and life from each diamond. Mc Carty proudly asserts; “Our system is so precision oriented that all of the equipment we use to produce the diamonds is taken out of circulation—every single month—at the end of every month and recalibrated in the workshop that’s right here on site. Once the cut is complete, combining Rolls Royce anti-vibration technology with traditional recipes of diamond dust and olive oil, the Hearts On Fire master craftsmen then create a perfect finish that produces an amazing display of light. Says Rothman; “Our master craftsmen polish Hearts On Fire diamonds to a mirror perfect finish on vibration-free wheels found only in our workshops. We put the best tools in the best hands we can find to work on the absolutely finest stones in existence. So equipped, these people then proceed to release the inner light of the Hearts On Fire diamond.” And, when they’re all done, the result is like no other. So brilliant is a Hearts On Fire stone that even in candlelit settings, the sparkle of a Hearts On Fire diamond can be spotted dancing gaily in a restaurant from five tables away.
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Because of this, Hearts On Fire collections such as Ceremonious, Boundless, Virtuoso, Culmination, and Encapsulate have been renowned for their singular beauty and are worn by tasteful individuals all over the world. Naturally, when something like this is universally recognized as the best of the best, there are those who would attempt to usurp its reputation for surreptitious purposes. This is why each one of these unique diamonds is also finished with a serial number—one invisible to the naked eye— for a unique fingerprint that is instantly recognizable to jewelers. Most entrepreneurs would be satisfied to stop there—content 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.”
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 of clothing, Tara Subkoff has starred in more than 27 films, including The Cell, As Good As It Gets, Freeway, and The Notorious Bettie Page. Her Imitation of Christ 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. That she chooses to grace her designs with Rothman’s Hearts On Fire jewelry speaks volumes about the level of quality and beauty of the diamonds and their settings. Janie Bryant, costume designer for the television series MadMen, as well as a number of feature films, has been lauded with both an Emmy award in addition to legions of awards nominations. Bryant won the 2010 Edith Head Award at Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars, her work was awarded again at the 2011 New York Women in Film and Television Designing Women Gala. Bryant was listed as a fashion icon in the book produced by editors of Elle magazine called; “ELLEments of Personal Style: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop and Live”. Bryant was also on Vanity Fair ‘s list of the “100 Most Influential People Worldwide of the Year” in 2010. That women of this caliber chose to associate themselves with the Hearts On Fire brand reveals much about the quality and integrity of Mr. Rothman’s life’s work. Absolute state of the art, the Hearts On Fire Diamond is a singularly unique expression of perfection. Crafted using the best old-world skills, updated to function with the most cutting edge technology available today, with a Hearts On Fire diamond, you can be unconditionally certain you’re getting the finest quality stone available. Giving the gift of a Hearts On Fire diamond speaks to a certain level of self-respect, self-esteem, and 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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Champagne: Fine Anytime by William Anderson
T
he “Devil’s Wine,” as the monks who created it dubbed the volatile spirit, has become the staple of our celebrations, an object of affection and obsession for rappers, crucial for the christening of ships, a bartender’s secret weapon in scores of dazzling cocktails and has secured its place in our culture as the highlight of high society. In the world of spirits, champagne is a relative newcomer with a short history, but this effervescent elixir has had little trouble garnering popularity and status amongst vinophiles and cocktail connoisseurs worldwide. The Champagne region of France has been producing grapes and exquisite wines since the Romans first planted vineyards there in the fifth century, but it wasn’t until Benedictine monks living there accidentally created le vin du diable by introducing a small amount of sugar to the wine before corking. When bottles began exploding in their wine cellars, the monks began wearing heavy iron masks before checking on their fermentations to avoid injuries from exploding bottles. The legendary monk Dom Perignon is often credited with the discovery of champagne, but documentation of champagne and the fermenting practices it requires predate Monsieur Perignon by several decades. He did, however, pioneer a practice still in use today: a wire net used to secure the cork to the bottle to prevent the pressure from prematurely popping the top. His dedication to this spirit and pioneering methods helped foster its popularity and paved the way for sparkling winemakers around the world. In his honor, French winemaker Moët et Chandon created a champagne as legendary as the monk, and it has become one of the most prestigious and sought after champagnes in the world. “Dom is popular mostly because of its rarity – the fact that it’s hard to get,” explains Beau Vondra, representative for a large food and spirits retailer. “They limit the amount that they make, and as a result, a lot of high-end champagnes will only produce 500 to 900 cases per year. Supply and demand drives the price up.” The demand for luxury champagnes has grown exponentially in recent years. Vondra’s store has seen increased demand for Dom Perignon and Cristal, the vin de choix of rappers, movie stars, and celebrities. While some may balk at the price tag, Vonda would remind them that with it comes a rarity, an age, and a mastering of the art of champagne-making that is rivaled by none. Still, he notes that high end champagnes owe much to pop-culture for their popularity.
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For consumers who might be in the market for something a bit more modestly priced, the champagne industry offers a wide variety of options from various vineyards, and a seemingly endless range of options based on taste and price. The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia explains the range of sweet to dry champagnes: Doux is the sweetest of all champagnes with over 50 grams of sugar per liter, and scaling towards the dryer, less-sweetened end are demi-sec, sec, extra dry, brut (the most popular type of champagne with less than 15 grams of sugar per liter), extra brut, and brut natural (with less than 3 grams of sugar per liter). Tom Slattery, the general manager of a wine and spirits store, says that he gets asked questions about champagnes and sparkling wines more often than most products.
“Champagne used to be such an exclusive drink, reserved for celebrations, but adding it as a mixer allows it to be casually enjoyed in an every-day fashion.” “It’s one of the most misconceived products on the market, when really it’s just wine with a bubble,” Slattery explains. “The regionality of champagne is more important than the various styles. It is one of the most misunderstood products on the market, probably because of the generic use of the term.” Most American consumers refer to all sparkling wines as champagne, when in fact it is not true. Champagne, by law, is a term that can only be applied to wines produced in the Champagne region of France. America, however, is certainly becoming a more prominent player in the sparkling wine industry, as John Thuringer, a fine wine specialist for Republic National Distributing Company explains. “What really put American sparkling wine on the map was Schramsberg,” he notes. “Nixon brought it on his trip to China in 1976. This marked the first time that an American President had used a non-French sparkling wine at an official White House function. The wine was such a hit that it has been used by every President since.” Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Schramsberg is a pioneer in the American sparkling wine industry and is a leading producer of fine sparkling wines worldwide. Those less discerning about dryness, sweetness, or regionality may enjoy one of the many popular champagne-based cocktails that have been increasing in demand at bars and restaurants in recent years. Taking things a step further than your average mimosa, a Flirtini is a martini made with vodka, Cointreau, champagne and pineapple juice. Another popular use for champagne is in a bellini, or, “The Italian Margarita.” A delightful blend of frozen peach nectar, white wine, champagne and rum, finished with a hearty swirl of sangria, a bellini is the perfect after-dinner cocktail. “It satisfies both men’s and women’s taste buds,” explains Nicole Webster, a banquet manager with much experience in mixology. “Champagne used to be such an exclusive drink, reserved for celebrations, but adding it as a mixer allows it to be casually enjoyed in an every-day fashion.” While cocktails like these strive to incorporate champagne into an average night out, many still consider champagne something to be consumed in celebration. You might not find the average American family sitting down with a bottle of brut over dinner, but weddings, birthdays, holidays and promotions offer the most popular opportunities to lift spirits with bubbling elixir. For these occasions, people will always turn to champagne to commemorate and celebrate; however, as Thuringer notes, bars and restaurants are onto something by adding champagne to featured cocktails. “The direction is there where there are so many affordable whites that it doesn’t have to be reserved for holidays and special events,” Thuringer says. “Champagne is fine anytime.”
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Sparkling &Unique TARA SUBKOFF ON BEING AN ORIGINAL
Describing her style as “on-the-go elegance,” Imitation of Christ designer TARA SUBKOFF was naturally drawn to Hearts On Fire®. Only The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond® displays a light that can be “seen across a candlelit room.” Ten years after becoming an international sensation, Subkoff “still cares “about being original.” “And the one-of-a-kind sparkle of Hearts On Fire® is just that.”
Subkoff’s fall palette of sapphire, black and scarlet “is for women who want to stand out.” And so is a Hearts On Fire® ring. Fewer than 1% of the world’s diamonds are worthy of being cut and polished to “sparkle like no other.”
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Classic diamond studs crafted to sparkle more than any other.
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