Gotham - 2014 - Issue 8 - December by Niche Media Holdings, LLC

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE II

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FRONT RUNNER Just three years after arriving in the US, Mikhail Baryshnikov transformed The Nutcracker for American Ballet Theatre.

Sweet SucceSS

Sixty years ago, when George Balanchine introduced his version of The Nutcracker, The New York Times whined that the artistic director of the New York City Ballet was pandering to popular taste. Audiences, however, were entranced with Tchaikovsky’s incomparable score and the master’s fantastical, technically demanding choreography. Balanchine’s adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale— complete with sinuous Arabian dancer, mischievous mice, and the luminous Sugar Plum Fairy—put the company financially in the black for the first time. Today, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is the gold standard of the hundreds of productions performed throughout the country. It has been presented nearly 2,300 times in New York and attracts audiences of 100,000 annually. With alternating casts of 125 children from the School of American Ballet, the ballet offers young dancers a chance to perform with lead dancers in their first professional production. Of course, there has been heartbreak: “I was supposed to dance the lead role, Marie [sometimes called Clara], but the role was taken away from me,” recalls Gelsey Kirkland, one of the most acclaimed ballerinas of her generation. “I didn’t like my prince and wouldn’t hold his hand.” The setback was

12 gotham-magazine.com

temporary; soon Kirkland was dancing the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop for Balanchine. Later, and most famously, Kirkland danced Clara with Mikhail Baryshnikov in his version of The Nutcracker for American Ballet Theatre. The Russian dancer—who had defected while on tour in Canada—was very ambitious in his version of The Nutcracker, introducing a psychological interpretation in the dream sequence in which Clara awakens to the possibilities of romance. Both Baryshnikov and Kirkland were at the height of their powers, and the production, which aired first on CBS and then on PBS, was nominated for two Emmys. Under Peter Martins, Balanchine’s The Nutcracker has continued to evolve. A colossal 2,000-pound Christmas tree shoots up 40 feet through a trap door Balanchine had specially built, and eight little bonbons dance out of Mother Ginger’s skirt—which is nine feet wide and weighs 85 pounds. In all, 284 people—onstage, backstage, and in the orchestra pit—work together to create 47 evenings of magic and delight, which end in a snowy million-watt finale. November 28–January 3, 2015. David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-496-0600; nycballet.com G

photography by ©Ferdinando Scianna / MagnuM photoS

george balanchine’s dazzling interpretation of The NuTcracker celebrates 60 years of performances this year. by suzanne charlé

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contents

December 2014/January 2015

12 // front runner 28 // letter from the editor-in-Chief

30 // letter from the publisher

32 // ... Without Whom

this issue Would not have been possible

34 // the list

style 37 // broadWay bound Michael Kors’s largest store launches this month, in Soho.

40 // all that Glitters Winter accessories dazzle and shine like New York’s skyline.

42 // spotliGht Louis Vuitton gets personal, Paul Morelli comes to town, and Jimmy Choo steps into the Emerald City.

44 // beauty revisited Longtime celebrity favorite Erno Laszlo thrives in Soho.

46 // sparkle plenty New Yorkers in search of gifts that dazzle turn to luxury watchmakers introducing heirloom-quality diamond timepieces.

Jake McDorman, a newbie New Yorker, stars in Clint Eastwood’s new movie, American Sniper. Shirt, Burberry London ($395). 9 E. 57th St., 212-407-7100; burberry.com

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48 // Cyber ChiCster Hayley Bloomingdale, the social media guru for Moda Operandi, takes us on a tour of her favorite spots.

50 // sustaininG luxury As high-end fashion houses focus on sustainability, Loro Piana is right on course.

photography by gregg delman. grooming by erin anderson for ivy eleven, using imperial barber products; shot on location at the ludlow hotel

71 // invited

JIMMY

new york, 611 FIFTH AVenUe. 212.753.4000

CHOO

saks.com

New York, Fifth Avenue & 50th Street

contents

December 2014/January 2015

Welcome winter: Saint John the Divine’s Winter Solstice Celebration.

TV host Brian Lewis and choreographer Rob Ashford do lunch at The Back Room.

53 // CosmiC Love Jake Gyllenhaal makes his Broadway debut in Constellations.

54 // virtuaL visuaLs The Cooper Hewitt gets a jazzy 21st-century update.

56 // spotLight Sandra Bernhard returns to Joe’s Pub, Saint John the Divine celebrates the solstice, and Alvin Ailey reaches new heights.

68 // quite a ConCern Actress Toni Collette discusses a new and important role—Global Ambassador for Concern Worldwide US.

taste 77 // euro exChange At Bâtard, Drew Nieporent and Markus Glocker’s new restaurant, it’s Paris by way of Vienna, with a holiday menu that ups the ante on luxe comfort food.

80 // prestige pops

people

Tête de cuvée, the ultimate in sparkling celebration, is having a New York moment.

59 // Landmark Chef

81 // menu maestros

Geoffrey Zakarian, maestro of buzzy hotel restaurants, overhauls The Plaza’s world-famous eateries.

Top chefs lure Manhattan foodies with fve sizzling new restaurants.

62 // a new heartthrob

Canadian lobster with carrot fondue, salsify, and chevril at Bâtard.

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In Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, Jake McDorman takes on the most challenging role of his career.

64 // market watCh When the city’s top real estate executives do lunch, expect a dishy reveal of Manhattan’s hottest luxury property trends.

82 // spotLight Philippe Starck designs a new Champagne, Rémy Martin launches a luxe cognac, and the 21 Club gets in the holiday spirit.

84 // on the town Real estate TV personality Brian Lewis and Tony-winning director/choreographer Rob Ashford toast the end of 2014 at The Back Room.

photography by evan sung (bâtard); Clifford a. sobel (st. john the divine); doug young (the baCk room)

culture

contents

December 2014/January 2015

Eddie Redmayne dazzles in The Theory of Everything. Leather jacket, Alexander McQueen ($5,340). 747 Madison Ave., 212-229-1546; alexandermcqueen.com. Charcoal suit, Burberry Travel Tailoring ($1,995). 9 E. 57th St., 212-407-7100; burberry.com. White shirt ($350) and striped tie ($165), Burberry London. see above

features 88 // Red Hot Redmayne Eddie Redmayne knocks it out of the park with his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. BFF actor Andrew Garfeld gets the scoop on all of the Oscar buzz— and more.

94 // empiRe StatementS The spirit of the Jazz Age returns to New York City with Art Deco– inspired diamond pieces.

A new breed of titled European is coming to New York, where they discreetly launch careers and enjoy a paparazzi-free life.

104 // ConCieRge ConfidentiaL

Six in-house city experts at top Manhattan hotels reveal the hottest spots to spend the holidays and cold winter months.

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photography by brian bowen smith

98 // Linked-in RoyaLty

, Bulova and Bulova Accutron are registered trademarks. ÂŠ 2014 Bulova Corporation. 97B133

Available at Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and macys.com

contents 118

A North Moore Street manse is on the market for a downtown record price of $48 million.

December 2014/January 2015

haute property 113 // THE NEw

BEEkmaN PlaCE

A landmark building goes condo, giving an up-and-coming downtown neighborhood some fresh and glamorous sheen.

116 // DOwNTOwN SECRET A long-overlooked part of FiDi is ready for its close-up.

118 // PRimE PROPERTiES A billionaire adds to his trophy real estate collection, a top model gives up her city pied-à-terre, and other fabulous housing news all over town.

the guide A concise guide to the city’s happening restaurants and nightspots to take you into the new year.

and Finally… 128 // ’TwaS THE

NiGHT(maRE) BEfORE CHRiSTmaS

Giving a gift in a city where tastes shift like the tide can be perilous to your status cred.

ON THE COVER:

Eddie Redmayne Photography by Brian Bowen Smith

Jacket ($2,320), trousers ($1,195), printed dress shirt ($745), gold and black tie ($240), and black shoes with gold detail ($1,030), Alexander McQueen. 747 Madison Ave., 212-229-1546; alexandermcqueen.com. Watch and socks, Redmayne’s own

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photography by rICharD CapLaN. oN the Cover: photo assIstaNCe by KevIN MChugh aND braNDoN sMIth. DIgItaL photo assIstaNCe by jaMes Lee WaLL. styLINg by aNNIe psaLtIras for the WaLL group. grooMINg by KIM verbeCK for the WaLL group

121 // GOTHam 101

MEN’S | WOMEN’S | KIDS’ | LUGGAGE | ACCESSORIES londonfog.com

JOIN US ONLINE at gotham-magazine.com

We have the inside scoop on New York City’s best parties, holiday pursuits, and more. holiday

WHAT TO GIFT FOODIES From food baskets brimming with sweets to gift certificates to the city’s hautest eateries, here’s what foodies will want.

SEE THE LATEST FROM LAST NIGHT’S EVENTS Couldn’t attend? Browse the newest photos from New York City’s most exclusive parties.

pursuits

HOW TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS IN THE CITY New York—there’s nothing like it, especially once December hits. We’ve compiled the best places to shop, eat, play, and relax this season.

COME FOLLOW US

PHOTOGRAPHY BY B. AND E. DUDZINSCY (COOKIES); GETTY IMAGES (LUNDQVIST); ANDREW F. KAZMIERSKI (CHRISTMAS TREE)

photos

SMOOTH SCOTCH WHISKY + LUSCIOUS DUTCH CREAM MAGNUM Cream Liqueur Highland Cream™

GOLD MEDAL San Francisco World Spirits Competition

LIVE LARGER. INDULGE RESPONSIBLY.

CATHERINE SABINO Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor JENNIFER DEMERITT Editor-at-Large SAMANTHA YANKS Art Director ANASTASIA TSIOUTAS CASALIGGI Photo Director LISA ROSENTHAL BADER Assistant Editor ERIN RILEY Fashion Editor FAYE POWER Copy Editor WENDIE PECHARSKY Research Editor JAMES BUSS

DAWN DUBOIS Publisher Advertising Directors VICTORIA HENRY, JIM SMITH Account Executive MORGAN CLIFFORD Senior Director of Brand Development ROBIN KEARSE Director of Brand Development JOANNA TUCKER Brand Development Managers CHRISTIAMILDA CORREA, JIMMY KONTOMANOLIS Assistant Distribution Relations Manager JAMIE HILDEBRANDT

NICHE MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC Senior Vice President and Editorial Director MANDI NORWOOD Vice President of Creative and Fashion ANN SONG Creative Director NICOLE A. WOLFSON NADBOY Executive Fashion Director SAMANTHA YANKS ART AND PHOTO

Senior Art Director FRYDA LIDOR Associate Art Directors ALLISON FLEMING, ADRIANA GARCIA, JUAN PARRA, JESSICA SARRO Senior Designer NATALI SUASNAVAS Designers AARON BELANDRES, SARAH LITZ Photo Editors KATHERINE HAUSENBAUER-KOSTER, JODIE LOVE, SETH OLENICK, JENNIFER PAGAN, REBECCA SAHN Senior Staff Photographer JEFFREY CRAWFORD Senior Digital Imaging Specialist JEFFREY SPITERY Digital Imaging Specialist JEREMY DEVERATURDA Digital Imaging Assistant HTET SAN FASHION

Senior Fashion Editor LAUREN FINNEY Fashion Assistants CONNOR CHILDERS, LISA FERRANDINO Entertainment and Bookings Editor JULIET IZON COPY AND RESEARCH

Copy and Research Manager WENDIE PECHARSKY Copy Editors DAVID FAIRHURST, JULIA STEINER Research Editors LESLIE ALEXANDER, JUDY DEYOUNG, AVA WILLIAMS EDITORIAL OPERATIONS

Director of Editorial Operations DEBORAH L. MARTIN Director of Editorial Relations MATTHEW STEWART Editorial Assistant CHRISTINA CLEMENTE Online Executive Editor CAITLIN ROHAN Online Editors ANNA BEN YEHUDA, TRICIA CARR Senior Managing Editors DANINE ALATI, KAREN ROSE, JILL SIERACKI Managing Editors MURAT OZTASKIN, OUSSAMA ZAHR Shelter and Design Editor SUE HOSTETLER Timepiece Editor ROBERTA NAAS ADVERTISING SALES

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing NORMAN M. MILLER Account Directors SUSAN ABRAMS, MICHELE ADDISON, GUY BROWN, CLAIRE CARLIN, KATHLEEN FLEMING, KAREN LEVINE, MEREDITH MERRILL, NORMA MONTALVO, ELIZABETH MOORE, JEFFREY NICHOLSON, DEBORAH O’BRIEN, SHANNON PASTUSZAK, MIA PIERRE-JACQUES, VALERIE ROBLES Account Executives SUSANA ARAGON, MICHELLE CHALA, JANELLE DRISCOLL, ALICIA DRY, VINCE DUROCHER, IRENA HALL, SARAH HECKLER, CATHERINE KUCHAR, JULIA MAZUR, FENDY MESY, MARY RUEGG, ERIN SALINS, LAUREN SHAPIRO, CAROLINE SNECKENBERG, JACKIE VAN METER, JESSICA ZIVKOVITCH Advertising Business Manager RICHARD YONG Sales Support and Development EMMA BEHRINGER, ANA BLAGOJEVIC, EMILY BURDETT, BRITTANY CORBETT, DARA HIRSH, KARA KEARNS, KELSEY MARRUJO, MICHELLE MASS, NICHOLE MAURER, RUE MCBRIDE, STEPHEN OSTROWSKI, ELENA SENDOLO, ALEXANDRA WINTER MARKETING, PROMOTIONS, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations LANA BERNSTEIN Director of Creative Services SCOTT ROBSON Promotions Art Designers KAITLYN RICHERT, CARLY RUSSELL Event Marketing Directors AMY FISCHER, HALEE HARCZYNSKI, MELINDA JAGGER, LAURA MULLEN, KIMMY WILSON Event Marketing Managers ANTHONY ANGELICO, JUDSON BARDWELL, CRISTINA PARRA Event Marketing Coordinator BROOKE BIDDLE Event Marketing Assistant SHANA KAUFMAN ADVERTISING PRODUCTION

Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX Director of Positioning and Planning SALLY LYON Positioning and Planning Manager TARA MCCRILLIS Assistant Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY Production Manager BLUE UYEDA Production Artists ALISHA DAVIS, MARISSA MAHERAS, DARA RICCI Distribution Manager MATT HEMMERLING Assistant Distribution Relations Manager JENNIFER PALMER Fulfillment Manager DORIS HOLLIFIELD Traffic Supervisor ESTEE WRIGHT Traffic Coordinators JEANNE GLEESON, MALLORIE SOMMERS Circulation Research Specialist CHAD HARWOOD FINANCE

Controller DANIELLE BIXLER Finance Directors AUDREY CADY, LISA VASSEUR-MODICA Director of Credit and Collections CHRISTOPHER BEST Senior Credit and Collections Analyst MYRNA ROSADO Senior Billing Coordinator CHARLES CAGLE Senior Accountant LILY WU Junior Accountants KATHY SABAROVA, NEIL SHAH, NATASHA WARREN Accounts Payable Coordinator NADINE DEODATT ADMINISTRATION, DIGITAL, AND OPERATIONS

Director of Operations MICHAEL CAPACE Director of Human Resources STEPHANIE MITCHELL Executive Assistant ARLENE GONZALEZ Digital Producer ANTHONY PEARSON Facilities Coordinator JOUBERT GUILLAUME Chief Technology Officer JESSE TAYLOR Desktop Administrators ZACHARY CUMMO, EDGAR ROCHE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

J.P. ANDERSON (Michigan Avenue), SPENCER BECK (Aspen Peak [Acting], Los Angeles Confidential), ANDREA BENNETT (Vegas), KATHY BLACKWELL (Austin Way), KRISTIN DETTERLINE (Philadelphia Style), LISA PIERPONT (Boston Common), JARED SHAPIRO (Ocean Drive), ELIZABETH E. THORP (Capitol File), SAMANTHA YANKS (Hamptons) PUBLISHERS

JOHN M. COLABELLI (Philadelphia Style), LOUIS F. DELONE (Austin Way), ALEXANDRA HALPERIN (Aspen Peak), DEBRA HALPERT (Hamptons), SUZY JACOBS (Capitol File), GLEN KELLEY (Boston Common), COURTLAND LANTAFF (Ocean Drive), ALISON MILLER (Los Angeles Confidential), DAN USLAN (Michigan Avenue), JOSEF VANN (Vegas)

Managing Partner JANE GALE Chairman and Director of Photography JEFF GALE Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer JOHN P. KUSHNIR Chief Executive Officer KATHERINE NICHOLLS Copyright 2014 by Niche Media Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. Gotham magazine is published eight times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material, and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Gotham magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs, and drawings. To order a subscription, please call 866-891-3144. For customer service, please inquire at gotham@pubservice.com. To distribute Gotham at your business, please e-mail magazinerequest@nichemedia.net. Gotham magazine is published by Niche Media Holdings, LLC, a division of Greengale Publishing, LLC. T: 646-835-5200 F: 212-780-0003

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www.1stdibs.com

LETTER from the Editor-in-Chief 1

FROM LEFT: At the Core Club with Leonard

Steinberg, president of Urban Compass. We enjoyed an evening with Rangers superstar Henrik Lundqvist, celebrating his Gotham cover and raising funds for the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation.

EVEN THOUGH 2014 COMES TO A CLOSE on our editorial calendar a month and a half

CATHERINE SABINO Follow me on Twitter @csabino and on gotham-magazine.com.

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

3 2

// this issue //

ON MY RADAR 1. I like to go the Saint Ambroeus restaurants all over town—on Madison, in the Village, in Soho—for a panettone and prosecco. It reminds me of my visits during the holidays to the original Sant Ambroeus when I lived in Milan. 1000 Madison Ave., 212-570-2211; 259 W. 4th St., 212-604-9254; 265 Lafayette St., 212-9662770; santambroeus.com. 2. Friends from Europe often visit at this time of year, and are always eager for a new dining experience. I look forward to going with them to Kappo Masa, the recently opened restaurant conceived by gallerist Larry Gagosian and renowned chef Masayoshi “Masa” Takayama. 976 Madison Ave., 646-647-2942; masanyc.com 3. A holiday walk through parts of the city that are classic New York, like the West Village and Central Park.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC RYAN ANDERSON (STEINBERG); ROBIN MARCHANT/GETTY IMAGES FOR GOTHAM MAGAZINE (LUNDQVIST); BLACKLETTER (KAPPO MASA); SONGQUAN DENG (CENTRAL PARK)

before the ball drops in Times Square, it doesn’t seem premature to take a look back at the year that was. In some ways 2014 feels like it was over before it started, and the weather, rather than the deadline-dictated early sign-off, is to blame. An endless cold winter, the spring that never happened, the tent ative summer, and a surprising (and welcome) balmy fall—we were deprived of the usual seasonal markers. October seemed like May; August like June; May like March—making the experience of 2014 as disorienting as reading a book out of sequence. But even as we braved Siberia-worthy snowstorms and shivered on the beach (the Atlantic was only 69 degrees in early August), we had a good year at Gotham; between our covers, at least, the seasons were under control. The march of talent across our pages—Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Elisabeth Moss, Sting, Henrik Lundqvist, Tony Spring, Marigay McKee, Maria Bartiromo, Jill Abramson, Eddie Redmayne, to name a few—was outstanding, allowing us and our readers glimpses into the fascinating worlds that make this city thrive. That’s one of the bonuses to being an editor—the ability to dip into and out of different fields, to meet so many people at the top of their game, and to see this city through a variety of perspectives. Among the fascinating personalities I got to know this year, I have frequently thought of two: Mark Shand and Joan Rivers. Mark, author and conservationist extraordinaire, was my first interview of 2014, which took place on a snowy (what else?) day in January, when we discussed his great initiative, the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt to benefit Elephant Family and Studio in a School. He invited me to a party several weeks later to celebrate the Hunt being held in New York, where I met Joan Rivers. I mentioned to her that I had gone to Barnard (her alma mater), and ever quick with a quip, she said. “Ok, now I know you’re smart.” (Maybe my conversation up to that point hadn’t convinced her.) Both Mark and Joan, so vibrant and accomplished, are no longer with us, and the city is a sadder place without them. My newest acquaintance, who our intrepid theater writer Patrick Pacheco introduced me to at a performance of The Real Thing, is the playwright Joe Masteroff. Joe wrote the book for the landmark play Cabaret many years ago, won a Tony, and has been a Broadway luminary all his adult life. Joe is 95 years old and still a man-about-town, enjoying the city and all it has to offer each day. May we all do the same in 2015. Happy holidays and happy new year!

ELLA MOSS Silver and black jumpsuit, $268

S H O P O U R F L A G S H I P S TO R E O N F I F T H AV E N U E AT 3 9 T H S T R E E T A N D LO R D A N DTAY LO R .C O M

letter from the Publisher

// this issue //

on my radar

With the incredibly gracious Henrik Lundqvist at his Gotham cover party.

A milestone of mAturity is reAlizing that one can draw more pleasure from giving

dawn dubois Follow me on Twitter @dawnmdubois and on gotham-magazine.com.

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2 1. Be sure to catch the Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden, my favorite holiday tradition, open through January 19. 2. Gotham magazine is now distributed at Birch Coffee. Grab a copy with your next cup.

photography by Ivo M. verMeulen (traIn show)

than receiving. For me, the thrill of the holidays is finding a special gift that reveals how a friend or family member is truly in my heart. My holiday hunt for that perfect something begins far ahead of the season as I eavesdrop on my loved ones to uncover a secret passion or interest that my gift may fulfill. I could say that Christmas came early for us at Gotham, as we celebrated our Men’s Issue with New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. We came together with our Gotham partners Wempe, Maserati, Palm Bay International, ABC Carpet & Home, Diageo, Hampton Hills, the River Café, the Waldorf Astoria, Millennium Hilton, Loews Regency Hotel, Henriot, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Piper-Heidsieck, to raise funds for the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation, which supports families in need. Toasting to Henrik and his achievements, author Gerry Eskenazi added some historical perspective about the state of the sport and how far our beloved Rangers have come. Henrik is a generous person, not just in his philanthropy, but with his open and engaging personality. He brought so much happiness to the room that night—it was a gift indeed. One of my favorite New York holiday stories involves a cash-strapped young student who saw a clearly impoverished man at a pizzeria in Cooper Square. Though she only had $1.80 in dimes until her next paycheck, the student asked, “Can I buy you a slice of pizza?” (Yes, pizza cost less than two dollars back then.) “A large Coke would be great!” he replied. Happy to oblige, the student ordered for him. As she fumbled with her change, she lost a few dimes. While searching for them on the floor, the student found a perfectly crisp $20 bill. She thought perhaps a higher being wanted to challenge the measure of her generosity. So without the slightest hesitation, she presented the bill to the homeless man and said, “I think you dropped something.” A look of understanding passed across the man’s face. He accepted the bill with a knowing smile. That student was me, years ago. I recall the encounter as if it were yesterday. It is a vivid reminder of the generous spirit we share in this city. New York gives to us and takes from us. Yet, whatever we possess can deliver even greater good to our neighbors in need.

// december 2014/January 2015

Andrew GArfield actor

deliA von neuschAtz writer

evAn sunG photographer

Adrienne GAffney writer

BriAn Bowen smith photographer

Andrew Garfield began his career on stage and in television productions. He has since appeared in such feature films as The Social Network, Never Let Me Go, and the Spider-Man film series as well as on stage in the 2012 Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman. He interviews longtime friend and cover star Eddie Redmayne on page 88. How did you and Eddie meet? It was my first audition [while in drama school], and I was blessed he was my guardian for that. Eddie has to publish a book; his bad audition stories are some of the greatest. Did you have any concerns about interviewing your good friend? Because we know each other so well, any formality [would] feel immediately inauthentic. Do you and Eddie plan to work together again soon? We talk about it often. We want to do something on stage more than we want to mess about in front of the camera. Why is that? There’s a way to create community in theater that you can’t so much in film because, maybe, there’s just too much money involved.

Delia von Neuschatz is a former Manhattan attorney turned freelance writer and editor, whose work has appeared in New York Social Diary. She writes this issue’s feature “LinkedIn Royalty” on page 98. How did you research this piece? I conducted quite a few interviews, usually meeting the subjects at their offices or one of their favorite hangouts, and read up on their family histories. I very much enjoyed reading Bob Colacello’s Vanity Fair article about Chloe Crespi’s forebears, the überfashionable twin sisters Consuelo Crespi and Gloria Schiff. What surprised you during your research? I was pleasantly surprised by the approachability and openness of the interviewees and the unqualified enthusiasm they have for New York City. There were no airs whatsoever. What do you look forward to during the holiday season in the city? Indulging in the mulled wine at Rolf’s and looking at the holiday window displays.

Brooklyn-based Evan Sung is a food and lifestyle photographer, whose work appears regularly in The New York Times, Art Culinaire, and Vogue. He shot “Euro Exchange” at Drew Nieporent’s new restaurant Bâtard (page 77). How was it shooting at Bâtard? It’s rare when you’ve had the chance to see the restaurant in a previous incarnation [Corton]. The space has evolved into a completely different experience. What are a few of your go-to restaurants during the holidays? My family enjoys going out for dinner, but we always need places that can accommodate large groups, which can be tricky. A current favorite is Khe-Yo in Tribeca, which has great Laotian food and a fun atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with grilled meats at a Korean BBQ place like Wonjo in Koreatown—festive and delicious!

Massachusetts native Adrienne Gaffney is a freelance writer who began her career at Vanity Fair and has since contributed to The Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Billboard, and Nylon, among many other publications. Gaffney pens this issue’s “Concierge Confidential” on page 104. What interested you in writing this piece? Considering the list of hotels, I knew the concierges were going to be real experts with thoroughly researched recommendations and tips. Did you notice a difference between the types of suggestions made by concierges at established hotels versus the newer ones? Those who work at newer hotels were more likely to be dealing with guests looking to venture into Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan. What are your favorite NYC winter pastimes? When it snows I love to read a book at a diner and watch through the window. Also, my dog walks feel much more cheerful when the shops in my neighborhood are decorated with garlands and Christmas lights.

Born and raised in New York, Smith caught the eye of legendary photographer Herb Ritts, who convinced him to appear in a Gap campaign. Four years as Ritts’s assistant helped Smith hone his personal photographic style, and assignments for W, Vanity Fair, and Esquire soon followed. He photographs cover star Eddie Redmayne on page 88. Describe your experience shooting Eddie Redmayne. He is a guy who knows what he wants—a very fun subject, willing to try new things—so it didn’t feel like I was working. Tell us about the shoot. It was a kind of a run-and-gun situation, a mix of some studio stuff and finding cool spots around the neighborhood. I wanted to do a nice, tight portrait as he has such a unique face. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? To drink more during the week—I usually hold off until the weekends, but I think it’s time I start building up a tolerance.

32 gotham-magazine.com

PhotograPhy by ErnEsto ruscio/gEtty imagEs (garfiEld)

...without whom this issue would not have been possible

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the list December 2014/January 2015 Tamara Mellon

Bunny Williams

Laura Donnelly

Sonia Gardner

Paula Del Nunzio

Rosemonde Pierre-Louis

Anita Lo

Jill Schlesinger

Coco Rocha

Stella McCartney

Wes Gordon

Margo McNabb Nederlander

Stacey Bendet

Ian Schrager

Edie Parker

Bill Gates

Vivien Kronengold

Meryl Streep

Theo Wenner

Alessandra Ambrosio

Analeigh Tipton

James Franco

Jourdan Dunn

Virginie Courtin-Clarins

Yaz Hernández

Kenneth Chenault

Jennifer Cunningham

Sidney Toledano

Joe Sitt

Ruben Toledo

Vicky Ward

Deborah Grubman

Melissa Berman

Sir Paul McCartney

Paul Bettany

Cornelia Sharpe Bregman

Jacki Zehner

Jean Shafiroff

Steve Rattner

Patty Smyth

Paul Morelli

CeCe Black

Harry Macklowe

Allison Aston

Thomas Maier

Chip Bergh

Tony Yazbeck

Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler

Shauna Brook

Jun Takahashi

Jerome Dreyfuss

Shoshanna Gruss

Joseph Mimran

Preet Bharara

Clyde Alves

Eugenie Niven Goodman

Markham Roberts

Emma Stone

Jamie Drake

Robert Zimmerman

Arthur Elgort

Natalia Vodianova

Jay Armstrong Johnson

Jay Diamond

Padma Lakshmi

Benedict Cumberbatch

Jeff Koons

Justine Cushing

Joan Weill

Chris Martin

Frances McDormand

David Komansky

Arie Kopelman

Hilary Rhoda

Margaret Cuomo

Robert Caravaggi

Billy Paretti

Merryl Tisch

Mary Callahan Erdoes

Kamie Lightburn

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STYLE Tastemaker Miichael Kors sees the location of his new store as a perfect fashion nucleus, where “New Yorkers and people traveling from abroad are going to shop.”

BROADWAY BOUND Michael ors opens his largest store this month, in soho.

photography by Douglas FrieDman

By Kari Molvar

A quick check of Michael Kors’s robust Instagram feed confirms that the billionaire fashion designer is, well, everywhere: snapping a #selfless #selfie with Halle Berry for Watch Hunger Stop, taking part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the beach, and posing on the red carpet with Emmy Rossum. Kors will have a lot more to post for his 3 million Instagram followers this month when he debuts his largest store—an continued on page 38

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STYLE Tastemaker Michael Kors during the finale of his Spring/Summer 2015 runway show.

clockwise from above:

A rendering of Michael Kors’ new Soho boutique; the JetMaster chronograph ($395); MICHAEL Michael Kors Greenwich Grab Bag ($398).

enormous 22,000-squarefoot space—on lower Broadway in Soho, a part of town not exactly lacking for boutiques. But Kors sees the location as the perfect fashion nucleus, where both “New Yorkers and people traveling [here] from abroad are going to shop and discover new pieces.” No doubt his fans will have plenty to discover: The new store spans three floors, with one level devoted entirely to his rapidly expanding menswear line, which was

38 gotham-magazine.com

previously only available at such luxury department stores as Neiman Marcus. For busy Manhattanites, the store promises one-stop shopping at its luxe best. Kors designs clothing with the overscheduled customer very much in mind. He says men and women today want a wardrobe that won’t slow them down—and men in particular want “polished, casual pieces that can go easily from work to weekend.” Rattling off an itinerary that could easily

be his own, he says, “Everyone in New York is moving at the speed of light—they’re going from the gym to a board meeting to lunch with a client, dinner with friends, and then they’re hopping on a flight.” Kors’s Spring 2015 collections captured this need for speed. “For women, it’s all about sporty takes on romanticism—a lot of sunny shades and floral-inspired prints,” he explains. “It’s the idea of an American on the Amalfi Coast—neutrals

mixed with madras and plaid with pops of red and royal blue.” Think soft knits paired with full skirts for her, and sporty anoraks with button-ups for him. The genius of Kors is his ability to translate glamour into practical terms for those of us who don’t, in fact, live on yachts or travel on private jets, but want the casual chic of those who do. In Kors’s world, such looks often turn on accessories. “They’re the building blocks of a modern

wardrobe,” he says. For that reason, the Soho boutique will house plenty of these essentials, including his must-have sunglasses and sleek watches, which are currently trending big-time. Shoes continue to make his female customers swoon— and the new boutique will feature the largest selection yet. “All of the accessories I design become the exclamation points to how people dress,” he says. 520 Broadway; no phone at press time; michaelkors.com G

photography by peter Michael Dills (kors)

“EvEryonE in nEw york is moving at thE spEEd of light.”—michael kors

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STYLE Accessories HEAVY DUTY Bold metals and feminine crystals create the perfect contrast. Lanvin Dahomar snake link and crystal necklace, Lanvin ($3,990). 815 Madison Ave., 646-439-0380; lanvin.com. Embellished sleeve with removable leather glove, Rochas (price on request). rochas.com.

All thAt Glitters WINTER ACCESSORIES DAZZLE AND SHINE LIKE NEW YORK’S NIGHTTIME SKYLINE.

ProP styling by brenda barr for Mark edward inc.; Manicurist: kiyo okada at garren new york for chanel le Vernis; Model: christina aMbers

photography by bill diodato styling by faye power

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2 ICED BLUES

GILDED GLOVES

Silver accents shimmer against cool winter tones.

Vintage-style embellishment adds a whimsical touch to luxe leathers.

GOLDEN RULE

SHINE ON

Sparkling gems and precious metal give evening bags a new glow.

Glittering crystal glams up the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must-haves.

1. Emerald, pearl, and rhinestone Bubble necklace in brass, Balenciaga ($4,950). 148 Mercer St., 212-206-0872; balenciaga.com. Hangisi pump, Manolo Blahnik ($965). 31 W. 54th St., 212-582-3007; manoloblahnik.com. 2. Leather embellished gloves, Dolce & Gabbana ($3,995). 717 Fifth Ave., 212-897-9653; dolcegabbana.com. 3. Faceted floral and pearl embroidered box clutch, Marchesa ($2,495). Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., 212-753-4000; saks.com. Crystal feather necklace, Oscar de la Renta ($1,195). 772 Madison Ave., 212-288-5810; oscardelarenta.com. 4. Green crystal open Horsebit bracelets ($1,650 each) and green crystal closed Horsebit bracelets ($1,350 each), Gucci. 725 Fifth Ave., 212-826-2600; gucci.com. Metal and crystal floral minaudiĂ¨re, Ralph Lauren Collection ($4,500). 888 Madison Ave., 212-434-8000; ralphlauren.com

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STYLE Spotlight arm candy

IN THE BAG

// DESIGNER DAZZLE // 1

This season Vince debuts its first line of women’s handbags, in an array of minimalist options. Highlights include totes, cross-bodies, and medium-size clutches, in colors ranging from ocean to rhubarb to modern black and white. 16 Prince St., 212-343-1945; vince.com

J’DORE DIOR

A modernized version of Christian Dior’s Avenue Montaigne ﬂagship in Paris is now open, and is sure to appeal to New York’s fashion-forward shoppers. The lofty, contemporary space in Soho pays homage to the art world with accessories—from bags to sunglasses—displayed alongside works by artists like Anna Barribal, while a metal-link curtain installation makes an edgy backdrop for the ready-to-wear collections. 105 Greene St., 646-613-7013; dior.com

profile

LOUIS VUITTON PARTNERS WITH LEGENDARY DESIGNERS FOR ITS CELEBRATING MONOGRAM COLLECTION. In recognition of Louis Vuitton’s 160th anniversary, six design legends have teamed with the brand to create the Celebrating Monogram collection. Christian Louboutin, Karl Lagerfeld, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Marc Newson, and Rei Kawakubo each brought their signature style to a series of handcrafted pieces, which range from Kawakubo’s “bag with holes” to Lagerfeld’s boxing set, complete with a handbag shaped like a miniature punching bag and a limited-edition trunk to house a full-size one. Christian Louboutin said of his collaboration, “The bag had to be a combination of two DNAs: my own and Louis Vuitton’s.” 1 E. 57th St., 212-758-8877; louisvuitton.com

// holiday shine //

UNION

Alexander McQueen ($1,995). 747 Madison Ave., 212-229-1546; alexandermcqueen.com

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

UARES

Diane von Furstenberg ($398). 874 Washington St., 212-741-6607; dvf.com

NEW IN TOWN FINE JEWELER PAUL MORELLI IS OPENING HIS FIRST NEW YORK CITY BOUTIQUE ON MADISON AVENUE. THE SON OF A NOTED BROADWAY COSTUMER, MORELLI DREW ON A HERITAGE OF FINE CR AFTSMANSHIP TO CREATE HIS MODERN, FEMININE PIECES. 895 MADISON AVE., 212-585-4200; PAULMORELLI.COM

EMERALD CITY

Jimmy Choo’s limited-edition, bejeweled-shoe Vices collection is hitting the pavement this season. “The emerald brought to mind the energy, hope, growth, and renewal of New York and the optimism of the people who go there to follow their dreams,” says Creative Director Sandra Choi. 645 Fifth Ave., 212-593-0800; jimmychoo.com

Labyrinth bracelet (price on request).

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX with these Deco-inspired delights.

Marchesa (price on request). Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., 212-753-4000; saks.com

Roger Vivier ($2,250). 750 Madison Ave., 212-861-5371; rogervivier.com

Chanel (price on request). 737 Madison Ave., 212-535-5505; chanel.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN PELOU (DIOR); THOMAS WIEDENHOFER (JIMMY CHOO)

Getting Personal

Our FIne Jewelry COlleCtIOn, FOund exClusIvely at:

653 eaGle rOCK avenue Pleasantdale Center WEST ORANGE, NJ 973.731.3155 SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUE 696 FIFth avenue NEW YORK, NY

Petal

SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUE COlumbus CIrCle NEW YORK, NY

SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUE Penn Plaza NEW YORK, NY

SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUE staten Island mall STATEN ISlANd, NY

SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUE rOOsevelt FIeld mall GARdEN CITY, NY

SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUE wIllOwbrOOK mall WAYNE, NJ

SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUE the mall at shOrt hIlls ShORT hIllS, NJ

Inspired by the unique foral textures and delicate touch of nature’s petals.

style you, even Better “Skin typeS are claSSified by the erno laSzlo clocking SyStem, which iS unique to the brand.” — rochelle weitzner

The Erno Laszlo Institute on West Broadway in Soho.

Longtime ceLebrity favorite Erno LaszLo thrives in soho with a new a-List cLienteLe. by christina clemente For more than 85 years, Dr. Erno Laszlo has provided skincare to such world-renowned celebrities as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Jacqueline Onassis. More recently, A-listers like Brooke Shields, Nicole Kidman, and Sting have turned to Laszlo to keep their complexions camera-ready. When Laszlo died in 1973, his famous members-only Institute at 677 Fifth Avenue closed, opening nearly 40 years later (2012) in a far different locale, Soho. Here, CEO Rochelle Weitzner talks about her company’s storied past, its current operation, and a new product launch. Why did Erno Laszlo reopen The Institute? The Institute has been such a core part of the brand. We wanted to have a place for that personalized, bespoke service our customers look for. What does your line offer that’s different and new? In March we came out with the Transphuse Rapid Renewal Cell Protocol. It prevents progerin, a natural toxin found in the body, from being absorbed into skin cells. What happens if cells can’t absorb this toxin? They can’t age. Upon joining The Institute, what is the assessment process like? Skin types are classified by the Erno Laszlo clocking system, which is unique to the brand. “AM” hours indicate “minus” complexions that lack hydration, while “PM” hours indicate “plus” complexions that

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produce too much oil. Noon is the perfect and balanced complexion. All treatments are available to members at no additional cost and are tailored to the individual’s skin type. Microdermabrasion, peels, LED light therapy, and radio frequency heat treatments are just some of the options available. Has your famous black soap (immortalized in Annie Hall) changed over the years? There have been very small changes to the formulation. It’s still largely made with mud from the Dead Sea in Israel. Tell us about your celebrity memorabilia. We have a series of letters between Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Dr. Laszlo. One of her letters read: “My dear Dr. Laszlo, I’m sorry I haven’t been in to see you in a while. I wanted to let you know the acne on John’s back is acting up again. I know you don’t usually make house calls, but in case you didn’t know, John is now the president and I was wondering if maybe you could make an exception.” Dr. Laszlo wrote her back: “My dear Jackie, It’s lovely to hear from you. Of course I miss seeing you. I’m sorry to hear that John’s acne is acting up again. However, as you know, I don’t make house calls. Love, Dr. Laszlo.” Membership is required for treatment. Programs run from $5,000 to $8,500 per year. 382 West Broadway, 212-300-4111; ernolaszlo.com G

CHECKING IN

Top Manhattan hotels offer some of the best skincare treatments in town. PLaza aTHénéE: Spa Valmont recently

debuted the Time Master Sublimating Program, a 90-minute treatment designed to help New Yorkers unwind with a full-body cleanse and antiaging facial using top products from its collection, including the Botox-like Prime AWF. 37 E. 64th St., 212-6064675; plaza-athenee.com THE PEnInsULa: To improve skin dam-

aged by the environment, the Peninsula Spa offers the ESPA Refning Enzyme Facial, a deep-cleansing treatment that includes a fruit enzyme mask and facial massage. 700 Fifth Ave., 212-9033910; newyork.peninsula.com THE RITz-CaRLTon, CEnTRaL PaRk: The Caviar Luxury Treatment at the

La Prairie spa begins with a 60-minute massage followed by a 90-minute caviar extract facial and eye-lift treatment using Skin Caviar Luxe creams and massage techniques. 50 Central Park South, 212-5216135; ritzcarlton.com

photography by arthur belebeau/trunk archive (woman); marco ricca (spa valmont); courtesy of la prairie (ritz-carlton spa)

Beauty Revisited

STYLE Time Honored

Sparkle plenty

New Yorkers iN search of gifts that dazzle turN to luxurY watchmakers for heirloom-qualitY diamoNd timepieces. by roberta naas photography by jeff crawford

Among the most eye-catching watches for women are those bedecked with diamonds. These objets d’art don’t merely track the time, they also offer extraordinary beauty and craftsmanship—and these heirloom-quality pieces will keep their value for generations to come. The first timepieces dressed in diamonds appeared in the 16th century, most likely as a reaction to John Calvin’s ban on jewelry in Geneva. To save their businesses, many gem setters and goldsmiths combined their craft with that of clockmakers (since clocks, as practical devices, were still permitted) and adorned timepieces with elaborate diamond and gemstone detailing. Within a few years, pocket watches were transformed into wearable works of art. Over time, these watches have become ever more extravagant, featuring a host of different diamond settings, shapes, and cuts. This holiday season your wrist can shine as brightly as the Fifth Avenue snowflake. For more watch features and expanded coverage go to gothammagazine.com/watches. G

this Classic Butterfly watch (price on request) is meticulously set with 11.3 carats of diamonds on the dial and case and features a black satin strap. At 12:00 and 6:00, four fancy-cut pear-shaped diamonds form the likeness of a butterfly. A single emerald triangle—Graff’s signature—sits at 12:00. Just 300 pieces will be made. 710 Madison Ave., 212355-9292; graffdiamonds.com The Breguet Reine de Naples watch ($267,200) features a multi-row bracelet of Akoya pearls from Tahiti. The unusually shaped case is crafted in 18k white gold

46 gotham-magazine.com

and set with 76 baguette diamonds weighing approximately 6.06 carats. Another 42 baguette diamonds weighing 2.77 carats form the inner chapter ring of this self-winding watch. 711 Fifth Ave., 646-692-6469; breguet.com This de Grisogono Sugar S12 jeweled watch ($158,900) is crafted in 18k white gold with a stingray strap. The case is set with 476 diamonds, some of which dangle from the side and bottom and move with the wearer. The dial is set with another 226 diamonds, and the folding clasp with 141 diamonds. 824 Madison Ave., 212-439-4220; degrisogono.com

styling by terry lewis

from top: From Graff Diamonds,

SOSH Unexpected Solutions

ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS

145 W 57th Street New York, New York 212.246.2770 Atlantic City, NewJersey 609.345.5222

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STYLE Social Network “I have a clutch [from edIe Parker] wIth my socIal medIa handle on It. It’s better than a busIness card!” —hayley bloomingdale

clockwise from left: Moda Operandi’s Haley Bloomingdale; a chic box clutch from Edie Parker; artful blooms designed by Taylor Tomasi Hill.

Cyber ChiCster

As editorial and social media manager for Moda Operandi, Hayley Bloomingdale helps shape the cyber image for the closely followed fashion site, founded by überstyle maven Lauren Santo Domingo. Fashion is in Bloomingdale’s genes—her grandmother, Betsy, a noted philanthropist, is in the International Best-Dressed List Hall of Fame, and her grandfather, Alfred, was heir to the Bloomingdale’s department store fortune. Here, the West Coast native, who worked for DVF, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch before joining MO, shares her East Coast shopping haunts. When a fashion pro looks for interior inspiration, where does she go? In Bloomingdale’s case,

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Schoolhouse Electric (27 Vestry St., 212-226-6113; schoolhouseelectric.com), because “they have the best vintageinspired furniture, neat trinkets, and gadgets for easy apartment updates. I just picked up a few vintage lamps, and I have my eye on its clocks.” Now that she’s a New Yorker, Bloomingdale says one of her favorite items is a hand-drawn map of the city “highlighting all the different neighborhoods I’ve lived in—the East Village, Greenwich Village, Upper East Side, and Chelsea.” When she needs flowers for a dinner party, she counts on friend Taylor Tomasi Hill, whose TTH Blooms (@TTHBlooms) has become the go-to florist for the It girl set. “I

use TTH Blooms mainly for gifts, though her event blooms are spectacular, too,” she says. “I trust whatever Taylor chooses. She’s an expert with all things visual, and flowers are no exception.” A serious bibliophile, Bloomingdale likes to pop into 192 Books (192 10th Ave., 212-255-4022; 192books.com) in Chelsea. “I love nothing more than a new book,” she says. “192 Books always has the best mix—from the latest must-read to a gorgeous coffee-table book that you might miss when shopping online.” When it comes to fashion, Bloomingdale, of course, goes to Moda Operandi (moda operandi.com). She says she “loves to wait for my

preordered [straight from the runway] items to arrive,” but “satisfies a need for a quick fix with the boutique,” which has shop-now pieces. She also turns to friend Laura Vassar, who with her husband, Kris, an expert tailor, has created a fashion line called Brock Collection (brocknewyork.com). “They make the most amazing flowy tops, fitted bomber jackets, and date dresses,” says Bloomingdale. “And Kris can fix any ill-fitting dress in seconds.” For accessories, Bloomingdale relies on New York brand Edie Parker (Kirna Zabête, 477 Broome St.,212-9419656; edie-parker.com), whose bespoke clutches are popular with her crowd. “I have one

with my social media handle, @hayleybloom, on it,” she says. “It’s better than a business card!” When in need of a caffeine boost, Bloomingdale heads to Happy Bones (394 Broome St., 212-673-3754; happybones nyc.com), where she likes to drink cappuccino “in-store if I have time, because they have beautiful little tortoiseshell spoons.” She likes The East Pole (133 E. 65th St., 212-2492222; theeastpolenyc.com) for its coziness. In terms of staying fit, Bloomingdale heads to Hudson River Park “for either a morning run or a bike ride home from work.” As a native Californian, she says, “It’s nice to be near the water for a few minutes every day.” G

photography by Kava gorna (bloomingdale)

Hayley Bloomingdale, the social media guru for moda operandi, takes us on a tour of her favorite brick-and-mortar spots. by lauren finney

Private, Dazzling, Magical Opening Spring 2015

Style Fashion Conscience

Enduring Luxury as high-end fashion houses focus increasingly on sustainability, Loro Piana is decidedly—and beautifully—on course.

We’ve just set sail off the British Virgin Islands with the official Loro Piana race crew during the 2014 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous. Pier Luigi Loro Piana, vice chairman of the Italian textile and luxury goods brand, and Matthieu Brisset, Loro Piana’s new CEO from LVMH, huddle near the massive helm, strategizing with top sailors from around the globe. Dressed as one of the crew, Pier Luigi, 63, grins. “Jazz and sailing are my passions,” he says, “besides wool and cashmere.” Discussing his decision to sell a majority of his family business to LVMH—the European luxury conglomerate acquired an 80 percent stake in Loro Piana in July 2013 for 2 billion euros (about $2.6 billion)—Pier Luigi, who remains hands-on, is quick to smile. He feels his company is tacking in the right direction. And although he may sail the largest yachts in the ocean, he can also be found in a dinghy scouring the far reaches of the earth for the kinds of exquisite textiles his customers associate with his brand. His latest gem, the fiber of the lotus flower, is a front-runner in the company’s evolving commitment to sustainable luxury—a buzzword among top-tier brands vying for the attention of a discerning clientele, one that increasingly prioritizes a social conscience. According to a recent study published by the World Jewellery Confederation, luxury brands may lose business if they fail to emphasize corporate and social responsibility (CSR). Jonathan Kendall, the confederation’s president of marketing and education, notes, “Corporate responsibility will be directly linked to a luxury company’s profitability in the future.” The 2013 Cone Communications/Echo Global Study on CSR found that nine out of 10 global consumers want companies to exceed the minimal standards required by law for operating responsibly. “We are looking for quality—that strategy will never change,” Pier Luigi explains, “but with the mentality to respect the environment in how we produce and manufacture. This is very important—to do less damage to this world.” THE CALL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP Established in 1924 by Pietro Loro Piana—yet with origins dating back to 1812 with the vision of Pier Luigi’s greatgrandfather Giacomo Loro Piana—the company was the first to brand and label a textile, during the late 1800s. “We were known for making good, thick woolen coats—and high-quality fabric, particularly for men,” says Pier Luigi. “After World War II, [my father] made a strategic change, with products for both men and women.” Pier Luigi and his brother, Siergo, took over in the 1970s and began exporting fabrics—with the mantra of continuing a multigenerational commitment to high-quality craftsmanship—and today the Italian house is the world’s largest cashmere manufacturer and the biggest single purchaser of the globe’s finest wools, with 150 retail outlets, 16 of them in the United States, including one in New York City.

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from top:

The stalk of the lotus flower produces a strong and lightweight fiber that is harvested and extracted by hand; the Lotus Flower jacket; workers at Loro Piana’s Sillavengo factory, in Piedmont, Italy, testing fabric elasticity.

Unlike brands that outsource steps in production, Loro Piana’s sheep-toshop process allows for tight quality control. At its group headquarters on Corso Rolandi in Quarona, Italy, one will find artists with tweezers working over swaths of cashmere, while huge, high-tech machines support a large-scale modern operation, as the six-generation brand remains rooted in its dedication to high-quality craftsmanship. “In the ’80s we invested in a lot of new technology,” Pier Luigi says, “but the machinery can do nothing without people who can manage it, and sometimes perfection is still guaranteed by the fine mending made by hand.”

photography by bruna rotunno, courtesy of Loro piana (farmer); andy barnham (factory)

by erin Lentz

“Machinery can do nothing without people who can Manage it.” —pier luigi loro piana

Managers and office staff of Loro Piana predecessor Fratelli Lora and Company woolen mill, in Valsesia, Italy, in the late 1800s.

Loro Piana’s sheepto-shop production allows for tight quality control.

GLOBAL GOODS, ANCIENT GOODS Traveling with a small circle of two to three trusted researchers, Pier Luigi frequently leads international trips to uncover new materials. “It’s important that somebody who wants to judge new products has a deep knowledge of the raw material,” he explains. Much of the fabric used in the brand’s most coveted pieces comes from the vicuña, a South American relative of the llama. Due to poaching, at one point only 5,000 vicuña remained. In the 1980s, Loro Piana began working with local governments to safeguard the animal, and in 2008 it established the nature reserve Dr. Franco Loro Piana Reserva (named after the founder’s nephew). Today, the vicuña head count is approximately 180,000. Loro Piana is the top producer of vicuña, considered the finest fiber that can be legally culled from an adult animal. Only 12.5 to 13 microns thick, the resulting wool is incomparable in softness and quality. But it is an ancient natural fiber once utilized for handcrafted monks’ garments and sacred to the Buddha that is Pier Luigi’s latest preoccupation—and with good reason. “An old friend of mine, Choichiro Motoyama, gave me a piece of fabric made in Myanmar. He said, ‘This is from the lotus flower.’ I touched it, and it was different than anything else; it looks like raw silk, has the shine of a linen, but it’s soft.” Immediately smitten, Pier Luigi decided to fast-track production, and in 2010 he contracted with the local community to produce the lotus-flower fiber. “This fabric is the greenest textile fabric of the world,” he notes. “There is no electricity involved, no

engine that works on the machinery, nothing.” The stems of the aquatic plant produce an extremely fine raw material akin to linen and raw silk. But it has to be hand-worked on wooden looms; from the moment the flowers are destemmed, the filaments must be extracted within 24 hours or the material is no longer usable. It takes 6,500 stems to obtain a little over four yards of the breathable, light-as-air yarn needed for a single cut length of a blazer. The production supports an ancient art and economy in jeopardy. “We will not lose this tradition, which was ready to die,” Pier Luigi says. Given this hands-on approach, a limited number of blazers are produced each year. Packaged in a beautiful, handcrafted lacquer box, the Lotus Flower Jacket—available only in its natural ecru color—is custom priced, and limited-cut lengths are available for made-to-order blazers.

10 principles in the fields of human rights, labor, and the environment. “Quality is the prime character of everything we do,” Pier Luigi says. “We’ve built a consciousness that high quality is related to natural fibers.” By “quality,” he refers to unparalleled texture, color, refinement—and the avoidance of a detrimental impact on the environment. “If you put a jacket of wool under the dirt, it will die. The nylon jacket never dies.” 748 Madison Ave., 212-980-7961; loropiana.com G

A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY To some, the merger of Loro Piana with LVMH, which also owns prestigious brands such as Veuve Clicquot, TAG Heuer, Dom Pérignon, Céline, Loewe, and Givenchy, was a surprising move. For Pier Luigi, however, it made perfect sense. “The group has the know-how, the system, management, and the potential to continue and develop the strategy Loro Piana already put in place,” he says. “That’s why we selected LVMH for the future of the company.” LVMH is also a committed advocate of environmental protection and a member of the United Nations Global Compact, which requires its signatories to apply and promote

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Let’s defeat breast cancer.

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CULTURE Hottest Ticket

cosmic love

Ja e Gyllenhaal makes his Broadway deBut in Constellations, a new and nerdy riff on romance.

photography by armando gallo/retna ltd./Corbis

by patrick pacheco

“I look for something in the story that offers love in a more complicated way,” actor Jake Gyllenhaal (Prisoners, Brokeback Mountain) has said of the roles he likes to play. And he certainly has found that for his first turn on Broadway, starring in Nick Payne’s new play, Constellations. Quantum physics has rarely qualified as an aphrodisiac. But Roland, the beekeeper portrayed by Gyllenhaal, can hardly contain his ardor when Marianne, played by Ruth Wilson, who toils as a scientist in the arcane field, tries to boil down what she calls “a byproduct” of her study of string theory for him: The possibility that we exist in a “multiverse,” where “at any given moment several outcomes can coexist simultaneously,” Wilson’s character says. “Every choice, every decision you’ve ever and never made exists in an unimaginably vast ensemble of parallel universes.” To which the earthbound Roland, between kisses, can only reply, “This is genuinely turning me on.” In a quick succession of scenes in the two-character tragicomedy—an import from London’s Royal Court Theatre—Payne tests the theory by rendering their romantic relationship through a multitude of permutations and riffs on the limitless potential found in first encounters and free will. It’s easy to understand why Gyllenhaal and Wilson, who are both making their Broadway debuts, considered it a no-brainer to take on the challenges of Constellations. When the drama premiered at the Royal Court in 2012, the London critics were captivated by its ability to balance intellectual rigor with the blessings of a love affair. Payne said that the impetus for the play came as a result of his father’s death. “I was interested in a multiverse keeping alive people one misses, the idea that death or a loss in this universe doesn’t have to be displayed in all the other universes.” There are other autobiographical elements, too. The recently married Payne (his wife is theater administrator Minna Sharpe) admits to being “a bit of a romantic,” but can’t say whether their relationship was ordained by chance or will. At one point in the play Gyllenhaal’s beekeeper muses, “If only we could understand why it is that we’re here and what it is that we’re meant to spend our lives doing. I am uncertain when it comes to a great many things. But there is now one thing that I am definitely certain of.” Payne explains the passage, “I would say that is probably the nearest someone gets to articulating how I feel about my wife.” In this universe, he might well have added. Previews for Constellations start December 16 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. 261 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; manhattan theaterclub.com G

Buzzworthy: Jake Gyllenhaal plays a romantic beekeeper in Nick Payne’s new play, Constellations.

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culture Art Full The Immersion Room was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Local Projects.

Virtual Visuals

While many museums post signs that say, “please don’t touch!” the new Cooper Hewitt, opening after three years of renovation on December 12, leaps into the 21st century, urging visitors not only to touch, but also to draw, design, and save with interactive technologies. Complete with a new name— Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum—the facility offers four floors of curated exhibits that draw on 30 centuries of historic and contemporary design, including cutting-edge immersive technology that allows visitors to alter the way they view the museum’s collection. Using a specially designed electronic pen, loaned at admission, visitors can now explore the Cooper Hewitt collection virtually. For example, in the Immersion Room on the new second floor, the pen provides access to the museum’s vast collection of wall coverings and can project designs onto the room’s blank walls, expanding or contracting the scale. Elsewhere, visitors will be able to design on-screen displays to help them better research the collection. Draw the shape of a vase, for instance, and the computer will retrieve items with similar shapes. The pen also allows visitors to create personal “catalogs” of information and images viewed during their visit that can be reviewed later at home by accessing a unique URL.

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by suzanne charlé

“We’re really taking the dust off the place and making it an exciting destination,” says director Caroline Baumann of the museum founded in 1897 by Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, who modeled it after Paris’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The dusting off is important: Paula Scher, one of the city’s bestknown designers and a partner at Pentagram, whose firm created the museum’s new graphic identity, says that when she came to New York, she thought of Cooper Hewitt as just “a place with silver spoons. The redesign is the final move forward,” notes Scher, a frequent speaker at the museum and the winner of its coveted National Design Award. “This is walking into the future.” While most of the exhibition spaces are distinctively modern, the restoration makes the most of the Carnegie mansion, built during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century. The grand entrance and stairway have been painstakingly restored, as has the former family library, one of the last rooms designed by Lockwood de Forest—a key figure in interior design at the time (besides Carnegie, Mark Twain was also a client). An added bonus: In the morning, the café, gardens (landscaped by Hood Design), and shop (designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro) are all open to the public (no admission ticket required). 2 E. 91st St., 212-849-8400; cooperhewitt.org G

photography Courtesy of Cooper hewitt

The Cooper Hewitt geTs a jazzy 21sT-cenTury updaTe.

212.269.2323 | www.MasterpieceCaterers.com

CULTURE Spotlight // NIGHT WATCH // 1

images

FACE UP

CELEBRATE THE LONGEST NIGHT AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST CATHEDRAL. Looking for an alternative to Handel’s “Messiah” this holiday season? Head uptown to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights for its annual Winter Solstice Concert. Led by the Paul Winter Consort, the multimedia performance draws on ancient traditions that herald the return of the sun after the longest night of the year. Skeptics may scoff at the New Age, multi-culti vibe, but we dare you to keep a smile off your face as Theresa Thomason belts gospel tunes and the giant earth ball soars to the ceiling of the spectacular Byzantine cathedral. December 18 and 19 at 8 PM, December 20 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM. 1047 Amsterdam Ave.; solsticeconcert.com

The book Portraits is available at the MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring St., 646-613-1367; momastore.org.

Downtown Diva

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Turner Prize–winning artist Douglas Gordon joins forces with acclaimed pianist Hélène Grimaud for Tears become… streams become at the Park Avenue Armory. From December 9 to January 4, 2015, the Wade Thompson Drill Hall will be transformed into a shimmering pool of water, creating a dreamlike setting for Grimaud’s performance with music by Debussy, Ravel, Liszt, and others. Concerts December 9–21. 643 Park Ave., 212-616-3930; armoryonpark.org

DANCE, DANCE REVOLUTION

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater launches its winter season at New York City Center in early December. Highlights include the premiere of Odetta, a tribute to folk singer and civil rights activist Odetta Holmes, and the return of perennial favorite Revelations, which celebrates the AfricanAmerican spirit. December 3–January 4, 2015. 131 W. 55th St., 212-581-1212; alvinailey.org

COMEDY LEGEND SANDRA BERNHARD returns to Joe’s Pub for New Year’s Eve.

For a glamorous New Year’s Eve spiked with downtown grit, see Sandra Bernhard is #blessed, at Joe’s Pub. Known for her biting comedic style, the ever-outrageous Bernhard is also a charismatic singer, and her cabaretstyle New Year’s Eve show—which has

WATER MUSIC

been selling out Joe’s Pub for several years—includes stand-up comedy, rock ’n’ roll, and burlesque, backed by her band, the Flawless Zircons. Her storied career included playing a stalker in Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy, countless TV appearances

(including a recurring role on Roseanne as one of the first openly gay characters on prime-time television), a dozen albums, and solo shows that have gone to Broadway and Off-Broadway. December 26–31. 425 Lafayette St., 212967-7555; joespub.publictheater.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA DORSETT (SOLSTICE CONCERT); COURTESY OF TENEUES © 2014 MARTIN SCHOELLER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (PORTRAITS); JAMES EWING (PARK AVENUE ARMORY); PAUL KOLNIK (ALVIN AILEY); SANDRA BERNHARD (BERNHARD)

Divine Intervention

in the spirit

The new book Portraits (teNeues; $125) and an accompanying exhibition at the Hasted Kraeutler gallery celebrate the photographer Martin Schoeller, whose work has appeared in the The New Yorker and Rolling Stone, and the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Schoeller began his career as Annie Liebovitz’s photography assistant, and since then he has captured some of the most famous faces of our day, including President Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie, Jack Nicholson, and George Clooney (PICTURED). Through January 3 at Hasted Kraeutler, 537 W. 24th St., 212-627-0006; hasted kraeutler.com

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people View from the Top Geoffrey Zakarian outside The Plaza. He just revamped The Palm Court and will open a reimagined Oak Room in 2015.

Landmark Chef Geoffrey Za arian, maestro of buzzy hotel restaurants, undertakes his biggest project yet—overhauling the plaza’s world-famous eateries. by mark ellwood photography by gregg delman

Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian may owe his entire career to one man’s ham-fistedness. In 1982, freshly graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, he walked into Le Cirque, at that time the most prestigious restaurant in Manhattan, and offered to work gratis. He quickly joined the line of grunts doing prep work until “a chef in the pastry department had an accident with his hand,” Zakarian recalls, “and I had to jump in and help.” Five years later, he was the storied restaurant’s chef de cuisine, a launchpad for a three-decade career as one of the city’s most popular (and debonair) chef-mogul-restaurateur-television personalities. continued on page 60

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people View from the Top

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financial savvy that’s rare among food entrepreneurs, and it helped him survive this period. He’s still wary of overextending himself. “I turn down a lot—maybe nine out of 10 things that come my way. They’re like beautiful blondes at the bar—very tempting, but you’re smart to turn them down.” He couldn’t resist the opportunity at The Plaza, though—especially as it included not only The Palm Court but also the long-shuttered Oak Room, one of New York’s most beloved bistros and a sentimental favorite. “I remember it from 1981, when I first moved here, when you could go in and smoke cigars and have a Scotch,” he says. “But the former owners treated it like a disco—it was terrible.” Zakarian intends to restore the space to its “golden era” glory, albeit with a contemporary edge, again in partnership with designer Despont. Early next year the Oak Room will reopen as an American brasserie serving lunch and dinner daily, aiming to be the same hangout for today’s 20-somethings as it was in its glittery heyday. Millennials, he says, are looking for less formality. “There’s a change in the way they socialize—bigger gatherings, smaller amount of food, a larger variety of cocktails, a bit more of the It factor. They want a place to hang, plug in, and stay for six hours.” To encourage that new customer to enjoy both the Oak Room and The Palm Court, he’s nixed one of the hotel’s strangest rules: No longer will security guards hiss, ‘No photographs!’ when a guest tries to Instagram a snap of the interiors. “I don’t know who put that rule there. It’s crazy,” he laughs. “Now you can do whatever you want. Well, as long as you’re having tea.” 768 Fifth Ave., 212-759-3000; theplazany.com G

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Geoffrey Zakarian dishes about the business of food, culinary haunts, and holiday musts. FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: “Find an incredible chef

who knows food and has leadership and fnancial skills.” ON WORKING WITH A SPOUSE: “I’m very fortunate

because I’m responsible for the creative—selling the dream. My wife runs the branding side of the business, so she takes a huge amount of the whiplash.” FAVORITE NEW YORK EATERIES (BESIDES HIS OWN): “Bond St (6 Bond St., 212-777-2500; bond

restaurant.com); the food is really good, much better than most people realize. To splurge, I go to Masa (10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9800; masanyc.com) and sit at the bar, then let Masa Takayama make whatever he wants.” HOLIDAYS IN THE CITY: “I like to attend the tree-

from top:

Geoffrey Zakarian at The Palm Court; The Rose Club at The Plaza; with wife Margaret, who handles branding for his businesses.

lighting [at Rockefeller Center], make hot chocolate at home, and take my children ice skating. I also enjoy a holiday cocktail at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle (35 E. 74th St., 212-744-1699; carlyle.com). A carriage ride in the park is so corny, but it’s magical.” LOCAVORE MUST: “Union Square Greenmarket. There are so many wonderful local purveyors, like Eckerton Hill Farm (610-987-0090; eckertonhillfarm.com) for tomatoes.”

photography by Matt gillis (geoffrey and Margaret Zakarian)

His latest project is perhaps the most daunting: reimagining—and relaunching—the entire food and beverage program at the iconic Plaza hotel, a process he likens to “flying a 747 at 34,000 feet and someone asking you to redecorate it while it’s up in the air, so it looks different when it lands than when it took off.” First, he completely reconceived The Palm Court with the help of designer Thierry Despont: No longer just a fusty spot for afternoon tea, it’s now a day-through-night operation serving breakfast, cocktails, and, yes, some finger food, “though these are not your grandma’s cucumber sandwiches,” Zakarian promises. For example, he explains, the New Yorker tea includes mini lobster rolls, Reubens, and pastrami sandwiches. Also new is an oval bar at the room’s center, where drinks and snacks are offered every evening. (Martini service, however, will be old-school, he says delightedly, with waiters shaking or stirring tableside from carts.) Though he’s already well versed in tackling a landmark after opening The Lambs Club restaurant at Midtown’s Chatwal hotel in the fall of 2010, even Zakarian was flummoxed by the complexities of the approvals he needed to secure before making any material changes to The Plaza’s footprint, such as adding that oval bar. “You’re at the complete mercy of the Landmarks Commission, which might say, ‘That chair is not historic,’ he explains. “Fortunately, we have the ability to wait it out and do things right.” The Palm Court is likely to succeed for more reasons than cash or connections. Building buzzy restaurants inside hotels has become Zakarian’s signature since he ditched his comfy perch at Le Cirque in 1987 to become executive chef at 21, then teamed up with newbie hotelier Ian Schrager for a space called 44 in the lobby of the Royalton hotel. “Everybody told me it was a big mistake,” he recalls. “But Ian knew how to create environments, that it wasn’t just about the food, but creating the vibe with great lighting and quirky music.” The Royalton was the beginning of what is now almost a two-decade-long partnership with Schrager, which includes opening the restaurant Blue Door in Miami Beach. South Beach remains about as farflung a spot as Zakarian, a proud New Yorker, would tackle today. “I don’t want to be more than two hours from my family, so I try not to take projects off the East Coast—Tampa, Washington, Boston. Some chefs have wanderlust. Me? I have no interest in doing that, except for vacation.” (Zakarian’s work is a family affair. His wife, Margaret, a former marketing executive, helps him with the branding side of his businesses.) Zakarian’s next major hit was the restaurant Town, inside the Chambers hotel—though it weathered a tough start, opening just before 9/11. “People were emotionally quiet, but they were drinking like it was the end of the world,” Zakarian recalls. Fortunately, the onetime economics major (he studied at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and Worcester State University before the Culinary Institute) has a

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PEOPLE Talent Patrol CITY BEAT

Jake McDorman explores his new hometown. ON THE MOVE:

BRUNCH TIME:

“I love running over the Williamsburg Bridge.” (From Manhattan, enter at Clinton and Delancey; in Brooklyn, at Berry Street— and make sure to stay in the pedestrian lane.)

“I like Freemans. My girlfriend, Analeigh [Tipton], lives nearby, so we go a lot. We had brunch there yesterday.” 191 Chrystie St., 212-420-0012; freemans restaurant.com

STAYING IN SHAPE:

TAKING IN THE CITY:

“Equinox in Soho. It’s a cool little area and close enough to my apartment that I can run there.” 69 Prince St., 212334-4631; equinox.com

“Central Park can’t be beat. [In the summer] Analeigh and I explored it as the sun went down and all the frefies came out. It was amazing.”

A NEW HEARTTHROB

In ClInt Eastwood’s AmericAn Sniper, Ja e McDorMan takEs on thE most ChallEngIng rolE of hIs CarEEr. by jennifer ashley wright

Jake McDorman is exactly the kind of funny, self-effacing 28-year-old you might expect from his role in Manhattan Love Story. A recent transplant to the city, he says that after moving here, like many newbies, “I immediately locked myself out of my apartment [when I had] Chinese food delivered. I was stuck eating it on the stoop.” But he’s learned to survive by his wits, like any true New Yorker: Shortly after, when he locked himself out on his building’s roof, he leapt to the next building to get down its stairwell. McDorman’s talk turns more serious when discussing his new role in Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, a film based on Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s autobiography of the same name. The film centers on the military career of Kyle

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(Bradley Cooper), the record-holding sniper in US military history (with 160 kills), who served four tours in Iraq. In preparation to play Ryan Job, a fellow SEAL and Kyle’s friend, McDorman kept up a correspondence with Job’s widow, Kelly, which helped him gain insight into his character’s extraordinary determination and willpower. After being blinded by a sniper in Iraq, Job somehow found the strength to comfort fellow soldiers under attack and was even able to walk downstairs to safety. “Even for a second, to be able to portray that level of bravery was such a special thing,” says McDorman of the fallen SEAL. Being cast in the film gave him the chance to collaborate with one of his longtime heroes. “If working with Clint Eastwood isn’t on your bucket list as an actor, you should rethink your profession,” says McDorman. Making the movie was memorable for another reason as well—he and Cooper attempted “a very truncated version of SEAL boot camp” while filming in Morocco. McDorman grew up in Dallas, not exactly a movie town, but says his parents were supportive of his acting ambitions. At 16, before he graduated high school, they allowed him to move to LA, where he filmed a pilot called Run of the House for Warner Bros. Television. He quickly found more work, ultimately landing a four-year run in the ABC Family drama series Greek. But after a decade, LA started to lose its allure. “It always felt nomadic,” he says, “like a temporary air lock. At any moment you jettison out to wherever the job takes you.” McDorman is hoping to put down more permanent roots in New York. “It’s a really great time to be here,” he says. He especially loves not being stuck in LA’s rushhour traffic, “I don’t miss driving,” he admits. “I get excited about my car collecting dust!” Now he just needs to make sure he’s armed with a spare set of keys. G

photography by gregg delman. grooming by erin anderson for ivy eleven, using imperial barber products. shot on location at the ludlow hotel

Jake McDorman is part of a Manhattan love story of his own. His costar on the show, actress Analeigh Tipton, is his real-life girlfriend as well.

people Brokers’ Roundtable compare notes on Manhattan’s hot, hot, hot luxury real estate market. Kirk Henckels, vice chairman of Stribling & Associates; Leonard Steinberg, president of Urban Compass; Nikki Field, senior vice president at Sotheby’s International; and Adam Modlin, president of The Modlin Group, recently joined Steinberg and Gotham magazine for a lively lunch discussion about all things real estate at the Core Club. Their observations are sure to surprise you.

Market Watch When the city’s top real estate executives do lunch, expect a dishy reveal of Manhattan’s hottest luxury property trends. photography by eric ryan anderson

Inspired by what he saw at the Aspen Ideas Festival, where real estate power brokers sat down with the world’s key influencers for a discussion of market trends, Richard Steinberg, executive managing director of Warburg Realty, invited some of the city’s top real estate executives to

So how’s New York real estate? RicHARd SteiNbeRg: People are always asking us that. There are so many different tiers, you can’t have a blanket statement. KiRK HeNcKeLS: There’s enormous disparity between markets. How do you define the luxury market—what’s the threshold for that? KH: We use $5 million; some people use $4 million. Jonathan Miller [president of real estate and consulting firm Miller Samuel Inc.] uses the top 10 percent. The public thinks this market is crazy on fire, but it all depends on what you’re talking about. You have all of these contradictions. NiKKi FieLd: And not just price points and locations. We’re seeing a transitional period that’s actually endangering a lot of co-ops. The press hasn’t picked up on that. If you look at the resale as well as new-sell price data on condominiums, they are rising 30 percent over co-ops. Co-op boards are not pivoting; they’re not analyzing, recognizing, or endorsing the fact that their share values are starting to see a decline. We need smart

clockwise from top: Leonard Steinberg, president of Urban Compass, arrives at the Core Club; Richard Steinberg, executive managing director of Warburg Realty; Nikki Field, senior VP of Sotheby’s, and Kirk Henckels, vice chairman of Stribling & Associates.

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co-op members to look at how they adjust their apartments, as well as their attractiveness to people, significantly. LeoNARd SteiNbeRg: The next layer of wealth is not into snob appeal, and they don’t appreciate the scrutiny [of finances required by co-ops]. The eye of the luxury consumer has changed radically, too—the modern eye is demanding a new aesthetic. NF: If I may say in defense of great architecture, taste is cyclical. When people are so inundated with this modern glass-wall look, there will be some very bright, young, wealthy souls who say, “I want heritage and architecture.” It will come back; it’s not dead forever. KH: Poor co-ops! They are stylistically and locationally unpopular; the structure of the deal is unpopular—they don’t have a thing going for them at this point. I know that several of us have been approached by top buildings, asking us how they can change. So there is a willingness to do this. RS: Why couldn’t a co-op turn into a condo? KH: One way of doing that is to change the tax structure, which frankly I’m surprised we haven’t seen proposed. It is really a capital gains issue, and they could do a ruling. We’re putting together an initiative [that] would include top brokers from around the city making a proposal to co-op boards, hopefully with the advice of the managing agents. NF: There are incentives on both sides. It would require educating co-op boards to consider adapting, adjusting, and coming into the 21st century. Who can do this? I really feel the people continued on paGe 66

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people Brokers’ Roundtable “Why couldn’t a co-op turn into a condo?” —richard steinberg

clockwise from above:

The real estate pros compare notes before lunch (inset), where Kirk Henckels (below) spoke about the future of the city’s prestige co-ops.

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at this table could do it. I believe that our credibility with many boards across the city and our success in sales, [combined with] our current challenges in sales, [creates] the right moment to say, “Okay guys, let’s look at what you’re doing, let’s adjust, and let’s be a bit more competitive and attractive.” If we all reach out to the boards we’re most comfortable with, or that we have friends on or sit on, then send the same message and let them know all other boards are receiving this information, I think they’re going to feel comfortable with the group as well as with participating. AdAm modlin: I want to take the opposing point of view. I don’t think there is going to be an opportunity for co-ops to change their ownership structure to condos. I think it’s the premise of the private country club—people want to belong to a club that not everyone can get into. nF: Here’s the message that we’re sending out right now—the deals are in co-ops. Am: If you look at the condominium market, you’re competing on a global platform. If you want to compete in the New York local market, stick to co-ops. RS: What you are going to see, though—[even] if there isn’t a complete conversion from a co-op to a condo [structure]—is a change in the next decade, because the “Masters of the Universe” who bought the $20 million to $30 million co-ops on Park Avenue are all financially minded; they come from hedge funds and banking. They’re going to realize that their co-ops have not appreciated the same 20 to 30 percent that condos have. When the 60- and 70-year-olds move out of these apartments and they’re bought by 20-, 30-, and 40-year-olds, [these younger buyers] are going to initiate change because their friend has a condo that has gone up 30 percent in three years and the co-op has gone up 4 percent in three years. Am: What we haven’t touched on are

single-family townhouses, the hottest property of the moment. There are a handful of houses on the Upper East Side that are being shown for anywhere between $100 million and $200 million. [Townhouses offer] the ultimate in privacy, seclusion, and anonymity. Rs: I had customers who wanted to buy a very large house. A 17-footer came on the market for $20 million, but it was too small. I had sold the house next door for $7 million and asked its owners if they would move in 30 days for $30 million, and they said yes. I went to the customer and said, “You now have 34 feet in width and 15,000 square feet,” and they responded, “That’s [still] too small.” I knew of [another] house next door, [which was owned by] a developer. He paid $12 million for it two years ago. I said to him, “What if I give you $35 million?” He said he could be out in 30 days. So I went back to the couple looking for the townhouse, and we signed a contract. Three separate deals! nF: The townhouse market will—and if you don’t know this by now, you should—eventually outperform in resale what we now do in co-ops and condos. That may be 10 years down the road, but that’s definitely the future. parts of london are becoming rich ghettos, where enormously expensive pieds-à-terre are purchased but not lived in. Will this happen along Billionaires’ Row? nF: International buyers want to put their money into safe havens. With 137 ongoing projects and another $50 billion in the pipeline, we are going to see sold but empty buildings in this town. ls: But I think that is the nature of a global center, because global centers are where people come for moments of their life. They don’t inhabit a place for 12 months of the year; it’s a new way of living. Everything today is very different from what it was five years ago—the way people work, the way companies operate. When I was in fashion 20 years ago, we thought in terms of the Southwest region and the West region; we didn’t think South America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. But the world has become this one entity, and that’s what business focuses on. Many of the super wealthy are diversifying funds in different parts of the world. In Manhattan, a lot of people are buying into what I consider to be hyperinflation. Because the luxury consumer [sector] is growing

“New York is permanently global now,” says Henckels, left, with with Leonard Steinberg, Richard Steinberg, and Jasmine Taskanikos of Warburg Realty.

so dramatically and their demand [for housing] has grown similarly, luxury properties can raise their prices. Do you project forward in terms of currency rates, for example, a stronger dollar, which would impact international sales? Kh: New York is permanently global now, but are we at the zenith of it? I’m not sure. At some point, things are going to go against us. I’m always more concerned with the market for the local person who works and lives here. I find what they’re doing very interesting right now. They are incredibly value conscious, and also they want quality. They’ll pay up if that’s what they really want, but how often does that happen? You have a budget and there’s always a compromise. G

the panelists: Nikki Field, senior vice president at Sotheby’s International Realty, 38 E. 61st St., 212-6067669; sothebyshome.com Kirk Henckels, vice chairman of Stribling & Associates, 924 Madison Ave., 212-452-4402; stribling.com Adam Modlin, president of The Modlin Group, 200 W. 57th St., 212-974-0740; modlingroup.com Leonard Steinberg, president of Urban Compass, 19 Union Square West, 646-375-1932; urbancompass.com Richard Steinberg, executive managing director of Warburg Realty, 100 Hudson St., 212-439-5183; warburgrealty.com

gotham-magazine.com

QUITE A CONCERN Actress Toni ColleTTe discusses A new And importAnt role— GlobAl AmbAssAdor for concern worldwide us—to coincide with the Group’s two december fundrAisers. as Told To suzanne Charlé

clockwise from above:

Toni Collette with Roselyn, a 24-year-old mother of four, who lost her home in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti; Concern helps the parents of children like this one develop new business opportunities; Toni Collette with Concern Worldwide US CEO Joseph Cahalan and Michel Naz Guiteau, a farmer who is growing and selling mangos with Concern’s support.

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In 2012, Concern Worldwide asked me to do a PSA. The group focuses on reducing poverty in the world’s poorest countries as well as those impacted by natural disasters and war. (As I write this, the group is in Syria, Somalia, and South Sudan.) I’d recently had my second child, and the message about nutrition for children really got to me. Having kids puts things in perspective. You start to prioritize and realize that we are all connected. The more research I did on Concern—the lives it has made better and the people it has empowered—the more I wanted to know. I was intrigued, and I agreed. Just before the holidays that year I did another PSA for Concern, urging people to honor friends and family by buying “gifts”—a chicken, a goat, a water pump—for people who don’t have basic essentials. Last January, the organization offered me the role of Global Ambassador. I balked at first, since it’s a huge responsibility and I was busy preparing for the Broadway production of Will Eno’s The Realistic Joneses. But from my research and experience, I knew how effective Concern was at implementing real and lasting change. It has what one of the founders of Concern calls “a fire in [its] belly” to make a difference—I said yes. I wanted to bring as much attention to the organization and its work as possible. As Global Ambassador, it’s important to experience the work Concern does firsthand. Haiti seemed like a logical first trip, since I was living in New York at the time. Geographically, Haiti made sense. Concern has been in Haiti for 20 years, so when the earthquake hit in 2010, it was there, familiar with the community and able to jump straight in. It’s the real deal. (Others have recognized this as well: To raise money for Concern’s work in Haiti after the earthquake, Shane MacGowan, Johnny Depp, Nick Cave, and friends released a cover of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’s “I Put a Spell on You.”) Last July, just before filming started on Miss You Already, I flew to Haiti with Joe Cahalan, CEO of Concern US, and two other amazing people who work with the group. Joe took me to a camp in Portau-Prince for about 200 families who had lost everything in the earthquake. Four years later, they still have nothing. I mean nothing. No food. No water. No home. No sense of safety. No education for their kids. No income. No health care. No way out. Concern has paid for entire camps of displaced people to relocate to proper homes—something the size of a studio apartment, or even smaller. Concern trains people in simple jobs, so they can become selfsufficient and feel empowered again. Concern moved one woman, Judith, and her family, who lost everything, to a much cleaner area and helped her rebuild her business selling soap and daily necessities at her tiny stall. Concern checks in on a weekly basis until the people are on their feet and have established new lives.

photography by Kieran Mcconville/concern WorldWide (collette With Kids); crystal Wells/concern WorldWide (boy, group). opposite page: noel Molony/concern WorldWide

people Spirit of Generosity

Charity register

Opportunities to give this season. UNICEF Unicef’s annual black-tie gala, the Snowfake Ball, celebrates its 10th year with a goal to raise $3 million to add to the $20 million raised since its inception. This year’s beneft, presented by Baccarat, will honor Unicef National Board member Hilary Gumbel and board chairman of the One Campaign, Tom Freston, for their ongoing commitment to the fund’s mission of improving the well-being of children around the world. When: Tuesday, December 2 Where: Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall St. Contact: snowfake.unicefusa.org

TIbET HoUsE People collect safe drinking water at a Concern Worldwide water point at the displacement camp on the UN base in Bentiu, the capital of oil-producing Unity State in South Sudan.

At this year’s Tibet House US Beneft Auction, luminaries including Philip Glass, Donna Karan, Petra Nemcova, Yoko Ono, Martin Scorsese, Sting, and Uma Thurman will come together to raise funds for the promotion and preservation of Tibetan culture. Artwork by Ed Ruscha and Shepard Fairey, custom safari packages, and a personalized voice message from Hugh Jackman are among this year’s special auction prizes. When: Wednesday, December 10

“ConCern will be there, making sure people are baCk on their feet, steady and strong, before they move on to help others.” —toni collette

What so impresses me is that Concern tailors help for each family. One young woman I met was pregnant when the earthquake struck. She was trapped under rocks. Finally she escaped, only to realize that her home had been devastated. Back in her village, Concern bought her a goat and taught her how to take care of it and create a business. Using the profits from this one goat, she [created] a livestock business, which allowed her to set up a home for her two kids. She was so proud to show me her bankbook. Concern is very strategic, and at the same time it works in a very personal way: It focuses on individuals, giving them the tools to create new and stable lives. It educates people about the simplest of things, like washing their hands to avoid diseases. (In Haiti, there was a horrible outbreak of

cholera after the earthquake.) In Saut-d’Eau, farmers told me how Concern trained them in better agricultural practices and taught them about market prices. That, plus a new road, meant they could bring their mangoes and avocados to market and make money for their families. The village also has a waterfall with religious significance. With the road, pilgrims and tourists could visit the village—which now has a bed-and-breakfast Concern helped the locals to set up. From here on, it’s one foot in front of the other, with my heart open. My next visit will probably be to Africa; so many countries have populations suffering high levels of malnutrition. I hope to visit as many countries as possible where Concern implements change. In all, there are 25, mostly in Africa and Asia. [From] this knowledge, I hope to shine a light on Concern’s invaluable work and help raise much-needed funds to carry out that work. Unlike so many aid groups, it doesn’t have blanket solutions. It is in these places for the long term. Once the emergency has passed and the crowds of nonprofits have migrated to the next hot spot, Concern will still be there, making sure people are back on their feet, steady and strong, before they move on to help others. Concern Worldwide US will be hosting two fundraisers in New York: Seeds of Hope, December 2, honoring Time Inc. CEO Joseph A. Ripp (Waldorf Astoria, 301 Park Ave.), and the Winter Ball, December 12 (583 Park Ave.). concernusa.org G

Where: Christie’s, 20 Rockefeller Plaza Contact: tibethouse.us

THE DIamoND EmpowErmENT FUND The Diamond Empowerment Fund’s Good Awards will honor Jane Seymour, David Rocha, and Jewelers for Children for their outstanding leadership in supporting education initiatives to empower individuals in diamond-mining African countries. When: Thursday, January 8 Where: Empire Penthouse Lounge, 230 Fifth Ave. Contact: goodawards.org

wINTEr aNTIqUEs sHow Celebrating its 61st year, the Winter Antiques Show, a beneft for East Side House Settlement, will feature 73 top dealers from all over the world. The show runs from January 23 to February 1, with an opening-night party on January 22. When: January 22 Where: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave. Contact: winterantiquesshow.com

amFar AmFar, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, holds an annual black-tie beneft to honor individuals who have signifcantly raised awareness for HIV/ AIDS. This year’s event will feature cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and star-studded musical performances. When: Wednesday, February 4 Where: Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall St. Contact: amfar.org

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INVITED

fabulous fêtes THE SOCIAL SEASON HEATS UP AS TEMPERATURES DROP.

The fall social season was an extra-busy one, with fashion, film, and philanthropy events all over town. Gotham celebrated its annual Men’s Issue with cover star Henrik Lundqvist and hosted a yachting bash with Hornblower Cruises to fête the city’s Most Successful Bachelors feature. Meanwhile, The Frick Collection held a glamorous Autumn Dinner; the Elton John Foundation threw a star-studded benefit; and Saks Fifth Avenue, David Yurman, and Cassandra Seidenfeld hosted an exclusive luncheon to benefit women4Empowerment.

PhotograPhy by robin Marchant/getty iMages

continued on paGe 72

Henrik Lundqvist at his Gotham cover party.

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INVITED // spotlight //

OVERHEARD GERALD ESKENAZI, MEREDITH WOLFF, AND PAUL CHAPMAN TALK ABOUT THE PARTY, THE CHARITY AUCTION, AND THE MAN OF THE HOUR.

“

Henrik Lundqvist sees a world out there beyond the rink. Our conversation was so comfortable, so easy. I thought how lucky writers, and everyone else, should consider themselves being around an athlete like this.

Ryan Malone with Emily and Tanner Glass

” “

William McPharlin Jr.

Sean Hayes and Lindsay Ganghamer

–GERALD ESKENAZI,

FORMER NEW YORK TIMES SPORTS REPORTER, WHO WROTE THE LUNDQVIST COVER STORY

”

–MEREDITH WOLFF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HENRIK LUNDQVIST FOUNDATION

“

William MacKeigan and Robert Portesy

”

Wendy and Adam Modlin with Jay Liddell

HENRIK LUNDQVIST COVER PARTY

Henrik Lundqvist signing his Gotham cover.

ON OCTOBER 22, Gotham magazine celebrated its annual Men’s

Issue with cover star Henrik Lundqvist at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. Guests enjoyed signature dishes from Wolfgang’s, wine and Champagne by Palm Bay International, and a portfolio of spirits courtesy of Diageo, including Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. Sponsored by Wempe and Maserati of Manhattan, the intimate gathering saw VIPs and tastemakers participate in a silent auction, which raised over $25,000 to benefit the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation.

While I was bidding on the signed jersey, I was picturing the smile on my grandson’s face. This prize is particularly special because the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation focuses so much on helping children around the world.

Gregory Rogalski, Raik Krause, and Janina Backhaus

David Halperin

–PAUL CHAMPMAN,

VICE CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT OF ABC CARPET & HOME

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

Gieto Nicaj

Glen and Ann Sather

Pier Paolo Celeste

Jim and Terry Moreno

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN MARCHANT/GETTY IMAGES. OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA A. BUTLER (FRICK COLLECTION AUTUMN DINNER)

The support of Gotham and everyone in attendance will allow our foundation to reach children and families in need, both in our city and internationally. When guests can make a donation and go home with something fabulous like a Wempe watch, everybody wins.

Kathleen Ruiz

LOUIS VUITTON FÊTES ITS ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION TO COMMEMORATE ITS 160TH

Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany

anniversary and the debut of the Celebrating Monogram collection, Louis Vuitton drew some of the most renowned names in fashion, art, and design to an intimate dinner at The Modern Restaurant at The Museum of Modern Art. The evening highlighted the fashion house’s new line, which features custom leather goods designed by Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Newson, and Rei Kawakubo, all of whom were in attendance.

Nicolas Ghesquière Stephanie Seymour

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Miranda Kerr

Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Cindy Sherman, Christian Louboutin, and Marc Newson

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman

Sandeep Mathrani with Matthew and Monika McLennan, Xavier Salomon, Ayesha BulchandaniMathrani, Barbara Fleischman, Ian Wardropper, Londa Weisman, and Sidney R. Knafel

Nomi Ghez and Cynthia R. Boardman with Elizabeth and Jean-Marie Eveillard Guests dining in the museum’s West Gallery.

Lisa and Jeff Volling

THE FRICK COLLECTION AUTUMN DINNER AT THE FRICK COLLECTION’S glamorous annual

black-tie dinner, guests dined among masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, El Greco, and Goya in the stunning galleries of the Gilded Age museum. The evening honored Barbara Fleischman, a philanthropist, collector, and longtime Frick supporter. Proceeds from the evening—a whopping $1.2 million—will benefit the museum’s many educational and curatorial programs.

Alexis Light

Robert L. Froelich, Elise Frick, John Garraty, and Emily T. Frick

Mark David, Claire Distenfeld, Rosemary Vrablic, and Jared Kushner

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INVITED // style spotlight //

BEST DRESSED ERICH BERGEN, MARK TOTTEN, AND JONATHAN KEIDAN STOLE THE SHOW WITH SMART LOOKS.

Jon Levy

Charlie Marino, Christine Squillante, Jennifer Davis, and Cryus Eyn

Amir Arison Saycon Sengbloh

NEW YORK’S MOST SUCCESSFUL BACHELORS

Guests enjoyed gaming by Tumbling Dice.

ON OCTOBER 15, Gotham magazine toasted “New York’s

Most Successful Bachelors” with a stylish evening aboard Hornblower Cruises Infinity yacht. More than 25 featured bachelors attended alongside VIPs and influencers, who enjoyed a dessert station featuring Sorel and Tache artisan chocolate, refreshments by ZICO premium coconut water, consultations by BFX Studio, gaming courtesy of Tumbling Dice, and entertainment by The Photo Booth Party. Guests sipped on Au Contraire wines, Grey Goose vodka, and Peroni, before heading to the dance floor for a DJ set by featured bachelor Kelly G.

Hornblower Cruises Infinity yacht

Mark Totten donned a custom suit by Musika Frere.

Jon and Rene Shapiro with Jordan and Gabby Edwards, Marcus Austin-Paglialonga, and Samantha Levy Kelly Griffin Jeremy Geffen

Diego Avanzato

Nigel Sylvester

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

Clive Chang

Andrea Vaitukaitis and Evelyn Vera

Jonathan Keidan wore a J.Lindeberg jacket and Burberry tie with jeans. Nile Lundgren

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EUGENE GOLOGURSKY/GETTY IMAGES. OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY ORD/GETTY IMAGES

Erich Bergen looked stylish in head-to-toe Tom Ford.

Adina Greenhaus, Dena Lewittes, Eileen Dautriche, and Alexa Reisen

Kavita Shukla, Rebecca Welsh, Antonio Corral Calero, Jessica O. Matthews, Allyson Ahlstrom, and Chrissy Beckles Bryce Dallas Howard

The launch was held in the lobby of the IAC Building.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

MOROCCANOIL LAUNCHES INSPIRED BY WOMEN STYLISH ACHIEVERS GATHERED at the IAC building to celebrate

the launch of Moroccanoil’s Inspired By Women, the beauty brand’s first multimedia advertising campaign (moroccanoil.com). The evening honored the campaign’s ambassador, model

Carmen Tal

David Krzypow

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and filmmaker Bryce Dallas Howard, who directed a short film series featuring the stories of such extraordinary women as Chrissy Beckles, Rebecca Welsh, Jessica O. Matthews, Kavita Shukla, and Allyson Ahlstrom.

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

g r a n d e s o i t l a v i e *let

liFe Be grand

taste this Issue: Holiday Dining

Euro ExchangE

At Bâtard, Drew NieporeNt AND MArkus Glocker’s New restAurANt, it’s pAris by wAy of VieNNA, with A holiDAy MeNu thAt ups the ANte oN luxe coMfort fooD. by gary walther photography by evan sung

A Charles Darwin of the New York restaurant scene would see Drew Nieporent’s excellent new Bâtard—it received three stars from The New York Times in August—as a curious case of evolution. “This was not going to be a French restaurant.” says Nieporent, who opened the groundbreaking Montrachet in the Bâtard space on West Broadway way back in 1985 and then morphed it into the even Frenchier Corton in 2008. So while the name Bâtard—it references both a white Burgundy and a type of baguette—suggests a similar Gallic bent, Nieporent says, “We’re a European restaurant now.” A glance at the menu confirms that. Though Bâtard delves into the classic French repertoire with tête de cochon, it now speaks with a pronounced Austrianinflected international accent. The chef, Markus Glocker, speaks with an Austrian accent, too, but he’s spent more time working outside his native country coNTiNued oN page 78

The octopus pastrami, one of Bâtard’s most popular items. The terrine is made with octopus, ham hock, and a spice mix heavy on paprika and parsley.

gotham-magazine.com

TASTE AUSTRIAN ALLIANCE Drink to the old world and new.

clockwise from far left: Duck breast

with persimmon, mushroom crêpe, and duck liver mousse; Drew Nieporent, chef Markus Glocker, and John Winterman, managing partner of Bâtard; the Euro-centric menu; below right: The Milk Punch cocktail at Bâtard.

than in it. Glocker is a veteran of big-deal Michelin kitchens (Charlie Trotter in Chicago and Gordon Ramsay in London), and Bâtard’s menu reflects his culinary wanderlust. There’s rutabaga soup, tortellini and agnolotti, short rib and tafelspitz terrine (the latter an Austro-French entente), Maine lobster, roasted beets “linzer,” and a dessert called Black Forest, which has more French (chocolate sablé, kirsch Chantilly) than German in it. What was an all-Burgundy wine list at Nieporent’s Montrachet now has a well-curated selection of Riesling, mostly Austrian. It’s Glocker’s wizardry that connects the dots, and he’s always on point. No matter how complicated (or simple) the dish, the flavors are disciplined and the layering, defined, down to the slightest detail. His cooking reflects a mastery of classic techniques, but also a pleasure in riffing on them. (Glocker plays piano and trumpet, by the way.) For

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example, the octopus pastrami, already a greatest hit, consists of tentacle rounds, cooked for hours in tomato water to make them tender, which are then pressed into a terrine (sans gelatin) with nuggets of braised ham hock and a spice mix heavy on paprika and parsley; that’s the “pastrami.” The roasted beets “linzer” looks like a Zaha Hadid concert hall—thin spears of caramelized lettuce jutting skyward from a foundation made with three types of beets. The dish is a bushwhacking hybrid of vegetable and dessert, as the beets rest on spears of linzer pastry, the cookie richness of the latter perfectly balancing the former. The holiday menu doesn’t depart from, but rather ups the ante on, the fall menu. It features a very light caramelized sweetbread and apple strudel (homemade) and truffled mashed potatoes—this is gourmet winter comfort food with an exclamation point. There is also lobster with a caramel and ginger sauce, but

it’s the single parsnip on the side that to me summed up Glocker’s technique: It’s lightly grilled, fleshy yet firm, melts in your mouth, and nearly upstages the lobster. How many chefs can make a lowly parsnip do that? For the soft-core vegetarian, there’s running room, too: halibut (with that grilled lettuce), roasted monkfish over fennel seed pasta, black olive tortellini, and pumpkin agnolotti, which I ordered just because I hate pumpkin. Convince me. And Glocker did. The agnolotti float in a shallow sea of Parmesan mousseline, the pumpkin is light and spicy, and the candied walnuts play the counterpoint. The new dining room eschews grandness in décor and demeanor—not surprising since Montrachet paved the way for casual-haute French long ago. The backlit, chocolate-brown leather and mohair banquettes rest against crème brûlée-toned walls embossed with willowy bas-relief tendrils. (The contrast

draws the eye upward.) Corner tables are always prime real estate in Manhattan, and in this regard, Bâtard has been very clever: “We added a couple of corners,” says managing partner John Winterman. “We have nine now.” Euclid might balk, but it’s true: Most of the seats are banquettes, which here and there make a sharp right or left to create the new angles. (Of the real corners, far left and right of the entrance are the tables most sought, but Table 5, a new corner, is the upstart competitor.) That should suit Nieporent’s celebrity followers—Katie Couric, Barbara Walters, Robert De Niro, and Cindy Adams, among others—to a tee. 239 West Broadway, 212-219-2777; myriad restaurantgroup.com G

The drinks list at Bâtard is a play on classic cocktails. The Ol’ Dirty Bâtard, the signature libation, is derived from the Manhattan, with the Cocchi Rosa, a fortifed spirit, being “our right turn,” says bartender Candice Valetutti. The Gin Watson is a take on the Gin Fizz, and the Milk Punch, an updated pre–World War I cocktail. The key to Glocker’s cooking is acidity, which is why white is often the way to go. Take head sommelier Jason Jacobeit’s advice that “2013 is an Austrian epic.” Or reach back in time to the 2005 Riesling Smaragd Jäger Achleiten Wachau (“soul-warming and perfect for winter,” says Jacobeit) and, to ring in the new year, the Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune 2004.

“This was noT going To be a French resTauranT.” —drew nieporent

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taste Cheers

TêTe-à-TêTe

Top sommeliers uncorked: cuvées To sample AndrÉ Compeyre, wine direCtor, the regenCy BAr & grill: “Piper-Heidsieck’s

Rare. I love this 2002 vintage because of its freshness, a melting pot of kumquat and ginger.” Joe delissio, wine direCtor, the river CAfÉ: “Drappier Grande

Sendrée 2006; Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Brut Champagne—a full-bodied

tête; Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2004, and 2005 Blanc de Blancs.” mArikA vidAArnold, wine direCtor, the ritzCArlton CentrAl pArk: “I love how lush

Dom Ruinart ’02 is, and I’m excited about getting the company’s new release, an ’04 blanc tête.”

Prestige Pops TêTe de cuvée, The ulTimaTe celebraTory sip, is having a new york momenT. by amy zavatto Têtes de cuvée are the top bubblies, made from grapes sourced from the best (grand cru) Champagne vineyards and best vintage years, giving them a rarefied individuality—that “lightning in a bottle” moment, never to be repeated again. And, apparently, that’s the kind of pop New Yorkers have been craving in recent months. Sherry-Lehmann’s Pierre-Olivier Camou explains the appeal: “Once, prestige cuvées were more for collectors; now we have a bigger following from all [kinds of] customers.” He attributes the uptick to the city’s improving economy since 2008, a year when people cut back and gave up their têtes for brut and brut reserve Champagnes. Camou notes his sales of têtes, which at Sherry-Lehmann run from $100 to $2,200 (for a Krug cuvée), are up 20 percent from last year. With Wall Street bonuses still generous and global wealth scooping up lavish

80 gotham-magazine.com

Manhattan properties, it’s not surprising that New York has become the prime market in the US for têtes from Champagne brands like Piper-Heidsieck, notes Romain Pianet, senior brand director of Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck & Charles Heidsieck at Rémy Cointreau USA. “In the US, the Metro New York area is our number-one market for prestige cuvées.” Joe DeLissio, wine director for the river Café (1 Water St., Brooklyn, 718-522-5200; therivercafe.com), the celebratory spot known for its gorgeous views, says nearly 40 percent of his 30 by-the-bottle Champagne offerings, ranging from $350 to $1,000, are prestige cuvées. Like a number of restaurants, The River Café will offer them by the glass (average price: $50), but only during the holidays. “Otherwise it’s not cost-effective,” he says. But regardless of price, for New Yorkers in search of the premium wine experience, têtes are the way to go. “A tête is the badge of honor for a [Champagne] house,” DeLissio says, citing names like Cristal, the first tête produced in 1876 (for a Russian czar), and Dom Pérignon, the world’s best-known tête, which debuted in 1936. “Ninety-five percent of têtes are vintage, although some houses like Krug consider their multi-vintage a grande cuvée.” André Compeyre, wine director for the newly revamped regency Bar & grill (540 Park Ave., 212-759-4100; loews hotels.com/regency-hotel), says that while New Yorkers increase their consumption of têtes November through Christmas, “they’re not into them on New Year’s Eve,” when lesser (although still top-quality) Champagnes will suffice. Têtes, apparently, are better for savoring on less raucous evenings. Despite their three- to five-figure price tags, têtes maintain an important position on any wine list of note. “I have one out-of-town client who comes to the ritz-Carlton (50 Central Park South, 212-308-9100; ritzcarlton.com) and will order a bottle of Dom Ruinart, have one glass, and that’s it,” says the hotel’s wine director, Marika Vida-Arnold, of the decadence these bottles inspire. G

PhotograPhy by hammond/SoFood/CorbiS

A tête de cuvée being poured at The River Café in Brooklyn.

taste Cuiscene

The square “ice” cube is suzuki Japanese sea bass from Kappo Masa, Larry Gagosian and Masayoshi Takayama’s Upper East Side restaurant. below: White Street, Dan Abrams and Dave Zinczenko’s hot new spot.

Executive Chef Nick Anderer making pizza at Marta.

photography by alice gao (marta); Daniel Kreiger (white street); courtesy of blacKletter (Kappo masa)

Menu Maestros

Top chefs lure ManhaTTan foodies wiTh five sizzling new resTauranTs. by juliet izon Cosme Why go: This is the first US restaurant from chef Enrique Olvera, whose Mexico City restaurant, Pujol, is regarded as one of the best in Latin America. What to eat: Don’t miss the house-made tortillas, which are fashioned with heirloom corn imported from Mexico. What to drink: Mezcals and tequilas are the spirits of choice here, but the bar menu will also feature more than 70 wines, including some Mexican labels. Who’s involved: Partner and architect Alonso De Garay gut-renovated the space for a contemporary feel. 35 E. 21st St., 212-913-9659; cosmenyc.com

Kappo Masa Why go: This is a much-awaited collaboration between noted art dealer Larry Gagosian and Masayoshi Takayama, the chef-owner of sushi shrine (and three-Michelin-starred) Masa. What to eat: Steamed goby bass with scallion sauce or grilled matsutake (pine tree mushroom) with

sudachi vinaigrette. Added perk: All dishware is custom designed. The space: The restaurant is housed in a landmark building on the Upper East Side and outfitted with unique Japanese materials such as Oya stone, a volcanic material found only near chef Takayama’s childhood home. 976 Madison Ave., 646-647-2942; kappomasanyc.com

Marta Why go: Located inside the brand-new Martha Washington hotel, this restaurant’s cracker-thin pizzas are already becoming a Manhattan staple. What to eat: The funghi pizza, loaded with fontina cheese, hen of the woods and chanterelle mushrooms, red onion, and thyme. The rabbit meatballs served with black olives and ricotta are also a must. Who’s involved: The restaurant is part of the Union Square Hospitality Group, founded by Danny Meyer (of Gramercy Tavern and Shake Shack fame). Executive chef and managing partner Nick Anderer has also worked at Babbo and Maialino. 29 E. 29th St., 212-651-3800; martamanhattan.com

Major Food Group’s High Line Restaurant

White Street

Why go: The latest from restaurateurs Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick (proprietors of beloved Carbone, among others), this spot features a fish- and vegetable-centric menu. What to eat: The whole grilled porgy served with grapefruit giardiniera, or innovative nibbles like zucchini carpaccio and house-cured anchovies. The space: The structure is designed by world-famous architect Renzo Piano and located on the High Line next to the new Whitney Museum space, also designed by Piano. 820 Washington St.

Why go: This palatial spot located in a former armory in Tribeca is helmed by executive chef and partner Floyd Cardoz (North End Grill, Tabla), famous for his innovative use of spices. What to eat: The menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal produce, but one of the standout dishes is the spiced braised short ribs, served with mustard purée, grits, and fresh horseradish. Who’s involved: The co-owners are media entrepreneurs Dan Abrams and Dave Zinczenko along with Christine Cole, the former general manager at Bond St. 221 West Broadway, 212-944-8378; whitestreetnyc.com G

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TASTE Spotlight luxe sips

LIQUID GOLD

Frédéric Rouzaud and Philippe Starck launch a new Champagne in New York.

A Natural Sparkle

dream team

For the man or woman who has everything—in their liquor cabinet— here’s a posh gift solution from Rémy Martin. To celebrate the 140th anniversary of Louis XIII cognac, the company has released a very, very special limited series— just 775 decanters of rare cognac drawn from a tiercon (wood barrel) that was once the exclusive reserve of the Heriard Dubreuil family, owners of Rémy Martin. The 1,200 eaux de vie making up the special cognac range from 40 to 100 years in age. Retail price for Louis XIII Black Pearl Anniversary Edition: $16,000. Available at Park Avenue Liquor, 292 Madison Ave., 212-6852442; louisxiii.com

// CELEBRATE // 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHA CHA CHA

Maybe New Year’s in Rio isn’t on your calendar, but you can celebrate the start of 2015 Brazilian style at SushiSamba. On December 31, the restaurant will host a réveillon, as they do in Brazil, to honor Lemenjá, Brazil’s goddess of the sea. Guests are asked to wear white and will make merry alongside samba dancers and drummers. Feliz Ano Novo! 87 Seventh Ave. S., 212-691-788; sushisamba.com

Louis Roederer, the maker of high-roller favorite Cristal, debuts a new bubbly—Louis Roederer Brut Nature 2006—just in time for the holidays. Company president Frédéric Rouzaud along with friend Philippe Starck, who designed the bottle label, recently launched the bubbly at the New Museum in New York—an appropriate spot, since Brut Nature is about all things modern. The super-dry Champagne, eight years in the making, reflects a less-is-more approach to cuvées. There’s no dosage or sugar additive, something Starck, who wanted input on how the Champagne was developed, pushed for when Rouzaud approached him to create the label. Brut Nature is the first new cuvée for the company in more than 40 years. Morrell & Company Wine & Spirits Merchants, 1 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-688-9370; morrellwine.com

// hitting the right note //

BEYOND THE BUBBLES

Baccarat’s “Black Pearl” decanter updates the original flask design used for Rémy Martin’s Louis XIII in 1874.

21 SINGS

What other restaurant can claim its own holiday chorus? Each December the 21 Club, for decades one of the city’s most exclusive power boîtes, invites the Salvation Army Band and Chorale to serenade guests at special holiday lunches and dinners, continuing an association with the charity that dates back to 1938. That year, during the height of the Depression, owners Jack Kriendler and Charlie Berns invited a Salvation Army volunteer playing a trumpet on the street outside 21 into the restaurant to enjoy some holiday cheer, play a few tunes, and pass the hat. Thus, a beloved tradition was born. 21 W. 52nd St., 212-582-7200; 21club.com

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

We’ll toast to this! Minnie & Emma, the cool stationery group founded by New York graphic designers, just debuted a line of bubbly-themed papers and party accessories in collaboration with Veuve Clicquot. The festive note cards, coasters, bottle tags, and other party accessories come trimmed in yellow, the Champagne house’s signature color. minnieandemma.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONA ZUBAIR (SUSHI SAMBA); COURTESY OF 21 CLUB (EXTERIOR); CHAMPAGNE LOUIS ROEDERER (STARCK); RÉMY MARTIN (BLACK PEARL); MINNIE & EMMA FOR VEUVE CLICQUOT (COASTERS)

PHILIPPE STARC HAS DESIGNS ON A NEW CHAMPAGNE.

9 1 Y R A U N A J H G U Road O m R a H h NOW T iver Parkwafyroamt FGorradnd Central Just 2

R Bronx etro-North on M s n i Info 0m

and s t e k Tic

r o . G B t NY

TasTe On the Town

Chowing Down on Billionaires’ Row

Tony AwArd-winning direcTor And choreogrApher Rob AshfoRd And power broker And TV personAliTy bRiAn Lewis ToAsT The holidAys AT The bAck room, one of mAnhATTAn’s sleekesT new TAbles. by juliet izon photography by doug young

clockwise from top: Brian Lewis (left) and Rob Ashford, friends of long standing, order cocktails in The Back Room; a view of the newly opened restaurant; Tamarack Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 was paired with the main course.

Broadway choreographer/director Rob Ashford and Halstead Property power broker and TV personality Brian Lewis have been friends for more than 20 years, bonding over shared southern roots (Lewis is from Virginia; Ashford from West Virginia and Florida) and fast-paced New York careers. While both find it hard to break for lunch during the workweek, they recently took time to toast the start of the holiday season at the newly opened Back Room at The Park Hyatt New York. [Lewis and Ashford order drinks] Brian Lewis: My preferred drink is a Manhattan. roB ashford: Because you’re in the city. And you sell the city. BL: I do sell the city, but I order it because I love it. Mind you, my cocktail is made with Bulleit bourbon. I rarely drink at lunch, because I would fall asleep. ra: I never drink at lunch either unless I’m on holiday. I ordered my drink of choice, a Ketel and cranberry. BL: I have my share of client lunches, and I like them. A lunch like this is a luxury. There are many days when you just run to Lenny’s and get a wrap. I love how in Mad Men they actually took time to do [lunch]. How did they get anything done? [They look at the menu] BL: I like that the menu here is very American: oysters, meats, salads. I ordered the oysters—I just finished a book called The Big Oyster—and the steak for my main. ra: Was it a good book? BL: Amazing. It’s about how important the oyster industry was to New York City. The beauty of oysters is how they were like the lungs of the harbor, cleaning it up twice a day. Pollution and fishing eradicated the oyster beds, but now they’re coming back. ra: I ordered the beet salad to start and the Cobb to follow. It’s a rehearsal day for me, so I don’t want to eat heavily. [Ashford is rehearsing Peter Pan Live!, starring Allison Williams and airing December 4 on NBC.] BL: I wanted to come here because I’ve shown homes in this building [the new billionaires’ haven One57]. This is such an aspirational address that

Billion-dollar lunch where: The Back Room at One57, 157 W. 57th St., 3rd Fl., 212-897-2188; newyork.park.hyatt.com wine: 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Tamarack Cellars in Washington’s Columbia Valley; 2012 Riesling from Heart & Hands in New York’s Finger Lakes region

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clockwise from left:

Ashford and Lewis leaving the hotel; roasted beets starter with cherry vinaigrette, salted peanuts, and goat cheese; the market oyster appetizer.

“This is such an aspiraTional address ThaT To have iT anchored by someThing Tangible is good.”

—brian lewis

to have it anchored by something very tangible [like a restaurant] is good. RA: When you mentioned Park Hyatt, I got excited because I hadn’t had a chance to come here yet. I worked in Tokyo a few years ago, and I spent a lot of time at the Park Hyatt [featured in the hit movie Lost in Translation]. BL: I started in the luxury hotel industry in New York. As a young actor I made more money in tips while being a bellman. [Appetizers are served—the beets for Ashford, oysters for Lewis]

RA: I love the color and beautiful presentation. It’s nice and light. BL: My oysters are delicious and super fresh. How’s work? I’m in show business; you’re in show business. RA: You are in show business. BL: You’re looking forward to the openings, and I’m always looking forward to the closings [laughs]. I love that I’m able to work with so many people in the entertainment industry and with movie stars. It usually takes a few showings and a few weeks to earn their trust and for them to start telling me what their needs are. RA: Or what they’re afraid of: “My show will be cancelled. I’m afraid to commit to that amount of money.” BL: I show people homes in buildings like this. These are the überwealthy of the world. Their biggest fear is they’re going to make a foolish choice. I love that because, frankly, it’s a middle-class value and a middle-class concern, and that’s the world I come from. Most wealthy people I work for are self-made, and they don’t want to look stupid. RA: That’s true. You make everyone feel at ease. [Entrées are served: In addition to the Cobb salad for

Ashford and steak for Lewis, there are sides of sprouted kale, campanelle pasta with sea urchin and littleneck clams, and polenta cake with roasted mushrooms, aged cheddar fondue, and shaved white truffle.] BL: My steak is ridiculously amazing. It’s the perfect level of salt and pepper, the perfect level of medium-rare, and perfectly tender. Can I say perfect again? RA: This polenta is so good. Wow! That’s the largest white truffle I’ve ever seen. BL: I still remember you as that guy who hung out with me listening to Garth Brooks, being silly, and talking about my dreams and humoring me. Even though you’re big ol’ famous Rob Ashford, there’s still something grounded about you. RA: Vice versa. Both of us had dreams of what we wanted to do: work in this business, or work in show business. But, really, just to have an exciting and interesting life. BL: That’s right. That is it. RA: We just wanted more... BL: Take the apple and juice it. RA: Yeah. And cheers to that! BL: Cheers to that, man! [They toast] G

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S P E C I A L G OT H A M A DV E RTO R I A L

What experience/expertise do you bring to the table?

I am ferce negotiator. I manage expectations to achieve the best possible results for either my buyer or seller.

What distinguishes you from others in your field?

For me, this job is 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I have no “of” hours.

What excites you the most about your job?

I have a passion for architecture. I love going into someone’s home and seeing how they have personalized the space. The most exciting part is the negotiation process.

What would you recommend to those trying to sell their home? Every seller thinks they are pricing their home under value: Be realistic about the price of your property and positioning yourself accordingly.

What advice would you give someone looking to buy real estate as an investment in your area now? Condos in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park are the way to go.

With all the bidding wars out there now, what can prospective buyers do to be best prepared, so they are successful?

Pay the ask, and trust there is a strong chance other will also do so. Be prepared to overbid asking price.

What professional accomplishment(s) this year are you proudest of?

WARBURG REALTY Richard Steinberg

LICENSED ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER

“Pay the ask, and trust there is a strong chance others will also do so. Be prepared to overbid the asking price.”

This will be my most successful year ever and I think it is because I decided not to take a lot of time of and go back to previous buyers and seller to focus on them trading up or down. I am presently under contract on a 78.1 M deal. That is an accomplishment!

Give some examples of ways you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty with to make the sale (or get the new listing). My favorite happened last month. I was in Aspen on vacation and ran into previous clients who decided to buy a new place in New York that day. We did a 24-hour turnaround: Aspen to New York and back, in which time they purchase a $30 million property — that was cool!

Are there any causes you’re very passionate about?

I am a board member of Guild Hall in East Hampton and active in my children’s schools: Nightingale, Collegiate, Princeton and Cornell, as well as my grandchildren’s schools. Education is a big priority in our family.

Warburg Realty 212.439.5183

654 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10065 RJSteinberg@warburgrealty.com warburgrealty.com

Eddie Redmayne on his role as Stephen Hawking: “He took on an idol-like status. When you’re in a room with him, he absolutely controls it.” Sweater, Salvatore Ferragamo (price on request). 655 Fifth Ave., 212-759-3822; ferragamo.com

Red Hot R

“The idea you get paid to act doesn’t seem permissible—it doesn’t seem like it should be allowed,” Eddie Redmayne says to Andrew Garfield in his interview for Gotham magazine. That joy in performing, along with a prodigious talent, was recognized early: Two years after his stage debut, with the Shakespeare’s Globe Theater Company, Redmayne, an alum of Eton where Prince William was a classmate, won a prestigious Evening Standard Theatre Award for Outstanding Newcomer. He went on to dazzle critics in the Donmar Warehouse and Broadway productions of Red and in Tom Hooper’s 2012 movie Les Misérables. But it is his sublime performance as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything that has earned Redmayne a spot on Hollywood’s coveted A-list. The Oscar buzz started the moment the film screened at the Toronto Film Festival. “It means the world,” Redmayne has said repeatedly of the critical kudos the movie has received. But he was also quick to point out that “because of the stakes of the film” and the “utter relief” he felt when Hawking and his family said they enjoyed it, he just wants to do whatever he can to get people to go and see this “inspiring, unknown story.”

EddiE REdmaynE knocks it out of the park with his portrayal of stephen hawking in The Theory of everyThing. Bff actor andREw GaRfiEld gets the scoop on how his pal nailed the part. photography by brian bowen smith

Andrew GArfield: The last time I was with you was at the Toronto Film Festival, for the world premiere of The Theory of Everything. I just want to say—because it’s the truth—that there is nothing but freedom that I saw in your performance. I saw no stress, no fear. I didn’t see any acting. I saw a man in the heart of his craft, leaving his entire body—the parts of his body that he was allowed to use—and soul. I saw a masterful piece of work by one of my best mates, and it left me feeling completely ecstatic. eddie redmAyne: Thank you for the kind words. That means a lot. AG: I wanted to know how you felt that night, because it’s evident how personal this film was for you. er: There is something horrifically unnatural about actors watching themselves on a big screen with an audience. You end up scrutinizing all the things you are frustrated with. When you’re spending months trying to replicate and embody [Hawking’s] facial movements or his voice, you begin to believe you can get to what you see in the

documentary, but you never do. The process of preparing for this film was particularly complicated because we weren’t shooting chronologically. We had to do this physical decline [out of sequence]. AG: And [there’s] the responsibility of playing not only a living, breathing human being, but this living, breathing human being. er: Stephen has so much humor. It’s very difficult for him to communicate—now he can only do so using an eye muscle—yet he has the most fiendish timing. I belly-laughed a lot in his presence. That’s something we really tried to bring into the film, to always find the positive. Hearing the audience laugh at that premiere, and to have them feel like they were allowed to laugh, despite the subject matter—a family dealing with gritty obstacles—made me so happy. Because that’s the feeling I had when I left my meeting with Stephen. He’s had a guillotine over his head since the age of 21, yet he lives each moment hopefully, and lives life with humor. When I saw the audience responding to those parts of the film, I was thrilled. AG: I have chills hearing you talk about it. Much of that [laughter] has to do with the effervescence that you brought [to the role of] a strangely charismatic astrophysicist genius, with this lust and vitality for living, which it sounds like is his true essence. er: Hawking took on an idol-like status. When you’re in a room with him, he absolutely controls it. He really has an amazing strength, which can be difficult and complicated. He loves women, and women love him. You can see this glint in his eye. AG: It’s clear that your core has shifted and your essence has deepened from spending time with this man. How has inhabiting him shifted Eddie? er: I met him five days before we started filming. That was after five months of prepping and reading everything, and, of course, desperately trying to comprehend as much astrophysics as I could—which is not very much. Because we weren’t shooting chronologically, I had to prep a performance much more technically than I’ve ever had to before. What scared me was [the possibility that] meeting him a few days before could have undermined all that, and I don’t mean just the physical side. What if there were parts of his character that didn’t ring true? Fortunately, what I gained from the experience was his humor and wit and joy of life, as well as minute physical things.

Redmayne gotham-magazine.com

When you first read the script, did you get the sense that this movie was going to be a massive healing experience? ER: I met 30 to 40 people suffering from motor neuron disease [which afflicts Hawking] and their families. One person described it as being in a prison cell where your walls just get smaller every day. Your brain is obviously functioning entirely, and as a consequence, there’s this sort of timer on your life. Time shifts, so every hour is like a day, every day is like a week, and every week is like a month. I’m such a culprit for getting caught up in my own foibles. But you have to realize just how damn lucky you are and make the most of every minute. I have to keep reminding myself, because you quickly get back to the same pattern of frustrations. AG: You take on a project that has deep meaning to you and you experience so much personal growth, then old habits come back in, and suddenly you’re buying Us Weekly… ER: My favorite, FYI. AG: Singing to, I don’t know, to a third-rate Rihanna song as opposed to a first-rate Rihanna song. ER: Or maybe a little Swift. AG: I know that Stephen has seen the film. Who else? ER: Stephen and Jane [Hawking’s ex-wife] and the family were the people that Felicity [Jones, who plays Jane] and I were most nervous about seeing the film, because their story is an incredibly passionate and inspirational one. It feels like such a responsibility, particularly when they had been very generous with their time. I’d be curious to see Dr. Katie Sidle, an amazing doctor, and the clinical nurse, Jan Clarke, from the Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases [where Redmayne interacted with MND patients] watching it. I don’t know how you feel about promoting films, Garf—but for once, when you care about a story and you want people to see the story because it’s affected you and you want it to affect others, I feel quite invigorated doing press. AG: What I’m hearing you say is you’re having the experience of serving something greater. You get to show up for all of those with ALS, for all who have had struggles with living their fullest life The main testament to the soul of the film is the

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fact that Hawking and the family responded the way they did. That’s kind of “game over,” you know what I mean? So I have no fear. You fear away. ER: Thank you, mate. You know I’ll fear away; that’s my modus operandi. Even though the story is very specific, it’s symbolic of how people deal with obstacles in their lives. Jane Hawking ended up being a huge advocate for [the rights of the disabled], making places accessible for people in wheelchairs. Because Stephen was so iconic, she really broke boundaries. AG: Can I ask about the balance you had to strike between technique and spontaneity? When an actor plays a real human being, there’s an expectation of how they are going to do a good impression or some kind of mimicry. I know that everyone who sees the film feels you don’t just inhabit the body; you inhabit the soul. Can you talk a little bit about that? ER: I said to James [Marsh, the director] I’d need time [to prepare], and he gave me four to five

months. Hawking was diagnosed with ALS when he was 21. His disease is entirely secondary [to his life] as far as he’s concerned. Similarly, I wanted to make all the physical elements of the performance so embedded and second nature. Some of my favorite moments were improvised. The emotional lines of the film came from reading Jane and Stephen’s books, but also the patients that I met. AG: This is a hard question: We get to have these incredible, soul-enriching experiences. Do you have any practices to keep yourself in that deeper, more aware and conscious place? ER: The answer is I don’t have an answer, and like you I am still trying to figure it out. I guess the answer is making sure you’re fulfilled in other interests in your life. AG: You were an art history major back in your Cambridge days. ER: I was asked in an interview this morning what I would be if I wasn’t an actor, and I said a curator.

“EvEn though thE story is vEry spEcific, it’s symbolic of how pEoplE dEal with obstaclEs in thEir livEs.” —eddie redmayne

Redmayne prepared for his role for five months prior to filming.

opposite page: Plaid wool

jacket, Ermenegildo Zegna Couture (price on request). 663 Fifth Ave., 212-421-4488; zegna.com. Gold sweater, Bottega Veneta ($770). 23 E. 67th St., 212-879-5780; bottegaveneta.com. this page: Navy wool coat ($3,700) and gray sweater ($2,140), Louis Vuitton. 1 E. 57th St., 212-7588877; louisvuitton.com. Trousers, Salvatore Ferragamo (price on request). 655 Fifth Ave., 212-759-3822; ferragamo.com. Scarf, Burberry London ($435). 9 E. 57th St., 212-4077100; burberry.com. Blue denim shoes, 3.1 Phillip Lim ($425). 48 Great Jones St., 212-334-1160; 31philliplim.com

Black leather jacket, 3.1 Phillip Lim ($2,495). 48 Great Jones St., 212-334-1160; 31philliplim.com. Zebra motif sweater, Louis Vuitton ($990). 1 E. 57th St., 212-758-8877; louisvuitton.com Styling by Annie Psaltiras for The Wall Group Grooming by Kim Verbeck for The Wall Group Photo assistance by Kevin McHugh and Brandon Smith Digital photo assistance by James Lee Wall

But I think that was far too hyperbolic. AG: No, buddy. I’ve spent some time with you in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and it’s really awesome to walk around with you. I was with a topclass tour guide because your knowledge and passion are so deep. I remember when you would talk about Red [the Tony-winning Broadway show] and Rothko, your blood was pulsing. You were a man at the exact right place in his life, doing exactly what he should be doing. ER: What I loved about Red is that it was a meeting of all the things I was interested in. That rare moment when all the stars align. AG: What happens when you have the opposite experience in work? ER: You go home, drink a lot of red wine, cuddle up to your teddy bear, and cry. There are some amazing directors out there, but they have a set of ground rules that work brilliantly for some people, but that often make me tense up and go back to that safe, crap place. The only thing I’ve learned in 10 years is if you don’t feel free to mess up and try new things—even if the director has the most brilliant reputation—then it’s never going to work. If you don’t feel like you can take shots that are crazy and bold and will probably fail, then that’s not the right person to be working with. AG: I don’t know about you, but I’ve been having a lot of conversations with people of our generation. Possibly because of how competitive it is out there, in terms of the economy and job availability, there’s not a lot of stopping, or just allowing yourself to be enough as you are—without constantly needing to prove something. ER: I was reading an interview with Rachel Weisz a few years ago and she said, “Every time I finish a job, I think I’m never going to get hired again,” and I was like, “Come on, you’re Rachel Weisz.” But I absolutely get it. Because I think if you’re lucky to do this thing professionally, that you loved doing as a child, and you don’t feel like you’re qualified—it’s that old shtick of waiting to be found out. The idea that you do this job and get paid for it doesn’t seem like it should be allowed. AG: We’ve mostly shared time in London and LA. What are your feelings about New York City? ER: I’m weirdly obsessed. When I was 13 or 14, I had a calendar of black and white New York photos and was endlessly trying to do drawings of them. And then my mum took me to New York, and we were lucky enough to stay in this hotel on the 21st floor. I opened the windows and the curtains, and there was St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with all the highrise buildings flying up above it. I kid you not, my knees buckled. I find New York the most electric, enlivening place. There’s something about the

theater world, too. In London the theaters are geographically spread out so there’s no sense of community. In New York, the theaters back onto each other so you’d come out after doing the Rothko play, and Lucy Liu would be walking out from God of Carnage, and you were sharing this back alley, all of you together. AG: There’s a way to create community in theater that you can’t so much in film because, maybe, there’s just too much money involved. ER: One of the great New York experiences is where you have a dress rehearsal before your first preview. It’s in the middle of the day so all the other actors and people from other shows can come. I remember Alfred Molina saying, “Ed, don’t expect this audience to be like any other. They will be the most generous audience you’ve ever heard.” We’re so lucky to have the experience of performing on Broadway, or the experience of living in LA. When we started, I would turn up in my really shoddy rental car and park it as far from Paramount as possible, and walk in and pretend as if I knew what I was talking about—you pretend to be living one life when you actually can’t afford to pay your rent. It’s something that has really made our group of friends; it’s so amazing to be able to share that with people. AG: It’s unlike anything we were raised in, right? ER: It’s also beyond anything we could have dreamed. AG: You’ve been so inspired by Jane Hawking and her incredible work. What charities are you involved with right now? ER: For the past year and a half [I’ve been] working with people who suffer from motor neuron disease [Hawking’s affliction], and I’m one of the patrons of the MNDA, which is the British association. This disease has been around for over a hundred years or longer, and we’re not any closer to finding a cure. That has a lot to do with the fact that not many people have it, so pharmaceutical companies won’t invest in research. [Recently] there was the Ice Bucket Challenge, and people were critical of it because everyone was jumping on the bandwagon. But it was raising awareness. I think the disease has a branding problem because it’s called different things, like motor neuron disease, MND, in the UK, ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. The fact is [the Ice Bucket Challenge] brought attention to the disease. I hope The Theory of Everything will act similarly. The other charity I’ve been working with is the Teenage Cancer Trust in London. For years, I’ve been going to the wards and meeting young people. I feel really privileged in that sense. AG: Nice, man—you’re a hero. G

“Hawking Has Had a guillotine over His Head since tHe age of 21, yet He lives eacH moment Hopefully, and lives life witH Humor.” —eddie redmayne gotham-magazine.com

EmpirE StatEmEntS The spirit of the Jazz Age returns to New York City with Art Decoâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;inspired diamonds. photography by bill diodato styling by betim balaman

opposite page: Platinum Secret

Combination Cascading 115.9-carat diamond necklace, Harry Winston (price on request). 718 Fifth Ave., 212-399-1000; harrywinston.com. 18k white-gold, diamond, and rock crystal Chow bracelet, Deborah Pagani (price on request). Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., 212-8268900; barneys.com. White-gold, diamond, and rock crystal Pluie de Cristal ring, Chanel Fine Jewelry ($65,500). 15 E. 57th St., 212-355-5050; chanel.com this page: 18k white-gold

Abanico Collection 18.9-carat diamond earrings, Jacob & Co. (price on request). 48 E. 57th St., 212719-5887; jacobandco.com

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opposite page: 18k gold Kwiat Vintage Collection diamond and blue sapphire earrings ($86,500) and 18k gold Kwiat Vintage Collection diamond and blue sapphire bracelet ($33,200), Kwiat. 725 Madison Ave., 212-725-7777; kwiat.com. Platinum and gold French Art Deco sapphire and diamond link bracelet, Macklowe (price on request). 667 Madison Ave., 212-6446400; 1stdibs.com

this page: Les Plumes brooch, Breguet ($66,600). 711 Fifth Ave., 646-692-6469; breguet.com

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PhotograPhy by Patrick van katwijk/dPa/corbis (rosboch); gregg delman (borghese)

Princess Elisabetta and Prince Amedeo of Belgium, Archduchess and Archduke of Austria-Este, known professionally in New York as Lili Rosboch and Amedeo d’Aviano. right: Prince Lorenzo Borghese launched several businesses since coming to New York.

LINKED-IN

ROYALTY

A new breed of titled europeAn is coming to new York, where theY discreetlY lAunch cAreers And enjoY A pApArAzzi-free life. by delia von neuschatz

here wasn’t much about the wedding of Amedeo d’Aviano, a young analyst at Deloitte, and Lili Rosboch, a freelancer covering arts and lifestyle for Bloomberg News, that would have made it stand out for the editors of The New York Times wedding section in search of a great love story to feature that weekend. After all, in a city filled with Ivy League wünderkinds and the offspring of the city’s literati and glitterati, they were simply two more attractive 20-somethings about to tie the knot. Of course, the marriage that same day of Prince Amedeo of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este, and Elisabetta Maria Rosboch von Wolkenstein was quite another matter. The groom is sixth in line to the throne of Belgium, and his uncle, Philippe, the current king, attended the nuptials; the couple was blessed by Pope Francis just prior to the announcement of their engagement. The bride’s lineage isn’t too shabby either: She is descended from a line of Italian princes who became publishing magnates in the 20th century; her aunt is Marella Agnelli, her relatives include aristocratic Italian film producers, and she’s the heiress to a pharmaceutical fortune. Little wonder that nobility from across Europe—and paparazzi to match—showed

up to attend their wedding last July in Rome. The twist? Amedeo d’Aviano and Lili Rosboch are their Imperial and Royal Highnesses, Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabetta of Belgium. Welcome to the new world of royalty, 21st-century style—and to New York, which makes it possible for young nobles (even those in the direct line of succession to a still-existing throne) to lead remarkably normal, everyday lives. For some, like Amedeo of Belgium—who, with his bride, returned to his home country after the wedding—the experience may last only a few years. But while it did, it gave him a taste of something that most young royals have only recently begun to seek out and to savor, something they may still only find possible in a city like New York: anonymity. “Overseas, in general, and especially in New York, I don’t think my name has had any influence on my work,” Amedeo told a Belgian magazine in 2011. What matters instead is getting the work done: Like his peers, he noted, his performance can be quantified and measured. “And I’m subject to the same rules as any of my colleagues in the office.” He recalled celebrating the day he won his first job, just like any other new hire. “I was so glad to have gotten a job in the middle of the economic crisis!”

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medeo d’Aviano and Lili Rosboch aren’t alone. Rather, they are part of a small but steadily growing number of young royals and the offspring of European aristocrats who are heading to New York, not to see and be seen as standard bearers for a glittering social life, but for precisely the opposite reason. They represent a new kind of titled European who views the city as a launching pad for a career; a place where they can build a reputation for what they can do rather than for their ancestors’ titles. You’re more likely to find them on LinkedIn than in the Social Register, and going for a stroll on the High Line or checking out the new Ethiopian restaurant in Queens than flitting from one ball or designer boutique to the next. Part of the reason for this career-centric lifestyle is that royalty itself has undergone a sea change. “Once, they married for money,” says New York Social Diary’s David Patrick Columbia. “But that was a different time, and that’s gone. They come here [now] to make a living. They’re serious businesspeople.” Consider the British royal family. Although Queen Elizabeth is generally considered to be one of the world’s richest individuals, the wealth doesn’t spread itself evenly throughout the family. Her second-born son, Andrew, Duke of York, receives an annual allowance of about $400,000 to cover his personal expenses and in recognition of his own official engagements. That may seem like a lot, but it isn’t enough to allow his two daughters, Princess Beatrice, 26, and Princess Eugenie, 24, to live in the lap of luxury, even if that’s what they wanted to do. It seems clear that this isn’t what the York princesses had in mind, anyway. While Beatrice has chosen to work for Sony Pictures Television in London, Eugenie bolted for New York last summer and is happily living the life of a typical downtown 20-something. Working for the Paddle8 auction house in the NoHo district, she has been spotted soaking up the atmosphere at Knicks games, noshing on pizza slices while walking down the street, living in the Meatpacking District, and dining with one or the other of her visiting royal parents at hangouts like ABC Kitchen. While these young aristos may be independent financially, no one is going to mistake them for the huddled masses anytime soon. Like Eugenie, they come with gilded pedigrees (she’s seventh in line of

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succession to one of the oldest thrones in Europe) and sometime impressive academic credentials (Prince Amedeo graduated from the London School of Economics). Still, “Things are much more intense, much more competitive than they were in my parents’ generation,” says Chloe Crespi, the 37-year-old granddaughter of international fashion icons Count Rodolfo and Countess Consuelo Crespi. “A family name gets you the meeting, but it doesn’t get you the job,” much less guarantee success once you’re hired. The family name may have landed Prince Philippos of Greece, 28—the youngest son of Greece’s last monarch, Constantine II—on any number of lists of “most eligible royal bachelors” alongside England’s Prince Harry and, until recently, Belgium’s Prince Amedeo. But on Wall Street, where Philippos works, it’s P&L and not pedigree that matters. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Crown Prince Pavlos, Philippos has set out to forge a career in finance and works at a hedge fund in Midtown as an analyst. A golden contact list is certainly welcome, but it’s not going to shield him if he can’t pull his weight, generating investment ideas and protecting the fund’s assets. Like anyone else around him, Philippos says, he has had to earn his Street cred. “Once people see that you’re working, they realize that there’s something more going on,” he says. “It’s not just for show.” He

“EvEryonE has to work, and in that sEnsE i’m likE EvEryonE ElsE.” —prince philippos of greece

chose to live in New York for the chance to be “in the epicenter of the financial world” and sees no difference between himself and his hedge fund peers, in spite of the fact that his ancestors include Russian tsars, German emperors, Britain’s Queen Victoria, and the monarchs of Denmark. “I work for a living,” he says. “Everyone has to work, and in that sense I’m like everyone else.” The love affair between New York City and European royals is nothing new, of course—it’s just taking on a new form. And it’s mutual: Their employers are happy to have them, since far from throwing their weight around or bragging about what their ancestor Charlemagne did centuries ago, they tend to be reserved and respectful. They “have impeccable manners and good social skills,” says Vanity Fair writer Bob Colacello. “They are respectful of authority. They’re not after their boss’s job six months after joining the company.” In some cases, they’ll actually end up launching the company. The name “Borghese” may be more familiar in Rome, where visitors can see it carved on

the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica (Camillo Borghese became Pope Paul V in 1605) or stroll through the Borghese Gardens. Prince Lorenzo Borghese brought the name to New York in 1997 at the age of 25. “If you really want to build your name, the best place is New York City,” he declares. “There is so much business here and so many connections.” It was while attending Fordham’s business school that the young aristo devised his idea for an upmarket brand of organic pet products, Royal Treatment, which he launched in 2002. “People think we don’t work and we don’t care and all we do is go out for tea and polo and [think about] horses and where we’re going next,” says Lorenzo. While that might be true for a subset of affluent types, it isn’t for this young Borghese, or the others like him. “That type of lifestyle ended a long time ago; the free ride is over.” His grandmother, Princess Marcella Borghese, was aware of this, he says, and set out to launch a cosmetic brand. “The Italian nobility was furious with her.” Lorenzo, emulating her rather than the Italian aristos who have stayed safely at home behind their palazzo walls, has since branched out in business, adding a clothing line, a beer, and some privatelabel cosmetic products; he’s now working on a disposable bird feeder. He also has set up a charity, Animal Aid USA, which he calculates rescues 150 dogs each month from high-kill shelters. There’s “nothing wrong with using your contacts and your background to try to get ahead, but you have to work and you have to give back,” he insists. The city’s crowded streets and the reluctance of New Yorkers to be impressed by much beyond what people achieve for themselves makes it easy for a royal to get lost in the crowd. “The city accepts anyone and everything,” says Prince Philippos. “You can be yourself.” That’s true even if that “self” is still pursuing more traditional royal pastimes, like philanthropy. Consider Princess Madeleine of Sweden, fourth in line to that country’s throne, who moved to New York only a few years ago to work for the local offices of World Childhood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by her mother, Queen Silvia. With so many other people in the city, Madeleine has said, “I feel like I blend in. I can walk down the street and nobody is looking at me.” That did change, briefly, after Madeleine announced her engagement to New York financier Chris O’Neill, but since their wedding last year, the two have largely resumed living a quiet life in Manhattan. The birth of their daughter, Princess Leonore, at Weill Cornell Medical Center on February 20, 2014, may change that: To retain her position as fifth in line to the throne, baby Leonore will have to live in Sweden during her upbringing. It couldn’t be more different from the New York of the 1970s and 1980s that royals sought out. “In the

photography by tk; illustration by tk

The prince and his girlfriend, later his fiancée, lived their New York lives in a way that they couldn’t have done anywhere in Europe, where photographers would have dogged their footsteps. They spent their downtime doing just what most young New Yorkers like to do: going to the movies, visiting art galleries, trying out new restaurants, and cooking for friends. When Amedeo ran the New York Marathon in 2011, he was just another face in the crowd.

The titled set goes to work: Princess Eugenie of York is on staff at Paddle8, the online auction site; Chloe Crespi chose photography as a career; Prince Philippos of Greece is an analyst at a hedge fund in Midtown.

PhotograPhy by Stuart C. WilSon/getty imageS (PrinCeSS eugenie); ÂŠ SPlaSh neWS/CorbiS (PrinCe PhiliPPoS); niCole hantaS (CreSPi)

clockwise from left:

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Princess Madeleine of Sweden with her husband, New York financier Chris O’Neill; Carolina von Humboldt, an interior designer, praises the city as a place “where you can learn something new from morning 'til night.”

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photography by Julian parker/uk press via getty images (princess madeleine); gregg delman (humboldt)

from left:

“Things are much more inTense, much more compeTiTive Than They were in my parenTs’ generaTion.” —chloe crespi

’80s, people just wanted the good life,” says Marc de Gontaut Biron, a veteran New York City party promoter. Back then, the parties that Biron—himself a count and the descendant of an aristocratic French family—organized featured those more likely to show up in glossy magazines for being famous or for their titles than for their work: Princess Caroline of Monaco, for instance, or Gloria von Thurn und Taxis.

he royals who relocated here, too, were different. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia didn’t choose New York because it offered him an opportunity to create an identity and a career, but because in 1983, when he was 25 and left France, Europe was becoming socialist. “It was unbearable to me; my family on the Yugoslav side had lost everything because of communism and socialism,” he says. “I thought, no, I can’t deal with it.” His hobby—jewelry design, which he began while working at Sotheby’s—became his business, and his European social network extended as far as New York, he discovered. “My parents had lots of friends here already anyway.” Archduke Géza von Hapsburg, curatorial director for Fabergé and great-grandson of Emperor Franz Joseph, who arrived here in 1998, says that his father and older brother weren’t brought up to earn a living, and despite his success in the art world, he “never planned on going into anything having to do with earning money.” Nonetheless, von Hapsburg has thrived as a highly regarded art historian and author. But he’s quick to point out, “Today a title doesn’t get you anywhere unless you have a gift that differentiates you from everybody else. It’s your achievements that matter.” Today’s younger royals and aristos are keen to make those achievements matter. Baron Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian statesman who welded together the country that today is Germany, might be taken aback at the decision of his descendant, Vanessa von Bismarck, to make her way in New York. But the latter, a graduate of the London

School of Economics, now runs a successful public relations company specializing in fashion and luxury goods. The Belgian Countess Elisabeth de Kergorlay has launched a line of gourmet frozen foods, which she sells from a shop, Babeth’s Feast, she just opened on the Upper East Side. And while Amedeo and Lili may be back in Belgium for now, it’s likely only a matter of time before their places are filled by other scions of Europe’s nobility, eager for a chance to prove that they are more than a name and a pedigree. “New York allows me to reinvent myself,” says Christophe von Hohenberg, a descendant of a titled German family, who did just that by becoming a photographer, shooting portraits of everyone from Brooke Shields to Helmut Newton. “It gives me a new way of expressing my talents and my focus, providing me with outlets to expose my adventures.” His fiancée, Carolina von Humboldt, also from an aristocratic family, works as an interior designer and says that in New York, “money means more than background,” and praises a city where “you can do and see and learn something new from morning ’til night.” And why wouldn’t one of today’s young royals, restless and eager to experience the world, knowing life behind palace walls is no fairy tale, find that just as tantalizing a prospect as any of the rest of us? Additional reporting by Suzanne McGee G

blue blood new york The titled set open their address books.

PRINCE DIMITRI Restaurants: Il Posto Accanto, 190 E. 2nd St., 212228-3562; ilpostoaccantonyc.com. Amaranth, 21 E. 62nd St., 212-980-6700; amaranthrestaurant.com Nightspot: The Boom Boom Room, The Standard, 848 Washington St., 212-645-4646; standardhotels.com Charity: Casita Maria (casitamaria.org)

PRINCE LORENZO BORGHESE Restaurants: Scalinatella, 201 E. 61st St., 212-207-8280. Luzzo’s, 213 First Ave., 212-4737447; luzzosgroup.com Nightspots: Beautique, 8 W. 58th St., 212-7531200; beautiquedining.com. Tao, 42 E. 58th St., 212-888-2288; taorestaurant.com Charities: The Bideawee Ball (bideawee.org), The Humane Society of the US (humanesociety.org)

CAROLINA VON HUMBOLDT Restaurants: The Waverly Inn, 16 Bank St., 917828-1154; waverlynyc.com. Il Buco, 47 Bond St., 212-533-1932; ilbuco.com Nightspots: Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, 35 E. 76th St., 212-744-1600; rosewoodhotels.com. Pravda, 281 Lafayette St., 212-226-4944; pravdany.com Charities: Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrfcure.org), Unicef (unicef.org), Save the Children (savethechildren.org)

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:

Roasted beets from ABC Kitchen; the city aglow; the Norman Fizz cocktail at Ward III; The Metropolitan Opera is a hot ticket on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve.

ConCierge Confidential Six in-houSe city expertS at top Manhattan hotelS reveal the hotteSt SpotS to Spend the holidayS and cold winter MonthS. by adrienne gaffney

photography by Sari goodfriend (innocenzi, falling, mahone, Sriprayul). oppoSite page, franceSco tonelli (abc Kitchen); Julie SKarratt (metropolitan opera); paul Wagtouicz (Ward iii); miShella (treeS)

Waldo Hernandez The Carlyle

josepHIne danIelson The Four Seasons

james maHone The Ludlow

regena FallIng The Park Hyatt

Carolyn InnoCenzI The New York Palace

jane srIprayul The Standard East

eat, drink, and Be merry Best Winter taBles

its “spirit sommeliers” and rare spirits.–josepHIne

The Waverly Inn (16 Bank St., 917-828-1154, waverly nyc.com) for a cozy evening— there’s a fireplace, low lighting, and red booths. Even in winter, people like to sit in the back garden room—it’s always magical. And there are heat lamps.

danIelson, THe Four seasons

One If By Land, Two If By Sea (17 Barrow St., 212-2558649; oneifbyland.com) is beautiful and has four fireplaces. Try the beef Wellington.–Carolyn InnoCenzI,

with low lighting, and, at night, Manhattan’s spectacular skyline sparkles.–jd

sTandard easT

After heading to Rockefeller Center to look at the tree, I would suggest the Monkey

Best traditional Christmas eve and Christmas day dinner

THe neW york palaCe

–Waldo Hernandez, THe Carlyle

Brandy Library (25 N. Moore St., 212-226-5545, brandylibrary.com), known for

sourced, modern, farm-totable cuisine in a 19thcentury carriage house setting.–jane srIprayul, THe

Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs (135 West Broadway, 212-374-1135; tinysnyc.com) features locally

Bar (60 E. 54th St., 212-2881010; monkeybarnewyork.com) for Christmas dinner. It has an extremely cozy atmosphere and a 1940s New York feel. Try the veal with the Monkey Gland cocktail.–jm

uintessential New York

James Mahone, The Ludlow: “The best New York day is one The River Café (1 Water St., Brooklyn, 718-522-5200; therivercafe.com) is the ultimate spot for dining Christmas Day. The room is romantic,

without a set plan. New York is a series of villages, so you can walk around from morning to night and dine in different areas from Harlem to the Lower East Side. Manhattan offers something for everyone. It’s the only real city in the world— urban, sophisticated, energetic, charming, and overwhelming!”

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eat, drink, and be merry

Many restaurants do the Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian Christmas Eve tradition with a multi-course seafood meal. Esca (402 W. 43rd St., 212-564-7272; esca-nyc.com) has a great one.–RF

Best for a traditioNal New Year’s eve Champagne and cocktails at Beauty & Essex. inset: A tray of bubbly at Daniel.

For Christmas Eve dinner, I recommend Kings’ Carriage House (251 E. 82nd St., 212-734-5490; kingscarriagehouse.com). It’s like stepping into someone’s home—very warm, festive, and beautifully decorated for the holidays.–CI People really enjoy Bouley (163 Duane St., 212-9642525; davidbouley.com) for an upscale Christmas dinner at a gorgeous restaurant. After dinner go to Midnight Mass at The Church of St. Paul the Apostle (405 W. 59th St., 212-265-3495; stpaul theapostle.org) or Saint Thomas Church (1 W. 53rd St., 212-757-7013;

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saintthomaschurch.org). People who aren’t Catholic or Episcopalian often want to attend.–RegIna FallIng, The PaRk hyaTT

Christmas calls for traditional feasts. Consider Resto (111 E. 29th St., 212-6855585; restonyc.com), which requires one- to two-week notice for its large-format, head-to-tail extravaganzas. Guests choose from a variety of meats or fish, and the restaurant creates a threecourse meal with drink pairings.–JS

Best NoNtraditioNal Christmas eve aNd Christmas diNNer

Buddakan (75 Ninth Ave., 212-989-6699; buddakan nyc.com) with its Asian cuisine, is not what many would consider for Christmas dinner, but this restaurant will impress. It has traditional Chinese dishes as well as more adventurous Asian options.–Jd Chinatown would be at the top of my list. Oriental Garden (14 Elizabeth St., 212-619-0085; orientalgardenny.com) and Peking Duck House (28 Mott St., 212-227-1810; pekingduckhouse nyc.com) are fantastic choices.–CI

Beauty & Essex (146 Essex St., 212-614-0146; beauty andessex.com), Catch (212 Ninth Ave., 212-392-5978; emmgrp.com/restaurants/ catch), and Tao Downtown (Maritime Hotel, 92 Ninth Ave., 212-888-2724; taodowntown.com) are all big restaurants with a scene, which is perfect for that night.–wh

Daniel (60 E. 65th St., 212-288-0033; danielnyc.com) offers an elegant tasting menu with optional wine pairings. During dinner, a live jazz trio performs, and then a DJ takes over the festivities. There’s a Champagne toast at midnight.–Jd The Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel (848 Washington St., 212-645-4646; standardhotels.com/high-line) has a beautiful vibe. The menu is great, and they have singers and jazz. It really gives the essence of New York.–Jm The newly reopened Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-6325000; rainbowroom.com) will be having a great party. Synonymous with New York glamour, it’s a stunning space with gorgeous views of the city.–CI Take a Bateaux New York (866-8173463; bateaux newyork.com) river cruise. There’s great jazz, and you can catch the midnight fireworks.–RF

photography by Frank rocco (beauty & essex); shannon sturgis (catch). opposite page, courtesy oF il buco (interior); Francesco tonelli (asiate)

Salmon belly carpaccio at Catch.

Good for winter brunch: Il Buco, known for its rustic interior and hearty Italian cooking.

seasons, so “Park Avenue Winter” is perfect for cold weather months.–wh ABC Kitchen (35 E. 18th St., 212-475-5829; abchome. com/eat/abc-kitchen) is great for seasonal menus. The restaurant is a farm-to-table experience with attentive wait staff and brilliant flavor combinations. Try the yummy fluke dish.–jd Il Buco (47 Bond St., 212-533-1932; ilbuco.com) is in an incredibly beautiful rustic space. The menu changes each season, but the delicious short ribs are a fixture.–jm Friend of a Farmer (77 Irving Pl., 212-477-2188; friendofafarmerny.com) always has cozy options on the menu, including its signature cornbread and delightful omelets.–ci

Best nontraditional neW Year’s eve

Grand Tier. It’s a truly spectacular black-tie event.–jd

Elton John will be playing his first-ever New Year’s Eve concert at the Barclays Center (602 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, 917-6186100; barclayscenter.com), which will be an incredible night.–wh

Check out the 30th anniversary New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave., 212-316-7540; stjohndivine.org). Harry Smith will be hosting this year, and performers will include Judy Collins and Jason Robert Brown.–rf

On New Year’s Eve no event is more elegant than the New Year’s Eve Gala at The Metropolitan Opera (Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-362-6000; metopera.org). This year the celebrated soprano Reneé Fleming will star in The Merry Widow. The gala performance is followed by dinner and dancing on the

Best Winter BrunChes and Winter season Menus Park Avenue (360 Park Ave. South, 212-951-7111; parkavenyc.com) changes its name and menu with the

Best Winter CoCktails The best thing to do is have a hot toddy at 21 (21 W. 52nd St., 212-582-7200; 21club.com),

Asiate’s roasted rabbit with carrots, herbs and peach. above right: Hot chocolate from MarieBelle.

one of the first speakeasies in the city.–wh I love Maison Premiere (298 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 347-335-0446; maison premiere.com). It’s very old-school, and bartenders remember what you like.–jm The Sea Grill (19 W. 49th St., 212-332-7610; patinagroup.com/restaurants) has hot toddies and other beautiful winter drinks. The windows look out onto the Rockefeller Center skating rink.–ci I like Ward III (111 Reade St., 212-240-9194; ward3.com). The bartender does great bespoke cocktails. I particularly like the custom Spanish coffee cocktails.–rf

hot HOT CHOCOlATe AnD CIDeR S The best, richest hot chocolate is at The City Bakery (3 W. 18th St., 212-366-1414; thecitybakery.com).–jm The Rink at Rockefeller Center (600 Fifth Ave., 212-332-7654; rockefellercenter.com) has great skating packages and wonderful hot chocolate, which they bring out to the ice for you.–rf MarieBelle (484 Broome St., 212-925-6999; mariebelle.com) has a terrific Aztec hot chocolate, made primarily with single-origin Venezuelan cacao. Go to Van Leeuwen (81 Bergen St., Brooklyn, 347-763-2979; vanleeuwen icecream.com) for a rich, artisanal hot chocolate.–js

uintessential New York

Waldo Hernandez, The Carlyle: “ I would start with a cup of hot chocolate from Bouchon Bakery (1 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-782-3890; bouchonbakery.com), then walk around Rockefeller Center, see the big tree, and watch people ice skate. That’s the epicenter of the holidays here. Nearby there’s also Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas, 212-465-6741; radiocity.com) and the Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-632-5000; rainbowroom.com), which just reopened.”

out at night The newest club is Up & Down (244 W. 14th St., 212-2424411; uadnyc.com), which attracts a younger crowd.–rf

hoW to get through the door The best thing to do is consult the concierge and set up bottle or table service.–wh We have a gentleman who will take guests to the clubs

at no charge. Guests don’t wait and are treated as super-duper VIPs.–jd We have someone who can walk guests into the latest by-invitation-only party scenes.–ci The hotel works with people who can meet guests at the venue and help them through the door process.–rf

uintessential New York

taking a hansom cab through Central Park—there’s something magical about it—then ice skating at Wollman Rink. I would recommend bringing along hot cocoa and some goodies from Pomme Palais (30 E. 51st St., 212-303-7755; pomme-palais.com). We also provide blankets for our guests. In the evening, take in a Broadway show followed by a winter cocktail at the Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-632-5000; rainbowroom.com).” The Box is a one-of-akind experience, says the Four Seasons’ Josephine Danielson.

«««

uintessential New York

Jane Sriprayul, The Standard East: “Drop in to

Williamsburg market Artists & Fleas (70 N. Seventh St., Brooklyn, 917-488-4203; artistsandfleas.com) for local designer and vintage shopping, then head to Diner (85 Broadway, Brooklyn, 718-486-3077; dinernyc.com) for its farm-to-table, gourmet, grass-fed beef and hand-cut fries. Visit the nightclub Cameo Gallery (93 N. Sixth St., Brooklyn, 718-302-1180; cameony.net) and dance in the depths of its basement room to electronic music. If you stay out until morning, stop by MatchaBar (93 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, 718-599-0015; matcha barnyc.com), where you can restore yourself with all things matcha (a type of green tea), including a matcha guacamole.”

What You Need to KNoW about the CitY’s happeNiNg Nightspots The Box (189 Chrystie St., 212-982-9301; thebox nyc.com), with its turn-

108 gotham-magazine.com

of-the-century style, is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s not for the faint of heart as there may be full-frontal nudity in some of the performances. But this is a wild night out you will never forget.–jd

Paul’s Baby Grand (2 Avenue of the Americas, 212-519-6681; paulscocktail lounge.com), Paul Sevigny’s new spot, is one of the nicest places right now. It has a great tropical feel and seems like an escape from the city. If you’re looking for live music, Output Club (74 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, 917-333-1000) in Williamsburg has great bands.–jm Mulberry Project (149 Mulberry St., 646-448-4536; projectgroupnyc.com) is a wonderful, intimate space that offers a cool, downtown vibe.–ci

above:

Up & Down, a new spot from The Butter Group. left: A Tao-tini cocktail from Tao Downtown.

photography Courtesy of the Butter group (up & Down); Battman (tao). opposite page: photography By Jennifer roBBins (Couple) moDels: anDrew rogers, wilhelmina DireCt men; yulia panina, Q management nyC

Carolyn Innocenzi, The New York Palace: “I would suggest

A toast to the new year! The city offers plenty of options from glam spots like Daniel to the always-sizzling Boom Boom Room.

CITY TIME uintessential New York

Josephine Danielson, The Four Seasons: “A perfect New York evening would begin with a Rolls-Royce taking you to the theater or the opera, then to dinner at one of the great restaurants, à la Per Se (10 Columbus Cir., 212-823-9335; perseny.com) with a fantastic view of Manhattan. Coming back at night, I would suggest a carriage ride in Central Park and a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal to enjoy it all the more.”

Have a luxurious brunch at Asiate (80 Columbus Cir., 212-805-8881; mandarin oriental.com/newyork/ fine-dining/asiate/) overlooking Central Park.–JD

BEST THINGS TO DO ON A SNOWY DAY We get a lot of requests for sleds when it starts snowing, and guests go to the park and sled with their kids.–WH Celsius (Fifth Ave. and W. 42nd St., 212-792-9603; celsiusnyc.com), a glassenclosed restaurant, lounge, and event space, is built for the holidays and overlooks the Bryant Park ice rink.–JD I love the West Village in the snow. Stop at Cafe Cluny (284 W. 12th St., 212-255-6900; cafecluny.com) or Cafe Minerva (302 W. 4th St., 212-2424800) for cozy brunches.–JM On a day with nasty weather, hotel guests often love to hire

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their own personal chef (through the hotel) to cook their favorite meal.–CI Check out the amazing show of Matisse’s cutouts at MoMA (11 W. 53rd St., 212-708-9400; moma.org).–RF

GREAT WINTER VIEWS The Ides at the Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, 718-460-8006; wythehotel.com/the-ides) has a glassed-in rooftop that allows you to see the whole city. It makes for fabulous viewing when it snows.–JM The New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, 718-817-8700; nybg.org). The 50-acre forest is stunning in the winter, and

the Azalea Garden is open year-round. The Holiday Train Show is also a winter event not to be missed.–CI Robert (2 Columbus Cir., 212-299-7730; robert nyc.com), at the top of the Museum of Arts and Design, overlooks Columbus Circle and the park and is perfect for viewing the city snowfall.–RF

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT: GREAT IDEAS FOR JANUARY 1 Start off the year with a yoga class. Pure Yoga (203 E. 86th St., 212-360-1888; pureyoga.com) is one of the hottest spots.–WH

Aire Ancient Baths (88 Franklin St., 212-274-3777; ancientbathsny.com) opened last year and is a great place to spend New Year’s. I recommend the thermal bath with aromatherapy, plus a 60-minute massage.–CI

BEST “OLD” NEW YORK EXPERIENCE Keens Steakhouse (72 W. 36th St., 212-947-3636; keens.com) has been in business for more than 125 years. Its holiday decorations are spectacular.–WH

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle (35 E. 76th St., 212-744-1600; rosewoodhotels. com/carlyle) is an “old world” New York place. With Ludwig Bemelmans’ (creator of the Madeline children’s books) murals on the walls, the Art Deco leather banquettes, and the 24k gold leaf-covered ceiling, Bemelmans is an intimate room that has live jazz entertainment daily. Its mixologists create a wonderful drink menu, including my favorites: the Carlyle Punch and the Maple Leaf.–JD Get dressed up and go to Indochine (430 Lafayette St., 212-505-5111; indochine nyc.com). It’s been open for 30 years and has a great vibe and energy. In the ’80s people such as Andy Warhol and Madonna went there because it was the hippest restaurant. I think it still has that magic.–JM Start with tea at The Plaza hotel’s Palm Court (768 Fifth Ave., 212-759-3000; fairmont.com/ the-plaza-new-york),

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW F. KAZMIERSKI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (RADIO CITY); COURTESY OF RALPH LAUREN (INTERIOR). OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINH NGUYEN (CITI BIKES); PATRICK KLEIN, COURTESY OF FIVESTORY (FIVESTORY); TIM MARTIN (ST. BART’S CHURCH)

The epicenter of New York’s holiday celebrations: Rockefeller Center. RIGHT: Aire Ancient Baths, good for thermal baths and aromatherapy treatments. INSET: The Ralph Lauren flagship on Madison Avenue provides personal shoppers.

then take a stroll through Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Ave., 212-753-7300; bergdorfgoodman.com). After shopping, order the lobster Napoleon at BG (212-872-8777) on the seventh floor.–JS

Best Hipster New York experieNce Check out the Brooklyn Flea (1000 Dean St., Brooklyn, brooklynflea.com). There are over 100 vendors who sell a little bit of everything—jewelry, antiques, clothing, and vintage finds.–WH I love Forgetmenot (138 Division St., 646-707-3195), an art-filled Chinese lounge with a very diverse menu: tapas, burgers, sandwiches, and great cocktails.–JM

For dinner, the Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare (200 Schermerhorn St., 718-2430050; brooklynfare.com) is known for exquisite Japanese/French plates by chef Cesar Ramirez. Concierges can make reservations six weeks out.–CI Experience the amazing food you find at gastropubs. I love Chapter one (33 Greenwich Ave, 212-842-9146; chapter onenyc.com).–RF

sHoppiNg witH a persoNal toucH FiveStory (18 E. 69th St., 212-288-1338; fivestory ny.com) is a hidden gem—an old brownstone with five floors of exclusive, high-end merchandise—for those in the know!–WH

The ralph Lauren flagship (867 Madison Ave., 212-606-2100; ralph lauren.com) is always a beautiful place, and there are personal shoppers.–JD Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Ave., 212-753-7300; bergdorfgoodman.com) offers a great personal shopping experience, and it carries a variety of brands that nobody else in the city has.–JM Joan Kaufman (212-2069781; joan-kaufman.com) has connections with the stores. Go with her to Barneys (660 Madison Ave., 212-826-8900; barneys.com), which is very cutting-edge.–CI

Best wiNter performaNces This season the big shows will be the Elephant Man (Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; elephant manonbroadway.com), starring Bradley Cooper, and the river, starring Hugh Jackman (Circle in the Square Theatre, 1633 Broadway, 212-307-0388; theriveron broadway.com). It’s all about star power.–WH The highlight of this theater season will be the Audience (Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St., theaudience broadway.com), which opens in February. Helen Mirren will play the Queen.–JD The recitals and concerts at St. Bart’s Church (325 Park Ave., 212-378-0222; stbarts.org) or at St. Malachy’s (239 W. 49th St., 212-489-1340; actors chapel.org) are exquisite.–CI

memoraBle requests (NotHiNg is too outrageous)! Someone wanted five Santa Claus suits on Christmas Day, when everything was closed. We got them from a prop company in Queens.–WH A guest requested the suit James Bond was wearing in the latest Bond flick for his wedding. But the suit was specifically made for the film. We got in touch with Brioni and had the tailors in Italy remake it for his wedding.–JD A guest said, “I’m going to get married in New York City. Can you help me?” I had a day to plan everything.–CI I secured a private jet for a guest’s impromptu trip to Miami.–JS

For Good SportS Chelsea Piers (23rd Street and Hudson River Park, 212-3366666; chelseapiers.com). There’s a huge indoor swimming pool, a driving range, putting greens, indoor playgrounds for kids, and gymnastics classes. There is something for everyone there.–WH Renting bikes (citibike nyc.com) and riding around the city is always a fun outdoor activity, whether in Central Park or across the Williamsburg Bridge and taking in the views.–JM Lessons at Trapeze School New York (353 West St., 917-797-1872; newyork.trapeze school.com), if you’re looking to do something unusual.–CI

uintessential New York

Regena Falling, The Park Hyatt: “I think a great day would start with brunch at Bagatelle (1 Little W. 12th St., 212-4882110; bagatellenyc.com), one of the city’s fun party brunch spots. From there go to MoMA (11 W. 53rd St., 212-7089400; moma.org) and have a look at the latest exhibits. In the afternoon stop for a warming cocktail here at the park Hyatt (153 W. 57th St., 646-774-1234; newyork.park.hyatt.com), then take a nice swim in our glass-windowed indoor pool while watching it snow outside.” G Perfect winter-weather respite: A concert at St. Bart’s Church. left: FiveStory offers exclusive private shopping.

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haute property

THE NEW BEEKMAN PLACE

A lAndmArk building goes condo, giving An up-And-coming downtown neighborhood some fresh And glAmorous sheen. by c. j. hughes With the right marketing muscle in this real-estate-crazed city, a few blocks can qualify for the “Soho” treatment—being anointed with a nickname that mashes together a compass direction and place. To wit: the recent NoMad, for “north of Madison Square Park.” But the narrow streets at the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge seem to stubbornly resist the trend. Old maps dub the City Hall area as Civic Center. Meanwhile, some real estate brokers lump it with the adjacent Financial District, even though, historically, more jewelry was sold around there than stocks. For the developers of The Beekman, an ambitious new hotel-condo project at Beekman and Nassau Streets hoping to energize the sleepy corner, the debate is mostly unimportant. “For all I care, they can call it the Financial Center, or the Financial District, or even New Downtown,” said Allen Gross, chairman of the GFI Capital Resources Group, a New York–based company whose development arm is

rendering courtesy of the beekman

continued on page 114

5 Beekman Street, a late-1800s landmark building, gets a redo, becoming a hotel/ condo with restaurants by Tom Colicchio and Keith McNally. The adjacent 51-story tower will house the Beekman Residences.

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haute property “It’S Such a magnIfIcent BuIldIng, But the queStIon waS, how do you make It work economIcally and phySIcally?” —allen gross and, as of early November, about 25 percent of the 68 apartments had sold. Prices average $2,000 per square foot, or start at $1.2 million for one-bedrooms. The hotel, which is expected to cater to tourists heading downtown to see the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, is to be completed in fall 2015. The condo will open a few months later. Although residents will have their own entrance on Nassau Street, for a fee they will be able to avail themselves of hotel perks like housekeeping. Residents will also be able to order room service from a ground-floor restaurant (as yet unnamed) from Tom Colicchio, the founder of Craft Restaurants. The Beekman’s other restaurant will be a 90-seat offering from Keith McNally, of Pastis fame, who has never before had a hotel outpost. (His won’t deliver platters to people’s apartments or rooms, however.) Yet at both restaurants, residents will be put at the top of any reservation wait list, Gross says. In any case, a buzzy scene at the hotel, which will be operated by Thompson Hotels, a division of Commune Hotels + Resorts, should guarantee a robust nightlife

A room with a view: The Beekman penthouse living room. right: The landmarked skylighttopped atrium at 5 Beekman Street before renovation.

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for condo dwellers, since the lunch-counter-type restaurants around it shutter on weekends. “It’s all about service and lifestyle,” Gross says. Though The Beekman may light a spark under the neighborhood, it’s not the first project to add luxury housing, though the scale is tipped more to rentals than condos. Indeed, New York by Gehry, a rippling 76-story, 903-unit high-rise on Spruce Street, debuted in 2010. And The Lara, a 30-story, 168-unit tower, opened next to The Beekman earlier this year. For-sale options in the vicinity include 42 Ann Street, a new seven-unit condo conversion where prices average $1,400 per square foot, according to the website StreetEasy. The elegant Woolworth Building, a conversion across from City Hall Park, is now selling its 34 units; one-bedrooms start at $3.9 million. Zooming out a bit, there are many more apartments for sale east of Broadway—122 co-ops and condos, at an average of $1.7 million, according to a search of StreetEasy in early November, although most were close to Wall Street, on livelier blocks. Santo Rosabianca, a broker with Wire International Realty (212-269-7722; prestigeinternational.com), who regularly works in the neighborhood, admits the Financial District’s northern edge has been held back somewhat by stores’ 9-to-7 schedules; similarly, municipal buildings grow dark at night. But, he added, the massive ongoing efforts to reinvent nearby South Street Seaport shows that the area is pointed in the right direction. “Look at the potential for appreciation,” he said. “The sky’s the limit.” 5 Beekman St., 212-7690500; thebeekman.com G

photography by richard barnes (atrium); rendering courtesy of the beekman (living room)

behind the project. “We usually go into neighborhoods and establish them, and the name comes later,” said Gross, whose firm enjoyed earlier place-making success with The Ace Hotel on West 29th Street, which established NoMad as a destination; another Gross development, The NoMad Hotel, followed. Whether or not Gross can pull off a similar feat with The Beekman, his $360 million project will clearly reorder the landscape. For starters, it’s tackling a historic building that has resisted most efforts at redevelopment. The structure, a redbrick late-1800s landmark at 5 Beekman Street, is probably best known for its central atrium, which is topped by a pyramid-shaped skylight. The 287-room hotel portion of the project will mostly be located inside it. A former office building, 5 Beekman sat empty for years; then in the 2000s it cycled through a couple of owners, who wanted to convert it but could not figure out how to install mechanical systems without ruining the architectural charm, Gross says. “It’s such a magnificent building, but the question was, how do you make it work economically and physically?” Gross and his team, which includes Bruce Blum, a hotel industry veteran, appear to have solved the puzzle. They are erecting a glassy 51-story tower in a next-door lot. The first 16 floors of the tower will house those mechanicals as well as some of the hotel rooms. Floors 17 to 51 will be dedicated to the condo portion of the project, called The Beekman Residences, whose 68 one- to three-bedrooms, designed by of-the-moment architect Thomas Juul-Hansen, will feature floor-toceiling windows. Sales began the first week of October

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haute property Neighborhoods

Downtown Secret

A long-overlooked pArt of fidi is reAdy for its close-up. by suzanne charlé

BUYING IN: gooD Deals: Properties in the northeastern

Financial District (Fulton/Seaport) average $1,520 per square foot, compared to $1,688 in other parts of FiDi and $2,841 in Tribeca, according to streeteasy.com.

stirred while it is brewed (a patented process), and fresh-made vegan doughnuts. 222 Front St., 212-227-7631 best breakfast: Next door, enjoy a plate of

two-beDrooM conDos: $3.41 million (median) brokers to know: Elie Pariente, 917-774-6676;

synergynyc.com; Fredrik Elkund, 212-727-6158; theeklundgomesteam.elliman.com; Mark Kennedy, 212-727-6157; markkennedy.elliman.com

IN THE ’HOOD: stay fit with the briDge workout: Run, bike, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The iconic mileplus span affords spectacular views of the East River and New York Harbor. The walkway entrance is at the end of Centre Street, across from City Hall.

scrambled eggs with Vermont ham and cheddar at Made Fresh Daily. Don’t forget the buttermilk biscuits and hand-rolled bagels. 226 Front St., 212-285-BAKE the past is present: Bowne & Co. Stationers— in a 19th-century print shop—uses type and letterpresses, some dating from 1844, to make handcrafted personalized stationery and paper goods. Workshops are offered. South Street Seaport Museum, 209-211 Water St., 646-315-4478 Designer jeans: During Fashion Week,

Stefan Miljanic presented his Gilded Age collection of ultrahip jeans and jackets at his new flagship store. In December, Miljanic plans to host a holiday party celebrating the neighborhood. 224 Front St., 212-228-7747

Emily Thompson Flowers opened last April, but is now the neighborhood’s go-to flower shop.

The Tap Room at The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, where historically accurate 19th-century cocktails are on offer.

best florist: Since opening her shop last April in an 1865 brick building designed by George B. Post (architect of the New York Stock Exchange), Emily Thompson has been creating imaginative arrangements of seasonal f lowers, fruits, and foliage. Clients include the White House. 142 Beekman St. (at Front St.), 212-882-1384 best pizza: At Adrienne’s Pizzabar, located in the entertainment heart of the Financial District, square-shaped pies are served fresh out of the brick oven. 54 Stone St., 212-248-3838; best cocktail bar: Relative newcomer The

above: Bowne & Co. Stationers, South Street Seaport Museum’s historical letterpress shop, makes quaint stationery and invitations. below: The FiDi skyline.

Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog offers 72 historically accurate 19th-century cocktails—plus more recent concoctions—in a cozy tavern filled with historic photos and prints. 30 Water St., 646-422-7906 first restaurant: Delmonico’s, the first fine-

dining restaurant in the US, opened in 1837. Today, the culinary institution is still attracting A-listers like celebrity chef Thomas Keller and Mayor Bill de Blasio. 56 Beaver St., 212-509-1144 Dance: Gelsey Kirkland Ballet presents its version

of The Nutcracker (December 11–21), part of the Schimmel Center at Pace University’s performing arts series. 3 Spruce St., 212 346-1715 Music: St. Paul’s Chapel (209 Broadway, 212-

602-0800) is a perennial favorite with its critically acclaimed Bach at One (pm), every Wednesday. Trinity Church (74 Trinity Pl., 212-602-0800) offers Concerts at One every Thursday. Check for special Christmas performances, including Handel’s “Messiah,” on its website, trinitywallstreet.org. G

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photography by Sophia Moreno-bunge (eMily thoMpSon FlowerS); andrew KiSt (the dead rabbit); ali oSborn (bowne printerS); littleny/ShutterStocK (SKyline)

The northeastern section of the Financial District, reaching roughly from Broadway and Frankfort Street to John and South Streets, was once a ghost town after dark. Today, it’s an up-and-coming neighborhood with locals and visitors exploring a complex past and an increasingly vital present and future.

Morning buzz: Jack’s serves fair-trade coffee,

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haute property tall Stories

Prime Rates Among the most talked-about Manhattan real estate deals these days is Ukrainian–born businessman/ billionaire Len Blavatnik’s purchase of New York Jets owner Woody Johnson’s duplex for $80 million, a record price for a New York City co-op. The unit, at 834 Fifth Avenue, is on the 11th and 12th floors and has five bedrooms, five and a half baths, and three maid’s rooms. Johnson never lived there, but he did use it for fundraisers, as it has great light and gracious entertaining space. Blavatnik already owns some of the best trophy addresses in the city, including the city’s widest mansion—a 75-foot townhouse at 2 East 63rd Street, which housed the New York Academy of Sciences before he bought it for $31.25 million in 2005. The following year, he paid $27 million for a large unit at 998 Fifth Avenue, built by Jackie Kennedy’s grandfather in 1910, and one of the first luxury buildings on Fifth Avenue. That was topped by his $50 million purchase, in 2007, of Edgar Bronfman Jr.’s former townhouse at 15 East 64th Street. At the Plaza Hotel, Simon Fuller, the creator of American Idol, has sold two adjacent units for $38 million. Not bad—considering Fuller bought two units on the ninth floor for $19 million in 2007, then combined them into a 4,641-square-foot, four-bedroom space. Last year, he snatched up another unit—a 1,155-square-foot one-bedroom condo on the same floor for $3.25 million. Charlie Attias of Corcoran (660 Madison Ave., 212-605-9381; corcoran.com) brokered the deal. Supermodel Elle Macpherson has sold her pied-à-terre on the Upper East Side for $2.4 million. The apartment, at 6 East 68th Street, is a roomy 1,800 square feet and occupies a full floor. Macpherson transformed it

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from a two-bedroom into a one-bedroom, but the space includes a formal dining room and home office. While the sale leaves Macpherson without a perch in the Big Apple, that could change, her broker, Douglas Elliman’s Leonel Piraino (575 Madison Ave., 212-418-2023; leonelpirainoteam. elliman.com), has said. In downtown real estate news, financier Mark Zittman and his wife, Noelle, have put their Tribeca mansion on the market for $48 million—double what they paid for it in 2010. At the time, their $24 million purchase price was a downtown record. This will be too, if they get what they are asking. The listing is a co-exclusive between Leonard Steinberg (646-375-1932) and Hervé Senequier (646-780-7594) at Urban Compass (19 Union Square West; urbancompass.com) and Darren Sukenik of Douglas Elliman (690 Washington St.; 212-727-6111; thesukenikteam.elliman.com). The stunning 11,300-square-foot townhouse is an impressive 65 feet wide and comes with an indoor rooftop pool. Finally, Bethenny Frankel— who will be back for the seventh season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City—is continuing her house hunt. Frankel currently lives at 195 Hudson Street, which is also home to Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Blue Ivy. What most recently caught her eye was a three-bedroom townhouse at 255 Hudson Street, which was asking $5.25 million earlier this year, but was reduced in October to $4.65 million. Frankel, we hear, loved the townhouse’s 1,466-square-foot garden—bigger than many city apartments!—which comes with a grill and a cedar deck. The listing broker is Jason Haber (451 Columbus Ave.; 212-327-9624; warburgrealty.com) at Warburg. G

from top:

The billiard room of the Tribeca mansion of financier Mark Zitman at 2 North Moore Street is listed for $48 million; a spacious garden at 255 Hudson Street caught Bethenny Frankel’s eye; the living room in Elle MacPherson’s recently sold pied-à-terre.

photography by rICharD CapLaN (North street); bartomeu ameNguaL (east 68th street); garrett rowLaND (255 huDsoN)

A billionAire Adds to his trophy reAl estAte collection, A top model gives up her city pied-À-terre, And other fAbulous housing news All over town. by sally goldstein

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the guide the best of New York City

Gotham 101

A concise guide to the city’s hAppening restAurAnts And nightspots thAt will tAke you well into the new yeAr.

Financial District/tribeca Brushstroke Seasonal kaiseki tasting menus helmed by David Bouley and chefs from Japan’s top culinary school, The Tsuji Culinary Institute. 30 Hudson St., 212-7913771; davidbouley.com Jungsik The first stateside Korean restaurant to receive two Michelin stars, this Seoul-based restaurant offers three- and five-course prix-fixe menus. 2 Harrison St., 212-219-0900; jungsik.kr Locanda Verde Celebrated chef Andrew Carmellini of Daniel and A Voce fame works classical French technique into family-style Italian dishes. 377 Greenwich St., 212-9253797; locandaverdenyc.com White Street Dan Abrams, Dave Zinczenko, and noted chef Floyd Cardoz up the ante on luxe comfort food at this popular new spot. 221 West Broadway, 212-944-8378; whitestreetnyc.com

photography by evan sung

les/east Village Bar Primi Andrew Carmellini’s new restaurant specializes in simple Italian dishes, like linguini with garlic and oil, done to perfection. 325 Bowery, 212-220-9100; barprimi.com Balvanera “Balvanera is a way for me to share Argentina’s cuisine with New York City,” says chef-owner Fernando Navas about his recently opened restaurant, named after a historic neighborhood in Buenos Aires. “Sure, we can make awesome steaks—but it’s exciting to go beyond beef. We like our vegetables and grains just as much.” 152 Stanton St., 212-533-3348; balvaneranyc.com Empellón Cocina This Alex Stupak space focuses on sophisticated Mexican dishes and an extensive menu of tequila and mezcal. 105 First Ave., 212-780-

0999; empellon.com Dirty French One of this year’s hottest restaurant openings, Dirty French does southwestern Gallic cooking with a Gotham twist. The Ludlow, 180 Ludlow St., 212-2543000; dirtyfrench.com

soho/nolita Charlie Bird “We just want to be your favorite neighborhood joint,” reads a sign at Charlie Bird, a happening and innovative pasta spot that offers comfort foods with clever flavor twists. 5 King St., 212-2357133; charliebirdnyc.com Cherche Midi A Keith McNally bistro with a menu of brasserie favorites like frog legs with greengarlic velouté, steak tartare, and pot de fromage. 282 Bowery, 212-2263055; cherchemidiny.com Lafayette This landmark space takes the brass out of the brasserie with “French by way of the Côte d’Azur” cooking. 380 Lafayette St., 212-533-3000; lafayetteny.com

West Village/ greenWich Village Annisa For her modern American cuisine chef Anita Lo crosses culinary borders, adding Asian and French flavors with inventive élan. 13 Barrow St., 212-741-6699; annisarestaurant.com Babbo Mario Batali’s inventive interpretations of Italian home-style cooking have made this spot a West Village mainstay. 110 Waverly Pl., 212-777-0303; babbonyc.com Blue Hill Dan Barber’s seasonal tasting menus win raves from city foodies. Ingredients are sourced from Stone Barns, a biodynamic farm and restaurant that Barber and his brother run in Upstate New York. 75 Washington Pl., 212-539-1776; whitehillfarm.com

Betony’s modernist menu made it an instant hit.

Margaux Hip hotelier Sean MacPherson’s fashionista magnet has a Paris bistro vibe and a stylish Mediterranean menu. Marlton Hotel, 5 W. Eighth St., 212-321-0111; margauxnyc.com The Spotted Pig Star chef April Bloomfield mixes up classic Italian, French, and English cooking at one of the best-known gastropubs in the city. 314 W. 11th St., 212-620-0393; thespottedpig.com

betony The mantra here is “familiar favors presented in modern ways.” The restaurant, well located on Billionaires’ Row, attracts high rollers and celebs like Oprah and Sarah Jessica Parker. 41 W. 57th St., 212-465-2400; betony-nyc.com

Meatpacking District/chelsea Del Posto Star chef Mark Ladner has won raves for his gluten-free pastas and four stars from The New York Times. 85 10th Ave., 212-497-8090; delposto.com The NoMad The casual offshoot of David Humm’s famed Eleven Madison Park, located adjacent to the lobby of the NoMad hotel, does Mediterranean with a modern twist. 1170 Broadway, 347-472-5660; thenomadhotel.com

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the guide the best of New York City ABC Kitchen This Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant is a magnet for boldface names (even the Obamas have stopped by) and beloved by downtown creatives who come for an American menu focused on locally sourced ingredients. 35 E. 18th St., 212-475-5829; abchome.com A Voce Andrew Carmellini put this restaurant on the map, creating a menu that was a classic-modern Italian hybrid, beloved by the downtown fashion and ad agency crowds. Executive Chef Ben Lee now helms the kitchen. 41 Madison Ave., 212-545-8555; avocerestaurant.com Élan “French cooking, but with an American overlay,” is how Élan’s David Waltuck describes his menu. A few sumptuous examples: fried oysters with caviar remoulade and potato potstickers with truffles. 43 E. 20th St., 646-682-7105; elannyc.com Gramercy Tavern One of the city’s most beautiful restaurants, Gramercy Tavern offers modern seasonal American cuisine at its best. 42 E. 20th St., 212-477-0777; gramercytavern.com

midtown east Aquavit This haute-Nordic spot earned two stars from Michelin this year, making new chef Emma Bengtsson the second woman in America to receive the accolade. 65 E. 55th St., 212-307-7311; aquavit.org Casa Lever Combine a landmark space (Lever House), art from übercollector Aby Rosen, and chef Mario Danieli’s exquisite Milanese fare, and you get a restaurant that continues to rank as one of Midtown’s most popular. 390 Park Ave., 212-888-2700; casalever.com The Four Seasons The ultimate in city power dining, The Four Seasons is where New York’s biggest names come to network, do business, and bask in the glow of their fellow diners’ celebrity wattage. 99 E. 52 St., 212-754-9494; fourseasonsrestaurant.com La Grenouille Despite family squabbles, this ultraclassic French restaurant, known for its exquisite flower arrangements, still draws New York’s old-money crowd. 3 E. 52nd St., 212-752-1495; la-grenouille.com Marta From the team behind

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Maialino, this recently opened spot focuses on Roman-style, super-thin pizzas and rustic Italian entrées. Martha Washington Hotel, 29 E. 29th St., 212-651-3800; marta manhattan.com

Mushroom and potato barbacoa with avocado leaf adobo from Cosmé.

midtown west Beautique A new Midtown “must” with a downtown vibe, the restaurant draws a young beautiful crowd, which stops by for the scene, the inventive cocktails, and modern American cuisine served with artistic panache. 8 W. 58th St., 212-753-1200; beautiquedining.com The Lambs Club Culinary star Geoffrey Zakarian does modern American at its best. Bill Clinton, Sting, and Tom Hanks have all dropped by. 132 W. 44th St., 212-997-5262; thelambsclub.com Marea A power broker’s haven on Central Park South where Michael White celebrates seafood, Italian style, that draws chefs and foodies from all over the world. 240 Central Park South, 212-582-5100; marea-nyc.com Rainbow Room This landmark spot in Rockefeller Center has reopened with Sunday brunch, Monday dinner service, and SixtyFive, a new cocktail lounge. Over the years, luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Cole Porter have wined, dined, and danced at the 65th-floor restaurant, which offers a classic American menu (think oysters Rockefeller and herb-roasted lamb) plus those incomparable views of the city’s skyline. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-632-5000; rainbowroom.com

Upper east side Café Boulud Daniel Bolud created both a neighborhood favorite and destination restaurant, with a menu that offers classic French, market and seasonal fare, and dishes created with a heady mélange of flavors from foreign shores. 20 E. 76th St., 212-772-2600; cafeboulud.com Sfoglia There are only 10 tables, but the scrumptious and original pastas are worth the trip all the way uptown. 1402 Lexington Ave., 212-831-1402; sfogliarestaurant.com Sushi of Gari Manhattanites swoon

for chef Masatoshi Sugio’s adventurous tasting menus. 130 West Broadway, 212-285-0130; sushiofgari.com

Upper west side Jean-Georges Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s flagship serves haute modern French fare in a jewel-box setting. The New York Times gave it a four-star rating again this year. 1 Central Park West, 212-299-3900; jean-georgesrestaurant.com Masa Acclaimed sushi master Masa Takayama specializes in very pricey omakase dinners, but the demand is always high for a reservation at this 26-seat restaurant. 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9800; masanyc.com Per Se Culinary superstar Thomas Keller takes the tasting menu to luxurious new heights at his four-star temple of haute dining. 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9335; perseny.com

Harlem The Cecil Founded by media executive Richard Parsons, this restaurant celebrates the AfroAsian origins of American cuisine. 206 W. 118th St., 212-866-1262; thececilharlem.com

cosmé Mexican star chef Enrique Olvera, of the award-winning Pujol in Mexico City, has opened his frst US restaurant, a 3,500-square-foot space in the Flatiron District. Cosmé’s innovative menu includes dishes with creative pairings like pulled suckling pig with annatto seeds, sour orange, and pickled radishes; or classics like pork chicharrones with burrata, herbs, and salsa verde. 35 E. 21st St., 212913-9659; cosmenyc.com Red Rooster Chef Marcus Samuelsson works with cooking styles that chart Harlem’s history and his own: Southern, Ethiopian, Swedish, Caribbean, Mexican. 310 Lenox Ave., 212-792-9001; redroosterharlem.com Vinatería Chef Gustavo Lopez’s Mediterranean dishes favor the cooking styles of Italy and Spain, the two countries that dominate the wine list. 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd., 212-662-8462; vinaterianyc.com G

photography by Fiamma piacentini

Gramercy/Flatiron

i n p r i n t. o n l i n e . i n l i F e .

U N M I S T E A K A B LY N E W YO R K “The meat was many wonderful things at once… or in rapid succession… crunchy, tender, smoky earthy… It induced a kind of euphoria.”

Art BAsel MiAMi BeAch | Aspen peAk | Austin wAy | Boston coMMon

New York Times

nichemedia.net

NYC, Tribeca 409 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10013 212.925.0350

NYC, Midtown 200 East 54th Street New York, NY 10022 212.588.9653

NYC, Times Square 250 West 41st Street New York, NY 10036 212.921.3720

NYC, Park Avenue 4 Park Ave New York, NY 10016 212.889.3369

W W W. WO L F G A N G S S T E A K H O U S E . N E T

INVITED

Kelly Tisdale and Mike Myers

Lily Safra

Hilaria Baldwin

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION A STARRY CROWD gathered in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 13th annual An Enduring Vision benefit, powered by Cîroc Vodka. Raising over $3.7 million for the Foundation, the evening saw hosts Sir Elton John and David Furnish present awards to supporters Governor

Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin Padma Lakshmi

Andrew Cuomo, Charlie Hendon, Jay Jopling, and Nathalie and Pablo Salame. Anderson Cooper emceed the gala, Elton John took the stage for an intimate performance, and Andrew Gilkes conducted a live auction that featured prizes like a Damien Hirst painting and a lunch with Mike Myers.

Govenor Andrew Cuomo and Sandra Lee

PARK AVENUE ARMORY VISIONARY DIRECTOR PETER SELLARS was

Matt Lauer

Adrienne Arsht and Heidi McWilliams Tyler Morgan, Alex Poots, and Ken Kuchin

honored at the Park Avenue Armory’s annual gala. The masquerade-themed evening, designed by David Monn, featured a ballet choreographed by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden and a performance by famed organist Cameron Carpenter. The evening also helped create advance buzz for Flexn, a dance performance that Sellars will codirect at the Armory in March 2015. Jamee Gregory and Gayfryd Steinberg

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Lisa Sun and Mark Ellwood

Jamie Tisch and Julian Gratry

Frances Beatty and Alan Adler

Randy Kemper and Tony Ingrao

Cynthia Clift and Alyssa Fanelli

Julie and Billy Macklowe

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUTCH VICENCIO/GETTY IMAGES AND JIMI CELESTE/PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM (ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION); PATRICK MCMULLAN/PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM (PARK AVENUE ARMORY) OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY ORD/GETTY IMAGES (SAKS FIFTH AVENUE & DAVID YURMAN); ANDREW WERNER (A CUT ABOVE)

David Furnish and Sir Elton John

Alec Baldwin and Neil Patrick Harris

Designs from David Yurman’s latest collection.

Barbara Tober, Ben Mindich, and Maria Valim

Tina Zhang Storper and Bonnie Pfeifer Evans

Bisila Bokoko and Pamela Morgan Trokel

Judy Agisim, and Maria Elena Englishman Christiansen

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE & DAVID YURMAN

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE and David Yurman joined Cassandra Seidenfeld to host an exclusive luncheon to benefit Women4Empowerment, a nonprofit that works to prevent violence against women. Style stars like Montgomery Frazier,

Lucia Hwong Gordon, and Bonnie Pfeifer Evans enjoyed a delicious lunch while browsing pieces from David Yurman’s High and Fine Jewelry collection. A portion of the proceeds went to benefit the nonprofit’s many education initiatives.

Robin Cofer and Leesa Rowland

Montgomery Frazier and Cassandra Seidenfeld

Maggie Norris, Peter Rosenthal, and Amy Rosi

Naomi Felix and Geoff Collins

Jes Wade and Andrew H. Clark

Erion Hasko and Jami Eliason

A CUT ABOVE IN CELEBRATION OF Madison Avenue

Fashion Heritage Week, luxury menswear brand Ermenegildo Zegna threw an in-store bash to benefit The Museum at FIT’s Couture Council. Hosted by Carole Divet Harting and Bruce Harting, the Tribute to Tailoring event offered on-site monogramming for Zegna’s new printed silk tie collection, with 10 percent of the evening’s sales benefiting The Museum at FIT. Kristina Dominguez and Bruce Harting

Dr. Valerie Steele and Carole Divet Harting

Rebecca Shao and Yuliya Lisouskaya

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

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INVITED Dan Jones Chris Wragge

Rochelle Weitzner and Sean James

June Archer

Margeaux Rawson

KINGS OF CAUSE CHARITY COCKTAIL

AT A COCKTAIL and shopping event

Tracy Anderson

Guests including Sean James, Tracey Anderson, and Chris Wragge enjoyed light bites from Neuman’s Kitchen and sweet treats by Spot Dessert Bar. The event also benefited Standing on the Side of Love, a public advocacy campaign. Brendon Ayanbadejo and Alex Colby

Paula Cecere, Anthony Mattis, and Jessica Shahinian

David Kass and Rosa Bruno

Carolyn Minick Mason, Elena Ayot, and Jodi Doherty

GOTHAM MAGAZINE AND GE MONOGRAM

John Kruse and Aaron Oeser Dawne Marie Grannum and Brenda Dillon Cavette

MORE THAN 50 guests gathered at the GE Monogram Design

Karla Micalizzi, Julie Marshall, and Yvon Ros

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GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

Center for a special tasting event, where GE Monogram Executive Chef Tageré Southwell prepared savory dishes and paired them with signature wines from Lieb Cellars. For dessert, Magnum Cream Liqueur created a fall cocktail to complement Tageré’s decadent carrot cake. Following the tastings, guests mingled and viewed the showroom’s luxury kitchen designs. Chef Tageré Southwell

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB RICH/ROB RICH PHOTOGRAPHY ( KINGS OF CAUSE CHARITY COCKTAIL); EUGENE GOLOGURSKY (GE MONOGRAM)

Anne McFadden and Patricia Schuffenhauer

on October 16, legendary skincare brand Erno Laszlo and Kings of Cole apparel partnered with the nonprofit Be In The Know About Bullying to raise funds and awareness for youths and families affected by bullying and violence.

Dereck Faulkner and Michael Andreis

JUST RELEASED 2006 AND 1980

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AND FINALLY...

’Twas The NighT(mare) Before ChrisTmas

GivinG a Gift in a city where tastes shift like the tide can be perilous to your status cred. by mark ellwood

Le Bernardin’s kitchen for the privilege). Sure, an Angeleno like Candy Spelling might have dedicated three rooms of her former mansion solely to gift wrapping, but in New York, we outsource to the pros like Wrapped by Rose, a company whose raison d’etre is tied to the holidays. It’s no surprise, then, that a gift-giving gaffe is a game changer here. Tastes and trends in Manhattan shift faster than a Maserati’s gears on the West Side Highway, making re-gifting inconveniently verboten (donate those rhinestone-bedecked PJs to charity, instead). Other misdemeanors (most anything pink) would seem minor elsewhere, but in New York, they will elicit a chilly retort: “Oh, you shouldn’t have.” Pause for a stare of disbelief. “No, really, you shouldn’t.” Such infractions include breaking the cardinal rule of hostessing. Only New York newbies aren’t au fait with the custom that it’s gauche to give a hostess anything that requires her instant attention; Rigaud and Slatkin trump peonies every time. Then again, in the hubbub of holiday spending, it’s easy to commit more egregious errors: Imagine sending a last-minute hamper of sweets

from The Plaza Food Hall only to learn later about the recipient’s recent diabetes diagnosis. Pitfalls like these—making presents tense, as it were—are so plentiful that academic Catherine Roster coined the term “gift failure” for such awkward moments. Her work demonstrated that each unwanted present, be it garish or generic, materially impacted how much a recipient would spend in return the next season. Friendship unraveled with each unwrapping, death by a thousand festive paper cuts. Pax, potlatch, but this festive season, perhaps we New Yorkers would do better listening to the advice of some Harvard and Stanford researchers. They conducted several studies that showed greater levels of happiness and gratitude among recipients when gift-givers simply asked what they wanted, then bought it. We consider a surprise, it seems, as less thoughtful than an item cherry-picked from our very own Amazon wish list. Or, as film director and Manhattan transplant John Waters astutely observed, “I had a good family and good Christmases. They got me things I asked for.” G

Friendship unraveled with each unwrapping, death by a thousand Festive paper cuts. 128 gotham-magazine.com

illustration by daniel o’leaery

I blame potlatch. No, not the student-style supper, but the Native American gifting tradition whereby a family’s prestige was gauged via the lavishness of its favors, even extending to bankruptcy and beyond. It’s a present precedent that’s hard to match, though we New Yorkers seem determined to try. Were gift-giving one-upmanship an Olympic sport, New Yorkers would win gold (and have the medal personalized to make it a little more special). I remember an Upper East Side friend stage-whispering how her husband gave her a personal consultation with Vera Wang for a one-off gown, while another Tribeca glamazon casually mentioned booking a suite at The Mark Hotel. She wasn’t there to nap, though: rather, she was waiting for Jean-Georges to come upstairs from his restaurant to whip up a feast for her family in the tiny kitchen (Eric Ripert, apparently, will also cook to order, though you’ll have to mosey over to

Metamorphosis, an Hermès story

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