LX Mankato Spring/Summer 2013 by LX Publications

An Exclusively Diamonds Publication

from the publisher

Welcome.

It is our honor once again to bring you LX Mankato, 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 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 “RAW Fusion”, an artistic event to raise funds for a local cause and “Building the Dream” showcasing the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. Be sure to visit us at Exclusively 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 Exclusively Diamonds 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 Mankato. ExclusivelyDiamonds.com

Blessings, Sarah Person and the staff of Exclusively Diamonds

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Features

inside

Fashion 53 2013 Runway Report Jewelry 61 Hearts On Fire 36 Gift Guide Community 10 RAW Fusion 15 Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

Photography 19 Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni

RAW Fusion Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni

19 43

Kentucky Derby

Best Beer in the World

Lifestyle 43 Kentucky Derby Travel 29 Destination... I Do!

Libation 48 Best Beer in the World Cuisine 64 Ultimate Summer Brunch

Exclusively Diamonds Gift Guide 7

cover on on thethe cover

Publisher SARAH PERSON Associate Publisher BRIANA WORKE 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

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Building the Dream… By Briana Worke In a structured and scheduled society moving at a very fast pace, children are growing up differently than ever before. In an effort to connect children to the larger world and give them the skill sets needed to succeed, informal learning centers like children’s museums are on the rise. These museums help children reach potential by tapping their innate curiosity. More than 350 museums for children across North America support lifelong learning to contribute to the overall quality of life and well-being of our future. Greater Mankato is fortunate to have the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, already in operation, as a resource for our children to succeed. Fundraising efforts are underway to give the Children’s Museum a permanent location to help children see and learn how the world works through creative play.

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UNLEASH THE SUPERPOWER OF PLAY Children benefit from ample free-choice play, yet too often their lives are overly structured and scheduled. The world is growing more complex and collaborative skills related to creativity, innovation and problem solving are vital for the success and development of children. This is why the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is unleashing the superpower of play. Currently, the museum is operating at its interim site on the corner of Second Street and Cherry Street in downtown Mankato. Over 50,000 visitors from 47 counties and 24 states have experienced exhibits that have been developed to model the ultimate exhibit plan for a permanent site. Currently, children are given the opportunity to unleash their creativity and explore how the world works on a small scale with limited space. Ongoing efforts to move into a permanent site are making the vision a reality and it won’t be long before children in this area, as well as children across North America, experience the superpower of play.

INNOVATION STARTS WITH IMAGINATION Families of southern Minnesota depend on the Children’s Museum to provide a center for informal learning. Greater Mankato is fortunate to be a growing community, not only for the opportunities it provides our local youth, but also for the $5 million projected annual economic impact predicted by the Greater Mankato Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Truly, having community assets like the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, really helps Greater Mankato compete as a thriving regional center,” said Jonathan Zierdt, President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth.

“Truly, having community assets like the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, really helps Greater Mankato compete as a thriving regional center,” said Jonathan Zierdt, President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth.

In 2011 Lyle and Kay Jacobson donated a $1 million lead gift to begin a permanent building site plan for the museum. In addition, other lead contributions including the Mankato Clinic, Ridley Inc., Minnesota Corn, Paulsen’s Architects, Jones Metal, HickoryTech, Scheels, Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic, MinnStar Bank, United Prairie Bank, BLK Electric and Wells Concrete have helped the museum reach the half way point of its fundraising goal. Not only have supporters made monetary donations, but businesses have also stepped up and volunteered time, services and in-kind donations. Private supporters have also gotten creative in efforts to get the Children’s Museum to their fundraising goal by hosting private parties in their homes or at the interim site. President of the Children’s Museum, Peter Olson, has come to these fundraising parties to present the vision for this innovative museum and give the latest news on the progress for a permanent site. The museum has the ability to accept pledges up to 5 years in duration from supporters. It has also partnered with the Otto Bremer Foundation to match dollar for dollar from family contributions, up to $100,000. Plans for a permanent site include exhibits that will feature a market square, a quarry zone, a farm park, a tree of forts climber and more. The goal from the foundation board is to utilize as much local talent and resources as possible to collaborate and build a museum to give kids the opportunities to explore and learn. “The Children’s Museum presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to impact the direction of our region by investing in our best hope for our future: our children,” said business owner Denny Dotson.

CREATIVE PLAY BUILDS CREATIVE MINDS Being a child today is very different than the childhood many of us experienced. National studies confirm what we see happening in our own communities. Children are less connected with nature and live more structured lives with less time for free, imaginative play. It is our job as a community to develop the skills children will need to succeed in the rapidly changing world they will inherit. To support the 21st century learning, the museum plans to create engaging, interactive experiences that build on a set of six process and content skills that children use every day. Collaboration, communication, content exploration, critical thinking, creativity/innovation and confidence are skills of practical importance for young learners. These skills are practiced and strengthened as children make choices or negotiate with friends while engaging in imaginary play. The Children’s Museum’s “Learning Experience Master Plan” was developed late in 2010. A diverse team comprised of local expert advisers and nationally recognized consultants conducted a series of workshops and play assessments to plan for the permanent site. One exhibit included in the Master Plan is the Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber. This gives new views and perspectives, new paths for exploring and new ways to burn off steam and calories. The two-story, 25 foot tree expands in all directions and will be constructed from natural materials. Complete with an eagle’s nest and forts, this is the most anticipated exhibit. In addition to the Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber there will also be a farm park where visitors of all ages, even adults, will get hands on exposure to agriculture. This farm will teach how a modern agricultural business works in today’s society. With an abundance of support from one local business, Ridley Inc., the farm park will have a live animal area. Ridley employees have embraced this farm park in the development of recreating the modern day farm. Perhaps one of the most unique exhibits is the play prairie, which gives children the opportunity to explore the possibilities of natural play at the prairie inspired outdoor gallery. This 5,000 square foot play space includes natural elements such as wild flowers, prairie grass and comfortable seating to allow children to use the natural elements to create their own play. In a world where children spend more than seven hours a day in front of a computer or television, play prairie presents an opportunity to have children experience more free choice play. It will enable them to use their imagination and create things using their surroundings. In addition to cutting edge exhibits, the permanent site for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota will offer school visits, special events, birthday parties, educational programs and parent and educator “playshops”. Partnerships with ECFE, Head Start and school districts have been formed to connect with children in the area. The Children’s Museum has also hosted over 1,000 children at the interim sites who normally don’t participate due to lack of funds and will continue this practice at the permanent site. The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is committed to providing an amazing place for amazing children to unleash their superpower of play and give them the tools they need to succeed in an ever evolving world. www.lxmagazines.com

Play it Forward >> Invest in the Children’s Museum “Volunteers are the heart of the Children’s Museum,” Peter Olson, president of the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota said. Volunteers are needed for every aspect of the museum, from operations to planning for the permanent site. To get involved or to donate, please email info@cmsouthernmn.org or call 507-386-0279.

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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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them...â&#x20AC;?

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.

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 that 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)

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.

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 countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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Kentucky Derby ...and they're off!

By Nichole Odijk DeMario Each May for more than 130 years, Americans have experienced the Kentucky Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks. As years pass, the races have coupled new traditions with those of bygone years, creating a sporting event that rivals no other. “This is America’s oldest continuously held, most extravagant and glamorous springtime sporting event,” Churchill Downs Senior Director of Communications and Media Services Darren Rogers says.

Numerous events lead up to the race weekend. The races themselves have their own qualifications and personalities. The Derby or the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” or “Run for the Roses” is for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The Derby winner is decorated with 400 freedom roses more than two yards long provided by a local Kroger store. Horses only have one chance to win in their lifetime. The Oaks is for fillies. The winner of this race is adorned with lilies and is thus known as “Lillies for the Fillies.”

Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography

Last year, an all-time attendance record of 165,000 was set with more than 14 million viewers on Derby Day. The locale, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is an iconic facility that is both a national and historical landmark. The grounds are adorned with 250 rose bushes, 400 trees and 12,000 tulips planted to bloom in coordination with derby events. Rogers says the décor is symbolic for the coming of spring. This marking of a change of seasons would not be complete without the famous components the races have long been known for. In 1877, Polish actress Helena Modjeska attended the third Kentucky Derby, becoming one of the first celebrity sightings. She was equally impressed and charmed by the race as she was with its mint julep. “Everyone should take a sip of a mint julep on Derby Day,” Rogers encourages. Equally as well-known is derby attire, specifically an accessory – hats. Rogers says this tradition began in a time when not wearing a hat wasn’t considered a mere fashion faux pas, but indecent. Nowadays, women can be seen with hats of all kinds from old-fashioned to contemporary, simple to flowery. Men prefer the fedora to the former derby hat of ol’. While celebrity sightings occurred from nearly the very beginning of the race’s history, it was actually a marketing concept the race’s President and General Manager Colonel Matt Winn had in the 1900s. The derby was struggling to find its place. Winn masterminded several plans to bring it back, but Rogers says Winn knew if he brought in celebrities, famous VIPs and the like, the crowds would follow.

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Presently, Rogers says the celebrity scene would not be possible without the hard work of the organizations that coordinate black-tie gala events to run in conjunction with derby festivities such as Barnstable Brown Party and the Julep, which raise funds for various non-profits. Rogers details this is one of the few sporting events that appeals to all walks of life, but has an unparalleled grandeur that attracts some of the world’s most elite. In an effort to meet the demand for more upscale and unique experiences, Churchill Downs is in the process of building “The Mansion” atop the sixth floor of its Clubhouse, which will debut for the 2013 race season. “It is one of the most unique experiences in all of sports that provides the most exclusive views of the race track,” Rogers says. “It will have a lavish ambiance with an unprecedented level of personalized service. We’re taking it to an extraordinary new level. ” The invitation-only space will accommodate more than 300 guests in a variety of settings from its foyer to wine cellar to an outdoor terrace. Along with this new high end offering, Churchill Downs has continued its partnership with Quintevents to provide attendees with a complete derby travel experience. These travel packages are completely customizable and can cost upwards of $10,000. The packages include the customary two-day pass to the Oaks and Derby races along with various tourist experiences all found at derbyexperiences.com. Last year, an all-time attendance record of 165,000 was set with more than 14 million viewers on Derby Day. The Oaks is growing as well with more than 120,000 attendees. Rogers says this year’s race is on the same pace to have a sell out crowd. Details on general admission and reserved seating can be found at churchhilldowns.com.

AP Photo/Darron Cummings Twilight's Kellan Lutz with guest at Churchill Downs

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AP Photo/Darron Cummings Jeannie Mai, host of Style Network's "How Do I Look" at last year's Kentucky Derby

p e l u J t n i M e

...the Derbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature cocktail! A day betting on the horses at the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, would not be a complete experience without the enjoyment of the Derbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature cocktail, the Mint Julep. Traditionally, this drink is made with four ingredients: mint leaf, bourbon, sugar and water. However it can be traced back to the Middle East from a drink made from water and rose petals called the julab. This practice came to be from making the water more delicate and refreshing. Back then; water was the liquid of last resort. Unless you had a fresh stream on your property, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d better be careful of the water you drank. For this reason people drank spirits or added things like bitters and leaves to their water. When introduced to the Mediterranean region, the native population replaced the rose petals with mint. Traditionally, spearmint is the mint of choice used in the southern states, particularly Kentucky. Even though the Civil War, the Temperance Movement, WWI and Prohibition all but killed bourbon, the bourbon-based Mint Julep evolved and accelerated probably because of passionate people who loved it, like most notable and very well liked politician from the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, Henry Clay. The Mint Julep became Churchill Down's signature cocktail in 1938. At the time, a Julep set attendees back 75 cents. Today, an extra-premium, custom-made Mint Julep served in gold-plated cup with a silver straw starts at $1,000. Juleps are most commonly served at the event in specially made collectable glasses. Since 1939, a Derby glass from Churchill Downs has become one of the most prized collectibles of any Kentucky Derby.

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Since 1939, a Derby glass from Churchill Downs has become one of the most prized collectibles of any Kentucky Derby.

The main ingredient of the Mint Julep is bourbon whiskey, but a big change for the Julep came when the addition of American whiskey was added to the recipe. Starting in 1987, Early Times, a Kentucky whiskey, not a bourbon, established a contract agreement with Churchill Downs to market Early Times Mint Juleps as the “official drink” of the Kentucky Derby. While bourbon must be aged in new barrels according to the legal requirements for bourbon, some of Early Times spirits are aged in used barrels therefore being labeled as a “Kentucky whiskey.” The Kentucky Derby still remains THE social event of the season, and is the essence of fashion and style for all classes of folks. Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day event at Churchill Downs Racetrack. That's 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint! The combination of the frosty Mint Julep has a subtle complexity that’s worth enjoying on not only Derby day, but on any other sultry afternoon as well.

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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 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.

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 Sixtusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 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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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, â&#x20AC;&#x153;i signori non si fannoâ&#x20AC;?, 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, white guipure pencil skirts that reeked sophistication.

Oscar de la Renta

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Oscar de la Renta

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Burberr y

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Runway Report Men's Spring 2013

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.

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.

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Giorgio Armani

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.

Giorgio Armani

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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By Lyndon Conrad Bell

If you’ve seen a print ad or one of the television commercials, you probably have the tag line committed to memory: Hearts On Fire, The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond. And indeed, a Hearts On Fire stone possesses brilliance unlike any other. While some may decry the Hearts On Fire diamond as marketing hype elevated to its highest level, the truth of the matter is, with a Hearts On Fire stone, the buyer knows exactly what they’re getting—even if they know nothing at all about diamonds. From the very beginning this was the Hearts On Fire founder, Glenn Rothman’s, ultimate goal. Rothman wanted to offer the most perfect stone possible so the consumer could be absolutely assured of the quality of their purchase—even without a significant understanding of the all-important four C’s (Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight). By choosing only the finest stones, then applying the patented signature Hearts

On Fire cut to the diamond, Rothman can free the customer of the cerebral concerns of purchasing a stone and permit the purchase to do what a diamond purchase is meant to do. Convey an expression of one of the most intense emotions known to humankind—passion. Says Rothman; “Hearts On Fire is much more than the world’s most perfectly cut diamond. For that matter, Hearts On Fire is also much more than a luxury brand. Hearts On Fire is a message. It is an experience of communicating emotion at a higher level.” But that’s the end result. To get there, a very painstaking process must be undertaken with each and every stone.

Rothman explains; “When a diamond has perfect alignment, when a diamond has perfect proportions, when a diamond has perfect polish, and when a diamond has the perfect arrangement of angles, all of these factors together create a very specific and unique phenomenon of light. When you look at a Hearts On Fire diamond from the bottom through a proportion scope you’ll see the eight perfectly symmetrical hearts. When you rotate it and look at it from above, you’ll see the eight perfectly aligned Firebursts. Seeing it for the first time is a powerfully moving emotional experience. Once an individual sees what Hearts On Fire really is, it creates an amazing connection, right away.” As Rothman alluded, a Hearts On Fire diamond is one of the most meticulously crafted gemstones extant. Brian McCarty, one of the master craftsmen at Hearts On Fire has been cutting diamonds for over 40 years. He says; “In order to produce a diamond this fabulous, the selection of the rough is one of the most important parts of the puzzle. First of all, only stones in the top one percent of rough diamonds are even qualified to become a Hearts On Fire diamond. Our raw diamonds are selected from knot free crystals, because these perform at the highest level of intensity.” Mc Carty continues; “After the selection of the rough comes the first step in the diamond cutting process. Here, the design center is ground zero – nobody else does this the way we do it. We actually use computers to determine the optimal approach to the cutting of each individual stone.” Called VSP or Value Scan Program, Hearts On Fire craftspeople literally scan the stone into a computer. This brings up a three dimensional model of the diamond onto the screen, plots the inclusions and tells the Hearts On Fire cutter exactly what the diamond is going to look like when it is finished. Says McCarty; “When we determine where to cut a stone, we are looking for the highest value possible, as opposed to the biggest diamond possible. This gives us the ability to maximize the full potential of every single diamond we cut.” After an image of the diamond has been scanned into the computer all of its inclusions are plotted and the decision is made where to separate the crystal into its two separate pieces. It takes from four to six hours per carat from the rough to saw through the diamond. Hearts On Fire’s rough diamonds are subjected to the most meticulous process in the industry. The gems are cut and polished at 10 times the industry standard to ensure the true beauty of each diamond is absolutely and fully realized. While most manufacturers use a 10 times magnification process, Hearts On Fire diamonds are subjected to 100 times magnification—using NASA based technology. So painstaking is the process, only 400 people on Earth are capable of crafting a Hearts On Fire diamond. The cutters are trained specifically to release the maximum light and life from each diamond. Mc Carty proudly asserts; “Our system is so precision oriented that all of the equipment we use to produce the diamonds is taken out of circulation—every single month—at the end of every month and recalibrated in the workshop that’s right here on site. Once the cut is complete, combining Rolls Royce anti-vibration technology with traditional recipes of diamond dust and olive oil, the Hearts On Fire master craftsmen then create a perfect finish that produces an amazing display of light. Says Rothman; “Our master craftsmen polish Hearts On Fire diamonds to a mirror perfect finish on vibration-free wheels found only in our workshops. We put the best tools in the best hands we can find to work on the absolutely finest stones in existence. So equipped, these people then proceed to release the inner light of the Hearts On Fire diamond.” And, when they’re all done, the result is like no other. So brilliant is a Hearts On Fire stone that even in candlelit settings, the sparkle of a Hearts On Fire diamond can be spotted dancing gaily in a restaurant from five tables away.

Because of this, Hearts On Fire collections such as Ceremonious, Boundless, Virtuoso, Culmination, and Encapsulate have been renowned for their singular beauty and are worn by tasteful individuals all over the world. Naturally, when something like this is universally recognized as the best of the best, there are those who would attempt to usurp its reputation for surreptitious purposes. This is why each one of these unique diamonds is also finished with a serial number—one invisible to the naked eye— for a unique fingerprint that is instantly recognizable to jewelers. Most entrepreneurs would be satisfied to stop there—content to produce and market the finest stones the world has ever known. However, Glenn Rothman is most assuredly not in the category of “most entrepreneurs”. Rothman says; “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond deserves an equally extraordinary stage. Our diamonds are placed in exquisite settings designed specifically to showcase their intensity.”

Two such remarkably gifted people are the Hearts On Fire brand ambassadors, Tara Subkoff and Janie Bryant. These two fashion icons stand out in their respective fields. Owner and lead designer of the Imitation of Christ high fashion line of clothing, Tara Subkoff, has starred in more than 27 films, including The Cell, As Good As It Gets, Freeway, and The Notorious Bettie Page. Her Imitation of Christ clothing line is an artistic collection based on hand sewn, vintage inspired pieces that quickly became an international fashion sensation and garnered her a cult-like following. That she chooses to grace her designs with Rothman’s Hearts On Fire jewelry speaks volumes about the level of quality and beauty of the diamonds and their settings. Janie Bryant, costume designer for the television series MadMen, as well as a number of feature films, has been lauded with both an Emmy award in addition to legions of awards nominations. Bryant won the 2010 Edith Head Award at Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars, her work was awarded again at the 2011 New York Women in Film and Television Designing Women Gala. Bryant was listed as a fashion icon in the book produced by editors of Elle magazine called; “ELLEments of Personal Style: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop and Live”. Bryant was also on Vanity Fair's list of the “100 Most Influential People Worldwide of the Year” in 2010. That women of this caliber chose to associate themselves with the Hearts On Fire brand reveals much about the quality and integrity of Mr. Rothman’s life’s work. Absolute state-of-the-art, the Hearts On Fire diamond is a singularly unique expression of perfection. Crafted using the best oldworld skills, updated to function with the most cutting edge technology available today, with a Hearts On Fire diamond, you can be unconditionally certain you’re getting the finest quality stone available. Giving the gift of a Hearts On Fire diamond speaks to a certain level of self-respect, self-esteem, and the purest expression of love. Rothman effuses; “Every time a woman wears Hearts On Fire, she’ll feel better about herself. And every time a man who has given Hearts On Fire to the woman he loves sees her wearing it…can you imagine how good he’ll feel knowing he has positively influenced the way she feels about herself?”

Prosciutto Ham, Brie Cheese and Quail Egg on tasted Brioche photo: My Private Chef, Inc.

By Nichole Odijk DeMario Brunch, that delightful meal that combines menu items of both breakfast and lunch and has entertaining written all over it. If you prefer to delight an intimate or even large group of guests with the ultimate brunch during the warmth of summer, it can all be accomplished within the comforts of home. Executive Chef and Owner of My Private Chef, Christopher Tong, has been creating and coordinating upscale private gourmet dining experiences for 30 years. Brunch is a food connoisseur favorite, but it can also be the entertainer’s favorite because of its creative options. Tong says the ultimate summer brunch takes advantage of seasonal and exotic fruits and vegetables. He says guests thoroughly enjoy a chef-attended gourmet omelet, crepe or waffle station. Flavors should be vibrant and ingredients should vary in color to give dishes that pop. He likes to balance flavors of sweet and savory, which makes the meal that much more enjoyable. Fresh herbs and produce add visual interest. For a unique touch, edible flowers can add to both the menu and décor.

Beverage choices are equally as important. Along with serving traditional brunch drinks such as Mimosas or Bloody Marys, serve exotic drinks with fresh juices, fruit, melon and herbs. Presentation does not have to be lost with home entertaining. In fact, it’s an opportunity to let personal touches shine. For intimate affairs, Tong recommends plating the food in multiple courses and in smaller portions. Some items can be served in individual cups or smaller bowls which adds to the presentation, while controlling portion size. One of the most important factors to consider, he says, is to know your guests and their tastes to ensure all palettes are satisfied. To add elegance to the presentation, Chef Tong says colorful flowers, linens, serve ware, flatware and china along with lighting by candlelight are ideal. He adds, “The atmosphere and presentation matter as much as the food.”