A Bradley Gough Diamonds Publication
from the publisher
Welcome. It is our honor once again to bring you LX Fort Wayne, an artistic, lifestyle, jewelry and fashion coffee table magazine. This exciting issue features exquisite jewelry from around the world, artistic photography and captivating stories that will entertain you. Our spring edition features an exposee’ on my good friend of 25 years, Russian jewelry designer, Mikhail Epelman. Mikhail is truly gifted, his jewelry creation designs transcend generations. We are also 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 eye-arresting, almost painterly approach. Read about “The Best Beer in the World”, the Westy, that tops the hype of the world’s renowned Belgian beers. Locally, we feature an article on Turnstone, a Fort Wayne not-for-profit, that is close to my heart as I am very proud to be a member of the board of directors. At Turnstone, we empower people with physical disabilities to reach for their full potential in every aspect of life. Turnstone responds to the needs and desires of people with disabilities and their families throughout our community. Be sure to visit us at Bradley Gough Diamonds. We love hearing your stories and feel honored to be a part of your special moments. Our promise is to make your experience at Bradley Gough Diamonds legendary. Our collection of jewelry is unique. 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 Fort Wayne, published by Bradley Gough Diamonds. All The Best, Brad Gough
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ring from the fidelity collection
Features
inside
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Community 10 Turnstone Jewelry 15 Mikhail Epelman 36 Gift Guide
Photography 19 Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni
Fashion 49 Runway Report Turnstone Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni
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Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs
Best Beer in the World
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Lifestyle 43 Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs 60 The Modern Master Suite
Travel 29 Destination... I Do! Libation 54 Best Beer in the World
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Bradley Gough Diamonds Gift Guide
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cover on on thethe cover
Publisher BRADLEY GOUGH Associate Publisher ERIN LANE Editor JON ROBERTS 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.” See Emily’s distinct style in an exclusive LX photo shoot and interview,“Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni” on pages 19-28.
Senior Designer ANGIE HALTER Project Coordinators NICOLE HIGGINS ASHLEY ANDERSON
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
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When life brings the unexpected—a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy; a car accident or stroke renders someone disabled; a soldier is injured in battle—Turnstone gives hope. People with disabilities want education opportunities, tools and the support needed to live with independence and dignity. Turnstone is a place where people with these physical disabilities can find the help they need. Their family-like atmosphere creates an environment where children and adults find dignity and the help they need to overcome obstacles and regain independence in a place that is uniquely theirs—accessible, welcoming and empowering. With its mission “to provide therapeutic, educational, wellness and recreational programs to empower people with disabilities,” Turnstone has been improving the quality of life, independence and well being of people with disabilities in northeast Indiana for 70 years. Upon entering Turnstone’s therapy or wellness programs, the strengths and challenges children and adults face due to the level of their physical disability are assessed. An individualized plan of care with goals and performance outcomes is established based on this assessment. Each quarter, individual outcomes are reassessed and adapted based on the client’s progress. For children, birth to age 18, common diagnoses treated by Turnstone pediatric therapists and within the early education program, include speech delays, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, autism/asperger syndrome, traumatic brain injury, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and visual impairments. For persons, age 18 and older, common diagnoses treated include stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injury, cancer, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, ALS and cerebral palsy. Turnstone’s services work under the premise that individuals possess unique strengths and assets. By tapping into these strengths, Turnstone staff are able to help individuals with disabilities and their families maximize their independence, become self-sufficient and gain a greater level of overall wellness. Their services are unduplicated and meet a vital community need. Programs include: therapeutic intervention, early education, case management, adult day services, health and wellness programming, sports and leisure opportunities and more.
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Turnstone was founded in 1943 as the Allen County Society for Crippled Children, serving six children with special needs in its first year. Through 70 years, the organization has expanded six times to meet the growing number of people with disabilities and their families living in northeast Indiana.
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Turnstone is proud of its long and rich history of innovation and over the last seven decades, has became a leader of disability services providers in the United States. There are very few organizations that specialize in serving people of all ages with physical disabilities, and there is no other facility in Indiana that offers their range of programs. Recent accomplishments include: • Through an Olympic Opportunity Fund grant, Turnstone launched the Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program. Now in year two, the program provides veterans and members of the armed forces with disabilities access to health, wellness and adaptive sports and recreation programming. • The newly constructed Madge Rothschild Pediatric Therapy Wing increased the agency’s ability to treat more children in need. As a result of the expansion, Turnstone was able to create the region’s only comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication evaluation program and lab, as well as a Snoezelen® Multi-Sensory Room. • Turnstone’s group therapeutic activities have been steadily growing in popularity over the past five years. The agency now offers the following: two Parkinson’s exercise groups, two Parkinson’s speech groups, a speech and language summer camp, an aquatic lap club, a recreation day camp, a “KidFit” exercise class, Fort 4 Fitness training, an aquacise class and a chair yoga and pilates class.
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Today, Turnstone offers the only wheelchair accessible health and wellness center in Indiana; the only competitive wheelchair sports and recreation program in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio; the only Paralympic Sport Club in the region; the only Adult Day program for people with physical disabilities; and is the only organization that will adjust fees for therapy so no one in need will go without this vital service. In addition, of the non-hospital disability rehabilitation and recreation providers, Turnstone is the fourth largest in the country.
Turnstone is the only free standing rehabilitation, not-for-profit organization in northeast Indiana that provides a comprehensive continuum of supportive services that address the unique needs of people with physical disabilities and their families. The agceny is governed by a dynamic board of directors and is known for its highly professional staff of licensed professionals including physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapists, social workers and educators. Turnstone’s focus is on creating possibilities. They empower people with physical disabilities to reach for their full potential in every aspect of life. As they look to the future, they are guided by the vision that one day, all people will live, work, learn and play in a community based on abilities, not disabilities.
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Famous Russian Designer
Mikhail Epelman
Mikhail Epelman Creating Art From Adversity
History is rife with examples of great beauty and creativity arising from adversity. During the latter half of the 20th century, negative tensions surrounded Russian citizens in the streets, in the news and in their homes. Because those times were so troubling, many people in the west fail to recognize Russia’s rich artistic legacy. Arguably, the epicenter of Russian culture is the city of St. Petersburg. In this environment, one of the foremost jewelry designers of our time, Mikhail Epelman, found his gift.
LX Magazine: How did growing up in St. Petersburg influence you? Mikhail Epelman: The city is steeped in the richness of Russian history. This is reflected in beautiful works of art, statues, monuments, buildings, and elaborate decorations throughout the city. I take those inspiring works of art and mimic their beauty for my customers. On the other hand, I also loved creating designs completely detached from the negativity of Russia. My early designs demonstrated the beauty of creativity in spite of the difficult times. LX: Why did you leave St. Petersburg?
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ME: When I was 17, my family successfully petitioned for a U.S. green card. Times were difficult in Russia and we were eager to leave. I turned 18 a few days after leaving. Russian officials came to enlist me for the mandatory draft. My brother, who had stayed back, told them I was no longer around. This angered them of course, but I was in Italy by that time. LX: Where do you get the inspirations for your designs? ME: Nature and my children. An unstoppable and unforgivable force, nature has accents of love, complexity, and strangeness. Similarly, my children can be unstoppable forces as well, also accented with love, complexity, and strangeness (he laughs).
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“The city [St. Petersburg] is steeped in the richness of Russian history. This is reflected in beautiful works of art, statues, monuments, buildings, and elaborate decorations throughout the city. I take those inspiring works of art and mimic their beauty for my customers.” LX: What was your first successful piece? ME: In 1993, I created an 18k ring with a canary yellow diamond at the request of a customer. The response to it made me realize I may have something big going for me. I had always loved making jewelry, and now I was certain I could bring my visions to more customers. LX: What are your favorite materials? ME: Platinum and sapphires. Platinum is malleable enough to make very unique jewelry, but hard enough to last generations. Sapphires come in virtually every color nature can create. They are both durable and stunningly beautiful. LX: Do you use computer assisted design (CAD) tools, or do you draw by hand? ME: I hand draw. This allows me to determine what a piece will turn out to be, directly from my mind. It is important to me to maintain that level of personal engagement. That said, when necessary, I will turn to CAD. For example, in very intricate designs requiring hundreds of tiny imprints or accents I will ask the computer to put those in. LX: Which of your designs is your all time favorite? ME: I created a pendant for my wife several years ago with a 45-carat brilliant green tourmaline set in a channel and enhanced with an 18 karat gold frame. I created it to show her my appreciation for raising our four beautiful children, whom I love unconditionally. They have grown up hard working, motivated, and above all, loving to each other. The famous Russian designer Mikhail Epelman and Bradley Gough have been friends for over 25 years. Mikhail’s pieces are featured in fine jewelry stores all over the country, but the largest collection of Mikhail’s work is on display in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Bradley Gough Diamonds. Mikhail visits Bradley Gough Diamonds twice a year to work with individual customers to create a one-of-akind heirloom piece. He will be visiting Bradley Gough Diamonds on May 3rd and 4th, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet this extraordinary designer in person.
Famous Russian designer, Mikhail Epelman. will visit Bradley Gough Diamonds May 3rd and 4th. 16
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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.
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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
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“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
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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.
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“I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them...�
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha)
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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.
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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.
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Sydney Opera House
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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
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Gift
Bradley Gough Diamonds
Guide HEARTS ON FIRE
18k White Gold Diamond Beloved Stud Earrings starting at $2,450
HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Diamond Beloved Necklace starting at $1,850
HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Divine Cross Necklace $2,290
HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Diamond Transcend Engagement Ring starting at $4,500
HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings starting at $895
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HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Diamond Beloved Open Gallery Engagement Ring starting at $3,850
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HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Diamond Copley Necklace $1,050
HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Diamond Copley Earrings $2,750
HEARTS ON FIRE 18k White Gold Diamond Fairy Tale Cross Necklace $1,990
VERRAGIO 14KT White Gold and Rose Gold Verragio Parisian Collection 0.15CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $1,775
VERRAGIO 14KT White Gold and Rose Gold Verragio Parisian Collection 0.15CTTW Diamond Twist Engagement Mounting $2,100
VERRAGIO 14KT White Gold and Rose Gold Verragio Parisian Collection 0.30CTTW Diamond Square Halo Engagement Mounting $2,650
*center diamond not included
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KWIAT 18KT White Gold 5.00CTTW Diamond Star Collection Bracelet $18,200
KWIAT
KWIAT
18KT White Gold 0.46CTTW Diamond Sunburst Necklace $2,250
18KT White Gold 8.46CTTW Diamond Star Collection Necklace $29,500
KWIAT 18KT White Gold 1.36CTTW Diamond Star Collection Ring $8,450
KWIAT 18KT White Gold 1.32CTTW Diamond Sunburst Ring $4,500
GELINABACI 14KT White Gold 0.70CTTW Diamond Tension Mounting $7,850
GELINABACI 14KT White Gold and Rose Gold 0.28CTTW Diamond Channel Set Tension Mounting $4,650
GELINABACI 14KT White Gold 0.26CTTW Diamond Tension Mounting $5,595 38
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GELINABACI 14KT White Gold 0.51CTTW Diamond Tension Mounting $5,825
GELINABACI
GELINABACI 14KT White Gold 0.75CTTW Diamond Pave Tension Mounting $7,695
14KT White Gold 0.40CTTW Diamond Tension Mounting $7,900
DIADORI 18KT White Gold 0.33CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $2,450
DIADORI
DIADORI
18KT White Gold and Rose Gold Natural Pink Diamond with 0.27CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $4,395
18KT White and Rose Gold 0.27CTTW Diamond Braided Engagement Mounting $3,250
DIADORI 18KT White Gold 0.43CTTW Diamond Crossover Engagement Mounting $2,775
DIADORI
DIADORI
18KT White Gold 0.40CTTW Diamond Contemporary Engagement Mounting $2,850
18KT White Gold 0.23CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $1,875
DIADORI 18KT White Gold 0.15CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $1,225 www.bradleygough.com
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MIKHAIL Ladies 14KT White and Rose Gold 0.28CTTW Diamond Pendant suspended on Sterling Silver Rose Gold-plated 24-inch Adjustable Wheat Chain $2,900
IDDEAL STAR 14KT White Gold 1.00CTTW Diamond Iddeal Star Halo Split Shank Bridal Ring $3,750
MIKHAIL MIKHAIL 18KT Yellow Gold 1.00 Carat Fine Ruby with 0.30CTTW Diamond Ring $4,200
14KT White Gold 0.73CTTW Diamond Bridal Mounting with CZ Center $4,750
MIKHAIL 14KT White Gold 0.70CTTW Diamond Channel Mounting with CZ Center $3,795
MIKHAIL Platinum 0.70 Carat Round Center Set in 0.75CTTW Diamond Bridal Engagement Ring $11,500
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*center diamond not included
TACORI Platinum 0.28CTTW Diamond Twist Engagement Mounting $5,650
TACORI 18KT White Gold 0.52CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $5,550
TACORI 18KT White Gold 0.84CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $6,550
TACORI 18KT White Gold 0.15CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $2,160
TACORI Sterling Silver City LIghts Blue Quartz over Hematite Necklace starting at $680 (without diamonds)
TACORI Sterling Silver City LIghts Clear Quartz over Red Crystal Ring starting at $410 (without diamonds)
TACORI Sterling Silver City LIghts Blue Quartz over Hematite Ring starting at $550
TACORI Sterling Silver City LIghts Blue Quartz over Hematite Bracelet $1,310
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Versace
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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.
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Giorgio Armani
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BEST BEER IN THE
WORLD
photo: Ale Sharpton
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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 it 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?
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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.
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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 from 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.
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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.
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A Lifetime of Promises Begins with
Design Your Dream Engagement Ring from Your Phone Now! Download by searching “The Vow” in the app store from your device or by scanning the QR codes. By Cherie Dori
Now available at
260-436-9300 • 4321 W. Jefferson Blvd. • www.bradleygoughdiamonds.com
The Modern Master Suite
Adding Technology And Style To The Bedroom 60
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High tech has become an integral player in every part of the home says Emily Henderson, HGTV designer on Secrets From A Stylist. “With so much activity centered in the master suite, it makes sense to add useful tech devices into that living space, too.”
Bed Control
Henderson says; “Leggett & Platt’s adjustable bed bases let you use a wireless remote to change positions to be comfortable no matter what I’m doing.” You can adjust your mattress to find exactly the right position. They even have a massage feature and a bed skirt option for a more traditional look.”
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Motorized Window Treatment Control
“Lying in bed using a remote to open your shades in the morning is such a luxury,” says Henderson. “Shade Store motorized window treatments are custom made, super high quality, less likely to break down, and very attractive.” Some even feature a timer you can program to open and close whenever you like.
Remote Control TV Mount
Motorized control of the placement of your wallmounted video monitor is a total luxury. This allows you to put it on a side wall and have an extendable arm bring the TV to you — by remote.” Just make sure your wall mount is compatible with your television.
Heat Control
Today’s thermostats are controllable with your iPhone even if you are traveling. “When you’re headed home you can make sure it’s warm enough without wasting a lot of energy,” says Henderson. Modern thermostats also learn your patterns and adjust accordingly.
Music Control
You want to listen to music on good quality speakers, but you don’t want to have to get up and turn the stereo off. Bluetooth wireless speakers are the solution. They feature great sound and are fed from your smartphone beside your bed. Some even feature remotes and voice recognition.
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csx-33 diamond, diamond dial csx-33 diamond gold, diamond dial
Famous Russian Designer
Mikhail Epelman
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