LUXCIOR - FEB 2022 - 10.1 by Martin

LUXCIOR

.com

Mine

24 Waterway Avenue, The Woodlands TX 77380 281-651-5380 | sales@vanderdysjewelers.com www.vanderdysjewelers.com Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

AWARD-WINNING

PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM AUTOMOBILE - MOTORCYCLE - TRUCK - TRAIN - AIRCRAFT | WORKPLACE ACCIDENT DANGEROUS DRUGS | DEFECTIVE MEDICAL PRODUCTS | CIVIL LITIGATION CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW We will not concede. We have the experience, human, financial, and technological resources to aggressively fight in court and secure the justice and compensation you deserve after being injured by the neglect or carelessness of others. Choosing the right accident injury lawyer to protect your financial future is no small decision. Merging modern technology and legal experience with hard work and diligence, you can find us fighting for verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients in Houston and nationwide.

}

Principal Office in Houston, Texas 1770 Saint James Place #100, Houston, TX 77056 | 281.623.1906

mcdonaldworley.com

LUXCIOR.com

Bolder in expression, bolder in performance, bolder in attitude. Black Badge Ghost is the most engaging motor car to drive Rolls-Royce has ever created. Discover Black Badge Ghost.

Call Rolls-Royce North Houston on (281) 346-4526

13921 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77090 | Rolls-RoyceMotorcarsNorthHouston.com Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost: WLTP combined: CO2 emissions: 359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 15.8 mpg / 17.9 l/100km. The values of fuel consumptions, CO2 emissions and energy consumptions shown are based on the new WLTP test-cycle and determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable at the time of type approval. The figures shown consider optional equipment and the different size of wheels and tires available on the selected model. Changes of the configuration can lead to changes of the values. For vehicle related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO2 emissions the CO2 values may differ to the values stated here. They do not relate to any one particular vehicle, nor are they part of any offer made, rather they are solely for the purpose of comparing different kinds of vehicle. Further information about the official fuel consumption and the specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be taken out of the “Guide to Fuel Consumption, CO2 Emissions and Electricity Consumption of New Passenger Cars”, which is available at all selling points and at https://www.gov.uk/co2-and-vehicle-tax-tools/ in the United Kingdom, https://www.dat.de/co2/ in Germany and or your local government authority. © Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2022. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

LUXCIOR.com

24 Waterway Avenue The Woodlands, TX 77380 sales@vanderdysjewelers.com | 281-651-5380 www.vanderdysjewelers.com

Symphony

of Love "

24 Waterway Avenue, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-651-5380 | sales@vanderdysjewelers.com www.vanderdysjewelers.com

LUXCIOR.com

R A I S E

YO U R

L I M I T S

DISCOVER MORE McLaren Houston (832) 266-0752

mclarenhouston.com Official fuel consumption figures in l/100km (CO2 g/km) for the McLaren 720S Spider 4.0L (3,994cc) petrol, 7-speed Reverse Seamless Shift Dual Clutch Gearbox (SSG): Low 22.4 (509), Medium 12.2 (276), High 9.4 (214), Extra-High 10.7 (242), Combined 12.2 (276). Official combined CO2 emissions: 276g/km. The efficiency figures quoted are derived from official WLTP test results, are provided for comparability purposes only, and might not reflect actual driving experience.

DISCOVER

LUXCIOR.com

COVID-19 - ACPS is proud to keep an outstanding safety record through the implementation of strict sanitation measures in all our facilities in order to guarantee the well-being of our patients, doctors, and team members.

Houston's choice for Plastic Surgery for over 26 years, since 1996 713.999.4768 | w w w. M y B e a u t i f u l B o d y. c o m

THE TEXAS SMILE DOCTOR In 2022 patients from all over the country and around the globe will continue to come to The Woodlands

to receive the world-class quality and expertise

from one of the most celebrated cosmetic dentists in the nation.

Your Safety

FIRST

OFFICIAL COSMETIC DENTIST FOR THE HOUSTON ASTROS

4800 W Panther Creek Dr Suite 200 The Woodlands, TX 77381

281 36-SMILE

HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL

Acomodaciones especiales para pacientes internacionales

We are proud to hold an extraordinary record in safety within our premises. After investing thousands of dollars in state-ofthe-art air-purification technology, among many other measures, we can offer our patients a safe environment for a rewarding experience.

Actual patients: mother and her two daughters, from Mexico.

Dr. Guy M. Lewis has been widely recognized as one of the best cosmetic dentists in the nation,

holding some of the top awards and certifications, and has been voted Best Of The Best by the Houston Chronicle in 2020 and 2021

He has been the official cosmetic dentist of the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamo, and Houston Eros. He has also been part of major Beauty Pageants such as Miss Texas,

Miss Teen Texas, Miss Hawaiian Tropic, and Miss America Internacional with Lupita Jones and Osmel Sousa.

LoveThatSmile.com

56 Cover: Monica Agaybi February 2022 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY - LUXCIOR Magazine does not endorse, recommend or take responsibility for the opinion, comments, explicit or implicit content, or the nature of any article or participation published by our collaborators. Said articles express the sole opinion of their author, and are their express responsibility. The total or partial reproduction of any part of the content of LUXCIOR Magazine or LUXCIOR.com, by any printed and / or digital means, is prohibited. Comments or questions from our readers are always welcome. Please direct them by email to publisher@LUXCIOR.com. To advertise, please call 713.793.6373, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. at 5:00 p.m., or by email to Advertising@LUXCIOR.com. © 2013-2022 LUXCIOR Magazine, a trademark of LUXCIOR, LLC. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN MEXICO / IMPRESO EN MEXICO

WWW

120 COVID

@luxciormagazine

LuxciorMagazine

Luxcior.com

Attorney Olsa its impact onImmigration international travel and immigration policies

Plants 'n Petals

FLOWERS = LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day! ORDER ONLINE at PNPflowers.com, or Call us 3810 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027 | 713.840.9191 | p n p f l o w e r s . c o m

102 NATURAL STONE A timeless -and elegantalternative

122

MRXRVRTECHONOLOGY

Experience Houston's Premier Brazilian Churrascaria w i t h t he of

Romantic Evening Views

Highland Village

o r at o u r

River Oaks

C h a r m i n g V i n ta g e P a r k L o c a t i o n

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

VINTAGE PARK

3995 Westheimer Rd. 3rd Floor

126 Vintage Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77027

Houston, TX 77070

832.879.2926

832.953.2398

gauchosdosul.com

90 44 Egypt

THIS ISSUE CONTAINS AWESOME VIDEOS

MARTIN GONDRA CEO | Publisher

Senior Editor - GINO FREDIANI Assistant Editor - CAROLINA GONDRA Junior Editor - ITZAIAN GONDRA

SCAN 'N ENJOY

Architecture Editor - CARLOS CASTROPAREDES Interior Design Editor - CAROLINA PINZÓN Sip'n Savor Contributor - MARIANA ROMBADO Automobile Editor - MARCEL STEFANO Automobile Contributor - EMILIO ARAGÓN Travel Specialist - LINDA STRICKLAND Fashion Editor - CAROLINA ESTRADA Immigration Law Editor - OLSA CANO Image Advisor - MAGDA GONDRA Writer - ALFREDO PEÑALOSA

Look for glowing video screens on the pages

Photography JOHN GIRIES FREDDIE SANCHEZ Fashion photographer & Creative director SABA HUSSAIN V.P. of Marketing MANUEL REUTER Website and IT CARLOS ACUÑA JOSÉ GORDILLO Social Media JOSÉ GORDILLO Events Coordinator AIBSEL VIZCAINO Circulation GARY DURKOVITZ Inquiries & Advertising

713.793.6373 Advertising@LUXCIOR.com

LUXCIOR.COM

THE PUREST BLACK BADGE YET But make the umbrella any color you wish

24 Waterway Avenue, The Woodlands TX 77380 281-651-5380 | sales@vanderdysjewelers.com www.vanderdysjewelers.com Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

am delighted to bring you the first issue of 2022, as we celebrate our ninth anniversary of publishing in our wonderful city. We enter this tenth year with gratitude, to God in first place for granting us another year of life, and for his many blessings, to our partners for their friendship and the opportunity to share a vibrant reciprocal collaboration, and to our audience, for their loyalty and support to our patrons.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed that although Covid impacted our business like most other businesses, we have never compromised our commitment to our clients and our audience to maintain the size and quality of LUXCIOR in every respect. In fact, in the middle of this pandemic, over a year ago we improved the already high quality of our covers. Now, we bring you LUXCIOR in a pilot super-size format of 12 X 12 in. I must confess that while I write these lines I’m nervous to take this costly step without knowing exactly how the magazine will hold its sturdiness being two inches wider and a perfect square. I guess I’ll know in a week...lol We embrace this new annual chapter packed with energy and optimism, and a much wider vision and understanding of our rapidly changing -and fragile- reality. Two years of Covid have taught us many things and remind us that nothing is to be taken for granted. Today, after submitting this issue of LUXCIOR to my amazing printer, I am attending the funeral of a truly beloved friend who lost this battle (but by the grace of God secured a better life) and makes me look at life with the utmost respect and seriousness. Life is no game, and although it should be lived to the max, we ought to always remember where our priorities are. And remember this: impacting others with kindness and respect should be an important part of our list. I am over-excited to announce that, after nearly five years of preparation, we are finally releasing this Spring the inaugural issue of the HOUSTON BLACK BOOK OF LUXURY. This highly elegant and anticipated print and digital platform will be Houston and The Woodlands’ complete guide to luxury, for both locals as well as the millions of annual travelers that visit our region. Find more details ahead. We are dedicating this issue to Egypt, an amazing country with one of the richest and oldest traceable cultures in the world, and well represented in Houston. My dear friend and LUXCIOR’s Architecture Editor, Carlos Castroparedes, did an extraordinary summary of his findings from eight extensive trips to Cairo, New Cairo, the upcoming spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, the pyramids, and more. In closing, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and wonderful 2022!

Martin Gondra Publisher

24 Waterway Avenue, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-651-5380 | sales@vanderdysjewelers.com www.vanderdysjewelers.com

LUXCIOR.com

LAMBORGHINI HOUSTON Authorized Dealer A super sports car soul and the functionality typical for an SUV: this is Lamborghini Urus, the world’s first Super Sports Utility Vehicle. Identifiable as an authentic Lamborghini with its unmistakable DNA, Urus is at the same time a groundbreaking card: the extreme dimensions, the pure Lamborghini design and the outstanding performance make it absolutely unique. Urus’ distinctive silhouette with a dynamic flying coupe line shows its super sports origins, while its outstanding proportions convey strength, solidity and safety. Urus’ success factors are definitely the design, the driving dynamics and the performance.

All these features allowed Lamborghini to launch a Super Sport Utility Vehicle remaining loyal to its DNA.

13921 North Freeway Houston, TX 77090 (281) 305-4096 LamborghiniHouston.com

LUXCIOR.com

Coming in Spring 2022

www.BlackBookOfLuxury.com

Because you ought to know where your pleasure is.

The BLACK BOOK OF LUXURY is a bi-annual (Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter) beautiful ultra-luxury coffee-table style book, with the very best Houston and The Woodlands have to offer under select categories. TRAVELERS DISTRIBUTION: It will be delivered to VIP suites at Houston’s most prestigious hotels, FBOs (private airports), high-end auto rentals, and limousine services. With over 25 million travelers in 2020 in spite of the pandemic and ongoing average growth of 1 million per year since 2016, Houston and The Woodlands are prime destinations for tourists as well as visitors to the largest Medical Center in the world. The numbers for 2022 are expected to increase at least to 26.5 million. Interesting fact: Travelers spend 30% more than locals on shopping, dining, and entertainment. LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Complimentary copies will be mailed to subscribers (White Diamond private individual members), and delivered to participating businesses (Blue Diamond business partners). The circulation will additionally include copies to select high-end retailers, top medical and professional offices, luxury yacht and automobile dealerships, and first-class apartment buildings. The upcoming Spring-Summer edition of the BLACK BOOK OF LUXURY will be published in Spring, 2022. Select businesses (Blue Diamond Members) will have the unique opportunity to reach an ultra-elite audience in print, digital (with embedded videos), and social media. Premium placement opportunities are also available (while limited supplies last). First-come, first-served opportunity.

713.793.6323 Info: Concierge@HoustonBBL.com www.BlackBookOfLuxury.com 5090 Richmond Ave., #141, Houston, Texas 77056

The Finest Selection of Jewelry and Timepieces DanielCo.us

Houston - 9798 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036 | Conroe - 1416 N Loop 336 W, Conroe, TX 77304

LET ME HELP YOU REINVENT YOUR SPACES

HOUSTON INTERIOR DESIGNER www.carolinapinzonhomedesign.com 713.854.5009

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU GO. IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW YOU ARRIVE...

In Style

Limousine Services | Corporate Transport | Exotic Car Rental Concierge Services | Event Transportartion Air Charter | Valet Services

Directts.com @_directtrans

713.800.5466 | 877.546.6107

HOUSTON'S PRIME URUGUAYAN CUISINE WITH THE FINEST STEAKS AND WINES

Now Serving 7 days a week: Lunch - Dinner - Happy Hours

CATERING & PRIVATE EVENTS

WEEKENDS:

Saturday Brunch & Dinner both a la carte. Sunday Brunch Buffet & Dinner a la carte.

WE DELIVER - 832.849.0097 - ORDER NOW! or choose from

CIT Y CENTRE - HOUS TON 818 Town and Country Blvd Suite 105, Houston, TX 77024 - 832 849.0097

www.SalyPimientaKitchen.com

An island-inspired getaway just minutes north of The Woodlands MargaritavilleResortLakeConroeTexas.com

Unlimited possibilities for your Destination Wedding, Gala, Holiday Party, or Conference. 303 Luxury Suites - 32 Waterfront Cottages - 7 Restaurants and Bars - Golf Course - Spa Fitness Center - A fabulous Waterpark - Boat and Jet Ski Rental

600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, TX 77356 | 936.448.4400

SAVE ON SOPHISTICATED STYLE IN THE GALLERIA AREA Enjoy contemporary design paired with down-to-earth Third Coast charm at the new Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites Houston-Galleria Area. Centrally located with easy freeway access, guests are near a wealth of destinations. So, whether you’re out about town or lounging poolside, we invite you to explore the best of all Space City has to offer. • Complimentary breakfast

• 24-hour business center

• Heated outdoor pool

• Free WiFi/internet service

overlooking the Galleria skyline

• Pet-friendly rooms and dog run

• State-of-the-art fitness center

• Complimentary storage lockers

• Free on-site guest laundry

• Cocktail lounge in the Lobby Bar

facilities

• Full-service housekeeping • On-site gift shop, grocery and lobby bar

• Walking distance to many shops and restaurants

• Affordable luxury in the heart of the Galleria area

READY TO TAKE TRAVEL TO THE NEXT LEVEL? BOOK NOW. Call or visit us online. hiexpress.com/galleriaareatx • 346.415.5900 staybridge.com/galleriaareatx • 346.262.0500 2351 West Loop South, Houston, Texas 77027 This dual-branded property is owned and operated by American Liberty Hospitality.

EFFECTIVE FAMILY FEUD RESOLUTION KROHN PLLC, led by board-certified attorney Kenneth Krohn works with clients engaged in intense family conflicts related to probate or guardianship matters.

PROBATE PROCEEDINGS AND APPEALS

AREAS OF LAW Wills and Estate Planning Uncontested Probate / Guardianship Contested Probate / Guardianship Proactive Planning To Avoid Family Conflicts Fighting For Your Loved One’s Care Or Final Wishes

El abogado HABLA ESPAÑOL

KROHN PLLC 1210 W. Clay Street, Suite 12, Houston, TX 77019 713.369.5930

w w w. k r o h n p l l c . c o m

ACT NOW WITH AN EXPERT YOU CAN TRUST

HOUSTON'S TOP

IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY The most aggressive representation in defense of your immigration rights. Consult and prepare your case NOW with an attorney you can trust. Immigration Attorney Olsa Cano

Specializing in • • • • •

Deportation and Removal Defense DACA & TPS Appeals

•

Permanent Residency

•

Non-immigrant Visas

• •

ICE & CBP Issues

•

Family Petitions

•

Citizenship & Naturalization Employment-based Visas Investor Visas

Consular Processing

•

I-9 Compliance

•

Asylum

•

Waivers Immigran and Non-immigrant

•

Crimmigration

•

FOIA

832.288.2727 ENGLISH

SHQIP

ESPAÑOL

12141 Wickchester Ln., Ste 600, Houston, Texas 77079

canoimmigration.com

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Egypt MYSTIC LAND OF THE PHARAOHS

By Carlos Castroparedes

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

It’s with great pleasure that I bring to you one of the most extraordinary places in the World: the magic, the energy, the history, the people, the culture, and the heritage of Egypt. During my recent eighth visit, I had the opportunity to see and live the biggest transformation ever in this magnificent country. With over 5,000 years of deeply rooted history and culture, Egypt has always been ahead in architecture, engineering, and art, among other disciplines. This is the place where you can visit and experience one of the seven wonders of the world: the incredible pyramids in Giza (Khufu, originally 481 feet high, known as Cheops, or The Great Pyramid, Khafre -471 feet- and Menkaure -213 feet high-. And just behind this magnificent place is the Great Sphinx, one of the most emblematic constructions in the world. Close to this space, 27 miles from this complex, you will find the oldest pyramid in the world, Sakkara, with its 205 ft. in height, built by the ancient architect Imhotep, for Pharaoh Djoser-Zoser. This structure is the central construction of a mortuary complex in a big courtyard surrounded by unique constructions. Allow me to share some highlights of The Enchanted Land of the Pharaohs.

Great Pyramids of Giza.

LUXCIOR.com

THE NEW CAIRO The new capital city -New Cairo- located 21 miles east of Cairo, lying between the regional ring road, the Cairo-Suez road, and Cairo-El Ain El Sokhna road, is bound to be a major ultra-modern and luxurious metropoli that will easily compete with Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The new capital city will help to strengthen and diversify the country’s economic potential by creating new places to live, work, and visit. In order to draw people to this new capital city, a series of key catalyst developments will be established at its core. This will include a new government administrative district, a cultural district, and a wide variety of urban neighborhoods. Being built on an area of 168,000 acres, the New Administrative Capital is equivalent to the size of the city of Singapore. The first phase is being built on an area of 40,000 acres to accommodate an average of 7 million people. The New Administrative Capital consists of Governmental District, Money & Business District, New Presidential Palace, North Mohammed Bin Zabid settlement,

Ancient Nile River running across City of Cairo

Residential districts, Opera House, Expo City, Green River, Smart Village, and Railway Station & Knowledge City having all reputable universities. The project is being developed by the New Administrative Capital Company, which is jointly owned by the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities and the military. The construction of Egypt’s new administrative capital is an aspirant project by any standards when you consider that it will show off a park double the size of Central Park in New York City. It will be ornamented by artificial lakes while students will enjoy an array of facilities to be found in about 2,000 educational institutions. The endless list includes a technology and innovation park. As far as health is concerned there will be 663 hospitals and clinics. The city will also have 1,250 mosques and 40,000 hotel rooms. Watch out for Disneyland because a major theme park is on the cards as well, and it will be four times bigger than Orlando’s. The city will be a smart city and to go along with this there will be 56 square miles of solar energy farms, an electric railway link with Cairo, and a new international airport.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Fabulous New Cairo undergoing costruction in the horizon.

Renderings of the Capital City of Egypt, New Cairo, when completed.

LUXCIOR.com

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Temples &

Pyramids LUXOR The temple at Luxor sits in the heart of town right alongside the Nile. Its long Avenue of Sphinxes originally went all the way to the city of Karnak, two miles north. But even without the line of statues, it’s still impressive. The gates of the temple are flanked by the twin colossi of Ramses II that rise tall into the darkening sky. Wandering through in the twilight, when the crowds have thinned and hidden lights illuminate walls leaving other parts in deep shadow, is a magical experience. The temple is also famous for the Mosque of Abu al-Haggag that rises amidst the Egyptian halls and statuary. Two pieces of Egyptian history that are uneasily joined together, but remind visitors that Egypt has had a long and complicated history. Across the river deeper into the West Bank is the Temple of Hatshepsut, built by one of the very few female Pharaohs in Egypt’s history. Although her reign was marked by prosperity, family in-fighting ultimately lead to the disfigurement of her statues lining the temple corridors and the rewriting of her accomplishments to be the results of the efforts of others. On a trip filled with impressive monuments, her colonnaded temple is one of the most awe-inspiring. Built into a cliff face it rises several stories, reached by long spacious ramps that may once have been graced with gardens. In the desert clime, all traces of these have long ago been erased. Yet, what remains is impressive. Unlike the pyramids and burial chambers, the huge Temple is built to provoke a sense of awe and admiration. The towering limestone cliffs of the nearby Valley of the Kings are riddled with tombs. After enduring centuries of looting, Egyptian rulers finally shifted away from impressive pyramids in favor of a hidden mountainside system of chambers and tunnels which they hoped would stymie grave robbers. The plan was not successful and only the tomb of the boy pharaoh, Tutankhamun, was spared – largely because he died so young that his small burial site was overlooked. Without the treasures, and with the wall paintings dimmed with age, the spaces seem claustrophobic. It’s clear these were not meant to impress visitors. But the immensity of the warren of tombs does impress and we pause (in the shade) to consider the scope of the project and the unwavering belief in the importance of these tombs to insure the quality of their afterlife.

TEMPLE OF KARNAK Despite being in ruins, this remains the most impressive temple complex. For over 1500 years, each new ruler added his own section. With a sacred lake in front, and an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes leading to the interior filled with smaller temples, shrines, obelisks, it all proclaimed the wealth and power of the pharaohs. When building ceased, the temple complex filled 247 acres, on a scale and size found in few other places. Today, the temple bustles with tour groups but with enough patience and time we were able to skirt the crowds and wander among the treasures of ancient history trying to imagine what it was like thousands of years ago.

EDFU If the other temples are impressive in their ruins, Edfu’s Temple of Horus leaves us stunned by its integrity. Dwarfed by the massive towering gates guarded by the god Horus it is here we sense the majesty of the other temples. It is often hailed as what every other temple would look like if we could only see it intact. The reason for its excellent condition may lie in its previous obscurity. Until the mid-19th century the temple was almost buried in sand. In fact, part of the village of Edfu, a community midway between Luxor and Aswan, was actually built on its roof.

KOM OMBO As we near Aswan, we again have the pleasure of easy access to the temple with its entrance almost riverside. It’s late in the day when we visit and we hop off the boat to explore the temple in the gathering dusk. The columns glow with the atmospheric lighting while the sky turns a deep blue in the sunset. Because of the late hour, we have Kom Ombo to ourselves and can discover the magic at twilight.

LUXCIOR.com

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

PHILAE

ABU SIMBEL

We are going to the Sound and Light show – a theatrical experience available at several of the temples, but the one at Philae is rumored to be the best. In the pitch blackness of the night, we rode across the river to the tiny island and the temple complex. The show was a combination of walking through the gently illuminated ruins and sitting on stone seats listening to the story of the temple and watching the illuminated buildings. Even without understanding a word of the narrative (the language of the shows rotate and we were there during the German version), the visit was magic, walking through the gently lit hallways and ruins, watching the play of lights accompanying the narration.

Work on the Abu Simbel Temples, which were to be carved out of the mountainside, started in 1264 BCE during the reign of King Ramesses the Great. While the exact completion date isn’t known, archeologists are relatively certain that they had been completed by 1244 BCE.

Philae and the town of Aswan was our last stop before flying back to Cairo. The view from the plane windows showed a narrow strip of green hugging the river. Beyond that was the sere browns of the desert. If the cities are the modern anchors of the country, the Nile is its heart and history.

Like all temples, the Abu Simbel temples were built for worship, but most historians believe they were also designed to impress Egypt’s neighbors, and to further emphasize the importance of traditional Egyptian religion. In 1968 the entire complex was relocated to a man-made hill above the reservoir of the Aswan High Dam. Had the temples not been moved, they would have disappeared into the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the completion of the new dam.

LUXCIOR.com

Al-Khal, considerd one of the top Egyptian restaurants in El Cairo.

local yogurt. It’s always nice to have the scent of the Turkish coffee prepared with a hint of cardamom which takes you to another level of experience. The unique Egyptian cuisine has been influenced throughout history, particularly by its neighbors from the Middle East. So you will be able to taste many cultures on one plate. Egyptian cuisine is notably conducive to vegetarian diets, as it relies heavily on vegetables and legumes rather than meat, same as it has been for millennia, mainly because veggies are much cheaper than meat. Below is a list of the most delicious and popular dishes served up in Egypt today.

LAND OF THE EXOTIC Egypt offers one of the most amazing cuisines in the world, as it has all the millenary traditions of Ancient Egypt with all the influences of Mediterranean food. There is nothing more appetizing than to start your day with the freshly squeezed fruit juices and vegetables that come directly from the valley of the Nile. It is particularly famous for the watermelons and the amazing dates mixed with honey and

For lunch to start the feast begin with the famous pita bread in the Egyptian style with Egyptian Hummus -a delicious spread or dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and spices-. It’s commonly eaten in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, labneh Tangy, thick, and creamy, labneh (also known as labneh or labne) is basically yogurt cheese. Ful Medames (pronounced: fool) is made of mashed fava beans that are slowly cooked all night in a giant metal jug called Qedra. Before being served it should include vegetables like tomato, radishes, and spring onion, adding more fiber, which can help reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol. Besides you can get it cheap, it has many health benefits as it is rich in fiber and protein. Today, Ful Medames is considered one of the country’s national dishes and the most common and popular form of Egyptian street food, typically eaten for breakfast. Some historians have thought that Ful Medames dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt. While Ta’ameya or Egyptian falafel is made of crushed fava beans that are later mixed and made into a paste then fried. Although it is cheap, it tastes so good. It’s like the poor people’s burger. It’s quite common in the breakfast like Ful Medames. It is best served with local bread, tomato, onions, and tahini sauce. After this you are ready to start one of the magnificent culinary experiences:

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Mulukhiyah It is a green slimy paste that is made from jute leaves. It is prepared by removing the central spine from the leaves and then chopping the leaves finely with garlic and coriander. The dish generally includes some sort of meat, chicken, rabbit, shrimp, or even fish fillet then it will be often served beside rice or bread. Though the substance is characterized by a gluey stickiness, the taste is fresh and herbaceous! Egyptian big cities like Cairo, Alexandria is full of oriental food restaurants that serve Mulukhiyah and it will not be expensive. Egyptian homes at least eat this dish weekly and for that reason considered one of the country’s national dishes. Mulukhiyah has a lot of health benefits. For example, it helps to regulate blood pressure, improves digestion, increases blood circulation, boosts the immune system, and prevents cancer. Because Mulukhiyah is rich in many essential nutrients and minerals including phosphorus, fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin K, etc.

Baba Ghanoush It is one of the side dishes like tahini salad, Egyptian people like it next to their dinner, lunch, and even breakfast. It is made of grilled aubergine peeled and mashed then add to Tahini with the addition of lemon juice, pepper, salt, parsley, cumin, and olive oil. It has a good flavor and is commonly served with fish, Fattah or Shawarma also is preferred to be eaten with fresh bread. It is delicious and gives people a good appetite to eat. There are many other amazing recipes like Zalabya, Sweet feteer, Om Ali, Sweet Goulash, Qatayef, Basbousa, Harissa, and Kunafa, to name a few, but we’ll leave them for you to discover in your next visit to Egypt.

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

"Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs" Transport back 3,200 years, across the sands of the Sahara Desert where you reach the heartbeat of Ancient Egypt ruled by the most celebrated builder in the country’s storied history. Experience one of the greatest collections of its kind in the world premiere exhibition. This all-new multisensory museum experience provides guests with a window into the life and accomplishments of Ramses II, more commonly known as Ramses the Great. You will come face-to-face with 181 priceless artifacts including Egyptian treasures and one-of-a-kind relics, many representing the exceptional pharaoh himself. On this immersive journey you’ll uncover a stunningly preserved collection of artifacts, including sarcophagi, animal mummies, magnificent jewelry, spectacular royal masks, exquisite amulets, and ornate golden treasures of the tomb, showcasing the superb workmanship of Egyptian artists.

Houston Museum

Natural Science

5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030 www.hmns.org Open through May 23rd. - Opens 9:00 am

One last recommendation: Egyptian coffee. This is a must-do!

LUXCIOR.com

Grand Egyptian Museum

THE LARGEST AND MOST EXTRAORDINARY MUSEUM EVER GETS READY TO OPEN ITS DOORS TO THE WORLD. aving one of the oldest and most valuable heritages in the history of the world, Egypt deserves a magnificent place to exhibit all the treasures of a glorious past.

The Egyptian Government decided to build the biggest museum in the world and to bring and organize all the extraordinary sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and antiquities they have accumulated over many centuries. This magnificent construction was decided by an architectural competition announced on 7 January 2002. After the organizers received 1,557 bids from 82 countries, this has been the second-largest architectural competition in history. In the second stage of the competition, 20 entries submitted additional information on their designs. Judging was complete by 2 June 2003.

The competition was won by architects Róisín Heneghan and Shi-Fu Peng, and their company Heneghan Peng Architects in Ireland. The building is designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, Buro Happold and Arup. The landscape and site masterplan was designed by West 8, while the exhibition masterplan, exhibition design, and museology are by Atelier Brückner. This majestic building is shaped like a chamfered triangle in plan. It sits on a site 1.2 miles west of the pyramids, near a motorway interchange. The building’s north and south walls line up directly with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure. In front of the building is a large plaza, filled with date palms. So the experience to see from the main plaza entrance the complex of Giza from far is out of this world.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

TWO ICONIC HOTELS Mena House Hotel

One of the main features of the museum is the translucent stone wall, made of alabaster, that makes up the front facade of the building. Inside the main entrance is a large atrium, where large statues will be exhibited. The new museum is designed to include the latest technology, including virtual reality. The museum will also be an international center of communication between museums, to promote direct contact with other local and international museums. The Grand Egyptian Museum will include a Children’s Museum, a Conference Center, a Training Center, and workshops similar to the old Pharaonic places. The exhibition will cover about one-third of the total museum grounds displaying some 18,000 artifacts (5000 objects in the Tutankhamun galleries, and 13,000 objects in the other galleries) from the museum’s total collections of 50,000 objects. The main attraction will be the first exhibition of the full tomb collection of King Tutankhamun. The collection includes about 5,000 items in total and will be relocated from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Other objects will be relocated from storages and museums in Luxor, Minya, Sohag, Assiut, Beni Suef, Fayoum, the Delta, and Alexandria. On April 03, 2021, 22 mummies were relocated from the old museum to the new Grand Egyptian Museum through a glittering parade befitting the Pharaohs that made prime news all around the world. In August 2021 the reconstructed Khufu ship, a solar barque, was relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum from the Giza Solar boat museum beside the Great Pyramid. The original Gran Opening day had to be postponed due to the pandemic, but it’s scheduled for this summer. Both Zahi Hawass, a renowned Egyptian Egyptologist, and Egypt Independent, a reputable media outlet based in Cairo, have confirmed the opening date of November 2022. If there is one spectacular place to plan to visit on your next trip abroad, this is the one.

The Mena House was initially a hunting lodge; it was a two-story hut nicknamed the “Mud Hut”. It was built in 1869 for the Egyptian Khedive Isma’il Pasha. Due to political matters in 1883, Isma’il sold the lodge to Frederick and Jessie Head as a private residence. The couple came across the building while on their honeymoon and once it was purchased they expanded it. In 1885, it was then sold to an English couple, Ethel and Hugh F. Locke King. They immediately began construction on the hotel and opened it to the public in 1886 as The Mena House. The hotel is named after the founding father of the first Egyptian dynasty, Mena or King Menes. During World War I the hotel was requisitioned by Australian troops and occupied again by the Australians in 1939. Toward the end of the war, it was then converted to a hospital for wounded Australian troops.The Oberoi Group took over the management of the hotel in 1972. In December 1977 Egypt and Israel sat down together at Mena House in a quest for a peace settlement (also attending were American and United Nations representatives). The results of this Mena House Conference led to the Camp David Agreement, which restored Egypt’s sovereignty over the Sinai peninsula.

Winter Palace Hotel The Winter Palace Hotel was built by the Upper Egypt Hotels Co, an enterprise founded in 1905 by Cairo hoteliers Charles Baehler and George Nungovich in collaboration with Thomas Cook & Son (Egypt). It was inaugurated on January 19th 1907, with a picnic at the Valley of the Kings followed by dinner at the hotel and speeches. The architect was Leon Stienon, the Italian construction company G.GAROZZO & Figli Costruzioni in Cemento Armato. During World War I the hotel was temporarily closed to paying guests and employed as a hospice for convalescing soldiers. A regular guest at the hotel from 1907 on was George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, better known simply as Lord Carnarvon. Carnarvon was the patron of Egyptologist Howard Carter, who in 1922 discovered the intact tomb of Tutankhamun. After the discovery was announced the Winter Palace played host to the international press corps and foreign visitors there to follow the story. Carter used the hotel’s noticeboard to deliver occasional news and information on the discovery.

LUXCIOR.com

onica Agaybi and her family are an inspiration to those coming to Houston from every country around the world to ontribute to our flourishing culture, growth and economy.

She and her parents are the perfect representation of the success stories that make the cultural landscape of the most diverse city in the nation. Born and raised in Houston by two diligent and resilient Egyptian parents, who instilled her strong ethics, and growing up as first-generation immigrant parents, she learned through them that by working hard enough, long enough, you will spout your own miracles. Her father came to America starting to work as a busboy in a restaurant where he learned to speak English. He worked his way up the corporate ladder and saved enough money to enroll in college where he received a degree in Business and Accounting. Now he is the CEO of his own business. Upon finishing high school a year early, Monica graduated from the same college as her father, with a dual degree major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. She was honored with the Silver Servant Leader Scholar Award from the Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement program for completing 300 hours of service to the community upon graduation.

Monica is a huge advocate for community involvement and helping others, which have led her to pursue her dreams of becoming a physician. She is currently a third-year medical student. In addition to her academic accomplishments, her beauty took her into being part of a pageant representing Egypt. During this time Egypt was going through a revolution consisting of millions of protesters from a range of socio-economic and religious backgrounds coming together to stand up for what they believed in. She was inspired and motivated to raise awareness and become an advocate of such issues in hopes of leading individuals to use their voices. She also competed nationally in dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical since she was 8 years old up until high school. When she attended college at the University of Houston Clear Lake, she was surprised as to why they had no dance team. She gathered with a group of friends who had the same passion for dancing and became a Founder and Vice President by establishing the UHCL Fusion Dance Team, which incorporated all cultural and diverse forms of dance. I am proud to say that the organization I established has continued to grow to this day. Monica allowed us to produce the following pages, showing the flow from the traditional Egyptian designs to the contemporary Houstonian fashion of Negris LeBrum.

LUXCIOR.com

STYLE

LUXCIOR.com

STYLE

LUXCIOR.com

STYLE

Ancient Egyptian fashion consisted of clothes adorned with a variety of colors and precious gems and jewels. While fashion in Ancient Egypt was primarily constructed for the purpose of comfort, this did not mean that ancient Egyptians felt they should sacrifice beauty for comfort. Modern clothing in Egypt follows the current fashion trends. 90% of Egyptians are Muslims, however, the dress code that coincides with the religion is not enforced. Women wear clothing that covers all of their bodies, but some choose to not wear a hijab. Because of the country’s hot climate, ancient Egyptians had to wear light fabrics most of the time. Even now, in 2022, most Egyptian designers make garments from vaporous linen, to confer a unique style while retaining comfort and easiness to wear. While other cosmetics such as rouge and nail polish were considered exotic body décor for special occasions, eye makeup was thought to be a necessity and an important status symbol. There were two different types of makeup generally used on the eyes, and both were not only meant to improve physical beauty but to serve spiritual purposes as well. Egyptians mostly used galena (more commonly known as kohl) and malachite powder (a green mineral) for eye makeup. Galena was a black paint that shielded eyes from the sun, while malachite powder made the eyes appear larger and protected those who wore it. The elaborated makeup design on Monica’s eye reflects the Eye of Horus, an iconic symbol surrounding the mystic Egyptian ancient religion and culture.

LUXCIOR.com

STYLE

LUXCIOR.com

STYLE

Beautiful golden evening dress, designed by Negris LeBrun.

STYLE

Negris LeBrum was inspired from a love story that began during 1940’s, between a young beautiful French Creole woman and a handsome man. Although their love was forbidden by societal difficulties, these individuals were brought together by a force that was greater than the both of them and through fashion their love story is being told to the world. Negris is “aime par beaucoup, admiree par tous, elegance percu”.

LUXCIOR.com LUXCIOR.com

STYLE

CREDITS Fashion Photographer & Creative Director: Saba Hussain. IG sabadesignstudio.photography. Model: Monica Agaybi. Exclusive Designs by Negris LeBrun. HMUA: Joely Flores. Producer: Martin Gondra. Location: Sans Souci Ballroom.

LUXCIOR.com

Designer Diva Houston's Largest Designer Consignment Store 35,000 sq/ft of anything imaginable from every day wear to high-end luxury brands

10707 Haddington Dr., Houston, TX 77043 | 281.497.6991

w w w. D e s i g n e r D i v a L LC . c o m

281.689.1235 houston.itex.com

Where Luxury Meets Tennis

Now in Houston right from Beverly Hills the most exclusive selection of designs and accessories for the best sport in the world. Request an exclusive, private appointment, right here in Houston 281.684.5645

SHOP ONLINE

www.tennilovehouston.com

T S U

E P O

D NE

A WINNING COMBINATION OF COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE Standing tall in the heart of the world’s largest medical center, the brand new dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites is designed to meet the needs of the surrounding community. We are proud to serve guests seeking short or extended stays, from business and leisure travelers to healthcare professionals and families. Just minutes from Houston’s major hospitals, the Houston Zoo, Greenway Trail, NRG Park, the Museum District, Rice University and the University of Houston, guests have easy access to the city’s top healthcare, cultural and educational destinations. • 500-car parking garage • Full-service bar and restaurant • State-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour business center • On-site guest self-laundry facilities • Heated outdoor pool

6840 Almeda Road, Houston, Texas 77030 Located on the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s campus.

WE’RE AT YOUR SERVICE. Call or visit us online. hgimedicalcenter.com • 346.433.8200 home2medicalcenter.com • 346.433.8300 This dual-branded property is owned and operated by American Liberty Hospitality.

• Complimentary shuttle with a 3-mile radius • Nearby Houston’s medical center, Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, Museum District and Downtown Houston • Cleaner stay with Hilton CleanStay program

You get 86,400 seconds per day. Don’t waste a single one. The new Macan. Performance inspired by legendary sports cards. Iconic Porsche design DNA. and the functionality and comfort-enhancing technology you demand from your daily driver. Meaning every precious second spent in it will be well spent.

Experience the new Macan.

AN INDI GO AUTO GROUP COMPANY

13911 North Freeway Houston, TX 77090 (281) 301-5985 porschenorthhouston.com ©2022 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times. European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.

BLACK BAGDE GHOST The Purest Black Badge Yet

fter considerable internal debate, Rolls-Royce created an officially sanctioned response to a new kind of client: a permanent Bespoke treatment to its automobiles named Black Badge. These products, which were launched in 2016, would be darker in aesthetic, more urgent in personality, and dramatic in material treatment.

In the five years since Black Badge became available to the discerning buyers, this bold family of cars has come to symbolize the pinnacle of a new type of super-luxury product, setting in motion a shift across the wider luxury industry. Subsequently, nearly all luxury auto makers have been creating products that seek to capture the Black Badge spirit. But the Spirit of Ecstasy is beyond anyone's reach. Today, Rolls-Royce goes beyond its seemingly unsurpassable own boundaries, releasing a model that represents a new kind of Black Badge motor car, one that seizes on the minimalist, Post Opulent design treatment that has recast the legend of Ghost but amplifies and subverts it with the application of black. Rolls-Royce's most advanced motor car yet has been reengineered to characterize the brand's well-deserved ego: assertive, dynamic, and potent. This is the purest Black Badge motor car in RollsRoyce's history. This is Black Badge Ghost. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has a unique influence on its clients. Its close relationship with the women and men who patronize the brand affords the company’s decision-makers an unparalleled understanding of the super-luxury consumer: their aesthetic preferences, uncompromising lifestyle requirements, and changing taste patterns. Only with this understanding, and briefings supplied by Rolls-Royce's Luxury Intelligence Unit, is the brand able to create an accurate product response. Black Badge is a vivid example of this.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has always attracted subversive clients – rebellious women and men who built their success by breaking rules, taking risks, and challenging conventions. In the 2020s, these women and men engage with luxury products on their own terms. They reject suits for streetwear, use blockchain, not banks, and influence the analog world through their digital endeavors. In doing so, they have created new codes of luxury that resonate with their sensibilities: darker in aesthetic, assertive in character, and bold in design. Their approach to Rolls-Royce products is no different. The ultra-luxury automaker has responded accordingly, developing new color palettes, more technical surface treatments, and even more powerful driving experiences without ever compromising the effortless sensibilities that have drawn this bold group of clients to the Rolls-Royce brand. Rolls-Royce debuted Black Badge with Wraith and Ghost in 2016, followed by Dawn in 2017 then Cullinan in 2019. Today, a new, Post Opulent expression of Black Badge joins the family. The purest and most technologically advanced Black Badge motor car yet, Black Badge Ghost.

THE DARK SIDE OF POST OPULENCE Conceived in response to a group of clients who requested a RollsRoyce that was agile, discreet, highly connected, and free of any superfluous design, the new Ghost is not just the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet, but also the most aesthetically pure. In the months since this model has been available, it has become one of the fastest-selling products in the brands’ history, representing more than 3,500 orders worldwide.

This car also started a new design conversation in its relentless pursuit of minimalism and purity. Named ‘Post Opulence’ by RollsRoyce designers, this aesthetic movement is characterized by reduction and substance. In service to this, exceptional materials are selected and celebrated while the overt design is limited, intelligent, and unobtrusive. However, within this group of clients – who celebrates minimalism and material substance – a rebellious subset sought to create a disruptive expression of Ghost by permanently cloaking it in a shade so pure that its very classification as a color remains a subject of debate: black. Black Badge Ghost reflects these clients’ desires. It is the dark side of Post Opulence: extreme minimalism.

EXTERIOR Clients are free to select any of the brand’s 44,000 ‘ready-to-wear’ colors or create their own entirely unique Bespoke hue. However, the overwhelming majority of women and men who requested this darker expression of Ghost have selected the signature Black. To create what is the motor car industry’s darkest black, 100lbs (45kg) of paint is atomised and applied to an electrostatically charged body in white before being oven dried. The motor car then receives two layers of clear coat before being hand-polished by a team of four craftsman to produce the marque’s signature high-gloss piano finish.

LUXCIOR.com

At between three and five hours in duration, this operation is entirely unknown in mass production, creating an intensity simply unattainable elsewhere in the automotive industry. It is this depth of darkness that serves as the perfect canvas for clients to add a high-contrast, hand-painted Coachline, which has done much to create the Black Badge ‘black and neon’ aesthetic that has come to characterize this vivid family of Rolls-Royce motor cars. To match this dramatic coachwork, the marque’s Bespoke Team of designers, engineers and craftspeople collaborated to create an entirely customizable process that allows Rolls-Royce hallmarks such as the high-polished Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon Grille to be subverted. Instead of simply painting these components, a specific chrome electrolyte is introduced to the traditional chrome plating process that is co-deposited on the stainless-steel substrate, darkening the finish. Its final thickness is just one micrometre – around one hundredth of the width of a human hair. Each of these components is precision-polished by hand to achieve a mirror-black chrome finish before it is fitted to the motor car. The exterior treatment resolves with a Bespoke 21-inch composite wheelset. Designed in the Black Badge house style and reserved for Black Badge Ghost, the barrel of each wheel is made up of 22 layers of carbon fibre laid on three axes, then folded back on themselves at the outer edges of the rim, forming a total of 44 layers of carbon fibre for greater strength. A 3D-forged aluminium hub is bonded to the rim using aerospace-grade titanium fasteners and finished with the marque’s hallmark Floating Hubcap, ensuring the Double R monogram remains upright at all times. To celebrate the material substance and remarkable surface effect, a lightly tinted lacquer is applied to protect the finish but still allow clients to observe the technical complexity of the wheels unique carbon fiber construction.

INTERIOR Advanced luxury materials have been meticulously created and crafted for a unique ambience in the interior suite. While recalling the dramatic mechanical intent of Black Badge Ghost, the materials are true to Ghost’s Post Opulent design philosophy – one defined by authenticity and material substance rather than overt statement. In this spirit, a complex but subtle weave that incorporates a deep diamond pattern rendered in carbon and metallic fibres has been created by the RollsRoyce’s craftspeople. Multiple wood layers are pressed onto the interior component substrates, using black Bolivar veneer for the uppermost base layer. This forms a dark foundation for the Technical Fibre layers that follow. Leaves woven from resin-coated carbon and contrasting metal-coated thread laid in a diamond pattern are applied by hand to the components in perfect alignment, creating a three-dimensional effect. To secure this extraordinary veneer, each component is cured for one hour under pressure at 100°C. This is then sand-blasted to create a keyed surface for six layers of lacquer, which is hand-sanded and polished before being incorporated into the motor car. If specified in the client’s order, the Technical Fibre ‘Waterfall’ section of the individual rear seats receives the Black Badge family motif: the mathematical symbol that represents potential infinity known as a Lemniscate. Rendered in aerospace-grade aluminium on the lid of Black Badge Ghost’s Champagne cooler, it is applied between the third and fourth layer of a total of six layers of subtly tinted lacquer, creating the illusion that the symbol is floating above the Technical Fibre veneer.

Aesthetes from the brand's design team elected to further enhance the noir ambience of Black Badge Ghost by subduing the brightwork. Air vent surrounds on the dashboard and in the rear cabin are darkened using physical vapour deposition, one of the few methods of colouring metal that ensures parts will not discolour or tarnish over time or through repeated use. The Post Opulent principles of simplicity have also been applied to dramatic effect in the Black Badge Ghost timepiece design: only the tips of the hands and the twelve, three, six and nine o'clock markers are picked out, in a subdued chrome finish, creating a remarkably minimal clock. Additional timepieces are available within Black Badge Ghost to suit the client’s aesthetic preference. The timepiece is flanked by a world-first Bespoke innovation that debuted with Ghost: the Illuminated Fascia, which displays an ethereal glowing Lemniscate, surrounded by more than 850 stars. Located on the passenger side of the dashboard, the constellation and motif are completely invisible when the interior lights are not in operation. As in Ghost, the Lemniscate motif is illuminated via 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the fascia, each meticulously colour-matched to the cabin’s clock and instrument dial lighting. To ensure the Lemniscate is lit evenly, a 2mm-thick light guide is used, featuring more than 90,000 laser-etched dots across the surface. This not only disperses the light evenly but creates a twinkling effect as the eye moves across the fascia, echoing the subtle sparkle of the Shooting Star Starlight Headliner. LUXCIOR.com

ENGINEERING Black Badge is not just an aesthetic – it is an experience. The clients who requested this model demanded that the Bespoke treatment of Black Badge Ghost extend from the design atelier into the brand’s engineering department. In doing so, the Bespoke Team of designers, engineers and craftspeople collaborated to create a vivid driving personality that matched Black Badge Ghost’s visual intent without compromising the marque’s effortless ride proclivities and exhaustive acoustic tuning.

The capacity of the Rolls-Royce twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine was deemed sufficient. However, the flexibility of this celebrated power plant has been exploited to generate an extra 29PS, creating a total output of 600PS. The sense of a single infinite gear has also been dramatized with the addition of a further 50NM of torque, for a total of 900NM. The powertrain has also received Bespoke transmission and throttle treatments to further enhance the engine’s increased power reserves. As with all products in the Black Badge portfolio, the ‘Low’ button situated on the gear selection stalk unlocks Black Badge Ghost’s full suite of technologies. This is asserted by the amplification of the motor car's engine through an entirely new exhaust system, subtly announcing its potency. All 900NM of torque is available from just 1700rpm and, once underway in Low Mode, gearshift speeds are increased by 50% when the throttle is depressed to 90%, delivering Black Badge Ghost’s abundant power reserves with dramatic immediacy.

To bolster confidence when exploiting Black Badge Ghost, the braking bite point has been raised and pedal travel decreased. Non-Black Badge Ghost is provisioned with a robust braking hardware package that was deemed more than ample under extreme conditions, even accounting for the Black Badge alter ego’s increased power output. However, a new suite of bold high-temperature brake calliper paint colours has been developed in preparation for forthcoming Black Badge Ghost orders. Black Badge Ghost is available to order now. For a Black Badge-White Glove experience receiving more details about one of the most remarkable automobiles of 2022, please visit Rolls-Royce of North Houston, at 13921 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77090. You may also call (888) 671-2602 or visit www.rolls-roycemotorcarsnorthhouston.com.

LUXCIOR.com

RAW & REFINED SOPHISTICATED POWER Combining over 210 raw horsepower with revolutionarily refined electronics, the 2022 Panigale V4 S gives you the best of both worlds - offering rewarding excitement to pro-rider and amateur alike.

CALL OR TEXT TO RESERVE YOURS NOW

832.554.6511

HOUSTON’S PREMIER D U C A T I D E S T I N A T I ON 10102 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77037

LUXCIOR.com

Because your investment deserves to look and feel better than brand new.

Houston's Premier

Automobile Spa

MENU GTECHNIQ CERAMIC COATING

PAINT CORRECTION PAINT PROTECTION FILM (PPF/CLEAR BRA)

EXTREME DETAILING WINDOW TINTING

4104 Dawn St., Houston, TX 77025

Mo b ile Det ailing We come to you for a complete luxury experience

Approved Provider for some of the top luxury dealerships in Houston / The Woodlands

713.303.4994 TXDetailingAssociation.com

LUXCIOR.com

GENTS' STYLE

Art OF TIME Gino Frediani, Editor

Although more and more men are wearing jewelry than ever, a luxury timepiece still remains the everyman’s top accessory. Buying a high end watch is not simply a status symbol, but a landmark item that reveals a man’s character (just look at who opts for a dive watch versus a pilot or no frills at all) and will become an heirloom for him to pass down. There are plenty of timepiece brands for men to choose from, whether it is a stalwart Rolex or Omega, an elegant Patek Philippe or a tricked out Hublot. Are you a gold watch kind of guy or a stainless steel? Maybe a modern ceramic and titanium? And a good watch wardrobe should at least consist of a sporty day watch as well as an elegant nighttime one, even if certain styles can pull double-duty. Watch collectors and enthusiasts are always showing off their knowledge of the various luxury watchmakers they’ve come to know but not all are created equal. What are the preferred watch brands? It all depends on whom you ask. Patek Philippe & Co, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Ulysse Nardin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Girard Perregaux, Cartier, Rolex, Bovet, Piaget, are just some of the many celebrated timepieces, but today we took our pick from three brands and models that got our attention.

ois Monet

Part of Louis Moinet’s “8 Marvels of the World” collection, the Great Wall of China model probably boasts one of the finest details of the lot. The dial depicts the monument in hand-engraved rose gold applique, which takes on the form of a majestic dragon. The bright green shine of Maw Sit Sit illuminates the path, while the background shimmers through a gradient 129 brilliant-cut sapphires and 11 brilliant-cut diamonds.

LUXCIOR.com LUXCIOR.com

J CULTURE

aquet Droz When it comes to nature’s reflection, a few have the creativity of Jaquet Droz. The uniqueness of this brand is iconic. Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1721, Pierre Jaquet Droz was a mechanical genius and a pioneer in the art of the Haute Horlogerie jewelry watch – a veritable living legend. Today, the brand is still inspired by his dreams, his extraordinary horological masterpieces, his exceptional automatons, which include the androids entitled «The Lady Musician», «The Writer» and «The Draughtsman», and his quest for innovation, progress and excellence. Operating in the Haute Horlogerie segment, Montres Jaquet Droz SA excels in the art of one-off and very limited-edition items. The brand has revived traditional crafts that were disappearing: outstanding illustrations of this include its spangled dials and those of black «Grand Feu» enamel.

CULTURE GENTS' STYLE

The dragon is more than just a mystical creature. It’s something that has never existed, yet it has always been there. From the beginning to the end of times, it embodies perpetual renewal.

LUXCIOR.com LUXCIOR.com

One of Jaquet Droz’s strengths is its ability to create custom dial designs to meet its enthusiastic clients’ requirements. Its leading model, La Grande Seconde, which draws its inspiration directly from an 18th century timepiece, can just as easily be made to measure with a dial set with precious and semi-precious stones as with a dial base decorated with prestigious minerals, dried seaweed or other specific materials. The brand’s character and refinement mark out a very special place for it in the world of prestige and luxury watchmaking.

GENTS' STYLE

Bird Repeater 300th Anniversary Edition With only eight pieces made, the Jacket Droz Bird Repeater “300th Anniversary Edition” (2012) is a historical edition making homage to the birthplace of Swiss whatchmaking, and still is one of the most exquisite timepieces ever made. It embodies the spirit of the House. Its dial-in white mother-of-pearl and white onyx feature apliqués in 18K red gold. Multiple bird animations, eggs hatching and a river in the background bring all the

beauty of nature into this unique creation. This weave of intricate animations, completely engraved and painted by hand, resonates with a minute repeater, which is housed at the heart of its 18K gold 47mm case, one of the fine watchmaking’s most virtuoso complications. This jewel is priced at $661,000.

LUXCIOR.com LUXCIOR.com

acob & Co.

Bugatti has unveiled a $1.5 million Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal timepiece in collaboration with Jacob & Co. that miniaturizes a Bugatti 16-cylinder engine. But it’s not just a watch shaped like a hypercar’s engine, it literally runs like one. While the watch movement powers the timing functions and a 60-second flying tourbillon, an automation can be put into action via the right crown to make the engine “roar” to activate 16 pistons pumping and two turbochargers spinning in an ultimate show-off piece.

GENTS' STYLE

LUXCIOR.com

100

LUXCIOR.com

101

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

NATURAL STONE A timeless -and elegantalternative

By Carolina Pinzón

his is that time of the year in which we reflect, plan, and define.

With this editorial we hope to accompany you in your desire to improve each space that is an important part of your life, work, dreams, and of course with the best decisions. If you are thinking that your office, restaurant, house or apartment needs to improve its presentation, stay with us because today we will start a tour that will allow you to identify what is bothering you, what is not working and what must definitely be relocated or simply change. Like everything in life, spaces also have to be prepared from their essence to the detail and today we will address the essence in interior design, the structure of all design, the soul, finishes, walls and their coatings. If we are trying to make decisions such as flooring, wall painting, door colors and others, the best recommendation is to go to the basic tones: on walls, white or nude are perfect; the floors in the same way, regardless of the material. The more sober and natural, the better your decision will be. It is clear that nobody wants flat spaces and this is where accents play an important role; These, well conceived, will be the assured success of your project and the route plan so as not to sin by excess or by bad choices. The danger of accents is that a bad decision will make your job more difficult, deplete a significant budget, and leave you with a disappointment that can make you think about putting off your idea for another year.

102

LUXCIOR.com

103

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

To choose the materials, you must take a look at three aspects: first, the expected impact; second, the durability or resistance and third, the installation process. The more complex the material, the more days of work, clutter and logic, the greater the budget. With this in mind, we will find a wide range of options, but none with the ability to connect with nature like natural stone. Natural Stone in different cultures is a product composed of symbolism and history, but in terms of design it has never ceased to be the material that represents elegance, distinction and durability, in addition to other benefits that we will address below. In this covering, the color proposal is as wide as nature itself allows. From dark or bright tones to warm and sober tones that give us the possibility of doing magic in more than one space in the house and in record time. All this mythical and distinctive aura that surrounds this material, its compact structure and the charm of its transformation cycle, make this a timeless and incomparable finish.

104

The natural stone coverings come in a wide range of finishes to elegantly dress any wall, indoors and outdoors.

Natural stone sheets. Note their flexibility.

Investigating on this natural stone for coatings, we have found a product from India that although it's difficult to believe, manages to eliminate all the complications that stonework entails such as costs, long installation process, complications and mess; without depriving ourselves of its benefits, material that makes us think that we must make changes without fear and frequently. This product that we get under the name of KINGLY SLATE, is natural stone, but with technological characteristics that make it unique, highly impactful and revolutionary. In addition to being a natural stone covering, it is flexible and ultra light. It adapts to any surface and is easy to handle, which makes installation fast and safe. Remember that accents or impact-walls do not limit you, on the contrary, they open up the possibilities of handling a color card or simply breaking the monotony Information will always be our best tool, so with this editorial we hope to contribute to your 2022 resolutions and projects. For more information on this amazing and innovative product or any other interior design inquiries, Carolina may be reached at 713.854.5009.

LUXCIOR.com

105

STYLE

UNRIVALED BEAUTY, ELEGANCE, AND VERSATILITY NATURAL STONE COVERINGS

KinglySlate, a magnificently beautiful natural stone veneer that is revolutionizing the way natural stone is used. Revolutionary because it is thin, lightweight and flexible. Yes, natural stone that will bend to cover a column, concave or convex walls. It will conform to round or square columns. It can be used for interior or exterior applications. This material is perfect to be used on accent walls or even Inside showers. KinglySlate provides a natural stone veneer without the cost, weight and waste factor of full thickness stone veneer. Our veneer is 1/16" to 3/32" thick. It inglySlate is made of 100% natural stone, yet K extremely lighter than traditional stone veneers. inglySlate is the most elegant finish to any K commercial, residential, governmental or retail project.

106

Facebook Kingly Slate TX

Instagram @Kinglyslate

STYLE •

100% natural stone surface.

•

Comes in a wide range or natural stone colors and styles.

•

Flexible, bendable, can mold to round just about any shape or figure.

•

Ultraviolet and water resistant.

•

Easy to install and cut, even with a long-nosed tin snip.

•

Minimum maintenance.

•

Interiors and exteriors.

•

Thickness: 1/16'' - 3/32''

•

Weight: approx. 0.31 - 0.33 lbs./ft.²

•

Sizes: 4 x 2 ft. and 8 x 4 ft.

•

Test Reports: KinglySlate meets ASTM C297, ASTM C481, ASTM D696 and ASTM E84 tests reports.

CarlosB@kinglyslatetx.com | sales@kinglyslatetx.com

www.kinglyslatetx.com

LUXCIOR.com

107

THE ULTIMATE HOME THEATRE EXPERIENCE TOTALLY CUSTOMIZABLE MICROLED SCREEN FOR AN AMAZING, ONE-OF-A-KIND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

SUPERIOR INDOOR-OUTDOOR RESOLUTION AND BRIGHTNESS

281.541.0309

THE POWER OF VIDEO ANIMATION

VIDEO + EDITING VISUAL EFFECTS | CINEMATIC MOVIE-QUALITY MOTION GRAPHICS 3D ANIMATION | LOGO ANIMATION

281.541.0309

gFORCEanimation.com

IN 2022

BE YOUR BEST YOU! THE FUTURE OF YOUR BODY SCULPTURING IS IN THE WOODLANDS

AESTHETIC BENEFITS Sculpture and tightening of diff icult areas: Abs, glutes, thighs and arms. Studies show 19% in fat reduction. Visible improvement in appearance. Equals 2 months of exercise in 2 hours.

MEDICAL BENEFITS Strengthens the abdominal wall. Reduces back pain and sciatica. Improves functions in general.

Cara López, Clinical Aesthetician

drnashcares.com

10857 Kuykendahl Rd #110, The Woodlands, TX 77382 | 346.220.8063

NEW YEAR New You

Why Plastic Surgery Could be a Solution for You and How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon

It would be an understatement to say that the last year has been challenging to our health, our careers, and our relationships. This has been a time of great change in how we work, how we communicate with others, and how we go about our daily activities. Although these changes have been stressful, they have also provided an opportunity to think about self-improvement, whether it be learning new professional skills, making healthier food choices, or enhancing our appearance. The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery has been serving the community for 26 years, offering both surgical as well as non-surgical options to help Houstonians look and feel their best. This is a great time of the year to begin preparing for a spring cruise, a beach vacation, or that 30-year high school reunion (yikes!). Proper diet, exercise, and rest are essential for a healthy lifestyle, and the team at ACPS can offer many ways to jumpstart your journey to improve your appearance and self-esteem. Whether you are looking for a complete “makeover” or just want to eliminate those lines on your forehead, ACPS can formulate a plan to help you reach your goals and help you feel more confident. The anticipation of a new look is very exciting, but the decision to see a plastic surgeon is a very important one. Many may be surprised to learn that any licensed medical doctor, regardless of training, can perform “cosmetic surgery”. Choosing the right surgeon will help you achieve a better version of yourself; choosing the wrong surgeon can mean poor results, heartache, and more costs. ACPS is dedicated to assisting patients in making an informed choice.

112

SPONSORED

Dr. Abigail Rodriguez

Dr. Rolando Morales Dr. Morales, a Houston native, has set a new standard for young plastic surgeons. In the last 10 years in practice Dr. Morales has consistently been listed as a “Top Doc” by local publications and most recently by Newsweek® magazine. He has been a presenter and key speaker at many of the national industry meetings including ASPS and ASAPS, an honor many surgeons will never get in their lifetime. As the architect of the ASAPS-endorsed fellowship at ACPS he has been integral in the education of young plastic surgeons.

Dr. Kristi Hustak Dr. Hustak was born on an Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona, and was inspired at age 14 to go into plastic surgery by her mother who was a plastic surgery first assistant. She is a local authority and national speaker on female genital rejuvenation and a sought after speaker for local and national conferences. She has developed several innovative techniques in the field and continues to write and publish on ways in which to make procedures better and safer for patients.

A Houston native, Dr. Rodriguez was introduced to medicine at an early age through her parents, both OB/ GYN’s. Their unwavering dedication to patient care left a lasting impression on Dr. Rodriguez and they have acted as mentors throughout her journey to become a physician. As a graduate of the ASAPS endorsed ACPS Fellowship Program, Dr. Rodriguez has the advantage of having been trained by 6 of the nation’s leading plastic surgeons. Her training and experience also include microsurgery, complex head and neck reconstruction, hand surgery, facial trauma, and breast surgery all which has honed her surgical skills making her a better plastic surgeon. Dr. Rodriguez is a published researcher and presenter at regional and national meetings.

ACPS Fellowship Surgeons Dr. Scott Ogley and Dr. Pallavi Kumbla Both Dr. Ogley and Dr. Kumbla are fully trained plastic surgeons who have graduated from top plastic surgery residency programs. They are in fact ready to start their own private practice however both opted for the unique opportunity of spending the 1st year of private practice in the ASAPS endorsed ACPS Fellowship Program. Our highly competitive program is one of only a few in the nation that can provide young plastic surgeons access to over 2000 aesthetic surgeries in a single year while training under some of the nation’s top plastic surgeons; effectively giving a young surgeon more experience than many plastic surgeons will have in their first 5 years of practice.

LUXCIOR.com

115

"The Best You is what we do" Our nationally recognized & award-winning practice is ready for you in The Woodlands! 4800 W. Panther Creek Dr. Suite 200-A The Woodlands, TX 77381 713.999.4768

w w w. M y B e a u t i f u l B o d y. c o m

ENJOY 2022

PAIN-FREE

• Head and neck pain • Knee pain • Back pain

• Shoulder pain

• Waist pain

• Arms pain

• Leg pain

• Wrist pain

Dr. Edward A. Nash, M.D. and his team specializes in Regenerative Medicine Therapies that change the way chronic pain conditions are treated.

Call us today! (346) 220-8063

HABLAMOS

ESPAÑOL

10857 Kuykendahl Rd #110, The Woodlands, TX 77382 | 346.220.8063

drnashcares.com

HORMONAL INBALANCE IN WOMEN

IS SOMETHING OF THE PAST

We offer a custom tailored, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy ideal for women, useful for achieving a variety of goals and treating conditions caused by an imbalance of or change in hormones, such as menopause. Our one-visit procedure uses bio-identical hormones, meaning they are 100% identical to the hormones your body naturally makes, releasing them at a steady rate over 4-6 months, and avoiding the "rollercoaster" effects of injections. Request your life-changing consultation.

(346) 220-8063 drnashcares.com

10857 Kuykendahl Rd #110, The Woodlands, TX 77382

COVID-19 its impact on international travel and immigration policies

OVID-19 has impacted immigration polices worldwide with various jurisdictions changing their rules daily to prevent the spread of the pandemic. This has made international travel more complicated. In addition to complying with immigration laws of each country, an individual traveling internationally and returning to the United States must comply with travel restrictions, health restrictions, and must be prepared for quarantine restrictions, if necessary. Travel restrictions have become common, and most countries have implemented partial bans for certain foreign nationals. On November 29, 2021, the U.S. President issued a Presidential Proclamation suspending the entry of certain immigrants and nonimmigrants who were physically present during the 14-day period preceding their entry to the U.S. in the following countries: Republic of Botswana; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kingdom of Lesotho; Republic of Malawi, Republic of Mozambique; Republic of Namibia and Republic of Zimbabwe. This Proclamation does not apply to U.S. citizens/nationals and Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders); or spouses or parents, and unmarried children under 21 years of U.S. citizens, or of Lawful Permanent Residents (this also includes foster children, and perspective adoptees of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents); Additionally, those entering as foreign government officials, certain NATO employees, and their immediate family members; those arriving by air or sea as crew members are exempt as well. Further, any noncitizen who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a spouse, or a child of a member, or those traveling at the invitation of the U.S. government for purposes relating to containing or mitigating the COVID-19 virus, are exempt from this rule as well. A National Interest Exception for this proclamation is available for certain individuals, however, all those who arrive in the United States must comply with health assessment requirements as well. On November 8, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) require all non-immigrants traveling to the USA to present proof of full vaccination record. Most importantly, as of December 6, 2021 all individuals, citizens and non-citizens alike, re-entering the USA after an international travel must show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of traveling back to the USA.

Immigration Attorney, Olsa Cano

Immigration Attorney Olsa

120

As somebody who recently returned from an international travel to the United Kingdom, I experienced first-hand those restrictions. To be able to visit the UK it was crucial to register through the UK government web page, and it was mandatory to provide proof of full vaccination; show negative COVID-19 testing within 48 hours of boarding a flight to the UK; and also prepay for a new COVID-19 test to be taken within 48 of arrival to the UK (and quarantine until negative test results are shown). It was important that all was in order for a safe return back to the USA with a negative COVID-19 test to be taken within 24 hours of arrival as well. Nothing was convenient, but all was necessary to ensure the wellbeing of all. It is important for U.S. citizens, immigrants and non-immigrants alike to check every jurisdiction and comply with each before travel. I cannot stress enough that all immigration and health assessment requirements for international travel must be made in advance. Further, it is as important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney in the respective jurisdictions to make sure that all is in order and there are no unpleasant surprises.

Here are some very helpful resources to consider before travelling internationally: •

United States Centers for Disease Control - CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htm l?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Findex.html

•

UK -www.gov.uk and www.nhs.uk

•

European Commission’s Directorate for Health and Food Safety https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/ health-and-food-safety_en

•

Australia’s Public Health Department - https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19?utm_ source=health.gov.au&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=digital_transformation&utm_con tent=health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov#more-information

•

Singapore’s Ministry of Health - https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19

•

The World Health Organization - WHO – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

LUXCIOR.com

121

TECH

MRXRVRTECHONOLOGY The era of Extended Reality (XR) is already here, to those in the know. Yes, you can pull the trigger on the trim of your dream Porsche using virtual technology. In the luxury niche, where devotees are long on disposable income but short on time, prestige brands are increasingly embracing innovation as the way to stay ahead of the curve. XR stands for Extended Reality and is an umbrella term used to refer to the more well-known forms of immersive technologies, namely, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), as well as any others that may emerge in the future. Mixed Reality (MR) is the new kid on the block of immersive technologies, involving interplay of the digital and real world. MR allows digital objects to be “placed” in our environment, with the added function of being able to interact with such objects. Luxury brands integrate XR to rise to the appetite and demands of a younger, more tech-driven consumer base. For prestige brands like Rolex, it’s paramount to stay ahead of the curve and set the trends others follow. One of the world’s most coveted watchmakers, Rolex now has an AR app that allows chronic collector clien-

122

tele to try on virtual watches on their real-life wrist. Because a Cosmograph Daytona and a GMT-Master II will each have a distinctly different stance on your wrist; an Oyster Perpetual even more so. Watch aficionados revel in seeing scaled images of Rolex models overlaid right where they want them. For this haute horology cohort, Rolex’s AR app is a weekend-worthy pursuit over brunch—a world of whimsical “should I get it in Platinum or Oystersteel and Gold” wonder as you polish off the last of the Mimosas. Porsche’s AR Visualiser App allows you to build your dream Carrera, then see it parked in your driveway at home. If you’re anything like us, you’ve already pictured a 911 at your house more than once, and this ever-improving app means you can now see it in 3D. Design junkies delight at comparing how each color and trim will “pop” in their driveway. The user can make the usual choices a configurator has to offer, such as color and wheel styles, but Porsche didn’t stop there. It also provides a peek beneath the surface at the car’s mechanicals, accompanied by specs and other information. More avid app users of Porsche’s online configurator get a kick out of making the car sound its exhaust, or raising and lowering its spoiler. Driving

By Alfredo Peñalosa

mode is entertaining as well, which lets you pilot the car around your chosen environment so you can see the wheel designs in motion. Talk about enhanced browsing from the comfort of your living room. On the high-end hotel front, the opportunities to stand out from the competition are endless. Capitalizing on the latest innovations in XR technology, JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort unveiled its Secret Butterfly Garden and interactive augmented reality experience to the delight of guests and locals alike. Imagine navigating a digital forest and sculpture garden designed to ignite the senses, transporting you to a magical realm. Using a smartphone to interact with the garden’s features, hotel guests visit the second story rooftop of the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort to discover this one-of-a-kind installation. The stunningly crafted installation is covered by over 600 titanium butterflies that illuminate in different shades of blues. Once connected, guests are guided through a three-piece narrative using the camera on their device to interact with the sculptures. It all culminates with planting a fantastical tree that takes its color and shape from decisions made during the experience.

Here, we see augmented reality in a performative meditation that visually and figuratively ‘binds’ guests to this space on the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort’s West Deck. The groundbreaking and world-first augmented sculpture narrative reflects the forward-thinking guest experience that JW Marriott is renowned for. A mindful interactive art journey that unlocks the artist within for all guests. The experience will continue to change over time, as the garden’s perimeter consists of young bamboo and clementine trees that pay tribute to the city’s agricultural history. In recent years, hotels have added a plethora of new technologies to their operations. Marriott’s rollout of this kind of AR goes hand in hand with the trend-setting nature of luxury brands. Imagine current technology merging with increasingly robust immersive VR advancements, akin to what Marriott is using to raise the curtain on virtual tours of their properties, to create a virtual experience complete with an AI concierge. Hotels incorporating AR technology engage guests in a different experience that combines reality and vir-

tuality. Offline, if a soon-to-wed couple wants to find a suitable hotel banquet room, they may need to visit many hotels. Another clever use for the AR technology is to allow potential customers to remotely enter hotels’ virtual spaces so they can select the banquet rooms to meet their needs. Luxury brands are taking full advantage of maximizing these new tools to enhance their experiential advertising A-game. Prada was one of the first luxury brands to lead the way with multiple VR experiences for clientele to connect to its brand through immersive applications available for download on Apple and Oculus. In 2021, the Italian brand presented its collections with immersive 360 degree VR. Dior famously made use of VR to create “Dior Eyes” which offers a riveting look at behind-the-scenes footage of the brand’s ready-to-wear fashion show. Given how many brick-and-mortar retailers that have been forced to change the way they do business to curb the spread of COVID-19, XR is becoming a key strategy ingredient as online shopping is now the new normal.

We all know the snafus that await us with online purchases. AR gives consumers a way to “try on” items to assess compatible fit and style. The inspiring new possibilities for fashion design and retail look bright as Microsoft joins forces with London College Fashion, UAL. Microsoft and LCF launched an ambitious challenge for future leaders to develop businesses powered by Microsoft’s most cutting-edge technologies. Students at London College of Fashion are redesigning a more functional fashion industry—from creating responsive activewear that pairs the Microsoft HoloLens with wearable sensor technology to aid athlete rehabilitation, to zero-waste pattern-making that applies Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services to eliminate waste in clothing production. The benefits of XR are clear—reaching global audiences easily, tracking digital engagement, with virtual reality solutions offering consumers a new way to engage with luxury brands. No doubt, XR is pushing the luxury industry into the future and onto bold new frontiers.

LUXCIOR.com

123

oncierge C Fine Dining AMERICAN Taste of Texas

10505 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77024 713.932.6901 | tasteoftexas.com Huge steaks from an on-site butcher shop & a vast salad bar star at this family-friendly steakhouse.

Houston's Premier Brazilian Churrascaria w i t h t he R o m a n t i c V i e w s of Highland Village or our Charming V i n ta g e P a r k L o c a t i o n

The Republic Grille 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #490, The Woodlands, TX 77381 281.719.5895 | therepublicgrille.com Rustic eatery with a Hill Country vibe offers Texas & Southern flavors, a full bar & a large patio. Jasper's The Woodlands 9595 Six Pines Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281.298.6600 | jaspersthewoodlands.com Upscale grill turns out creative takes on home style American barbecue dishes in a modern setting. The Kitchen 4526 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381 281.203.5650 | thekitcheninthewoodlands.com Counter serve offering gourmet burgers, sandwiches & wines in a sleek, industrial-chic space.

CHINESE Mala Sichuan Bistro 9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036 713.995.1889 | malasichuan.com

EURO-AMERICAN Masraff's 9655 Katy Freeway at Bunker Hill Rd. 713.355.1975 | masraffs.com Creatively prepared Euro-American eats such as duck, osso buco & foie gras amidst elegant surrounds.

FRENCH Toulouse Cafe & Bar River Oaks District 4444 Westheimer Rd E100, Houston, TX 77027 713.871.0768 | toulousecafeandbar.com La Table 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056 713.439.1000 | latablehouston.com Modern, multilevel destination housing a French-American restaurant, bar & bakery.

ITALIAN

HIGHLAND VILLAGE 3995 Westheimer Rd. 3rd Floor Houston, Texas 77027 832.879.2926

VINTAGE PARK 126 Vintage Park Blvd. Houston, TX 77070 832.953.2398

KATY COMING SOON

gauchosdosul.com

124

BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Tony's 3755 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046 713.622.6778 | tonyshouston.com

Gauchos do Sul Brazilian Churrascaria HIGHLAND VILLAGE 3995 Westheimer Rd. 3rd Floor, Houston, Texas 77027 Zanti Cusina Italiana 832.879.2926 | gauchosdosul.com 10000 Research Forest Dr, Magnolia, TX 77354 A romantic setting to enjoy Houston's finest 281.259.1300 | zanticucina.com Brazilian cuisine. A sophisticated Italian experience in The Woodlands. VINTAGE PARK 126 Vintage Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77070 832.953.2398 | gauchosdosul.com Chama Gaúcha 5865 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057 713) 244-9500 | chamagaucha.com

Potente 1515 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002 713.237.1515 | potentehouston.com Swanky, modern destination serving locally sourced modern Italian cuisine plus wine & cocktails.

Concierge to Luxury Shopping, Dining, and Services INDIAN Musaafer 5115 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77056 713.242.8087 | www.musaaferhouston.com Kiran's 2925 Richmond Ave Suite 160, Houston, TX 77098 713.960.8472 | kiranshouston.com

JAPANESE Uchi

904 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006 713) 522-4808 | uchihouston.com Innovative preparations of sushi & fusion plates shine at this upscale Japanese hot spot. Kata Robata 3600 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77098 713.526.8858 | katarobata.com Sleek, contemporary space for innovative sushi & Japanese small plates such as Kobe beef skewers.

MEXICAN Ambriza

10115 Louetta Rd., Houston, TX 77070 281.205.1240 | ambriza.com Hugo's 1600 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006 713.524.7744 | hugosrestaurant.net Modern Mexican fare & shaken margaritas prepared tableside star at this upscale Montrose spot.

HOUSTON'S AUTHENTIC AND SUPERB SOUTH AMERICAN CUISINE 818 Town and Country Blvd., Houston, TX 77024 | 832.849.0097

SalyPimientaKitchen.com

Xochi 1777 Walker St., Houston, TX 77010 713.400.3330 | xochihouston.com Dishes inspired by Oaxaca headline this chic Downtown destination that also serves cocktails & wine.

MEXICAN SEAFOOD Caracol 2200 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 713.622.9996 | caracol.net LUXCIOR.com

125

oncierge

NEW AMERICAN

PIZZA

Nobie's 2048 Colquitt St., Houston 346.319.5919 | nobieshtx.com Intimate spot serving New American dishes & craft cocktails, with a patio & a vinyl soundtrack.

The Gypsy Poet 2404 Austin St., Houston, TX 77004 281.888.8663 | thegypsypoet.us Live poetry, open-mic sessions & patio dining at a popular hangout for artisanal wood-fired pizza.

TRIS 24 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands, TX 77380 281) 203-5641 | triswoodlands.com Contemporary, white-tablecloth venue serving New American fare, with an intimate chef's table. The Capital Grille 5365 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77056 713.623.4600 | thecapitalgrille.com Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting. Theodore Rex 1302 Nance St., Houston, TX 77006 281.846.6405 | trexhouston.com Cozy eatery serving modern spins on upscale global comfort food plus wine in a laid-back setting. Riel 1927 Fairview St., Houston, TX 77019 832.831.9109 | rielhtx.com Stylish, bustling bistro serving globally inspired shared plates, cocktails, beer & sparkling wine. 93 Til 1601 W Main St, Houston, TX 77006 281.846.6405 | 93-til.com Refined homestyle fare & cocktails in a laidback restaurant that has warm decor & vinyl records.

NEW ORLEANS Brennan's of Houston 3300 Smith St., Houston, TX 77006 713.522.9711 | www.brennanshouston.com New Orleans character & cuisine shine at this decadent eatery serving turtle soup, oysters & more.

126

Steak 48 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 713.322.7448 | steak48.com Laurenzo's Steakhouse (see ad for details) 4412 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007 713.880.5111 | laurenzos.net

SOUTH AMERICAN

SEAFOOD

Sal y Pimienta Kitchen 818 Town and Country Blvd., Houston, TX 77024 713.907.0412 | salypimientakitchen.com

1751 Sea and Bar 191 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77007 832.831.9820 | 1751houston.com Modern-industrial pick serving seafood charcuterie boards, fresh fish, cocktails, gin drinks & wine.

Latin Bites Kitchen (Peruvian) 5709 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX 77057 (713.229.8369 | latinbitescafe.com The Original Marini's Empanada House (Argentinian Casual dining) 10001 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77042 713.266.2729 | theoriginalmarinis.com

STEAKHOUSE Sal y Pimienta Kitchen (see ad for details) 818 Town and Country Blvd., Houston, TX 77024 713.907.0412 | salypimientakitchen.com A casual, yet sophisticated dining experience for the best South American steaks and finest wines. Mastro's Steakhouse 1650 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027 713.993.2500 | mastrosrestaurants.com Churrascsos Steakhouse - River Oaks 2055 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098 713.527.8300 | churrascos.com Churrascsos Steakhouse - The Woodlands 21 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281.367.1492 | churrascos.com Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - The Woodlands 6700 Woodlands Pkwy, The Woodlands, TX 77382 281.362.0569 | perryssteakhouse.com

Eddie V's Prime Seafood 2800 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77098 713.874.1800 | eddiev.com Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood & steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz.

SPANISH BCN Taste & Tradition 4210 Roseland St., Houston, TX 77006 832,834,3411 | bcnhouston.com Set in a 1920s home, this contemporary Spanish fine-dining spot presents classic Catalan flavors.

TEX-MEX El Tiempo Cantina Vintage Park 114 Vintage Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77070 281.374.0500 | eltiempocantina.com El Tiempo Cantina on Richmond 3130 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098 713.807.1600 | eltiempocantina.com Escalante's - River Oaks in Highland Village 4053 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 713.623.4200 | www.escalantes.net Escalante's - The Woodlands 1900 Hughes Landing Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77380 281.292.7800 | www.escalantes.net

Concierge to Luxury Shopping, Dining, and Services

Spas for Him

Persona - Spa para Hombres 2311 West Alabama St. | Houston, TX 77098 713.630.0772 | personamedicalspa.com

Beauty Salons

Bella Rinova 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite H200, Houston, TX 77027 713.572.0022 | bellarinova.com

Plastic Surgeons

ACPS Plastic Surgery - River Oaks (see ad for details) 4400 Post Oak Pkwy, Suite 300 Houston, TX 77027 713.799.4768 | DrNewall.com

The best you is what we do

ACPS Plastic Surgery - Memorial (see ad for details) 12727 Kimberley Ln., Suite 300, Houston, TX 77024 713.799.4768 | MyBeautifulBody.com ACPS Plastic Surgery - The Woodlands (see ad for details) 4800 W. Panther Creek Dr.- Suite 200-A The Woodlands, TX 77381 713.999.4768 | MyBeautifulBody.com Galleria Med Spa Dr Marcos Ikeda 1001 West Loop Fwy S, Suite 813, Houston, TX 77027 832.464.0000 | www.GalleriaMedSpa.com

Dermatology

Progressive Rejuvenation - Cara Skero (see ad for details) 10857 Kuykendahl Rd #110 The Woodlands, TX 77382 346.220.8063 | ProgressiveRejuvenation.com

One of the Nation's Most Awarded Plastic Surgery Practices GALLERIA | RIVER OAKS

MEMORIAL | TOWN & COUNTRY

4400 Post Oak Parkway

12727 Kimberley Lane

Suite 300

Houston, TX 77027

Houston, TX 77024

713.999.4768

m y b e a u t i f u l b o d y. c o m

LUXCIOR.com

127

oncierge THE PLACE

TO SPOIL YOURSELF

C Fine Jewelry Vander Dys Fine Jewelers (see ad for details) 24 Waterway Ave., Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281.651.5380 | vanderdysjewelers.com Daniel & Co. 9798 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036 713.980.9798 | danielco.us 1416 N Loop 336 W C Conroe, TX 77304 936.756.0300 | danielco.us

Timepieces

Vander Dys Fine Jewelers (see ad for details) 24 Waterway Ave. Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281.651.5380 | vanderdysjewelers.com Daniel & Co. 9798 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036 713.980.9798 | danielco.us 1416 N Loop 336 W C Conroe, TX 77304 936.756.0300 | danielco.us

C Malls & Shopping Plazas Highland Village 4055 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027 713.850.3100 | houstonhighlandvillage.com River Oaks District 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027 713.904.1310 | riveroaksdistrict.com Memorial City Mall 303 Memorial City Way, Houston, TX 77024 713.464.8640 | memorialcity.com 24 Waterway Ave., Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX 77380 VanderDysJewelers.com 281.651.5380

128

Uptown Plaza - Houston 4715 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027 877.775.3462 | uptownparkhouston.com

Concierge to Luxury Shopping, Dining, and Services Citycentre 800 Town and Country Blvd., Houston, TX 77024 citycentrehouston.com

Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004 713.522.1138 | cmhouston.org

La Centerra at Cinco Ranch 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, TX 77494 281.395.5533 | lacenterra.com

C Women's Boutiques

The Galleria Mall 5085 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77056 713.966.3500 | simon.com/mall/the-galleria The Vintage Park 110 Vintage Park Boulevard | Houston, TX 77070 281.655.8000 | vintageparkhouston.com The Woodlands Mall 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281.363.3409 | thewoodlandsmall.com

Venues

Art Galleries

Margaritaville Lake Resort 600 Margaritaville, Park Way, Montgomery, TX 77356 936.448.4400 | margaritavilleresorts.com

Art of the World Gallery 2201 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77098 713.526.1201 | artoftheworldgallery.com

Off The Wall Gallery The Galleria Mall 5085 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77056 713.871.0940 | offthewallgallery.com

Museums

Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Drive | Houston, TX 77030 713.639.4629 | hmns.org

ETRO Milano 4444 Westheimer Road. | Houston, TX 77027 713.552.1122 | etro.com

C Men's Clothiers Norton Ditto 2425 W Alabama St., Houston, TX 77098 713.688.9800 | nortonditto.com M Penner 1180 - 6 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77056 713.527.8200 | mpenner.com Q Clothier 2800 Kirby Dr., B124, Houston, TX 77098 713.523.8333 | qclothier.com

C Spas Progressive Rejuvenation (see ad for details) 10857 Kuykendahl Rd #110, The Woodlands, TX 77382 346.220.8063 | ProgressiveRejuvenation.com Sensia Studio & Japanese Day Spa 1711 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 713.627.0070 | sensiastudio.com SkinScriptions by Melissa Gibbens 14441 Memorial Dr #5, Houston, TX 77079 346.201.4777 | SkinscriptionsByMelissaGibbens.com Sanctuary Spa 1701 S Shepherd Dr., Suite C, Houston, TX 77019 713.622.7722 | besanctuary.com

LUXCIOR.com

129

C C

oncierge

Cosmetic Dentistry

Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry (see ad for details) Dr. Guy M. Lewis 4800 W Panther Creek Dr Suite 200 The Woodlands, TX 77381 281.612.5220 | lovethatsmile.com

Dentists

Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry (see ad for details) Dr. Guy M. Lewis 4800 W Panther Creek Dr Suite 200 The Woodlands, TX 77381 281.612.5220 | lovethatsmile.com

Pain Doctors (Médicos del Dolor)

Progressive Pain and Rehabilitation (see ad for details) Edward A. Nash, M.D 10857 Kuykendahl Rd #110, The Woodlands, TX 77382 346.220.8063 | drnashcares.com

Personal Injury Attorney

McDonald Worley Principal Office in Houston, Texas 1770 Saint James Place #100, Houston, TX 77056 281.623.1906 | mcdonaldworley.com

Immigration Attorney

Cano Immigration, PLLC (see ad for details) 12141 Wickchester Ln., Ste 600 Houston, Texas 77079 832-288-2727 | canoimmigration.com

130

Probate Attorney

Kenneth Krohn, PLLC (see ad for details) 12141 Wickchester Ln., Ste 600

Home Design & Decor

Carolina Pinzón (see ad for details) 713.854.5009 | carolinapinzonhomedesign.com Floor & Decor Houston Design Ctr. (see ad for details) 5080 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77056 713.963.0980 | abrahamsrugs.com Lighting INC. HOUSTON 4218 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77027 713.322.7027 | www.lightinginc.com THE WOODLANDS 255 Ed English Dr., Shenandoah, TX 77385 936.213.3512 | www.lightinginc.com

Home Theatre

gForce Custom Microled Indoor / Outdoor Residential / Commercial Theaters (see ad for details) 281.541.0309

Landscaping

Premium Landscaping (see ad for details) 2626 S. Loop W. #521, Houston, TX 77054 346.714.8018 | PremiumLandscapingGroup.com

Solar Energy

High-Tech Solar Solutions 4200 Research Forrest Dr., Suite 300 The Woodlands, TX 77831 936-494-8586 | www.Hi-TechSolar.com

Concierge to Luxury Shopping, Dining, and Services

Luxury & Exotic Automobiles

Luxury Automobile - Service

Porsche of North Houston (see ad for details) 13911 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77090 281.206.0300 | porschenorthhouston.com

Imperial Collision (see ad for details) 9722 Honeywell Rd, Houston, TX 77074 713.808.9875 | imperialcollisionspecialist.com

Lamborghini Houston (see ad for details) 13921 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77090 281.377.5056 | lamborghinihouston.com

Texas Detailing Association (see ad for details) 4104 Dawn St., Houston, TX 77025 713.303.4994 | TXDetailingAssociation.com

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars of North Houston (see ad for details) 13921 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77090 888.671.2602 | rolls-roycemotorcarsnorthhouston.com

Limousines (see ad for details)

Direct Transportation Solutions (see ad for details) 2434 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands, TX 77380 713.800.5466 | Directts.com

Video Animation

McLaren Houston (see ad for details) 13921 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77090 855.847.7459 | mclarenhouston.com Aston Martin Houston Star Motor Cars 7000 Katy Rd., Katy, TX 77024 713.868-6813 | starmotorcars.com

gForce Video Animation, Inc. (see ad for details) 281.541.0309 | gforceanimation.com

Advantage BMW Midtown 1305 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002 713.289.1200 | www.advantagebmwhouston.com

C Wealth Management

Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands 16917 Interstate 45 South | The Woodlands, TX 77385 936.206.7500 | mbotw.com

Exotic Auto Club

Freedom Supercars (see ad for details) 822 Town and Country Blvd Suite 106 Houston, TX 77024 832.726.1940 | freedomsupercars.com

Wehrly Group (see ad for details) 3325 Spring Cypress Rd., Spring, Texas 77388 281.528.5760 | WehrlyGroup.com Regions Bank - Private Wealth Management (see ad for details) 3773 Richmond Ave., Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77046 713.244.8095 www.regions.com/wealth-management/ private-wealth-management

Luxury Motorcycle

V1 Moto - Ducati (see ad for details) 10102 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77037 281.447.3476 | DucatiHouston.com LUXCIOR.com

131

IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

NEW YEAR, NEW PRODUCTS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Careers@LUXCIOR.com | 713.793.6373

GO ANYWHERE

BE FREE DesertX is the first modern Ducati with 21 "front wheel and 18" rear, long stroke suspension and a new frame designed specifically for the off-road experience.

CALL OR TEXT TO RESERVE YOURS NOW 832.554.6511

Plants 'n Petals

FLOWER SUBSCRIPTION Fresh flowers Weekly/Bi-weekly/Monthly Refresh of arrangements Orchid collections, Plants Corporate / Home / Off ice

3810 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027 | 713.840.9191 | p n p f l o w e r s .

Dr. Henry Mentz Dr. Abigail Rodriguez Dr. Rolando Morales

Dr. Paul Fortes

Dr. Chris Patronella Dr. Germán Newall Dr. Kris� Hustak

HOUSTON’s Choice in Plastic Surgery Serving Houstonians since 1996. www.mybeau�fulbody.com | 713-999-4768