A Meyers Jewelers Publication
from the publisher
Welcome.
Greetings, It is our honor once again to bring you LX Columbus, an artistic, fashion and lifestyle coffee table magazine. This exciting issue features exquisite jewelry from around the world, artistic photography and captivating stories that will entertain you. We are excited to share “Destination…I Do” that takes a trip around the world, highlighting amazing places with breathtaking views to marry abroad or renew your vows. “Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni” captures emotions with a beautifully eyearresting, almost painterly approach. Read about “The Best Beer in the World”, the Westy, that tops the hype of the world’s renowned Belgian beers. Enjoy reading about the Tacorian family history and the crafted artisan jewelry of Tacori are featured in “The Tacori Story”. Be sure to visit us at Meyers Jewelers. We love hearing your stories and feel honored to be a part of your special moments. Our promise is to make your experience at Meyers Jewelers legendary. 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. Enjoy this issue of LX Columbus. Our best to you, Meyer, Jeff and Scott
www.meyersjewelers.com
www.lxmagazines.com
W HEN T WO B ECOME O NE
FlyerFit速Forever. Classic and vintage styled rings uniquely designed to fit perfectly together on your finger.
Meyers Jewelers est. 1966
Experience the family difference!
Features
inside
10
Jewelry 10 The Tacori Story 36 Gift Guide
Photography 19 Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni
Fashion 49 Runway Report
The Tacori Story Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni
19 43
Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs
Lifestyle 15 Power Napping 43 Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs 60 The Power of Family Commitment 65 Eating Raw
Travel 29 Destination... I Do! Libation 54 Best Beer in the World
36
Best Beer in the World
54
Meyers Jewelers Gift Guide
7
cover on on thethe cover
Publishers MEYER, JEFF AND SCOTT Editor JON ROBERTS Senior Designer ANGIE HALTER
Featured on the cover is the work of brilliant fashion, beauty and wedding photographer, Emily Gualdoni. Emily says “I’ve always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph.”
Project Coordinators ASHLEY ANDERSON NICOLE HIGGINS
See Emily’s distinct style in an exclusive LX photo shoot and interview,“Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni” on pages 19-28.
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 lxmagazines.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2013 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 LX Publications, LLC. 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
www.lxmagazines.com
©2012 movado group, inc.
KERRY WASHINGTON, ACCLAIMED ACTOR. CERENA™ MODERN CERAMIC DESIGN IN SMOOTH WHITE CERAMIC AND STAINLESS STEEL. WHITE DIAL WITH DIAMONDS. MOVADO.COM
1494 Stringtown Road • Grove City, OH • 614-594-0230 • www.meyersjewelers.com
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; familyowned, 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. Paul Tacorian, the company’s president of sales and marketing, set the jewelry world on its ear with his innovative, full-page ads featuring achingly beautiful images of the masterworks his family creates. Tacorian’s advertisements were groundbreaking 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.
“The Tacorian family upholds an uncompromising legacy of passionately fusing classic elegance with modern inspiration.”
10
www.lxmagazines.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 halfmoon pattern. The pattern is so distinctive Tacori was granted both a copyright and a trademark for it. The crescent half-moon 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
www.lxmagazines.com
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 titaniumclad guarantee of quality and are certified to be conflictfree. 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.
11
“Paul Tacorian… set the jewelry world on its ear with his innovative, full-page ads” 12
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.
www.lxmagazines.com
13
heartsonfire.com
1494 Stringtown Rd, Grove City, OH 614.594.0230 | meyersjewelers.com
FIGHT FATIGUE WITH AN ENERGYPOD Photos provided by MetroNaps
Do you find yourself dozing off at your desk or trying to catch a powernaps in odd place throughout the day? The human body naturally experiences ‘drowsy spells’ twice a day; in the early morning and in the mid-afternoon. Studies have shown that taking a brief nap during the day improves alertness, learning, creativity, as well as mood, and regular napping has been documented to reduce stress and to significantly decrease the risk of heart disease.
The EnergyPod allows individuals to boost their professional and personal productivity while helping them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
One business was born from this realization, MetroNaps. Tackling their key elements of research necessary for an efficient nap: comfortable, posture, adequate privacy and security, they started their quest with the “City That Never Sleeps,” New York City. In order to pass the Big Apple’s stringent zoning requirements, they had to do something other than build little rooms or they would have needed a hotel license. MetroNaps’ innovative and elegant solution— compact and efficient to minimize the amount of floor space—was the EnergyPod, the world’s first chair designed exclusively for power napping in the work place. The EnergyPod allows individuals to boost their professional and personal productivity while helping them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These stylish, yet ergonomic cocoon-like pods provide a comfortable place to take a nap while also providing feautures like a rotating visor for personalized privacy, built-in relaxation music, electonic reclining and gentle wake up functions through a combination of vibration, lights and sounds.
Opening its first retail napping location in the Empire State Building in New York City in 2004, customers were welcome to come in for a power nap–a refreshing 20 minute nap for just $14. Within two years they had opened a MetroNaps EnergyPod facility within Vancouver Airport to serve exhausted travelers, and a franchise opened on Wall Street for weary bankers and traders. The goal was to get the message out: naps are necessary. And while MetroNaps no longer operate retail facilities, there are now EnergyPod installations in offices, hospitals, universities, airports and fitness centers in dozens of countries across four continents. Realising that power naps help to increase productivity of their staff, Google (known for giving their employees cool perks) is one company that has jump on board with these EnergyPods, letting thier employees snooze in style. Thanks to the EnergyPod, tens of thousands of naps have been taken, millions of minutes have been spent recharging, and as a result people are leading healthier and more productive lives.
W O R L D C L A S S T R AV E L E R S
David Beckham. A global icon who insists on perfection. Precision and style. A legend forged by accomplishments. On his wrist is the Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime, the ultimate traveler’s watch. Manufacture Breitling Caliber B05, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, endorsed by a 5-year Breitling warranty. High-performance selfwinding chronograph. Universal time function enabling permanent readings of the time in all 24 timezones thanks to a patented mechanism and an ultra-user-friendly crown-operated correction system. Comfort and elegance for first-class travelers. Signed Breitling.
BRE ITLI NG.C OM
$11,200
1494 Stringtown Rd, Grove City, OH | 614.594.0230 | meyersjewelers.com heartsonfire.com
behind the lens of emily gualdoni By Lyndon Conrad Bell
You don't take a photograph, you make it. - Ansel Adams Considered one of the top wedding photographers, Emily Gualdoni’s ethereal esthetic translates into images imparting the unique quality of appearing to be lighter than air. Radiating a deep internal glow, her photographs also warmly entice viewers to relive a moment forever frozen in time. Further, Gualdoni’s distinctive sensibilities enable her to approach her wedding photography with the fluidity, attention to detail and grace of a fashion photographer— as well as the observational skills of a photojournalist. Combining the two, she captures the emotion of a day in beautifully eye-arresting, almost painterly images. Remarkably though, like so many gifted people, when you ask her about her work, she says it’s just something she feels. To learn what happens behind the lens of Emily Gualdoni, we commissioned her to produce this series of photographs so we could discuss them in detail.
www.lxmagazines.com
19
Photography Emily Gualdoni Hair & Makeup Loni Hale Stylist Theresa DeMaria, Factor Artists Stylist Assistants Shannon Brehm Wynita Yancy Models Noelle Lynch, Ford Chicago Khrystyna B, Ford Chicago Gowns by Mira Bridal Couture, Chicago
20
www.lxmagazines.com
“I’ve always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph.” - Emily Gualdoni
21
www.lxmagazines.com www.lxmagazine.com
23
LX: The images have a very definite look and feel to them. Even if one didn't know you shot them all, it’s readily evident the same photographer did. In other words, you have a clearly identifiable style. How did you develop it? How has it evolved since you began photographing? Emily Gualdoni: I've always had this in me. Over the years I've just been fine tuning it. But, having said that, I've never been a very "technical" photographer. I do things intuitively, which I suppose gives me more of a distinct style. I want someone to look at my photography and see pieces of art without focusing on the elements of the image. I feel I've accomplished a successful shoot when someone can look and think; "Wow, that’s just beautiful." and maybe not even be able to explain why. I've always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph. I incorporate this into my efforts first by creating beautiful lighting and then polishing the resulting photos with a clean—but light—edit. LX: This work is quite striking. It’s like the images are black and white—but in color. Did you see that before you did the shoot? E.G.: Contrast was one of my main ideas when putting together this shoot. I really wanted the beautiful gowns to pop out, but while remaining very simple and elegant. I think it makes these photographs more fascinating when, at first glance, you think you're looking at some black and white photos. But then, when your eyes take in the skin and hair, you realize they are color photographs.
24
www.lxmagazines.com
25
“I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them...�
26
LX: Looking at your work, one can see your vision is reflective of haute couture. Is fashion the foundation of your entire photographic approach? E.G.: I love coming up with a concept and gathering the right team around me to execute the vision and create a piece of art. I have a hard time expressing myself with words, but people can get to know me by just looking at my work. I like inspiring people with things they haven't seen before. Fashion photography interests me because you have control over the outcome. Instead of waiting for a moment to happen, you create it.
27
LX: How does that inform or affect your wedding work? E.G.: I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them as well. It’s their wedding day, they should experience it feeling exceptionally attractive. Within that, I also want to reflect their personalities. So while I try to glamorize the images as much as possible, I also make sure I capture the personalities of the subjects—along with the overall beauty and joyousness associated with the time. LX: With that said, how do you unobtrusively capture a wedding day? E.G.: When I'm photographing the couple or the wedding party for posed portraits, I relax everyone with humor. I let them see my dorky/goofy side. This humanizes the situation and loosens them up so rather than focusing on the camera, they relax and enjoy being in the moment. During the reception, I use my telephoto lens to photograph people from a distance so they don't realize it because people tend to get a bit nervous when they know they're being photographed. They act differently than they would normally. With these techniques, I can easily capture their love, fun and friendship. Meanwhile, they remain completely unaware I’m doing it.
28
www.lxmagazines.com
By Martin Sayers
It’s no secret that today there are a growing number of couples skipping the traditional affair and marrying abroad. Why not, our world is full of amazing places and breathtaking views! Whether you are arranging a destination wedding, a second wedding or renewing your vows, prepare for your “I do’s” at one of these fine global destinations.
photo: Tourism Fiji
Cape Town, South Africa If it is a wedding in the African sun that you are looking for then Cape Town, the most popular tourist destination not just in South Africa but the entire continent, is hard to beat. Nestled in the unique Cape floral kingdom and boasting worldfamous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point, Cape Town offers naturally beautiful wedding venues coupled with a buzzing atmosphere and fantastic weather.
www.lxmagazines.com
29
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha)
30
Croatia, with its stunning coastline and wealth of natural beauty, is an increasingly popular destination for weddings and the city of Dubrovnik is attracting many couples. It is easy to see why – Dubrovnik is a UNESCO world heritage site and sits next to the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea, where the myriad of tiny and beautiful islands that dot the water offer the perfect opportunity for a pre or post-wedding boat trip. On the shore, Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is simply breathtaking – its churches, palaces and piazzas provide a fantastic backdrop for photographs and the warmth and generosity of its people is famous throughout the world.
www.lxmagazines.com www.lxmagazine.com
New York, USA
Washington Square Park, New York
The world’s most iconic city has inspired countless songs, movies and books and has more famous sights than most entire countries, so it offers the perfect backdrop for a big day to remember. New York loves a wedding and many brides that choose to marry in the Big Apple eschew the limo for a chance to arrive in time-honored NYC style in the back of a yellow cab to one of the plethora of fantastic venues available across the city. New York’s buzzing nightlife also ensures that the postwedding party will be one to remember!
Las Vegas, USA Las Vegas may have a reputation as the ‘get hitched quick’ capital of the world but in fact the city plays host to all sorts of nuptials thanks to a mindboggling array of venues, from the glittering opulence of the Bellagio to more small and intimate venues, not to mention the world-famous Elvis Chapel! The scintillating nightlife on offer along the Las Vegas Strip will also ensure that your wedding party will never be bored during their time in the entertainment capital of the world.
Fiji This south sea paradise attracts thousands of couples each year for marriage ceremonies. It is easy to see why – Fiji’s collection of tropical islands is ringed by amazing sandy beaches and palm trees and the cobalt blue sea is as warm as a bath, meaning that you are also in the perfect spot for a honeymoon. Such is the popularity of Fijian weddings that many resorts now have purpose built chapels on-site and can cater for every requirement of your big day, from helping the bride to look her best, right through to the post-wedding meal and party.
photo: Tourism Fiji LikuLiku Resort
Victoria Street, Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland The capital of Scotland can provide the perfect backdrop for a big day to remember. This grand old city is steeped in history and its magnificent architecture has to be seen to be believed. Yet this is no staid, boring town – Edinburgh is a culturally diverse and exciting location that offers a range of attractions for any wedding party, from shopping on the world-famous Princes Street to climbing up the hill known as Arthur’s Seat.
Sydney, Australia Sydney is the biggest city on the whole Australian continent and is also one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations. The friendliness of the people, the stunning landmarks and the glorious sunshine also make it a fantastic place to get married. Sydney weddings range from traditional affairs in grand old hotels such as the Langham in the historic Rocks district, to open-air celebrations on Bondi Beach or on one of the many other glorious expanses of sand that dot the city’s coastline.
32
Sydney Opera House
www.lxmagazines.com
Mauritius The writer Mark Twain once said of Mauritius that it was the ‘inspiration for heaven’, which makes it a perfect place to start a marriage. This beautiful speck in the middle of the Indian Ocean boasts everything you could possibly hope to find in a tropical paradise – from sandy beaches to lush green jungle and clear blue waters. Mauritius is one of the most popular marriage destinations in the world, so there is no shortage of hotels that cater for weddings and which can accommodate large wedding parties.
Bruges, Belgium This impossibly beautiful Belgian city is regularly named as one of the most romantic cities in the world and it is easy to see why. A network of canals wind their way around the city, a feature that has earned Bruges the moniker of ‘Venice of the North’, and almost everywhere you turn there is an example of stunning medieval architecture. Bruges is also famous for its ‘Lake of Love’ – a peaceful stretch of water adjoined by a park that is popular with courting couples and has been the setting for many a proposal of marriage.
photo: Toerisme Brugge/Jan D’Hondt
Malta The island of Malta in the Mediterranean, along with its smaller neighbours, Gozo and Comino, offers a wonderful setting for a wedding. Sunshine is almost guaranteed and the country’s rich and colourful history makes it an incredible cultural destination. Malta is home to nine UNESCO world heritage sites and also boasts significant natural beauty, with beautiful bays and coves surrounding all three islands. English is one of the official languages of Malta, which makes it very easy to arrange things with local firms leading up to your big day.
Ramla l-Hamra
34 Lija Parish Church in Malta
Š 2013 ArtCarved Bridal
Gift
Guide TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum RoyalT Collection Engagement Ring $9,990 18k White Gold or Platinum RoyalT Collection Wedding Band $8,690
TACORI 18K White Gold or Platinum Blooming Beauties Collection Engagement Ring $5,790 18K White Gold or Platinum Blooming Beauties Collection Wedding Band $5,180
18k White Gold or Platinum Sculpted Crescent Collection Wedding Band $3,390
TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum Sculpted Crescent Collection Engagement Ring $1,960
TACORI Sterling Silver and 18k Pink Gold Blushing Rose Collection Rose Amethyst and Diamond Pendant $1,530
36
TACORI Sterling Silver and 18k Pink Gold Blushing Rose Collection Rose Amethyst and Dia mond Riing $1,520
TACORI 18k White Gold or Platinum Ribbon Collection Engagement Ring $4,000 18k White Gold or Platinum Ribbon Collection Wedding Band $1,890
GABRIEL & CO. 14K White Gold Cushion Pave Diamond Pendant with Chain $1,025
GABRIEL & CO. 14K White Gold Victorian Halo Engagement Ring $1,950
GABRIEL & CO. 14K White Gold Lusso Collection Drop Styled Earrings $948
GABRIEL & CO. GABRIEL & CO. 14K White Gold Contemporary Halo Engagement Ring $2,765
14K White Gold Lusso Collection Fashion Ladies' Ring $3,080
MARTIN FLYER Micropave Split Shank Platinum Engagement Ring with Cushion Cut Halo with 6.5MM Round Cut Center Stone $4,825 Micropave Platinum Diamond Wedding Band $2,425
MARTIN FLYER Micropave 14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring with Cushion Halo for 7.5MM Round Center Stone $5,075 14K white gold Micropave Wedding Band $3,250
www.lxmagazines.com
MARTIN FLYER Shared Prong 14K White Gold Ring for 6.5MM Center Stone $3,225 Shared Prong 14K White Gold Band $2,425
37
GOTTLIEB
GOTTLIEB
14k White Gold Engagement Ring 62 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.50ctw $2,130
14k White Gold Engagement Ring 16 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.14ctw $1,280
GOTTLIEB 14k White Gold Wedding Band 17 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.15ctw $960
14k White Gold Engagement Ring 12 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.47ctw $1,720
14k White Gold Wedding Band 15 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.38ctw $1,350
GOTTLIEB 14k White Gold Engagement Ring 82 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.65ctw $2,630
GOTTLIEB 14k White Gold Engagement Ring 12 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.75ctw $2,690
14k White Gold Wedding Band 11 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.58ctw $2,010
14k White Gold Wedding Band 25 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.21ctw $940
SYLVIE 0.34TW Engagement Ring wiith 1CT Round Head 18K $1,850
SYLVIE 0.47TW Engagement Ring wiith 3CT Cushion Head 18K $2,160
SYLVIE 0.74TW Engagement Ring wiith 1CT Round Brilliant Head 18K $2,950
(Prices do not include center stone)
38
www.lxmagazines.com
HEARTS ON FIRE 18K Transcend Single Halo Dream Pendant $3,200
HEARTS ON FIRE 18K Beloved Pendant .20 - .30 cctw $1,850 .40 - .50 cctw $2,990
HEARTS ON FIRE Dream Transcend Engagement Ring .63 – .73 cctw $3,750
HEARTS ON FIRE Beloved Engagement Ring .46 – .63 cctw $3,850
HEARTS ON FIRE Mini Hoop Earrings Starting at $1,750
HEARTS ON FIRE
HEARTS ON FIRE
Acclaim Engagement Ring $4,990
Intermingle Single Right Hand Ring $6,800
HEARTS ON FIRE
HEARTS ON FIRE
Transcend Three Stone Solitaire $8,500
Multiplicity Love Five Stone Band $1,650
(All prices include Hearts on Fiire center diamond)
www.lxmagazines.com
39
MOVADO
MOVADO BOLD
Men's Sapphire Black Museum Dial with Stainless Steel Wide Link Bracelet $1,795
Ladies Silver-Tone Dial with Rose Gold-Toned Hands Rose Steel Link Bracelet with Deployment Clasp $595
MOVADO Ladies Concerto Diamond Watch with Gold Plated Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet with Mother of Pearl Dial and Gold Tone Hands $2,495
MOVADO Men's Luno Black Museum Dial with Stainless Steel Link Bracelet and Silver-Tone Hands $795
TRITON 9mm Tungsten Carbide Brush Finish Flat with Bright Step Edge and Comfort Fit Band $299
TRITON 7mm Tungsten Carbide Flat Satin Finish Center with Bright Diagonal Cuts and Rims with Comfort Fit Band $299
TRITON 8mm Tungsten Carbide Beveled Edge Concave Comfort Fit Band with Black PVD and White Laser Pattern Design $399
ARTCARVED 6mm Wide Two Tone Edding Band with Round Rims $1,105 40
www.lxmagazines.com
ARTCARVED
ARTCARVED
2011 Limited Edition Diamond Engagement Ring with Round Center Halo and Diamond Enhanced Band $2,475
Solitaire Engagement Ring with Polished Band $565
Diamond Wedding Band to Match $1,095
ARTCARVED Diamond Engagement Ring with Round Center and a Satin Finished Floral Carving Detail Highlighted with Diamonds $969 Diamond Five Stone Wedding Band with Satin Finished Floral Carving Detail to Match $609
BREITLING BREITLING Chronomat 44 GMT Polished Stainless Steel with Two-Tiered Metallica Blue Dial $9,820
Navitimer World Stainless Steel with Silver Dial $7,620
BREITLING BREITLING Super Avenger all Stainless Steel and Black Dail $5,490
www.lxmagazines.com
Transocean Chronograph Unitime Stainless Steel with Leather Band Tang Buckle and Black Dial $10,715
41
www.meyersjewelers.com
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL meets the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG By Lyndon Conrad Bell
The origins of the “Gullwing” Mercedes-Benz sports car can be traced backed to 1952, when the original Mercedes-Benz 300SL sports racing car won the 24 Hours of LeMans endurance race. That same year, the car won the 1,912-mile Carrera Panamericana Mexican
endurance race, and the 1000-mile Mille Miglia Italian road race. While the car boasted a mere 175 horsepower— considerably less than its contemporary rivals—its light weight, solid reliability, and superior aerodynamics gave it a considerable advantage on the track.
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
43
The weight advantage came courtesy of the tubular chassis designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then chief developing engineer at Mercedes-Benz. Draping the 300 SL’s fluidly beguiling bodywork over Uhlenhaut’s tubular skeletal structure endowed the sports car with outstanding strength and resolute rigidity, thus improving both its handling and reliability. The downside of the tubular skeleton design was that it would not permit the car’s doors to open in the standard fashion. The lower part of the structure passed through the area where a conventional door would normally go. To compensate, one of the most evocative aspects of the car —those remarkably captivating gullwing doors — were specified to overcome this limitation. This distinction, along with the car’s highly successful racing record, led legendary automobile importer Max Hoffman to petition Mercedes-Benz to offer a road going version of the car in the United States. Among the other brands imported to the States by Hoffman were Alfa Romeo, BMW, Porsche, and Volkswagen. With his finger firmly on the pulse of American auto enthusiasts, Hofmann would routinely make recommendations to those factories about cars he felt would hold strong appeal. Other now-iconic models owing their existence to Hoffman include the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider and the Porsche Speedster.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” (model series W 198 I, 1954 to 1957)
The road going version of the 300SL was introduced at the New York Auto Show in 1954. This was a significant event because it marked the first time a Mercedes-Benz automobile was introduced at an auto show other than Frankfurt or Geneva. Fitted with a 3.0-liter inline sixcylinder fuel injected engine, the 1954 300SL Gullwing coupe made 212 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 202 ftlbs of torque at 4,600 rpm. With its four-speed manual
www.lxmagazines.com
transmission and a curb weight of 3,430 pounds, the fastest version of the 300SL boasted a top speed of some 160 miles per hour. This was enough to make it the fastest production car on the market in 1954. A total of 1,400 copies of the car were produced between 1954 and 1957.
45
Flash forward some 59 years and we’re streaking along a closed course at 150 miles per hour in the 2013 MercedesBenz SLS AMG, the 300SL’s spiritual successor. Even at that elevated pace, there was still more room under our right foot, so we prodded the pedal closer to the gullwing coupe’s floorboard in a request for even more velocity. In response, the transmission actually downshifted! The 563-horsepower, 6.2-liter hand assembled V8 barked even more assertively in response as it accessed its full 479 ft-lbs of torque. The boat tailed Benz then proceeded to rocket from 150 to 185 as if it were launching from a standstill.
46
www.lxmagazines.com
“With the SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz offers a zero to 60 of just over three seconds...”
Capable of 151 miles per hour at its 7200-rpm redline in fifth gear, the SLS AMG is traveling a mere nine miles per hour slower than the top speed of its ancestor. Thing is, its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox still has two more gears to work with. According to the folks at Mercedes, the SLS AMG will do 197 miles per hour. We’re inclined to believe them.
www.lxmagazines.com
47
Remarkably, where other supercars seething with the potency of the SLS AMG ask you to compromise some aspect of your comfort and/ or convenience, you’ll be perfectly happy driving the Mercedes supercar everyday. The engine is wholly composed trundling along at pedestrian speeds. Still, while
48
the SLS AMG is as luxurious and comfortable as you’d expect an upmarket Mercedes to be, at full cry, the V8 blasts a baritone capable of summoning police officers from three surrounding counties. Both raucous and beautiful, the car’s sound is absolutely addictive.
With the SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz offers a zero to 60 of just over three seconds, exceptionally luxurious accommodations, and a worthy successor to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing coupe. If ever there were any doubt about who invented the automobile, the SLS AMG proves Mercedes-Benz is the one.
www.lxmagazines.com
Runway Report Women's Spring 2013
Designer Spotlight Oscar de la Renta:
Too Much is Never Enough Godfrey Deeny New York's patron of patrician chic, Oscar de la Renta, said it with roses this season, or rather a whole garden of flowers; everything from leather petal bracelets to silk organza flower embroidery. Like a filmmaker or Renaissance oil painter, the mature years of de la Renta have been marked by a renewal with the avant-garde - so even though his clothes are the nearest thing there is to couture in America - they are imbued with an offbeat artistry. That's why his cast appeared with red and turquoise streaked hair, and why every second look was dissected by, dripped with or encircled by Russian gold brooches, earrings, mini belts and tassels in some too much is never enough chutzpah. There was a thoroughly charming moment when U.K. model Cara Delavigne strutted out in the most outrageously short shocking pink ostrich feather peplum bustier and cocktail shorts, a little bird of paradise strutting across the floor in the designer's headquarters way up high in an historic Fifth Avenue skyscraper just as sun set over the city skyline.
And, ever the gentleman, de la Renta listed all 11 of his designer assistants in the program notes. You could count on one hand the number of Continental designers who have ever done that. As the Italians say, “i signori non si fanno�, meaning you can't make a gentleman. One has to be fortunate to be born one, not by the accident of birth but the nobility of intention. In that sense, de la Renta is American fashion's finest gent.
www.lxmagazines.com
49
Oscar de la Renta
Though the single most arresting image was a shimmering silver bead tunic and matching pants that dazzled the audience at the Tuesday, Sept. 11, evening show. Commercially savvy as ever, the designer, who hit 80 in July, had plenty of slick crowd pleasers - lace chiffon blouses no woman would not want in her closet, and white guipure pencil skirts that reeked sophistication.
Oscar de la Renta
50
www.lxmagazines.com www.lxmagazine.com
Versace
www.lxmagazines.com
51
Runway Report Men's Spring 2013
Giorgio Armani
Designer Spotlight Giorgio Armani Gets Smoothly Sporty Godfrey Deeny Welcome to the new sporting chic. On Tuesday, June 26, the final day of the Italian menswear season, Giorgio Armani presented an entire collection devoted to the concept of gentlemanly sports style. Though the designer opened with some brilliantly cut casual suits – cut in the fabric of the season, tightly woven jute – the big news this season at Armani is that sport is cool again. Nothing underlined that more than Armani’s great finale – ignited by a series of high-tech, and sculptural trench-coats, finished with massive naval buttons, and a succeeding quartet of sleek rowers in shorts and jerkins, made in the designer’s signature “three dimensional” zig zag prints, in a form so small they dazzled the eyes. Right before Armani took his bow, a team of five boulevard dandies in matching white suits with shorts appeared, raising their pork-pie fedoras in unison on the runway as if accepting winning team medals. “I could have gone for that old idea of healthy style; The Great Gatsby at a polo game in the Hamptons. But I wanted a modern impeccable elegance,” Armani told journalists in Italian backstage in his giant Milan show space, where all his Italian shows are staged. The new athletic style made for a looser, more forgiving silhouette, the better to admit all those muscular torsos and legs. And throughout the detailing was sporty – from contrast amber hued zippers to coordinated buttons to the ample knits. A day earlier in his Emporio Armani show, the designer spent practically the whole collection on the beach, though most of the time poised to work out. The first two dozen models wore shorts, and that show finished with the projection of “Olimpiadi,” a black-and-white video homage to the Italian Olympic team, which Armani is outfitting. Indeed, the designer seemed sports obsessed this season. On the final day of the fashion season, he announced in a full-page ad in La Gazzetta dello Sport – Europe’s leading sports daily - that his professional basketball team, EA7 would kick off next season with an exhibition match against the visiting Boston Celtics in Milan.
52
www.lxmagazines.com
Giorgio Armani
www.lxmagazines.com
53
BEST BEER IN THE
WORLD
photo: Ale Sharpton
54
www.lxmagazines.com
Belgian Beers are World Renowned, but the ‘Westy’ Tops the Hype By Dennis Malcolm Byron
Whether it was a Cabbage Patch Kid, a Tickle Me Elmo or the next Apple iPhone, there was always a product that created a national frenzy for consumers who had to get before it sold out by any means necessary. But could you imagine a certain beer brewing up the same consumer madness? Well on December 12, 2012, the reclusive Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus out of the quiet farmlands of west Belgium’s Vleteren region singlehandedly created the most historic one-day national manhunt the brewing world had ever witnessed with their ale, the Westvleteren XII aka the “Westy.” And regardless of how this wallet-draining $84.99 package popularly termed a “brick”—six 11.2-ounce bottles and two signature goldrimmed glasses—sold out as fast as it could be unloaded off the delivery truck, it would be the first and last time this opportunity would occur. And now the questions: What’s so great about the Westy and second, why wouldn’t the Saint Sixtus monks capitalize off this beer’s fame and rake in huge profits?
www.lxmagazines.com
Well first, the basics. Belgian beer has become extremely popular worldwide due to their complex flavors, brewing techniques, and often sweet tasting notes. Ingredients like candy sugar, coriander and orange peel are often used to counter the bitterness and distance this country’s beer from others in Europe and abroad. Many of the varieties are also bottle conditioned, which give them similar aging properties as wine. To add, due to the plethora of palatable delicacies Belgium has to offer including succulent mussels, rich chocolates and mouthwatering waffles, millions flock from around the world to pair the fare with the country’s ales and lagers. They’re that good. In fact, North America’s microbreweries emulate Belgian beer like witbier (wheat beer) and tripels (strong golden ales) so much that “style” had to be used by law along with “Belgian” on its label to curb any chance of confusing its origin. Credit the monks for this influence.
55
photo: Ale Sharpton
Belgian monks were brewing centuries ago with a dual purpose—to provide a more sanitary option to local drinking water, and as a product to help raise funds for their abbeys. Over time, their brewing excellence would blossom and become sought throughout Europe. When discussing specifically Trappist monasteries originally from Normandy, France approximately 900 years ago, six of the seven, which produce beer, are based in Belgium—Achel, Orval, Chimay, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren. And while they are regarded as some of the best brewers globally, the Trappists’ strict brewing guidelines separate them all other abbeys. In a nutshell, all beer should be brewed inside a Trappist monastery; everything including management and brewing operations should be under the supervision of the monks; and the money made from selling the beer must be solely used to maintain the monastery, support the monks’ living expenses, and serve as charitable funds for its surrounding community.
Belgian monks were brewing centuries ago with a dual purpose—to provide a more sanitary option to local drinking water, and as a product to help raise funds for their abbeys. But one Trappist abbey’s beer particularly stands out. Saint Sixtus Abbey’s Westvleteren has been brewing since 1838 and produces three different beers—the Blonde (aka green cap) at 5.8 percent ABV; the Westvleteren 8 (blue cap) served at 8 percent ABV; and the Westvleteren XII (yellow cap) at 10.2 percent ABV. The latter, introduced in 1940, is the most celebrated of them all and regarded by many as the world’s best. Categorized as a Quadruple, the dark, opaque brown “Westy” 12 is truly magnificent, boasting flavors of fig, raisins, brown sugar, roasted nuts, a slight smokiness… the flavor profiles can go on for days but the overall praise is due to its remarkable balance of them all. Sweet, complex and warming, its accolades are valid.
56
www.lxmagazines.com
Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus’, Westvleteren
The Trappist beers adhere to three strict conditions: The beer must be brewed within a Trappist Abbey The beer must be brewed under the supervision and responsibility of the monks The majority of the revenue must be dedicated to charitable work
Trappist Abbey in Belgium
Considered by many connoisseurs to be “the best in the world,” on 12.12.12, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and the U.S. had beer devotees camping outside select stores hours before dawn trying to score a one-time only Westvleteren XII, “the brick” six-pack. But not only is the Westy brewed in severely limited quantities (only 160,000 cases are produced annually), the strict Westvleteren guidelines solely allow sales of the beer at its abbey and adjacent café, In de Vrede. To make it even more challenging, reservations to pick up your limited quantities of the beer have to be made by phone weeks in advance, and even then, the phone is constantly busy. Staying true and obedient to spiritual guidelines, the St. Sixtus monks only wish to make enough money to take care of their living expenses, so the beer’s worldwide demand is moot to them. They do not relish the attention they have received over the years and passionately yearn for a quiet life serving God, but when their monastery called for major renovations including extensive roof repair, drastic measures called for the Westvleteren XII “brick” to be its savior. So on 12.12.12, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and the U.S. had beer devotees camping outside select stores hours before dawn trying to score a one-time only six-pack. As expected, the limited releases sold out in hours worldwide through retail means, and then it was eBay’s turn, where it became commonplace for an untampered brick to sell for $500. So let’s say you are one of the thousands of beer enthusiasts who did not score a Westy six-pack; worry not. There are a handful of other quadrupels that are not only readily accessible throughout Belgium and the U.S., but could be mentioned in the same sentence as the Westvleteren XII in terms of taste. Try the Trappistes Rochefort 10, St. Bernardus Abt 12, or even the Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend brewed by Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY. So whether you get the opportunity to taste a Westvleteren XII or any of the other masterfully crafted beers produced by abbeys throughout Belgium, your palate will be blessed.
58
www.lxmagazine.com
Meyers Jewelers The Power of Family Commitment
By Lyndon Conrad Bell
The story of Meyers Jewelers starts with a broom in the hands of 14-year old Meyer back in 1941. An industrious sort, young Meyer steadily progressed from sweeping up, to managing a chain of jewelry stores, to owning his own store before he was 40. However, upon opening Meyer’s Jewelers in 1966, he — quite ironically — was promptly relegated to sweeping the floor once again. This time though, the floor he swept was his. Along the way, Meyer met and married his lovely wife Ann. An exceptional business partner from the very beginning, she kept the books and managed the lifeblood of the business, its capital. Between the two of them, the store was a success right away. This happened largely because Meyer and Ann placed the needs of the business ahead of everything else. Eschewing the trappings of success — rather than a flashy car and a fancy house, the couple put their profits where they felt they would do the most good, back into the business. In fact, when they were married Ann didn’t get an engagement ring, only a wedding band. Naturally, Meyer has made it up to her many, many times over the ensuing years. But Ann says she loved Meyer when he had nothing, and 54 years later, she loves him still.
60
www.lxmagazines.com
Today, their two sons, Scott and Jeff, are conducting day-today operations. Faithfully honoring their parent’s business philosophies, the two operate as a team just as their mom and dad did at the inception of the business. Jeff says, “Scott’s major strength is buying diamonds; he loves doing it and is great at it. He knows the color, clarity and value of a diamond the second he sees one. Meanwhile, I’m very good at marketing. I’ve been handling our marketing since I started working full time for our dad right after college.” The pair was groomed to run Meyers Jewelers from the time they were young kids. Says Jeff; “It was a natural progression. We knew a lot about the business at a very young age. Our father was great at teaching us things only he could; how to work with employees, handle money, buy merchandise, and most of all, how to sell. He was, and still is, the best. There’s no substitute for the experience you gain from being in business your whole life like our father has.”
“My brother and I truly believe in helping people who aren’t as fortunate as we are. This is something our mom and dad instilled in us.” - Jeff Among the key lessons imparted was the importance of generously giving back to the community that supports the business. One charity near and dear to the brothers’ hearts is the St. Jude Foundation. Says Jeff; “My brother and I truly believe in helping people who aren’t as fortunate as we are. While thankfully, all of our children are healthy, we empathize with the pain a mother and father go through having a very sick child — and what that child has to endure when he or she should be having fun just being a kid. This is why we donate 100 percent of all battery replacement and watchband adjustment money to St. Jude’s. Last year, it totaled $10,000.”
www.lxmagazines.com
61
Another of the brothers’ favorite charities is the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, dedicated to raising public awareness and financial support for initiatives toward curing pediatric cancer, children’s health and safety, education, and the development of youth hockey. Jen Bowden, the Blue Jackets Foundation’s executive director says; “Jeff and Scott have done an exceptional job of getting involved. Their community relations approach sets them apart. The nature of their participation and their donations brilliantly energize public support.”
Scott, Stinger &
Jeff
One example of this is the brothers’ donation of two Breitling watches for auction at a Blue Jackets Foundation Charity Golf Outing dinner. Capturing the imaginations of those in attendance, the allure of the fine timepieces inspired spirited bidding. Additionally, Meyers is the Official Jeweler of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Original season’s tickets holders from back in 2000, the brothers sponsor four ice level seats right between the team benches; the “Meyers Jewelers Jewelry Box Seats”.
Jeff, Coach Todd Richards, Scott
Todd Richards, head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, echoes Bowden’s sentiments. “Since they became an official partner, the Meyers brothers have gone well beyond being sponsors. They are true partners, with the team, the fans, and the community.”
The duo truly believes the community is their extended family. Jeff says; “Experience the family difference, experience Meyers Jewelers is more than a motto. We believe family takes care of each other — and we live that way.”
62
www.lxmagazines.com
Meyers Jewelers est. 1966
Experience the family difference!
The Columbus Blue Jackets thank Meyers Jewelers for their support. As the Exclusive Jeweler of the Blue Jackets since 2010, we’re proud to partner with such a strong, family - owned Central Ohio business.
heartsonfire.com
1494 Stringtown Rd, Grove City, OH 614.594.0230 | meyersjewelers.com
Eating By Nichole Odijk DeMario Eating raw, raw foodism, rawism—they’re all words to describe the concept of a diet consisting of uncooked, unprocessed foods in their original state. Linda Szarkowski has been eating this way for nearly a decade well before the “Raw Foods Movement” made well-known by celebrities such as Donna Karan, Natalie Portman and Demi Moore. In order to help others have a resource for eating raw she opened Green Spirit Healthy Living where she offers prepared foods to clients, seminars, meet ups and more. “No matter what your diet is, you don’t have to have an all or nothing mentality toward eating raw. Adding just small raw things will make a big difference,” Szarkowski says. “…Add a little at a time. The more raw foods you add in the more you crave the good foods and you don’t want the other stuff.” She encourages those interested in this concept to start off with smoothies that are made up of half fruit and half greens. If a salad is being served with a meal, make the salad a larger portion and the rest of the meal secondary. “I’d rather see someone eat 50-percent raw food for the rest of their lives instead of 100-percent raw for a few months and then quit,” she details. The business owner says making this sort of lifestyle change can be difficult and in order to be successful recommends individuals find a “raw community” to get acquainted with. She says there are a multitude of resources in person, like her business, as well as online, that offer various levels of support. “When you start eating differently than everyone else you can easily feel isolated,” Szarkowski says. After struggling with her weight from the time she was a preteen, Szarkowski says she finally found a solution that gave her a healthy relationship with food along with added health benefits. Research has shown eating raw foods, even as 50-percent of one’s diet can improve: digestion, energy levels, mental clarity and focus, immune system, appearance and more. Szarkowski says she has even seen reports of people treating illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, cancers and more with a raw diet and having great success. What she also emphasizes is this is not a lifestyle choice committed to only carrot sticks and celery. She says there are more than enough raw foods to satisfy one for a lifetime. “Once your palette starts changing, foods start tasting so much better [in their original state]. Eating raw is not about deprivation. I have more variety in my diet now than ever before. And cooked food doesn’t taste quite as good as it use to, too,” she says.
www.lxmagazines.com
65
Sterling Sterling silver charms silver charms from $25 from $25
Expe Expe rience rienceat:at:
1494 1494 Stringtown Stringtown Road Road Columbus Columbus OHOH 614.594.0230 614.594.0230 www.meyersjewelers.com www.meyersjewelers.com
Tell the world
YOUR STORY
www.meyersjewelers.com