LX Fort Collins by LX Publications

from the publisher

Welcome.

Original Sather’s Jewelers — 1910

Welcome to the premiere issue of LX Fort Collins. It is indeed our honor, as well as a tremendous pleasure to bring you this beautifully crafted, unique and distinctive coffee table publication. You’ll find it overflowing with local, national and international luxury lifestyle pictorials and features tailored specifically to your interests. In this issue, we are excited to share “Sather’s Leading Jewelers” the history of Sather’s Jewelers. Sharon Naylor shares a story, “I Still Choose You,” about renewing your wedding vows. Leading UK fashion photographer, Zena Holloway, graces this issue with a beauty story entitled “Mermaiden.” Holloway sets her work apart from other fashion photographers by shooting exclusively under water. “My Mother’s Wedding Dress” is a beautifully written story about memory, reflection, loss and looking to the future. Also in this issue, “pARTners a love story” about artists Christo and Jeanne Claude and how their love and collaboration literally changed the “landscape” of art. Be sure to visit us at Sather’s Jewelers. We love hearing your stories and feel honored to be a part of your special moments. We promise to make your experience at Sather’s Jewelers memorable and rewarding. We will continue to strive for cutting edge fashion in our jewelry, while maintaining the high quality you have been accustomed to receiving. Above all, you are very important to us and we treasure your friendship and loyalty. Thank you for joining us on our newest venture. Enjoy your premiere issue of LX Fort Collins, with our compliments. Our best to you, Julie Sather-Browne 4

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Features

inside

Community 15 The History of Sather’s Leading Jewelers 57 Hope Lives Lifestyle 19 I Still Choose You 61 Awesome 8:

A Golfing Adventure

Wealth 23 Longevity and the

Value of College

Photography 28 Honey Moon and Stars 50 Mermaiden: Photos by

Generations of Jewelers From left to right: Dick, Bob, Bill, Howard and a young Sidney

Sather’s Leading Jewelers

Zena Holloway

Arts & Culture 26 My Mother’s Wedding Dress 46 pARTners Spotlight:

Christo and Jeanne Claude

Women’s Runway Report: Bridal

Fashion 35 Bridal Trends 39 Runway Report: Bridal 43 Runway Report: Men’s

pARTners Spotlight: Christo and Jeanne Claude

on the cover

Publisher JULIE SATHER Editor JON ROBERTS Public Relations JOHN SUNDERLAND Art Director CHELSIE ROBERTS Featured on the cover is the talented photographer Monica Eng. She says, “Growing up in Singapore was a gateway for me to experience the multitudes of cultures and utilize those who surround me to layer my photography. I do not claim to inspire those who stand before my lens, for they are my greatest inspiration. I see her biting her lips and I see someone who has the years ahead running amok in her head. I see him shy away from her gaze and I see the beginning of a new life that is as delicate as it is dedicated.”

Graphic Designer ANGIE HALTER Graphic Designer MIGUEL SALGADO

LX: a coffeetable magazine LX® Magazine is published by Luxury Avenue, 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 Luxury Avenue, 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 Luxury Avenue, LLC. 8

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The Story.

The Family. Blending the finest traditions of old world sensibilities with exquisite contemporary designs, Tacori’s highly regarded works of the jewelry maker’s art are coveted by glitterati appreciative of its unique and distinctive European flair all over the world. Family-owned, the Tacori company’s philosophies and traditions have made it legendary within the ranks of the crafters of fine jewelry. Tacori’s designs are so intricate they defy duplication. Further, its strict marketing standards ensure its products are always presented in the most favorable manner possible. For these reasons and many more, the name Tacori has come to symbolize the absolute finest in presentation, quality, attention to detail, and personal customer care. Capably guided by the strong, yet gentle hand of the company’s founder and family patriarch, Haig Tacorian, Tacori’s fine jewelry brilliantly mirrors the passion guiding the family whose name it bears. Tacorian left Europe with his wife Gilda in 1969 to start a new life in the United States. The principles upon which he founded and guides the company have made it one of the world’s premier brands. 36

Paul Tacorian, the company’s president of sales & marketing, set the jewelry world on its ear with his innovative, fullpage ads featuring achingly beautiful images of the masterworks his family creates. Tacorian’s advertisements were ground-breaking in that they were the first dynamically photographed, full-page, art quality advertisements run by a jewelry concern. So beautiful they could hang in an art gallery, it’s almost laughable today to think this wasn’t being done before he did it. Nadine Tacorian, the company’s president of operations, fiercely adheres to the standards set for the company, yet simultaneously engenders ever more creative takes on the traditional cues established by Haig Tacorian for the brand. Remarkably, even while inspiring outstanding creativity from the design staff, she has also introduced a myriad of efficiencies to the processes employed in crafting their creations. Together, in addition to creating and marketing intricately crafted artisan jewelry, the Tacorian family upholds an uncompromising legacy of passionately fusing classic elegance with modern inspiration. www.lxmagazine.com

The Pieces. It’s been said jewelry tells stories of timeless qualities — stories that transcend time. In the case of Tacori, this radiates from the aura of heirloom elegance illuminating its progressive styles. Modern, yet traditional, at the core of every Tacori design is the company’s signature crescent half-moon pattern. The pattern is so distinctive Tacori was granted both a copyright and a trademark for it. The crescent halfmoon is so difficult to duplicate, when one sees it they can be unmistakably assured they are in the presence of an example of Tacori’s artwork. So timeless are the company’s creations, they just as readily grace the youthful beauty of a woman in her twenties as they do her grandmother. This quality sets Tacori’s heirloom pieces of timeless elegance apart from trendy “here today, gone tomorrow” designs endemic to mainstream fashion jewelry. Imbued with value transcending both time and currency, Tacori’s jewelry is nothing less than a work of fine art a woman can wear. Always innovating, one of Tacori’s most popular lines is its 18k925 creations rendered in 18-karat gold and the purest sterling silver. The Tacori 18k925 Collection represents a new collection of Tacori design; specifically referring to the 18-karat gold and 925 silver metal combination, which makes these pieces bold, fun and wearable. The new 18k925 Collection is full of colorful gemstones, stylishly taking iconic glamour and adding a modern Tacori twist.

Tacori’s Dantela Collection beautifully juxtaposes the modern with the traditional and the classic with the unconventional. A veritable symphony of dazzling design and eye-catching allure, the collection’s name “Dantela” means “lace” in Romanian; a nod to the Tacorian family’s heritage. Also a singular work unto itself, the Tacori diamond is certified by no less than two external authorities (the GIA and GemEX), in addition to Tacori’s own diamond experts. Fewer than five percent of the diamonds considered by Tacori’s diamond experts make the grade. Because of this, Tacori’s exceptional gemstones carry a titanium-clad guarantee of quality and are certified to be conflict-free. Chosen specifically to mesh in perfect harmony with the company’s designs, few diamonds match the fire and brilliance displayed by a Tacori stone. Whether it’s engagement or wedding rings, fine jewelry or diamonds, the Tacori name is engraved only after several degrees of rigorous inspection, certification and approvals have been conducted. Only the finest gold, platinum, and diamonds with at least G color and VS clarity will do. Setting aside the overarching beauty of the pieces themselves, these guidelines and processes ensure the transcending desirability of Tacori’s jewelry eternally endures.

“The Tacorian family upholds an uncompromising legacy of passionately fusing classic elegance with modern inspiration.”

“Paul Tacorian… set the jewelry world on its ear with his innovative, full-page ads” 12

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Design Passion. From the innovative vision of the designers, to the crafting and polishing of the intricate signature crescent details, the creation of Tacori jewelry takes place under the Tacorian family’s guidance at their design studios in California. Their philosophy of personal care and quality guides every aspect of the process. Each piece is precisely matched to hand-selected gems. If it bears the Tacori name, you can be absolutely assured it has met the rigorous standards of quality and beauty unique to Tacori as established by Haig Tacorian, back in 1969.

CLUB TACORI

Paul Tacorian, Julie Sather-Browne, Joe Lucido

Paul Tacorian with Julie Sather-Browne

Sather’s believes in strong relationships with customers and vendors. Here are some images from Club Tacori, a special event for top Tacori dealers.

Tacori’s Sabrina Sigg with Julie Sather-Browne

Duncan and Julie Browne

Sather’s Jewelers – Spooner Wisconsin, 1910

Happily walking from school, young Julie Sather and her sister Deborah, much like any two typical school-age girls are laughing and talking about things that happened that day. Waving and smiling to neighbors as they pass, everybody seems to know the precocious duo. Arriving at their destination, they are greeted by their mother with snacks, homework, a bit of after-school TV—and their chores. Sweeping (or shoveling) the sidewalk, cleaning the outside glass, emptying the ash trays, cleaning the counters…if this is starting to sound a bit unusual for two young girls at home after school, it’s because they’re not at home. They’re at the family jewelry store in downtown Craig,Colorado.

Generations of Jewelers From left to right: Dick, Bob, Bill, Howard and a young Sidney

Two links in an unbroken legacy spanning five generations stretching all the way back to 1910, Julie and Deborah Sather, from the time they were in kindergarten, worked in the family business. Their great-uncle, Art Sather, first opened its doors in 1910, at 126 Walnut Street in Spooner, Wisconsin, as the first Sather’s Jewelers. In 1931, Art’s brother, Siguard Ludwig — S.L. — moved to Craig, Colorado, bringing the Sather family business with him. S.L. had four sons, three of whom branched out to Utah, Wyoming and Colorado opening stores of their own, while one of them, Howard 2nd Generation- Howard Sather Sather, remained in Craig. Howard’s son Sid took over the Craig store in 1965, which brings our story full circle back to Julie, a graduate of Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a degree in International Economics. Julie’s family came to visit her while she was studying there and fell in love with Fort Collins – a growing college town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Sid saw the potential in the city and put in motion the idea of opening a store there. Remarkably, even though the Sather’s were a family of merchants stretching back as far as any of them could remember, Sid gave his girls the freedom to do whatever they wished professionally. After the university, Julie moved to Europe. Living and working in London, she one day found herself in one of that city’s iconic crimson telephone booths, having a 4th Generation Julie Sather=Browne conversation with her father. Says Julie; “Dad had decided to open the Fort Collins store and said he’d pay my way home if I’d come and join him in the venture.” Homesick for her family and the fresh air and beauty of Colorado, it wasn’t much of a decision to make. Here, it is important to note Sid has always had a definite knack for finding fertile locations for business. And, while it may seem to many as being a considerably more complex process than this, in his typically plainspoken manner, Sid says; “It’s always just a matter of choosing a place where a good jeweler is needed.” 16

Stretched across the western slope of Colorado and into Wyoming, over the years, Sid had found a number of places where a good jeweler was needed and established stores in each of them. Flying himself and his family back and forth in his light plane, the Sather’s enterprise eventually grew to four freestanding stores, as well as a fine jewelry department in a major department store.

Current showroom at 300 E. Foothills Parkway

As usual, his instincts about Fort Collins proved correct. With Julie by his side, the Fort Collins location eventually became the company’s best producer. So much so, by the early part of the 1990’s, the two Sathers concentrated all of their efforts on Fort Collins — where they remain to this day. Just as the Colorado sky reveals a crispness of blue unseen anywhere else, Julie took to the jewelry business immediately. Benefiting from Sid’s high expectations and his lifetime of experience in the business, she thrived beautifully. Says Julie of Sid; “My father was a corpsman in the Navy and Marines. I am sure this is where he learned his attention to detail and his determination to do things right. He also has an amazing knack for details. Extremely strict with himself and everyone around him, my father expects from others no less than what he’d be willing to do himself.” That said; Sid, in his mid 70’s, is still in the store seven days a week, and arrives long before everyone else. More than a taskmaster though, Sid’s love for his daughters and the family’s company are his primary motivators. Further, in Sid, Julie and Deborah also see their grandfather and greatgrandfather—Howard and S.L. Sather. Deborah comments, 3rd & 4th Generation Sid Sather and his daughter Julie

Sid-ism – Be the first one to work, the last one to leave and work harder than anyone else there. ~ 3rd Generation Sid Sather

“The Sather work ethic is passed down from generation to generation. It was more than stressed; it was a way of life for us. And, it follows us in every aspect of our lives. The lessons learned in the stores, coupled with the instruction of our father and mother have served us well throughout our lives.” 5th Generation Jewelers — Loving Jewelry is in their blood. Below: Hard at work looking at gems.

he is in fact quite the opposite. When Julie has an idea, Sid is her number one cheerleader, exhorting; “Let’s do it! Get me the info, make a plan, let’s review it, and let’s do it!” Of Sid, Julie says (with both love and admiration plainly evident in her voice); ”He is a great encourager. If I can make the numbers work—or show him the idea will sail, he’s all in. Just as he was when I was younger and would say something like; ‘Dad, I want to go to college in Scotland.’ ‘Get me the info—let’s figure out how to make it happen!’, would always be his reply.” With encouragement like this, and a family background that looks upon calculated risk as just another part of doing business, it’s no wonder Sather’s Leading Jewelers has demonstrated such longevity. “We are currently celebrating 102 years of having the privilege of helping our cherished customers mark their most momentous occasions with a piece of Sather’s fine jewelry. My

“It is all each Sather has ever known,” Deborah continues. “We were raised in the stores doing any- and everything needed. We were taught nothing is beneath us. If it needed to be done—we’d do it.” Julie remembers fondly, “Even our family vacations were centered on the business. Where there was a meeting my father needed to attend, that’s where our family vacation was taken.” In fact, this still holds true to this day. In addition to his diligence, Sid is also a fountain of homespun philosophy. “My father is such a wise and incredible mentor.” Julie says. “I have officially coined his words of wisdom as ‘Sid-isms’, of which there are literally hundreds stored in my head. One of which, is; ‘If you’re not going to do it right, don’t bother doing it. Shortcuts are not an option.’ ”

Duncan and Julie Browne at Hope Lives Celebration

sister and I, along with our extended “family” of employees, have some pretty big shoes to fill, given the track record of our entrepreneurial ancestors.” states Julie.

“Our forefathers adapted to survive despite the Great Depression, two world wars, countless economic recessions— you name it.” With true Sather determination Julie declares with a smile, “And we are up for the task. We’re looking way beyond surviving, we will continue thriving. After all, our customers, as they have for generations, are counting on us to According to Julie, Sid’s strict expectations actually make life be here for them. ” easier. “He always made it clear where I stood and what needed to be done to be successful. There was no fooling myself. That And oh, by the way, that original store on Walnut Street in is a much appreciated, though not always easy place to stand. Wisconsin? My father was a master at tough love.” It’s still there. And while you’d think a man with such definite opinions and bristling self-confidence might be unlikely to embrace change, And, the Sather family name is still in the window. • 17

Available at

I Still Cho o se yo u.

} or Writte n by Sharon Nayl os Images by MC Studi

Recapture the magic of your wedding day and tell your beloved “I still choose you” with a romantic wedding vow renewal celebration. Standing before one another, whether in a stylish designer gown and suit, or in bathing suits on a tropical beach, and speaking from the heart—telling your mate just how much more in love you are, how much you appreciate every moment, every gesture, every morning kiss and kindness—adds a depth to your marriage.

More wedding couples are choosing to renew their vows their way, whether in a grand wedding re-do at the country club with 150 guests and a masterpiece of a wedding cake, in their own backyard with their closest family and friends, or just the two of them at the ocean’s edge or in the church, synagogue or garden where they originally said their vows. They’re re-living the excitement of the wedding-planning (perhaps more enjoyably this time, without the input of ‘helpful’ parents,) touring ceremony sites together, tasting delectable cake sample bites, designing lovely bouquets and florals, selecting elegant invitations and of course, choosing their wedding vow renewal dresses and suits. A big trend now is to incorporate some element of the original wedding day into this celebration. Cher Floyd, who with her husband John has renewed their vows several times over the past twenty years, says of one celebration, “I used my original wedding veil, and had our original florist send similar flowers for us.” No matter the grandiosity of their plans, or the intimacy of a small affair, vow renewal couples experience that heart-flutter of excitement as they write new vows reflecting the bright points of the life they’ve lived together. They might repeat the same vows they spoke years ago, add new thoughts to that vow script, add their signature style and sense of

“Most wedding couples say they haven’t felt as connected to one another in years as they do on this day.” humor this time around, and speak so sentimentally that tears come to their eyes. This is a moment dedicated to expressing appreciation and admiration for everything their partner does to enrich their life together, and to enrich their children. Most wedding couples say they haven’t felt as connected to one another in years as they do on this day. As an added bonus, wedding vow renewal couples say they love setting an inspiring example for their children and grandchildren, showing them that this is what a solid, loving and supportive marriage looks like, not the turbulent relationships they see on television reality shows and in celebrity gossip magazines.

Why Renew Now? It doesn’t have to be a 5th, 10th, or 25th milestone anniversary for you to renew your vows. Some couples do so on their very first anniversary, their 7th, their 12th—whenever the time feels right. A couple may wish to re-cement their bond after an extremely challenging year, such as one partner’s illness or job search struggles, or a military deployment. Or, they might re-new their vows in a joyful year, such as after their first child is born, and again when each additional child arrives. Some couples return to their original destination wedding resort each time, bringing their children with them to participate in their vow renewal celebration. It’s also become a trend to surprise a spouse with the “wedding re-do” she’s always wanted. If parents controlled the wedding plans, or if finances didn’t allow for that masterpiece wedding cake, the garden wedding, the sea of roses, if it rained on her dream garden wedding, she now gets the surprise of a lifetime: “Will you plan our wedding vow renewal celebration with me?” Tears will certainly flow with that romantic offer. She gets the do-over she’s always wanted, made all the sweeter by the fact that her partner suggested it.

“Surprise ring upgrades are rising in popularity.”

The Wedding Ring Gets a Do-Over As Well

replaced by a new ring. She’s lived for years with, and cherished, the wedding ring placed on her finger at her wedding, and she would be disheartened to ‘trade it in’ for a newer model. A solution: take the stones from the original band and include them in the new band’s design, perhaps as stones embedded in the anniversary band. Or, the stones from the original band can be re-set as a new diamond pendant she can wear every day now and forever.

Open Editorial

, When Dr. Chris Kammer

planned a surprise vow renewal for his wife Jean Marie on their twentieth wedding anniversary, he also added a dazzling gift: “I had her wedding ring upgraded to a new platinum setting, and I also surprised her with a new anniversary band with twenty diamonds around the circle to wear with it.” Dr. Kammer’s present stunned not only his bride, but all of their family and friends in attendance.

Renewing your vows

Surprise ring upgrades are rising in popularity, and many husbands are giving an added thrill: they’re bringing their wives to the jewelry store to let them pick out their new, upgraded style elements. The shopping experience in itself adds wow factor to the gift, with the wife treated as a VIP by the jewelry shop staff. Some jewelry experts say they bring out a bottle of sparkling cider or Prosecco for these special couples, just as they do for their about-to-be-engaged couples shopping for the engagement ring. “Love should be celebrated,” says one jewelry store manager. “And we like to make their moment extra-special.” Dr. Kammer represents the high-end ring upgrade client who shops for finer metals, and a diamond-encircled anniversary band, perhaps an upgrade to larger wedding band stones with greater fire. Which brings up an important issue: the wife might not wish to have her wedding band 22

Great solutions if the original ring will remain untouched: get her a dazzling right-hand diamond or gemstone ring, or simply surround the original band with two new, stackable diamond-encircled bands. Perhaps each band can symbolize five years of marital bliss, perfect for a tenth wedding anniversary, or symbolizing each of the couple’s two children. When you add an element from the marriage to the ring upgrade, even a subtler design becomes priceless.

Other choices include adding gemstones to the new design, embedding larger diamonds, and adding personalized engravings (sometimes as a surprise.) And don’t forget that the husband’s wedding band can be upgraded as well; he may prefer a different style (such as hammered metals or diamond chips) than he chose in his younger years. Many couples with children love to include their kids in their vow renewals, expressing their love and admiration for the wonderful people their sons and daughters have grown to be, and promising to always support their dreams. As part of the renewal, it’s lovely to present diamond pendants, gemstone earrings or other precious gifts to the girls, as well as meaningful gifts to the boys. Grandchildren may be included in this gift presentation as well, for all to share in the joy of the day.

HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR DEGREE BE WORTH? By Lyndon Conrad Bell

In 1934, when Norman Rockwell painted this image, the cost of an undergraduate degree was $400.00 per year.

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With college tuitions steadily rising, an economy rebounding from the great recession, and the life expectancy of the average American steadily increasing, a question on the minds of many people—simply put—is it worth it? Conventional wisdom says absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt, yes it is. After all, hundreds, if not thousands of studies have found the lifetime earnings potential of a college graduate is almost always significantly greater than that of an individual with no secondary education. Add to that, the fact that today’s college preps will potentially be in the workforce twenty more years than today’s retirees which only increases the value of a college education. In 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey started asking people with a bachelor’s degree to list their undergraduate major course of study. This enabled, for the first time, the ability to place a specific value on a particular major. For workers whose highest degree was a bachelor’s, incomes ranged from $29,000 for counseling-psychology majors to $120,000 for petroleum-engineering majors. However, the study also showed the median income for people with just a high-school diploma was about $32,000 vs. $55,000 for those whose highest degree was a bachelor’s. In other words, an individual with no college at all could potentially make more money over the course of their lifetime than an individual with a college degree—in some fields. There is another set of aspects of this discussion to consider though; the social attributes demonstrated by academically-oriented people, the value of the lifelong learning traits instilled in college graduates, and the broader perspectives afforded those with a college degree. A 2007 study by the College Board, New York found college graduates, regardless of major, are involved in the community and engage in charitable giving at more than twice the rate of high-school only graduates. Further, they live healthier lives and are more likely to experience increased longevity. 24

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“college graduates, regardless of major, are involved in the community and engage in charitable giving at more than twice the rate of high-school only graduates.” painting: Judy Palermo www.judypalermo.com

When this is considered along with the fact people are living longer in general, with all this added longevity will come significant earning potential. Further, as we move forward as a society, the best jobs will either be more technologically dependent or technologically oriented.

With this in mind, choosing a major should be about finding something you love to do. One should try to find something they love that will either (a) still be in demand many years from now, or (b) give them a foundation from which they can continue to evolve their skills and expertise as times change.

Maura Kastberg, executive director of Student Services at RSC: Your College Prep Expert in Schenectady, New York says; “In the high-tech world we live in, which is steadily becoming increasingly so, technology has replaced many jobs that are repetitive in nature. Plus, businesses are always looking for ways to do things more efficiently, more cheaply, and more safely. Companies are also looking to make their products and services easier for their customers to use. More and more, technology is the answer to those concerns.”

Which brings us to another hidden asset of a college education—the flexibility it gives people to evolve with the progression of their careers. Says Kastberg; “Most people today will have three to five different jobs over the course of their working lives. College lets people change their career focus more easily and is a foundation to build upon as technology advances. Taking additional courses to keep up with changes is much easier than having to start from scratch in a quickly changing world.”

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My MOTHER’S

Wedding

dress By Elizabeth Fergus-Jean Photos submitted

I found my mother’s wedding dress, sealed in a plastic bag, stuffed into an old tattered leather suitcase just a few months after my mother had passed away. At first I had no idea what it was, for it appeared to be a crumpled mass of old tulle and lace. Clearly it had not been thoughtfully stored away for safekeeping; it had been jammed into a bag and sealed away where it did not hold the power to stir up old memories. Yet when I unzipped the bag, wisps of the past seeped into the air. This wrinkled, slightly torn dress had once been beautiful; I knew this because I also found my mother’s wedding photos. She was stunning with her lace gloves and soft hopeful gaze. I wish my mother was with me so I could ask about her dress, her wedding and honeymoon; all stories I never heard yet longed to hear. I slipped on her dress, careful to not tear the aging lace. It fit; my body now as my mother’s, and I felt her presence around me. At first I felt a deep longing, and then curiosity washed over me as I began to slowly move this way and that, feeling the scratchy material brush against my skin. I lifted her veil to inhale her memory, dreaming of her, when she wore the dress on her wedding day. 26

I peered through the veil, seeking answers of her story, and finding those of my own imaginings-My daughter is getting married next year. Unlike my mother, I carefully sealed my wedding dress in the hopes that one day my daughter would want to wear it. But, she is indeed her mother’s daughter, for she too,

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showed no interest in wearing her mother’s wedding dress. And that is fine with me. A mother’s gift is sharing her love and supporting the choices her daughter makes. Dresses and fashion may come and go, but the memories that cling to their fabric transport us to rekindle our love of our past and our hope for the future.,

Photographed By Monica Eng Interview By Chelsie Roberts

Photography & Styling Monica Eng www.vividshots.com Third Eye Brian Fisher make-up & Hair Jyue Huey from The Make-Up Room Wedding gowns from The Wedding Present model Daria Popova

C. When you are photographing a subject, what kind of transformation happens in you? How do you become part of the artistry that you are creating, and how is it different or the same as who you are in regular day to day life?

M. I am curious by nature. Whenever I meet someone interesting, get caught in a unique situation or watch a really nice movie. I often wonder how it feels to be in someone else’s situation—imagining the multitudes of emotions surrounding that situation. I later translate them into little stories through my lens.

C. Other than the art of photography, what other art forms do you incorporate into your work, or what meaning do you derive from other art forms?

M. I love music and dance. Whenever possible I try to incorporate them into my works. Almost all the time, I will have a certain song

in my mind that I would almost play on a loop during my shoot to get everyone into that mood during the shoot; sometimes we all get so sick of that song after the shoot, we never want to hear it again. I have done shoots based on the ballet, Giselle and the Moonlight Sonata, all with my own interpretation from a different view point. Next, I would love to do a shoot based on Tango; it’s the one dance I find absolutely enchanting. I would love to be able to master Tango one day and translate it into my photography.

“colour and light is basically like a life partner to a visual artist. You have to understand every intricate aspect to make the relationship work” 30

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C. Describe how you feel about color and light? M. Colours and light are inseparable. To see a full spectrum of colours you’ll need an adequate amount of light. To set the right

mood and message in an image, you’ll need to understand them well. Metaphorically speaking, colour and light is basically like a life partner to a visual artist. You have to understand every intricate aspect to make the relationship work as you would understand your life partner—what makes them tick, what makes them happy or sad.

C. How do you feel about love, life and one’s mark that they make on the world through imagination and imagery?

M. I think life is short and we should love and live to the fullest; always fight for your dreams and do what you love most. You don’t need a lot to live fully because the simplest things are the most wonderful. I think imagination and fantasy are the necessities of life; it’s a way of looking at life through the eccentric side and laughing at life’s realities.

Wedding Trends 2 0 1 2

Royally inspired 2012 Weddings will be wildly romantic, sentimental . . . dreamy. Kate Middleton set the tone in 2011 with her vintage, classic wedding style. She brought back the romance Grace Kelly displayed on her wedding day in 1956, when she married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco.

Brides

will not skimp on two things in 2012 . . . her wedding jewelry and her dress. Dresses will favor a vintage feel: lace, longer sleeves, and sensual bodices. Jewelry is detailed, feminine and personal.

Royal Inspired Diamond & Sapphire Ring by Tacori

Royal Kate Middleton wore platinum drop earrings with pear-shaped diamonds and a diamond encrusted acorn in the center. Drop earrings are very chic right now. Middleton’s parents, Carole and Michael, gave them to her as a personal gift for her wedding day. Kate’s wedding jewelry epitomizes the modern yet romantic bride – she successfully blended elements from several eras together in her wedding day jewelry choices.

Sweet Dream Diamond Drops

by Hearts On Fire, $5850

Cakes & Flowers Weddings cakes and flowers in 2012 will feature simple, romantic and “green” qualities catering to the eco-minded bride and groom. Venues will favor small and outdoors. Guest lists of 200-300 people will go by the wayside as the happy couple creates an intimate and private atmosphere catering to the closest of friends and family.

Acclaim Ring

by Hearts On Fire, $4990

Single Intermingle Band by Hearts On Fire, $6700

Traditions 6

Brides carry or wear “something old” on their wedding day to symbolize continuity with the past.

The “something blue” in a bridal ensemble symbolizes purity, fidelity, and love.

The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below.

Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!

In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds’ home as a symbol of fertility and luck.

Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century.

6 6

In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness.

6 6

Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.

6 6

Queen Victoria’s wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds.

The bride stands to the groom’s left during a Christian ceremony, because in bygone days the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors.

Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party.

One of history’s earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.

Queen Victoria started the Western world’s white wedding dress trend in 1840 -- before then, brides simply wore their best dress.

Hearts On Fire Wedding Bands

Tacori

starting at $2980

The Rings

Gents Bands by Tacori

Her dream ring still consists of one large center diamond with one and often two diamond wedding bands to frame the engagement ring. Men are trending away from alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium and cobalt which have dominated the last 10 years. The pure and romantic metals of platinum and gold are as strong as they have ever been. This speaks volumes for the endearing and sentimental feelings couples are experiencing today.

Engagement Ring

by Tacori, starting at $3880

Bridal Jewelry

Couples have come to realize that there are very few things other than the wedding jewelry that they get to take away from their wedding day. As a result are spending more money on engagement and wedding rings as well as jewelry for the bridal party.

Sterling Silver and Pearl Earrings $

149

Diamond Ladies Link Watch by TAG Heuer, $4800

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carrera Calibre 6 Watch by TAG Heuer, $2900

Tacori Heirloom Inspired Necklace and Earrings starting at $1090

Tacori, Designer to the Stars, Creates an Elegant Masterpiece for Twilight’s Nikki Reed Julie Sather-Browne

In an intimate vineyard ceremony, Twilight star Nikki Reed wed

Million Dollar Dress

American Idol’s Paul McDonald. The newlyweds exchanged custom-designed Tacori wedding rings while Nikki wore a oneof-a-kind diamond dress created by Tacori exclusively for Nikki. The elegant fit-and-flare bridal gown glittered with more than 120 carats of Tacori Diamonds, and is valued above one million dollars. Handcrafted Drawing Courtesy of Tacori

in California, Tacori artisans designed the jeweled elements exclusively for this dress. The dress is adorned with a stunning Tacori Diamond Brooch which has a round 5 carat diamond in the center encircled by twelve .50 carat pear shaped diamonds. The delicate and intricate design contains more than 240 accent diamonds, ranging from .50 carat to 1.50 carat, for a total of 30 carats in diamonds! Each hand-sewn platinum button lining the back of the dress contains a 1.05 carat Tacori Diamond, bringing the grand total to 180.00 carats of Tacori Diamonds!

Photo Courtesy of Tacori

The Making of a One Million Dollar Wedding Dress

Photo Courtesy of Tacori

100 Tacori Platinum and Diamond Buttons

Drawing Courtesy of Tacori

This 30 carat Tacori Brooch is the centerpiece of Nikki’s dress Nikki & Paul’s Tacori Wedding Rings

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

The Long and Short of It

Bridal

Spring 2012

Oscar de la Rentaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Tea Party By Simone Goller

There was something enchanting in the air at the Oscar de la Renta showroom where he presented his Spring 2012 bridal collection on Monday, April 11, in New York. Always one to put on a show and create something awe-inspiring, de la Renta this season set the scene to something you would expect little girls to conjure up if they let their young and vivid imaginations run free. Always refined of course, these little women could be found hosting a tea party in the garden out back

Womens Runway Report Bridal

Designer Spotlight

surrounded by freesia and lavender scents as they sip tea, or at least gesture as such, in little white gloves and paint pictures for each other envisioning their fantastical wedding dreams.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

With the youthfulness to the collection came an understated elegance that only de la Renta could pervade. Long silhouettes with bodacious skirts composed of ruffles and organza florets gave the illusion of a woman running through a patch of petals as they joined together to adorn her body. Rabbit hair on a white feathered bolero and scarf meshed perfectly with the springtime garden fauna. Offering something novel to the bridal repertoire, de la Renta utilized the neckline in square shapes and more angular cuts. All 37 designs were white except for a couple of degrade silk organza gowns in pink and a tea length version in pale blue.

sJLM COUTURE Womens Runway Report Bridal

Pnina Tornai

Womens Runway Report Bridal

Alexander McQueen Mens Runway Report

The Long and Short of It Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Spring 2012

McQueen’s Brit Rock Hall of Fame By Godfrey Deeny

Though rock ‘n’ roll is an American term, when it comes to its iconography, it’s our British rock star cousins who occupy far more of the music’s visual history. The accepted wisdom is that the Cleveland, Ohio DJ Alan Freed first popularized “rock and roll,” on radio and that the first true record in the genre is “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats, an alias for Ike Turner. However, the first true rock gods, when it comes to fashion, are legends like the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who. And that remained true through many decades, when UK stars as diverse as Joe Strummer, Bryan Ferry or Pete Doherty set

Alexander McQueen

Designer Spotlight

the sartorial agenda more than their colleagues across The Pond. Which brings us to the latest menswear collection from the house of Alexander McQueen. Sarah Burton put it, “a history of a baby band, from their early shows, to more self-indulgence and on to huge mega stadium concerts.” Burton’s spring 2012 collection for McQueen was a tour de force of tailoring, a witty understanding of sartorial rock imagery and a counter blast to the self-indulgent whimsy. The true cool of these clothes was the way she could riff through all sorts of rock legend moments-spiffy mod hounds’ tooth suits, Chelsea spiv rocker, eighties synthesizer pop star, poetic new romantic and aristocratic country house amateur rocker to legend entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in, but of course, Cleveland, Ohio. Whether flame printed jackets, Edwardian tails, revolutionary dandy striped pants or sleek gangster singer double-breasted jackets it was all pretty brilliant. So, Brit rockers, raise your hands in applause for Burton, few designers will ever dress 44

you quite so well.

Armani

Gucci

pARTners The Love Story

Christo & Jeanne Claude By Lyndon Conrad Bell

Imagine having the following conversation with your spouse/significant other; “Hon, I have a great idea. I want to take 150 oil barrels and use them to block off a street downtown. When the police show up to clear them, I’m going to need you to hold them off so the press can document it while I attend a gallery opening in another part of the city. Do you think you can do that my love?” How well do you think that a question like that would be received? In the case of Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and JeanneClaude Marie Denat, her answer was, “Yes darling, of course I can.” That positive response enabled a seminal event in the life of their career, which ultimately attracted the pair enough notoriety to sustain a forty-eight year creative collaboration—which continues to birth some of the most monumental works of art the world has ever known. Seemingly pre-destined to meet and fall in love, Jeanne-Claude and Christo were both born on June 13, 1935—Jeanne-Claude in Morocco, Christo in Bulgaria. The two met in Paris in 1958, when, as a young artist, Christo was commissioned to produce a portrait of Jeanne-Claude’s mother, Précilda de Guillebon. Jeanne-Claude once said her life began the day Christo walked into her family’s home. And while Cyril, their son, born May 11, 1960, was the couple’s first collaboration, the pair went on to literally redefine the work of art. For many years, the fruitions of their efforts were credited only to Christo. And while it is true the overtly creative aspects of their projects sprang from Christo’s imagination, the real work of transforming the work from the firing of synapses in Christo’s brain to a tangible artifact capable of triggering responses in the brains of others fell largely to Jeanne-Claude. In 1994, the couple announced they would henceforth be known as a single entity, and further, all projects they’d created since 1964 would be retroactively labeled as the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The announcement drew considerable criticism, as her role was perceived by many in the art world to be “merely” administrative. In response, Christo said, “The drawings are but the scheme for the project, after that, we do everything together. Everybody knows we’ve worked together for over 30 years. There’s no point in arguing about who does what. The work is all that matters.” In fact, the couple never flew together so in the event of a tragedy, their work could continue unabated.

The phrase “Work Of Art” typically applies only to a finished piece. In the case of Jeanne-Claude and Christo’s installations, the “work of art” involves so much more than just the piece itself. A good example of this is the ground work laid for their seminal installation, Running Fence. Flowing gracefully across 24.5 miles of northern California’s Sonoma and Marin counties, Running Fence began near the town of Petaluma, before crossing U.S. Highway 101 as well as 14 roads in both counties. At its terminus, the fence slipped fluidly into the Pacific Ocean at Bodega Bay. The project required a 400-page Environmental Impact Study, hearings with both county’s commissioners, numerous city council meetings and individual permission from each of the 59 ranchers whose lands the fence would cross. The “work” of this art piece began in 1972. The actual physical installation process began four years later in April of 1976. Running Fence was completed on September 10, 1976 and stood for just under two weeks, before being removed on September 21, 1976. The scale of the work is almost unimaginable. The eighteen foot high fence was composed of 2,050 panels of white nylon fabric measuring eighteen feet wide by sixty-eight feet long. The fabric was suspended between a pair of steel cables by means of 350,000 hooks. The cables were in turn supported by 2,050 steel poles placed sixty-two feet apart and anchored three feet into the ground. Steel guy wires braced each of the steel poles. And while Running Fence is rightfully considered one of history’s most extraordinary works of art, getting the clearance to build it in the first place was the “work” of art too. Her husband’s most ardent supporter, Jeanne-Claude’s machinations behind the scenes—doing the “work” of art— are what ultimately saw their projects realized. An oft-overlooked aspect of Jeanne-Claude and Christo’s work is the fact it has always been entirely self-funded. All the related expenses, including the engineers, lawyers, installers, environmental analysis, traffic control, trash removal and sanitation at the sites have been borne by the artists without viewing fees, sponsorships or outside investments of any kind. Jeanne-Claude once quoted the cost of producing Running Fence at some 21 million (1970’s) dollars. That would be well over 60 million dollars today. The funding of their projects comes from the sales of smaller pieces of art created by the couple, as well as selling the preliminary sketches, renderings and models of the ultimate work. Eschewing the traditional artist/agency relationship, Jeanne-Claude fulfilled that role as well. Arguably, Christo would not be Christo without the efforts of Jeanne-Claude. And while she had no significant interest in art before Christo, she often said she would do whatever it took to ensure their success. If Christo had been a plumber, Jeanne-Claude is quoted as having said she’d have learned everything she needed to know about becoming a successful plumber. www.lxmagazine.com

Images top to bottom: Wrapped Reichstag, Berlin, Germany, 1971-95 Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 1972-76

photos: Wolfgang Volz

Their next work, called Over The River is a plan to build a semi-translucent canopy some 5.9 miles long over a stretch of the Arkansas River between the towns of Salida and Ca単on City in south-central Colorado. The idea for Over The River was planted as Jeanne-Claude and Christo watched the fabric of their Pont Neuf bridge-wrapping project being hoisted into place above the River Seine in Paris together. Although Jeanne-Claude has passed away, before she departed, she set into motion the realization of this work. Christo is continuing their artistic legacy and love story by continuing the plans for Over The River, with the spirit of Jeanne-Claude at his side.

The Umbrellas, Japan-USA, 1984-91 photos: Wolfgang Volz

Surrounded Islands, Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami, Florida, 1980-83 photo: Wolfgang Volz

oo o

Mermaiden

Photographer Zena Holloway Story by Chelsie Roberts Fashion Thea Lewis Hair Michael Jones using Bumble and Bumble Make up, Phyllis Cohen at DWM using Shu Uemura Model Lydia Beesley at Storm. Photographers Assistants Angela Neil and Greg Hardes Diving Assistant Phil Richards. Fashion Assistant Ashley-Gianna Hallett.

Photographer Zena Holloway, born in Bahrain, now working and living in London is rumored to be able to hold her breath for three full minutes; which is a good thing, because her art is not only awe inspiring—it is literally breathtaking. Why literally? because, her scenes are shot exclusively underwater. In fact, whether it is in an ocean, a swimming pool or a water tank, Zena doesn’t photograph outside of the water at all. When she expresses how she felt the first time she went into the sea, she says “I loved the sense of being deep underwater, on borrowed time, experiencing a new world and having access to an environment that was so divine.” And her passion for the deep blue shows in her work. She has photographed images across all genres, ranging from the images for Charles Kingsley’s children’s book “Waterbabies” where she not only worked with children, but also animals to images for Nike and Olay campaigns. However she says, “I’m still waiting for the phone to ring for an underwater car commercial.”

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It all began when Zena was traveling the world as a scuba dive instructor. She was in Egypt, working as a guide when her mother purchased an underwater motor marine camera for her 18th birthday present. She says it, “looked far more like a children’s toy than a camera.”

She started to experiment with techniques that she learned in underwater photography books and through trial and error she taught herself. And, her first subject was not a mermaid, but a blue spotted ray, who Zena says, “Kindly sat for me for about twenty minutes as I fumbled with the settings.” When asked why she shoots underwater and how she came up with the idea, it’s a no brainer for her. “It was the water that came first rather than the photography and now that I’m a photographer it’s hard to extract the water… I like the magic that I find underwater which is very hard to achieve on land.”

Jade, white and black print chiffon dress with solid gold collar Just Cavalli Headpiece Basia Zarzycka 53

“Mermaiden” definitely captures this magic. Not only do the images capture the beauty and color of the water, but also this is paired with the intricacy and on-point aspect of the styling. “The inspiration from the shoot came from seeing the magnificent clothes hanging on the rail that Thea Lewis had gathered …The long flowing dresses, shells and long hair of the model all had a very mermaid feel…which was reflected in the style of the photography.” Says Zena. Now, looking forward, admiring her art and drinking it all in, I wonder what will swim next in front of her lens? I am no longer wondering what is in Davy Jones’ Locker, but rather in Zena Holloway’s.

Cream Grecian style dress Amanda Wakeley Harness Sergio Rossi Head piece Basia Zarzycka 54

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THE LYD IA DO

CA EAST NCER S BR UP P

Hope Lives On

ER ENT TC OR

By Angeline Grenz

ydia Dody knows many survivors. In fact, she has made survival her passion in life. But while Lydia holds the stories of so many survivors in her heart, she knows them better as fighters. It is a fight she is familiar with; after all she battled and won her own fight 12 years ago. In early November 2000, Lydia walked away from her annual exam and mammogram with a clean bill of health. But the insightful magazine publisher was hesitant. One breast felt slightly larger than the other. She almost chalked it up to weight gain but decided to err on the conservative side. Lydia requested a biopsy and her doctor arranged it with a surgeon a couple days later. “The surgeon also assured me that everything looked fine,” she recalls. “But two days later I was having my hair done for a Christmas photo when I got the call… He told me I had breast cancer. I will never forget that call. I got this news yet nothing else in the world stopped. Everything [for me] was moving in slow motion, coming to a screeching halt. When this happens to you, fear consumes you. Your first thought is that this is your death sentence. It took my breath away.” But the busy career woman and mother of two daughters, ages 12 and 16, could not afford for her life to fall apart. She intuitively made a decision that same day that ultimately saved her life: she wanted both breasts removed – immediately. By November 9, she had surgery, choosing to have her bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction done in the same surgery. Her decision proved to be the right one. Early signs of cancer were found in the second breast as well.

Ali, Meredith and Lydia celebrate life at the Hope Lives! Gala 2011. her strength and she was rebaptized as her renewed commitment to Jesus Christ. The information she learned through her expanded awareness bolstered Lydia. “I learned that I could create my own reality; to be positive I had to surround myself with positive people. This began a new inquiry in how to help myself.” At the same time, she began to look toward complementary methods of care: massage therapy before chemotherapy, vitamin shots, weekly counseling, lymphatic massage, Healing Touch sessions, Reiki and other types of alternative care. At this time a seed was also planted in Lydia. The support she received through good friends and the community, and positive feedback helped her to survive day to day. Yet, it also highlighted the despair and negativity of others undergoing the same challenge. “I would sit at my chemo appointment and notice those around me who were struggling.” She began to feel she needed to offer similar support to others in her community and an idea began to sprout. “Whether I survived or not, I knew I had to do something to help others, to leave a positive legacy that helped other women,” she says. She immediately began to rally together

The surgery, six months of chemotherapy and subsequent four reconstruction surgeries took a toll on Lydia. She survived severe joint pain, nausea, mouth sores that prevented her from eating, two life-threatening infections, hospitalizations and a divorce during the latter part of 2001. During this time, she fought her own despair and her daughters’ fears she would not survive. She also came to the realization that her fight was not only physical in nature; it was psychological and spiritual. Close friends recommended that she attend a meeting centered on Abraham-Hicks’ teachings, which focus on the law of attraction. Her faith in God became

Lydia celebrates the completion of six months of chemotherapy with her daughters Meredith and Ali. www.lxmagazine.com

The Silent Action raises funds for services for women. the friends that had been instrumental in helping her deal with the challenges of her diagnosis and her idea took shape. Friends and associates volunteered accounting and legal services, donated funds and time, and agreed to sit on a board of directors – all the while Lydia was still regularly going to her chemotherapy.

has 154 active clients, but the number changes from week to week, according to Melissa Venable, executive director and Hope Lives sole paid employee. The foundation’s yearly gala is a signature event held every October [this year on October 20] and its Breast Cancer Survivor Fashion Show is the true highlight – where women celebrate their life and commitment to hope and beating breast cancer by strutting down the runway in evening gowns provided by local retailers. Lydia also donates one magazine a year, the September Breast Cancer and Women’s Health issue of Style Magazine, to tell the individual stories of these survivors and focus on the latest in the fight against breast cancer. A spring run/walk, The Pink Boa 5k, is a second yearly fundraiser. The event, held this year on May 19, celebrates breast

Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center was born that same year. The goal of the foundation was to help provide the support and complementary care women undergoing breast cancer treatment often need but is rarely paid for by insurance. In November 2001 Lydia started with an intense weekend of activity: the Race For the Care 5k run/walk (now the Pink Boa), the Breast Cancer Wellness & Spirituality Symposium

Fashion show celebration at Hope Lives! Gala 2011. of informative lectures by professionals and a Hope Lives! Celebration of Life gala. This powerhouse weekend raised $100,000 for the foundation and cemented her goal. “I don’t know that I could accomplish today with a staff and resources what I accomplished then,” she says. But at the weekend’s culmination, when 450 attendees stood to applaud her, “I was so honored. I knew I had reached my dream.” Twelve years later, the small but mighty Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center mimics the force of will that is its organizer. Despite a difficult economy and challenging concept, Lydia’s foundation has provided well over 13,500 free services to women in Northern Colorado. Services range from massage therapy, acupuncture and Reiki to house cleaning, a free wig, nutrition support and more, from over 40 local providers. Women in the program are eligible for two free services every month for the entire time they are undergoing treatment and for six months after while they phase back into normal life. The foundation currently www.lxmagazine.com

Gourmet dining at the Gala. cancer survivors with a day of fun activities. Both Lydia and Melissa hope these events and other local sponsors can one day help them accomplish a new goal – the creation of a healing and wellness center. The center would become a one-stop location for women, where they can receive services and attend classes at a single location. Another long-term goal for Hope Lives is to expand beyond the borders of Northern Colorado to help women all over Colorado. Hope Lives! is currently the only foundation providing complementary care of this nature in the state. Lydia has been recognized for her tireless efforts to help fellow fighters – she has received recognition by eWomenNetwork and several national sororities; was named a 2010 Colorado Woman of Vision; and invited to Atlanta twice as a 2010 Pink Power Mom, a national award given by Kids II to eight women a year who make a significant contribution to breast cancer. But Lydia brushes aside the accolades she has received. “The women I meet bring me to my knees. I have such admiration for their strength. It is so important to give them a place where they can come and find support and leave with a feeling of hope,” she says. “Lydia is such an inspiration to me,” concludes Melissa. “When I meet with the many women who receive services from Hope Lives and hear the gratitude in their voices, I can’t help but remember that it all started from one woman’s vision. She was able take her horrible cancer experience and use it as a catalyst to create an organization that gives back to women. She will never be able to meet all of the women who have been blessed by this organization, but it truly is because of her that Hope Lives in Northern Colorado.” 59

The

Awesome 8

A Golfing Adventure

By Martin Sayers

Golf is not a game that is usually associated with high adventureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is supposed to be a sedate and relaxing pastime. Things are changing in the world of golf, however, and there is an incredible quest out there for anyone prepared to take it on. It is a journey that takes the intrepid golfer to eight of the most extreme golf courses in the world: the highest, the lowest, the hottest, the coldest, the most southerly, the most northerly, the hardest and the greatest.

This crazy task is the brainchild of two golfobsessed British friends, Robin Sieger and Neil Laughton, who decided over seven years ago that it was time to make their golf a bit more exciting. T h ey hit upon the idea of a competition that involved completing eight of the most diverse and extreme golf courses in the world within a year. All of the courses were recognized golf clubs with an established membership list, and with sponsorship from Callaway, Robin and Neil set out to play all eight of them within 12 months. They started in January and had completed the challenge by Christmas.

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According to Robin, it was one of the greatest experiences of his life: “It was an incredible trip,” he says. “Not only did we get to play some amazing golf courses but we met some fantastic people along the way. We were treated with incredible generosity and kindness at the clubs we visited; it showed the true spirit of golf.” Robin and Neil are now the founding members of the most exclusive golf society in the world, a society whose membership is only open to those who have completed all eight courses on the Awesome 8 list. The challenge no longer requires the intrepid golfer, as it did Robin and Neil, to drag a bag of clubs around the world on a series of economy class flights. The Awesome 8 has evolved into the ultimate golfing experience—a package that includes travel by executive jet, accommodation in luxury hotels and incredible excursions to places of interest. The trip takes place in two month-long stages, one in summer and one in winter, and the cost is around a cool $157,000. If you have the money and the time, you can take your place on the Awesome 8. You and around 25 fellow golfers will jet off in a luxury Boeing 757-200 and be whisked around the golfing world for two weeks.

Eight of the most diverse and extreme golf courses in the world.

The Most Northerly

North Cape, Norway Jet out to the edge of the Arctic Circle, where a round at North Cape golf club awaits, the most northerly course in the world. After the golf, a take a cruise to the North Cape itself—the very tip of Europe, where it is possible to see the incredible spectacle of the Northern Lights.

The Coldest

North Star, Alaska

From Norway, a hop across the Arctic to Alaska to play at North Star golf club. It is the coldest golf course in the world, so much so that it has to close for six months of the year. Thankfully, playing it in May means that snow is unlikely to be a problem. North Star may also be the only club that provides an animal checklist on the scorecard—hawks, owls and eagles are all common sights and even the elusive lynx has been spotted. A course rule states that: “When a raven or fox steals a ball, a replacement may be dropped without penalty at the scene of the crime.”

www.lxmagazine.com

The Highest

La Paz, Bolivia

After the climatic extremes of the Arctic, the head back southward to the city of La Paz in Bolivia. Not only is La Paz the highest capital city in the world, it is also home to the highest golf course, a club situated a heady 10,350-feet above sea level. Set against the majestic beauty of the Andes, this is one of the most scenic golf courses in the world. Golfers must be careful, however, because the altitude means that the average 4-iron shot will shoot past 200 yards. The activities associated with this location could include a visit to the world famous Lake Titicaca and a look around Tiwanako, ancient capital of the Incas.

The Greatest

St. Andrews, Scotland

After Bolivia, head back to Europe to play the only one of the eight courses that needs no introduction: St. Andrews is possibly the greatest and certainly one of the oldest golf courses in the world. This magnificent links is a Mecca for any golfer, and its many features and subtleties make for an amazing eighteen holes. Teeing off on the Old Course in the footsteps of the greats, from Bobby Jones to Tiger Woods, makes for an unforgettable experience.

The Lowest

Furnace Creek, California Whisked across the desert to play Furnace Creek in California, at 214 feet below sea level the world’s lowest elevation golf course. This unfeasibly lush course stands in glorious contrast to the desolate desert landscape of its Death Valley location. Not only is it low; it is also hard and has been featured in Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 50 Toughest Courses.”

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There is an incredible quest out there for anyone prepared to take it on.

The Most Southerly

Ushuaia, Argentina

7 8

Set out to play the most southerly golf course in the world at Ushuaia, Argentina. Sitting at the very tip of South America, Ushuaia claims to be the world’s most southerly city and isn’t much more than a super-charged drive away from Antarctica. The club itself is set in the Tierra del Fuego national park and provides a challenge. Strong winds from the polar region whip across the fairways, and the course is crisscrossed by a fast-flowing river.

The Toughest

Ko’olau, Hawaii

From Argentina, head across the Pacific to the paradise islands of Hawaii to take on what is widely regarded as the most difficult course in the world of golf. Carved out of a forest on the windward side of the 2000-foot Ko’olau Ridge mountain range, Ko’olau golf course is officially recognized as the hardest course in America by the USGA. The course is almost unfeasibly steep and wind speed can often reach 40 mph. These factors, combined with the sheer difficulty of the course, means that most rounds take over 5 hours to complete.

The Hottest

Alice Springs, Australia

From Hawaii, continue westward to Australia and Alice Springs golf club. Given its location in the middle of the Australian desert, it is not surprising that Alice Springs is officially the hottest golf course in the world, with temperatures regularly topping 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But the welcome is as warm as the weather, and Awesome 8 founder Robin Sieger rates Alice Springs as one of the friendliest clubs he has ever visited. www.lxmagazine.com

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