METROPOLITAN
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OCTOBER 2019
LUXURY MAGAZINE
BEAUTIFULLY DRIVEN
JANETTE NESHEIWAT DR.
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Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health
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VOUSSOIR
Point Zero One
CONTENTS OCTOBER 2019 FASHION
20 New York Fashion Week 22 Isabel Manns 24 Maria B. 26 Lexlo 28 Sun In Leo 30 King and Reign 32 Garth Asham 34 Mercia Ramagaga 36 Leonie Mergen 38 Amaranthine 40 Vivienne Hu 42 Nicole Jedelsky 44 Pera may 46 Vaishali S 56 Empowering Moore Women 58 Afffair 62 Fashion for Human Freedom 64 Jackie Rogers 66 Lesunja Juwelier 68 Miss Ellie
COVER
48 Dr. Janette Nesheiwat
TASTE
70 Russian Samovar
23 Hot Summer Cool Suits
CONTENTS 77
OCTOBER 2019
PROFILE
72 Heritage Farm & Garden 76 Classiques Modernes 78 Danny A. Abeckaser 80 Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 82 Lee Perry 84 Market 570 Broome 86 Gia Carangi 88 Hair Detox®
ENTERTAINMENT
90 Lily-Hayes Kaufman 92 Tis’ The Awards Season
JETSET
94 A Tale of Two San Franciscos 100 Globetrotter Series
SOCIAL
108 Diary of a NYFW Party 112 Spotlight 114 Metropolitan Minute 116 Hamptons Charity Scene 118 New York Fashion Scene 120 Hamptons Society Scene
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Gold Coast Writer SUMMER 2019
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
“Sooner or later, everything old is new again.” - Stephen King Colorful fashion, colorful characters, Influencers, gorgeous women, a swarm of media, that’s an apt description of what New Yorkers and fashion trend-seekers found at New York Fashion Week and Metropolitan Magazine’s NYFW Fashion & Beauty Influencers party at Jue Lan Club (the former Limelight!). Metropolitan Magazine is developing new media partnerships throughout Asia as well as new relationships with influencers on our ever-expanding platforms. Throughout October, our recent fashion event will be broadcast to a potential audience of over 100 Million TV viewers across Asia! Not bad. Staying in front of trends is part of our ethos as a leading luxury magazine. We also like to have fun while we celebrate and promote top fashion and beauty brands that inspire. Our loyal and new readers are invited to join us on this amazing journey that starts with our magazines that continue to evolve, inform and delight across media channels. Excited for you to check out what our hard-working fashion team, led by my daughters Jaime and Jillian Backer and Features Editor Melissa Clark has come up with to celebrate NYFW 2019. Last year we featured Supermodel and fashion Icon Tyra Banks on the cover of our fashion issue and the response was overwhelming. Tyra, Rose McGowan, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Melania have all honored us by gracing our cover. We revere strong women who are trying to change the world. We continue in these efforts with our October cover, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. Dr. Janette is a popular health and medical expert on TV but behind the scenes, she is also an ER doctor who is saving lives and directing new health initiatives while also overseeing CityMD. One of the most truly remarkable and important individuals we have ever profiled. Lastly, while on the subject of health and remarkable individuals, the entire Metropolitan team was thrilled to celebrate with Fox News expert Dr. Kelly Powers at our recent event. Dr. Kelly, joined by our other famous friends, Fox Business News anchor Cheryl Casone and TV personality and dear friend Jill Zarin, is a very special friend who has courageously handled a health scare as the warrior she is. We love Dr. Kelly and are so happy to see her doing well and looking more beautiful than a fall day in New York City. Speaking of Fall, I’d be remiss if I failed to mention our friends at Heritage Farm and Garden are also featured in this issue. If you find yourself on Long Island, definitely go visit them. You and your family will have an unforgettable time there communing with nature.
Chase Backer Publisher, Metropolitan/25A
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EDITOR’S NOTE
“New Yorkers are strong people. They’ve got to fight in the morning to get a cab. They go to a lunch place at noon, they gotta fight to get a table or a stool off the counter. You have to give the city a team that’s filled with battlers.” - George Steinbrenner October is here. Fall is the very best time of year in Manhattan. Change is in the air and new possibilities are everywhere. NYC’s Halloween Parade is second to none. Football is heating up and baseball is winding down. The New York Yankees led by gritty future HOFer C.C. Sabathia gave their fans a memorable season in 2019 filled with unprecedented injuries and unforeseen breakout performances across the line-up. “Next Man Up” is the current battle cry. Hard not to think of the late Yankee’s owner George M. Steinbrenner this time of year. OK, so here’s my “George story,” which I shared with Yankee GM Brian Cashman in 2013 in a thank-you note accompanying a framed photo of Mr. Steinbrenner: Dear Mr. Cashman: As fate would have it, in 1998, as a CNN producer accompanied by Eric Payson, a talented photographer, friend, and colleague, we were at Yankee Stadium on May 19th for the infamous Baltimore brawl instigated by Armando Benitez’ beaning of Yankee first baseman Tino Martinez. At an impromptu press gathering, Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner was a mix of raw emotion; anger, concern and—pride. “My guys are battlers, yes, they’re battlers...and I’m proud of all of them,” George said at the time. This old photograph was stuck in a cardboard box for 15 years, but when Eric recently found it—he & I knew exactly where it belonged. With the one person who has done more than anyone to honor George Steinbrenner’s fighting spirit and love of the New York Yankees. I left the framed photo and letter with the Yankees’ terrific marketing folks. Two weeks went by, then a (718) number popped up on my cell phone. B: “Adam, Brian Cashman here- thanks for the photo, It’s hanging up on my wall right now. Hal (Steinbrenner) came by yesterday and I told him take a look-told him you gave it to me...I don’t have any photos on my wall except that one.” A: “Very cool Brian, were you used to seeing George from that side angle?” B: “Actually, no he was usually staring me down.” A: “That’s funny - I was afraid you were going to throw it out the window when you got it.” B: “(laugh) No, it’s on the wall-- you have my cell phone, next time you are at the stadium call me up and swing by the office and you can see it for yourself.” A: “Sounds great, you got a deal.” Truth is, I never followed up on his kind offer. I don’t like to impose on people, especially someone running a multi-billion dollar sports team and brand. I wondered from time to time if that photo of George was still hanging on Brian Cashman’s wall. I finally got the answer recently thanks to Ian O’Connor’s terrific ESPN profile piece on Cashman: “...In Cashman’s Yankee Stadium office, isolated on a wall near the door hangs a simple framed profile shot of The Boss sent by a fan who found it while cleaning out his garage. The GM put up the picture because, he said, “I didn’t have anything from The Boss, and he had a massive impact on my life,” ...This photo of the late owner, with one forbidding eye still locked on his underling, advances the narrative of Cashman as a scarred product of Daddy Steinbrenner, whose volcanic eruptions hardened the GM for the battles to come with Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Joe Torre, and the New York tabs....”- Ian O’Connor, ESPN Pretty cool. 1998 was Cashman’s first year as Yankee GM. They won it all going away that year. The Yankees have been a big part of my life since I was a little boy watching them with my dad, a die-hard fan, who once gifted me with a baseball signed by first baseman Lou Gehrig that his dad gave to him. I still have the ball. Holding it for my 12-year-old son Robbie. When it’s beautiful outside like it is today, Robbie and I grab our mitts after school to play catch in Central Park. Gusty winds, green fields all over with powder blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and leaves of red, orange, yellow and brown scattering an autumn blanket on the ground. That’s about as close to heaven as I know.
Wishing you and your family an October to remember! Adam Kluger Editor in Chief, Metropolitan/25A
ERIC PAYSON
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By Melissa Clark, Deputy Fashion Editor of NYFW 2019
NEW YORK
FASHION WEEK
#nyfw #newyorkfashionweek2019 New York Fashion week unfurled in all its glory mid-September with stunning new looks, luxurious styles, and exciting fashion shows and trends drawing a who’s who of fashion heavyweights including Donna Karan, Patricia Fields, and Dennis Basso, known for his spectacular bridal couture and extravagant furs. Celebrities and supermodels abounded as our fashion team of Jaime & Jillian Backer, myself and photographer Paul Prince rubbed elbows with supermodel Carol Alt and celebrity hairstylist Edward Tricomi who told Metropolitan of his friendship with 80’s supermodel Gia Carangi. Enjoy!
fashion
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sabel Manns spotted a gap in the market for affordable, British made clothing, so decided to launch a reversible womenswear brand. The brand epitomises day-to-evening dressing, with customers getting “two outfits for the price of one.� One side features her original prints, inspired mainly by British landscape and the other side a plain fabric, using the finest silks and cottons. Quintessentially British, her collections focus on cut and quality, providing customers with timeless, trans-seasonal pieces that can be worn to any occasion. With a clientele spanning all ages, creating clothes that flatter all generations and sizes is paramount.
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Isabel’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection is inspired by British 1960’s fashion, whilst retaining her feminine style and colour palette. Isabel’s print inspiration stems from her own artwork, ranging from bright florals to abstract brushstroke patterns, meaning there is a style for everyone. She has used fabrics ranging from breathable cottons to lightweight silk satins, so the clothes will suit all climates and occasions. Isabel has focused on coral and turquoise shades that are universally flattering. Due to their cut and reversible nature, the clothes suit any age group or body type and will take you from the day into the evening.
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MARIA BA. ARIA BA brings an unpredictable, unconventional edge to the world of contemporary luxury. As an Argentinian designer who loves to travel, Maria mapped out her signature style, finding inspiration and direction through the mixture of different influences. Hand-embroidery decorate specially sourced fabrics, creating experimental, luxury womenswear which focuses on textiles and working with traditional couture techniques.
Playful, romantic, feminine. Her pieces often incorporate folds, drapes, asymmetric pleats and exquisite detailing. Each collection is created to bring something new, special and lasting into the world. In this era of disposable clothes, we focus on true statement pieces. Tailored with strong lines, a feminine personality and a sense of quality that endures, season after season. The collection is a tribute to the Great Gatsby film and the 1920’s. The outfits are all about the lines, colors and flowing fabrics of the time, yet maintaining modern necklines and hemlines. It shows a big contrast between the workers lifestyle and the elegance of the American elite, trying to find the point where they meet.
fashion
LEXLO
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y name is Lexi Lowrie and I am a young artist who has a lifetime passion for fashion design. I created my fashion brand, lexlo, to inspire confidence in the people that give me the privilege of wearing my designs. I create artwork for the purpose of spreading smiles. I want those who wear my designs to simply feel amazing. I primarily create urban streetwear and, in the future, plan on focussing on sustainability. My work is both confidence boosting and environmentally friendly.
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King and Reign
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ing and Reign uses considered craftsmanship in design and applications as a catalyst for the redefinition of luxury. Creating new conversations around fashion, art and global communities, King and Reign breaks the visible boundaries of culture by merging heritage with a modern aesthetic. The Vivication delivers a thought-provoking expose on our past excess consumption (“Black”), our current recess to consider how we reconstruct (“Silver”), and our future assessment of possibilities (“Pink”).
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sham
GArth
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I
’ve always knew that I wanted to show my artistic side this way. It’s amazing what you can get from stitching some fabric together. The day my mother showed me how to use a needle and thread, was the day I knew not only that it would be a great hobby, but also something I would want to do for a living. I get my inspiration from the little things, and sometimes the forgotten--my culture is one of these things.
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a i c r e Magaga m a R
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s Mercia Ramagaga is a leading Fashion Designer in the North West province in South Africa, she is know for her impeccable taste and intense attention to details. She has showcased her skill as a designer and her effortless ability to keep up with upcoming trends at different national and international platforms such as , Botswana trade fair, china tradefair, Torino fashion week “Italy”, Durban fashion fair just to mention but a few.
This designer’s work has being profiled in numerous media platforms including national woman magazine TRUE LOVE, national business magazine DESTINY, magazine show SELIMATHUNZI and has been profile on the SABC 1 MAKING MOVES a magazine show that celebrates and promotes young successful entrepreneurs. She has received an array of reputable awards including the platinum award in the fashion category at the annual Plata awards. She has received recognition for the role she has played in the fashion industry and Developmental role she has played in the province. In March 2018 she secured a deal with one of the leading retails stores in South Africa YDE, to supply its chain stores with her garments.Mercia has been running her business consistently for the past eleven years and will be launching her shoe range in September 2019.She is currently running her fashion studio Rustenburg. October 2019 | 35
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Leonie Mergen
F
ounded in 2016 by the ESMOD graduate namegiving designer, Leonie Mergen is a high-end, Berlin-based mens- and womenswear label with a focus on elaborate design and a dedication to German tailoring craftsmanship.
The uniqueness of the label Leonie Mergen consists of profoundly researched inspirational concepts, enthusiasm for the symphony of highly elegant designs and most exclusive materials as well as the commitment to perfection in the manufacturing process.
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Amaranthine
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ivienne Hu’s Spring Summer 2020 collection seamlessly fused modern street style with the luxurious aesthetic of European 19th Century upperclass fashion. Using bold textiles and sophisticated tailoring, Hu’s collection ranged from elegant and classic suit silhouettes to sexy yet sophisticated cocktail dresses. Fresh prints from the designer featured the peony flower which embodies romance, prosperity, and good fortune. The dynamic collection featured a variety of hues, from highly saturated colors to bold blacks and stunning metallics.
Guests were treated to a live performance from top Chinese soprano, Chang Sisi and American recording artist Elle Varner who opened the show with a powerful duet of “Only Wanna Give it to You,” as models walked the runway in sleek and sophisticated pieces that had smartphones on constant capture mode. The designer expertly married modern edgy details and metallics with nods to the 19th century; with ruffles and corset details. Unexpected combinations of bling and brocade sauntered effortlessly down the runway with perfectly styled looks complete with shoes from the designer; featuring the most inventive metal fringe detail cascading the back of the heelstems.
The beauty look featured stylized bobby pins on slicked back hair with voluminous curls and sultry makeup; featuring products from the designer’s new makeup line expected to launch on her website, and in Macy’s, at the end of September. The line will feature four shades of lipstick, a variety of eyeshadows, and eyebrow pencils. Models skin was prepped with Rice Force products. Notable attendees included Beauty Mogul Nikita Dragun, Real Housewives of Dallas star Stephanie Hollman, model Alana Monteiro and comedian Lorenzo Cromwell. Influencers in attendance included Sharleen Joynt and Olivia Jeanette among others.
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Nicole Jedelsky
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iviera encapsulates every aspect of an unforgettable Italian holiday. It is vivid, bright fun and flirtatious. With an emphasis on exaggerated drape accompanied by elegant tailoring, the collection oozes a bold femininity. Daring pops of vivid reds, blues, oranges, greens and pinks highlight the incredible array of colours that can be seen from the fishermen’s houses trickled along the lagoon’s edge in sunny island Venetian town of Burano. The boldness of colour is married together with a beautiful patchwork of ink and water colour scenes painted by my mother and artist, Jarka Jedelsky, softening the overall aesthetic and providing a delicate romance to the collection. Riviera is the nostalgia of an Italian summer.
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PERA MAY October 2019 | 45
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Vaishali S
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Vaishali Shadangule draws inspiration from her ability to observe and listen, allowing her designs to speak for themselves. Born in the small town of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, Vaishali’s journey into the fashion world has been an inspiring tale.Vaishali realized her passion at a very young age. Living in a community still rooted in patriarchy, she realized that for girls, marriage was often a priority over education and career. Fearful at the prospect of being married, she left home and boarded the first train that arrived on the platform, which took her to Bhopal. She was just 18 and had neither money nor belongings and that’s exactly when she discovered her love for fashion and textile and since then there has been no looking back. On an income of just Rs.500 as an office assistant in her first job, she has managed to bring herself after a long struggle. An artist by heart and designer in profession, she is able to bend things most people see as straight line. The honesty and authenticity of her work, is what keeps her clients enraptured and engaged and after this long journey today she employs around 40 people under her label – Vaishali S, a design house of global repute in Bombay.
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Dr. Janette Nesheiwat A Top Emergency and Family Medicine Doctor BY ADAM KLUGE R P HOTO GRA PHY BY KRISTY BE LC HE R KIN G STYL IST JAC LYN STAP P HAIR /MAKEUP KIMBE RLE Y STIN C HCOMB
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a trusted Family & ER Doctor, Popular Medical TV News expert, Board Certified M.D. and Medical Director of CityMD, decided to pursue a career in medicine at an early age. According to Dr. Janette, she was about 11 or 12 years old when she realized she loved taking care of others. Her mom is a pediatric orthopedic nurse, and she fell in love watching her mom care for sick, injured and abused children. It was magical to see her mom put a smile on their faces and love, nurture and care for them until they were literally back on their feet again. Dr. Janette was born in Carmel, New York but raised in small town Umatilla, Florida by her widowed mom. Her Dad passed in an accident when she was 13. Dr. Janette says she was inspired by her widowed mother of 5 children, a beloved pediatric nurse and the director of orthopedics at the prestigious Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Seeing her take care of sick children touched a young Janette and motivated her. “ I knew I wanted to care for others and follow
in her footsteps. After school, I would always go to the local hospital where she worked, Harry Anna Hospital. Watching my kind, beautiful mom put a smile on the faces of so many children who adored her as she helped them day after day strengthen, grow and heal was inspiring and life-changing for me. She is a role model, an inspiration, and has touched the lives of so many. She is humble and kind, with the heart to always put others first. Some of the children she cared for, now adults, still remember her vividly 30 years later. I was checking in at the airport once and the gate agent looked at my name and started to cry when she asked me if I was relayed to Hayat, my mom. She told me how my mom had such a huge impact in her life and would cheer her up and distract her from pain and a near-death bone disease she suffered that nearly took her limb and life. This patient never forgot my mom.” As a top emergency and family medicine doctor Dr. Janette’s days are filled with all sorts of medical crises and emergencies. No
day is a typical day. Dr. Janette says she feels blessed to be able to wake up each day and, through the Grace of God, have the ability to care for others, help them heal and recover. It’s an honor and privilege she says, to be a physician, a duty she cherishes and never takes for granted. Life as a physician is hectic, stressful and variable but also extremely rewarding and fulfilling according to Dr. Janette. As in any profession, she says she has the good, the bad and the ugly days. “Some days I wake up as early as 4 A.M., go to the a TV studio and discuss a various array of medical topics such as opioids, teen vaping, heart disease, drug costs/health care, the latest Alzheimer’s drug or the flu, or new medical technology etc— topics that affect everyday Americans and have a direct impact on their lives. After that, I will head to work where I will see all types of patients who suffer from different ailments. I have had everything from strep throat to stabbings, heart attack patients, severe anaphylaxis patients, asthma, appendicitis, drug toxicity,
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etc. Some days are uneventful and others make you appreciate life, which really is too short. To help heal and support and improve someone’s life is a privilege. It can be tough and overwhelming at times, but having a positive impact on the life of one person makes it all worth it.”
in Haiti, I cared for kids, delivered babies on the roadside, provided physicals and exams for the those in the village of Leogane and at an orphanage.
As if she were not busy enough with her practice and her role as a very popular Medical expert on TV, Dr. Nesheiwat is also the Medical Director of CityMD. A job she is uniquely qualified for. Dr. Janette did her medical training and studies at UAMS, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, just outside Little Rock. As a medical resident, she moonlighted in the ER; sometimes in very rural areas where she was the only doctor for miles. She also volunteered and hosted a medical TV program called “Family Health Today”, an opportunity and platform to teach, reach out and educate the communities where diabetes, drugs, obesity, heart disease was so prevalent. She started doing medical talks on the local level, then state level and not long after began discussing medical issues on national and international platforms. Having family in New York where she is from, her little sister and sidekick Dina, a criminal defense attorney in NYC, actually did some research and ultimately found her a job at CityMD. She describes CityMD as a healthcare center whose motto is “serve with kindness” this is what attracted her to move back to New York and continue serving and caring for patients and at the same time continue discussing important medical issues on a larger platform through television. Not long after being hired at CityMD Dr. Janette was promoted to Medical Director where she oversees other doctors and physician assistants to help collaborate with community organizations to provide care for those in need, ensure that patients receive top-quality care, and continue to care for her patients at the same time.
“ I completed Army ROTC in college, completed advanced officer training in Ft. Lewis Washington and Ft. Drum New York, but I did not go into the Army— I went to medical school instead. Still, this was an incredible life-changing experience in which I was able to use my experiences in leading medical missions around the world and as a medical leader in my community. I was inspired by my sister, Military Intelligence officer Captain Julia Nesheiwat, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran who encouraged servitude and giving back to our country. I have had a big role in helping to combat the opioid epidemic in the US; Including speaking at the White House Opioid Summit in Washington, working with our Surgeon General, coordinating Drug Take-Back Day, promoting prescription drug monitoring programs, advocating for education, rehab, and detox.”
Dr. Janette is also involved with the Red Cross and emergency relief where she was honored to be awarded a red cross international service award. Some experiences she has had in emergency relief include leading medical missions, assisting those who are injured, and living in poverty with no access to health care or aid. Dr. Janette has assisted Hurricane Katrina victims who lost their meds their asthma inhalers, their blood pressure medicines, and had rashes and infections from the flooding. During both 2011’s Joplin tornado and the earthquake
Dr. Janette was also trained as an officer by the U.S. Army which she speaks of fondly.
Always busy, Dr. Janette still always finds time to promote good health and help others. It’s just who she is. “Discussing the most current, accurate, and up to date medical information on live national and international TV has become a regular part of my life. Being able to provide health information not only to my patients behind closed doors but to millions of TV viewers might have a positive impact on someone’s life who is listening, such as general reminders to get your mammogram and colonoscopy, that early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes— cancer is no longer a death sentence if caught early. TV medicine is like teaching but more difficult as you only have a short amount of time to state the most important aspects of a disease or topic. I love teaching, discussing medical topics, educating the community and addressing critical issues such as the opioid epidemic, teen vaping causing hospitalizations, the flu, measles, the latest breakthrough drugs or outbreaks, mental illness and much more. I have also had the opportunity to heavily advocate and educate the community on prevention via education on live national and international televised programs for the massive
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vaping epidemic— I’ve had many young patients suffering from vape injuries.”
Her daily regimen includes a good breakfast and healthy snacks.
Dr. Janette also practices what she preaches in terms of maintaining a healthy lifestyle!
“I believe in a good breakfast. So as busy as I may be before work I grab my morning coffee with fruit or Egg sandwich and run. At work, I am usually very busy, but I have replaced the cheez-its with almonds granola bar or any fruit. On days off I love to dine out. Italian or Greek.”
“I stay in shape by following a daily regime and diet. It varies, and I generally like to change things up. I drink a cup of tea in the morning if I am feeling run down, sometimes coffee. I am actually not a big coffee drinker, although both coffee and tea have great therapeutic properties. We all know low-fat, high fiber diets are best, but the key is moderation. I love to do squats any time I can, gets the heart rate going and don’t need to be in the gym to do them. Plant-based/Mediterranean diet has been shown to be heart healthy. This is important because heart disease is the #1 killer in The United States and not far behind heart disease is cancer. Colon cancer which can be in part the result of not enough green leafy veggies, fiber, and too much processed foods, smoking, alcohol. My sister Jaclyn Stapp, former Miss USA New York, a children’s book author and founder of CHARM, got my mom and me into yoga. Yoga is great for stress relief. I need variety and it’s great having 5 siblings and having a workout buddy to encourage variety. Dina loves cycling class and orange theory; Julia is a runner and my biggest motivator; my brothers Danny and JonPaul love to weight lift but I won’t do more than light weights and resistance training with them. We all motivate each other to work hard, put family and God first and to give back to the community.”
In the little spare time that she does have Dr. Janette likes to relax and just have fun. “ I enjoy going to the movies, Nets games, watching comedies and broadway shows; My all-time favorite show is Jersey Boys. I like spending time with my family in Nashville, especially to see my mom, who spoils me with the best middle eastern home-cooked meals like stuffed cabbage topped off with baklava or knafeh. I love to Volunteer for CHARM, “Children are Magical”, a nonprofit foundation, founded by my sister Jaclyn Stapp, which promotes and supports the needs of children from school supplies, book bags, hair cuts, food, etc. I love to hike, play bad golf at Chelsea Piers and love music. I come from a family of musicians. I enjoy live concerts, especially being with friends and family listening to Scott Stapp, who is the lead singer of the rock band Creed and also my brother in law. My sweet Lil nephew JonPaul is an incredibly talented musician singersongwriter and college senior at Tennessee State University in Nashville. I love being an Aunt, my youngest nephew Anthony is the cutest baby ever and I’m about to become an aunt again as my
sister-in-law Christine is due soon. It’s an exciting time for the family. I come from a very close nit family, if I’m not working, I’ll go to St. Patrick’s cathedral for Sunday church services.” Her top health tips for our readers include a little common sense. “ My best advice is to wash your hands and always cover your mouth when coughing/ sneezing, especially with flu season beginning. Also, remember to gel-in and gel-out using hand sanitizer when in public. I am excited about eating healthy, organic, and plant-based foods, not out of a box or bag. I ask my little cousins: What did you eat from the refrigerator today? For someone so accomplished, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat still has even higher goals. “ My dream was to become surgeon general of the US. My fantasy is to be a private doctor for Brad Pitt (just kidding). My goal is to host an Ask-a Doc show to educate the public and promote preventative medicine. I would also like to continue regular Medical missions to care for those in need.” As for New York City, the Big Apple suits her just fine thank you! “When I moved to the Big Apple from Arkansas, New York definitely left the lights on for me! And for the past 10 years, they’re still on. It’s amazing that any time of the day, no matter where I travel, I am drawn back to the people, the culture, the food, and even the madness!”
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Empowering Moore Women By Design BY JADAN HORYN
Alicia Keys once sang “In New York, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There’s nothin’ you can’t do. Now you’re in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you. Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York” The student designers at Moore College of Art & Design, the nations oldest women’s art college located in Philadelphia might echo Ms. Keys revelatory sentiments. Moore began at the advent of the industrial revolution to prepare women to seize the new opportunities afforded to them by modernity. That mission continues to present day, with Moore leading the charge of empowering women to change the world through the power of their art. Small but mighty, Moore enrolls about 500 women in its all-female undergraduate programs, and yet its impact on the art world and especially the city of Philadelphia is immense. Moore women occupy many of the art and design positions in the burgeoning and the established Philadelphia art scene. That scene led by the hallowed Philadelphia Museum of Art and buttressed by the Barnes Foundation is reinforced by the constellation of cultural institutions many of which are the nations oldest. Itself the legacy of Philadelphia’s unique position in American history as the colonial cultural capital. It’s not just it’s colonial history that powers the art scene in Philly, it is also its role as an industrial powerhouse and a working-class city with its attendant grit. This grit is the draw to an entirely new generation of artists who see Philly not as an already clearly established player in the global art scene but as the new Brooklyn - a place where a myriad of artists and artisans can go and create - fostered by schools like Moore.
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And while Philadelphia’s art scene is growing fashion remains the province of New York. The place as Ms. Keyes says dream are made of. Dreams - of two young women designers - to have their collections showcased not only in at their schools’ annual Fashion Show, held this year in May at the Barnes Foundation on the Ben Franklin Parkway, which has become something of a must-see event for the Philly tastemakers - but to see and have their collections grace the catwalks at New York Fashion Week. The Moore women selected; Ashleen Castillo and Destiny Garner offered a fresh young perspective to two very current themes in the zeitgeist: Sustainability and Gender Nonconformity. A Puerto Rican native Ms. Castillo has felt firsthand the impact of total devastation. Her art school was destroyed by 2017’s Hurricane Maria and through a grant was able to continue her studies at Moore. Maria’s destruction and Puerto Rico’s crippled infrastructure provided a poignant inspiration for a vision of sustainability. Her collection entitled Deconstructíon utilized
recycled textiles and biodegradable synthetics with accessories sourced from artisans on the island such as bag designer Zoé Lugo (shop her styles at shop-zoe.com.) Presented in vibrant colors, ever-present in her native Puerto Rico, Castillo’s collection is punctuated with linear designs coupled with creatively functional accents such as convertible pockets and reversible wear. Playing with gender without losing the defining characteristics of masculinity and femininity is the central theme of Ms. Garner’s body of work. Drawing inspiration from the adult themes of bondage and drag, Garner played with stereotypes, with textiles she used “masculine” denim, leather, and fleece and paired them with “feminine” silhouettes such as dresses and shirts but constructed for the male figure. Her play on gender non-conformity didn’t end there though she deliberately chose male model/dancers and had them walk the catwalk in stilettos vogueing. The result is a showstopper of a collection that can’t help but capture your attention and immediately grasp the gender identity moment she is playing with.
Accompanying the young designers was their professor designer Nasheli Ortiz who is known in the fashion world for collections that provoke and inspire conversation about the intersection of art and politics. “Art should provoke, the fashion industry has been in a stage of properness this generation is breaking all the rules, they are revolutionaries, they are provoking everybody.” And provoke both collections do. New York dreaming in Philly. “Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York” You can find out more information on Nasheli Ortiz, Ashleen Castillo, and Destiny Garner on Instagram at @Nashelijuliana, @AshleenCastillo, & @_d.garner_ For more information on Moore College of Art & Design visit Moore.edu & @moorecollegeart
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Afffair BY SUZIE HARDING
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fffair is becoming a staple for A-list stylists looking for the next red carpet showstopper at New York Fashion Week. The label showed an array of elegant statement pieces showcasing everything from head-to-toe fringe that framed each body exquisitely to ruffles and pleated sheer fabric strategically placed to hug every curve. The designer, Rufat Ismayil, stayed true to his cultural DNA; inspired by the rare orchid that grows exclusively in his home country, Azerbaijan, The Kahri Bulbul. The collection came to life on the runway through a movement of pastel textiles such as organza, silk, crĂŞpe chiffon and mesh embellished with crystal embroidery. The color story of the collection showcased shades of mint, lilac, pink, tangerine, purple and off-white.
Afffair, known most for dressing sultry celebs on the red carpet like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Bebe Rexha, Becky G, Ashanti, Lil Kim, Tessa Hilton, Hannah Stocking, Fantasia Taylor and Lala Kent, showcased a lineup featuring petal cutouts, intricate embroidery, and mesh details throughout each look - all made for the confident, romantic, strong-willed woman. Every piece from the SS20 collection resembled the
Kahri Bulbul, whether in form or color - accessorized with crystal headpieces, earrings, embroidered tulle gloves, and heels adorned with feathers. Like the delicate but rare flower the intricacy of each look grazed the runway, capturing the attention of all eyes in the room. The haute couture looks ranged from cocktail mini dresses to sophisticated floor length gowns that will surely be anticipated on many red carpets to come.
The collection featured accessories and shoes by Melisa Erkol for Afffair. The sleek low ponies and glossy hair looks were provided by Wella led by Wella global stylist, Aubrey Loots. Makeup provided by Makeup Beauty Academy led by Andrea Sigrist, showcased a mix of natural dewy faces with bold eye shadows; corresponding with each look from the collection. Rounding out the beauty category, statement pastel nails featured a pressed flower by nail team Yukie Natori NY Spa & Salon.
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Every seat in the house was filled; notable guests included WWE wrestler CJ Perry, Love & Hip Hop’s Nya Lee, Miss USA Chelsie Kryst, recording artist and social media star Jerrika Karlae, US Soccer player Ricky Lopez-Espin, Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jennifer Aydin, and Orange is the New Black star, Francesca Curan sat front row for the Spring/ Summer 2020 collection. About Afffair: AFFFAIR is an International fashion brand that always stuns in a room, through its elite and elegant, ready-to-wear meets hint of couture DNA. The brand takes its origins from The Land of Fire – Azerbaijan and it was brought to the world as a result of inspiration and vision of talented designer and Creative Director, Rufat Ismayil. Though born in Azerbaijan, Afffair moved its brand to the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul. The brand can be described as “Contemporary Classic” consistent for its astonishing, unconventional, modern silhouettes and designs. AFFFAIR is inspired by a woman who is both sophisticated and powerful yet very feminine and desirable. She is the embodiment of confidence and naturally attracts attention by her strong presence and expresses her personality through her personal style. Afffair has a garment production heritage which makes it possible to control the value chain from the creative process, designing and production development of new and innovative materials, serving them to create a one-of-a-kind garment that instantly becomes an object of desire. Rufat personally is involved and overlooks all the areas of establishing each collection. From design and creative direction, to being in charge of the textiles and garment production factory, as well as the innovative and creative lab. You can follow Afffair on Instagram @Afffair.fff.
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Fashion for Human Freedom BY JADAN HORYN
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oming at the end of New York Fashion Week SS2020 designers, models, artists, members of the industry and community members came to together for a charity event to #endchildtrafficking using the power of fashion for the cause of human freedom.
Held at the Church of the Holy Apostles, the sacred and the secular united to provide a clarion call to the fashion industry and an appeal to social conscience. For anyone who’s been in a church, the expectation natural to ones experience is for a minister to speak. Instead, the lights dimmed and a spotlight hit the altar - then the reminder that this was fashion, not faith the perfunctory electronica pumped into the sanctuary - and yet a cross illuminated behind the catwalk, the symbols of the spiritual inescapable to the attendees. The show’s theme was homelessness a major factor in child trafficking. It was in essence fashion as deconstructed performance art. The music, the models, the fashion, the video playing behind the catwalk all conveyed a particular point of view; one of existence torn asunder. A life destroyed. According to UNICEF every two minutes a child becomes a victim of human trafficking. This results in over 1.2 million children being trafficked every year. According to the FBI human trafficking is the third biggest criminal enterprise worldwide. As the evening drew to a close child models walked out emblematic of children gone. To report suspected human trafficking to federal authorities call 866.347.2423 or visit https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign. To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). The NHTH can help connect victims with service providers in the area and provides training, technical assistance, and other resources. The NHTH is a national, toll-free hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The NHTH is not a law enforcement or immigration authority and is operated by a nongovernmental organization funded by the Federal government.
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Jackie Rogers AGELESS DESIGNS BY CECILLE LANGTRY
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or decades, Jackie Rogers couture collections have been dressing the world’s most powerful women and men. From blouses to pants to beautiful gowns, each piece is made in her New York Salon to ensure its quality and fit. Jackie Rogers has remained a top designer within womenswear with her designs worn by socialites, celebrities and international jetsetters alike. Her career has run the spectrum from big-band singer, Hollywood starlet, denizen of Rome’s la dolce vita in the company of princes and magnates, films for Fellini, Chanel’s favored mannequin, successful New York model, and finally, owner of an innovative Madison Avenue barbershop boutique that set that staid street of shops on its collective ear and transformed the concept of boutiques forever. It is that passion for both life and the experiences it offers that gives Jackie Rogers her exceptionally sophisticated point of view, a view which she transforms into couture designs for some of the world’s most fashionable and demanding women. Rogers has great personal style and even more to the point, a unique ability to transfer that style to her clients. It is a proficiency that has made her the favored couturier for some of the greatest names in New York and international society, as well as the world of film and theater. Jackie was discovered by the most renowned couturiers of Rome, including Simonetta and Fabiani, and was immediately pressed into runway action Her madcap lifestyle inspired Fellini to write a part for her into his film “8 ½” and gave her the line of the film” “You’re finished, you’ve got nothing left to say.” During shopping excursion to Paris, Jackie had an epiphany that changed her life forever. Jackie Rogers bought her first Chanel suit (“around $600”) and as she stood
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for the first fitting found herself thinking, “It would be nice to work here.” Jackie learned Chanel was looking for models and quickly found herself an interview, “Chanel liked me, hired me on the spot and paid me top dollar.” Rogers left the prince and la dolce vita behind to pursue her dream. Her contract with Chanel was for one year. At the end of her time there, Chanel insisted that she remain. Jackie Rogers though knew one thing was important: that she work with “Mademoiselle” on the collection. Surprisingly, Chanel agreed and Rogers remained at the House of Chanel, learning the style and techniques of her mentor. “It was the greatest experience of my life. I never realized what an effect she had on me.” The effect was to prove lasting. However, Jackie was eager to get home to begin her own career. Against Chanel’s advise, she returned to New York and her modeling and television work while she investigated the fashion possibilities. “One day I was getting my hair cut at Vidal Sassoon,” she says, “when my hairdresser informed me he was cutting the hair of 250 guys a week at night! Great! I suggested, we get together and work out of my apartment. “He’d cut hair, I’d
sell Ken Scott’s incredible men’s shirts” they were all the rage there in the Sixties.
and contours the fabric until a shape emerges. “It’s like sculpting,” she explains.
It was the beginning of a radical concept in merchandising, a barbershop boutique which mushroomed into a Madison Avenue shop proudly displaying the banner, “Jackie Rogers for Men”. The first of-its-kind, it created a whirlwind of publicity and attracted some of the most stellar names of the day. Swiftly expanding on her brilliant and innovative idea, Jackie began designing fashionable men’s clothes. It became the meeting place of the rich and famous from both coasts and soon the women followed.
“Restricting a piece to its design holds back on what should and could, be developed. I go the way the fabric goes. That involves draping the cloth on a mannequin to get line and feeling. From that point the design develops, sometimes spinning off into a dozen different versions. My clothes are always simple. I take away, rather than add, more and more women are finding they don’t want their clothes wearing them. My clothes are season-less, I cannot be defined by the season.” says Jackie Rogers.
Jackie was soon designing her own collection for both men and women. Lee Radziwell discovered Jackie and soon brought her sister, Jackie Onassis. Jackie’s following today includes many of the world’s most stylish and influential women in society, politics and entertainment. “I’m the only designer today who ever worked with the great Coco Chanel,” says Rogers. “From her I learned that fashion doesn’t start with design. Everything comes from fabrication.” Working just as Chanel did, with the fabric, (“Chanel never sketched; I don’t either.”), Jackie Rogers molds
Jackie Rogers 2020 Collection for All Seasons showcases the latest designer pieces, including beautifully draped dresses, sequined tailored jackets and separates in a multi-colored palette, and reintroducing menswear apparel with which Jackie Rogers fashion design career started. In addition to her New York City salon, Jackie’s collections can also be seen at her Palm Beach, FL boutique. www.jackierogers.com
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Lesunja Juwelier BY HELEN D. ROWLET T
Lesunja delicately handcrafts the most precious materials into jewelry of the highest quality. In the perfectly made pieces lives on the legacy of the goldsmith’s art. It is Lesunja’s philosophy to maintain the soul of the artisanry with prime quality standards as well as reinterpreting classical shapes for this day and age. Lesunja creates rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and jewelry for men in exciting modern designs and brings them into being with original techniques. In the Zurich studio the team develops elaborated, artful masterpieces with lots love of detail. Her brillant jewelry ranges from valuable unique pieces, own collections and tailor made creations after clients’ individual wishes.
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Miss Ellie FEMININE. ORNATE. ALREADY AGED TO PERFECTION. BY SUZIE HARDING
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iss Ellie’s mission is to make Remarkably Romantic Jewels that weather the test of time. Antiquities of Tomorrow.
Ellie Mathias founded her namesake jewelry line in 2007. The Tennessee-born designer’s love affair with art and fashion began at the ripe age of four when she started collecting vintage jewelry. After a high school apprenticeship with a gold master, Ellie earned her BFA at Washington University in St. Louis. Then she packed her bags and moved to New York City to work in different studios
& learn the ropes. Ellie is married to John Mathias, who is also an artist and her business partner. Today, an old Victorian house on the Jersey Shore is home to their creative family and a growing cottage industry; selling to art galleries, boutiques and antique shops nationwide. Everything in this collection is proudly made in New York City by American workers. Miss Ellie believes that buying vintage and/or American is the best way to support our environment and our community. She uses USA-made parts & raw materials: composed of brass filigree, baroque pearls, silver
birds, vintage vines, and etched lockets, all pre-tarnished to perfection. Combining rare old stock with top quality materials allows Ellie to make unique limited editions. Miss Ellie’s accessories are tomorrow’s heirlooms. The best kept secret in the accessories biz. A NYC flea market find. A mermaid’s treasure that you may discover one day, washed upon the shore... lesunja.ch October 2019 | 69
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Russian Samovar Restaurant GYPSY’S DREAM BY GYPSY FUN TRIO
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he legendary Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar received rave reviews for its one and only “Gypsy’s Dream.” The one-hour show is performed every Friday at 9:00pm includes classic Gypsy ballads and dancers. The Gypsy Fun Trio consists of renowned musicians Valery Zhmud, Andrey Solodenko and Sergey Pobedinsky (Sergey is also the show’s musical director). Russian Samovar manager Vlada Von Shats says of the show, “The incredible sound of the gypsies will touch your soul.” Ukrainian violinist and vocalist Valeriy Zhmud is a graduate from Kyiv’s University of Arts and Culture. Valeriy has worked with various folk and world music groups, including Kyiv’s State
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BY HARRY BRADS Orchestra of Radio and Television. He has toured internationally as the soloist of Budmo, a Ukrainian folk ensemble, and performed in a variety of national and international music festivals. In 1998, after touring the USA and Canada, Valeriy decided to move to New York where he now lives and performs. Valeriy was the violinist in the Academy Award nominated drama film “August Rush”. Accordion player and vocalist Andrei Solodenko is a New York City based musician and singer originally from Kiev, Ukraine. After graduating from music college at age 23, Andrei began working with his current band which has gone on to receive several international music awards. In 1991, Andrei emigrated to the United States to perform concerts and has since fully relocated
working as a performer on stages across the country. Andrei’s music has appeared in film projects such as Postoyannoe, The Demon, and Spy Games: The Black Witch Hunt. Guitarist and vocalist Sergey Pobedinski was born in Pyatigorsk, Southern Russia. A graduate of the Moscow Gnesin’s Academy of Music, Sergey has performed widely in the USA, Russia, Finland, Ukraine, and France. He has performed at numerous international music shows in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kiev, in addition to several Theaters and Cabarets in New York and other US states. Sergey’s outstanding baritone voice perfectly captures the raw passion and feeling of folk- and traditional music. Sergey has performed in such diverse venues as the Chamber Jewish Musical Theater in Moscow,
the Krasnoyarsk Musical Theater in Siberia, the Karelia State Musical Theater in St. Petersburg, and Carnegie Hall in New York. Sergey presently lives and performs in New York City. Although tickets are not required for Gypsy’s Dream, guests are advised to place dinner reservations in advance as the show has been performing to a full house. Russian Samovar is unique in its long-standing ties with the art community and has become a home for many famous Russian poets and writers who keep coming back for the exceptional dining experience. Owned by Roman Kaplan and managed by his daughter Vlada Von Shats and her two sons Michael and Nicholas, Russian Samovar offers some of the finest Russian cuisine in New York. About Russian Samovar Located in the Theater District, Russian Samovar boasts a 19th-century feel, complete with picturesque green and red shades and Russian
folk prints. Ballet Legend Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Prize winner for poetry Joseph Brodsky are former partners, and Cyndi Lauper and Liza Minnelli are known to stop by and offer the odd performance. The legendary location, formerly known as Jilly’s Saloon, also used to be frequented by Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack. The elegant establishment is famous for its 26 flavored vodkas prepared in-house, alongside its many Russian delicacies. Owned by Roman Kaplan and managed by his daughter Vlada Von Shats and her two sons Michael and Nicholas, Russian Samovar offers some of the finest Russian cuisine in New York. The restaurant, which seats 100 in the dining room and 50 at the bar, is the perfect location for private events. Its intimate upstairs lounge comfortably seats 34 for sit-down dinner, and 100 for standing buffet. Russian Samovar is a major supporter of the art community, with poetry readings held throughout the year and a classically trained pianist performs nightly. Russian Samovar is a major supporter of the art community, with poetry readings held throughout the year and a classically trained pianist performs
nightly. Russian Samovar features dinner and a show on Mondays, live music every night, Gypsy Show with dancers on Fridays from 9pm-10pm, and the Gypsy Fun Trio Fridays and Saturdays. Russian Samovar Restaurant & Piano Bar 256 West 52nd Street (At 8th Avenue) New York, NY 10019 212-757-0168 Opening Hours: Monday 5:00pm-2:00am Tuesday - Thursday 12:00pm-2:00am Friday - Sunday 12:00pm-4:00am The kitchen closes 12:00am Sunday-Thursday and 1:00am Friday and Saturday. russiansamovar.com Facebook: RussianSamovarNY Instagram: Russian Samovar Twitter: @SamovarRussian
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Heritage Farm & Garden ICONIC GATHERING PLACE BY SUZIE HARDING
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lmost three years ago, when the fourth generation Long Island Dubner family learned that Martin Viette Nursery/Garden Center was closing, they saw the possible opportunity to preserve the property as a garden center. The Dubners were concerned that this iconic gathering place of garden enthusiasts (over 87 years) would be sub-divided by developers. Feeling an acute responsibility that this bucolic setting should stay open for horticulture, the industry that the family has been involved in for over fifty years, the Dubners decided to do whatever was possible to maintain the community’s continued viewing pleasure. Thus, in keeping with the heritage of the land, they renamed the property Heritage Farm and Garden. When her father asked his daughter Wendy to take on the huge responsibility of leading Heritage Farm and Garden, Wendy accepted the challenge to use her passion and knowledge of plants, pottery, design trends and home dÊcor. Under the leadership of Wendy Dubner, Heritage Farm and Garden offers a retail experience that constantly evolves in response to the specific needs and desires of the local community. Heritage offers a unique mix of new plant introductions and highest quality plant material, along with the largest assortment of planters on Long Island. Here is where true quality and value merge. When
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customers actually “shop”, they often comment on how the pricing at Heritage is surprisingly very competitive. When you walk through the over eight acres dedicated to the retail nursery, the attention to detail, knowledge of the staff, the focus on service as well as the ever-changing mix of new items which offers on-trend, cutting-edge collections, makes each visit a positive experience. Wendy’s upbringing, passions, education, and career experience provide her with a unique and somewhat ideal background to navigate 74 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
the responsibility of spearheading a new retail experience at Heritage. Wendy often reminisces about the times, as a child, she spent with her grandmother in the garden. Her grandmother was an avid gardener and taught Wendy to treat all of the plants with respect, “as they are living.” Wendy worked with her father Steven Dubner, throughout her childhood and college. She learned how to read plans from a really young age, loved to check out “job sites” with him on the weekends, and worked at the offices of Steven Dubner Landscaping. Her career path
to be involved in the garden industry, in some capacity, became apparent from an early age. Wendy graduated from the University of Michigan with concentrations in Ancient Roman and Greek civilizations as well as Environmental studies. She attended law school with the intent to use her education to further environmental protection. While in law school, Wendy began designing planters. By the time Wendy was 24, her designs gained national attention and could be seen in Architectural Digest as well as House
Beautiful, Veranda, El Décor, Better Homes and Gardens in addition to many other esteemed magazines. Her products were carried at the most prestigious lawn and garden stores in the United States. Due to demand, she expanded her offerings and needed to find a way to manufacture her designs. The unique looks of Wendy’s designs required a very specialized manufacturing process. Ultimately, after extensive research and taking a huge leap of faith, her family invested in “The Factory” as she calls it to manufacture Wendy’s own designs. While focusing on “The Factory”, Wendy saw a need for lightweight realistic-looking planters that could withstand harsh weather fluctuations. Her research led her to the Philippines where the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo had left volcanic ash in its wake that was being used in the construction of buildings due to its beauty and strength. It had never been used for planters. The classical designs were carried by Front Gate Catalogue as well as other prestigious retailers in the United States and abroad. Wendy had been approached by companies who expressed interest in acquiring her business. When her third child was born, the opportunity that really piqued her interest and ultimately came to fruition was made by a competitor who wanted her to design for them. This situation was perfect for her, she did not need to travel or run the pottery business, but could focus on trend analysis and design. Wendy began to receive national recognition from retailers for her perspective guidance on their appropriate product mix for pottery and planters. This role evolved into not only designing planters and pottery, but also home décor and product packaging for many national companies and brands. She saw Heritage as a retail opportunity for her to apply this knowledge. When asked about what is happening this Fall, Wendy responded “Fall festival has been a tradition on this property for over fifty years. We will have plenty of fall events for families and the fall market where people can get cider, donuts, pies, pumpkins, apples and “get lost” in the corn maze. There are photo ops as well as fall décor for decorating our local residences.” Wendy said. “We do hope that the people continue to come out and support us so that we can keep giving back to the community that has given us so much and so we can afford to continue with the garden center.” October 2019 | 75
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Classiques Modernes AGENTS OF LUXURY
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n French, the term classiques modernes means “modern standards.” For Classiques Modernes Lifestyle & Estates---a full-service residential real estate firm co-headquartered in Manhattan and Williamsburg, and offering exclusive listings for some of New York City’s most sought-after co-ops, condominiums, lofts and private townhouses—it’s also more than just the company name. It’s their mantra. It’s about going beyond the transaction, truly understanding the client’s lifestyle, and ensuring no detail is ever overlooked. Led by co-founders and principals Loy Carlos and Kenneth J. Moore whose collective real estate experience spans more than a half-century, Classiques Modernes’ niche is servicing the
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BY HARRY BRADS unique and often myriad real estate needs of high-net worth clients who are typically multiple homeowners. This includes investors, foreign nationals, celebrities, entertainers, politicians, and other prominent individuals who demand absolute confidentiality, require bankable expertise and experience, and expect the kind of personal attention that is what sets the firm well above its peers. In doing so, Classiques Modernes has created an entirely new way of doing real estate, one that fully caters to the individualized lifestyle needs of a client along with all the real estate services they’ll ever want, and delivering them with personal care, diligence, and the highest level of service and professionalism possible.
For homeowners and tenants, this includes access to such curated concierge lifestyle services as custom interior design, in-home massages and pedicures; health and fitness training; hair, makeup, fashion styling and custom tailoring; private shopping; language and music instruction; pet and childcare; party, event and travel planning; and even helping to procure tickets and reservations to some of the best restaurants and hottest Broadway shows, as well as an array of other highly personalized pay-on-demand services. For landlords, the firm similarly offers a wide variety of maintenance and management services to ensure that their properties are always kept in mint condition, in turn keeping their residents
happy while protecting and enhancing the value of their investments. Landlords also hire the firm so that they can offer hotel-style services for some or all of their units. Whatever the demand or need, Classiques Modernes offers a value-added service that no other real estate firm provides. How do they do it? With decades of real estate experience selling, leasing and managing real estate, members of the Classiques Modernes team have managed, handled transactions and marketed some of the most majestic townhouses and ultra-luxurious spaces in such iconic New York City buildings such as 15 Central Park West, Time Warner Condominium, The Plaza and The Stanhope, as well co-ops and condominiums with preeminent addresses on Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, Central Park West on the Upper East and Upper West Side, the Gold Coast in Greenwich Village, plus luxury lofts in the trendiest downtown neighborhoods in Soho, the Meatpacking District, Tribeca, the Flatiron District, Williamsburg, and beyond. In addition, the firm has had extensive experience in marketing onsite development projects having participated in the conception, completion and record sell out of uniquely distinctive condominiums, which are now home to some of the world’s most prominent influencers. And Classiques Modernes’ ability to ensure the optimal quality of the lifestyle services it offers clients is equally unsurpassed. In tandem with the full suite of brokerage services it provides, the firm also publishes the globally recognized magazine Classiques Modernes, a private subscription magazine for clients which was specifically created to find the best ideas, talents, organizations, services and products in every neighborhood, in every industry, and in all parts of the world. This gives them connections and inroads to the best of the best, including exclusive listings for multiple high-end properties not only in New York City and State, but also in Massachusetts, Florida, California, Europe, and Asia. “We look at our clients as a whole, not just compartmentalizing them,” explains Classiques Modernes co-founder, CEO and creative director Loy Carlos, who also publishes the firm’s magazine. “We look at their lifestyle as a whole, and then we try to direct and advise them accordingly. It’s a more elegant way of connecting with people and neighborhoods, allowing clients to truly live to the fullest, and as a result love the lives they nurture and help nurture.” classiquesmodernes.com
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Danny A. Abeckaser ACTOR SPOTLIGHT
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BY BILL TUSH anny A. Abeckaser is running in good company these days with names like De Niro, Pacino, Pesci, Keitel. They are all involved in Director Martin Scorcese’s latest epic, “The Irishman.”
Abeckaser, or Danny A. as he likes to be known,
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might be the one name on the list that doesn’t bring instant recognition, but if the young actor keeps going the way he is that could soon change. Since making his screen debut in 2010’s “Holy Rollers,” Starring Jesse Eisenberg, as an Orthodox Jewish youth who becomes an Ecstasy dealer. Abeckaser co-starred and from then on vowed
to, “Take acting seriously.” So from that impressive beginning, he’s been involved in no less than twenty theatrical and television films. Including 2018’s “First We Take Brooklyn” with Harvey Keitel. Now comes Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman.” A film that has taken longer for the legendary Director to bring to the screen than Danny has
been acting. Twelve long years. It’s another story of labor leader Jimmy Hoffa who has become the “Where’s Waldo” of real-life disappearing acts. Based on the book, “I Heard You Paint Houses” by one-time hitman Frank Sheeran. Abeckaser has what has been described as a small but vital role, playing a thug nicknamed, “Deadbeat.” He says with pride, “I did three scenes, one of them was cut.” In a Scorcese film that is still something to be proud of. Better yet it’s the second time he’s worked for the legend behind the camera. It was another small, “but vital” role in 2013’s “The Wolf Of Wall St.” Of course, Abeckaser isn’t sitting by the phone just waiting for calls from the Scorsese casting people. He actually is becoming a movie mogul in his own right. Writing, Directing, Producing. So busy in fact he told this reporter he only had five minutes to talk, (we should add he said that in the nicest way), he had to get back to shooting his latest project, “Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story.” Ryan, if you haven’t heard of, became an icon playing street basketball. Icon enough that they can hopefully make a winning film about him. He’s a busy man. In addition to “The Irishman,” and “Blackjack,” there is another film “Mob Town” that he not only directed but co-stars in is coming December 13th. Meanwhile, “The Irishman” is ready to roll and not without controversy. Originally planned for a wide theatrical release will now open in what could be called a handful of movie houses. This after Scorsese and the AMC and Cineplex chains could not agree on his Netflix TV release of the “The Irishman.” It premiers on the streaming channel on November 27th. Even Scorsese, an eight time Oscar nominee knows TV is no longer the “Old Boneyard” for fading filmmakers. Danny Abeckaser is fine with whereever the film plays, “I just want people to see my work.” Expecially the scene where De Niro hauls off and gives “Deadbeat” a punch to the stomach. Something that wasn’t planned, something the intense actor just improvised. So how did Danny react to that one? “I just said oww! I’m an actor.”
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RDRNYC Co-Founders Jackie O’Sullivan (L) and Stacey Silverstein (R), with Jeanine Pirro at Rescue Dogs Rock NYC Inaugural Benefit 2018
Rescue Dogs Rock NYC DOGS LIVES MATTER
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BY SALOME LANGVIN
escue Dogs Rescue NYC is a not for profit animal rescue charity founded in 2015, which relies solely on donations and fundraising to help animals in need. Since its inception, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC has, to date, saved over 4,500 animals. Cofounders Jackie O’Sullivan and Stacey Silverstein started the rescue to save abused and at-risk dogs from kill shelters and provide vetting services and ultimately loving homes.
went on to work with another large NYC rescue. Jackie was a managing partner three years at the rescue where she worked with Stacey Silverstein who also was a managing partner and volunteer at the Animal Care Centers of NYC. Stacey is a practicing attorney in New York, who had the mission of helping and saving the neediest of dogs, and being the voice for the voiceless. Jackie and Stacey’s dreams became a reality when they together founded Rescue Dogs Rock NYC in March of 2015.
family pets is one of the key issues Rescue Dogs NYC is trying to tackle. There are way too many fantastic animals that are euthanized every day just because they are homeless. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC introduces these animals to the public and seeks to educate them that unwanted companion animals are not damaged goods or unworthy, but can be fostered into wonderful family pets. Sadly, the abuse, neglect, cruelty and medical cases cost shelters the most money, and often are the first animals to euthanized.
After a highly successful career in sales and marketing, Jackie O’Sullivan left corporate America to pursue her dream of working with and helping animals. Jackie began volunteering at the Animal Care Centers of NYC and eventually
Rescue Dogs Rock NYC’s goal is to raise awareness of the ever-growing plight of homeless animals in the United States, in shelters as well as those abandoned in the streets. Working to educate about the huge potential these animals have as
The mission of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC is the rescue of these animals and providing of immediate emergency care, medical or otherwise, they need and deserve. Besides medical treatments, the animals are rehabilitated through trainers
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and behavior specialists to help overcome past trauma. All dogs live with foster families and volunteers, which also helps them in their socialization process. “It is our belief that no injured or abused animals should lose its life simply due to lack of funds. We do not have our own shelter, and rely on volunteers, fosters and adopters to take the animals into their home and provide them with proper care and a nurturing environment,” said Jackie. All animals are vaccinated, heartworm tested, micro-chipped and behavior altered. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC fully screens all homes, fosters and adopters, including references, interviews with applicants, and a home visit to ensure the home is the right fit for the animal. There have been many success stories of the over 4,500 animals that have been saved. One example is of a little puppy named Boone. Boone was given up by his owner. The owner claimed
he was run over by a train cutting his legs off. The vet felt the injury was a few days old and was untreated, so the vet performed an emergency surgery to clean up the injury. During the surgery, the vet concluded someone intentionally cut off this poor puppy’s legs. Boone’s injuries have now healed and no longer suffers at the hands of an abusive and cruel owner. He is currently living with his amazing new family while enjoying life with his new wheels, a specially designed wheelchair for dogs. After a successful first gala last year, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC will host their 2nd annual gala on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 at 583 Park Avenue, New York City, starting at 6:00 PM. The cocktail and dinner reception gala will raise funds and awareness to help animals in need, and will be cochaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump. The event will be produced by Robin Lathrop of By Robin.
Although awareness has risen, and adoption rates have gone up, there is unfortunately still much room for improvement. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC’s outreach and education is spread through their website and social media, as well as community events such as their annual gala. “We are pleased to announce a major addition to our rescue efforts – the acquisition of our very own adoption and rehabilitation center in Suffolk County, NY, on half an acre of green outdoor space for our four-legged friends to enjoy while waiting for their forever home,” said Stacey. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC is a 501(c)(3), volunteer and foster based rescue. rescuedogsrocknyc.org. Facebook: @RescueDogsRockNyc Twitter: @RDR_NYC Instagram: @rescuedogsrocknyc
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Kenneth and Maria Fishel PHILANTHROPIC POWER COUPLE
RD
enaissance Properties is a familyrun New York based real estate organization ecember 6th led 2019 by sees third-generation the release of CEO theKenneth dub companion Fishel. The to the luxury criticallyreal estate acclaimed agency Rainford has distinguished album which itself came as one out in of June New2019. York’sOnpremier Heavy family-ownedRain, real estate Lee Perry, firms thefor Upsetter over a and half a century. With co-producer over one million Adrian square Sherwood feet of primeproduced have commercial a radical and luxury bass-heavy residential re-version space of in Manhattan, the original tapes Brooklyn, with a host andofSouthern guest musicians Florida, where it Brian including ownsEno theand state-of-the-art Vin Gordon. AsClass well as A Aventura Corporate highlighting the deft musicianship Center, Renaissance of the original prides itself on bringing backing band onthe the highest Rainford levelsessions of comfort (which and modern technology include core On-Uwithin luminaries the most from elegant Creation buildouts; which Rebel, Tackhead provideand theDub best living Syndicate) spacesthese and the refastestalso works services invite tosome all of its further tenants. players into the cosmic mix. Brian Eno makes an unexpected Asidechannel right from providing entry into people “Herethe Come bestThe places Warm to work and alive, Dreads”, heavily Kenneth—together processed sound with his system wife Maria, a of overhaul prominent Rainford highlight socialite,“Makumba arts patronRock”, and philanthropist—work cheekily re-titled as a nod to positively to Eno’s impact own debut the lives solo of others. album. This Both completes as a couple, a circle as well started as individually, in 1981 with
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Lee Perry BY ANN LEGEND GRENIER MUSIC
they are dedicated to charitable giving through BY ADAM KLUGER numerous arts, animal rights, health-related, and civicHead African improvement Charge’s My causes. Life InSince A Hole 2009, In The the Fishels have Ground similarly been strong referencing supporters the contemporary of the Samuel Waxman Cancer collaboration between Research EnoFoundation, and David Byrne, where they and have“vision their been instrumental of a psychedelic in raising Africa”. funds Elsewhere, to help minimize and legendary trombonist eradicate Vin the scourges Gordon (one of cancer. of the hornsmen on Bob Marley & The Wailers Exodus A longtimemany amongst stapleother of theclassic Hamptons, sides)the lends Fishels his have also hosted distinctively woozy three blowing of the tennis to tracks matches such for as the Charles “Rattling Bones Evans And ProAM Crowns” Tournament (a late night as flipside part of the“Kill to Annual ThemProstate Dreams Cancer Money Worshippers”) Foundation (PCF) and benefit at In “Crickets their Moonlight” 16-acre estate (“Cricket in Bridgehampton, In The Moon” New York.through refracted Amongsome somebeautifully of the other louche charities late they haveheat summer been haze involved lens). in are Chabad Center for Jewish Life, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, Lee “Scratch” American PerrySociety began for making the Prevention music in of Cruelty the late 50stofor Animals, ClementThe Coxsone PAW Project, Dodd’s NoHo label. Business Improvement Following a stint at Joe District Gibbs’sand Amalgamated the Lincoln Center Corporate Records, Perry formed Fund. his Kenneth own imprint, serves Upsetter, on the boards in 1968. of In Samuel the earlyWaxman 1960s, Lee’s Cancer mixing Research board Foundation, Community experiments resulted in the Housing creation Improvement of dub. He
Corporation and Noho New York Business Improvement District. is synonymous with his innovative production When Mariaand techniques is not renowned indulgingfor herhis passion studiofor band the arts by The Upsetters. attending Helectures was instrumental in art history, in music launching and literature the careeratofthe Bob Metropolitan Marley, producing Museum many of Art, of she the is a committee pre-Island Records member, Wailers sides, majorand fundraiser working and with chairsporadically him of events forthroughout the SWCRF, and his entire their annual career, Hamptons1977’s including Happening. “Punky Reggae Party”, the same year that Perry worked on a session with the Clash Thistheir for past Summer, “Compete Kenneth Control” andsingle. Maria hosted Perry has the Samuel Waxman recorded with Keith Cancer Richards, Research The Beastie Foundation’s Boys, Hamptons George Clinton, Happening, David Lynch, RANDAndrew Luxury’sWK, Ferrari Moby, & Maserati Ari Up of The of Long Slits,Island Bill Laswell, Charity Tunde Brunch, Adebimpe as well as this (TV On The year’s Radio), PoloSly Hamptons Dunbar, Brian matches Chippendale at the Bridgehampton of Lightning Bolt,Estate Mad Professor and porn star Sasha Grey. Rolling Stone Magazine featured Perry “Intheir in choosing list ofthe theorganizations 100 Greatest Artists we donate of Allto, Time. our goal is to focus Although 82 years on areas old, Lee where is fit,we sprightly feel we and can have the plays livegreatest on a regular impact” basis said toKenneth. rapt audiences around the world. He divides his time between renaissancepropertiesny.com Jamaica and Switzerland.
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Market 570 Broome IAN SLATER AND PHILIP SCHEINFELD NAMED CO-EXCLUSIVE BROKERS WITH STRIBLING MARKETING ASSOCIATES’ SEAN TURNER FOR DELUXE 54-UNIT CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT DESIGNED BY BUILDT AND SK IDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL
“Ian Slater and Philip Scheinfeld, co-founders of the Slater Team at Compass, have been named co-exclusive agents for the marketing of 570 Broome, a luxury condominium project in Hudson Square designed by acclaimed architect Tahir Demircioglu, founder of Buildt, with interiors by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The Slater Team will be working in tandem with Sean Turner from Stribling Marketing Associates, which was acquired by Compass, along with the parent company Stribling & Associates, earlier this year. Expected to be completed in early fall 2019, the dramatic silhouette of the 25-story tower will present an artful appearance of staggered glass cubes. The project’s 54 loft-style residences, ranging from one-to three-bedrooms, will be fluidly surrounded by a Crystalline curtain wall façade composed of ultra-clear double-pane glass treated with a low emissivity glaze.
In addition to contemporary layouts, soaring 11-foot ceiling heights, and panoramic views, the apartments at 570 Broome will include such features as impeccably designed kitchens with Miele appliances, Calacatta Alto Slab marble countertops and backsplashes, and walnut-stained Lineadecor cabinets. The threebedroom penthouses will additionally have five-burner Miele gas ranges and wine refrigerators. Master bathrooms, which will also be clad in Calacatta marble, will have double-sink vanities. “This is a premier Soho address and we look forward to bringing even more attention to the exceptional lifestyle 570 Broome has to offer,” says Mr. Slater. “The building brings a unique mixture of unparalleled 360-degree views, high ceilings, and luxury finishes that are rare to see in the new development marketplace today Ian Slater and Philip Scheinfeld 84 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
and allow an intelligent buyer to capitalize on the up and coming Hudson Square neighborhood in a comparably attainable price point.” Adds Mr. Scheinfeld, “The developers poured their heart and soul into this project, using the highest quality finishes, and it really shows. Product like this, at this price point, doesn’t exist in the current market.” Among the residents’ amenities will be an enclosed street level garden accessible from the lobby, a private lounge and game room, landscaped terrace on the second level, and fitness center with Peloton bikes and separate yoga studio.
In addition, there will be a secured bike storage room. About The Slater Team at Compass Slater Team was founded by top-producing Compass agents Ian Slater and Philip Scheinfeld in 2017. Utilizing imaginative marketing, real market statistics, a high touch approach, and unparalleled client dedication, the team is able to consistently exceed expectations. The group’s approach has led to the representation of a discerning clientele including major developers, international CEOs, celebrities, royalty, institutional investors, and entrepreneurs.
About Compass Compass is a real estate technology company with a powerful end-to-end platform that supports the entire buying and selling workflow. We deliver an incomparable, seamless experience to both agents and their clients all in service of the Compass mission: to help everyone find their place in the world. Founded in 2012 by Ori Allon and Robert Reffkin, Compass is the fastest-growing real estate technology company and operates in more than 100 U.S. cities. Learn more and find your place at compass.com/careers and agents. compass.com.
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Gia Carangi
CELEBRITY HAIR STYLIST EDWARD TRICOMI REMEMBERS THE FIRST SUPERMODEL BY MELISSA CLARK
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hen the name Gia is mentioned in fashion circles, most folks may recall Angelina Jolie’s gripping portrayal of Gia in the 1998 HBO film about the 1970s supermodel, her tragic life and death. Gia Marie Carangi was born on January 29, 1960, in Philadelphia. At 17 years old she moved to New
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York City and signed with Wilhelmina Models. She landed covers for Vogue, Cosmopolitan and booked work for Armani, Versace, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. She was on top of the world yet her out of control nature and heroin addiction would seal her sad fate. She died of AIDS-related complications at the age of 26. Celebrity hairstylist Edward Tricomi remembers Gia as being similar in temperament to Madonna. “Madonna is known for her wit and sharpness,”
said Tricomi. “Carangi’s cheerful personality sparkled, and if she liked you, she loved you, and on the off-chance that she didn’t care for you, she was not hesitant to tell you and made individuals feel entirely awkward in the meantime.”
Photo Credit: sorockyhorror.blogspot.com
LUNCH ~ DINNER ~ PRIVATE PARTIES ~ WALL STREET 25 Broad Street, New York, NY 212-344-8463
~ www.BobbyVans.com
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Hair Detox® THE HAIR REVIVAL SUPPLEMENT
T
he effects of a stressful lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies, environmental aggressors, and hormonal imbalances can lead to fine, thinning hair and even hair loss. Hair Detox® is the first lifestyle supplement to address many of these issues by helping detoxify from the inside out and by supporting the body’s natural ability to promote healthy hair, skin and nails. The ingredients in Hair Detox® are based on a specially developed pyramid that includes the ingredients most often associated with healthy hair, skin and nails, as well as two Matrix Blends that are exclusive to Hair Detox®.
The Pyramid to Fuller, Thicker Hair: • Hair, Skin and Nails Matrix: Positions Biotin and Vitamin D at the top because they are recognized as key in the development of healthy hair, skin and nails. Additionally, Hydrolyzed Keratin is placed at the top because it is crucial structural material in hair, nails and the outer layer of the skin. Also included at the top are Horsetail & Bamboo Shoot Extract, sources of silica, which is essential for the production and maintenance of collagen. • Detox Matrix: Denotes ingredients that may help detoxify in the middle. The Detox Matrix Blend that includes: Milk Thistle Seed Extract, Grape 88 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
BY ANN GRENIER Seed Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Powder, Dandelion Root Powder, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Resveratrol (from Japanese Knotweed Root Extract), Fennel Seed Powder, Citrus Peel Bioflavonoids Complex and Stinging Nettle Root Extract. These nutrients and herbs were specifically selected for their traditional and scientifically supported abilities to help combat nutritional deficiencies, environmental aggressors, hormonal imbalances, inflammation of the body and more.* • Stress Relief Matrix: Shows the Hair Detox® ingredients that are intended to relieve stress at the base. The Stress Relief Matrix Blend includes mixed Phytosterols, Ashwagandha Root Extract, L-Theanine, Holy Basil Leaf Powder, Astragalus Root Powder, Gotu Kola Herb Powder and Saw Palmetto Berry Extract. Hair Detox® is the first lifestyle dietary supplement to include ingredients that were specifically selected to help minimize the effects of stress.* While Hair Detox® was formulated to provide multiple benefits to anyone seeking healthy hair, vibrant skin and strong nails, it comes in customized formulations for men and women to meet their specific needs. Hair Detox® for Women nourishes hair, skin and nails with Biotin and Hydrolyzed Keratin and helps combat hormonal imbalances. It contains L-cysteine, an amino acid
needed for strong hair, and cranberry extract to help protect cells. Hair Detox® for Men recognizes that thinning hair and hair loss are often related to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which plays a key role in male pattern baldness. It contains saw palmetto, which may reduce the risk of malepattern baldness; MSM, which may help reduce inflammation; and Grape Seed Extract to support cardiovascular health. Created by Angelo David Pisacreta, founder and creative director of the Angelo David Salon in NYC, Hair Detox® is based on his 25-plus years of experience working with consumers who have fine and/or thinning hair. Physician approved and made in a USA-based GMP-certified manufacturing environment, Hair Detox® relies on the latest scientific research and globally sourced ingredients that are selected for their purity and potency. Recently, Hair Detox® was featured in Modern Salon magazine. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
hairdetox.com angelodavid.com
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Photos courtesy of Nima Naghshineh, M.D
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Find a provider near you: www.beprofound.com October 2019 | 89
entertainment
Lily-Hayes Kaufman GROWING UP TROMA BY LILY-HAYES KAUFMAN
“Get the look!” My eight-months-pregnant mother shouted at me from behind a fern where she crouched low to the ground. I adjusted an ammunition belt that hung across my shoulders and pushed aside the leaves of a tropical epiphyte with the butt of my rifle. A potbellied tourist stared at me, terrified. I was supposed to drag this rotund man away as my POW, but when he begged me to let him go, all I could do was laugh. “Cut!” My dad yelled, and stepped out from behind a camera. I was a child actor playing the part of “Juvenile Warrior” in Troma’s WAR, a low-budget movie directed by my father, Lloyd Kaufman.
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My dad founded Troma Entertainment, the longstanding NYC-based independent movie studio. For over 45 years, he has directed low budget, controversial and campy titles like, The Toxic Avenger, Tromeo & Juliet, and #Shakespeare’s Shitstorm, coming in 2020. Dad has a cult following for underdog superheroes and high school nerds.
Baby,” “Baby Blown Up into Tree,” and “Children Skewered on Samurai Sword.”
My childhood existed at the intersection of New York’s ritzy Upper East Side and the rougharound-the-edges Troma Universe. We lived in a brownstone on a quiet side street blocks from Gracie Mansion and my sisters and I attended a strict private school for girls.
For weeks leading up to this night, Mom and I had sat on the waxy floral motel bedspread rehearsing my big scene.
Every Summer, Dad churned out a new title. When my classmates headed to the Hamptons, we moved into a Motel 6 near Dad’s latest set. Instead of tennis, we played bit roles like: “Jingoistic
This year, my role involved dragging my prisoner through a tropical forest under a shower of ballistics. I was a camera-shy 6-year old who was desperately afraid of fireworks, loud noises, and grass. What could possibly go wrong?
“You can’t be cute.” Mom coached me. Then she would snap, “Get the look!” and I would attempt a face that read I’ve got a gun and I’m prepared to use it. The night of my big debut, I reported to the movie set at 1:00 in the morning. The Troma Team had
dressed The Peekskill Military Academy to look like a Caribbean war camp. An early cold snap had spurred a couple pops of orange, red and yellow in the native Spruces. To offset the clearly northeastern foliage, the Troma Team moved a collection of potted palm trees around set. The crew was exhausted. Having never stayed up later than 8pm, myself, I was giddy. Every time Dad called “Action!” I was overcome by an uncontrollable urge to giggle. Take after take, Dad yelled “Cut!” and pleaded with me not to laugh. Dad was shooting on film, so every second the camera rolled cost more money. But a rotund man hiding behind reduced priced Tropical Palm Trees from our local Lexington Avenue Florist made this six-yearold child soldier laugh all the more. Lily-Hayes Kaufman is a NY-based writer, director and mom. She is writing a memoir about growing up in the shadow of “The Toxic Avenger,” a hideous superhero created by her dad. lilyhayeskaufman.com Twitter: @heyahayes
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Tis’ The Awards Season MOVIE FESTIVALS BY NORAH BRADFORD
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he Awards season is officially underway after the conclusion of the Toronto International Film Fest (TIFF) as the road to the Oscars begins. While film festivals like Venice International Film Festival and Telluride Film Festival that take place the weekend before, view a few of the top upcoming films, TIFF paints a clearer picture of the true Oscar contenders with far more screenings, and more than 200 movies. After TIFF, some of these films will be shown at the New York Film Festival, and the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) to see how they fair. Here are the early favorites from TIFF that will be the talk of the Awards season. tiff.net JUST MERCY Just Mercy is an American legal drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, and starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, and Brie Larson. It tells the true story of Walter
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McMillian, who with the help of young defense attorney Bryan Stevenson appeals his murder conviction. justmercy.eji.org HARRIET Harriet is an American biographical film about slave-turned-abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, who wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard, it stars Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, with Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe in supporting roles. focusfeatures.com/harriet THE TWO POPES The Two Popes is a biographical comedy-drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by Anthony McCarten and Frank Cottrell-Boyce, based on McCarten’s 2017 play The Pope. It stars Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. netflix.com
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is an American drama film directed by Marielle Heller with a screenplay by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, based on the Esquire article Can You Say...Hero? by Tom Junod. The film stars Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Chris Cooper, and stars Rhys as a journalist for Esquire who is assigned to profile beloved television icon Fred Rogers (Hanks). abeautifulday.movie JUDY Judy is a British-American biographical drama film about the life of American actress and singer Judy Garland in 1969, as she arrives in London for a run of sell-out concerts at the Talk of the Town. Directed by Rupert Goold, it is an adaptation of the Olivier and Tony-nominated West End and Broadway play End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter. The film stars Renée Zellweger as Garland, with Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell and Michael Gambon in supporting roles. judythefilm.com
pay his debts when his merchandise is taken from one of his top sellers and girlfriend. It stars Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Eric Bogosian, Judd Hirsch. a24films.com/films/uncut-gems THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD The Personal History of David Copperfield is a British-American comedy-drama film written and directed by Armando Iannucci, based on the Victorian era novel David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. The film stars Dev Patel as the titular character. film4productions.com/productions/2019/ personal-history-david-copperfield GREED Greed is a British satirical film, written and directed by Michael Winterbottom. Loosely based on UK Tycoon Philip Green, Greed is the fictional story of a retail billionaire, set in the glamorous and celebrity-filled world of luxury fashion, which is centered around the buildup to a spectacular 60th birthday party in an exclusive hotel on the Greek island of Mykonos. It stars Steve Coogan, David Mitchell, Isla Fisher, Shirley Henderson, Asa Butterfield, Dinita Gohil, Shanina Shaik and Sarah Solemani.
JOKER Joker is an American psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. The film, based on DC Comics characters, stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker. The film, which acts as an origin story for the Joker, is set in 1981 and follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian who turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City. Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy appear in supporting roles.
film4productions.com/productions/2019/ greed
joker.movie KNIVES OUT Knives Out is an American ensemble black comedy mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson. Described as a modern take on the whodunit murder mystery, the film follows a family gathering gone horribly awry, after the family patriarch’s death leads a master detective to investigate. The film stars Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer. lionsgate.com/movies/knives-out UNCUT GEMS Uncut Gems is an American crime thriller film directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, from a screenplay by Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie and Ronald Bronstein. It is about a jewelry dealer to the rich and famous who must find a way to
The Personal History of David Copperfield | Greed | Just Mercy | Uncut Gems October 2019 | 93
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A Tale of Two San Franciscos A TWO DAY EXPLORATION OF THE CITY BY THE BAY BY NORAH BRADFORD
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an Francisco, California often is overlooked as a destination by the draw of Star power and Hollywood in nearby Los Angeles. However, San Francisco offers a blend of America and Asia coupled with its ever-shifting geography with both a bay and gateway to the Pacific Ocean, combined with outstanding natural beauty and nearby travel opportunities to the wine regions of Napa Valley and neighboring Sonoma. Here is an itinerary to enjoy a weekend in San Francisco.
DAY ONE WHERE TO STAY: The Four Seasons San Francisco is centrally located on Market Street. The Hotel has recently enjoyed a renovation of its guest rooms where a natural pallete of decor using shades of grey, blue and white represents the natural beauty of San Francisco’s fog, redwood trees and ocean. The Hotel provides access to an Equinox gym which
is co-located in the same building which offers a vast array of equipment and training options to suit even the most die-hard workout fanatic.
array of epicurean and home goods on display and for sale inside. The Ferry Building is also home to arguably the most successful San Francisco restaurant The Slanted Door and whisky bar, Hard Water.
fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco THE ADVENTURE: Take a walk down to the Ferry Building on the waterfront by the bay and experience the amazing
ferrybuildingmarketplace.com slanteddoor.com hardwaterbar.com
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THE BAR: The Saratoga Try a cocktail at the two-story bar located in the Tenderloin District inside the old Saratoga Hotel. Whilst there is also a light menu the focus on mixology is the draw to this atmospheric bar. Across the road is hip new restaurant Dobbs Ferry – named for the Hudson River town from which the founders relocated from in New York. thesaratogasf.com THE DINNER: MKT Restaurant and Bar Executive Chef Cyrille Pannier and his team cook up a California-inspired menu of seafood, farmfresh vegetables and the best meat cuts from local farms. MKT has a buzzing social atmosphere for eating and drinking with an all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. The MKT Cioppino is one of the signature dishes of the restaurant and not to be missed. mktrestaurantandbar.com DAY TWO: WHERE TO STAY: The Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco is the new best-kept secret offering a discrete home from home just a short walk from the Museum of Modern Art, Union Square’s upscale shopping and dining and Moscone Center for conventions. A gym and indoor pool are amongst the amenities alongside luxurious, modern suites which at the higher-levels of the building have commanding views of the San Francisco City-scape. intercontinental.com
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THE ADVENTURE: Rent a car and take a drive to Napa Valley. The route varies somewhere between 90 minutes and 2 hours depending on traffic or if you want to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Make a bee line for Yountville, home to the most Michelin Stars awarded for gastronomy in North America and have a coffee and perfectly made pastry as Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery. For a wine-tasting experience in elegant modern surroundings try Hall Winery just outside of St. Helena – and ask for Sid… thomaskeller.com hallwines.com THE BAR: Rickhouse Bar Small, intimate with a décor which makes you feel as if you are inside a whisky barrel – from which the name of the bar is derived - Rickhouse downtown on Kearny Street is all about the cocktails with a local beer and wine selection with a focus on old-school. Even the bricks from which the bar is made pre-date the great earthquake of the early Twentieth Century which levelled the City. Best place that order… rickhousebar.com THE DINNER: Luce Restaurant and Bar While Luce (pronounced “LOO-chay”) offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch, it is the dinner experience that illustrates the true talent of the Michelin-starred culinary team led by Chef Daniel Corey, which has held a Michelin star every year since it first opened, signaling the consistency and quality of the establishment. The approachable menu reflects the surrounding farms of San Francisco and changes according to freshness and seasonality. lucewinerestaurant.com
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Lac LĂŠman
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Globetrotter Series THE VOICES OF ‘SECRET SARASOTA’ BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
Amidst the swirl of news about the contemporary global art market, the art centric city of Sarasota, Florida is becoming a name gaining more notice than ever before. Move over Palm Beach and Miami, the upcoming opening of the new Sarasota Art Museum in December is bringing wellknown contemporary artists in droves to the sunshine state. Contemporary international artists Vik Muniz and Shelia Hicks will inaugurate the newly designed space. The ambitious undertaking for the city of Sarasota plans to make a mark in art world circles and impact a growing arts community, coveted since the early 60s. Art critics such as Jerry Saltz, Linda Yablonsky, and other key art curators, international collectors and artists are quietly arriving to learn about the lectures, book launches, new art installations and community educational programming available to all.
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Historically Sarasota has positioned itself as a hotbed for creative minds, artists, writers, celebrities and more. Escaping the big cities, one will find gorgeous white beaches, new fabulous food restaurants, hip coffee shops, unique botanical gardens and a vibrate artistic history of an art community that is expanding quickly. Many mid-20thCentury artists have flocked to the gorgeous surrounding Keys making the area one of the most coveted art colony sites in the country. From legendary artists such as John Chamberlain, Philip Guston and Syd Soloman, to well-known celebrities such as Jerry Springer, Stephen King, Jane Lynch, Martina Navratilova, and Nick Bollettieri, all have called the Sarasota area home for many years. With beautiful mid-century architecture created by artist/architects Victor Lundy and Paul Rudolph, a vibrant, cultured arts community is thriving. A burgeoning downtown, in the midst of huge development, has this once “small town” attracting tech entrepreneurs, foodies, actors, artists, musicians, designers and more. From The Ringling, a major museum ranked as one of the top ten in the nation to the Ringling College of Art and Design, a premiere arts school, Sarasota is more than ever rapidly churning out leading artists, filmmakers, designers, and creatives. The art school announced this year a generational project called “Collaboratory” which specifically allows students to engage in real work environments before graduating rather than external internships. Major companies have the new experimental lab on their watch list to enroll the latest and best emerging talent graduating each year. Creativity seems to reign in this tropical paradise, and with the winters only getting colder up North, what better place to tan and relax during
those long dark winter months. We sat down with some of the leading voices taking the creative art community of Sarasota into 2020 full speed ahead. Exciting new art projects, museums, exhibitions, tech companies and startups are placing Sarasota on our watchlist for the Globetrotter Series. ANNA-MARIE RUSSELL | SARASOTA ART MUSEUM Could you tell us briefly about the history and development of the Sarasota Art Museum? The Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College is a non-collecting institution dedicated to the art of our time. Envisioned by pioneering, civicoriented art lovers, the Founders believed an art museum devoted to new art would complement the stellar cultural institutions in Sarasota and contribute to the creative and intellectual vibrancy of the community. We have 15,000 square feet of dedicated museum exhibition space, a sculpture courtyard, grounds, a bistro, a shop, and an auditorium for educational events, performances, films and more.
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We are gearing up to install the Vik Muniz solo exhibition, the Color Theory group show anchored by a Shelia Hicks installation in our monumental Tower Gallery, site-specific and site-responsive installations by Olivier Mosset, Christian Sampson and Leah Rosenberg, sculpture by J. Patrick Walsh III and Jean Shin and Los Trompos, a interactive installation by Hector Esware. We are stocking the retail store, planning menus for the bistro, finalizing our education program for Spring 2020—featuring Jerry Saltz talking about his new book—and of course, planning for our Grand Opening blacktie Gala on 7 December. Suffice to say, there is a lot going on! Could you provide some local tips or favorite spots in visiting the art community of Sarasota? People make a pilgrimage from all around the world to visit the Sarasota School of Architecture landmarks. The progressive architecture of Paul Rudolph and his cohorts began here, and no visit is complete without a tour. The Museum partners with the Sarasota Architectural Foundation to help promote and
educate about this important origin story. A visit to Umbrella House, followed by a lobster roll at the Lido Beach concession is a must-do. Instagram @sarasotaartmuseum STEVEN HIGH | THE RINGLING Could you tell us briefly about the history of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art? John Ringling is best known for The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus which he led for many years and through which he became one of the wealthiest men in America. In 1925 together with his wife Mable, he decided
to create an art museum as a legacy for the people of Florida. Between 1925 and 1931 Ringling acquired more than 600 Old Master paintings from the Late Medieval through the 19th century, highlighted by works from Velazquez, El Greco, Van Dyck, Veronese, Tiepolo, Gainsborough, and Rubens. In 1928, Ringling made another significant acquisition that was to form the core of his classical antiquities collection, 2800 objects of Greek, Roman, and Cypriot antiquities from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Since 2000, The Ringling has grown dramatically and is now composed of the original art museum and home (Ca’ d’Zan), an Historic Circus Museum and Tibbals Learning Center, a Center for Asian
Art, the Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art, and the Searing Wing for temporary and permanent collection exhibitions including Joseph’s Coat, James Turrell’s largest skyspace. Today over 400,000 people a year visit. The Ringling museums and our grounds, an accredited arboretum. What advice would you give to artists and galleries starting out in Sarasota? Sarasota is an arts town! The community here is deeply involved in the arts on many parameters, and Sarasotans are very philanthropic. Art is about relationships - an individual’s relationship to the art and the artist’s relationship to their public. My best advice is to nurture and expand on those relationships. October 2019 | 103
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Could you provide some local tips or favorite spots in visiting the art community of Sarasota? Obviously, The Ringling should be anyone’s first stop! Following that, I would recommend a visit to the galleries at Ringling College of Art & Design and a visit to their new glass studio and hot shop. Ringling College is also opening on their south campus the highly anticipated Sarasota Art Museum which will be another venue for discovering the very best in contemporary art in our community….finally, don’t forget to check out some of the downtown art galleries and the excellent community-based Art Center Sarasota. Instagram @theringling
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LARRY THOMPSON | RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN What are your thoughts on the growing art community in Sarasota? It is absolutely a fascinating community. It actually started as an artist colony many years ago, and Sarasota was a bastion of Contemporary Art in the 50s and 60s. It has evolved over the years, and the city became much more involved in the performing arts with theater in the 80s and 90s, presenting opera and symphony so on and so forth. Now we’re seeing a dramatic shift these past years, which includes the performing arts in many venues and now obviously the established institutions are taking note. There is much greater public interest at least I sense in
terms of the visual arts and contemporary art. This is one of the reasons why we at the Ringling College of Art and Design were determined and undertook to create this new contemporary art museum opening this December. It is basically a reflection of that change of what has happened here in Sarasota over the years. The museum will help to continually educate the public about contemporary art. What is your vision for the Ringling School of Art and Design? Our vision is that we are on our way to becoming the preeminent art design college in the world and on a very fast track. There has been a major sea change here in terms of the institution, as we are becoming much more recognized internationally.
We continue to be referred to as the premiere leader of art and design within the professions. The reputation of the school remains on the real leading edge of what is happening in today’s art and design fields. We embrace new technologies and were really the first school to embrace the whole area. We are teaching students to be “artists” first and first and foremost every year. Then it is about using technology and other tools to express yourself. We do continue to implement the latest technologies and have strong industry relationships with multiple companies such as Magic Leap, Apple and Google among others. We want to provide our students with the best facilities possible and have constructed a number of new buildings here on campus. Yet, the buildings are not what is important, what is important is what goes on every day inside the buildings
with our students. We have a fairly new program called a “Collaboratory.” The idea is to give our students the real-world experience working with companies directly. We invite companies each season to work directly with our students. We place together teams of students to problem solve for the chosen company. This gives the students the opportunity for real-world work situations and environment prior to graduation. Instagram: @ringlingcollege
2nd of 2018. The hotel celebrates Sarasota’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant visual and performing arts scene. Art Ovation is, itself, a blank canvas, ready to be reinvented every day by the synergistic connection between hotel, guests, staff and the Sarasota Arts Community. We live up to and beyond the Marriott’s Autograph Collection motto: “Exactly Like Nothing Else.” What is the future mission of the Art Ovation art programming, exhibitions and supporting the local art community?
LISA DIFRANZA| ART OVATION HOTEL Could you tell us about the history of the opening of Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota? The Art Ovation Hotel opened its doors April
Art Exhibitions flow through the Art Ovation Hotel, from the Gallery Lobby through each guest floor and up to the gorgeous rooftop bar – exhibits change every few months, so visitors never experience the same hotel twice! In addition to
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this robust exhibition schedule, the Art Ovation Hotel’s Artist’s Studio features a local artist each week, creating on-site. This is the heart of the hotel: where guests can witness and participate in the creative process. Set across from the Gallery Lounge, the Artist’s Studio is a place where artists and art enthusiasts meet, inspire each other, and collaborate. What advice would you give to artists and galleries starting out in Sarasota?
the Hotel, an afternoon can be a feast for the eyes. And of course, right across the street, Florida Studio Theater has great theater and a hilarious weekly improv show. Instagram @artovationhotel Coffee and Cool Vibes: The Overton | The laid back vibe of this healthy and cultured resting spot has the young, hip and emerging all stopping by for the best cup of Joe! A favorite of local art advisor Elana Rubinfeld of New Art Agency, this is a barista’s dream - let them serve you up with a smile!
Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate. theovertonsrq.com Could you provide some local tips or favorite spots in visiting the art community of Sarasota? Art Ovation has created a walking map featuring the wide variety of Art Galleries within walking distance of the Hotel. Starting out on foot from 106 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Fashion and Art: GiaVentola | Located on St. Armand’s Circle one can find the latest global inspirations from the colorful designer. Instagram @iamgiaventola giaventola.com/thecollection
Best Co-working Spot: Assunta Wier, owner of The HUB, a fashionable spot located downtown, has the latest startups in a highly designed hip and cool atmosphere. Instagram @hubsarasota hubsarasota.com The Sarasota Modern: The upscale dining establishment Rudolph’s Restaurant is a must stop for luxury dining poolside and/or escape the heat outside for an elegantly designed dining room and bar. This secret oasis transforms visitors inside a modern hip venue that keeps you wanting more. Instagram @rudolphrestaurant v@sarasotamodern For more Globetrotter Tips: Instagram @rvancelette
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All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity Broker.
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Diary of a NYFW Party JUE LAN CLUB BY ADAM KLUGER PHOTOS BY JILL LOTENBERG & PAUL PRINCE
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t the bar, nightlife celebrity, club kid and erstwhile fashion designer Richie Rich was reminiscing with me about how things in the club scene had changed over the years in NYC since the 90’s when the old Limelight was a late-night go-to for everybody from Madonna and David Bowie to Bruce Springsteen and Andy Warhol. While we chatted and I sipped on a delicious scotch & soda in the mid-afternoon, that same old Limelight, now Jue Lan Club, was abuzz with photographers, fashionistas, beauty influencers, club kids, members of the media and invited guests. Another Metropolitan Magazine party was underway. Richie Rich dished on our old pal, publicist Kelly Cutrone and club kid Julie Jewels whom I had met while working on a club scene story for CNN back in the day, a lifetime ago. I’m guessing Richie kissed his business card before he handed it to me. it has pink lipstick on it!
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So this is how these things happen... in case you were wondering. Our Publisher and lead visionary, Chase Backer, texted me that we needed more fashion content for the August issue of Metropolitan. No problem there. Fortunately, we have a never-ending supply of awesome publicists, advertisers and content providers interested in being featured in Metropolitan Magazine. Marane Plaza, a TV producer and fashion reporter located in the Phillipines had some Asian designers and photo-stories to offer. The fashion line and stories were cool and colorful. Exotic and resonant. They ultimately made the cut and got approved by Chase and our brilliant Associate Publisher Jaime Backer, who oversees our digital platform with an aesthetic sensibility that is also fresh and relevant. It took a lot of texting and Facetiming with Marane in the Philippines. 12-hour difference. But it got done. Beautiful fashion layout. Mission accomplished. I thought that was that. But Marane had other ideas. She wanted to showcase her designers at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in NYC in September and asked is that was possible. Well, any excuse to throw a party is a good excuse in my book, especially one connected to New York Fashion Week. Our last NYFW issue with Tyra Banks on the cover designed by Heidi North was critically acclaimed and a huge success.
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Beauty/Fashion Influencers Party at Jue Lan Club! Fashion Event it is. Got on the phone with old friend, colleague and legendary nightlife publicist Bruce Lynn, a character straight out of central casting, who has seen it all. “Bruce can we throw as fashion event at Jue Lan Club... Asian fashion theme...tied into NYFW?” “How many people?” “Same as usual...maybe less, because it’s going to be in the middle of the day.” “Yes.” A “yes” from Bruce is always good enough for me. And our early plans for a new party during NYFW was now underway. Our last “Influencers” event for Metropolitan cover stars Jen Selter (30 million fans) and Carrie Sheffield (Bold TV founder) had well over 300 guests at Tudor City Steakhouse. Features Editor Melissa Clark who had done a terrific job working with Tudor City owner Mirsa on arranging that one, was again teamed up with staff photographer Paul Prince. Those two are making the Metropolitan Minute a must-read. Hey, look! Momma Selter, Jill, who looks like another Selter sister, just stopped by Jue Lan with her hubby-and like that-- the party was on! Even my old CNN boss and mentor, a top on-camera talent developer/star-maker, Scott Leon stopped by. Always a highlight for me to spend time chatting with Scott who knows everything there is to know about what makes great, entertaining TV. New Political contributor Jadan Horyn helped out as did Hillary Richard, another new rock star joining the team. Jill Lotenberg, a photographer referred to me by art curator and Horace Mann classmate Terri Kahan, also showed up at Jue Lan Club with her rock-steady camera crew. Jill, who shoots a number of our gorgeous
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covers, was all over the place posing models and influencers. Jill’s so awesome! Whether it’s a billionaire socialite, TV Star like Jerry Springer, or colorful fashion designers like Tiffany de Lisio or Tracy Dizon, Jillybeans knows how to make anybody look their best. Even me! Really. OK, back to the party, that was a mash-up of a fashion show and casting call for a genius reality show that Chase just “thought up.” Always thinking BIGGER! Joining Chase and his the crew
for the festivities was Real Housewives of New York cast member Jill Zarin and FOX News friends Cheryl Casone and Dr. Kelly Powers, all as pretty as a rose. The Rose Garden area outside Jue Lan Club was transformed into a filming area under Chase’s expert direction. Jill Z’s adorable doggie oversaw the action as did Christine Schott of The Beauty Influencers and her always-dapper husband George Ledes. Model and Ballet dancer Amanda Sommers turned heads along with fashion model, Morgan, and DJ Dredd was in the
house chillaxing instead of spinning. Maybe next time, Dredd! Ask a New Yorker creator Kennedy Moore chatted up popular shutterbug Aubrey Reuben and other scenesters and somehow thanks to Jue Lan Club owners Naiome, Robert Collins and PR legend Bruce Lynn (and Chase of course), we pulled it off again. The New York Post: Page Six item that ran later in the week told the tale. But the fun conversations, new connections and fantastic ideas stirred up at the party are still ongoing. Cheers!
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Alison Roberts and Lauren Gaines Photo credit: Sarah Merians Photography
Spotlight with Julianne Michelle PHOTO BY JEFF ZORABEDIAN AND ELIZABETH MEALEY (JDZ PHOTOGRAPHY)
GI F T OF L I F E M ARRO W R E G I ST RY Established in 1991 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by facilitating bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related diseases. Since its inception, Gift of Life Marrow Registry has grown to more than 347,000 individuals, who have volunteered to donate blood stem cells or bone marrow to save a life. To date, Gift of Life has facilitated over 16,600 matches for those with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell, and nearly 100 other diseases, resulting in more than 3,475 transplants. Connect @giftoflifemarrowregistry
GIFT OF LIFE MARROW REGISTRY’S 2019 GALA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 More than 500 guests gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street for Gift of Life Marrow Registry’s One Huge Night Gala to benefit the organization’s life saving work in treating and curing those who suffer from blood cancers and other blood-related diseases. Gala guests enjoyed an exquisite cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner and endless dessert. The evening brought the audience to tears as several survivors were united with their donors for the very first time. The impact of this organization bringing life and hope to those who once had numbered days was very palpable, and celebrating the compassion and altruism of those who gave the greatest gift of all to a complete stranger was renewing and inspiring. Alison Roberts, 69, of San Rafael, CA, was battling adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) until receiving her transplant last year from Lauren Gaines, 28, of New York City. The Manhattan event planner joined Gift of Life’s registry in 2011 while attending Tulane University. “I’m happy to be able to participate and help someone and their family in such a meaningful way,” Gaines said after embracing Roberts. “This process has allowed me to appreciate the life I have and everyone that’s a part of it.” “You helped me turn my problem into an opportunity,” said Roberts. You not only helped me avert a crisis, you gave me an opportunity to see the very best in humanity.” Gift of Life Marrow Registry also introduced a second donor-recipient pair at the gala. Marcus Haggins, 9, of Philadelphia, who battled Severe Aplastic Anemia, met his life-saving stem cell donor, Gregory Mitchell, 30, a Baltimore financial advisor. He joined Gift of Life’s registry during a 2012 donor recruitment drive in Atlantic City, N.J. Due to medical anonymity laws, donor and recipients must wait at least one year before meeting.
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Gregory Mitchell and Marcus Haggins Photo credit: Sarah Merians Photography Haggins’ mother, Kim Kennedy, said that, “you don’t know how much this means to me to give me my son back. Thank God we didn’t lose Marcus.” Referring to Gift of Life and Mitchell, said added that, “they saved my son’s life. You are my angel. There is no greater gift than life. None.” “My life became more meaningful the day I donated,” Mitchell said, calling his joining the registry a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “By joining Gift of Life, you might get lucky enough to have the opportunity to step up to the plate for someone who needs you the most. You might be lucky enough to know how great it feels to donate to someone. You might even get lucky enough to know how great it feels to meet such a brave person.” During the gala, Gift of Life also honored community leaders whose extraordinary commitments to the registry have profoundly impacted Gift of Life’s work. Honorees included: Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg of New York, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award (he also serves as Gift of Life’s Board of Directors secretary and trustee), Aryeh B. Bourkoff of New York, founder and CEO of LionTree, who received the Partners for Life Award, and the New York Mets, recipients of the Corporate Partner Award, who have been steadfast supporters across 15 years of collaboration. Julianne Michelle is an award-winning actress whose career began at the age of 5. She is currently playing Max in the Amazon series, New Dogs, Old Tricks. She is a graduate of Columbia University. Gift of Life Founder and CEO Jay Feinberg and Julianne Michelle Photo credit: Sarah Merians Photography
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Metropolitan Minute . BY M E L I S SA C L A R K D R E S S E D BY J OVA N A LO UIS P H OTO S BY PAU L P R I N C E A N D PAT R I C K M C M U L L AN
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s an animal lover, I was excited to attend a gallery show and benefit for the African Community and Conservation Foundation (ACCF) at the Chase Contemporary Gallery where stunning photos of African wildlife were enjoyed by all in attendance including a collection of actors, athletes, and art lovers. Fashion Icon Donna Karan confided to me that her personal style is inspired by African Culture. Artist, Photographer, and Filmmaker, Roberto Dutesco shared stories about his astonishing photographs of wild horses, while Don Felder, former lead guitarist of the iconic American band “The Eagles,” was flying high about his new solo album “American Rock’ n’ Roll.” ACCF was established by Investor and Philanthropist Paul Tutor Jones in 2018. The mission of ACCF is to add to the protection of significant African Wilderness zones, as well as to empower the communities living close by these spaces, adding to a world where individuals and untamed life live together. Inside Edition stunner Diane McInerney graced the red carpet as well as New York Jets star Jonathan Harrison, former New York Giant Justin Tuck, and Victoria’s Secret model Sofie Rovenstine. Head over to Metropolitan’s social media for exclusive interviews.
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HAMPTONS CHARITY SCENE
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PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION’S GALA IN THE HAMPTONS By Clara Morgan
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons took place at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY: Michael Milken ©Patrick McMullan
Bryan Adams performing at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©BFA
Pam Sharma, James P. Allison at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©Patrick McMullan
Robert Citrone at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©BFA
Christine Jones at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©BFA
Bonnie Pfeifer Evans at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©Patrick McMullan
Kevin McCarthy, Mei Sze Greene, Jeff Greene at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©BFA
Denys Molchanov at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©Patrick McMullan
Stewart Rahr, James Coleman at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons ©Patrick McMullan
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NEW YORK’S MODERN BOUTIQUE RETREAT Take a hot New York City neighborhood where the Flatiron District meets Chelsea and Gramercy, add craft cocktails at our rooftop bar, and fresh organic Greek cuisine. This is Hotel Henri. www.hotelhenrinyc.com sales@hotelhenrinyc.com Call Us (844) 277-9123
NEW YORK FASHION SCENE
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JACKIE ROGERS COLLECTION FOR ALL SEASONS & SONJA BY SONJA MORGAN By Clara Morgan
Couture fashion designer Jackie Rogers presented her 2020 Collection for All Seasons at the private residence of Dena Weiner in Southampton, NY: Jackie Rogers, Ramona Singer ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Ann Liguori at Jackie Rogers 2020 Collection for All Seasons ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
James Marzigliano, Kate McEntee at Jackie Rogers 2020 Collection for All Seasons ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Ramona Singer at Jackie Rogers 2020 Collection RHONY Star Sonja Morgan introduced Sonja for All Seasons ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com by Sonja Morgan at New York Fashion Week 2019: Sonja Morgan with Model Beth Chasteen ©Norman Issacs
Carol Alt at Sonja by Sonja Morgan New York Fashion Week 2019 ©Josh Elstein
RHONY Star Tinsley Mortimor wearing Sonja By Sonja Morgan at Sonja by Sonja Morgan New York Fashion Week 2019 ©Josh Elstein
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Jean Shafiroff at Jackie Rogers 2020 Collection for All Seasons ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Model Cory Wade wearing Sonja By Sonja Morgan on runway at Sonja by Sonja Morgan New York Fashion Week 2019 ©Norman Issacs
5 5 E 5 4TH ST • NEW YO RK , N EW YO RK • M .M E/N ERAIN YC • (21 2) 759-5554
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HAMPTONS SOCIETY SCENE A LARRY PARTY, A FISHY FEAST & HAMPTONS ROUND UP By Clara Morgan
Pamela Morgan and Michael Trokel hosted the Wild Fishy Feast Cocktail and Dinner party at their private residence in Watermill, NY: Gary Brody, Jill Zarin, Michael Trokel, Pamela Morgan ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl at Pamela Morgan’s and Michael Trokel’s Wild Fishy Feast Cocktail and Dinner party ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s 61st Annual Summer Party, produced by Lawrence Scott Events: Bob Chaloner, Cindy Willis, Laura Lofaro Freeman and Larry Scott ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events produced a private party on the beach in Montauk with John Legend, Montauk, NY: Larry Scott and John Legend ©Getty Images
RAND LUXURY hosted the annual Ferrari & Maserati of Long Island Charity Brunch at Ken & Maria Fishel’s Bridgehampton Estate: Bradford Rand ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Actress Leesa Rowland was a special guest at the 2nd Annual Hamptons Interactive Influencer Brunch at The Maidstone Hotel, East Hampton, NY: Leesa Rowland, Jodine Russo ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Dancers For Good’s Fourth Annual Benefit Raised Funds To Benefit The Actors Fund at Guild Hall, East Hampton, NY: Noah Fosse and Jerry Mitchell ©Dancers For Good
The Chabad of Southampton Jewish Center held its 18th Annual Dinner at the estate of Libbie Mugrabi with cocktails Maria Fishel, Ruth Miller, Howard Lorber, Lieba Nesis and Lucia Hwong Gordon ©Lenny Stucker
Maria and Kenneth Fishel welcomed guests to their Bridgehampton, NY estate for a cocktail reception benefiting the Center for Jewish Life Chabad in Sag Harbor: Maria Fishel 120 | MetMagNY.com 25AMagazine.com ©Johnny |Nunez
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